Jenkins, James "Jim" Monroe

Submitted by: Shirley Jones

James "Jim" Monroe Jenkins enlisted in Co. F 42nd Mississippi Regiment at Serepta, along with his brother Henry, on April 29 1862 for a period of three years. On Feb. 15 1863 he wrote from Goldsboro, North Carolina to his brother-in-law William S. Miles who was also serving the Confederacy. He stated, “I have bin sick for four weeks with fever tho the Lord is about to restore me.” He recovered sufficiently to participate in the battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863.
 
History tells us that with the main body of Lee’s army beyond South Mountain, Heath’s division, under the command of General Davis, was ordered to Gettysburg, where the presence of Federal troops was reported. The brigades of Davis and Orcher were sent in advance. Within a mile of Gettysburg they encountered the Yankees in strength, also advancing. A line of battle was formed, with the 42nd on the right. The fight was for possession of the hills west of Gettysburg, which General Lee occupied on the 2nd and 3rd of July. Davis’ brigade met with desperate resistance and loss was very heavy.

In the battle on July 3rd the brigade took part in the famous Mississippians up the slopes of Cemetery Hill. The causalities of the 42nd were reported as 32 killed and 170 wounded. Both Jim and his brother Henry were among the wounded. Henry’s wounds were severe and ended his military service. Jim’s service record indicated he was absent sick on July 14 1863, but returned in time for the battle of Bristoe Station on Oct. 14, 1863.