August 1, 1862
AUGUST 1862
August 1, 1862 - Confederate General E. Kirby Smith decries Federal policies toward civilians and threatens reprisals
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, August 1,
1862.
Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. MORGAN, Cmdg. United States Forces, Cumberland
Gap:
GEN.: It has been reported to me that by your orders peaceable citizens without your lines have been arrested on account of their political opinions and are
now held as prisoners.
Since assuming command in this department I have arrested but 7 persons for
political offenses and of these 6 have been released.
By my intercession many who before my taking charge of the department had
been sent South and confined have been released. I have ever given to the citizens of East Tennessee protection to persons and property regardless of their
political tenets.
Six hundred and sixty-four citizens escaping to Kentucky, most of them with
arms in their hands and belonging to military organizations in open hostility to
the Confederate States, have been taken prisoners. All of these have been
released excepting 76, who previously had voluntarily taken the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States Government, and are now held as prisoners of
war.
This policy has been pursued with an earnest desire to allay the horrors of war
and to conduct the campaign with as little severity as is consistent with the
interests of my Government. It is therefore, general, with deep regret that I hear
of your arresting peaceable citizens without your lines, thereby inaugurating a
policy which must bring great additional suffering on the two contending peoples. I cannot but hope that this course has resulted from a misapprehension of
my policy and a want of knowledge of my treatment of the Union element in
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 1
August 1, 1862
East Tennessee. I have constantly had it in my power to arrest numbers of citizens disloyal to the Confederate States, but have heretofore refrained from so
doing for the reasons above stated, and hoping all the while that the clemency
thus extended would appreciated and responded to by the authorities of the
United States.
It is perhaps needless for me to state that if you arrest and continue citizens
from without your lines whom the usages of war among civilized nations
exempt from molestation I shall be compelled in retaliation to pursue a similar
course toward the disloyal citizens of my department, and shall arrest and confine the prominent Union men in each community.
I hope, however, that this explanation may correct any misapprehension on
your part regarding my policy, and thereby obviate the necessity of my pursuing a course which is, to say the least, a disagreeable duty.
This communication will be delivered to you by Mr. Kincaid, who hopes to be
able to effect the release of his father, now held as a prisoner.
Inclosed is a list of political prisoners arrested by me since assuming command
in this department.
I am, general, your obedient servant,
E. KIRBY SMITH, Maj.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 244-245.
August 1, 1862 - Enforcing oath of allegiance among country merchants in Columbia environs
Columbia Tenn August 1 1862
To Gov Andrew Johnson
There are a number of Country merchants turning their oath of Allegiance to
profit by Bringing out goods & sending them to secessionists[.] in many cases
[they] have formed partners and One Rebel who has taken the Oath[.] the
abuse of permission to pass good has been so extensively abused that I deem it
necessary to require every dealer to not only take the Oath but obligate himself
not to sell [to] disloyal persons[.]
Jas S. Negley Brig Gen'l
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, p. 583.
August 1, 1862 - The guerrilla dilemma in Middle Tennessee
Hd. Qrs. Manchester, Tenn, August 1st, 1862
Gen. Andrew Johnson
Mil Gov. of Tennessee
Page 2 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 1, 1862
Sir
By a recent order from the Hd. Qrs. of the Army of the Ohio, I have been
placed in command of all the forces guarding the lines of R. Rds from Nashville to Decatur, Decatur to Stevenson and Stevenson to Nashville.
The troops under my command are necessarily scattered in small detachments
and stationed at the vital points mentioned. They are thus exposed to destruction or capture by the guerrilla and marauding bands which infest the whole
State of Tennessee. They are surrounded by enemies who in the garb of peaceable quiet citizens run off intelligence of our strength and positions, so much in
detail and so accurate as to enable the rebels to kill or capture their pickets and
to hurl overwhelming forces upon them—to carry them away as prisoners and
destroy our railroads and thus threaten our whole army with starvation. This
must so derange our plans at to prevent any successful warfare on our part and
throwing us upon the country for support cause us to deprive the people of that
which is absolutely necessary of their sustenance. Then again the presence of
those hostile to our government throughout this State serves to keep those
cowed and subdued who would otherwise declare in our favor and undertake
the quieting of all local difficulties. The guerrillas threaten them and do actually drag them away from their homes or drive them into our camps for refuge.
I have many of these refugees now in my camps and amongst them a poor old
man by the name of Williams eighty years of age and almost blind. Now Sir,
how long shall this condition of things continue in the State of Tennessee? I but
expressed the common feeling of the officers of our army when I wrote the
Secry. of War a few days ago claiming a release from this service within one
month unless a more decisive policy is adopted in the treatment of these mixed
communities[.]
With enemies in our rear and in our very midst such success as we should
achieve is utterly and entirely out of the question, and I am unwilling for one to
put forth aimless, objectless effort.
1st. Let all disloyal person be driven at once across the lines to the rebels where
they belong.
2nd. Let the loyal patriotic citizens of the land be organized, armed and
equipped for their own home defence and the protection of our lines of communication.
This much Your State owes to us who are here to aid you in the preservation of
Your liberties. If the rebels will permit a portion of our army to remain behind
their lines unmolested, we can do our country a hundred fold service. And it
will take five hundred thousand men to guard our lines of communication
alone in the territory occupied by us, unless forays and guerrilla warefare can
be suppressed and prevented by some such stringent measures. There are many
true men ready to take up arms and put down the infamous scoundrels who
have inaugurated a wholesale system of rapine and murder throughout nearly
this while region of the Country. Guerrilla bands are constantly organizing and
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 3
August 1, 1862
stealing all the horses and provisions they can lay their hands on, and escaping
with them to the enemy to swell his ranks and increase his resources.
In the name of our country humanity and God let us tolerate this condition of
things no longer. Let home guards be organized everywhere and men drafted
into service if necessary rather than endure anarchy any longer[.]
Very Respectfully Yr Most Obdt Svt.
Wm Sooy Smith, Brig Gen
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, pp. 583-585.
August 1, 1862 - "Col. Morgan arrived here yesterday from Kentucky, and looks as blooming and modest as a girl just sweet sixteen." News from Confederate
Knoxville
Letter from "J. T. G."
Knoxville, Aug. 1, 1862.
Editor Enquirer: A portion of Colonel Hunt's regiment of Georgia cavalry,
belonging to Col. Jack Morgan's squadron of cavalry, arrived here a few days
ago from Kentucky, and have gone into camp at the Fair Grounds near this city.
They returned loaded with the spoils of their recent successes in Kentucky—
overcoats, jackets, swords, sabres, carbines, boots, shoes and blankets, were
hanging around everywhere. The day after their arrival they had orders to
march, and supposing from the direction in which they were ordered to go that
an action would occur, they commenced selling off their stock; their camps
were immediately converted into one grand bazaar.
"Camp Convalescence" really resembled a live Yankee camp. You can scarcely
turn a corner in Knoxville but what you meet with a man sporting a fine blue
overcoat with its long cape. I don't blame the boys much for donning Yankee
uniforms when they can be obtained for eight and ten dollars, while the Knoxville merchants are selling ordinary cottonade pants at five dollars per pair. . .
The soldiers composing the 2d Brigade, Department of East Tennessee, are
ragged, hatless, shoeless and penniless, having received no pay since December last, with the exception of two months pay about six weeks ago. Hundreds
of these soldiers have large families at home who are altogether dependent
upon the cold charities of the public for something to eat and wear.
Numbers of such cases can be seen, I doubt not, in the streets of the patriotic
city of Columbus—that, too, in a city, according to population and wealth, I
venture the assertion, has done more for the cause of our Confederacy, and the
support of the families of those who are defending it, than any other city in the
Confederacy. . .
Col. Morgan arrived here yesterday from Kentucky, and looks as blooming and
modest as a girl just sweet sixteen. He is a decided favorite with the ladies,
judging from the extravagant language they use when speaking of him, and I
Page 4 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 1, 1862
suspect many of their dear little hearts go pit-ti-pat, when thinking how Mrs.
Col. Morgan would sound. I know the kid glove and silk stocking beaus about
here wish he was "the other side of Jordan."
Weekly Columbus [Georgia] Enquirer, August 12, 1862.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
August 1, 1862 - A Tennessee Union Girl.
The Franklin (Tenn.) correspondent of the N. Y. Herald in a recent letter, pays
the following graceful tribute to a heroic young lady living in the strongly
rebellious town of Franklin, who like the Angel in the rebellion in Heaven
"faithful proved amid the faithless."
["] In the midst of the prevailing sentiment of disloyalty a light occasionally
comes, like a ray of sunshine, to dispel its dark and gloomy effects. It is hard,
very hard, for young and tender hearts and minds to sever their wishes and
hopes from a cause in which friends and kindred are engaged; but occasionally
instances are found—pray to Heaven there may be more of them—in which
young ladies are willing to repel the popular delusion, although surrounded by
a large circle of relatives who were drawn within its vortex. In one family all
save one became infected with the prevailing epidemic. One, a brother-in-law,
is yet in the Southern army, a brother is a prisoner in Camp Morton, and the
remainder of the family, with the exception named, were spotted with the
marks of rebellious proclivities, when an angel, in the form of a young and
lovely girl, a daughter, infused with the spirit of Heaven-born patriotism,
boldly denounced the delusion. Refused admission into church, she made her
devotions at home. Denied the enjoyment of the social circles of the town, she
wept in solitude; but her innocent and true heart enjoyed the sweet consolation
of a happier future. Even denied the privilege of walking the streets unless met
by insult, she steadily persevered, under slanderous reports and malicious
machinations, until, by her strength of mind, persuasive eloquence and strong
arguments, she converted her own family into a social home of love for herself
and the cause of the Union. When our army came Miss Ocie L. [?] C_____ was
the first to welcome them, and now her beautiful face, lit up with its angelic
enthusiasm, has a happy smile for every blue jacket that comes. Nor are the
family behindhand, as many a sick and wounded soldier, who has been taken to
this pleasant home and nursed, will testify. At present they have under charge
two of the Sixty-ninth Ohio who would have died had it not been for their care.
Such devotion should not pass unnoticed. The bravery of Grace Darling was
not more heroic and deserving of immortal honors than that of the charming
Union loving girl of Tennessee, Miss Ocie C_____.
Nashville Daily Union, August 1, 1862.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 5
August 2, 1862
August 2, 1862 - Major-General U. S. Grant urged to end guerrilla menace in West Tennessee, and payment in gold for cotton authorized
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, August 2, 1862.
Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg., &c., Corinth:
Your letter of July 28 is just received. It is very desirable that you should clean
out West Tennessee. . . of all organized enemies. If necessary, take up all active
sympathizers, and either hold them as prisoners or put them beyond our lines.
Handle that class without gloves, and take their property for public use. As
soon as the corn gets fit for forage get all the supplies you can from the rebels
in Mississippi. It is time that they should begin to feel the presence of war on
our side. Bolivar and the Hatchie River should be well defended, in order to
secure our railroad communications.
See that all possible facilities are afforded for getting out cotton. It is deemed
important to get as much as we can into market. I see it stated in the newspapers that Gen. Sherman has forbidden the payment of gold for cotton, while
Gen. Butler advises the payment of gold, in order to induce planters to bring it
to market. I have called the attention of the Secretary of War to this difference,
and he directs me to say that the payment of gold should not be prohibited.
Instruct Gen. Sherman accordingly.
H. W. HALLECK, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 150.
August 2, 1862 - Synopsis of Federal anti-guerrilla activity on the Hatchie River, Bolivar to
Brownsville and the Somerville road
JACKSON, August 2, 1862.
Gen. U. S. GRANT:
I have swept both sides of the Hatchie from Bolivar to Brownsville, on the road
to Somerville. The enemy fled precipitately and escaped capture. The force I
have on the Hatchie, together with those you are sending and the three regiments here, exclusive of the Eleventh, secures things in these quarters for the
present. I will send the Eleventh the first opportunity. I have some 300 negroes
at work on the fortifications at Bolivar. I will probably return them on Monday.
The 2,400 ammunition has not come.
JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 150-151.
August 2, 1862 - "Union Meeting at Court Square."
Another Grand Turn Out.
The People for the Old Flag.
Page 6 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 2, 1862
Last night at an early hour the citizens began to assemble at Court Square, and
on they came by hundreds until the monument of Jackson was surrounded by
one of the most respectable and most enthusiastic audiences we have seen in
Memphis.
Mr. Nabers acted as Chairman, and the first speaker called out to address the
meeting was Major Sharpe.
The Major was formerly Mayor of Columbus, Ky. And also a prisoner in this
city, and could therefore testify from his own experience as to the value of
good government, and to the despotic character of the rebellion. He is an educated man, a vigorous thinker, and a forcible speaker. The audience was well
entertained by his remarks.
Major Fitch was next called for, but as he was not present, Capt. Gogswell took
the stand and made one of his most felicitous off-hand addresses. The Captain
made some happy hits, and whether earnest or humorous, he carried his hearers
with him. Capt. Gogswell gave way to Major Willard of Major Gen. Wallace's
staff, who held the assembly spell bound by his logic and eloquence for over
half an hour.
Major Willard addressed himself not to the officers and soldiers, or Union citizens, but those before him who had been or still were sympathizers with the
rebellion. He had done what he could to defeat Abraham Lincoln, but, the firing upon the national at Fort Sumter roused his patriotism and brought him
with hundred[s] of thousands more to defend the Constitution and the Union.
Of what rights had the South been deprived. Had she not enjoyed, he would
ask, much the larger share in the control of the nation during its entire history?
And what right had been trespassed on, or trampled under foot that she should
madly tear down this noble government. President Lincoln had treated the
South with wonderful kindness and forbearance; he had stationed soldier to
guard and protect the property of the citizens of the country through they
passed. In one instance after this protection had been furnished a cowardly
scoundrel, he returned the kindness by shooting a poor way-worn soldier."When I heard it," said the Major, ["] I went back with some of our men
and hung the villain up like a dog.["] (Served him right-served him right said
some one near the stand.) While had an unbounded respect for women, yet on
the southern women who insult the flag, and spout forth and flirt out their treason, and offer indignities to our soldiery, he was decidedly in favor of enforcing Picayune Butler's word-famed order. The South need not think that a few
disasters would lead the nation to abandon the contest. If every army we have
organized should be annihilated, the undying purpose of the masses will furnish a million more men to finish what has been begun. If in the future the conspiracy against the Constitution shall go on murdering our brave boys and
committing outrages that makes one's blood run cold, and that appeal to
Heaven for vengeance, then, that which we did not purpose [sic?] in the beginning we may all resolve to do, and in the name of the Almighty, under such a
condition of things, we will strike for the utter extermination of slavery. We
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 7
August 2, 1862
have given but a meager sketch of Major Willard's impressive speech. It told
upon the audience and was listened to with marked attention, and as he left the
platform cheer after cheer rent the air.
The magnificent brass band of the 6th Iowa regiment in attendance during the
exercises, enlivened the occasion with some of their best music,
To the lively air of Yankee Doodle the meeting adjourned till Monday next.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 3, 1862.
August 2, 1862 - "Oh, for Shame, I hope that this eturnal harping about the Negro will
stop." Letter of John A. Ritter, 49th Indiana Volunteers
August 2, 1862 from Cumberland Gap, TN
Cumberland Gap, Ten.
Aug. 2, 1862
Dear Margarett,
Yours of the 21 is Recd. and this is the third Letter that I have got from you this
week. I am always anxious to get a letter from you. I always wish that they
were longer and when it is long between letters I hunt up some old one, reread
them but always when I make a move I burn or tare up all old letters so that if
my trunk should fall in the hands of an enemy that they will not have the pleasure of reading my letters. I do not know how long I will be at the Gap but I
expect for some time if we do all the worke that is laid out for us to do. It will
be white frost before it is done. News is verry scarce at this time. We have a lot
of prisners here. I often talk with them and am sorry for the poore deluded fellows. One of them told me that it was the opinion that nine out of every ten in
the free states were abolishonist and that we look upon negros as our equils,
that they were allowed to eat at our tables, sleep in our beds, galant our Daughters etc. This he said had been taught him all his life and that he was honest in
his opinions. Oh, for Shame, I hope that this eturnal harping about the Negro
will stop. We have no stock in the negro. We have passed through Kentucky
and have not [stolen ?] any of the counterbands and we have got thus fare in
Tenessee on the same footing but if this war does not seace there will be
rougher means used than has been. It makes me mad to detail my men to stand
guard over rebbel property which is done daily and as long as traitors are protected and their property defended whilst the union men are unprotected
Treasan is at a premium and the Shackels will soon fall off when this comes I
pity the poore women and children. You may thank your maker that the war is
not on our borders. Hard as your [____?] are you are in a good fix to what
thousands are but I wish that you was better fixed than you are. It has been one
of the objects of my life to make you happy and to fix so that our family would
[be] comfortable but this wicked Rebelion has deprived us of may comforts of
life that we might have injoy but with such a state of affairs as our once happy
country was in but now bleeding at every pore. It was once thought that Kind
Page 8 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 2, 1862
treatment would win them back to aligance but it has failed and now there must
be an other policy must be persued. I have no fault to find of out offices but
when I see my men standing guard over Rebbel property and then on half
rations or when it comes to buying from sesesesh. Of all the awful, onions two
for 5 cts., Honey 50 cts. a [bb.?], corn[_____?] 10 to 25 cts. that any one man
could eat at one meal, [bacon?], hams 25 cts. a[t] [lb.?]. Shall we stand these
things, can we indure it? Those in orthority must begin to open their eyes. I
would be glad if this thing was settled but it will have to be settled by the
soward and by Hemp. It is better under this colougne water for a man to be
sesesh than a union man. Here a union man is not protected only by the generosity of the soldiers whilst they are not allowed to tuch the property of the
sesesh but those Dough face union men I have no faith in them. The most of
the men are union whilst our forces are in their midst but when we pass them
by they raise up in our rear, cut off our supplys like they have done or tryed to
do in Kentucky. The notorious Morgan got the box that I sent to you. It is not
much value to him but is only lent. I expect to collect it with Intrst. My pants
have not yet been herd from. I expect that they have gone the same way.
Col. [McRed?] of Bloomington is here. I will try to get him to look after them.
We have a Capt. Johnson that was at Lexington and got a suit of clothes of the
same man. He may have charge of my pants. Liut. Charles has a pr. of pants
that is with my pants, if they have not parten company. The boys are generaly
well as for sorry dog pups. You guess well but I think in my present situation
that it is not best at altims to give publisity to ones opinions. I will here say that
there are some men went into the service that never intended to do any good
when they left home. They play old soldier from the start. They get in to a Hospital and they stay their always behind the Reg[iment]. This Hospital caveralry
are a great drawback to the service and there are many more of them than one
would supose. I was at BarbersvilleNOTE 1 after some of our men that was sick
at that place. I marched them out into an old Orchard, formed them up in two
Ranks and picked out such as I thought was well. And out of this number I
selected 60. The Col. sent for every one of them, some that pretended to be
sick, that they could not walk half mile but they all had to come. One of them
tied to the end of the wagon for mile or so but when he found out that the thing
was no go he agreed if they would let him loose that he would go to Camp
which he did and every one of them were as well as the men in camp except
that they had been laying around taking no exercise. When I came back and
made my report to the Col. he sayed that if he [knew?] what one were able to
come he would bring them. Pulled out the list of their names that I had taken.
He then sent a Liut. imedialy after them with orders to bring all on my list.
As usual I have finished the amount of paper usualy appropriate for a letter but
am not yet done. This is Sunday the 3rd of August. It is a beautiful day. All
things is quiet. The sun shines will all its lovelyness. There has been but few
army teams a stir to day. It looks more like Sunday than usual. There is little
reguard paid to the Sabath in the army. Gen. Carter is an exception to the general rule of army offices. I think he is a christian. When he does any thing on
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 9
August 2, 1862
the Sabath it is a necesity with him. I am lonsome. I have gone through the regular [routine?] of duty of the duty assigned to Sunday morning, that is inspection of the Armes, Amunition, Clothing of the men. I have not got any of my
company in the hospital that is with me. Some are back at Lexington. All that
is here is up on foot. There is 3 or 4 that is a little on the puny order. James
Denny, John Pennick, Robert Knight, and Johnithan Clark. I expect a lot of the
boys up from Lexington soon with Capt. Johnson. We have some their that
might have come up before this if they had wanted to but those that are not able
for duty we do not want them to come till they are well. We have a deserter Just
in from the sesesh Army. He says that they have about 4 Regiments of Caveralry at Knoxville that was about ready to start out as Garillars. The people may
look out for Kentucky. He says that they have nothing to eat but salt meat and
Bread that he has not see any Coffee since he has been in the service. He says
that he was prest into the service in Louisana with some 60 others at New
Orleans that they were sent to a camp and put under guard and was divided out
in small partys, put in to different Regiments, that he was sent to Knoxville
from where he made his escape. I have not seen the man. They say that he is
verry inteligent. An other fujative has just come in from Georgia. He says that
the crops are verry short in these states on the southern coast and that it will be
with great difficulty that they can subsist their Army. We have a lot of sesesh
prisners here. I have got quite intimate with several of them. I often talk with
them and get their ideas but the most inteligent of them are verry Ignorant of
the [resorses?] of the Free States. I learn that recruiting is going on verry fast in
our state, that the new [_____?] is fast filling up. I am affraid that Theophilis
will want to volunteer but he is to young but if he should take a notion to go
wheather or not I would rather you would send him to me yet I may not stay in
present situation. This depends on circomstances. These circomstances are
about this. If Col. John W. Ray comes back & takes command of the 49th I
expect that there will be at least one less Capt. in it. I hope and trust for the
good of the men & my bleeding Country that he may not come back. If I
should leave the 49th I am willing to serve in some other. I love home, I love
my family, I would like to be with you but I Know with the state of things now
existing that I could not stay at home satisfied. I want you to sum up all your
patriotism. I know it is hard for you to be left as you are but your country
demands it at your hands. I am well and in fine spirits. We have had to subsist
on government suplys for some time, hard Bread, bacon, dryed beans, sugar,
Coffee, Rice, and mixt vegetables. We have Just bought a bucket of poteates
and a bucket of Beans and we got today two sugar cured hams. If we could get
such vegetables we would live better than we do at times. If we could get transportation we would be glad to have butter and such things from home as could
not be had in this country. All that we get of the government we get at a reasonable price. It is furnished at the cost to the government and we could not ask
anything. If we Still reamin her I do not see how this army can subsist next
winter. It is a verry bad [_____?] at best but when the winter weather sets in the
roads is almost impasable. The government ought to take negroids enough to
make a good road and put them to work on it but there will be a detachment of
Page 10 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 2, 1862
soldiers to do it if done at all. We are still at work making fortifications. I shall
learn something about the business as I am observing things verry closely as
they progress. The man in charge of the works aims to work the same men that
are at work at present till the works are completed. I have been a part of two
day writing this letter and as I have taken a long nap to day between times
Knowing that it cannot go off till tomorrow this has been truly a scrap letter
and I have not taken the time to read. I may have made several repepetition. If
I had an opportunity I would get my Teeth fixed. The loss of my front teeth
affects my voice. Tom and John are well. John is too young to stand the hardships of a soldier like older ones. I often favor him but if he was put through
like some he would see a hard time. In fact, I favor all of my men and they all
Know it and speak of it. I Know that they would not be willing for me to leave
them under any circomstances. It is reported that our men have had a skirmish
with the enemy near Taswell to day and that we have captured 300 prisners. I
do not believe this to be true though we sent over in that direction about 4000
Soldiers yestday and if they came a cross any enemy they would have had a
brush. It is a great place in camp to get news and if one would believe half he
herd he would always be taking trouble or Joy to be [disappointed?] when he
gets the facts. Both of our surgeons have turned their Resignations.
J. A. Ritter
Ritter Correspondence
NOTE 1: Barboursville, Kentucky.
August 2, 1862 - "This country is lined with bands of roving guerrillas and if a soldier pokes
his head outside of the guards he is almost sure to be shot at if not killed."
A. A. Harrison's letter home from Manchester
Manchester
Coffee County
Tenn. August 2nd
Dear wife,
I want you to get along the best you can where you are until I can get home
again and be content as you can. And if you should go anywhere else write and
let me know immediately but you don't know how it would grieve me to think
you would go any place else after you promised me to stay where you was.
Take good care of the children and kiss them all for me. I would be glad to see
you all again for it appears like it has been 3 months since I left home. So nothing more at present but remaining your affectionate husband until death.
A. A. Harrison
Manchester
Coffee County
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 11
August 2, 1862
August 2nd, 1862
Dear Wife,
I take my pen in hand to write to you once more. I am well at present and hope
these few lines may find you & the children and all the of the folks well. The
boys from Hardin are all well but Jo & Patterson. They were right puny when I
seen them last. They are at Tullahoma, 12 miles from here. We left them 10
days ago and came to this place and I have not seen Jo nor Patterson since.
They were both going about they have got their discharge and they were sent
on to Gen. Buell for his signature and as soon as they get back Jo & Hugh will
be at home. This place and Tullahoma is on high dry hills and as cool and
healthy as any part of Hardin and there is plenty of the best kind of spring
water here. I wrote a letter while I was a Nashville that I was cut off from the
regiment by the Rebels at Murfreesboro. I was at Nashville days when Jim
Nelson started to Murfreesboro with his Brigade. I slipped on the train with
them and came out to Murfreesboro and from there I rode part of the way in a
country wagon and I walked the balance of way. I saw two or three bands of
guerrillas on the way but I managed to dodge them and got to camp safe. I tell
you I have been in dangerous places before but I never want to take such a trip
as that anymore. This country is lined with bands of roving guerrillas and if a
soldier pokes his head outside of the guards he is almost sure to be shot at if not
killed. Nearly all of our regiment has been captured except the three companies
here. Our pickets were fired on last Sunday and two men killed and fifteen
taken prisoners all belonging to the 7th Penn Cavalry. I tell you our pickets
don't sleep much on duty here. I lost my office when I came back but I am
company quartermaster now which is a much easier place and I get the same
pay as in the other. It is the next highest office in company to Orderly Sergeant.
I would have written sooner but we have had no chance to send any letters
since we have been here until now. And we have only got one mail since we
have been here. I saw Wm. Smit as I came out from Nashville. He was at Murfreesboro then but he is at Nashville now. He is getting well and will be at
home soon. From what we can hear our men are rather getting the worst of it
here lately and I don't know how the war will terminate but I think peace will
be made some way in a few months and I hope it may. We have not been paid
off yet. It has been rather to dangerous for a paymaster to venture out here. But
the officers say he will be here in a few days now. I will send some money
home if I can find a safe way to send it as there's not much safety in anything
here now. This is the hardest place to buy anything I have ever found. Tobacco
sells for $2.00 per lb. Whiskey 75 cts. to $1.00 per pint. Boarding $1.00 per
meal and other things in proportion. And you cannot get a bill broken unless
you take scrip in change and hardly then. There is still some talk of taking us
back to Kentucky yet but I reckon there is not much hope of that. I would like
to be there next Monday if I could. Nick Gabon has not got back yet and I
reckon never will. He took about $3.00 of the boys money with him when he
left to take home for them and kept it all. So nothing more at present but
remaining your affectionate husband until death.
Page 12 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 2, 1862
A. A. Harrison
Aug 2nd, 8 o'clock P. M.
Since writing the above we have moved back to Tullahoma. I have just seen Jo
and talked with him. He looks better than he did some time ago but he will
come home as soon as his papers comes back. I hear the Cesh in Ky. are going
to raise and kill the Union men next Monday. But I hope it is all a mistake.
Write as soon as the election is over and let me hear all about it.
A. A. Harrison
I have seen some papers here lately which state that Morgan is tearing up
everything in Ky and I heard the other day that there was a band of 200 guerrillas at Garnetteville (?). I am afraid you are in danger there in Hardin and I have
not heard a word from you since I left home. I watch for the mail every time we
get mail for a letter but no letter as yet. I want to know what is the matter all the
other boys have got letters since I came back but me. If you have not written
yet write as soon as you get this and write often as you can and tell Father and
Mother and all of the children to write and maybe I will get some of them at
least. I will write again in a few days if nothing happens to prevent.
A. A. Harrison
Absolom A. Harrison Correspondence
August 2, 1862 - Aid requested for families of Tennessee volunteers
[For the Union.]
Help for the Families of Tennessee Union Volunteers.
Camp Andrew Johnson, 1st Reg. Mtd. Tenn. Vols., Nashville, Aug. 1, 1862.
Friend Mercer:—Your editorial in this morning's issue, in relation to the necessity of raising a fund for the benefit of the Tennessee volunteers, is a very good
thing, and I hope your suggestions in relation to it will be carried out, and hope
that you will keep it before the people; for it is a notorious fact that rebel wives
and families, whose husbands are in the rebel service endeavoring the destroy
the Government and ruin the State, are drawing their weekly stipend when the
loyal citizen and soldier who is ready and fighting for the maintenance of the
Union and his State, is left to want. You have no idea of the suffering the men
of this regiment have undergone; the formation of it has been a hard one. Many
of our men were laborers in the city, renting their homes of secessionists, and
no sooner would the man whose loyal and patriotic feelings would induce him
to enlist, than his family and chattles were turned out of doors and all help cut
off; but by heavy exertions and his Excellency, the Governor, matters were
made to turn more favorable to us. The regiment has been a long while in the
service, and amidst the privations the men have done their duty faithfully.
When Maj. Theneck and myself were authorized to raise the regiment, we
were flattered by a committee of citizens that a snug little sum of money would
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 13
August 2, 1862
be raised for the benefit of the families of the 1st Tennessee, and under these
inducements we encouraged men to enlist. But I am sorry to say that seventyfive dollars is all the aid this regiment has received from such sources, which
will I hope have a tendency to crush out the rumor afloat that this regiment has
received large amounts of moneys. Many of the men have large families and
their costs have now been running on for four months and over, and I sincerely
hope that the ball you have now started will continue rolling and gather moss
as it goes, for I know and can speak for the men of this regiment and their families, that you will receive their thanks and gratitude, and let the hour of peril
come when it will, with our commander and the gallant souls in the regiment,
you will find every man at the work, and their motto: "The 1st Tennessee
Guard never surrenders!"
