Late in the day of Friday, 26 May 1863, troops marched into the small town of Tannehill, AL. Troops felt that they needed to the ironworks located in Tannehill. Troops set up camp not very far from the entrance to the ironworks. After setting up camp, the soldiers relaxed in hopes of not having to deal with Federal forces. They enjoyed music, comradiery, and drinking. The soldiers fell asleep with the campfires slowly dying down.
27 May 1863
Saturday morning was perfect. Not a cloud in the sky, nor enemy forces in sight. Several Confederate generals were arriving by train when they were attacked by a few Union cavalry and several Union soldiers. Confederate troops from nearby heard the commotion and came to help. A fight began and went on for several hours. Men fought among the woods and stream bed that ran through Tannehill. The men of the 31st AL suffered great loss, and the few remaining soldiers were captured by the enemy. Despite the losses, the Confederate forces won. There was much gaiety that night in camp with music, food, drink, and dance.
28 May 1863
Sunday morning was bright. Breakfast was quite an affair with people sharing food with each other. During the day, men wrote letters to loved ones, played cards, and made barrels out of wood from fallen trees nearby. Around 2p.m., the quiet of the day was interrupted by the thunder of Federal artillery fire upon the small town. Because of the events of the day before, the 31st AL was now being "employed" by the Federal artillery to attack the town. The Confederate forces tried to overtake the Federal artillery position but they were forced back by Federal soldiers. The Union forces won this days battle. Confederate troops packed up and moved onto another town to defend.
