Unfortunately my webpage of the 43rd is presently down.
We have a descendants organization which meets biannually. Our next reunion will be over Memorial day next year in the Morristown/Greenville, East Tennessee area. See http://www.43dtenn.com/
In the photo section you will see the famous photo of him which Terry McGinnis published in the Civil War Times Illustrated. I also have a photo of his wife Martha.
Denton, Andrew Russell, Orderly [1st] Sgt., Co. G, born 1839 in Strawberry Plains, Tenn., age 22, enlisted for 12 months November 20, 1861 at Knoxville, Tenn., married Martha E. Palmer January 4, 1862, appointed 3rd Sgt. March 13, 1862, elected 1st Sgt. May 10, 1862, wounded in both thighs* June 22, 1863, died June 26, 1863, perhaps of blood poisoning, son Hulbert Webb Denton born November 8, 1863 (M268 Roll 291, Darr, McGinnis, Stamper) [descendents -Terry W. McGinnis, Kansas City, Missouri, D. Compton, pbody@blackduck.net, related descendent-Carol Wiseman, St. Peters, MO.] *This term frequently used re a wound to the genitals. [Note - His grave site was never found, however, we placed a VA stone for him along with 41 others of the regiment in the Vicksburg City Cemetery, July 1998]
06 21 1863 [Sunday]
The enemy was very quiet last night and it was supposed that he was fixing for a general assualt, but none was made. The lessons he has learned since the siege commenced will not likely be forgotten soon. There is but little fun in charging on intrenchments defended by brave men supported by cannon double shotted with grape and cannister.
Another Sabbath morning has rolled around and found us still confined to the neighboring hill of Vicksburg without any better prospects of our deliverance. It is reported that Johnson has attacked the enemy but I doubt it. Sharp shooters are pecking away as usual this morning. Warm firing was kept up all day. (Clack)
No change. At sunset Companies B and G relieved Companies D and I. At eleven o’clock at night our officers sent a Battalion of Georgia troops and Companies B and G of the 43rd Regiment to charge and take some ditches which the Yanks had cut at a very short distance from ours in which the Yanks had stationed sharpshooters. We succeeded in running them out of the works but it did us very little good as the Yanks came back the next day and rec aptured the ditches. Captain Caywood, Company B, wounded in leg. Lieutenant Cruikshak [Crookshank, Co. G] was killed. O. S.* Denton mortally wounded. Gib Murray shot in nose. Companies F and B [?] held their position on picket during an engagement on their left. (Stamper) *Orderly Sergeant
One night, a sharp skirmish took place beyond our picket lines, between a body of the enemy and a regiment of Tennesseans belonging to Reynold’s brigade. The regiment had gone out for the purpose of cutting wood for fuel and cane tops for the horses, they being complelled to subsist wholly on that, all the fodder being exhausted, and the corn ground into meal for the soldiers. As was customary, they carried their arms with them, so as to be prepared in case of emergency. While in the midst of their work, the Yankee pickets opened fire on them. As this act of the enemy was contrary to their usual habit, it so exasperated the men that, throwing down their axes, they siezed their arms and drove in the pickets. The enemy, alarmed at this demonstration, quickly threw forward a large body of their infantry, who met the Tennesseeans just as they were driving in the pickets. A brisk fight ensued, in which the Tennesseeans behaved very gallantly, and succeeded in cutting off and capturing a large number of the enemy.
06 22 1863 [Monday]
At 12 o’clock last night Co. B. and G. and one Co. of a 57 Ga. was ordered outside our entrenchments to attack and drive the enemy from the ditches which was near our picket post. We succeeded in driving them from their first ditch. But we were forced by over whelming numbers to fall back as their ditch did not give us any protection from the enemies fire; which we did in good order. Lieutenant Crookshauds was killed; Sargeaut Denton and Gilbert Murray was wounded. One of the Ga. was killed and two wounded. It was with great reluctance that I went into it, but I said nothing. I saw it could not profit us anything for we could not hold it when taken. I thank my God that we escaped as well as what we did. Sharp shooting going on as usual today. Oh Lord my heavenly Master deliver us from this unhappy fate. Hear my prayer Oh! God and save us from the destruction of our enemies. (Clack)
06 26 1863 [Friday] 40th Day of the Siege
No change. The enemy pressing our lines. Johnson still unheard of. In the evening we were ordered to our old position in rear of Bradford and Barkaloo. Companies A and F went into the ditches to support Barkaloo. Companies I, J, E, and K went into new ditches in rear of Barkaloo in case he should fall back from his works, they being very much exposed. All quiet during the night. Orderly Sergeant Denton, Company G, died from his wounds. Monroe Ballard, Company F, died of sickness. (Stamper)