Yours, Respectfully,
F. T. Foster, Lt. Col. 1st Tenn. Vols.
Nashville Daily Union, August 2, 1862.
August 2, 1862 - August 3, 1862 - Forced march by Federals from Murfreesborough to Tullahoma
TULLAHOMA, August 3, 1862.
Gen. D. C. BUELL:
Arrived here after a march of thirty-six hours from Murfreesborough. Enemy
are 13 miles hence, with two roads to retreat on, one directly across the mountain, the other on Sparta. That to Sparta is by this time blocked up by Gen.
Johnson. The railroad wants but two days labor to put in complete order.
I march to-morrow in pursuit and will not stop till I drive the enemy across the
mountain. I marched by way of Woodbury; Johnson by way of Liberty.
NELSON, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 255.
August 2, 1862 - August 4, 1862 - Operations at Cumberland Gap.
Report of Col. John F. De Courcy, Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, commanding brigade.
TAZEWELL, EAST TENN., August 4, 1862.
CAPTAIN: I have to report, for the information of the general commanding,
that on my arrival at this point on the evening of the 2d instant I found the
enemy's pickets posted on the hills in front of the town. They, however, retired
on the approach of the Sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and this corps
took up that ground for the night. I have ever since occupied a very extended
line of pickets on that ground. The foraging has thus far proceeded satisfactorily. Hay, horses, cattle, and sheep were brought in yesterday. No corn has been
Page 14 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 2, 1862
found as yet. Yesterday [3d] I made a reconnaissance toward Big Springs. The
enemy had there about 100 cavalry, and they held their ground for about an
hour and did not leave until I opened fire on them with a 10-pounder. This day
[4th] I proceed with the Sixteenth Regiment and two guns to Little Sycamore,
via Big Springs, where I shall leave a part of the Forty-second Regiment to
protect my line of retreat in case of disaster. From Little Sycamore I shall move
toward Big Sycamore, and return to Tazewell from that point without passing
through Big Springs. This expedition is intended to cover a large train which
proceeds from here direct to Big Sycamore. I have not sufficient strength to
make detachments without at the same time leaving altogether open the position in rear of this town. But by thus calling the enemy's attention toward Little
Sycamore I hope to make them uneasy about their Morristown line of road.
Two of the enemy's spies have been arrested whilst in the act of giving their
cavalry information of the position of our infantry. It would serve as a good
example if these men were punished according to the laws. If an order be sent
me to that effect, I will have them publicly shot.
I have the honor to be, yours, respectfully,
JOHN DE COURCY, Col., Commanding Twenty-sixth Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. I, pp. 42-43.
August 2, 1862 - August 5, 1862 - Scouts from Memphis toward Raleigh, on Wolf River,
down Hernando road to Nonconah, and west of Horn Lake road
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 156. HDQRS., Memphis, Tenn., August 1, 1862.
I. Gen. Morgan L. Smith will send an expedition for three days, composed of
one regiment of infantry, a section of artillery, and the available men of the
Fourth Illinois Cavalry, to Raleigh, on the Wolf River. The infantry will scout
the country in the neighborhood of Raleigh, destroying or capturing all enemies in arms, and seizing all arms, ammunition, or contraband property found
in unsafe hands. The cavalry will scout well forward and to the west, marching
over the Randolph road. The cavalry should not operate on the main road, but
by cross-roads and by-paths.
II. Gen. Hurlbut will in like manner send ten regiments of infantry, one section
of artillery, and the available force of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry down the Hernando road to Nonconah, the infantry to scout up and down the creek, the cavalry to scout well beyond the Nonconah, sweeping around by the west to the
Horn Lake road; the expedition to remain out three days.
The commanding officer of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry will report to Gen.
Smith, to do picket duty in front of his brigade during the absence of the Fourth
Illinois, and the Eleventh Illinois to Gen. Hurlbut, to picket in front of his division till the return of the Fifth Ohio.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 15
August 2, 1862
By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 149-150.
August 2, 1862 - August 5, 1862 - Federal foraging expedition, Cumberland Gap
•See August 2, 1862-August 6, 1862-Operations against and about Cumberland Gap
August 2, 1862 - August 5, 1862 - Confederate conscript sweep in Dyer, Lauderdale and
Hickman Counties
•See August 7, 1862--Federal attack on Confederate guerrillas five miles east
of Dyersburg at Wood Springs and suggestion to initiate scorched earth
policy in West Tennessee
August 2, 1862 - August 6, 1862 - Operations against and about Cumberland Gap
AUGUST 2-6, 1862.-Operations at Cumberland Gap and skirmish (6th) near
Tazewell, Tenn.
Report of Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U. S. Army.
CUMBERLAND GAP, August 7, 1862.
COL.: To obtain forage and feed and learn the strength of the enemy, De
Courcy was ordered to Tazewell on the 2d instant. He secured 200 wagon loads
of forage, all of which safely arrived on the 5th. Some slight picket skirmishing
took place, in which we had 2 men wounded, while the enemy had 1 killed and
several wounded.
Early in the morning of the 6th instant, not wishing to bring on a general
action, I ordered Col. De Courcy to return to this post, but he was attacked at
daybreak on that day. Considering enemy's forces the attack was feeble. Two of
his regiments surrounded two companies of the Sixteenth Ohio, detached to
protect a section of artillery. The enemy's movement was well executed, and
had it not been for the coolness and gallantry of Lieut. Anderson we would
have lost two pieces of artillery. Although surrounded by a vastly superior
force, the two infantry companies, under command of Capt.'s Edgar and
Taneyhill, fought heroically, and three-fourths of them succeeded in cutting
their way through to their regiments. But we fear that Capt. Edgar, an officer of
great merit, was killed, and Capt. Taneyhill taken prisoner. There were several
instances of distinguished conduct both on the part of officers and soldiers. A
soldier of the Twenty-second Kentucky was shot through the neck and fell. His
gun dropped from his hands; his foe contrived to advance upon him, when the
wounded hero grasped his gun, rose to his feet and shot the rebel soldier dead
when within five paces of him, when he again fell weltering in his blood. Two
soldiers of the Sixteenth Ohio had lost their way and were going toward the
enemy, when Lieut.-Col. Gordon, of the Eleventh Tennessee, hailed them,
Page 16 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 2, 1862
demanding their regiment. With coolness and courage they required him to
declare his rank and regiment and took him prisoner. Resuming their march by
a circuitous route they rejoined their commands. Gordon speaks highly of their
courage and courteous treatment. At 3.30 p. m. a courier arrived from Col. De
Courcy and asked for aid. Leaving three regiments to guard the Gap I marched
with my remaining force to his assistance, but when within 2 miles of Tazewell
I met him on his return. The enemy left the field at 5 o'clock and maintained
his position until 7 o'clock p. m. The enemy's loss is believed to be considerable. I did not pursue, lest with a superior force, he should gain my rear.
GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 835-836.
August 2, 1862 - August 14, 1862 - Communications between C. S. Brigadier-General
Gideon J. Pillow to Major-General William T. Sherman relative to protection of Pillow's property in Arkansas
HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis,
August 14, 1862.
Maj. JOHN. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Corinth:
SIR: It has been physically impossible for me personally to give attention to
the thousand of things which had to be done here since my arrival and at the
same time keep you fully advised of their progress. All is well now and matters
are progressing favorably, and for the sake of history, and that the major-general may have a clear insight of our situation, I send a variety of papers, some
of which need a word of explanation.
~~~
6th. I finally inclose a copy of a letter from Gen. Pillow, addressed to S. P.
Walker, esq., of this City, and designed for Gen. Grant and myself. It did not
come under a flag of truce, but by one of the secret mails which I have not yet
succeeded in breaking up. I also inclose a copy of my answer, which I will
hand to Mr. Walker and allow him to send as he best may. I do not consider my
answer as strictly official, as the matters inquired about are as to the situation
of his private property. I have published Gen. Grant's order, based on the one
from Hdqrs. of the Army, annulling all restrictions on the purchases of cotton
and payment of gold therefore. I cannot see how Gen. Halleck can allow gold,
which is universally contraband, thus to pass into possession of an enemy, but I
hope his reasons, as usual, are based on a far-seeing policy. I shall of course
obey the order and facilitate the trade in cotton and its shipment, but it seems
against the grain.
With the exception of small guerrilla bands I hear of no enemy nearer than
Holly Springs and Senatobia.
Yours,
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen., Comdg.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 17
August 2, 1862
[Inclosure No. 1.]
OXFORD, MISS., August 2, 1862.
SAMUEL P. WALKER, Esq.:
DEAR SIR: The Federal army at Helena have taken off by bodies of armed
men all my negroes —men, women, and children—some 400 in number. They
have taken off and destroyed everything else I had. They killed one of my
overseers and had the other three in jail. I have been informed that many of the
women and children are wandering about Memphis suffering for food. I also
understand that there are 85 young men and women in a cotton-warehouse or
negro-mart in Memphis who are also neglected and are suffering for food. It is
difficult for me to realize that such conduct is done by the sanction of the Federal officers of rank; but yet the wholesale robbery which has been carried on
below would seem to admit of no other conclusion. My object in this communication is to request of you the favor of ascertaining if the reports I have heard
are true, viz.,: if any of my negroes —men, women, or children—are in Memphis, and to inform me of their condition and if any of them will be restored to
me or to my agent. Please see if any gang of the negroes are confined in the
warehouse or negromart. If cannot imagine what the Federals want with the
women and children.
If you can have access to Gen.'s Grant or Sherman please ascertain if these proceedings have been ordered by them or meet with their approval. The law of
confiscation does not take effect for some time to come, and my negroes were
in no legal sense liable to seizure. If the Federals intend to seize all the negroes
and other property within their power we can only say that the time may come
for proper reprisals. My brother James' negroes and L. Long's and Thomas
Brown's have all been carried off. Please see if any of these negroes are in
Memphis and what is their condition.
I have uniformly in Missouri and Kentucky protected the property of Union
men as well as their persons from violence. Gen. Crittenden has a plantation
and negroes 25 miles below Columbus, on the river, which I decline allowing
to be interrupted, when in command at Columbus, though applied to for the
purpose.
If you cannot have a personal interview either with Gen.'s Grant or Sherman
you will please transmit my letter to them. Your attention to this matter will be
gratefully remembered. Please send me through same channel an answer.
Your friend,
GID. J. PILLOW,
If any of my negroes are in Helena will you ascertain if Gen.'s Grant or Sherman will have them restored to me, and all such information as you can get?
[Inclosure No. 2.]
HDQRS., Memphis, August 14, 1862.
Page 18 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 2, 1862
Gen. GIDEON J. PILLOW, Oxford, Miss.:
SIR: I have received your letter of August 2, 1862, at the hands of Samuel P.
Walker, esq. It is not proper in war thus to communicate or to pass letters, but I
am willing to admit the extreme difficulty of applying the harsh rules of war
when but a few days ago all was peace, plenty, and free intercourse, and on this
ground, not Officially, I am willing that you should know the truth of the matter concerning which you inquire. It so happens that Gen. Curtis was here yesterday, and I inquired of him the truth concerning the allegations in the first
part of your letter touching the seizure and confiscation, the killing of one
overseer, the imprisonment of three others, and generally the devastation of
your entire estate in that quarter. Gen. Curtis answered no slave was taken by
armed men from your or any other plantation unless he had proof that such
slaves had been used in war against him; no overseer had been killed or none
imprisoned, and the damage to plantation was only such as will attend the
Armies, such as marked the progress of your and A. Sidney Johnston's columns a year ago in Kentucky.
I understand Gen. Curtis has given letters of manumission to negro applicants
who satisfied him they had been used as property to carry on war. I grant no
such papers, as my opinion is it is the provision of a court to pass on the title to
all kinds of property. I simply claim that I have a right to the present labor of
slaves who are fugitives, and such labor is regulated and controlled that it may
ultimately be paid for to the master or slave, according to the case. I have no
control over Gen. Curtis, who is my superior, but I take it for granted some just
and uniform rule will soon be established by our common superior to all cases
alike.
I certainly never have known, nor do I believe it possible, that your slaves or
those of any other person have wandered about the streets of Memphis in want
and destitution. We have abundance of provisions, and no person shall suffer
from want here. When we can provide labor it will be done, and thereby they
(laborers or slaves) earn their provisions, clothing, and necessaries; but wages
are always held in reserve to answer the order of the rightful party. The worst
you have to apprehend in case you claim the sixty days under the confiscation
law is that your slaves may become scattered. None are allowed to pass up the
river save with written passes, and I understand your negroes are either at your
plantation or near Helena. I know of none of them here.
Gen. Curtis expressed great surprise at your solicitude for these negroes and at
your application that Gen. Grant and myself would have them restored to you
or your agent. He says you had sold them all or had transferred them by some
instrument of writing for a record to a gentleman near the plantation, who is
loyal citizen of the United States.
I will refer your letter to Gen. Grant, with a copy of this, and have already
given a copy to Gen. Curtis, now at Helena. If Mr. Walker can find any of your
negroes here the men will be put to work; but Mr. Walker can keep a watch on
them and of the women till such times as rules are established for ascertaining
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 19
August 3, 1862
and determining the right and title to such kind of property. At present I know
of none of your negroes in or near Memphis; certainly none are in the negropen or any cottonseed here.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 169-172. NOTE 1
NOTE 1: A story in the November 2, 1864 New York Times reported that Pillow told
his venerating audience of Alabama Confederates that his reply to Sherman
was: "General, while I thank you for your courteous letter, let me say to you
the property your Government has taken from me was my own. Your Government has to the power to rob me of it, bit it is too poor to buy me."
August 3, 1862 - Union soldiers destroy Federal telegraph lines between Murfreesborough
and Nashville
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 4, 1862.
Gen. McCOOK; Battle Creek:
Several men of your division on the way from Nashville to Murfreesborough
yesterday shot at and destroyed the telegraph wire. They are ordered to your
headquarters under guard. The general wishes them tried promptly and punished. Perhaps it will be best to put the charge under 99th article of war and
allude to the injury to the service by breaking the wire and thus jeopardizing
the welfare of the army. They can also be charged with wanton destruction of
public property.
Do it quickly.
JAMES B. FRY.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 260.
August 3, 1862 - Skirmish at Nonconah Creek
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 3, 1862 - Reconnaissance to Big Springs Gap
•See August 2, 1862-August 6, 1862-Operations against and about Cumberland Gap
August 3, 1862 - Action at Medon
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
Page 20 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 3, 1862
August 3, 1862 - Reconnaissance from Tazewell to Big Springs
•See August 2, 1862-August 6, 1862-Operations against and about Cumberland Gap
August 3, 1862 - Military Governor Andrew Johnson to Brigadier-General James S. Negley
relative to procuring horses and dispersing guerrillas in Maury County
Genl. Negley
Columbia, Tenn.
There are a large number of fine horses owned by secessionists of Maury Co.
Press them into the service, giving certificates of value to be paid by the Govt.
when the party proves that he is loyal and acknowledges allegiance to the
Govt. Put Infantry on these horses & give them the best arms you have got.
Rout & drive the Guerrillas from the State or put them to death.
~~~
Andrew Johnson, Military Governor
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, p. 593.
August 3, 1862 - Letter from Confederate soldier Moses Joseph Nichols to his father David
H. Nichols in Cookeville, expressing contempt for Yankees and desire to
do battle
Camp Chattanooga,
Aug. 3, 1862
I again avail myself of an opportunity which I am always glad of. Happy am I
to inform you that I have the consoling privilege of sitting beneath the shade of
Tennessee Oaks while I endeavor to communicate with my friendship to you
with quick steps and glad hearts, we put our feet to Tennessee soil on the 27th
ult. All glad to find enough uninvaded ground to strike camp on, also to find
water pure and cool. We find the weather to be much more pleasant here than
in Miss. The weather, water and people seem so delightful that we feel like we
have emerged from a land of despair to a land of felicity.
A great change has taken place among the Tenn. troops, they were thought to
be the bravest species in Virginia, South Carolina and Miss., but since the
moved they all seem to frown with madness and bravery [at?] the thought of
enemy being among our friends and relatives is sufficient to prompt every
country loving man to action amediately. Here we are within one hundred
miles of home, but for fear of being troubled by the cannon [of the] invaders of
our state we dare not visit home and friends. They are wickedly infesting our
vicinities, destroying privet property and like roaring lions they are traversing
Tennessee, seeking whom they may devour. They even rob poor helpless
women and children of their provisions and leave crying infants reaching their
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 21
August 3, 1862
weak hands for bread. What is to be done with the Murders of women and children? It recurs to all at once that they should be treated likewise. This is a thing
hard for us to endure without vigorously rushing forward and snatching them
from their positions, as an eagle does her prey. We are expecting to have Gens.
Buel and Mitchels supplies cut off in a short time, when it will be that we will
liberate Tennessee. After we get them cut off from their beef and crackers, they
will fail to get backers and we will drive them off as a shepherd drives his herd,
only we will be a little rougher than they usually are. We will generally order
them out of our premises and if they fail to respond fairly we will slightly put
our bayonets to them and push them Northward until they strike their own soil.
And when they are convinced that we are getting in good killing spirits they
surely will get cold in their cause as some has already gotten. Before we get
done with them we will make them men of consideration and cause them to
think seriously on the subject of war. The whole Northern army consists of
poor deluted scoundrels, who cares for nothing but money and something to
eat. Lincoln has made another call for troops, but finds them slow to act. They
have found out the grilling shame by which the hirelings were dragged into the
field. If he gets them at all he will have to raise their wages. All that we have to
do now to achieve liberty is a general forward movement with sabers in front
pointing at the hearts of those Godforgetting invaders, who so much hate us
and who curl the lips of derision at Southern rebellion, let us be co-workers in
this struggle and add golden feathers to our gleaming laurels which we have so
vigorously won on gory fields of battle. If the victories we have gained heretofore is not sufficient to prove our intentions, the beholders is hard to convince,
it ought to prove [to] all at once that we will die fighting for freedom, rather
than be conquered by so unworthy cohorts. Independence is a thing worth
working for, and we must work with the whole heart and have spirits. If we
accomplish our design and unless consolidated forces ______________, it will
take years to effect peace. The thing has to be settled some way in a short time,
or we will have a debt hanging over us for ages, but the debt is nothing compared with the object of our design. We had rather have a debt hanging over us
through life than be brought under the tyranical laws of the North. We will take
death before subjugation, and debt before Northern laws. There cause must be
an unjust one and they can never complete there boasted determination, which
they so clamorously difused among nations. In the outset they boated of things
they cannot stand up to, and are this day sorry that they bragged so strenuously
of their power and ability. A few more good overthrows such as those at
Manassa, Shiloh, and Elkhorn and Richmon and many other points will
[weaken] their line so much that it will be hard for them to form a line of battle.
After we get our conscriptions in the Field they had better make their wills, for
they must surely die, or flee from our soil with celerity. They have already
been running from their post at several points, which fulfills our passage from
the Scripture, (the guilty fleeith when no one persueth). They have no human
regard for civility, but go in for a wicked contest entirely, and one thing is certainly true, if they do not change their notions they will undoubtedly fall into
oblivion without mercy. At their downfall we will endeavor to thrive and enjoy
Page 22 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 3, 1862
freedom. The Glittering Moments of Southern liberty is fast building[,] the day
is near at hand for us to reap our reward on earth, which will be pure satisfaction through life, and cause has proven to the world to be truly just. Nations
abroad looks on us as soldiers laboring for our just deserts. England and France
are expecting us to be successful in the outcome not long from this day. We
will be fee from the North and Northern oppression. There is enough at stake to
call forth all friends of liberty to working for their country and firesides. The
soldiers all seem to be on the right side of the question. While there is some
men in the dungeon of unionism, in a few days we will complete the work in
Tenn. and free the people, as well as those portly fellow who could not muster
up courage to take their own part in the National struggle. Good for Nashville
in a short time.
Father we are near enough for you to come to see us by land, and I want to see
you so much as ever. I want to see you particularly at this time. Try to come
soon and I think you will never regret the trip.
Stock is in fine demand at present, beef is worth 10 c[ents] per lb., horses are
selling very high since they army came in. A drove of beef cattle would pay
very well if you could get them cheap.
Mother I would love to see you and Grandmother, and all the children, but I
rather you would not come to camp for this is no place for women. Wait a
while and we will get a change to visit you.
This leaves us all in good helth and fine spirits. Give my best love and respects
to all inquiring friends. Tell them all to write and be sure to write soon, giving
the news in general.
I am dear Father, Mother and Grandmother, your dutiful son and will ever
remain so.
Moses Joseph Nichols
W. P. A. Civil War Records, Vol. 3, pp. 121-123.
August 3, 1862 - Military Governor Andrew Johnson's policy on releasing Tennessee Confederate prisoners
NASHVILLE, August 3, 1862.
Hon. P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary:
In reply to your inquiry by telegraph I have to state, first, all Tennessee prisoners who are willing to take the oath of allegiance and enter into bond for its
faithful observance should be released upon parole subject to notice. If they
were released as suggested and permitted to return to Tennessee it would exert
a powerful influence upon the State at this time. The oath when taken and the
bond should be forwarded to the Governor of Tennessee and filed in secretary's
office. If the power were conferred on me as intimated a short time since by the
President—the power to prescribe the terms of release—I would at once
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 23
August 3, 1862
appoint an agent competent to exercise proper judgment and send him to the
various prisons where Tennesseeans are confined authorized to examine and
release all who would take the oath and give bond. All those who were not
willing to comply with foregoing conditions I would either exchange or retain
in prison. If this course were adopted I feel well assured that much good would
result from it. I repeat I hope none of those Tennessee prisoners will be
exchanged and sent South who are willing to conform to the conditions herein
set forth.
ANDREW JOHNSON, Military Governor.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 4, p. 333.
August 3, 1862 - Federal forces occupy McMinnville
TULLAHOMA, August 3, 1862.
Col. FRY:
A courier from Nelson brings me the information that he has occupied McMinnville and moved still farther forward to-day. This will quiet this whole region
of country, and so long as we hold McMinnville there would seem to be no
necessity for keeping any considerable force here. I had ordered up a portion of
Wagner's brigade from Wartrace, but this order I will now countermand.
SMITH, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 256-257.
August 3, 1862 - August 5, 1862 - Federal reconnaissance from McMinnville to Sparta
THE BATTLE AT SPARTA, TENN.
Colonel Wynkoops' Report
Nashville, Tenn., August 11, 1862
I left McMinnsville with my command on Sunday, August third, for reconnoitering. leaving the army at McMinnsville, under General Nelson, there were in
the command sixty-three men of the Fourth Kentucky and one hundred and
seven of the Seventh Indiana. We saw nothing of the rebels on Monday [4th].
We crossed the river for Sparta, and within a mile of the river we encountered
their pickets. With our advance-guard drove them over the river, and pursued
them a quarter of a mile from the bridge. The advance found the rebels too
strong, and retired over the bridge. Our men then came up, and we had a skirmish for one hour. Finding the enemy too strong—they numbering seven hundred men, and two pieces of artillery-the Colonel thought best to withdraw his
men towards the main army, which lay encamped on the river ten miles from
where we had the fight. Had they been up with us, we would have captured the
whole party at Sparta. Our loss is one man missing, one wounded slightly, and
three horses shot. According to the account from the enemy, they had thirty
Page 24 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 3, 1862
killed and ten wounded. We took one prisoner. We came back from the river
seven miles, and encamped for the night. On the fifth [Tuesday], took up the
march again for Sparta, and when within three miles of the town, received
orders from Gen. Nelson to return to McMinnsville, where we arrived on the
sixth [Wednesday], at twelve o'clock M, all well. It was one of the hardest
marches we ever experienced, as it was night and day, and we had to subsist on
corn-fields, our wagons being in the rear of Gen. Nelson's army, which did not
keep up with us. I can safely say that for seven days, while on the march, the
sleep did not average more than three hours out twenty-four. The Seventh [cavalry] has been worked very hard, and men and horses are all nearly used up. I
am in hopes they will give the Seventh a respite for a while, and let them
recruit up.
Rebellion Record, Vol. 5, p. 570.
August 3, 1862 - August 8, 1862 - Temporary occupation of McMinnville and depredations
committed by Federal forces
TULLAHOMA, August 3, 1862.
Col. FRY:
A courier from Nelson brings me the information that he has occupied McMinnville and moved still farther forward to-day. This will quiet this whole region
of country, and so long as we hold McMinnville there would seem to be no
necessity for keeping any considerable force here.
I had ordered up a portion of Wagner's brigade from Wartrace, but this order I
will now countermand.
SMITH, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 256-257.
MURFREESBOROUGH, August 4, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY;
Maj.-Gen. Nelson is at McMinnville. . .
~~~
. . . the rebels do not intend to go to Battle Creek at all, but to come here
(McMinnville) along the high road, which does not go by Battle Creek, but
crosses in a direct line to the Sequatchie Valley, and thence in nearly a straight
line to the headwaters of the Collins River and to McMinnville, the distance
being about 65 miles. Gen. Nelson thinks this information reliable. He further
states in a private note that the enemy have fallen back before him and will
doubtless cross the mountains.
CHARLES CRUFT.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 259-260.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 25
August 3, 1862
MURFREESBOROUGH, August 7, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
Maj.-Gen. Nelson, after pursuing enemy to Sparta, returned to McMinnville on
Tuesday night. The Twenty-second Brigade, Col. Hazen, moves from here to
McMinnville to-day.
CHARLES CRUFT, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 280.
McMINNVILLE (VIA MURFREESBOROUGH), August 8, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. BUELL:
Lieut.-Col. Stewart, Second Indiana Cavalry, has just returned from direction
of Chattanooga. He has been within 12 miles of Chattanooga. Captured 12
rebels; killed 1. From the current testimony of all the rebels have not crossed
the river. Col. Sprague, with 300 cavalry, crossed a few days since and passed
up the Spencer road to join Forrest. Reports place Bragg's force at 30,000. I
will send a copy of Col. Stewart's report by mail. Three of the prisoners were
discharged soldiers, and left Tupelo 25th of July, where they report a very large
force. Some of the prisoners are bushwhackers, belonging to no organization.
Shall I try them by military commission?
W. NELSON, Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 293.
HDQRS.,
Huntsville, August 8, 1862.
Gen. BOYLE, Louisville:
I have troops at McMinnville and I shall send an expedition to Sparta. . .
D. C. BUELL.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 294.
~~~
. . . They [Federal soldiers] went nearly to Sparta—and returned on Wednesday
[6th] to town [i.e., McMinnville]. A regiment or two had been left here meanwhile, and large foraging parties sent out in all directions. They savaged the
town and vicinity from one end to the other—broke into every store except Mr.
Henderson's (which he had guarded,) took out everything they wanted; went
into everybody's garden, poultry, dairy, etc. and helped themselves. Mrs.
Rownn went out to expostulate with them about her garden, when they turned
in to cursing her so that she left them and went into the house. They shot old
Mrs. Harrison's cow, for pastime—the animal afterwards died—killed a beef
she had and carried it off—and when she set Aunt Milly to digging potatoes
they came back and took them from here as fast as she dug them. They dug up
everybody's potatoes, took their green corn, tomatoes, etc.-they have got all
Page 26 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 3, 1862
ours—drank the milk in the spring house, stole nearly all our chickens—and
you can't look out any time scarcely that you don't see some of them prowling
round after something. They got into our apples and peaches, though not yet
ripe, in a positively piggish manner. I abominate the very sight of the miserable
wretches—they are so brutal looking—so impertinent—and so insufferable in
every way. Two nights ago they robbed three negro boys who work in Ramsay's blacksmith's shop—LeeNOTE 1 was one of them. Three days ago [7th] 8 or
10 came here and waited dinner. The Col. had gone to town, and just such
going on I never saw. They pulled off their shoes on the porch and ran thro' the
house in their bare feet—went down into there orchard while their dinner was
preparing and brought up hat-fulls of green fruit which they crunched, meanwhile spitting tobacco about the porch, whistling and singing, making out to
catch the chickens, etc. I was sitting in my room reading—one came to the
door and stood staring at me and taking an inventory of everything in the house
for about 15 minutes:—I never "let on" that I saw him at all—but seemed
intent upon my reading all the while. They went in every place they dared. . . I
let them eat in the kitchen for their elegant manners—some of them seemed
quite dissatisfied with the arrangement and asked in astonishment if "they were
to eat in the nigger-house?" I laughed quietly to myself thinking the pig-pen
would have been more in consonance with their breeding.-One of the two who
ate supper here on Saturday evening [9th] who gives his name as Sulser, his
residence as Cincinnate —his business a lithographist,—had paid us two visits
since. He seems far more gentlemanly than any others I have seen, and is the
only one who had ever knocked at the door before entering, or touched his hat
when speaking with your Great Caesar! what a difference between their manners and those of the Confederates who were here only 10 days ago—and
whom may God prosper wherever they are, for they behave like men. We have
heard of two or three little skirmishes out in the direction of Sparta and Bersheba —but they amount to little. One report reached us that Gen. Bragg was
crossing Walden's Ridge with 100,000 men, but I do not believe it. To think
that these insufferable Yankees will be driven from here is too good news for
us. Here they will remain, harassing the citizens, stealing and gasconading
until they eat the whole country up, and God knows how much longer. WE
heard today (from them, however) that the Confederates are fortifying at Chattanooga—if so, God help us! for we are powerless here. Where our bread is to
come from I do not know—as good luck would have it we got in two barrels of
flour and two of meal, just before they came in. In fact the last barrel, with one
of salt, (for which the Col. paid 35 dollars,) was rolled in after they came. . .
[General] Nelson had the Fem. College for headquarters. Supposes they should
get hold of this journal—and they may—who knows?. . .
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French, entry for August 10, 1862.
