Cremer Phila photographer taken as a prisoner. "After his resignation from the army, Deshler enlisted as a captain in the artillery. In September 1861 he was an assistant to Brigadier General Henry R. Jackson during the Battle of Cheat Mountain.[7] Deshler was wounded at the Battle of Allegheny Mountain when he was shot through the thighs.[7] After his recovery from his wounds he was promoted to colonel and assigned to the staff of Maj. Gen. Theophilus H. Holmes.[6] In 1862 he was given his first command, which consisted of the 10th Texas Infantry Regiment, and the dismounted 15th Texas, 17th Texas, and 18th Texas Cavalry Regiments. On January 11, 1863, Deshler was captured when the Confederates surrendered at the Battle of Arkansas Post. After being exchanged he was promoted to brigadier general on July 28, 1863.[6]Death and burialOn the second day of the Battle of Chickamauga on September 20, 1863, while inspecting his brigade before an attack, Deshler was killed instantly by a Union artillery shell when it exploded in front of him, tearing his heart from his body.[2] Command of his brigade was taken over by the future Senator Roger Mills, and the Confederacy won the battle. After the fighting ended, a family friend buried Deshler's body on the battlefield. Later the friend brought Deshler's father to the gravesite. They disinterred Deshler and subsequently reburied him in Oakwood Cemetery in his hometown of Tuscumbia, Alabama.[6]Mills remarked after Deshler's death:I may pause here and pay a passing tribute to the memory of our fallen chief. He was brave, generous and kind, even to a fault. Ever watchful and careful for the safety of any member of his command, he was ever ready to peril his own...He poured out his own blood upon the spot watered by the best blood of the brigade. Amongst the host of brave hearts that were offered the altar of sacrifice for their country on that beautiful Sabath, there perished not one, noble, braver, or better than his. He lived beloved, and fell lamented and mourned by every officer and man of his command.[7]
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