William Phillips

William Phillips died in the U.S. - Mexican War of 1846. Volunteers poured into Camargo and by late July 1846, about 15,000 men were in camp there. But with disregard for sanitation, little immunity from contagious diseases, and the tropical heat, sickness – above all dysentery – began to take a terrific toll. Perhaps 1,500 died before the march toward Monterrey could begin, and others had to be sent home. Indeed, throughout the Mexican War sickness was always the greater enemy. Americans killed in action, or dead from battle wounds, would total 1,721, while deaths from diseases would reach more than 10,000.

The Mexicans surprised Taylor and put up a strong defense at Monterrey, but it was taken on September 25, 1846. Brigadier General Quitman, Colonel Davis, and the Mississippi Rifles were all in the thick of the fight. Several soldiers were killed. In fact, of the 119 volunteer units of the Mexican War, the Mississippi Rifles lost 59 men in combat, the largest number in any unit. Another 123 Mississippians died in accidents or from disease.