NOTE 1: One of the French family slaves.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 27
August 4, 1862
August 4, 1862 - Dispersal of Confederate guerrillas near Williamsport
COLUMBIA, August 4, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
Yesterday was informed of a concentration of guerrillas at Williamsport, 12
miles west. Started in the evening with one company of infantry, one of cavalry, and a section of artillery to surprise them. Found about 150 of them in the
neighborhood. Drove in their pickets; captured a noted fellow. They scattered
in every direction. Crossed the river and pursued Cooper's and Anderson's
party for 3 miles. The darkness enabled them to escape. There was a force of
over 200 at Kinderhook yesterday evening. Kinderhook is 7 miles east of Williamsport, on the Nashville road.
JAS. S. NEGLEY, Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 261.
August 4, 1862 - Skirmish at Sparta
CAR, p. 22. NOTE 1
NOTE 1: The OR places the date at the 5th of August, 1862. No circumstantial reports
filed. Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee has no reference to this event.
August 4, 1862 - Ignorance and superstition as the source of pro-Union sentiment in East
Tennessee
From Our Special Correspondent "T. D. W."
Morristown, Tenn., Aug. 4, 1862.
Dear Confederacy:
I have noticed, during my stay in East Tennessee, one remarkable fact: that
ignorance of the masses is the primary cause of all the toryism in this section.
Nearly all of the respectable and well informed are true to the South. In no
instance have I found an educated gentleman, or one who has much at stake,
[who is] a follower of Lincoln. This must be, then, the effects of education. I
find here more or less of the class called superstitious. They see ghosts, hobgoblins, trees on fire in the heavens, stars falling, worlds burning up, and a
thousand other illusions that portend a large development of the supernatural.
An old lady in this neighborhood discovered her dog lying east and west on his
back, with his feet up towards the heavens. Straightway she announced to my
horror that there would be a death in the family. One remarkable circumstance,
however, she forgot to mention: the time the death would occur. If a cock
comes in the house and gives a lively crow, straightway it is announced that a
stranger is coming that very day. Horse shoes are abundant over the doors, and
on inquiry I found it to mean the frightening off of witches. I find but few
Page 28 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ca. August 4, 1862
schools—few churches, and an enlightened gospel is seldom, if ever, heard in
the mountains. This, then, is the truth of the whole matter: ignorance and
superstition. Follow the chain of mountains, even in Virginia and North Carolina, and as the people in and on the mountains are more or less ignorant, unrefined and superstitious, the demagogue seeking an office finds his victims, and
appeals to them by placing himself on a level with them.
T. D. W.
Southern Confederacy [Atlanta, Georgia], August 9, 1862.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
August 4, 1862 - Forrest's and Wynkoop's forces skirmish at SpartaNOTE 1
Skirmish Near Sparta.
On last Monday [4th], Col. Wynkoop, with one hundred and eighty cavalry,
attacked a detachment of Forrest's command seven hundred strong, driving in
their pickets and carrying on a sharp skirmish for some time. The guerrillas
attempted to flank Col. Wynkoop's force with ten pieces of artillery, when he
retreated in good order, having killed and wounded more than thirty of the
rebels and losing only one man. Col. Wynkoop had an excellent position, and
his long range carbines did excellent work. Hurrah for the glorious Seventh
Pennsylvania and their brave Colonel!
Nashville Daily Union, August 10, 1862.
NOTE 1: Not identified in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee or the OR.
ca. August 4, 1862 - ca. August 7, 1862 - Pursuit of Confederates near SpartaNOTE 1
No circumstantial reports filed.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, McMinnville, August 6, 1862.
Col. FRY, Chief of Staff:
COL.: The dispatch of Gen. Buell overtook me yesterday 9 miles from Sparta,
to which point I was pursuing the enemy. In five minutes after the reception I
commenced the counter march and arrived here again at 10 p. m., crossing for
a second time the Collins River, whose banks are limestone cliffs 150 feet
high. I had intended that the cavalry should arrive at Sparta the same day that I
arrived here; had that been done I would have killed or captured the enemy in
toto. But it seems my orders were misunderstood. I sent a dispatch to Gen.
Smith and asked him to telegraph you the force I have here. I am ready for any
orders.
~~~
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 29
August 5, 1862
W. NELSON, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 270-271.
NOTE 1: The precise dates for this pursuit is unknown, but it is reasonable to infer
that given the distances, terrain, and hostility of the natives to Federal forces
it most likely would have spanned a few days before and a few days after
the date of the report.
August 5, 1862 - Skirmish at Sparta
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 5, 1862 - A House Search in Federally Occupied Memphis
House Searched-The House belonging to Boettner's beer garden, called the
"Green House," at the head of Poplar street, is now kept by a woman named
Fanny Freeman. The soldiers in that neighborhood had observed that from time
to time individuals obtained bottles of liquor there. On Tuesday night (5th) a
number of them applied for whisky, but the owner of the bar refused to sell it to
them. After midnight several of them entered the place and proceeded to help
themselves and made considerable disturbance. At ten o'clock yesterday (6th)
the visit was renewed, and we learn from the police that a scene of outrage and
riot was the consequence. The men proceeded to roll out a cask that appeared
to be a half barrel of beer. On taping, it proved to be filled with whisky. The
effect of freely drinking from this may be readily imagined. The boys became
excessively frolicsome and proceeded to demolish the contents of the Green
House. Tumblers and bottles sprung through the air in company of other articles belonging to the bar.
The ice chest was smashed and the counter overturned. An officer was sent for,
and when he arrived, aided by the police, he cleared the house of its disorderly
company, locked the doors and gave the keys to the policemen; a guard was
also put over the house. The house was afterwards attacked again, the guard
knocked down, the doors and windows broken in. Such are the particulars of
the affair as we learn them from the statements of the police engaged on the
spot.
Memphis Bulletin, August 7, 1862.
August 5, 1862 - ". . . the charge was made with such dash and vigor that the enemy could
hardly recover from the shock until it was over." Small scale skirmish on
the Tazewell road.
I have just learned of a very daring exploit that was made to-day by a small
squad of mounted men consisting of Brothers Fielding, Jim and Flavel, and
three or four other boys from Bro. Jim's company, which is Company D, 2nd
Battalion Tenn. Cavalry. They were every one private soldiers except Fielding
Page 30 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 5, 1862
and Flavel, who are not members of the army at all, though Fielding was formerly a lieutenant in the same company, but was discharged because of ill
health.NOTE 1 The exploit consisted of a reckless charge on a yankee picket post
on the main road leading from Tazewell toward Cumberland Gap, and they
killed three Yankees, wounded two more and took one prisoner.
Our boys lost one killed, a young man named Carter. The picket post being on
the main road between the two opposing forces, was of course a very strong
one, and was supported near at hand by a very strong picket base, but the
charge was made with such dash and vigor that the enemy could hardly recover
from the shock until it was over.
They were soon in readiness, however, and our boys had to beat a hasty retreat,
but they succeeded in bringing out their prisoner whom they compelled to
mount behind one of the boys, as there was no time to bring him out afoot.
They were compelled to leave the body of their dead comrade. Brother Fielding led the charge, as he is always ready for a chivalrous deed, and Brother Jim
is credited with killing one of the men with his revolver. Bro Flavel is too
young for a soldier and this is his first visit to the army, but he went into this
daring exploit of his own choice. The only regrettable feature of the adventure
is the death of young Nels Carter, who was a great favorite with his comrades.
Our regiment is ordered on to Tazewell, but I am detailed for guard duty at the
river, where our baggage is left.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
NOTE 1: See June 15, 1862, "Willam E. Sloan's furlough home to Bradley county"
above.
August 5, 1862 - August 6, 1862 - Foraging, operations against and about Cumberland Gap,
reconnaissance and skirmishes near Tazewell
•See August 2, 1862-August 6, 1862-Operations against and about Cumberland Gap
HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-SIXTH BRIGADE, Cumberland Gap, August
7, 1862.
CAPTAIN: In continuation of the daily report which Gen. Morgan directed me
to send in of the foraging expedition which I was ordered to make in the vicinity of Tazewell, I have the honor to state as follows:
About 10.45 a. m. yesterday [6th] the enemy made a sudden attack in great
force on the Sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteers on the entire length of the
line of advanced posts furnished by that corps. The attacking force consisted of
at least three infantry regiments, with some artillery, supported by other regiments and more artillery. The enemy had been secreted during the previous
night in the dense woods in front and on the flanks of the advanced posts and
their pickets. The manner of the attack showed evidently that the intention was
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 31
August 5, 1862
to cut off the advanced gun. In this the enemy would have succeeded but for
the courageous coolness of the men serving the gun, and the companies placed
there to protect it. So well did these companies comport themselves that the
gun was enabled to fire one round at the enemy at a distance not greater than
seventy-five yards. The gun was then limbered up and retired in good order
(Major Kershner's horse was shot during this part of the affair), but the companies protecting the retreat of the gun were themselves surrounded by two regiments and completely cut off. Here began a most desperate combat betwixt the
companies of the Sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteers and the enemy's two
regiments. Finally more than four-fifths of the officers and privates of the two
companies cut their way through and rejoined later in the day their regiment, in
rear of Tazewell.
Whilst these brilliant deeds were being performed on the right as severe an
engagement was taking place on the left. There Major Kershner (who was in
command of the Sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteers) had taken position with
three companies on a high knoll commanding the roads by which the enemy
was advancing. The conduct of these companies and their management by
Major Kershner was excellent. For one hour and a half they held two regiments
at bay, and compelled one of these regiments to fall back to reform; but the
companies having exhausted all their ammunition, were finally ordered to fall
back in skirmishing order. I arrived near the scene of action about 11 o'clock. It
was at once apparent that the position in front of Tazewell was not any longer
tenable. I immediately ordered the Fourteenth Regiment Kentucky Volunteers
to form in line right and left of the road, placing at the same time two guns near
the center to cover the retreat of the Sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteers. As
soon as the latter had reached this line I ordered the guns to retire, and shortly
after the Fourteenth Regiment Kentucky Volunteers followed and took up position on the heights in rear of Tazewell, where the remainder of the brigade,
with the artillery, were posted. Having received information that the enemy had
massed troops on the Knoxville road with the design of getting in rear of my
right, I gave up all idea of advancing, and determined to hold these heights as
long as my line of communication with Cumberland Gap was not endangered.
This was accordingly done, and the First Wisconsin Battery, ably commanded
by the gallant Lieut. Anderson, with a well-directed fire, first stopped the
enemy's advance, and finally compelled him to retreat over the hills and out of
sight. The enemy's artillery fire was good, both as to range and direction, and
the caliber of their guns was larger than ours. About the time the enemy began
to retire almost all stragglers had rejoined, and all stores and wagons had been
sent well to the rear. The artillery ammunition being nearly all expended, and
the men much exhausted from want of food, having lost their rations during the
action, and their physical powers having been taxed to the utmost during the
hottest part of the day, I resolved to retire slowly. The movement began about 7
p. m.; was effected in excellent order, and in a direction through the woods
which completely concealed it from the observation of the enemy's scouts.
Several hours previous I had again received information from loyal citizens
and colored people that several regiments of the enemy were in rear of my
Page 32 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 5, 1862
right flank, which would have rendered this movement imperative had even the
above reason not compelled it. I have called upon officers commanding regiments to make a detailed report of the doings and conduct of their respective
commands, and copies of these reports will be forwarded to you without delay.
A return of killed, wounded, and missing will be furnished you as soon as possible. Amongst the missing the name of Capt. Edgar, Sixteenth Regiment, will
appear. This able, zealous, and gallant officer was seen to fall when his company was breaking through the enemy's regiments.
I have the honor to be, sir, yours, respectfully,
JOHN DE COURCY, Col., Commanding Twenty-sixth Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. I, pp. 43-44.
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 15, 1862.
Gen. NELSON, McMinnville:
Rebel accounts of affair at Tazewell are false. The facts are as follows: Morgan
sent De Courcy's brigade to Tazewell to reconnoiter and get forage; they procured 200 loads, and had a slight skirmishNOTE 1 on 5th; on morning of 6th, as
he was returning, De Courcy was attacked, not vigorously, considering vastly
superior force of enemy. Our object was accomplished and the affair a success.
We had but one brigade and a section of artillery. Loss not serious. Nothing has
occurred there since.
It is of highest importance for you to verify the report of Bragg's movement to
Richmond; spare no labor, means, or money to do so. Send Gen. Jackson at
once to report to Gen. Boyle in Kentucky to command a light brigade for active
operations.
JAMES B. FRY.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 341.
NOTE 1: A Confederate newspaper report, below, calls this a "heavy skirmish."
Entries from the diary of William E. Sloan, member of the 5th Regiment of
Tennessee Cavalry [C. S. A. ]NOTE 1
Aug. 6.-The Tazewell battle took place today. Brothers Fielding and Flavel
came to our camp early this morning, and I got Flavel to loan me his horse and
taker my place a baggage guard, and I went with Fielding to join the cavalry,
which we found near Tazewell on the left of the line of battle. The enemy occupied Tazewell, and a heavy artillery fire was kept up on both sides. The cavalry
was not engaged during the day, and the infantry lines did not join in hard battle until toward evening. Our 3d Tenn. Regiment did the principal fighting, and
the enemy was driven from the field at nightfall, but still occupied the town,
and our infantry did not try to follow them in the dark.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 33
August 5, 1862
Aug. 7.-Brother Fielding and I mounted our horses this morning before daybreak and started off alone to reconnoiter.
Passing our picket line we cautiously rode toward Tazewell, expecting to find
the enemy's pickets near the edge of town. Finding no resistance we entered the
town just after day-break, and learned that the last of the enemy left town
before mid-night. We were the first rebels to enter the town, in fact the first to
find out that the enemy was not still occupying the town. We took breakfast
with a family of Southern ladies in town, and some of the young ladies picketed the streets while we ate breakfast, lest the yankee cavalry should charge
and capture us. We then mounted and started back to report our discoveries to
the cavalry colonel, and before we got out of town a very amusing circumstance occurred. We discovered three infantry soldiers approaching town in a
rather straggling manner, and on seeing us they took to their heels as fast as
they could run, thinking that we were the advance of a column of Yankee cavalry
We charged them, as a joke, and soon came up with them. They are very much
relieved in mind on discovering that we were friends but evidently did not relish the joke as well as we did. We then reported to Col. McKenzie of the cavalry, and by his leave we immediately started out again and passing through
Tazewell we took the Cumberland Gap road and followed up the enemy as far
as Powell River, and found that they had retreated to Cumberland Gap. When
Bro. F. and I returned from this scouting trip we found that our troops had just
advanced into Tazewell
Diary of William E. Sloan.
NOTE 1: Sloan was earlier a member of the 3d Regiment of Tennessee Infantry.
Louisville Journal Account
Louisville, August 16 [1862]
We have had the pleasure of an interview with Capt. J. H. Ferry, Quartermaster
of General Morgan's division, who left the Gap at noon on Tuesday last, the
twelfth instant, and he gives a full and explicit denial to the rebel reports of our
reverses in that vicinity. Since the fight at Wallace's Cross-Roads, in the middle
of July, there has been no regular engagement near the Gap until last Saturday,
when Col. De Courcy went out on a foraging party with his whole brigade,
consisting of the Sixteenth and Forth-second Ohio and Twenty-scent Kentucky, Col. Lindsey, and the Fourteenth Kentucky, Col. Cochran, of Gen.
Baird's divisions.
Col. Cochran was in advance with his regiment, about a mile and a half beyond
Tazewell, on picket-duty, when he was attacked by four rebel regiments under
Col. Rains, comprising the Eleventh and Forty-second Tennessee, Thirtieth
Alabama and Twenty-first Georgia. Col. Cochran immediately formed his
command on each side of the road, each flank supported by a piece of artillery
from Foster's Wisconsin battery, under command of Lieut. John D. Anderson.
Page 34 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 5, 1862
The rebels advanced upon the Fourteenth Kentucky in extended line, and their
flanking regiments thrown forward, with the evident intention of surrounding
and cutting off the whole regiment and artillery. Col. Cochran, seeing this,
retired his regiment in perfect order, as soon as the artillery had placed itself in
his rear, and took position where the movement could not be repeated against
him.
The rebels, then changed their plan of attack, and charged by column of regiments, until when within two hundred and fifty yards, Col. Cochran, who had
stood without discharging a gun, poured a terrible fire upon them, which
checked their advance and threw them into disorder. In the mean time, Foster's
entire battery of six guns had been place in position on an eminence in the rear,
and opened fire, which turned the rebel disorder into a rout, and no more was
seen of them. Rebel officers who came in under a flag of truce, acknowledged
a loss of from two hundred to two hundred and fifty, and the Knoxville Register, a copy of which Captain Ferry had read, published the names of one hundred and nine killed.
We lost but three killed. . .
Lieut.-Col. Gordon, of the Eleventh rebel Tennessee regiment, was taken prisoner by two men of the Sixteenth Ohio, and though their company was completely surrounded, they udexterously managed to bring him in to Colonel De
Courcy. The rebels offered to exchange all prisoners taken by them for their
lieutenant-colonel, but the arrangements had not been completed when Captain
Ferry left the Gap. Gen. Morgan issued orders complimenting Cols. Cochran
and De Courcy and their men for their bravery, but it is universally conceded
that to Col. Cochran belongs all the credit and the splendid repulse of the four
rebel regiments.
Rebellion Record, Vol. 5, p. 573.
ATLANTA "CONFEDERACY" ACCOUNT
Morristown [Tenn.], August 8, 1862
The enemy has been met and defeated-in fact, routed; but it has not been as
extensive an engagement as at first supposed; neither has there been the cutting
to pieces of this regiment and that battalion, as stated. The fight was a gallant
one, while it lasted, which, according to the generals despatch, was about four
hours. The enemy were getting bold in the vicinity of our forces, and was gradually extending his lines and committing depredation upon the property of private citizens; so Gen. Smith ordered an attack, to put a check upon his
movements. The skirmish of Colonel Ashby's cavalry, some days ago, was the
forerunner of a movement on him, and shout after shout went up from the
ranks of men almost disheartened that our government would not let them have
a brush. As I learned, the third Georgia and Fourth Tennessee were in advance,
and waded Clinch River, which, being swollen a little, came up to their armpits.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 35
August 5, 1862
It is impossible to draw the Yankees in a fair, open field fight, but they are
always found in strong position, as in this instance. Two miles from and overlooking Tazewell, is a ridge called Waldren's, and it is the scene of several little
artillery duels between the opposing forces. Here Gen. Stevenson, with his brigade, consisting of the Eleventh Tennessee, Fourth Tennessee, Forty-second
Georgia, Eight Georgia battalion, and Yeiser's battery, with the Eufala artillery,
met the enemy. Taylor's brigade acted in conjunction. All went to work to dislodge the enemy with such a furore did they attack him, that in a few hours the
Federals, consisting of about three brigades, turned and fled, the majority at a
run, and some in great disorder. The Sixteenth Ohio was the only regiment that
left in any manner appertaining to good order. As usual, they left a good portion of their dead on our hands, taking seven or eight wagon-loads off previous
to their defeat.
We have not captured any artillery, as announced; neither did the Third Tennessee regiment lose one hundred and nine men in killed and wounded, as
reported; but they fought gallantly, and I have been told that, had they been
supported, they would have taken the enemy's guns in a charge made by them.
Capt. Corput's battery did fine execution, and poured the shot and shell into
their disordered column as they put out in a double-quick for the Gap. Forty
prisoners were captured, a good many stand of arms, and some commissary
stores. Lieut.-Col. Gordon, of the Eleventh Tennessee regiment, (Col. Hains)
was captured by the enemy.
I cannot call this a battle, as it does not come up to my idea of what a battle is;
I denominate it more like a heavy skirmish.NOTE 1 I have asked as high as fifty
person what our losses are, and after putting myself to the trouble of comparing
all statements, I strike a balance of nine killed and thirty or forty wounded.
The loss of the enemy is estimated at from fifty to one hundred and fit in killed
and wounded. It was a brilliant affair, and reflects great credit upon our arm. It
has come like a thunderbolt on the Unionists in this section who were making
their boasts of soon shaking hands with their Federal friends. It has relieved a
large section of the country from the depredations of ravaging foe. The boasted
threat that this railroad would soon be in their hands, coupled with the congratulatory promises of Andy Johnson to dine with his tory friends, is all exploded
now, and pray "where now is heard the scream of Montgomery's eagle?"
The Federals fled to the Gap, and our forces now occupy Tazewell. They have
advanced in a few days over twenty miles in the enemy's front, and I should
not be surprised if this affair, small as it appears, will cause General Morgan to
leave Tennessee, and let his hope for junction with Buell go by the board. The
decisive battle of East-Tennessee is now "trying not to try"-not to find out
where to attack us, but to avoid it and get safely away.
Rebellion Record, Vol. 5, pp. 573-574.
NOTE 1: The method of determining if a fight was a "battle" or a "skirmish," an "en-
Page 36 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 6, 1862
gagement," an "affair" or, as in this instance a "heavy skirmish" was very
subjective. Thus one man's "skirmish" could be another man's "battle." Perhaps this can be explained by understanding that people in the nineteenthcentury did not have the same cultural compulsion for exactness and standardization as people in the twenty-first century do.
ca. August 5, 1862 - ca. August 19, 1862 - Anti-guerrilla scouts in Benton, Dyer and Lauderdale counties, and on Obion River, Federal situation report
HDQRS. CENTRAL DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Trenton, Tenn.,
August 19, 1862.
Capt. M. ROCHESTER, Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Columbus, Ky.:
I have had my cavalry out day and night for two weeks past after different rebel
bands, and in this way have so far kept them down and prevented them from
joining their forces. I have not reported all the movements but only results,
which I suppose the general prefers. The cavalry keep on their track, but it is
hard work to catch them. These swamps and canebrakes are almost impenetrable, and when they once get in them it is useless to hunt farther. So far what
fights we have had have been decisive and greatly in our favor. I have now
some 100 horses and mules taken from them, besides a large number of arms. I
have given to well-known Union men some of the arms that they had been
robbed of, and have turned over some to the Tennessee troops by request of
Governor Johnson. That these bands are being largely re-enforced I have no
doubt. They obtained some 500 good arms out of a rebel boat sunk by us in the
Tennessee River and have made good use of them.
I now have four companies of cavalry on the Tennessee, in Benton County, following up a force said to be 600 strong; four companies in Dyer and Lauderdale following Porter's band, 300 strong, besides separate companies on the
Obion. If it is possible I wish one more company of cavalry could be sent to
Col. Harris at Union City. He needs another company, but I cannot spare it. If
100 saddles could be sent me I would mount some infantry on the contraband
stock and could use them to good advantage.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen., Comdg. Division.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 180-181.
August 6, 1862 - Initiation of planning for Federal forts in Nashville
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 6, 1862.
Capt. MORTON, on Chattanooga Road:
Go at once to Nashville and select sites and give plans and instructions for
redoubts to protect the city. For the present I only propose to throw up small
works to hold from four to six companies and from two to four pieces of artil-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 37
August 6, 1862
lery. They should be in the edge of the city, to command the principal thoroughfares and other prominent points. They should not be within musket-range
of houses that could be used to fire into them. They should have easy communication with the city. See Governor Johnson, and if he approves, devise some
defenses also around the capitol; devise also some defenses for the bridge.
These works must all be practical and as simple as possible in the beginning, so
that they can be constructed with the greatest promptness and occupied immediately by a small force. They can then be elaborated and made more formidable. Start the works at once, the most important first. The commanding officer
will call in slave labor on it. Look to your bridge defenses at the same time. I
shall want you here in a very few days.
D. C. BUELL.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 268.
August 6, 1862 - Confederate guerrilla activity near Lewisburg, Marshall County, Kinderhook, Maury County
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 6, 1862.
Gen. NEGLEY, Columbia:
Gen. Cruft, at Manchester, reports a large force of guerrillas at Lewisburg,
Marshall County. Send Wolford's cavalry and the artillery to Murfreesborough
through that place, with orders to destroy the guerrillas if they can be found.
Let the companies with you go with the regiment to Lewisburg and return to
you when the affair there is settled. They must be careful and not expose the
artillery to loss. Let them act promptly and secretly.
JAMES B. FRY, Chief of Staff.
COLUMBIA, August 6, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
Yesterday between 400 and 500 guerrillas were near Kinderhook. If the First
Kentucky Cavalry can be used against them, dividing the force so as to attack
them at several points simultaneously, they could possibly be surprised.
JAS. S. NEGLEY.
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 6, 1862.
Gen. NEGLEY, Columbia:
Wolford's cavalry is to look after a large guerrilla party reported at Lewisburg,
Marshall County, and cannot go to Kinderhook. There is no more cavalry to
send you.
JAMES B. FRY, Chief of Staff.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 268.
Page 38 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 6, 1862
August 6, 1862 - Federal plans to begin construction of forts in Nashville
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 6, 1862.
Maj. SIDELL, Nashville:
I will send Capt. Morton to select sites and lay off works. Examine the ground
yourself, so as to enable him to understand the situation readily, as the time is
short and he is greatly occupied elsewhere. My notion is that for the present the
works should consist of small redoubts in the edge of the city or very close to
it, and commanding the main avenues of important points.
D. C. BUELL.
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 6, 1862.
Maj. SIDELL, Hdqrs., Nashville:
Capt. Morton, Engineers, is ordered to select sites and lay out works for
defense of Nashville.
Direct Col. Miller to see that the works are pushed with all possible dispatch.
Tell him to call upon slave-owners for hands to work, and put as many on the
works as can be employed.
JAMES B. FRY, Chief of Staff.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 268-269.
August 6, 1862 - General Bragg seeks better division commanders for the Army of Tennessee
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT No. 2, Chattanooga, Tenn., August 6, 1862.
Gen. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector Gen., Richmond, Va.:
GEN.: I have the honor to inclose herewith a list of the general officers serving
with the troops in this department, and a statement of the organization, by
which it may be seen at a glance how deficient these forces are in commanders.
These papers are submitted in view of the objections made to appointments
recommended. No allowance has been made for sickness or other disability
and none for the men absent from the ranks. Were the men borne on the muster-rolls present for duty, as they should be, our brigades would be largely
increased in numbers. I do not hesitate to assert that a fourth of our efficiency
is lost for want of suitable brigade and division commanders. Scarcely a disaster has befallen our arms that cannot be graced to this cause. It is, in my judgment, a pernicious rule to rely for commanders on established rank. No
appointing power can avoid errors through which in time each grade must
become incumbered with some incapable and inefficient officers, who cannot
be employed without material prejudice to the service. For this reason alone
our division commanders should be selected from the best brigadiers available,
which cannot be done unless the rank of major-general is conferred upon them.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 39
August 6, 1862
It will add nothing to their pay and emoluments or increase the expense to the
Government, while all experience convinces me of the advantages that may be
anticipated.
Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 667-668.
August 6, 1862 - Expectations regarding Confederate forces on the Cumberland Plateau
. . . The country is alive with soldiers, they are looking for a [battle] down
about Sparta, but the Yankees have not advanced much this side of McMinnville yet, and to my opinion when they do come, they will see nothing of the
Southern soldiers but their tracks, and hear nothing of them but the complaints
of the people whose substance they have consumed. . .
Diary of Amanda McDowell.
August 6, 1862 - General Orders, No. 69, relative to strict limitations on the circulation of
coin currency
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 69. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE,
Corinth, Miss., August 6, 1862.
I. Hereafter no coin will be permitted to pass south of Cairo or Columbus
except such as is carried by Government agents and for Government use. The
same restriction will be observed at Fort Henry and Fort Donelson.
II. Neither coin, Treasury notes, or goods will be permitted to pass south of
Memphis except for the use of the army. The payment of cash for any article of
use in aid of the rebellion for Southern products will be discouraged in every
way possible.
III. All cotton and other articles coming from points below Memphis will be
seized and sold for the benefit of whom it may concern, the proceeds being
used by the quartermaster until directed by proper authority to turn them over
to other parties, unless the same has been passed by Special permit from the
Treasury Department.
By order of Maj.-Gen. Grant:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 155.
August 6, 1862 - Skirmish at Salem
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
Page 40 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ca. August 6, 1862
August 6, 1862 - Skirmish at Rickett's Hill
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
ca. August 6, 1862 - Murder of General William R. Caswell of Knoxville
"Horrible Murder" [From the Knoxville Register]
This community was inexpressibly shocked today by intelligence of the murder of Gen. Wm. R Caswell by some unknown fiend, near his residence some
six miles east to this city. The only particulars we have of the affair is that her
was found about a half mile from his own home with his throat cut. His servants report that they saw him struggling with some one in the road, but before
they could reach him, he was extinct and the murderer fled.-Immediately upon
the receipt of the intelligence here, a party of our citizens mounted horse and
started out to scour the country in search of the assassin.
The general was in the city yesterday and interchanged greetings with numerous friends.
Gen. C. was about 51 or 52 years of age. He was one of the most universally
esteemed and respected of our citizens. Perhaps no man who occupied as
prominent a position as a public man ever enjoyed more personal popularity.
Affable in his demeanor to everyone, kind and generous and upright and just in
all his transactions, it is remarkable that he should have an enemy so desperate
a character as his slayer must have been. The affair is inexplicable as horrible.
Gen. Caswell was a distinguished soldier, having served through the Mexican
campaign. He was one of the earliest in this city to embrace the cause of the
South at the breaking out of the war. He was appointed by Gov. Harris a Brigadier in the State service, and commanded the forces rendezvoused here until
they were turned over to the Confederate Government when he retired to private life.
P. S. Passengers by the train last night from above say the report at McMillans
station was that Gen. Caswell had been assassinated by a party of men, who
fired upon him from the woods, and after he had fallen from his horse, rushed
upon him and mangled him with their knives. A company of cavalry has been
sent to search for the perpetrators
Chattanooga Daily Rebel, August 9, 1862.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: Nothing is known of the outcome of any criminal investigation; moreover,
this is apparently the only public record of Caswell's murder known to be
extant.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 41
ca. August 6, 1862
ca. August 6, 1862 - ca. August 8, 1862 - Unsuccessful guerrilla attacks on Federal wagon
train, Reynold's Station to Decherd
DECHERD, August 8, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
Three hundred wagons are now arriving here from Reynolds' Station.
Are they to be sent to their divisions or to remain here? They were attacked
three times by guerrillas, but got through safely.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pp. 290-291.
