Soldier Profile - Duncan, John B.
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| Full Name: Duncan, John B. |
| Home State: Illinois |
| Allegiance: Union |
| Unit/Service Branch: 32nd Infantry |
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Some history on Capt. John B. Duncan: he was a veteran of the Mexican War, John B. Duncan was a well-respected attorney and justice of the peace from Illinois when the Civil War erupted in 1861. Already in his mid-40s, Duncan left his comfortable life behind and during the late summer and fall, helped raise a company of the 32nd Illinois Infantry, which moved into Dixie under Grant's command, moving to Fort Henry in March and then to Pittsburgh Landing, where they witnessed their first major engagement: the Battle of Shiloh.
Although during the battle of Shiloh Duncan was recuperating from an illness at Cairo, Ill., he was well informed of what happened in the Peach Orchard, where his comrades bore the brunt of the Confederate assault.
Though badly depleted, the 32nd joined the pursuit of Confederate forces into Mississippi. From Corinth they moved on to LaGrange and then to Memphis and Bolivar, fighting guerrillas and a hostile citizenry, as well as Confederate regulars.
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