October 7, 1862, The New York Herald
Brigadier General Richard J. Oglesby, reported dangerously wounded, is a man of about thirty-eight years of age. He was born in Kentucky, but removed into Illinois at a very early age, and became a citizen of the latter State. He served during the Mexican war as first lieutenant of Company C of the Fourth regiment of Illinois twelve months volunteers, for three months service. The regiment was organized in April, 1861, at Springfield, and was stationed at Camp Defiance, at Cairo, where they re-enlisted bodily for the war, at the end of their three months term. On the 12th of June, 1861, Col. Oglesby commanded the expedition that sailed from Cairo, in the City of Alton, on a reconnoitering expedition to Columbus, which trip resulted in the cutting down and bringing away of a rebel flag from that point. After the reorganization of the regiment it was transferred to the command of Gen. McClernand, and was engaged in several little skirmishes in Missouri, in the vicinity of Cairo. On the 1st of February, by general order, Col. Oglesby was appointed acting brigadier general, and his brigade formed part of the reconnoitering party under Grant, in the rear of Columbus, and also formed part of the land force in the taking of Fort Henry. During the bombardment of Fort Donelson Col. Oglesby acted as brigadier general, commanding the First brigade of the First division, then commanded by Gen. McClernand. For gallant and meritorious services on that occasion he was made a brigadier general of volunteers. He took part with the First division, Gen. McClernand, in the famous battle of Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing, and was engaged in the siege of Corinth. Since that time the brigade of Gen. Oglesby has been located in those parts of the Southwest where Gen. Grant has been in command, and has been, during the recent reorganization of the army of that department, placed in the corps d’ of Gen. Rosecrans.