August 7, 1862 - Confederate guerrilla attack on Federal mail train near Spring Hill
Col. J. B. FRY:
The party of guerrillas, between 300 and 400, reported to you yesterday at
Kinderhook, attacked the mail train this morning 12 miles south of Spring Hill
at 9 a.m., having first placed a large number of ties in the road. Two hundred
balls were fired into the wood and iron work of the locomotive. The brakemen
was wounded with four balls. Twelve passengers, citizens and soldiers, were
wounded. The engine forced the obstructions off the track and came to this
place under high speed.
JAS. S. NEGLEY, Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 282.
August 7, 1862 - Correspondence relative to meeting Confederate guerrilla threat in Middle
Tennessee
COLUMBIA, August 7, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
The officer I sent along the line last night to prevent surprise has just returned,
stating that the guerrillas were at several points last night with the evident
intention of destroying the bridges, but were prevented by the vigilance of the
men.
JAS. S. NEGLEY, Gen.
COLUMBIA, August 7, 1862.
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 7, 1862.
Gen. NEGLEY, Columbia:
Two hundred men Kennett's cavalry go to Nashville on train to-morrow for
horses. They are ordered to come back by way of Kinderhook. An officer will
Page 42 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 7, 1862
stop to see you, and get information and concert plan to destroy guerrillas
there. Don't detain Kennett's cavalry longer than necessary for this one scout.
JAMES B. FRY.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 282-283.
August 7, 1862 - Skirmish at Trenton
CAR.
August 7, 1862 - Federal attack on Confederate guerrillas five miles east of Dyersburg at
Wood Springs and suggestion to initiate scorched earth policy in West
Tennessee
AUGUST 7, 1862.-Skirmish at Wood Springs, near Dyersburg, Tenn.
Reports of Brig. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army.
HDQRS. CENTRAL DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Trenton, Tenn.,
August 8, 1862.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report:
Yesterday, August 7, between 2 and 3 o'clock p. m., Capt. Peck and 50 men
attacked Faulkner's company of Jackson's cavalry 5 miles east of Dyersburg, in
the river bottom, and completely surprised them. They report that they killed
some 25 to 30, took 53 horses, a large number of guns, arms, &c. The dispatches taken show that this company crossed the Tennessee line five days ago,
with orders to get into Kentucky to recruit and to burn all cotton they could
find. At the time they left, Col. Jackson was in Senatobia, Miss. Most of
Faulkner's men who escaped left without their clothes, arms, or horses. They
were receiving recruits in large squads from Dyer, Lauderdale, and Hickman
Counties.
I believe our only policy is to burn up these counties. They pay no attention to
the oath, feed and guide the rebels. Two negroes led our cavalry to them, guiding them around their pickets. No white man had the pluck to do it. Most of
Faulkner's company were asleep. They travel in the night and sleep day-time.
North of Dyersburg is another band, 100 strong, waiting to join Faulkner. I
expect to trap them before to-morrow morning unless the news of Faulkner's
rout gets to them. Faulkner's horse and equipments were taken, and one of the
prisoners says he was killed or wounded.
The three prisoners taken are Fielding Bland, who lives within 7 miles of
Blandville; Henry Torpley, 6 miles from Feliciana, Hickman County, Ky., and
W. S. Bennett, 3 miles from Baltimore, Hickman County, Ky.NOTE 1 Our loss
was 7 men wounded, 2 mortally. Our cavalry under Maj. Bush is now following up the scattered band.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 43
August 7, 1862
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen., Comdg. Division.
HDQRS.,
Trenton, Tenn., August 10, 1862.
Capt. Peck with 53 men of Sixth Illinois Cavalry attacked Faulkner's company
of Jackson's cavalry on Thursday between 3 and 4 o'clock p. m., 5 miles east of
Dyersburg, completely surprising and routing them. He reports 20 killed; has
sent in 53 of their horses, most of their arms and ammunition, with 3 prisoners.
Those that escaped left without their clothes, arms, or horses. Their company
roll showed them to be 127 strong. Our loss was 7 wounded, 2 mortally. Their
dispatches taken show they, with Porter's band, crossed the Tennessee line five
days ago; left rest of Faulkner's cavalry at Senatobia, Miss. They were ordered
to burn all cotton west of Tennessee River, and if possible get into Kentucky to
recruit their commands. One of the prisoners taken says he saw all of
Cheatham's army on their way to Richmond via Chattanooga.
I forwarded dispatches by telegraph and letter to the district headquarters
promptly. Will hereafter forward to you as directed. Faulkner's band is used up
and we are catching the stragglers from it.
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen., Comdg. Division.
OR, Ser. I. Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 29-30
NOTE 1: Today Graves County, Kentucky.
From Trenton, Tenn. Special Dispatch to the Chicago Times.
Trenton, August 8 (via Cairo, August 8) Gen. Dodge sent our Capt. Peck and
fifty-three men of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry to attack Faulkner's company of
Jackson's cavalry, who have been burning cotton, who burned the bridge near
Humboldt, and who are committing other depredations in this vicinity. They
surprised Faulkner's band five miles east of Dyersburg yesterday afternoon
[7th] while they were resting and sleeping, as they travel nights and sleep in the
day-time, and completely routed them, killing 30 of Faulkner's men, taking 55
horses, and a great portion of their arms, also Faulkner's horse and his orders
from Jeff. Thompson and Jackson, which are very important to us.
Faulkner was trying to get into Kentucky, but was cut off, and most of his men
shot. He escaped, but left without arms, horses, or clothes.
Gen. Dodge was informed of this camp by two negroes, who guided the cavalry around the rebel pickets. He has freed the negroes.
Capt. Peck and men, though outnumbered, fought very gallantly, and gave no
quarters. His loss was seven wounded, two mortally.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 12, 1862.
Page 44 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 7, 1862
August 7, 1862 - Major-General W. T. Sherman establishes occupation policy relative to
property rights in Memphis
HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, Memphis, August 7, 1862.
Capt. FITCH, Assistant Quartermaster, Memphis, Tenn.:
SIR: The duties devolving on the quartermaster of this post, in addition to his
legitimate functions, are very important and onerous, and I am fully aware that
the task is more than should devolve on one man.
I will endeavor to get you help in the person of some commissioned officer,
and if possible, one under bond, as he must handle large amounts of money in
trust; but for the present we must execute the duties falling to our share as well
as possible. On the subject of vacant houses Gen. Grant's orders are:
Take possession of all vacant stores and houses in the city, and have the rented
at reasonable rates; rent to be paid monthly in advance. These buildings, with
their tenants, can be turned over to proprietors on proof of loyalty; also take
charge of such as have been leased out by disloyal owners.
I understand that Gen. Grant takes the rents and profits of this class of real
property under the rules and laws of war and not under the confiscation at of
Congress; therefore the question of title is not involved—simply the possession, and the rents and profits of houses belonging to our enemies which are
not vacant we hold in trust for them or the Government, according to the future
decisions of the proper tribunals.
Mr. McDonald, your chief agent in renting and managing this business, called
on me last evening and left with me written questions, which it would take a
volume to answer and a Webster to elucidate: but as we can only attempt plain,
substantial justice I will answer these questions as well as I can, briefly and to
the point:
First. When ground is owned by parties who have gone South and have leased
the ground to parties now in the city, who own the improvements on the
ground?
Answer. The United States takes the rents due the owner of the land; does not
disturb the owner of the improvements.
Second. When parties owning houses have gone South, and the tenant has
given his notes for the rent in advance?
Answer. Notes are mere evidence of the debt due landlord. The tenant pays the
rent to the quartermaster, who gives a bond of indemnity against the notes representing the debt for the particular rent.
Third. When the tenant has expended several month's rent in repairs on the
house?
Answer. Of course allow all such credits on reasonable proof and showing.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 45
August 7, 1862
Fourth. When the owner has gone South and parties here hold liens on the
property and are collecting the rents to satisfy their liens?
Answer. The rent of a house can only be mortgaged to a person in possession.
If a loyal tenant be in possession and claim the rent from himself as due to himself on some other debt allow it; but if not in actual possession of the property
rents are not good liens for a debt, but must be paid to the quartermaster.
Fifth. Of parties claiming foreign protection?
Answer. Many claim foreign protection who are not entitled to it. If they are
foreign subjects residing for business in this country they are entitled to consideration and protection so long as they obey the laws of the country. If they
occupy houses belonging to absent rebels they must pay rent to the quartermaster. If they own property they must occupy it by themselves, tenants, or servants.
Eighth. When houses are occupied and the owner has gone South, leaving an
agent to collect rent for his benefit?
Answer. Rent must be paid to the quartermaster. No agent can collect and remit
money South without subjecting himself to arrest and trial for aiding and abetting the public enemy.
Ninth. When houses are owned by loyal citizens, but are unoccupied?
Answer. Such should not be disturbed, but it would be well to advise them to
have some servant at the house to occupy it.
Tenth. When parties who occupy the house are creditors of the owner who has
gone South?
Answer. You only look to collection of rents. Any person who transmits money
South is liable to arrest and trial for aiding and abetting the enemy; but I do not
think it our business to collect debts other than rents.
Eleventh. When the parties who own the property have left the city under Gen.
Hovey's Orders, No. 1, but are in the immediate neighborhood, on their plantations?
Answer. It makes no difference where they are so they are absent.
Twelfth. When movable property is found in stores that are closed?
Answer. The goods are security for the rent. If the owner of the goods prefers
to remove the goods to paying rent he can do so.
Thirteenth. When the owner lives in town and refuses to take the oath of allegiance?
Answer. If the house be occupied it does not fall under the order: if the house
be vacant it does. The owner can recover his property by taking the oath.
All persons in Memphis residing within our military lines are presumed to be
loyal, good citizens, and may at any moment be called to serve on juries, pos-
Page 46 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 7, 1862
ses comitatus, or other civil service required by the Constitution and laws of
our country. Should they be called upon to do such duty, which would require
them to acknowledge their allegiance and subordination to the Constitution of
the United States, it would then be too late to refuse. So long as they remain
quiet and conform to these laws they are entitled to protection in their property
and lives.
We have nothing to do with confiscation. We only deal with possession, and
therefore the necessity of a strict accountability, because the United States
assumes the place of trustee, and must account to the rightful owner for his
property, rents, and profits. In due season courts will be established to execute
the laws, the confiscation act included, when we will be relieved of this duty
and trust. Until that time every opportunity should be given to the wavering
and disloyal to return to their allegiance, to the Constitution of their birth or
adoption.
I am, &c,
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen., Comdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 156-157.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: This policy statement appears also in the Memphis Union Appeal for August
9, 1862, however, it is incorrectly dated in the newspaper as August 7, 1863.
August 7, 1862 - GENERAL ORDERS, No. 66, Major-General W. T. Sherman establishes
policy relative to corruption in public office in Memphis
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 66. HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, Memphis, Tenn.,
August 7, 1862.
I. The general commanding announces with shame and mortification that he
has discovered a case of bribery in one of the public offices in Memphis, viz.,:
the payment of $100 to a clerk in the office of the provost-marshal-general for
a pass to Helena.
II. All officers, soldiers, and employes in the service of the United States are
salaried persons and cannot charge a fee for any official act whatever. It is not
only a crime but a disgrace to the whole country. In like manner it is a crime for
a citizen to officer a bribe; and if any citizen has ever paid or is ever asked to
pay a fee, bribe, or has afforded an opportunity to make profit, to corrupt or
influence any person in the service of the United States, he is hereby notified
that he must give notice thereof to the commanding general forthwith, that justice may be done and the honor of the nation protected against even the suspicion of corruption.
III. To guard against corruption in the future it is ordered that no house taken
possession of by the quartermaster under general orders from Gen. Grant, "To
take possession of and let to loyal tenants the vacant houses in Memphis," shall
be occupied by any officer or employe of the United States Government except
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 47
August 7, 1862
by regular assignment under the army regulations by the quartermaster,
approved by the commanding general. No rents will be paid except to the quartermaster in person or to one of his clerks on the written receipt of the quartermaster, signed by himself and not by proxy.
IV. Anonymous communications will not be entertained, but any citizen or person having cause for grievance will reduce it to writing, stating names and
facts, and signed with the proper name, when redress will be given if necessary. Such communications will be addressed to the adjutant-general of the
division, Maj. J. H. Hammond.
By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 158.
August 7, 1862 - "Why History Should be Rewritten."
In the study of history we are led to conclude that-for the following among
other reasons-it should be rewritten:
First is canonizes martial heroes too much. Is there any good reason, for example, why the son of Philip should be called Alexander the Great? If one murder
makes a villain, ought thousand to make the hero? Ought a man to be immortal
because he monopolizes all wickedness? And yet the pages of history are full
of eulogies in honor of the valorous deeds of martial men, whose fame rests on
their brave feats in war. They scarcely tell us of anything else than their many
bloody wars, their great battles, their great victories, the number of their captives, and the number of their slain. The mind thrives by what it feeds on, and
this has fired many with a ruinous ambition to run the same sanguinary career.
History should be re-written so that the horrors of war may be properly
depicted, and the characters of men of blood properly drawn, in the light of the
great model, the Prince of peace.
History should be rewritten, because it traduces the martyrs of liberty. Nearly
all histories except those written on American soil are subject to this indictment. Who has given us such a history as we should have of the Waldenses, or
of the Lollards, or the Huguenots of the Covenanters, or of the Puritans? Are
they not traduced and calumniated, noble representatives as they were for the
right and the truth, in the volumes that weigh down the shelves of French and
English libraries? Who has written as we would like to read, a full unvarnished
history of the wrongs of Poland, of Robert Emmett and other martyrs of the
Emerald Isle? O, how history, written under the shadow of thrones, has belied
the noble Magyars of Hungary and the martyrs of liberty in fair Italy and sunny
Greece? It is time that the martyred dead had a righteous verdict in their favor.
But again, History should be written, because it favors monarchy too much.
Most of the histories that we put in the hands of our youth were written by
those who were either hostile to republican institutions or indifferent to them.
When we read in them a few sentences favorable to liberty, we exult over these
Page 48 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 7, 1862
choice periods and draw a mark around them, and feel comforted by them
while we read a hundred pages more which are written to reproach republics
and fortify Monarchies. Reges Jure DivineNOTE 1
is a sentiment that should
be expunged from all out text books of history.
History should be rewritten because it is too slow to recognize the hand of
Divine Providence in human affairs. We refer to Hildreth's United States as
defective here. The same criticism may be passed against other histories now
held in high esteem as the classics of the world. Note Gibbon, Hume and Rotteck. We crowd their margins with religious cautions against the covert infidelity, and then we take them into our families and place them in the hands of our
children. No wonder that so many of our public men are so unscrupulous and
apparently so regardless of the Supreme Ruler. The histories they have read
have ignored the Almighty, and they have never been taught to trace the relation between transgression and retribution. We need and must have more our
histories written after the model of D'Aubine, somewhat after the manner of
Macaulay, but more after that of Bancroft.
But once more, history should be re-written because it has too little philanthropy in it. It has canonized martial heroes whose chief boast was the number
they had slain, and it has too often mentioned without the least enthusiasm
names whose eulogies should be written letters of light. I lingers with delight
around a Cortez and Pizarro, making them heroes of romance for centuries,
and it passes over in silence those nobler and truer men who, without royal protection, almost alone, through a "night of toil" embracing years of the severest
suffering and privation, went forth beyond the New World into the broad
Pacific, to civilize and christianize with an open Bible the lost islands of the
sea. It is often lavish of its praise on men whose lives were a burden to others,
and whose death a relief. But the time has come when we demand histories
redolent of goodness and overflowing with humanity. All honor to the men
who will meet this demand. All honor to those who will give us biographies
and such chronicles of the past as will represent God in action as well as man,
in the history of the world.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 7, 1862.
NOTE 1: The divine law of kings.
August 7, 1862 - "TENNESSEE MONEY."
Editor Appeal: A currency article in Tuesday's Bulletin is worth of a few
thoughts, if for nothing else than to elicit further remarks on a subject effecting
every man's interests. It is simply ridiculous to lay the discredit of Tennessee
Money at the door of the cotton buyers, the fault lies nearer home. I charge it
upon cotton sellers, and there let it stick, until the producers of cotton will
receive Tennessee money for their cotton at a fair valuation, as compared with
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 49
August 7, 1862
other great marts of trade. For the evil alluded, the people have a remedy,
which only need application.
The moment Tennessee money will purchase cotton in Memphis the same as
other bank paper, it will pass very nearly at par in St. Louis and Louisville, in
exchange for the goods those cities furnish to Memphis merchants. In any
thinking person fool enough believe, that our money will pass current abroad,
so long as a Memphis broker quotes it at twenty-five per cent discount in our
daily papers. How is it, that one man is permitted to discredit our money
twenty-five percent, when all the solid men of Memphis insist that the paper is
good and should pass current for its face. It was very sharp to invest Confederate script sick in sugar and cotton, and it is still sharper to sell the cotton and
sugar for gold and green backs only, but it is ungenerous to sell the gold or
Treasury notes for Tennessee bank notes, and then insist on dealers taking this
currency at par for articles that cannot be, or are not furnished by, or produced
upon Tennessee soil, and which cannot be replaced by Tennessee money, until
the paper in question will buy cotton at home.
The high prices that consumers complain of paying merchants, is directly
chargeable to their own action, and the sooner they are apprized of it the better.
The cotton and sugar goods consumed her five times over. Now for an exhibition of State pride and genuine and enlightened patriotism, that will frown
down by action a war upon our own money. More anon.
Merchant.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 7, 1862.
August 7, 1862 - Federal restrictions on the use of specie for making purchases in Tennessee
and Alabama
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 40. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE OHIO, In Camp,
Huntsville, Ala., August 7, 1862.
The use of specie by any person in the purchase of cotton or other products of
the country within the limits of Tennessee and Alabama is forbidden, except
for the purpose of making change in sums less than the smallest United States
Treasury note. Violation of this order will subject the offender to arrest and
expulsion from the lines of this army, and the property purchased will be seized
as the result of contraband trade and disposed of for the benefit of the Government.
United States Treasury notes are by act of Congress a legal tender, and they are
to be so recognized by all persons whomsoever. All persons in this district are
required to report to these headquarters any violation of this order which may
come to their knowledge.
By command of Maj.-Gen. Buell:
Page 50 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 8, 1862
JAMES B. FRY, Col. and Chief of Staff.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 284-285.
August 7, 1862 - August 9, 1862 - Federal expedition to resupply General Nelson's division
in McMinnville; an excerpt from Surgeon William M. Eames' letter to his
spouse in Ohio
7-9,
Union Coll. Hospital
Aug. 9th, 1862
Dearest Wife,
~~~
There was a large number of teams went out to McMinnville yesterday & the
day before, not less than 200 with provisions for Nelsons Division. The teams
filled the road for at least 4 miles & must have carried a very large amount of
good things such as hard bread—bacon—pork—beans, coffee & sugar—
~~~
William Mark Eames Papers
August 8, 1862 - Instructions warning Federal cavalry conducting anti-guerrilla operations
not to commit depredations against civilian population in Decherd environs
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 8, 1862.
Gen. THOMAS, Decherd:
Place the strictest injunctions on the cavalry officers going out to-morrow
against committing any outrages whatever. Under no circumstances will they
be tolerated. Only suspicious or notoriously disloyal and hostile persons are to
be arrested. In taking horses it must be done in such way that orderly persons
shall not be deprived of what my be necessary for their ordinary work, and in
every case a formal receipt will be given. A quartermaster or acting quartermaster will take charge of every horse so taken and be responsible for him and
the commanding officer will see that the horse is accounted for.
D. C. BUELL.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 290.
August 8, 1862 - Skirmish and civilian partisan attacks, Chattanooga to McMinnville
McMINNVILLE (VIA MURFREESBOROUGH), August 8, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. BUELL:
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 51
August 8, 1862
Lieut.-Col. Stewart, Second Indiana Cavalry, has just returned from direction
of Chattanooga. He has been within 12 miles of Chattanooga. Captured 12
rebels; killed 1. From the current testimony of all the rebels have not crossed
the river. Col. Sprague, with 300 cavalry, crossed a few days since and passed
up the Spencer road to join Forrest. Reports place Bragg's force at 30,000. I
will send a copy of Col. Stewart's report by mail. Three of the prisoners were
discharged soldiers, and left Tupelo 25th of July, where they report a very large
force. Some of the prisoners are bushwhackers, belonging to no organization.
Shall I try them by military commission?
W. NELSON, Gen.
McMINNVILLE (VIA MANCHESTER), August 8, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. BUELL:
The Second Kentucky Regiment, belonging to Manson's brigade, is guarding
the railroad from Nashville to Murfreesborough. The condition of the country
is as bad as possible; it is in arms almost to a man. Bragg's army is expected by
the people and our extinction to follow. They are behaving accordingly. Three
wagons have been cut off close to camp; patrol fired on, 4 killed; 2 sentries
shot. Forrest between here and Sparta with 2,500 to 3,000 men. Three regiments of infantry expected to re-enforce. I ordered Col. Hazen to Liberty,
where I intended to send Gen. Johnson with cavalry and artillery to meet him,
and for him to move on Sparta by that road. I sent a regiment of cavalry and
artillery to meet him and for him to move on Sparta by that road. I sent a regiment of cavalry yesterday to Caney Fork to attract Forrest's attention, and
intended, as soon as Johnson was in position, to move myself and envelop him.
There would still have been 1,800 men at Murfreesborough after Hazen had
marched. I have sent 200 cavalry down the Chattanooga road to gain news of
the enemy. I solicit instructions.
W. NELSON, Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 293.
IMPORTANT FROM TENNESSEE.
A Dash at the Rebels by Col. Wyncoop—A fight expected at McMinnville,
Tenn.
Nashville, Friday, Aug. 8.
Col. Wyncoop's Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry attacked the rebel Forrest's
force, on Calf-Killer River, near Sparta, killed thirty, and then withdrew and
rejoined Gen. Nelson, at McMinnville, where an attack by rebels in large force
was hourly expected.
It is reported that Gen. Buell has possession of Chattanooga, but it needs confirmation.
Page 52 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 8, 1862
The train from Columbus was fired into by guerrillas, and about twenty passengers wounded. The brakeman died of his wounds today. He received fourteen shots. Cross ties were piled upon the road to obstruct the passage of the
train. The engineer, knowing his only safety was in going ahead, opened the
valves and dashed through he obstructions, thus saving the train.
A small Union force, guarding a wagon train, was to-day driven from Lebanon
back to Nashville.
The body of Gen. McCook was forwarded to Cincinnati this morning. The
Ninth Ohio regiment, of which he was Colonel, inflicted severe chastisement
upon the people residing at the scene of his murder. Seven dwellings were in
flames at one time.
New York Times, August 10, 1862.
August 8, 1862 - Expedition to Anderson County
•See August 13, 1862--Skirmish at HuntsvilleNOTE 1
August 8, 1862 - General Orders, No. 67, Memphis, relative to use of slave or fugitive slave
labor by the United States Army
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 67. HDQRS. FIFTH DIV., ARMY OF THE
TENN.
Memphis, August 8, 1862.
Inasmuch as by law of Congress recently enacted the President of the United
States is authorized to receive and employ the labor of slaves or fugitives from
slavery, and such fugitives on coming to our camps seeking protection, the following rules will be observed at and near Memphis until the President prescribes other rules, when these will necessarily be superseded and made to
conform to the pleasure of the President:
I. All able-bodied negroes who apply for work at Fort Pickering will be
received and put to work by the engineer in charge, Capt. Hoopner; the names
of owners and slaves registered, with date of commencement of work, and a
general description by which the negroes can be known. Such negroes will be
entitled to rations, to be drawn on provision returns similar to those used for
soldiers, and will be supplied with necessary clothing and tobacco at the rate of
one pound per month. An account will be opened with each negro, and his
wages will be charge with the value of the clothing and tobacco; but no wages
will be paid until the courts determine whether the negro be slave or free. The
negroes employed on the fort are working as laborers, and will be allowed to
return to their masters or mistresses at the close of any week, but masters or
mistresses cannot be allowed to enter the fort in search of their slaves, because
it is improper that any one not belonging to the garrison should enter Fort Pickering or even follow its lines and ditches on the outside. A list of negroes so
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 53
August 8, 1862
employed will be kept at headquarters, which may be seen by parties interested.
II. The post quartermaster, Capt. Fitch, will in like manner employ a force of
about 100 negroes out of those who apply to him for work or he may on occasions take by force when he thinks it absolutely necessary to have an increased
for work on the levee, loading and unloading steamboats, coal-boats, and such
like labor, a list of whom, similar to that referred in Paragraph I will be kept by
the quartermaster and a copy sent to headquarters for reference. These will in
like manner be entitled to rations, necessary clothing, and tobacco, but the pay
must be reserved until the proper judicial tribunals determine to whom such
labor and wages belong.
III. Division quartermasters may employ fugitives to drive teams and attend to
horses, mules, and cattle, keeping accurate accounts under the rules of their
department applicable to "Persons and articles employed and hired," and subject to the condition of Paragraph I of this order, this list of persons so
employed to be sent to headquarters for reference; the number of negroes so
hired not to exceed one per team and one to every six span of animals herded
or stabled.
IV. The commanders of regiments may cause to be employed as cooks and
company teamsters not to exceed 5 per company and 10 per regiment for extra
wagons, and 5 for staff wagons; in all, 65 per regiment; which negroes shall be
borne on the muster-rolls and supplied with provisions and clothing as soldiers,
but in no case will they bear arms or wear the uniform. The quartermaster of
the division will supply regimental quartermasters with clothing suitable for
such negroes, an account of which will be kept separate and distinct from that
of the soldiers. These negroes must be kept to their appropriate duties and
place, and the question of wages must remain open and unsettled until the
orders of the President are received, or until fixed by subsequent regulations.
V. The commanding general here thinks proper to make known to the people of
Memphis the principles by which in the absence of instructions from his superior officers he will be governed in all cases arising under these complicated
questions. It is neither his duty nor pleasure to disturb the relation of master
and slave; that is for the courts, which having been destroyed here by our
enemy, are inoperative for the present; but in due course of events there must
and will be tribunals re-established here that will judge and decide in cases
which have already arisen or may arisen under the laws and Constitution of the
United States. Then loyal masters will recover their slaves and the wages they
have earned during their temporary use by the military authorities; but it is
understood that all masters who are in open hostility to the Constitution of their
country will lose their slaves, the title to which only exists by force of that very
Constitution they seek to destroy.
No influence must be used to entice slaves from their masters, and if fugitives
desire to return to their masters they will be permitted to do so; but on the other
Page 54 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 8, 1862
hand no force or undue persuasion will be permitted to recover such fugitive
property.
Officers of the army, from generals to lieutenants, must not employ such fugitives for servants. The Government provides to each officer a distinct pay for
his servant, and this is ample for the hire of a free man. Were we to employ
such fugitives as servants our motives would be misconstrued, whereas their
employment by the Government as in pursuance of law, is clearly within the
rules of war, and will increase our effective force by the number of negroes so
employed.
By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 158-160.
August 8, 1862 - Governor Isham G. Harris expresses doubts concerning Confederate
recruiting and conscription in Middle Tennessee
CHATTANOOGA, TENN., August 8, 1862.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th
ultimo. This would be more speedily done here than by the policy which you
suggest, but I hope the latter may be successful. I shall certainly give all the aid
in my power to make it so. The ranks of most of the Tennessee regiments now
in the service are thinned by disease and the casualties of the field, and as we
advance into Middle Tennessee I confidently expect a large number of volunteers, yet not a sufficient number to fill all of our now skeleton regiments, and
apprehend that it will be found necessary when we shall have regained possession of that part of the State to order the conscripts of the State into service, in
order that those regiments may all be promptly filled. The Government shall
have all the facilities in my power to give to enforce this order when it shall be
made. While we are thus recruiting old regiments I doubt the policy of attempting to raise a new regiment to complete the Tennessee brigade in Virginia. If a
fourth regiment shall be necessary, it is better to order some one of the old regiments to that brigade. I am gratified at the assurance which you gave me that
Gen. Whitthorne should be appointed to command this brigade. His appointment is sought and desired by the brigade, and I am confident he will make an
efficient officer who will acquit himself with credit.
Very respectfully,
ISHAM G. HARRIS.
[First indorsement.]
Secretary of War for attention and reply.
The expectation was that the new brigadier and the officers sent would be
effective to obtain recruits. The conscripts of East Tennessee might be better
employed here.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 55
August 8, 1862
J. D.
[Second indorsement.]
Inform Governor Harris that Gen. Bragg has been authorized to enroll conscripts in Tennessee whenever it is deemed advisable to do so, and that the conscripts from East Tennessee will probably be more valuable here than in
Tennessee. These regiments here might be filled up so soon as East Tennessee
is cleared of the enemy.
G. W. R.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. II, p. 339.
August 8, 1862 - Military Governor Andrew Johnson's policy toward seized Confederate
property
Nashville, Augt. 8th 1862
Genl. Negley,
Columbia, Tenn.
In every instance, after exercising your best judgment, where secessionists
have robbed and plundered Union men of their property, you will out of the
property of secessionists compensate them to the full extent of the loss and
damage sustained. In Making arrests you will make them to the extent that the
public interests require—Let them be many or few. There is a man now in
Columbia recently from the South and intends returning-His name is Squire
Guest.NOTE 1 He ought to be arrested if he can be identified.
What has become of Nicholson?NOTE 2 Did he express any desire to see me?
Andrew Johnson Mil: Gov'r.
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, p. 601.
NOTE 1: Apparently James L. Guest, one time mayor of Columbia, Tennessee, who
had served as a private and 3rd lieutenant of Co. K, 48th Tennessee Infantry.
See Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, p. 601, fn 1.
NOTE 2: A Confederate sympathizer sent south by General Negley on July 29. See
The Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, p. 601, fn 2.
August 8, 1862 - Federal couriers fired upon near Vervilla [Warren county]
TULLAHOMA, August 9, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
Col. Hambright, Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania, commanding at Manchester,
telegraphs that three couriers left McMinnville between 4 and 5 o'clock p. m.
