He was born in Ireland and immigrated to Arkansas before the war. On August 1, 1862, Hart joined the Confederate army and was commissioned the lieutenant colonel of the newly formed 30th Arkansas Infantry. On November 12, he was promoted to colonel and assumed command of the entire regiment.
The 30th Arkansas saw lots of action in the Trans-Mississippi Theater, taking part in most of the major battles as well as the 1864 invasion of Missouri that serves as a backdrop to my novel A Fine Likeness. On July 4, 1863, the regiment was part of a Confederate attack on the Mississippi river town of Helena. This was an attempt to relieve pressure on the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, which ironically surrendered that very same day. Helena was well fortified and the Confederates were repulsed with heavy losses. Hart was wounded in the leg and taken prisoner. He died of his wounds on August 6, 1863.
The 30th Arkansas suffered 8 killed, 46 wounded, and 39 missing at the Battle of Helena. Lieutenant Colonel J.W. Rogan assumed command and led the regiment until the end of the war. The 30th got into some exciting adventures. More on those in later posts. Also check out Captain Richards Miniature Civil War for some great model soldiers he's made of this regiment!
Hi...where do you get your photos published? I saw your article on Funds for Writers.
ReplyDeleteMy books and articles often have some of my photos to illustrate them. For example, I've just finished an article on the British Museum for an American magazine and took a bunch of photos to accompany the text.
DeleteSeeing this photo makes me sad and curious.
ReplyDeleteSad about the terrible cost of war.
Curious as to why he has a hand in his jacket.
That was a common pose at that time.
Deleteso educational and fascinating. i appreciate you keeping the individual stories alive
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