When I queried my brigade commanders on ideas for a name for the Second Division, Lt Col. Neal Carney came up with this bit of history. I am posting it here with LtCol Kearny's permission so all Army members can share the knowldedge.
Dan Peterjohn
2nd Division Commander
I have found that the men of 2nd Division under the command of Andrew Jackson Smith had several nicknames applied to them: 'gorillas' and "Israelites". I have listed where I found the information, but do not know where these quotes originated. However, I have found that the 2nd Division was well regarded. Please find attached some of the sites that I have tracked down so far.
Lt. Col. Neal Carney
AoT-XVI-2-1
"I’ve read a certain joke in many forms, often unattributed to its source: A.J. Smith. I believe a general complained to Smith that 4 of 6 turkeys had been stolen from him and he blamed Smith’s Guerillas. Smith replied, “Couldn’t have been my men, not my men, they would have taken them all!” A dark sense of humor there. The “Lost Tribes of Israel” name probably came from Smith himself — a feeling that his corps was wondering in the wilderness chasing trouble from hither and yon." -- Civil Warriors -- "A. J. Smith's Gorillas" -- http://civilwarriors.net/wordpress/?p=69
"George Thomas was said to have given A J Smith a huge bear hug when Smith arrived just before the Nashville battle. Thomas admired his friend, another old cavalry trooper, and knew that his “Isrealites” would make a huge difference in the coming fight. They did. It was primarily Smith’s men who staved in the line at Shy’s Hill and started the stampede — so says Stanley Horn and others" -- Civil Warriors -- "A.J. Smith's Gorillas" -- http://civilwarriors.net/wordpress/?p=69
Second Division, XVI Corps History
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Second Division, XVI Corps History
Dan Peterjohn
General, United States Volunteers
4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, XVI Corps
Commanding
General, United States Volunteers
4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, XVI Corps
Commanding