Page 56 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 8, 1862
yesterday with dispatches from Gen. Nelson to me. After passing Vervilla, 14
miles from Manchester, they were fired on by 10 or more rebel cavalry. Two of
the couriers fell and the returned one thinks the one having the dispatches was
killed. Dispatches were in the courier's boots, but whether in cipher or not I am
not informed.
W. S. SMITH, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 300.
August 8, 1862 - General Braxton Bragg plans for the reorganization of the Army of Tennessee
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT No. 2, Chattanooga, Tenn., August 8, 1862.
Gen. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector Gen., C. S. Army:
GEN.: I regard it my duty to submit the following for the consideration of the
War Department:
Many of the regiments of this army are mere skeletons, but with complete regimental organization, which makes them costly without corresponding benefits
to such a degree as to call for a speedy and radical remedy. There are two methods by which the evil may be cured: The weaker regiments may be broken up;
the men, with a limited or restricted choice between regiments and companies,
may be permanently distributed among the troops of the same State and the
officers discharged; or such regiments may be temporarily broken up, the men
assigned for the time to such other regiments as may most require them, and
the supernumerary officers detached to assist in collecting and enrolling conscripts and establishing and conducting camps of instruction, from which men
shall be drawn to fill up the regiments in the service, and to reorganize the old
regiments, in which case all the old soldiers scattered in other regiments shall
be restored.
To the first plan, which has been partially authorized in this department, there
are some patent objections in operation. By it very many incapable, inefficient
officers are retained and some of the best officers in the army are necessarily
discharged. Injustice is done to some worthy, zealous officers, and material
injury wrought to the service, which can ill afford to lose one capable officer at
this juncture. In several instances, in view of an existing deleterious condition,
I have recommended resort to this plan, but am satisfied some better one must
be sought. That, I think, will be found in the second reamed proposed, namely,
the temporary breaking up of all these skeleton regiments, the dispersion of the
men among the several regiments from the same State, and the retention and
employment of all effective, competent officers, with a view to the ultimate
restoration of men and officers to their regiments when recruited from conscripts and volunteers. This method appears to be in harmony with the spirit of
the act approved April 16, and I feel assured will have all the advantages with
none of the defects of the other plan, while it will be more satisfactory to offic-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 57
August 8, 1862
ers and men. To continue these costly skeleton organizations in the field I trust
will not be thought of, and I cannot hesitate to ask that I may at once be
invested with authority to inaugurate the proposed system of reform.
In connection with this I must suggest another and much-needed reform measure: The rolls of every regiment are encumbered with officers absent sick,
many of whom have been absent for months. Men thus absent unfit for duty
would be discharged on surgeon's certificate, and there can be no good reason
why the same rule should not apply to officers, and a regulation established
requiring the discharge of all field and company officers who remain unfit for
duty [except from wounds in battle] for the period of ninety days. Such a regulation would work no hardship to the officers, and be fruitful of benefits to the
service and a great contribution to the efficiency of our arms in the field.
Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 671-672.
August 8, 1862 - General Bragg's GENERAL ORDERS, No. 109, relative to equipment distribution within the Army of Tennessee
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 109. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT No. 2, Chattanooga, Tenn., August 8, 1862.
I. Until otherwise ordered the forces in this department, when taking the field,
will be provided with the following:
Means of transportation.-One wagon for cooking utensils, &c., for 100 men;
one wagon for extra ammunition, &c., for 400 men; one wagon for each regimental headquarters; one ambulance [or light two-horse wagon] for 300 men;
one wagon each for brigade and division headquarters; two wagons for headquarters Army Corps.
Camp equipage.-One tent to each regiment for medical department; one tent to
regimental headquarters; two tents to brigade headquarters; two tents to division headquarters; six tent-flies for every 100 men.
Ammunition.-One hundred rounds ammunition of proper description for
small-arms; a full supply for artillery, and 100 rounds for infantry and 50
rounds for the artillery [extra], to be transported by the ordnance train.
II. All surplus wagons and teams and other means of transportation not prescribed in the first paragraph of these orders will be turned in immediately to
the quartermaster's department.
III. All surplus tents will be transferred to the division quartermasters, to be
turned into the nearest depot quartermaster, or for disposition by the chief quartermaster of the forces.
Page 58 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 8, 1862
IV. Division and brigade commanders will be held responsible for the prompt
and faithful execution of the foregoing orders. They will have a thorough
inspection made before taking the field of every regiment, company, and man
to see that these and previous orders fixing the marching outfit of officers and
soldiers are complied with.
V. All quartermasters will be required on the march to remain habitually with
the rear of their trains, unless specially detached, moving promptly along to the
front whenever the train is interrupted, to ascertain and correct the difficulty if
in their trains.
By command of Gen. Bragg
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 672.
August 8, 1862 - Guerrilla Depredations in Haywood County
"FIENDISH REBEL OUTRAGES."
A Young Woman Outraged by an Entire Gang of Guerrillas, and afterwards
Burned to Death-Her Father Hanged-Miraculous Escape.
[From the Cairo Gazette, August 16]
We have the particulars of a Rebel outrage committed in Haywood county,
Tenn., about 20 miles from Jackson, which are well calculated to chill the
blood of every person who claims the possession of a human heart.
On the night of the 8th instant, a gang of marauders, believed to be part of
Faulkner's band, visited the house of Marshal Waters, an old and respected citizen of the locality, and without any ceremony dashed in the door, seized the
old man, tied his arms behind him, and then securely lashed him to the back of
a horse standing in waiting. The old man's daughter, the only female about the
house was violated by no less than ten of the gang, being first so tied as to render resistance impossible. This shocking and fiendish business accomplished,
the house was burned to the ground, the young woman perishing in the flames.
In a few minutes the whole party were under way, adding to the old man's terrible distraction by reciting to him in detail their shocking outrages upon the person of his daughter, and begging him in a tantalizing style not to take on about
it, as he out to know that he deserved it all for his treason to the Southern Confederacy. He protest[ed] that he had taken no part in the war, had aided neither
one side of the other; that he was an old man and had sought to conduct himself
in such a manner as to avoid any of the consequences of the war.
The party and prisoner stopped when about a mile distant from the ruins of the
house, and unlashing Mr. Waters, they told him to pray three minutes, for at the
end of that time they would be ready to hand him. The old man plead[ed] in
vain for mercy. The rope was placed about his neck, then thrown across a projecting limb, pulled down and fastened to a convenient sapling. Thus the old
man was left to die by inches-to choke to death!
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 59
August 8, 1862
Scarcely had he been drawn from the grown when a crashing was heard among
the undergrowth near by, which caused the murderers to fly precipitously. The
old man finding his hands disengaged, made an effort for life, and actually succeeded in drawing himself to the limb above. It was but the work of a moment
now to unfasten the rope from his neck and to regain the ground, all of which
he did, thanking God for his escape even thus far. On the succeeding day,
exhausted by the severity of the ordeal he had just passed through, he reached
Trenton, where he now lies dangerously ill and delirious.
These details furnished us by a gentleman direct from Jackson, who assures us
that they may be relied upon as being true in every particular.
Memphis Bulletin, August 19, 1862.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited from the Cairo (Illinois) Gazette, August 16, 1862.
August 8, 1862 - Disruptive Federal soldiers in Nashville
Some of the soldiers in our midst are not at all particular as to their treatment of
citizens. On Wednesday night last, a party of them went into the house of one
of our cleverest business men, and demanded liquor, which they were denied,
of course. They thereupon left, but shortly afterward returned with a bottle of
whisky, over which they enacted quite a disgusting farce; ordered supper,
devoured it, and, after insulting the host and hurling a beef-steak at another
person, they abruptly took their leave without paying a farthing for what they
had eaten.
Another soldier yesterday engaged one of our colored hackmen to drive him
about in a prince-like manner for two or three hours, and unkindly refused to
pay his bill. The negro tried to have him arrested, but the civil authorities could
not, and the military guards declined to do so. Cases of this sort are met with
every day, but do not show a faulty discipline or a want of subordination, so
much as a wonderful nack of evasion on the part of soldiers. In a great many
instances of the kind, the city authorities have taken these disobedients into
power and administered justice, but very often they go unpunished for their
malefactions. There is a joint understanding between the military and civil
authorities in regard to such infractions of the soldiery, by which they can and
do act independently or in concert, whenever the bounds of reason are overstepped, as in the cases above cited. Persons who may be imposed upon in this
way, have only to enter complaint at the office of the Provost Marshal, and on
their identification of the offender, their wrongs will be promptly redressed. If
this is not done, they can expect but little protection from the evil-disposed
men who accompany all armies. By a strict conformity with the measures
adopted by the civil and military police, and increased watchfulness and determination on the part of those who may be subjected to these unsoldierly
Page 60 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 9, 1862
abuses, we trust that a feeling of safety and harmony will henceforth be cultivated.
Nashville Dispatch, August 8, 1862.
August 9, 1862 - "Where are the Young Tennesseans?"
•See April 18, 1862--"Has Memphis Done Its Duty?"
Mr. Editor: I desire to enquire of you whether you can tell the public where all
the young and ardent Tennesseans are who are reported to be on the R. Road
from this place to Atlanta-what are they doing? Are they waiting for other men
to fight the battles and open the way to home and families, while they are pleasure-taking at the different towns and watering-places of the country? If this be
true, it is a shame and their cheeks should be mantled with a deep blush of disgrace to be thus idle while the country needs their services so much. The Governor calls for a Tennessee State force, and each one of these young bloods
should report themselves for duty without delay. Keep them stirred up until
they act their proper part in this great struggle.
Signed "S"
Chattanooga Daily Rebel, August 9, 1862.
August 9, 1862 - Editorial from the Cleveland Banner; "In a Nice Fix"
In the breaking out of the present difficulties a good many East Tennesseeans
with treason in their hearts, left and went over to the bosom of King Abraham,
thinking, no doubt, that they would return to their homes in a very short time
with a sufficient army to protect them in their treason. Sixteen months have
gone by and these poor deluded fools are no nearer the object they set out to
accomplish than they were the day they started. They cannot get back to their
homes, and never will. If the war was ended, and arrangements made for their
return they could not live here. They would be looked upon and treated as
tories, loathed and despised-forsaken even by the cowardly wretches who persuaded them to leave their homes and dear ones, for a situation in the Federal
army. Those of them that have left property behind have forfeited it to their
government, and their families will be bereft of it. Who is responsible for this
state of things? Such men as Andy Johnson, Horace Mayfield, Bill Brownlow,
and the smaller lights of toryism who are suffered to run over the country and
preach treason to the people. In this [group are] such pettifoggers as Mitch
Edward and Mr. Brownlow were applauded for their [truth?] while men who
were older and wiser, were scoffed and hooted at for their loyalty. These vile
miscreants are now [receiving?] their just reward at the hands of an often
indignant people. There never was a more just retribution visited upon a corrupt set of men. They sowed the storm-let them receive the fury of the whirlwind. They deserve it. They have no home and are entitled to none in the
Southern Confederacy-They deserted her in infancy when she needed help the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 61
August 9, 1862
cowardly scoundrels shrunk from the task and went over to the enemy-in her
manhood she will never receive to her bosom [these same?] traitors. East Tennessee is and will be a part of her dominion, the opinion of the Laccolites to the
contrary notwithstanding.
Cleveland Banner [no date given], as cited in
Chattanooga Daily Rebel, August 9, 1862.
August 9, 1862 - General Bragg's spat with the Confederate Postmaster
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT No. 2, Chattanooga, Tenn., August 9, 1862.
ADJUTANT-GEN. C. S. ARMY, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 21st ultimo,
inclosing copy of communication from the acting Postmaster-Gen. to you. In
reply I will state that the Post-Office Department is misinformed. No military
possession or control of the telegraph lines in my department has been
assumed by me. Gen. Johnston and afterwards Gen. Beauregard, my predecessors, had a telegraph operator of honesty and skill as superintendent for the
regulation of such matters. The same officer and the same system have been
continued by me. The operator is regarded as any other member of my staff-as
an agent simply to see to the faithful discharge of the duties of his department.
He requires the revenues of the lines erected by military funds to be properly
collected and accounted for. He also audits the accounts of telegraph companies against the Government, and by his action in this particular a large number
of fraudulent charges against the Government have been detected and rejected.
Had the Postmaster-Gen., under the recent act of Congress, applied for the control of the lines in my department he would have encountered no opposition
from me. The extent of the department and the importance of military operations in it, in my opinion, made it his duty to assume control of these lines.
Having failed to discharge this duty it is not graceful in him to withhold necessary supplies for me to do it for him.
It is but justice that I should be furnished with the name of the man who makes
this false report to the Post-Office Department. If my suspicious are correct it
will be found that a certain telegraph operator or agent of that department—a
notorious Dr. Morris, the corrupt tool and representative of a Yankee corporation—will figure in the result. I am credibly informed by an operator on the
line that my official dispatches from Tupelo were never permitted to pass until
inspected by this man Morris and approved by him. This may account for the
non-reception by Gen. Smith at this point of some important dispatches from
Tupelo, by which our very important operations here are very much retarded.
Had I really assumed the control of the lines to the extent imputed by the Postmaster-Gen., it might have been unsafe for this tool of the Yankees to have
played the spy—if not traitor—as to my military dispatches.
Page 62 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 9, 1862
I would respectfully suggest that an imaginary error of mine would not justify
the suspension of telegraph operations in this department, by which our cause
might be greatly jeopardized if not lost. It may be important for the Post-Office
Department to get control of the telegraph, but it is equally important for us to
keep up communications with our troops and defeat the enemy.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG, Gen., Comdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 673-674.
August 9, 1862 - Confederate guerrillas attack Federal outpost at Lynnville
No circumstantial reports filed.
COLUMBIA, August 9, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
Guerrillas numbering about 30 attacked guards at Lynnville, wounding 1 man.
They fired into the cars afterward; captured 7 men and 4 wagons near Reynolds'. I am waiting anxiously for battalion of Kennett's cavalry to report.
The expedition against Hickman's guerrillas is planned, with every probability
of success if not delayed too long. The wealthy secessionists of this neighborhood are undoubtedly aiding and sympathizing with these guerrilla parties.
Many of their sons are with them. I have instituted most vigorous and determined measures against them.
JAS. S. NEGLEY, Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 300.
August 9, 1862 - Andrew Johnson appoints former Tennessee Governor William B. Campbell as prisoner of war commissioner to carry out prisoner of war release
policy
NASHVILLE, TENN., August 9, 1862.
Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-Gen.:
In compliance with authority and instructions from the War Department on 4th
instant I have appointed ex-Governor Campbell commissioner to visit the various prisons containing Tennessee prisoners and prescribe the terms and conditions of their release. All prisoners not officers who are willing to take the oath
of allegiance and give bonds will be released upon parole to report to the Governor of Tennessee, and all who refuse to do so will be retained in prison
exchanged. Governor Campbell will communicate to the War Department
what policy he adopts in regard to the release of these prisoners. I trust in God
that in making an exchange of prisoners that the East Tennesseeans now confined in Southern dungeons will not be overlooked. The eastern part of the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 63
August 9, 1862
State has been too long neglected and our people left to oppression. Let that
portion of her people are now in dungeons be set free at least while there is an
opportunity to redeem them with traitors and rebels.
ANDREW JOHNSON, Military Governor.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 4, p. 362.
August 9, 1862 - Suicide by morphine overdose
Self Destruction.
Mrs. Graham, who has for some time past resided at Mrs. Stewart's boarding
house, on Poplar street, east of Second, was frantic enough to commit the
unpardonable sin of self-destruction. Early yesterday morning, about 3 o'clock,
we learn, she administered to herself, with her own hands, seventeen grains of
morphine, which occasioned her death in a few hours thereafter. What the
cause was, that prompted the melancholy deed, we know not-most probably
will never know; yet we are sure that it is no trifling wrong that will cause a
woman in the prime of life, to resign all on earth, and even the hope of heaven.
Perhaps there is one whose guilty conscience will shake his unmanly frame
when he learns of the suicide death of one whom he once promised to cherish
and protect, but who, when he should have clung to her closest, basely deserted
and left her among comparative strangers, far away from the home of her
childhood and friends.
Mrs. Graham was a native of Oswego, New York, when she was married.
Deceased was about twenty-three years of age, highly educated, and possessed
of more than ordinary beauty. Kind friends gave the poor unfortunate's remains
all the attention proper to a decent burial.
Esquire Richardson held an inquest and returned a verdict in accordance with
the above fact.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 10, 1862.
August 9, 1862 - A. J. Lacy's letter home in Jackson County
The 9th 1862
State of Tenn Overton Co August
My affectionate wife i Seat my Self to write you a few Lines to Let you know
that I am well at this Time it is reported That wic wee have To Start To knoxvill
Next monday and i want A fine Shirt my black vest And Neck hankerchief and
Send me A Shirt colar by who Ever takes This To you. I am now At the widow
Gardenhire now
Our first Lieutenant has Just now arrived here from Sparta and Days That The
Yankees is give back To McMinnsville So No more but will remain your affectionate Husband
Page 64 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 9, 1862
A. J. Lacy.
Lacy Correspondence.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: TSLA Confederate Collection, Box C 28, folder 17, Letters—Lacy, Andrew
Jackson, 1862-1863 [Hereinafter cited as: Lacy Correspondence.]
August 9, 1862 - An advertisement in the Chattanooga Daily Rebel
FOR SALE or EXCHANGE A NEGRO WOMAN, Good Cook, Ironer, and
Washer, FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE FOR A BOY.
Apply at this office.
Chattanooga Daily Rebel, August 9, 1862.
August 9, 1862 - Conditions at the Union hospital in Murfreesboro; an excerpt from Surgeon William M. Eames' letter to his spouse in Ohio
Union Coll. Hospital
Aug. 9th, 1862
Dearest Wife,
~~~
. . . We have now 160 patients & probably shall get 20 more to-day. We took in
43 yesterday & some of them were very sick. . . Some of the gun-shot wounds
are very bad yet tho, I think that none will die. There is one who was shot in the
back of his neck & the ball lodged in the spinal canal. He is completely paralyzed on one side but now sits up part of the time (8 or 10 hours per day) says
he feels bully. Others have bones broken, & terrible discharges of pus but all
are doing admirably I think. We had 77 gun shot wounds in July & only lost 2.
There were 12 cases of fractures. 42 cases of Typhoid Fever etc., etc.
We lost 17 in the month out of 448 cases a little over 3 per cent of deaths. We
have a new General here now Gen. Crufts & I like him first rate. He is quite a
gentleman & has tried to help us at the Hospital all he could. For several days
we were out of flour & of course out of soft bread—He gave an order to the
dealers in flour in town to let us have some flour, & then ordered some from
Nashville, for our special benefit. I am trying to help him all I can in the way of
disposing of the sick. That is the reason I got the 42 yesterday—We took
charge of getting them all up to the Hospital & will have to get several more
today. The Souls Coll. HospitalNOTE 1 looks dirty and miserable. . .
~~~
William M. Eames Papers
NOTE 1: Soule College, was established in Murfreesboro in 1825 as "The Female
Academy." During the Civil War it was, like Union College (1822), used as
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 65
August 9, 1862
a hospital by Federal forces in Murfreesboro. See: Tennessee Historical
Commission, Tennessee Historical Markers, 8th ed., (Nashville: Tennesseee Historical Commission, 1996), pp. 28-29.
August 9, 1862 - The Cumberland Alley Stone-throwers
We are informed that the Cumberland Alley Stone-throwers are such adepts in
their profession as to have succeeded, on day before yesterday, in "landing"
three of their missiles on the top of a lady's bonnet as the wearer thereof was
passing between Summer and High Streets. It seems that a number of juveniles
meet daily near the Summer Street corner of the above alley, where, from dawn
till dark, they amuse themselves in pelting the passers by. It is needless to say
that we have been requested to invite the City Marshal to be present at the next
meeting of the Stone-throwers.
Nashville Daily Union, August 9, 1862.
August 10, 1862 - "THE BATTLE OF SHILOH," poetry by W. L. Partridge, 25th Indiana
Infantry then in Memphis
THE BATTLE OF SHILOH
Friends of Columbia! Now draw nighLook on a conflict of mortal woe;
Ranged in long lines all ready to die,
Here are your friends, and there is the foe
Willing to die and prepared to fight.
Undisciplined forces we feel no fear,
For the laws and liberty, God and the right,
Now strips for battle the volunteer.
Look at that boy-as the battle lowers,
Sparked his eye, and erect his frame;
Now is the time to test his powers,
Now he can win him a glorious name.
Liberty calls him to fight in her cause;
Though blanched his cheek he know no fear.
For the absent and loved one moment's pause,
Then rush to battle the volunteer.
Look at that man-he is almost old,
His wife and children are far away,
His country called for the strong and gold,
He's ready to join in the dreadful fray.
Hark! To the cannon's booming roar,
List! to the rifles cracking near,
The heroes of Shiloh are suffering now,
May God watch over the volunteer.
Page 66 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 10, 1862
There stand the ranks of the triple foe,
Here the brigades of the brave and freeShell and bullets are laying them low,
God of Heaven! They look to Thee,
Foot by foot they contest the field,
Lions at bay, they're forced to the rear,
Crushed, not conquered, they slowly yield,
And blood flows free from the volunteer.
The night and the pelting rain close o'er
That red stained field. Death stalks around,'
And blood and water mingled, pour
Christ-like, from many a gaping wound.
Another day, and 'tis still the same,
Fresh victims rush on in front from the rear,
And the bleeding boys-but words are tame
To tell the deeds of the volunteer
Friends rally around and into the fight,
The flag of liberty floats on high;
Lion and tiger like-death for the rightBravely they conquer, or nobly they die.
Gallantly flight these boys-for you,
Mother and sister and sweetheart [so dear?],
And wife and children-rich blood so true
Comes from the heart of the volunteer
Hark!, the glad sound! 'Tis victory's pealGladly, sublimely, it covers the plains,
Bullet-marked trees exultingly reel,
And eyes closed in death seem to glisten again.
Oh! What an hour of bounding bliss,
To the weary and wounded dying there!
And for such battles and victories
Columbia calls on the volunteer.
Piles on piles of the dead lay there,
Hundred of acres are covered o'er,
With the rings of freedom. The strong and fair,
The noblest of nobles can fight no more,
On each little ridge of that solemn plain
In a row of graves; and buried there
Are the hopes and fears and joys and pains
Of many and many a volunteer.
And many a mother's aching breast
And widow and orphan's tearful eye
Will turn to the loved ones laid at rest
Upon the banks of the Tennessee.
And Shiloh's fame shall forever stand
On history's pages afar and near,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 67
August 10, 1862
And grieved in the hearts of Columbia's land,
Are the daring deeds of the volunteers.
Memphis Union and Appeal, August 10, 1862.
August 10, 1862 - Federal reconnaissance, Decherd toward Chattanooga
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DISTRICT OF THE OHIO, Decherd, Tenn.,
August 10, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. BUELL, Huntsville:
Dispatch received. Have sent orders to Gen. Schoepf to have a strong reconnaissance made in his front. Will telegraph Gen.'s Smith and Nelson.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 306.
August 10, 1862 - Federal cavalry expedition from Decherd toward New Market, Alabama
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DISTRICT OF THE OHIO, Decherd, Tenn.,
August 10, 1862.
Col. MINOR MILLIKEN, Cmdg. First Ohio Cavalry:
COL.: Inclosed please find orders from Hdqrs. Army of the Ohio for cavalry
expedition in the direction of New Market.
Your instructions are very explicit concerning the ground over which you are
to march. The general directs that in all matters connected with the expedition
you carry out the instructions of the general commanding.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. E. FLYNT, Assistant Adjutant-Gen. and Chief of Staff.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 307.
August 10, 1862 - Major-General William T. Sherman's report to Military Governor
Andrew Johnson relative to the location of the missing assets of the Memphis Branch of the Union Bank of Tennessee
HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, Memphis, Tenn., August 10, 1862.
His Excellency Gov. ANDREW JOHNSON, Nashville:
SIR; Your esteemed favor of August 1 was handed me yesterday by Mr. Smith
cashier of the Memphis Branch of the Union Bank of Tennessee, and I
promptly gave him the desired permission to go to Grenada to look up the
assets of his bank, but I know full well that his visit will prove unsuccessful.
No officer there would dare give up anything of use or value to them. I
explained at length my views to Mr. Smith of the duties and obligations of him-
Page 68 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 10, 1862
self and associates in the present strait. The bank has put in circulation notes to
the extent of over a million of dollars and are indebted to their depositors for
funds to a large amount. These liabilities are of a high and honorable character
and the bank must redeem them. As trustees of this debt they will be held to a
strict account. They must do all that is possible to secure the property and
assets of their bank and apply them honestly to the redemption of their circulation and depositors.
It seems their bullion in coin and assets, notes made here and elsewhere, have
been carried away by force and fraud. They deny complicity. They have not the
power to retake their coin, which is therefore lost to them, but they can secure
the notes. These notes are made payable here and are secured by property in
Tennessee. Although the mere pieces of paper are at Grenada, the debts are
here, and I must insist that the officers of the bank give public notice that the
notes must be paid here by the makers or the securities will be proceeded
against. Again the assets were removed by force and fraud by Beauregard and
others, who have property here which is liable for their unlawful acts. Out of
these the branch bank can and must recover the means to redeem their notes
and pay back to their depositors. They should do so at once, lest tactics be
changed and men pay or pretend to pay their notes elsewhere.
The difficulty only is they fear the power of the common enemy and are trembling lest they commit themselves in case our enemy prevails. The branch bank
here was vacant or not in use. Gen. Grant ordered me to take possession of all
vacant buildings and appropriate them to the use of the United States. I could
have taken this building, but have forborne until the directors have time to
assume their ground. They must be true to their trust, declare boldly and
openly against the parties who robbed them, at once begin to realize on assets
which, though seemingly removed, are still here, else I have no alternative but
to conclude that they are in complicity with our enemies and treat them as
such.
I know that you agree with me in this—that all men must now choose which
king. This by-play is more dangerous than open, bold rebellion. A large
amount of the success of our enemies has resulted from their boldness. They
have no hair-splitting. We, too, must imitate and surpass their game and compel all men and corporations to at once espouse the cause of their State and
National Governments, thereby securing full right to protection, or openly to
rebel and forfeit their property and their lives. Please say as much to the president of the bank.
I am, with great respect,
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 161-162.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 69
August 10, 1862
August 10, 1862 - Correspondence from Robert B. BlackwellNOTE 1 to Military Governor
Andrew Johnson in relation to illegal salt sales in Bedford County
Shelbyville, Ten Aug. 10th, 1862
Gov Johnson
D Sir
I understand that it has been reported at Nashville that I was running salt
through the lines or was aiding in doing so [.] I State that the charge is untrue,
it is true, that I have brought salt at Nashville at three (3) different times, and
taken it to Richmond Bedford County, wher I have a grocery store. I there sold
it to citizens and I have also bought salt at Shelbyville, and taken it out to my
house & sold it in the same way. I have not except in one instance (and then
there was no provo Marshall here) taken any salt to Richmond with the permission of Military authorities at Shelbyville and the last time I took salt to Richmond I would have obtained the permission of the authorities if there had been
a post here; my house is at Richmond 10 or 11 miles from Shelbyville where I
am doing business openly & publicly. I have never sold salt to any one that I
had any reason to suspect that was purchasing it to re-sell; nor have I sent any
salt off from Richmond to be sold, or carried beyond the lines, but my sales
were confined to citizens and not in large quantifies, in fact when I commenced
selling salt in that neighbourhood there was not salt in it and the farmers the
very first oportunity they had supplied themselves, for the year which they
were in the habit of done sic in peaceful times[.] I am ready to make a showing
at any time you or any officer may want to see it as I have done nothing that I
believed I was not authorized to do and if it is not right for me to sell to Citizens I want to know it, as I do not intend to violate any rule knowingly. I have
written a much longer letter than I intended, but don't like such charges to be
made against me[.]
Yours &c
R. B. Blackwell
N. b if it necessary; I will come down & make a showing.
RBB
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, pp. 603-604.
NOTE 1: Blackwell was the constable at Richmond, Bedford County, in 1860. In this
letter he seems to take the position of a Federal patriot, but by 1864, for reasons unknown, he had become a notorious guerrilla leader. The Papers of
Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, p. 604, fn. 1.
August 10, 1862 - A protest against Memphis banking practices
MONEY MAKING EXTRAORDINARY.
Page 70 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 10, 1862
Editor Union Appeal:
Wall Street is not proverbial for the honesty of its denizens, nor is any commercial locality in a metropolis the best place to find men distinguished for the
purity of their monetary morals. The present banking institutions of Memphis
are engaging in certain pecuniary transactions that throw the bulls and bears of
New York far into the shade. Sight drafts on the East, with proper indorsers, are
accepted at the desk of the Union Bank, and credit given therefore, but the payment to the holder is made, for the face of the draft, in Tennessee funds only.
When we remember that the difference between Tennessee money and sight
exchange is upward of twenty-five percent., it will readily be seen that the
banker has a good margin left for profit. Any small swindle on the part of brokers might be temporarily borne with, but twenty-five per cent. Is a little too
large for human endurance. Cannot this evil be corrected[?]
Memphis Union Appeal, August 10, 1862.
August 10, 1862 - A Negro religious service near Bolivar; observations of an Iowa private
. . . This afternoon I attended a Negro Meeting—About twenty old Negroes run
the Noisy part of it and two or three hundred lazy darkeys lay around in the sun
and listened Some of them were playing cards and some marbles and others
were asleep. They were dressed in all colors and styles of clothing but most of
them were very ragged. . .
Boyd Diary
August 10, 1862 - Meeting a growing guerrilla threat in Hickman and Lawrence counties
COLUMBIA, August 10, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
The Third Kentucky Cavalry were ordered here to act in concert with Kennett's
cavalry. The guerrilla parties who are committing these depredations rendezvous west of this, in Hickman and Lawrence; are increasing in numbers. Can
only be accomplished by surprise, which I will certainly effect if permitted use
of the cavalry. According to my familiarity with the country to send poorly
mounted cavalry along the public roads will never succeed unless by mere
accident.
