Personal Account of Sgt. George W. Sanders, Co. D

Another of "Our Boys" Who Served the South

George W. Sanders of Paden, Miss., is one of the very few surviving Confederates who fought for the "Lost Cause". He was born in Franklin County, Alabama, 12 April 1838. Speaking of his life Mr Sanders said:

"I moved to Tishomingo County in 1845. our home was near what is now known as Glen. It was while here that I entered school, at the age of 12 years, and had the opportunities given all boys at that time of a term consisting of from two to four months. Schools in those days were very few and very far between."

"When the Civil War broke out I enlisted as a volunteer in the 26th Infantry, commanded by Colonel Reynolds. Our organization was made of men from what is now Tishomingo, Alcorn and Prentiss Counties."

"We were organized and drilled at Iuka and then went to Corinth, where we camped a few days, and from there -- went to Bowling Green, Ky., where we went into temporary winter quarters. We were engaged in a fight at Ft. Donaldson, Tenn., that lasted from "sun-up until sun-down'. During the night we were surrounded and made prisoners. In this battle, I was hit with a glancing minnie-ball on the right side of the left knee cap and then I proceeded to give the war dance on one leg but upon close examination I found only a big blue knot on my leg, which was the only damage."

"We were carried by boat to Cairo, Ill., and by rail to Annapolis, Ind., to a prison Camp, where we were held prisoners about six months, until we were exchanged."

"Along with many other prisoners, we went by steamboat down the Mississippi River to Vicksburg; landed and started for Jackson, Miss., and met the Yankee in the Battle of Baker's Creek. We fought all day and General Tillman was killed. We were surrounded again, but an old citizen who knew the country well pointed out a way to escape. During the night we spiked five pieces of artillery and marched out single-file. We were without food for two days and three nights."

"Next day we were cut off by the Yankees who were two to four thousand strong at Coffeeville, Miss."

"From Jackson we went through Alabama to Virginia; joined forces with Lee and fought the "Battle of the Wilderness." Here again I was hit by a bullet (that was about spent) on the wrist."

"Our next fight was at Spotsylvania Courthouse. After this battle a piece of shell from a skirmish gun cut through three or four folds of a blanket on my shoulder, but did not scratch me."

In the Battle of Cold Harbor, May, 1864, I was hit by a bullet in the arm. This time I was sent to the hospital near Richmond, Va. and placed under the care of Dr. Black and Dr. Dan Price, the latter from Booneville, Later in August, I got a furlough home, along with two other soldiers who were going home. We came by rail to Montgomery, Ala.; by boat to Selma, Ala., from Selma by rail to Oklona, P-liss., Between Oklona and Tupelo my partners left me and I walked, Oklona to Booneville, and by mere accident met my folks in a wagon."

Five years later, at the age of 32, Mr. Sanders was married to Miss Melissia Ann Hellum E, Daughter of Esquire Hellums.

Mr. Sanders is the father of ten Children - three boys and seven girls, all of whom are living, but one. He is 88 years of age healthy but almost blind, but when asked to what he attributes his long life, he replied, "Keeping warm feet and a cool head."

NOTE: Thanks to James Nichols of Baldwyn, Mississippi, for submitting this article!