Ryan and all, I am sorry for the late reply. I obtained and have been reading a copy of "The Gentle Rebel", a collection of letters from Lt. W. G. (William Harvey) Berryhill of Co. D, 43rd. It is fascinating, of course. The letters are mostly from early 1864 on until he was killed at Nashville. Very little prior to Vicksburg. A couple while in parole camp at Columbus. The 1864 letters reveal that Co. D performed the roll of engineers at Kennesaw, Chickamauga and outside Atlanta, but also that the 43rd was in line of battle more at Atlanta than history gives them credit for. Also, that role was clearly abandoned once the TN campaign commenced. Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville were bloody affairs for the 43rd.

Although the Berryhill book does not have any letters prior to Vicksburg, notes refer to the letters of T. T. Smith of Co. D. which the editing family members had access to. Chickasaw Bayou - Letters of T. T. Smith states they were transported by train and then marched in the rain about six miles up the Yazoo river above Vicksburg. Federal troops "came out the next day, which was about the 1st of January, 1863. We had thrown up temporary works and gave them a warm reception...and drove them back under cover of their gun boats". The letters indicate participation, but I agree that this is not a a battle one would put as an honor on the battle flag.

Snyder's Bluff - The 43rd was present, of course. However, I have found no direct evidence of fighting by it. There were numerous incursions by Union troops of which were repulsed, but this may have been by the very accurate fire of the confederate artillery as much as the troops. T. T. Smith's letters notes the damage to three of the gunboats, but nothing else. No honors here.

Big Black River Bridge - This is a tough one that requires more study. Here is the conflict I have found: T. T. Smith wrote an Autobiography in 1899 which to my knowledge remains unpublished. However, an excerpt was given by a family member to Jim Huffman who put it on the Webster Co. GenWeb site several years ago and I just happened across it. In that excerpt, Smith states that the 43rd was in the Battle of Big Black River Bridge. According to the Berryhill book citing Smith letters, the 43rd remained at Snyder's Bluff until May so they could have been part of the force still outside Vicksburg at the time and called upon to defend/burn the bridges. Depending on facts and circumstances, an honor might be due here. By the way, Ryan, where did you find the confederate order of battle? I struck out on my initial efforts. Thanks. Doug