JAS. S. NEGLEY.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 305.
August 10, 1862 - Guarding trains from Mufreesborough and Decherd
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 10, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. THOMAS,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 71
August 10, 1862
Decherd:
Written orders were sent you two days ago to send guard of 40 men on each
train to Murfreesborough, each guard to return on next train from Murfreesborough to guard it as far as Decherd.
J. M. WRIGHT.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 305.
August 10, 1862 - The surgeon's joke; an excerpt from the letter of William M. Eames to his
wife in Ohio
Union Coll. Hospital
Aug. 10, 1862
Dearest Wife,
~~~
I played a good joke on one of the men yesterday who made himself sick eating apples & trash. He had colic & I remarked to the nurse that I would give
him an emetic, - but instead I gave him laudanum & Ess. NOTE 1
Peppermint He took it & tho't that it was an emetic & vomited powerfully. I laughed
at him this morning & told him the jokeNOTE 2. . .
~~~
William M Eames Papers.
NOTE 1: Essence of peppermint.
NOTE 2: The soldier's reaction upon being told of the joke is not recorded.
August 10, 1862 - August 11, 1862 - Reconnaissance from Brownsville to the mouth of the
Hatchie River
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 10, 1862 - August 11, 1862 - Pursuit of Confederate guerrillas and destruction of
bridges by Federals
HDQRS., Trenton, Tenn., August 10, 1862.
Maj. Gen. JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Jackson, Tenn.:
A large force of mounted men have gathered between here and the Tennessee
River and threaten the road north of this place. I have ordered Lieut.-Col.
Hogg, with the cavalry belonging to this division, to report here immediately.
Porter's company of Jackson's cavalry are north of the Hatchie. Last night they
were working north. All my cavalry are after them. The dispatches taken from
Falkner show that Porter and Falkner were ordered to burn all cotton between
Page 72 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ca. August 10, 1862
the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers, and if possible get into Kentucky.
Falkner's men are scattered, trying to remount themselves and stealing arms. I
got nearly all their horses and some 60 of their arms, with their ammunition.
They are working south in squads.
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen., Comdg. Division.
BOLIVAR, August 10, 1862.
Gen. McCLERNAND:
Gen. Grant telegraphs me to destroy the bridges and ferries on the Hatchie
except such as we can guard. Is Col. Lawler still at Estenaula, and if so, am I to
use his ferries to carry out the above order, or will Col. Lawler attend to the
matter in his section without my orders? To what point, if any, on the Hatchie
toward Estenaula am I expected to defend the crossing? There are two ferries
between here and Pocahontas. I will destroy them to-morrow. The bridge at
Pocahontas had better be attended to by force from Corinth, as its is nearer
L. F. ROSS, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 161.
ca. August 10, 1862 - ca. August 16, 1862 - Federal counter-insurgency and pacifications
missions in Trenton, Chestnut Bluffs, Dyersburg environs
HDQRS. CENTRAL DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Trenton, Tenn.,
August 12, 1862.
Capt. DAVIS, Comdg. Officer, Sixth Illinois Cavalry:
You will proceed with your command toward Chestnut Bluffs; will join Capt.
Lynch, who is now scouting in that neighborhood. It is reported that there is a
force of rebels in that neighborhood some 200 strong. You will get on track of
them and give them no rest till you rout them or drive them out of the country.
After disposing of this band you will proceed to Dyersburg and administer the
oath to such citizens as desire to come forward and take it. Disarm all known
sympathizers with the Southern rebellion and notify the citizens of the consequences of harboring these guerrilla bands. Arrest all persons who are known
to have aided Falkner's company. Send them in here with all their property that
can be used by the United States Government. Be very strict and allow none of
your men to commit any unauthorized depredations upon the person, or property of any citizen. If you obtain knowledge of any other hand of rebels you
will give them no rest till they are either whipped or run out of the country.
By order of Brig. Gen. G. M. Dodge:
GEO. M. REEDER, Lieut., Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 164.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 73
August 11, 1862
August 11, 1862 - Skirmish at Saulsbury, boats at Simon's & Holton's Ferries destroyed
AUGUST 11, 1862.-Skirmish at Saulsbury, Tenn.
Report of Brig. Gen. Leonard F. Ross, U. S. Army.
BOLIVAR, August 12, 1862.
GEN.: Capt. Funke of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry has just returned from
Saulsbury. On yesterday morning they attacked and dispersed guerrilla band
organized at Saulsbury. The captain of the company, with 27 horses and mules
and equipments, was taken. The expedition was decidedly successful. The boat
at Simon's Ferry is destroyed and that at Holton's brought down.
L. F. ROSS, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I. Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 31.
August 11, 1862 - Affair [counter guerrilla] near Kinderhook
AUGUST 11, 1862.-Affair near Kinderhook, Tenn. Reports of Brig. Gen.
James S. Negley, U. S. Army.
COLUMBIA, TENN., August 11, 1862—3 p. m.
My movement against the guerrillas who have committed the great outrage has
been completely successful. Megowan's command of Third Kentucky Cavalry
and First Tennessee Cavalry, 108 men, engaged 175 of the enemy near Kinderhook at 5 a. m., continuing the contest fiercely for four hours. Seven were
found killed, numbers wounded, 27 prisoners, among whom are a number of
officers. Our loss was 3 killed. The woody and broken character of the country
and the combatants scattered prevents an accurate estimate of the enemy's loss.
I have received news from Maj. F. H. Kennedy, of my staff, commanding
another portion of the expedition. He is driving the enemy in every direction.
JAS. S. NEGLEY, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
COLUMBIA, August 16, 1862.
Maj. Rogers Kennett's cavalry has just returned from Centreville, having
driven the guerrillas from that place.
The Third Kentucky are just in from a scout. Part of the battalion is in Nashville getting horses.
The two companies First Kentucky are in readiness to surprise a small party of
guerrillas at Cedar Springs.
The defeat of the guerrillas at Kinderhook was of greater importance than first
reported, both in killed, wounded, and dispersion of the band.
JAS. S. NEGLEY, Brig.-Gen.
COLUMBIA, August 17, 1862.
Page 74 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 11, 1862
You will be pleased to hear that the defeat of Napier's and Anderson's guerrillas
near Kinderhook was more complete than reported. Upwards of 20 are
reported killed, the band stricken with terror, and scattered in every direction.
A prisoner captured yesterday gives the following, I believe, reliable information: Hdqrs. Cooper's band removed to Persimmon Branch, 6 miles west of
Ashland; Col. Jake Biffle's headquarters 5 miles south of Ashland; Tom Williams' Buffalo Creek, 8 miles southwest of Henryville.
When the Third Kentucky get their horses if they could be used against these
nests in would be good policy. These sudden surprises frighten many of the
scoundrels back to their homes. Six hundred citizens of this county have taken
the oath this week. I hope to have every prominent citizen in this county under
oath or out of the lines by the end of next week.
JAS. S. NEGLEY, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 842-843.
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 11, 1862.
Gen. NEGLEY, Columbia:
Gen. Buell congratulates you on your success in the affair with the guerrillas. It
is gratifying and valuable.
Call upon your prisoners to show evidence of belonging to the Confederate
service.
JAMES B. FRY.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 310-311.
August 11, 1862 - Six Skirmishes at Williamsport environs
No circumstantial reports filed.
COLUMBIA, TENN., August 12, 1862.
Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:
Maj. Kennedy, with two small companies First Kentucky Cavalry, encountered
the guerrillas in greatly superior numbers six times yesterday and last night at
various points below Williamsport, defeating the enemy in each affair with
considerable loss. Our loss only one wounded.
JAS. S. NEGLEY.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 324.
August 11, 1862 - Failed burglary, Memphis
Attempt and Failure at Robbery
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 75
August 11, 1862
Midnight robbers and burglarous thieves are still prowling about in this city,
seeking every opportunity and using every conceivable device to effect their
puposes robbery, plunder, and theft, as such attempts as the following plainly
testify: About 12 o'clock, Monday night [11th], when honest thought was
absorbed in unconscious slumber, and dame Nature had spread her curtain of
darkness over all creation's works, there being nothing to illuminate the quiet
scenes of earth, save the glimering light of the moon, three men banded
together for the purpose of robbing, called at Mrs. Steward's in the rear of a
grocery at the corner of DeSoto and Linden streets, aroused her, and informed
her that her husband, a hackman, was in the calaboose, and wanted her to get
some money and go with them to have him released. She received them in the
house and they asked for water. She stepped out to get it, and, on returning,
found the men searching the room, who, then, demanded where she kept her
money. She refused to say, when one of the scoundrels struck her severely
across the throat with a weapon, but she was about to prove an over-match for
him, when the others came to his assistance, and cut and bruised the woman
severely. The rascals, however, failed in their purpose, and went off without
their expected booty. This is the fifth attempt to rob Mrs. Steward.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 13, 1862.
August 11, 1862 - Major-General W. T. Sherman on gold as contraband and dispersion of
Jews
•See July 30, 1862--Major-General W. T. Sherman enforces trade restrictions
on contraband articles
MEMPHIS, August 11, 1862.
Hon. S. P. CHASE, Secretary of the Treasury:
SIR: Your letter just received, at same time an order from Hdqrs. of the Army
at Washington to encourage the purchase of cotton, even by the payment of
gold, silver, and Treasury notes.
I may of course be mistaken, but gold and money are as much contraband of
war as arms and ammunition, because they are convertible terms, for you know
money will buy anything for sale at Saint Louis and Cincinnati, and I declare it
impossible to keep such articles, be they salt, power, lead, or anything, from
reaching the South. Also, gold will purchase arms and ammunition at Nassau,
in the Bahamas, and you know that one vessel out of three can run the blockade. The flock of Jews had disappeared, but will again overrun us. I had so
arranged that cotton could be had for currency, Tennessee and other bank notes
good here but not elsewhere. The whole South is now up, and all they want is
arms and provisions. Salt at Grenada is worth $100 a barrel, and if trade be
opened Memphis is better to our enemy than before it was taken.
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. III, Vol. 2, p. 349.
Page 76 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 11, 1862
August 11, 1862 - Illegal cotton trading in Hardeman County; the letter of Col. William L.
Sanderson, 23rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, to his daughter in Indiana
Camp near Bolivar, Tenn.
Augt 11, 62
Dear Daughter,
I must write for a few lines, although no news of interest, find enclosed five
dollars, a small souvenir, showing that I have not forgotten you.
We had a delightful shower last night witch laid the dust, and cooled the air.
this has been a delightful day cool and pleasant and best of all no dust, our
Contrabands about hundred of them are hard at work, cheerful and happy, I
have a little more on my hands, at present, I have the command, in addition to
my brigade, of all the fortifications wich are six in number, I ride around once
every day, have a little talk with the officers in command of them, and pass on
all my orders to them are in writing wich of course is carried out by my
mounted orderlies, I have nothing to do with the construction, that part of the
work is under the charge of Competent Engineers, we put it all on my ambitious daughter, your fifty year old Pa puts on the dignity thick. . . -we made a
good thing out of old Major McNeely today, they found out that he subscribed
ten thousand Dollars to the Rebel fund in Cotton, he sold the cotton for Gold,
and Genl. Ross informed him this morning that he must pay over that amount
of gold. . . right into his hands, he is very wealthy and can afford to loose that
much, he has taken the oath of allegiance sometime back, but the money must
be paid, we are working the Rebels about right now Good night ever your Pa P.
S. Daughter in my letter I said five dollars, but I will make it ten for your benefit.
Sanderson Letters.
August 11, 1862 - "Every facility possible will be afforded for getting cotton to market."
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 68. HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, Memphis, Tenn.,
August 11, 1862.
The following orders have been received from department headquarters, and
are published for the benefit of all concerned;
In pursuance of orders from the Hdqrs. of the Army at Washington all restrictions on the sale of cotton and prohibition of the payment of gold therefore are
hereby annulled. Every facility possible will be afforded for getting cotton to
market. NOTE 1
By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant:
JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 77
August 11, 1862
By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant AdjutantGen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 163.
NOTE 1: This order from Washington contradicts the information from Colonel
Sanderson to his daughter, immediately above. Apparently the Yankee need
for Confederate cotton for its textile mills superseded the patriotism of the
industrialist of the North.
August 11, 1862 - August 12, 1862 - Federals Capture Guerrillas, Guerrillas Capture Federals on the Brownsville Road
•See August 12, 1862--Skirmish with guerrillas near MemphisNOTE 1
Guerrillas capture Cap. Lampe and Two of His Men.—Day before yesterday
[11th] Capt. Dicks and Capt. Lampe, with eight of their men went out for some
purpose on the Brownsville road. Night before last they met twenty Guerrillas,
of whom they captured seven. Yesterday [12th] about noon, while they were
setting down to discuss some fresh cooked chickens, twenty odd miles distant,
still on the Brownsville, road, a large band of guerrillas came upon them the
second time, and took Capt. Lampe and two of his men. Capt. Dick shot the
leader of the band and by skillful management made his escape. The horse of
Capt. Lampe fell with him, hence his capture.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 13 1862. NOTE 1
NOTE 1: There is no independent corroboration found in the OR for this incident or
people. It is most likely true, and one of many similar events that were not
recorded anywhere but in the newspapers of Tennessee.
August 12, 1862 - The tunnelNOTE 1 & trestle work between Bowling Green & Gallatin &
bridge between Nashville & Gallatin destroyed, and 40 cars burned
•See August 12, 1862-August 13, 1862-Capture of Gallatin, Tennessee, and
destruction of bridges in that vicinity (12th), and skirmish (13th).
ABINGDON, VA., August 18, 1862.
THE SECRETARY OF WAR:
Col. John H. Morgan has destroyed tunnel between Gallatin and Bowling
Green, took Col. Boone, of Twenty-eighth Kentucky, and 220 prisoners,
besides destroying 40 railroad cars. He says Kentucky only wants the presence
of Confederate force to revolt, and urges immediate action.
~~~
H. MARSHALL, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 763.
Page 78 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1862
NOTE 1: Tennessee Historical Marker No. 3 B 50 commemorates the destruction of
the "Big South Tunnel." The text of the marker explains how this one act of
destruction slowed Federal supply trains to Nashville for a period of 98
days, thus putting off the eventual defeat of the Army of the Tennessee by
the same time interval.
August 12, 1862 - Skirmish with guerrillas near MemphisNOTE 1
•See August 11, 1862-August 12, 1862-Federals Capture Guerrillas, Guerrillas Capture Federals on the Brownsville Road
True Report of the Skirmish between Capt. Dircks and Ten Men and a Guerrilla Band numbering from Forty to Sixty well armed, on Aug. 12th.
Communicated
Memphis, August 13, 1862.
About 11 o'clock yesterday morning, while feeding our horses at Mrs. Backton's, we were attacked by a large band of guerrillas. Capt. Dircks ordered us to
get ready at once and follow him, thinking he could whip the band as he
advanced upon them. Some three of his men failed in getting their horses. The
ever brave Captain was the foremost, with only Sergeant Reddelhuber by his
side, and stood a heavy shotgun fire, and when near a fence corner, Capt.
Dircks and the Captain of the guerrillas met in close quarters in the conflict.
Capt. Dircks managed to kill the guerrilla Captain, but upon looking around he
saw himself with only nine men, and surrounded by a party ten to his one, he
then cut his way back to the house of Mrs. Backton, where three of his men
were left. Capt. Lampe, who had formerly raised an artillery company in this
city, was one of them. Capt. Dircks ordered him to get on his horse, and he
would renew the attack, but as buskhoot were flying around pretty thick, Capt.
Lampe thought it wise to stay in the corn crib. And was followed by private
Voegler and another private whose name I cannot remember. Captain Lampe
was then taken prisoner, with his two men, but one of them escaped as the
rebels were so buisyly engaged in tying and whipping Capt. Lampe. We expect
that Captain Lampe has been hanged by this time.
Captain Dircks seeing himself with only six men then, thought it wise to
retreat, and managed through very skillful movements to effect it.
Privates Govion and Todd were wounded.
I have been in nine battles since this war commenced, but never have I served
under an officer who exhibited more bravery and judgement than or gallant
Capt. Dircks.
A PRIVATE IN THE COMPANY
Memphis Union Appeal, August 14, 1862.
NOTE 1: Not referenced in either OR or Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 79
August 12, 1862
"Affray Near Raleigh. The Guerrillas at Work."
Yesterday, on the road three miles beyond Raleigh, a party of twelve Federal
cavalry from the neighborhood of this city, were sitting in the house kept by a
widow woman, when the were attacked by a band of about fifty guerrillas, on
horseback, who fired upon them. They seized their weapons and a smart little
fight took place. The inferior number of the Federals made it necessary for
them to retreat. They killed one of the enemy's officers, and had one killed, one
very slightly wounded, and three captured of their own force. Richard Welden,
a faithful, well conducted Irishman, who is Dr. Leftwich's gardener, was dining
at the same place at the time. He has not been seen since, and is believed to
have been carried off by the marauders. He was out on the Doctor's business,
enquiring after a fine horse that has been stolen from him. He had about him
sixteen hundred dollars, with which to pay a debt owing by Dr. Leftwich in the
neighborhood.
Memphis Bulletin, August 13, 1862.
August 12, 1862 - "Woman Whipping."
It is certainly demon-like in man to raise a belligerant hand against those
whom he should protect. A man known as James Bodin was required to make
his appearance yesterday morning before the Recorder, who fined him $11 for
having whipped a woman. Shame!
Memphis Union Appeal, August 12, 1862.
August 12, 1862 - A Visit to the Jackson Environs
From Jackson, Tenn.
A Visit to the Country, Cotton-Ginning.
A Southern Unionist on Democracy and Abolitionism.
&c., &c., &c.
Special Correspondence to the Chicago Times.
Jackson, Tenn., Aug. 12.
In company with a cotton buyer, I yesterday paid a visit to the country. He was
after cotton, and I after sight-seeing. The roads of this country were laid to
accommodate the farms and the "lay of the land," and therefore they go winding around hills, across valleys, and through the woods, decidedly in contrast
with the checker-board arrangements of the northwestern States. Hot and dusty
as it was, the ride was not without points of interest. The land is considerably
rolling; the valleys and flats are of considerable extent and fertile; while the
hills seemed of a light sandy soil, and, where they had been cultivated, to be
pretty much worn out. Indeed, some of them had been abandoned, and the rain
had washed great gulleys down the declivities. Such a thing as feeding the land
Page 80 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1862
with manure, or clovering it, never seemed to have entered into the arrangements of the farmers. The barn houses, yards, stock, implements, fruit trees,
fences, gardens, &c., would not compare very well with the like possessions of
a northwestern farmer of equal wealth. The few apple and peach trees were
breaking down under the weight of their load of fruit; but, in the way of varieties, they were just such as sprang up of their own accord. Grafted apple trees
and budded peach trees have not been yet extensively introduced. But the
abundance of fruit on the few trees we saw proved the adaptation of the soil
and climate to these productions.
After a six miles' ride, we turned from the wood into a lane, and made slowly
for a cotton press and gin we saw in operation, three-quarters of a mile distant.
We found the location on the highest point of land we had attained, and we
could look off in the valleys in every direction, and see hundreds of acres covered with growing corn. Not a stalk of cotton could we see, or had we seen during the day. There is a pleasant grove of oak around the house of a former
proprietor, and near by the gin and press necessary to prepare the cotton for
market. The present proprietor had added this farm to his estate, and the house
was tenantless. The proprietor was at his house, a mile distant, and a little nigger was mounted on a little mule to inform him that some gentlemen wanted to
see him about his cotton. Four negro men, three boys and three girls, were at
work in ginning and baling cotton. The gin house was a log structure, placed
on stilts, eight feet above the ground, under which was the lever power and the
big wheel to propel the gin, to which was attached four mules, with a little nigger on the end of each lever to keep the mules in motion. As the cotton came
from the gin, it fell into a lean-to at one end, while the seeds were thrown back
into the room. One nigger fed the gin and took care of the seeds. The press,
when the screw was turned off, stood full 25 feet high, with heavy timbers
morticed together, through the top piece of which the screw was worked. The
screw was of wood, and 14 feet long and 14 inches in diameter. From the top of
the screw came down two long bowing swaps, to which horses or mules are
attached to turn the screw. Below, under ground, is a box the size of a cotton
bale, put together and taken down by clasps. Above this is a stationary box,
connecting directly with it. One half of the bailing is spread upon the bottom,
which is groved to admit the passage of the rope that finally binds the bale.
About 500 pounds of cotton are then weighed and put into the boxes and trampled down as much as possible, when the other half of the baling, with its
edges rolled up, is placed on top. The follower, attached to and turning on the
lower end of the screw and filling the length and width of the boxes, is
adjusted, and one horse set to trotting around the ring to send the screw to its
work. After a little, the pulling becomes two hard for him, and a pair of mules
are detached from the gin and attached to the end of the other lever, and soon
the screw is down; the cotton is all squeezed into the lower box, the sides and
ends of which are now taken off, the bailing adjusted and sewed together, and
the ropes passed around the bale through the grooves and drawn tight and tied,
the screw is turned the other way, and the bale is rolled out ready for market.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 81
August 12, 1862
I remarked to one of the "intelligent contrabands" that it was pretty hot work
for such a day.
"Yes," said he, "but we's in a mighty hurry."
"What makes you in a hurry?"
"Cause we want's to get massa's cotton out of de way so's we can gin on em.
We's afeard dem Confederate soldiers is coming again, and dey'll burn it all up.
Does you tink dey's comin' soon, massa?"
"Guess not, my boy. How much cotton have you?"
"I reckon we boys have about seven bales, and we's mighty skeered that we
shan't get it sold. When will dem Confederates be here?"
"Not for the present. You will have plenty of time to get your cotton off."
"Does ye think so?"
"Yes, certainly."
"Dat's good!"
And, evidently much relieved in his mind, he commenced hurrying up the
work. I thought, considering "massa" had but eleven bales, that seven was a
pretty good share for four "boys," and at thirty cents per pound, which it is now
bringing, it would make them quite a handsome pile.
"Mary" grinned beautifully at the sight of fifty cents, the promise of which set
her off in a hurry to fill our small bag with peaches. Two little fellows looked
wistfully, and scampered after her in the hopes of dividing the spoils. When
they returned, they plead for five cents each because they had climbed the
trees. Thus in these little black children, less than a half dozen years old, the
love of money was developed as strongly as in white children.
The proprietor arriving, a gentleman who had passed his three score years and
ten, my cotton friend soon disposed of his business. On being introduced to
him, I found him quite deep, yet fully as inquisitive as a Yankee.
"Do you live at Jackson?" he said.
"No, I reside in Chicago."
"In Chicago! You are a northern man, then—perhaps an officer in the army?"
looking at me with a very great degree of astonishment.
"No, sir."
"You will take no offence if I ask you your business?"
"No, sir. I am a newspaper correspondent."
"Oh! you write letters to the newspapers. Is there any chance for the democrats
to beat the abolitionists up there?"
"I hope so."
Page 82 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1862
"You are a democrat, I reckon. If you could only beat the abolitionists, we
democrats could soon fix up this war. I have opposed it all the way through—
opposed secession—and have always been in favor of the old government. The
democrats always conducted the government successfully and harmoniously,
and, if they should beat the abolitionists at the North, the old government will
soon be restored."
"I think so."
"Yes, the first thing to be done is to vote down the abolitionists."
The cotton-weighing then proceeded, and I amused myself in watching the
playing of the little boys and girls in the loose cotton.
As we were about to leave, I drew from my pocket a tin foil paper of tobacco to
replenish my "quid," the dong of which attracted the attention of the old gentleman.
"What is that you are putting into your mouth?"
"Tobacco. Will you have some?"
"What, do you have tobacco cut up in that way? I never seen the like before.
Don't you swallow it?"
I assured him that gentlemen "up north" did not use any other kind, and that,
although the article I had was of rather poor quality, yet, if he was a lover of the
weed, he would find that it would not hurt him; upon which he appropriated a
small quantity, the girls took a quid, and, amid invitations to call again, we
departed. It was so late in the afternoon that we concluded to return immediately to quarters.
The old gentleman had resided on the farm more than thirty years, scarcely
ever getting out of sight of it, and never but once getting twenty-five miles
from home, when he took his first and only railroad ride to see a sick relation.
He is a devout Christian belonging to the Methodist Church and is known in
the neighborhood as being "gifted in prayer." If the country was full of such
citizens, there would be little chance for demagogues to drag us into civil wars.
J. M. G.
Chicago Times, August 19, 1862.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
August 12, 1862 - "TENNESSEE MONEY."
As a citizen of this great metropolis, and somewhat interested (a one man interest,) in its commercial prosperity and future greatness, I present a few more
thoughts on currency. I have the right to offer these suggestions, and the reader
has the right to reject of combat them. The war is an excuse for almost every
evil or grievance, yet, it does not affect in the remotest degree the currency of
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 83
August 12, 1862
the great corn-growing and pork-producing State of Tennessee, or of its great
mart of trade-Memphis. Neither has Tennessee money any influence on the
war. One thing however is certain, we have in Memphis two currencies, one of
which is wholly monopolized by a very small number, but otherwise, a very
respectable class of citizens, known as cotton and sugar sellers and street brokers, the other for the balance of the people, composing about nineteen-twentieths of the whole community. It is a very striking and singular fact that this first
class of people, instead of controlling circumstances, are themselves (or seem
to be) controlled by circumstances. Some of them have been unfortunate
enough to have borrowed gold, and they have to sell for gold to make their
work and obligation good, others, that are good Union men, are determined to
sell for nothing but gold or greenbacks, "just for spite" because, forsooth, the
dealers who came here on the opening of the blockade, sold their goods for
gold and Northern funds. Another class want gold because they are going
South, and still another class, and, by far the larger portion of these afflicted
people, want good money because they are going North, they do not wish to
ship their cotton and sugar North for sale, oh! No; they will sell it here for less
than Northern prices, so they can take their good money with them. Of course,
every man has a right to a choice of funds in effecting sales, but it is a disputed
point whether they have the right to shave Tennessee bank notes and pass them
again at par, at the same time raising "a hue and cry" against merchants for discounting Tennessee money, or for charging enormous profits. One man can
pull down more brick wall in a day than forty men could build, so one man can,
who sells for an exclusive currency, or, makes a livelihood by shaving his
neighbor's money, do more injury to the currency than twenty merchants who
have a license to sell "at one place," could counteract. Again, commission merchants, who pay from $100 to $150 license, and are taxed five per cent a month
extra, are confined to one place, while dozens of people are peddling sugar and
cotton about town without license, and consequently without law, utterly
rejecting Tennessee bank notes, thereby, making an insidious war upon our
own money.
Inseparably connected with the subject, the close observer need not be told that
for moths the New England banks have been forcing their circulation westward, and while western editors have time and again cautioned their patrons
against the circulation of the small bills of eastern banks, I have yet to see the
first editorial of the kind in a Memphis paper. As a merchant, I am forced
before the public in self-defense, and in defense of a currency holding. Eastern
bank notes derive their credit from the fact that they will buy articles not manufactured or produced in sufficient quantities in Tennessee. They are, however,
of nominal and uncertain value, for, by recent statements the New England
banks have only about one dollar in specie for every twelve of their circulation-some of them whose paper passes freely have but one dollar to sixteen!
Reader, I have a question to put just here: Dare any sane man say that our
banks are in such a fix? If not, why is the attempt made to discredit them at
home except for sinister motives? Again: the Treasury note paper will soon
force the circulation of the New England banks home, and then look out for the
Page 84 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1862
inevitable result of an expanded bank-paper circulation. Tennessee has nothing
to fear from the circulation of Treasury notes; for, as fast as this paper is disbursed, it finds it way north to purchase northern goods. Just here I raise my
pen against the circulation of eastern bank notes in our midst, and in favor of
our own, not that I love Yankee paper less, but our own more. Our own paper,
controlled by, our own men, and the profits of banking distributed among our
own people, is a true doctrine. The issues of the State banks of Ohio, of Indiana, of Iowa, and the Missouri banks, are among the best banks of the country,
from the fact of their being in the valley of the Mississippi, and not therefore
subject to the whims and caprices of the "bulls" and "bears" of Wall street.
Merchant
Memphis Union Appeal, August 12, 1862.
August 12, 1862 - Absolom A. Harrison's letter home from Tullahoma complaining about
the lack of mail
Tullahoma, Tenn.
Aug 12th 1862
Dear Wife.
I take my pen in hand to write once more. I have been sick for about a week but
I am now getting better. I hope these few lines may find you & the children and
all the balance of the folks well. Jo is about like he has been. He is going about
all the time but he looks right puny. He is waiting for his discharge to come
back from Gen. Buell where it was sent to be signed by the Gen'l. He will be at
home as soon as his papers comes back. I have not received a letter from you
since I come back. I can't tell what is the matter. It cannot be that you have forgotten me as soon as I was out of sight. If so I will quit writing. The other boys
here are getting letters all the time from the same neighborhood and it is
strange that my letters can't come as well as others. If you have not wrote yet I
want you to write and tell me the reason and if you have wrote you must write
again and keep writing until some of your letters get through for I cannot
endure the suspense. I have written four or five letters since I came back. I
don't know whether you have got them or not. Lieu't Barrett and Sarg't Shanks
of our Company started to Louisville yesterday to recruit for our company. If
Barrett comes out in Hardin I want you all not to notice him for he has got so
proud he don't notice his old friends down here. If he sees Jo or me since we
have been sick he never stops to ask us how we are and I don't want anybody
that thinks anything of me to notice him at all. Meyers boys got letters today
which state that all the Secesh candidates were arrested in Hardin except Eli
Sheets. I am glad to hear it. I was in hopes they would be arrested. We also hear
that there is strong talk of drafting men in Kentucky. I hope they will draft
some of the Secesh and make them fight one way or the other. We see in the
paper that congress has passed a confiscation bill to take the rebels property
away from them. We first heard that the slaves of the rebels were to be set free
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 85
August 12, 1862
which caused a good deal of confusion in camp. But we find they are to be sold
to pay the expenses of the war and all the soldiers are in favor of that. One of
our men died last week of the fevers. There is not much sickness in our regiment at present. We have been at this place most of the time for a month. It is
on the same railroad 15 from Wartrace lower down toward Chattanooga or
Huntsville. It is higher than Wartrace by 200 or 300 feet and is dry barren land
and mostly well water although the water is very good, about like the water at
Bloomington and limestone at that. I don't know how long we will remain here
but I don't think we'll ever go much further South. At least we will not go very
much farther until there is some fighting done for it is only 40 miles from here
to the enemy's camp where they are said to be 40,000 strong. Our pickets and
theirs are in sight of each other nearly all the time down there.
