John Murray Corse

Background

John Murray Corse was born on April 27, 1835 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of Huguenot ancestry. His parents, John L. and Sarah (Murray) Corse, removed in 1842 to Burlington, lowa, where the father was six times mayor.

Education

At an early age Young Corse became a partner in the family business. Later he was appointed to the United States Military Academy and studied there for two years. He left the West Point in 1855, attended a law school in Albany, New York, and passed his bar exam.

Career

Corse took an active part in politics, and in spite of his youth received the Democratic nomination for secretary of state of Iowa in 1860, but was defeated. He was appointed major of the 6th Iowa Infantry, July 13, 1861, and served as inspector-general on Pope’s staff during the operations at New Madrid and Island. Promoted to lieutenant-colonel, May, 1862, he took command of his regiment, to the colonelcy of which he was promoted, March 29, 1863. He participated in Corinth and Vicksburg campaigns and on August 11, 1863 he was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers. Desperately wounded at Missionary Ridge, November 25, 1863, he was sent home to recover. Rejoining the army in time for the Atlanta campaign, he acted as Sherman’s inspector-general until July 26, 1864, when he was put in command of a division.

In October, while Sherman was preparing for his march to the sea, and blood moved northward to cut his communications, Sherman ordered Corse to hasten to Allatoona Pass and hold it until the army could be brought to its relief. Arriving in the morning of October 5, Corse found himself in command of some 2, 000 men, to defend the post against French’s division, which was closing around it.

To French’s demand for an unconditional surrender, “to avoid a needless effusion of blood, ” Corse replied that “we are prepared for the needless effusion of blood whenever it is agreeable to you. ” Corse says the fighting which ensued “was of the most extraordinary character”; French calls the battle “one of the most sanguinary conflicts of the war. ”

In spite of the loss of one- third of his command, Corse held out, repelling all attacks, till late afternoon, when news of the approach of the relieving force caused French to withdraw. Corse himself was badly wounded and lay insensible for half an hour, but resumed command as soon as he recovered consciousness, and next day sent the triumphant message, “I am short a cheekbone and one ear, but am able to whip all hell yet. ” Meanwhile, Sherman had been advancing in great anxiety, for communication had failed for several hours.

During the morning, however, a staff officer caught the flicker of a signal flag, and spelled out the message, “We hold out. Corse here, ” and in the afternoon came news that the attack was repulsed. Sherman issued a general order offering the thanks of the army to the defenders. The hymn, “Hold the Fort”, written by Philip P. Bliss, was inspired by this fight at Allatoona, one of the most dramatic incidents of the war.

Corse served in the march to the sea and the Carolina campaign; was mustered out, April 30, 1866, declining an offered appointment as lieutenant-colonel in the regular army; and became collector of internal revenue in Chicago. For some years after, he was engaged in railroad and bridge construction. Removing to Massachusetts, he resumed active political work, and was chairman of the State Democratic Committee. As postmaster of Boston during Cleveland’s first administration his efficient conduct of the office made it known as the “model office of the United States. ”

Achievements

• John Murray Corse was known for his service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. In the Corinth and Vicksburg campaigns, he established a reputation for able leadership and conspicuous courage. He also performed outstanding service during the defense of the Allatoona Pass.

Connections

Corse was twice married: first, in 1856, to Ellen Edwards Prince, and second, in 1882, to Frances McNeil, a niece of Franklin Pierce.

Father:

John L. Corse

Mother:

Sarah (Murray) Corse

Spouse:

Ellen Edwards Prince

Spouse:

Frances McNeil

References

• Historical Dictionary of the Civil War (Historical Dictionaries of War, Revolution, and Civil Unrest)