Harrison Correspondence
August 12, 1862 - August 13, 1862 - Capture of Gallatin, Tennessee, and destruction of
bridges in that vicinity (12th), and skirmish (13th).
AUGUST 12, 13, 1862.REPORTS.
No. 1.-Col. John F. Miller, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, of skirmish August
13.
No. 2.-Maj. William H. Sidell, Fifteenth U. S. Infantry, and Acting Assistant
Adjutant-Gen.
No. 3.-Capt. Walworth Jenkins, Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. Army, of the
surrender of Gallatin.
No. 4.-Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, of the surrender of Gallatin.
No. 5.-Asst. Adjt. Gen. J. F. Belton, C. S. Army, of the surrender of Gallatin
and the destruction of bridges in that vicinity.
No. 1.
Reports of Col. John F. Miller, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, of skirmish
August 13.
GALLATIN, August 13, 1862.
MAJ.: It is ascertained that the rebel loss this morning was 4 killed and 10
wounded; 1 captain and 1 lieutenant killed. We had nobody hurt. The rebels
were completely surprised. I am arresting nearly all the citizens, they being
implicated in the destruction of property, &c.
JNO. F. MILLER.
GALLATIN, August 13, 1862.
MAJ.: We have found 6 of the enemy killed, among whom is Capt. Breckinridge, making 2 captains killed, 1 lieutenant, and 3 privates, and 2 wounded.
Page 86 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1862
Please obtain answer as to what troops shall be left here as soon as possible. I
desire to start back.
JNO. F. MILLER, Col., Cmdg.
No. 2.
Report of Maj. William H. Sidell, Fifteenth U. S. Infantry, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
NASHVILLE, August 13, 1862.
COL.: Col. Miller has returned with his force, as by your dispatch ordered.
Miller did not see Boone; he left in a wagon for Bowling Green, on parole,
soon after Miller came. Cassilly saw Boone and also many paroled men, who
accused Boone of complicity. These paroled men disappeared before they
could be collected; supposed following Boone to Bowling Green. Only about
125 were captured; the rest guarding bridges and two companies absent on an
expedition supposed escaped to Bowling Green. Boone and his staff were captured; no other field officers present. Morgan attacked at daylight; no gun was
fired on either side. The pickets were asleep; were brought in by the enemy.
Boone was in bed; all the others conveniently at hand for capture except 6 or 8,
who were accidentally absent. When Miller saw the rebel force at Gallatin he
found it difficult to distinguish between citizens and rebel soldiers either by
appearance or conduct. One small bridge was destroyed 2 miles this side of
Gallatin. Miller left his train there and marched into town. He drove such
rebels as were there, killing a few. He sent out parties during the day to seek
the enemy and examined damages. Fair Ground buildings destroyed; also 30
cars, of which 20 had Government forage and horses; depot was saved; wood
work of tunnel and one bridge beyond Gallatin destroyed. A note-book found
on a dead rebel captain revealed intentions some of which Miller prevented.
The citizens helped burn the cars, and Morgan was highly applauded by the
population, who came out from all the country around. On the other branch
road bridge at Red River destroyed, thus interrupting both routes; supposed
done by citizens.
This evening when Miller's men and guns were on cars to return rebel force
closed in from all directions, firing. He got his men and guns down and the latter in battery; drove off the rebels, killing not less than 30. His loss, 1 killed, 3
wounded. Supposed enemy's intention to divert and detain him while their
main force should come this way destroying bridges. Miller's success and
return over the road to town prevented this.
W. H. SIDELL, Maj., Fifteenth Infantry and Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
No. 3.
Report of Capt. Walworth Jenkins, Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. Army, of the
surrender of Gallatin and destruction of bridges in that vicinity.
LOUISVILLE, KY., August 25, 1862.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 87
August 12, 1862
SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith my report in reference to the surrender of Gallatin, Tenn., by Col. Boone, Twenty-eighth Kentucky Volunteers,
and a statement of the officers and men on that subject, which are marked
respectively A and B, and inclosed herein.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. JENKINS, Capt., Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. Army.
LOUISVILLE, KY., August 23, 1862.
SIR: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 31, dated Hdqrs. United States
forces in Kentucky, Louisville, August 17, 1862, directing an investigation of
the circumstances attending the surrender of Gallatin, Tenn., I have to report as
follows:
I have examined several of the officers and men belonging to Col. Boone's
command at Gallatin, Tenn. The results of this examination are embodied in a
series of statements herewith inclosed, together with a copy of a rough pencil
sketch [not found] of the town of Gallatin and its approaches, made by Lieut. J.
R. Boone, adjutant of the regiment. This sketch also shows the position of the
various night pickets.
The statements of the various officers and men differ in many points, so that
the true state of affairs can, in my judgment, only be reached by a properly constituted court of inquiry, which I would recommend be instituted.
With the slight information derived from these statements I cannot in justice to
myself or the officers of Col. Boone's command frame and prefer definite
charges against them. I can only express the following general opinion and
state a few facts which have been elicited by the examination:
It appears that Col. Boone had been expecting an attack for some three weeks
prior to the surprise and surrender of his command on the 12th instant, and that
he had at various times applied to Col. Miller at Nashville and to Gen. Nelson
at Murfreesborough for re-enforcements, which however, for reasons not
within my knowledge, but doubtless known to those officers, were withheld.
Arrangements had been made to fortify the town and guard the bridges by
stockades, but beyond cutting the timber for this purpose nothing had been
done.
Col. Boone's command consisted of five companies of his regiment (Twentyeighth Kentucky), averaging, according to his statement, about 75 men each,
making a force of about 375 men. Of this force one company (Capt. O'Neill's)
was detached from the main camp, guarding the tunnel and railroad bridges on
the line of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.
On the night of the 11th instant Col. Boone, at the request of Col. Bruce, commanding at Bowling Green, detached two of the remaining four companies
after a drove of beef cattle, intended for the rebel forces. This was done, notwithstanding the rebels were known to be in the vicinity, threatening his command. Although this was doubtless done with the best intentions, it appears to
Page 88 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1862
have been a very serious error. These two companies did not and could not
return, and, as from all reports they threw away their arms when no enemy was
in sight, it is perhaps as well that they did not return to their main body. As to
their reasons for thus relinquishing their only means of defense I know not, as
none of them were present to be examined. Future examination must decide
upon their conduct. The absence of these two companies reduced the strength
of the command to about 124 muskets.
It appears that the pickets were posted by Lieut. Boone, the adjutant of the regiment, and cautioned to extra vigilance. The pickets were in the habit of relieving themselves at reveille and returning to camp. No pickets, mounted or foot,
were posted during the day-time, and the excuse given for this great neglect is
that the command was too weak.
It appears that Col. Boone visited the pickets in and rear the town between 1
and 2 a. m. on the 12th and then went to his hotel, where his wife was lying
sick, and remained there until about 4 o'clock. As he was about returning to his
camp, and just as he was leaving the room, some dozen or more rebels confronted him and made him prisoner. No alarm whatever had been given either
by the mounted pickets stationed on the Scottsville and Hartsville pikes respectively, at a distance of some 4 miles from town, or by the pickets between the
town and the mounted pickets, or by the guards stationed in the city. Not a gun
was fired by any of those to whom the safety of the command was intrusted,
and everything goes to show that they were either asleep or shamefully
neglecting their duty. The result was a shameful and complete surprise within
two hours after Col. Boone had left his guards "on the alert and doing their
duty," and the surrender of the whole command in camp, on guard, and at the
tunnel and bridges without a shot being fired for the defense of their position,
the reputation of their State, or the honor of their country.
The sleeping of sentinels on their posts appears to have been of no uncommon
occurrence, and yet no punishment proportionate to this offense appears to
have been inflicted; and from the statement of one of the officers it seems that
there was an almost total want of discipline in the command.
Col. Boone appears to have been vigilant and endeavoring to perform his duty
as well as possible with the means at his disposal. Whether or not the command
could have made any defense with a hope of success after they were surprised
and surrounded I will not attempt to decide; but the fault of the surprise must
rest on the pickets and guards in a great measure.
The absence of all guards and pickets during the day, and especially when an
attack was expected, indicates great carelessness or wanton neglect on the part
of the officers in command. I would recommend that a list of all the men forming the guards or pickets be furnished and a court of inquiry instituted to report
on the conduct of each and every man on this duty.
Respectfully submitted.
W. JENKINS, Capt. and Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. Army.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 89
August 12, 1862
[Inclosure A. ]
Statement of Col. Boone, Twenty-eighth Kentucky Volunteers.
I took command at Gallatin, Tenn., about 1st May, 1862, with five companies
of Twenty-eighth Kentucky Volunteers, averaging about 75 men each. After
being detached for some time at Lebanon and other points, guarding bridges,
returned to Gallatin.
I have been apprehensive for about three weeks that an attack would be made
on my position. This I made known to Gen. Nelson, and applied for re-enforcements, and especially for some cavalry, for the purpose of scouting. Expected
the enemy was at Sparta or above Carthage in that direction. Carthage is 32
miles above Gallatin, on the Cumberland River, and same side. Communicated
by information to Col. Miller at Nashville by telegraph, and also by adjutant,
asking for re-enforcements. Morgan was supposed to have about 1,200 men
and Starnes from 800 to 1,500, and were expected to combine forces.
My troops were disposed as follows: Capt. O'Neill was sent with his company
to the south tunnel, 7 miles north of Gallatin, on the railroad, with orders to
have at least 20 men there, and the balance distributed between five bridges
and the tank on the line of the road between the tunnel and the Kentucky line,
the most distant being 7 miles north of the tunnel and 14 miles from Gallatin.
The remaining four companies were distributed as follows: One sergeant and
10 men at tunnel 4 miles north of Gallatin; 1 sergeant and 10 men at bridge 2
miles south of Gallatin; 1 sergeant and 10 men at bridge at Pilot Knob, 7 miles
south, and a regular daily detail of 1 sergeant and 10 men to guard the depot
and tank at Gallatin.
The evening before the attack Col. Bruce, at Bowling Green, sent to me to reenforce a party of his command who were after a drove of beef cattle, moving
in the direction of Carthage, for the Confederate forces. After some hesitation
and on receiving a second dispatch from Col. Bruce I finally concluded to
scout in that direction, and sent out two companies, under Capt.'s Noble and
White, of about 50 men each, to scout toward La Fayette and Carthage (that
being the direction from which I feared an attack), ordering them to press
horses and mount the men as soon as they were about 5 miles from town, and
to get all their men mounted. This was the only disposition possible to form a
junction with the detachment of Col. Bruce. But fearing they might the intercepted by Morgan's forces ordered them to retreat to our camp in case they discovered anything of them. I did not make known this movement or send the
force out until late at night, when the people had retired, so as not to have my
weakened position known. They were instructed to keep an advanced guard
not less than 2 miles in advance (about 10 men), and a similar guard on each
flank as scouts, so as to embrace a considerable tract for observation. Being
more apprehensive of an attack on account of my weakened condition, I gave
orders for greater diligence on the part of the pickets. The main camp was at
the Fair Grounds, three-fourths of a mile westwardly from Gallatin, consisting
of parts of two companies. The camp was encircled by the usual camp guard,
Page 90 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1862
and an infantry picket guard, more extended, in the fields and woods, encircling the camp at a distance of about 300 yards. The adjutant placed the pickets. Infantry pickets were posted also at the bridge near town, at the courthouse, and at the upper end of the street running in front of the court-house.
Cavalry pickets were stationed on the various roads leading from Gallatin at
distances from 31/2 to 7 miles. The mounted pickets were ordered in case of an
alarm or advance of the enemy to fall back to the vicinity of the infantry pickets and fire so as to give the alarm, and the infantry pickets were then to fall
back firing so as to alarm the camp guard.
I occupied the time, after sending out the two companies above mentioned, in
visiting the infantry pickets, to see that all were on the alert until 2 o'clock at
night, and found them all at their posts doing their duty, and I cautioned them
to extra vigilance. I then went to my hotel, where my wife was dangerously ill,
and spent about an hour and a half there. I then adjusted my pistol, and just as I
was starting out to make my final tour of the pickets I heard a knock at my door
and supposed it was some of my pickets, as I had told those nearest where to
find me if anything occurred. On opening the door some 20 men were seen,
about a dozen of them presenting their revolvers at me and demanded my
immediate surrender. Their pistols were cocked and the men much excited,
apparently being afraid of shots from my pickets. I endeavored to gain time in
parley, hoping my pickets would take the alarm and come up. On my asking by
what authority their demand was made one of them stated that he was Capt.
Desha, of Brig. Gen. John Morgan's cavalry; that I was completely in their
power, as my camp was surrounded by 1,200 cavalry, and demanded the surrender of myself and camp. I told them that I didn't believe it, and that I would
never surrender my camp. They then demanded the immediate surrender of my
person. I told them I would surrender my person if they would state the terms
and I liked them. They replied, "As a prisoner of war, with the privilege of an
immediate parole." I replied, "On these terms I will surrender." They then took
my pistol and hurried me away in the direction of the court-house, where they
said 2 of my pickets were found asleep. Morgan's whole force then filled the
town and were eager to go to the camp. Morgan's adjutant-general came to me
as soon as the greater portion had passed toward the camp (the men were going
as fast as they could) and called on me to surrender my camp. I replied I had no
command, as I had surrendered personally to Capt. Desha. They threatened to
shoot me if I did not surrender the command. I told them I could not and would
not; that no one could do it but Capt. Hughes, the senior officer at the camp.
Capt. Desha commanded them to desist; that I had surrendered as a prisoner of
war to him, and that I should not be shot. They then said they would take me to
Gen. Morgan and let him decide whether I should surrender the camp or not.
When we came up to Gen. Morgan he received me very kindly, and first concurred with the adjutant-general that I should surrender the camp, but afterward concurred with me that my position was correct, and would not force me
to do so. By this time we were within 300 or 400 yards of the camp. A flag of
truce was sent in to
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 91
August 12, 1862
Capt. Hughes, who came out and spoke with Gen. Morgan. I informed him that
I had surrendered, and it was now for him to say whether the men in camp
should fight. He asked for time to consult with his officers, which was granted.
We then returned to Gen. Morgan and surrendered the camp. Gen. Morgan
ordered the arms to be stacked, which was done, amounting to about 120 guns.
The troops in camp were in line, ready to fight.
Subsequently Capt. O'Neill's guard at the tunnel were captured. They were in
position for action in a sort of block-house, and were ready to fight until they
saw the large force opposed to them.
Morgan insisted on my surrendering the forces out, as they were not under
Capt. Hughes' command. I declined to do so, as I was confident they could
escape. I gave a line to Capt. O'Neill, saying that Morgan's forces had possession of our camp, so that he might understand the position of affairs and not
rely for re-enforcements upon the camp.
My command was all paroled, except Capt.'s Noble's and White's commands,
who were not taken. Capt. Benson, commanding the other company in camp,
had gone to Nashville in charge of a prisoner.
Statement of Capt. F. M. Hughes.
There were 120 guns stacked at the time of the surrender. I considered Col.
Boone's words to me as an order to surrender.
Col. Boone wrote a letter to Capt. O'Neill, as I understood, to surrender his
command. Our pickets were surrounded. We never had pickets out during the
day and no scouts. The men in camp were anxious to fight. Lieut.'s Davis and
Conaway usually slept about half a square out of camp, having their wives with
them, in a house.
Col. Boone was in town when the attack was first made. He was generally in
the habit of visiting the pickets and camp guards. I called several times for my
officers to give me their attention, as I wished to consult with them, but could
not get their attention.
Two companies had been detached the evening before. I think some of the
pickets were asleep. It was usual for the pickets on the same post to take turns
sleeping.
I told my first sergeant I thought we would have to fight. We had about 30 men
on guard and picket duty. I think Morgan had 1,200 or 1,500 men. When I saw
the two detached companies, after the surrender, they had their arms, but threw
them away. I do not know who ordered them to do so.
Statement of Capt. H. J. O'Neill.
I had 36 men with me at the time of the attack. Some were washing and cooking and the balance of my company were distributed about at bridges. I usually
had pickets our in the immediate vicinity of my camp. We never had pickets
out during the day. I often found pickets sleeping on their posts while I was in
Page 92 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1862
camp. We had no guard-house or systems of punishment, and what we lacked
most was discipline. There was no discipline among the men. I would not have
surrendered could we have made any reasonable resistance.
[Inclosure B. ]
Statement of Corpl. James E. Mullin, Company B, Twenty-eighth Kentucky
Volunteers.
I was on picket duty and posted about a half a mile from camp in the direction
of the city, on a path running through the woods and a corn field, with orders to
arrest any one, not a commissioned officer, going to or from the camp with or
without the countersign after tattoo. The first I heard of the attack, was after I
was relieved from picket duty. Private Selvage, of Company B, who was on
picket, came running back and said the rebels or some one were in the city and
that it was filling up with cavalry. At that time I was cooking breakfast in
camp. There were no day pickets out. None of the officers, so far as I could see,
noticed his statement. I heard nothing until I saw the flag of truce coming in
about 5.30 a. m. Soon as it arrived the officers ordered the men to fall in. The
flag was in camp two minutes after we first saw it and the rebels were closing
in all the time. My company being absent I fell in with Company A. Capt.
Hughes went to meet the flag, and the next I knew the camp was surrendered.
There were about 83 men in camp for duty at the time the flag came up. As I
was told, there were from 1,100 to 1,500 rebels opposed to us. I don't think
there would have been any use in resistance at that time. There were no scouting parties sent out, only a heavy camp guard and pickets. There were a few
mounted pickets sent out on the roads at night about a mile from camp on
impressed horses. I was not visited during the night by any one. I always found
Col. Boone with his clothes on at night, and think he was as watchful as possible, and as far as he was able did his whole duty. I never knew Col. Boone to be
out of camp except the night of the attack, when his wife was very sick. Have
often seen him late at night visiting the guards and pickets. The enemy kept
closing in and surrounding us while the flag was being received.
Statement of Corpl. T. T. Baldwin, Company E, Twenty-eighth Kentucky Volunteers.
I was on camp guard and had 8 men on guard; but after 10 o'clock, on account
of the absence of two companies, only had 4 men. The pickets relieve themselves about reveille, and most of them were in camp at the time of the surrender. The first I saw or heard of an attack was a soldier of our camp running in
and saying the town was full of cavalry. The next was I heard the men saying
the rebels were coming and had our colonel prisoner. They then fell in of their
own accord and appeared anxious to fight. We formed around the amphitheater, and some one asked if they were going to fight, and the reply was made
that there was no use, as there were too many of them. The adjutant, Lieut.
Boone, said, "For God's sake let us fight and show them that the Twenty-eighth
was not afraid of them!"
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 93
August 12, 1862
Capt. Hughes went out to see the flag of truce. I met him coming in and asked
him what was the prospect. He said, "I expect we will have to fight them." He
said they claimed 1,500. The rebels, as far as I could see, were on both sides of
the road and in the corn fields all around us.
Statement of Private John Shirley, Company E, Twenty-eighth Kentucky Volunteers.
I was a mounted picket, posted about 3 miles from camp, on the Hartsville
road. Was ordered not to interfere with citizens coming into camp and to pay
no attention to what was going on off the road. These orders were given by the
adjutant. Was not visited during the night. Was on post until about daybreak
with Private Hardy; he was watching while I laid down to sleep. The first I
knew we were surrounded by the rebels and captured.
Statement of Private James Coomes, Company E, Twenty-eighth Kentucky
Volunteers.
I was an infantry picket, posted at the depot in Gallatin, in sight of the courthouse. Col. Boone visited my post between 12 and 1 o'clock that night. I left
my post as usual about sunrise and went into camp. The pickets had not all got
into camp when the camp was surrendered. The adjutant gave orders for us fall
into line. The men anxious and willing to fight. I think Col. Boone was very
watchful and did all he could, but don't think him capable of commanding the
post.
Private George Hand, Company B, Twenty-eighth Kentucky Volunteers, states
substantially the same as Private Coomes, being on the same duty with him.
States that there were 83 muskets stacked at the time of the surrender.
Statement of Private John C. Hardin, Company A, Twenty-eighth Kentucky
Volunteers.
I was posted at the court-house, with orders to keep soldiers out of town who
had not the countersign. I was visited twice by Col. Boone during the night of
the attack; the first time when he was sending out the two companies and the
last time between 1 and 2 o'clock a.m. Near 4 a.m. some 8 or 10 men in citizens' dress, armed, came upon me from the rear of the court-house, apparently
through the fields and corn, as they were very wet and covered with grass-seed,
&c. I was in front at the time they came up. They demanded my surrender,
pointing their guns at me, and I was obliged to do it. Osborne and the sergeant
were with me at the time and were arrested also. The main force came up about
ten minutes. We had returned from Lebanon about two months before the
attack.
Statement of Private Layton Jones, Company E, Twenty-eighth Kentucky Volunteers.
I was on picket duty about 500 yards from camp. Was not visited during the
night. Was in camp when the cavalry came up. No pickets were posted during
the day-time. We could have done nothing in the way of defense. No defensive
Page 94 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1862
arrangements had been made in the way of stockades, though we were expecting an attack.
Statement of Private Benjamin Fuell, Company A, Twenty-eighth Kentucky
Volunteers.
I was posted 4 miles from camp, on the Scottsville road, mounted, with one
other man. Was sent out as an advanced guard to the two companies which
were sent to intercept cattle. I returned about 8 o'clock to Gallatin, not knowing
the rebels were there, and was arrested at the court-house. Most of the enemy
were in town at the time. I don't think the camp had been captured at that time.
Statement of Lieut. J. R. Boone, adjutant of the regiment.
On the 1st day of May five companies of Twenty-eighth Kentucky Volunteers
(Companies A, B, D, E, and F) arrived at Gallatin, Tenn.; the remainder of the
regiment was scattered along the railroad line back to Lebanon, Ky. These five
companies were together at Gallatin doing duty until after the fight at Lebanon,
Tenn., when Companies A and E were sent as a garrison for Lebanon, Tenn.,
and Company F sent to Hartsville, Tenn., and Companies B and D were left at
Gallatin, together with one company of the Fiftieth Indiana. In about three
weeks Company F was recalled to Gallatin and Company D ordered to Lebanon. There were then three companies of the Twenty-eighth Lebanon should
read Lebanon [Tenn.] Kentucky and three companies of Ninth Pennsylvania
Cavalry Lebanon and two companies, B and F, of Twenty-eighth Kentucky at
Gallatin. These two companies were called to Nashville to go with Gen.
Dumont to Murfreesborough; they were again sent back to Nashville, and from
there to Franklin, Tenn., where they guarded the whole line of the railroad
down to Columbia. They were finally relieved and returned to Gallatin. Upon
their return the three companies at Lebanon were ordered to report to Col.
Boone at Gallatin, and it was promised that the regiment which had for so long
a time been doing guard duty should be brought together and put forward. But
in a few days we were ordered to guard the two tunnels and eight bridges on
the railroad from the Kentucky line to within about 15 miles of Nashville.
Accordingly Company D was stationed at the tunnel 7 miles above Gallatin.
The captain was ordered to keep at least 20 men there, and with the rest of his
company keep at the other tunnel, water-tank, and bridges north of him. This
left Companies A, B, E, and F at Gallatin, generally averaging about 65 men
each fit for duty. To the bridge north of Gallatin and south of tunnel and to each
of the three bridges south of Gallatin were sent a sergeant and 10 men, until we
were relieved by a lieutenant and a squad of men, who took charge of the
bridge nearest Nashville. This duty, besides guarding the depot and water-tank
at Gallatin and the necessary picket and camp duty, we performed until Murfreesborough was attacked and Nashville threatened, when we were ordered to
leave one company at Gallatin and with the other three companies repair by
rail to Nashville. We were on the cars and off in twenty minutes.
At Nashville we did a heavy duty; slept on the bare ground under the canopy of
heaven, and could get nothing to eat from Sunday at 11 o'clock, when we
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 95
August 12, 1862
started, till Monday at 12. When Gen. Nelson was near Nashville with his reenforcements we were ordered back to Gallatin, and found evidence that had
the place not have been re-enforced Company F stationed there would have
been cut off. We had reports of a force concentrating at Sparta and Hartsville
and apprised the authorities at Nashville of the fact, and asked for some cavalry
to scout in that direction, but got none.
About this time Forrest, who had taken Murfreesborough, where two regiments were posted, was advancing on Lebanon, where the Fifty-fourth Ohio
was stationed. They burned their camp equipage and baggage and retreated to
Nashville. Thus we were left at Gallatin with four companies, reduced to mere
squads by heavy details, and Forrest, with a force supposed to be about 3,000
at Lebanon, 17 miles distant. Time and again we apprised Col. Miller, commanding at Nashville, of our critical situation and asked to be re-enforced.
They told us they could not even send us a company of cavalry to watch the
river, and we were ordered to press horses, saddles, and bridges. This we did,
but between the two armies the country about Gallatin was about stripped of
horses; but we pressed some fifteen horses, and blind bridles, and in some
cases no saddles, began picketing the roads with mounted men along the river
and between Gallatin and Hartsville. We burned all the ferry-boats from Hartsville down between Gallatin, and waited for Forrest in the court-house, where
we had determined to give him an obstinate fight. An accident, which appeared
like an interposition of Providence, saved us. The river, which was fordable in
many places, raised to an impassable height in one night. For a day or two we
felt comparatively easy, when we were notified that a mounted infantry force,
supposed to number 1,500, had possession of the railroad at Richland. Col.
Boone called in the company at the tunnel and bridge guards, and with the five
companies determined to force a passage for the cars through to Louisville. We
went as far as Mitchellsville, a few miles above Richland, and found no enemy,
the small force which had been there having left in the direction of Hartsville.
We returned to Gallatin, distributed the force as before stated, and called for reenforcements. Some paroled prisoners, who had been taken about Murfreesborough and carried by Forrest to Lebanon and up to Sparta and then let go and
who came down to Gallatin, were surprised to find a small a force at that post,
and said we were in the greatest danger and had no force to fight the numbers
that were preparing to come against us; that Forrest and Starnes were up there
and would undoubtedly attack us in a short time. We again called for reenforcements, and Col. Boone tried until I o'clock at night to get a telegraphic
dispatch to Gen. Nelson at Murfreesborough, but could get no response.
Our scouts reported the country full of the rebels' scouts and pickets above
Gallatin about 6 miles. Other information received led us to believe we would
certainly be attacked by an overwhelming force; and that night a messenger
was dispatched on horseback at the dead hour of night (for we could get no
word from there by telegraph), and went to Nashville in two hours.
Mr. Fowler, comptroller of the State of Tennessee, was at that time in Gallatin
and saw our critical situation, and promised Col. Boone to do all in his power
Page 96 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1862
to have him re-enforced. The next day Col. Boone sent me with these paroled
prisoners to Nashville, and directed me to take them to Col. Miller, and let him
hear from them the danger of keeping as small a force at Gallatin. Mr. Fowler
went with me. We first saw Gen. Campbell, late Ex-Governor Campbell, and
told him of these things, and he expressed surprise at the small force at Gallatin, and said he had been assigned to no command at that time, and if he had
the authority he would send a strong force there.
We then went to Col. Miller's headquarters, but he was absent, and we went
around to Governor Johnson's. He was also surprised at our little squads being
left with no re-enforcements, and after having heard the statement of the prisoners he jumped up out of his chair and walked across the floor and said
emphatically, "I have said all along that a strong force should be kept at Gallatin;" that-he could see how exposed the post was, and had urged the military
authorities to put a force there, but they had paid little attention to what he had
said. He said he would do anything in his power for us, and would telegraph or
write to Gen. and urge him to send a force to Gallatin. We then took the paroled
men to Col. Miller's headquarters again and explained to him our situation; and
Mr. Fowler, who knew the country about Gallatin, having resided there,
pointed out our exposed position and impressed upon him the importance of
sending re-enforcements immediately. He said he had telegraphed Gen. Nelson
about it and had received no answer. We asked if he could not let us have a few
cavalrymen for scouts and pickets, and if he could not do that could we not get
a few saddles? That it was bad enough to have to send the men out on old broken-down horses and brood mares without having to send them out barebacked
and with blind-bridles; but we could get neither. Mr. Fowler and myself asked
if we could get no cannon. Col. Miller said that there was a howitzer there that
was not in use and he would send it up to us. I then left, but called again after
supper to see if an answer had been received from Gen. Nelson. Col. Miller
was out, but I found a gentleman who been run off from his home at Lebanon
at 2 o'clock the night before because he was a Unionist and feared Starnes'
men, who were then in Lebanon. With him was a brother-in-law of Col. Stokes
or Gen. Campbell—I do not exactly remember which—but they waited with
me until Col. Miller came and told him what they knew. Col. Jordan Stokes
came in to warn the authorities of danger. He had received a letter from his
wife at Lebanon, in which she reported Starnes at that place. They all thought
we should be re-enforced at Gallatin. Col. Miller had received word from Gen.
Nelson to re-enforce us if he thought best; said he had telegraphed to Col.
Boone about it. I then reminded Col. Miller of his promise to send the cannon
and left. The next morning I returned to Gallatin, and the next morning succeeding my return the Thirty-first Indiana arrived and encamped nears us.
Brig.-Gen. Cruft was commanding the regiment. He thought there should be at
least one regiment of infantry and two or three companies of cavalry there. The
second day after their arrival they were ordered to go back to Murfreesborough, leaving us as exposed as before. Col. Boone then was notified by Col.
Miller that he would send 150 men with axes and tools to put up stockades at
each of the bridges and a fortification at Gallatin. The day following a lieuten-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 97
August 12, 1862
ant and 26 men from an Ohio regiment arrived and reported for duty. They
brought no axes or tools and none had arrived. The next day they were ordered
back to Nashville, and authority came to Col. Boone to press negroes and build
the fortifications; and that night Lieut.'s Keegan and Platt, of Eleventh Michigan, arrived with some 60 men and some wagons, but no tools of any kind. The
same day a lieutenant of Sixty-ninth Ohio arrived from Nashville with 37
negroes, and we were getting a pretty good force on hand, but no tools to work
with. Col. Boone telegraphed to Nashville after axes and picks, and was
ordered to press axes. In a country where everybody is an enemy it soon
became known that we were pressing axes, and although we started out two
wagons, one under charge of Lieut. Platt and a squad of men and the other
under charge of a sergeant and a squad instantly, they found it difficult to get
the axes, and it took several days to collect enough to go to work with. Lieut.
Keegan was ordered by Col. Boone to take charge of the business, and to
employ all the available force in the construction of the stockades and to shove
the work forward as rapidly as possible. Nearly every ax that was pressed
needed a new handle and grinding; they were put in order and employed immediately in cutting timber for the stockades. Still we had no plans nor pickaxes,
and not near enough axes; but all that we had were employed.
About this time, say four or five days after the arrival of Lieut. Keegan with the
Eleventh Michigan men, Lieut. Howland, aide-de-camp and acting assistant
adjutant-genera to Col. Miller, came up, and brought with him plans and specifications for building stockades at the bridges, but no plan was sent for the fortifications at Gallatin.
Lieut. Howland inquired about how we were progressing with the stockades,
and seemed satisfied that we were pushing their erection forward as rapidly as
possible. Lieut. Keegan went to Nashville that same evening to get some to
work with. A box of some fifteen axes came up, but Lieut. Keegan never
returned, and Lieut. Platt and men were ordered next day to Nashville. At this
time we had about 68 negroes on hand, and knew that this, together with the
fact that it had become known that we were putting up fortifications, would
only greatly increase our danger at Gallatin, and our vigilance was increased as
much as possible.
The negroes were sent about 7 miles above Gallatin, to where the timber was
most plentiful and better suited to the purpose, and Lieut. Weatherford was
appointed to oversee the work, and a guard was furnished him to protect the
negroes and keep them at work. He is a pushing, industrious man, and worked
the negroes hard. They were getting along well. The stockades were about cut,
and Col. Boone had telegraphed to Nashville to have a construction train sent
up to distribute the stockades at each of the bridges, and a part of the negroes
were brought to camp to begin the erection of the fortifications at Gallatin the
next day, and had we been undisturbed for two days longer he fortifications
would have been about completed.
Page 98 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1862
Monday evening, August 11, Col. Boone received a telegraphic dispatch from
Col. Bruce, commanding Bowling Green, to send about 100 men out the
Scottsville pike toward La Fayette, to intercept some fine beef cattle that the
rebels were driving south. This dispatch came about 3 o'clock p. m. We had no
way to mount the men and if they marched out there they could not drive the
cattle back very well, they being of foot; so Col. Boone did not send them.
Late in the evening, however, Col. Bruce sent another dispatch, saying he had
sent a force of cavalry in that direction, and wanted Col. Boone to send those
men to operate with the cavalry. They were going directly in the direction from
which we apprehended an attack; and as we had previously been ordered to cooperate with Col. Bruce Col. Boone thought that sending out this force spoken
of would serve three purposes: to reconnoiter the country in the direction of the
enemy, to press horses, which were much needed, and to get the cattle if possible. Accordingly Companies B and F were detailed for that purpose, and Capt.
White, commanding, was ordered by Col. Boone to press horses for all the men
after they had got some 6 miles from Gallatin; to keep out a good advanced and
rear guard, and it they came across the rebels in force to back upon the camp at
Gallatin. The precaution was taken to slip them out quietly at night after the
people had retired, and they got off without being observed, and no one but
Capt.'s White and Noble knew whither they were going. Capt. Noble, commanding Company F, was officer of the day. As he was going with his company I took his place. The rest of the officers were pretty well worked down,
and Col. Boone ordered the very strictest vigilance; so I took the place of
officer of the day myself. I had posted the new picket at sunset and given them
good instructions. I put out 34 pickets (foot), 1 sergeant and 1 corporal, a patrol
for the town, and guards for the water-tank and depot, and 2 mounted pickets
of 2 men each. I sent one out the Hartsville pike and the other out the Scottsville pike with instructions to keep the strictest watch, and keep moving about
between a distance of about 4 miles out and the picket stationed at the forks of
the roads above town, and in case they should see an enemy to fall back, and as
soon as within hearing of the other pickets to fire, so as to alarm them, and they
to alarm the camp.
The guards at camp were directed to give the alarm in case they heard the
report of a gun and the sergeant of the guard to have the long-roll beat
instantly. The companies were then to be quietly formed on the color front.
The sergeant of the guard and myself visited the sentinels frequently during the
night, and cautioned them to be watchful and attentive. I had every light in
camp extinguished and all noise silenced, and staid with the sergeant of the
guard and corporal of relief at post No. 1 all night. We went the grand-rounds
before and after 12 o'clock.
About 2 o'clock the hospital steward came in from the hospital in town, and
with him I visited the pickets below town and renewed the instructions and
charged them to keep on the alert; that any negligence on their part would not
only jeopardize their own but the lives of those who were sleeping quietly,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 99
August 12, 1862
thinking their comrades would warn them of any danger. Col. Boone had just
visited the pickets and in town.
I then went back to camp, and the first intimation I had of an enemy was about
4.30 o'clock. One of the pickets which I had placed at the intersection of dirt
road with the pike leading to Cumberland River, about a mile from town (a
place where I had not placed pickets before), made their escape and got into
camp and reported a force of cavalry in Gallatin. Immediately I ordered the
long roll to be beat. I also ordered my horse and some men to go with me to
reconnoiter, but saw what was up and helped form the men. We got formed and
counted the men and am certain we had not more than 96 men to fight with.
They had captured our pickets, and by the time we got formed closed in around
us so that the Texas Rangers, on our left, were no farther than 40 yards from us.
At this juncture a flag of truce came in. Capt. Hughes, the senior officer
present, went out to receive the flag. They told him they had captured Col.
Boone, just as he came out the door on his way to visit the picket, and that the
camp was surrounded, as he could see himself, by 2,500 men. Capt. Hughes
said he saw that our little squad would soon be cut down, situated as they were,
but told the bearers of the flag, Col. St. Leger Grenfell and Lieut.-Col. Duke,
that he did not like to take upon himself the responsibility of surrendering the
men, and requested a short time to confer with the other officers, which was
granted. Capt. Hughes called the officers together, and after a short consultation they concluded that it would be sinful to have the little batch of brave men
cut down by a force that was supposed to be about 1,800, and accordingly
agreed that Capt. Hughes should surrender us upon condition that officers and
men should be well treated and paroled. We then surrendered 124 guns, including the guns of the pickets. After we surrendered they sent out and picked up
the little squads along the railroad.
Officers and men were well treated. The officers were allowed to retain all personal property. I saw no officer or soldier who appeared frightened in the least,
and believe if it would have conduced any to the good of the country every
man in the little band would have fought while a spark of life glowed in his
bosom.
Additional statement of Lieut. Boone.
There were no pickets posted during the day on account of the weak condition
of the camp. Col. Boone did not direct the surrender of the camp. Was
informed that the rebels came down between the Scottsville and Hartsville
roads till they got in rear our mounted pickets and then sent parties back and
captured them. Was informed by the rebels that one of the pickets at the courthouse was asleep. There was no drunkenness among the officers or men. Occasionally found men asleep on post, but had no way to punish them except by a
regimental court-martial, which the men did not mind. We asked for a general
court-martial several times, but were ordered to try them by a regimental court.
I think the rebels were piloted by citizens living around, who knew the whereabouts of the pickets. The pickets relieved themselves about 8.30 o'clock. It
Page 100 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 13, 1862
was about 5 o'clock when the flag of truce came up. Only one of our pickets
had reached camp that I knew of, and that was the man stationed on the pike to
Cumberland River near the dirt road leading through the woods and a corn
field.
No. 4.
Report of Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, of the surrender of Gallatin.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN., August 18, 1862
Col. Morgan has captured Gallatin, Tenn., taking 300 prisoners and destroying
three railroad tracks and the tunnel, so as to obstruct the road for a month. The
first blow in Gen. Smith's expedition.
BRAXTON BRAGG.
No. 5.
Report of Asst. Adjt. Gen. J. F. Belton, C. S. Army, of the surrender of Gallatin
and destruction of bridges in that vicinity.
KNOXVILLE, TENN., August 17, 1862
Col. John H. Morgan reports that on the 11th [12th] instant he captured Gallatin; about 200 Federal soldiers, including Col. Boone, commanding, and other
officers of the Twenty-eighth Kentucky, were taken and paroled. The tunnel
and trestle work between Bowling Green and Gallatin were set fire to; totally
destroyed. The bridge between Nashville and Gallatin blown up and 40 cars
burned. A large quantity of Government stores were destroyed. Over 100
horses taken.
J. F. BELTON Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 843-857.
August 13, 1862 - Federal correspondence relating to Confederate guerrilla activity in Middle Tennessee
COLUMBIA, August 13, 1862—11 p. m.
Col. J. B. FRY:
Fourth Ohio Cavalry left Franklin at 11 a.m. toward Centerville, to disperse a
considerable force near that point. After accomplishing this object will pass
through Hickman via Centreville to Lawrence, to break up the band there. The
Third Kentucky are en route east, north side of Duck River, to Wallace Ford,
where they will cross and engage if possible several parties in that vicinity, one
of which is the one you refer to.
There is undoubtedly a force of 300 to 500 in that neighborhood, but poorly
armed. Their location is favorable for safety and escape unless surprised.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 101
August 13, 1862
The two companies First Kentucky are en route via Bigbyville and Mount
Pleasant to surprise if possible a party of 55 near Potts' Mills, southwest of
Mount Pleasant.
The troops along the line to Franklin are expecting an attack to-night, particularly at Carter Creek Bridges. Two hundred guerrillas are reported near that
place. I am at a loss to know where they all come from, unless composed of citizens in the vicinity.
JAS. S. NEGLEY.
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 13, 1862.
Gen. NEGLEY, Columbia via Nashville:
Send escort with telegraph party to repair wire between Pulaski and Columbia,
unless it interferes with important operations. A force of guerrillas, said to be
200 or 300, are reported as camping in a hidden place near Cornersville, which
is on the Pulaski and Lewisburg road and nearly east of Reynolds'. A negro at
Reynolds' knows their locality. The Third Kentucky Cavalry should return to
Pulaski as soon as it has accomplished the special object for which you called
it; and it and Fourth Ohio should come by Cornersville and try and destroy that
nest. Report what you can do in the matter.
JAMES B. FRY.
OR, Ser. I Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 328.
August 13 1862
H Quarters Columbia
To Gov. Andrew Johnson.
receive the pleasing intelligance. that there is a sudden change in public sentiment relative to taking the oath resulting from our determination that no disloyal citizen shall receive any protection from the Govt. they are attempting to
distroy. the refusal to take the oath is sufficient proof of the persons disloyalty
and immediately subjects him to a proper punishment[.] numbers of prominant
citizens formerly strong secessionists have appeared & voluntarily take the
oath[.] those who are arrested show no determined opposition to taking it[.]
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, p. 614.
August 13, 1862 - Skirmish at Gallatin
•See August 12, 1862-August 13, 1862-Capture of Gallatin, Tennessee, and
destruction of bridges in that vicinity (12th), and skirmish (13th).
TENNESSEE AND KENTUCKY
Surprise of the Guerrillas at Gallatin—Reported Skirmishing in the Vicinity of
Bowling Green.
Page 102 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 13, 1862
Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 13
Col. Miller, Commander of this post, left for Gallatin last night, with two regiments, and surprised a part of Morgan's band, killing six, whereof three were
officers—among whom was Capt. W. C. Breckinridge, (son of Dr. Robert J.
Breckinridge,) who joined John Morgan in his late raid upon Lexington. There
was no loss on the National side.
~~~
New York Times, August 15, 1862.
August 13, 1862 - Skirmish at Medon, Madison County
Report of Brig. Gen. Leonard F. Ross, U. S. Army.
BOLIVAR, August 13, 1862.
A skirmish took place at 1 o'clock to-day between a guerrilla band and a company of 18 Home Guards about 8 miles southeast of Medon, near the residence
of Green Holton, and about 15 miles south of Jackson. One Union man died.
Loss of enemy not known.
ROSS, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser., I. Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 31.
Under date of Jackson, Tenn., Aug. 14, Gen. J. A. McClernand telegraphed:
"There was a skirmish yesterday between home guards and guerrillas, fifteen
miles southeast of this place. The rebels were dispersed."
New York Times, August 19, 1862.
August 13, 1862 - Skirmish at HuntsvilleNOTE 1
Report of Colonel William H. Clift,NOTE 2 Seventh Tennessee Infantry [U. S. ],
including operations of his command in East Tennessee, July 1-October 31,
1862.
HDQRS. Somerset, Ky., October 28 [31?], 1862.
DEAR SIR: I avail myself of the present opportunity of reporting to you my
movements for the last three months. The way has been so blockaded by the
enemy as to entirely prevent my reporting to you sooner.
I was ordered by Maj.-Gen. Morgan about June 1 to go to Scott County, Tennessee, and commence recruiting and making up the Seventh Regt. Tennessee
Volunteers, and was also ordered that so soon as I had a sufficient number of
men to attack the small bodies of rebel troops stationed in different parts of
East Tennessee to do so. Accordingly about July 1 I made a scouting expedition to Montgomery, Morgan County, Tenn., to engage a party of rebels that
were in the habit of coming up to that place from Kingston, Tenn., but the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 103
August 13, 1862
enemy had left on the day before we got to Montgomery, and we had to return
without any engagement.
About July 20 I made another expedition to Anderson County, Tennessee. Our
friends in that county had promised to provide means for us to cross Clinch
River to engage same cavalry from Alabama that was stationed near Clinton,
Anderson County, Tenn.; but no preparation was made as promised. I then
turned my course, after taking several [Confederate] guerrillas prisoners near
Clinton, Tenn., and returned by way of Wartburg and Montgomery, Morgan
County, Tenn., to Huntsville, Scott County, Tenn.
About August 8 I made another expedition into Anderson County, Tennessee,
at the request of our Union friends of that county, who had again promised to
provide means for us to cross Clinch River, but again failed and we were disappointed.
At intervals when I was not scouting I was busily employed fortifying an eminence near Huntsville, Scott County, Tenn.
On the morning of August 13, about 8 o'clock, our pickets were driven in by
the enemy. My command, numbering about 250 men, were soon in order for
battle. I was attacked about 9 o'clock by the enemy, numbering from 1,500 to
2,000 men. On the appearance of them in such disproportionate numbers my
men (who were mostly new recruits) left my breastworks in wild confusion.
But while I speak in dishonorable terms of a part of my command I am proud
to speak in the most honorable terms of a part of the officers and men that
remained under my command. About 50 men held our breastworks for one
hour and forty minutes against the enemy, at least 1,500 men. Maj. James S.
Dunan, Capt.'s Robins, Wilson, and Shelton fought with great coolness and
deliberation. When our numbers in the breastworks were reduced to about 20
men I ordered a retreat, which was conducted in good order, carrying with
them our guns without any loss.
My position in Scott County, Tennessee, has been very perilous until within the
last few days; but I kept my men in the most obscure parts of the county, and
posted my pickets from 20 to 25 miles from my camps and within a short distance of the enemy's lines, and in this way I evaded collision with the enemy
until Gen. Bragg's army retreated out of Kentucky.
I again sent out a scouting party October 1 and we passed over the counties of
Scott and Morgan and a part of Fentress County, Tennessee, capturing some
prisoners and a little of the rebels' property. I sent out another scouting party
about October 15, which returned on the 29th instant, and report that they
passed over Scott, Morgan, and Fentress Counties, Tennessee, and had a skirmish with Ferguson's guerrillas, killing 4 of them, and among the number was
the cruel murderer Capt. Miliken. They also captured some property.
On October 31 I sent out another scouting party from Somerset, Ky, to traverse
the country toward Monticello and Jamestown, Tenn.; thence from the line of
Kentucky and Tennessee to Post Oak Springs, in Roane County, Tenn., with a
Page 104 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 13, 1862
view of breaking up several guerrilla companies that are roaming in the mountains between the line of Kentucky and Tennessee and the Tennessee River and
sometimes in the counties of Clinton and Wayne, Kentucky. I have been subsisting my troops on corn bread and beef since the fight at Huntsville, Tenn., at
a cost to the Government from about 10 to 15 cents for each soldier per day
and about the same for about 50 horses for mounted infantry.
I deem it highly indispensable to break up these guerrilla companies as speedily as possible, as there can be no safety to the peace of the country while they
are permitted to exist.
~~~
Your obedient servant,
WM. CLIFT, Col., Cmdg. Seventh Regt. of Tennessee Vols.
The ADJUTANT-GEN. U. S. ARMY
OR, Ser. I. Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 858-859.
NOTE 1: The August 13, 1862 skirmish at Huntsville was part of a larger context
which included regular U. S. forces, and Confederate forces associated with
Bragg's withdrawal from Kentucky, and Rebel guerrilla forces.
NOTE 2: Clift was a delegate from Hamilton County at the Union Convention held in
Greeneville on May 31-June 1, 186. See: OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. I, p. 150.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Knoxville, Tenn., August 18, 1862.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, Hdqrs. Dept. No. 2, Chattanooga, Tenn.:
GEN.: I have the honor to transmit, for the information of Gen. Bragg, a copy
of a communication from Col. John H. Morgan, received this evening. I have
also to acknowledge the receipt of a telegram from Gen. Bragg in reference to
Gen. Buckner, and which I have forwarded to Maj.-Gen. Smith. I am informed,
unofficially, that Clift's force of renegades at Huntsville has been completely
routed. This I have reason to believe is the fact.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. BELTON, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 763.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Knoxville, Tenn., August 23, 1862.a
Col. S. J. SMITH, Cmdg., &c., Loudon, Tenn.:
COL.: I have reason to believe that the force of the enemy under Clift, recently
dislodged from Huntsville, Tenn., is not broken up nor disorganized, but is
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 105
August 13, 1862
only awaiting an opportunity to attack some vulnerable point—probably Loudon. You will therefore direct your cavalry to scout in the direction of Kingston, especially to the northward of the road from that place, keeping out
strong pickets to give timely notice of any advance of the enemy from toward
Childer's Gap, but in doing this other avenues of approach must not be
neglected.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. BELTON, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 774.
August 13, 1862 - Letter from Valeria HulbertNOTE 1 in Memphis to Military Governor
Johnson, seeking protection for her husband's appointment as Post Master in Memphis
Do the honour to read-& then throw destroy!
Memphis Aug 13 62
Gov Johnson
Sir.
More than a year since I wrote asking your influence in favor of my Brother &
your generous response-was-So much appreciated that I did not Venture to tell
you how much, I thanked you -Now I write on a Subject which cannot be other
than delicate-as it is in reference to my husbands interestsThrough the Kindness of yourself & other friends-Mr. Hurlbert-was continued
in office under Mr Lincoln but was afterward removed by an assumed power,
which I will frankly tell you deprived him of the means of Supporting his family-but God is Just & Knowing this-& being So forcibly impressed Gov
Johnson-by the Singularly-Striking Coincidence which occurred in our family
on the eve of this unhappy Conflict—I have determined to State go your Excellency-Mr. Hs position-and then leave it with your Sense of Justice to Say -if he
should not be reinstated? I am not Superstitious but I have ever tried to do unto
others as I would have them [do] unto me-& my faith tells me that God will
raise up for me in this hour those whom He hath given the power-to place my
husband in a position which he So much deserves.- He has never taken any part
in this terrible Rebellion[.] it is true that he became a member of the Home
Guard-for the protection of the City -to avoid-being forced into the Malitia -he
ever discharged his duties faithfully—& I do not think I am Saying too muchwhen I Say I do not think a more acceptable appointment could be made to the
Loyal Citizens of Memphis—I presume—however—no appointment will be
made-permanent-until the War is ended? But as I know-"delays are dangerous"-& that your excellency-would have many applicants for you influence—I
have determined to approach you—& ask you will do the Kindness not to
Committ yourself-Mr. H. thinks it unnecessary to apply at present as he thinks
no action will be taken for Sometime [.] he also feels that he was removed—&
Page 106 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 13, 1862
that he has now by taking the Oath—taken a prominent Stand for the Union &
that he Should wait until he can ascertain his chance of Success —he would
not be disappointed & would not have him. but may I not hope my request will
meet your Kind Considerations?-Mr. Hulbert is entirely out of employment—
& since there is nothing doing at the bar—& indeed he finds it very difficult to
provide is nothing doing at the bar—& indeed he finds it very difficult to provide for us—I feel very much troubled Gov Johnson but as I Said —I am
Strangely impressed-to believe-that God hath directed me to you & I write with
the Conviction that He will bless my efforts to secure through yourself Some
position, which will enable Mr. H. to Sustain his family—On the 4th March 60.
just as Mr. Lincoln was being inaugurated President of the United States the
[news of the] birth of my little Boy was dispatched to Washington City. Mr. H.
was there as you remember? On that day-4 weeks after & at Same hour Same
day of [the] week-& month the Sad death-by Suicide -of my Brother, Dick
Collins-was dispatched to the Same City? These two Singularly Striking events
occuring in the Same family-& at the beginning of the Great National trouble
& both being dispatched to the Same City-I think—- Gov Johnson will impress
even your "Master Mind"-as being Certainly a remarkable Coincidence ? & the
fact too that I am ( after So many eventful months here in the room where his
brother Committed the Sad deed-again writing you!-God moves in a misteriouis "way"-& I have ever trusted Him-& I repeat I am very much troubled &
feel assured he is Guiding me—but few Know it Sir—but I wrote thousands of
lines against it—Do not think I mention this to influence you in Mr. Hs favor—
I tell you to prove to you—that I believe God will bless me for it by raising up
Friends—for us—He had blessed us with the best Government the World ever
knew! & we Should have been grateful[.] Pardon me for thus taking your
time!--I have heard Mr. H. speak of you So often I had forgotten you are a
Stranger! In conclusion I must beg you Excellency will regard all I have written as Sacred! I know it is unusual for Ladies to take part in matters of this
Kind but under the Circumstances-I felt that it was prompted by an irristable
power—it would place me in an unpleasant position were it known—So do the
Kindness Gov Johnson—not to mention even there, in N. as it is my native
place—or Franklin—
I have the pleasure of a visit from Gen Grant & family—he promised to See
you when you visited Mem —Do the honour to answer me!--There is but one
office profitable the P. Office—doubtless you have already been applied to—
but I hope I am in time to Secure you influence for Mr. H!--if I Should —I will
feel that I am blessed & be assured you Could appreciate the Kindness more—
if you have committed yourself will you not write to Mr. L at once & ask to
Suspend App. indeed Gov Johnson—In the unsettled condition of Tenn—I presume you think it useless to make any appointments—but may I not hope you
will remember my appeal?—&God will reward you if prayers will avail—for
the prosperity of yourself & family! I have written hurriedly. Please Excuse
writing.
Respectfully,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 107
August 13, 1862
Valeria Hulbert
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, pp. 612-614
NOTE 1: See OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 860 [below in November 1862] for Sherman's reply to Mrs. Hulbert's letter of October 1862, which chastised the
Major General's policy of banishing pro-Confederate families from the city
of Memphis. Mrs. Hulbert's letter is not known to have survived.
August 13, 1862 - A Night at the theater in Memphis; the Campbell Minstrels perform
New Memphis Theater-The original Campbell Minstrels.
The Theatre last night was crowded to the utmost extent-one third of the audience were ladies. The performance went off in a manner highly satisfactory to
the audience. Mr. Con. Murphy sang "Ginger in blissful repose," in his beautiful baritone voice, with a skill few can rival. Mr. J. J. Stone sang "Byron's Maid
of Athens," in his usual touching manner. W. E. Mannings comic song of "Clap
your hands," was irresistibly funny. Miss F. Christie's fancy Miss F. Christie's
fancy dress was a mingling of grace and elegance. This young lady possesses,
in a high degree, that grace and beauty which give so powerful a charm to the
dance."Don't be Angry, Mother," by Con. Murphy, was sung with correct taste
and feeling, as a ballad should be.
The great feature of the evening was "Charcoal Philosophy," a display of the
Abolition logic of Greeley, Beecher & Co., turned upside down in a manner
humorous in the extreme. In this piece, Purdy was received with two distinct
rounds of applause. The song is originally his own. He well merited the double
encore he received. He has firmly and permanently seated himself in the hearts
of the show-going people of this city. Joe Mair's fancy Pas Seul was brilliant
and artitistical, Master Eugene, in his best days, never sun or danced as
well."Mose and Lize,"NOTE 1 by Purdy and Marrs, was a comic piece, chaste
and good, but hard on the heaving sides of the hilarious audience. The fancy
fling, by Miss Christie, excited warm applause, Bill Manning's "Bone Solo"
was received with great satisfaction-bones triumphant. Stout and Berger's
"Larboard Watch" was, as always; greatly admired."Topsy Doctrine," by
Purdy, who is the author of it, was a feast of fun and mirth; to see is to admire
it.
"The Challenge Dance," by Purdy and the entire company, concluded the
evening; its brilliant oddity sent the audience home, in "mirthful mood with
laughter shaking." This troupe, as a body, are unapproached and unapproachable by any other band in the country. Those who doubt it should go, see and
judge. We advise all lovers of fun to be present this evening as there is a fine
bill.
Memphis Bulletin, August 14, 1862.
Page 108 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 13, 1862
NOTE 1: Mose was a popular stage/folk-hero dating back to the early 1850s. He was
portrayed as the typical volunteer fireman of the day, a youthful and boisterous Irishman sporting a nine inch cigar and top hat, "ready for a muss or
a fire." His girlfriend was Lize. See: James B. Jones, Jr., "'Mose the Bowery
B'hoy and the Nashville Volunteer Fire Department, 1849-1860," Tennessee Historical Quarterly, Vol. XL, No. 2 (Summer 1981), pp.170-181.
August 13, 1862 - Federal strength and fortifications at Tullahoma
TULLAHOMA, August 13, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. THOMAS:
A few rifle pits; no fortifications. Col. Wagner's brigade left last night for
Manchester. I have only 200 infantry, 150 cavalry, no artillery. Am good for
any rebel force of 600 without artillery.
D. M. FOX, Maj.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DISTRICT OF THE OHIO, Decherd, Tenn.,
August 13, 1862.
Maj. D. M. Fox, Cmdg. Tullahoma:
Build at once a strong stockade sufficiently large to accommodate all your
infantry.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 331.
August 13, 1862 - Confederate Forces Near Clinton
The East Tennessee correspondent of the Atlanta Intelligencer, writing from
Clinton, under date of the 13th inst., concludes his letter thus:
The number of troops gathering here renders this a place of some interest. It is
situated on the Clinch river, twenty miles north of Knoxville. . . So far as one
can judge, active movements are in contemplation. Cooking utensils, baggage
and tents, have been given up, and large supplies of ammunition are being collected. There are no armed enemies near us, except the skulking bushwhackers,
and they are getting extremely cautious in their movements. It has been ascertained that some of our men know how to "bushwhack."
General Heth now commands the second division, the one to which we are
attached. He has ordered all the women who have been following his army to
retire from it upon its next move. By the way, some of these women have been
following the camps so long that they have developed a decidedly Amazonian
character. It is said that when our brigade was leaving Knoxville, one of them
put a haversack around her neck, a gun on her shoulder, a knapsack on her
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 109
August 13, 1862
back, a baby on one arm, a pipe in her mouth, and, "accoutred as she was,"
marched the whole distance to our present camp, twenty miles.
Memphis Appeal [Grenada, Mississippi], August 22, 1862.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
August 13, 1862 - Theater in Recently Occupied Memphis—The Show Must Go On
The New Memphis Theater—Original Campbell Minstrels.—The house was
thronged last night by a gay and fashionable audience. The "Magic Barrel" was
a most excellent performance, and elicited unbounded praise. The ballad singers, Con. Murphy, in the "Annie of the Vale," and J. H. Stout, in the "Silvery
Midnight Moon," produced the liveliest satisfaction, and drew forth enthusiastic applause."Off for Charleston: was very happily rendered by J. W. Smith,
who never fails to win encomiums for all, while W. E. Manning, in the performance of "Vermicilli" received merited praise; "Jenny Lane," too, by F. M
Berger, was excellent, and the "Twinkling Star" will never be forgotten by
those who enjoyed it last night. The fancy dance was a good thing, and the
music, so sweet, was appreciated by all."Fun, without vulgarity," is their motto,
and nothing occurs which is distasteful to the most fastidious. Jim Mairs, the
inimitable fancy dancer, and grotesque actor, has been finally secured by this
unapproachable band of minstrels, and will appear tonight in several of his
favorite acts. He need only be seen to be admired.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 13 1862.
August 13, 1862 - Sudden Disappearance of the Confederate Committee of Safety in Memphis
Is There One Here?—We all know that there was a skedaddle of "the Committee of Safety" under whose horrid head the most despotic acts, and most infamous proceedings which ever disgraced any community, were perpetrated here
during the infernal reign of the Secessionists. One Frazier Titus, the president
of said "committee" and one F. W. Royster, its secretary, played a very active
part in the noted skedaddle. We simply ask, whether or not there is a single
member of that odious "committee" remaining here?
Memphis Union Appeal, August 13 1862.
August 13, 1862 - "I made requisition for 1,000 negroes, with tools, &c., without loss of
time." Slave labor supply problems slow the construction of fortifications
in occupied Nashville
CAMP AT SAINT CLOUD'S HILL, Nashville, August 13, [1862.]
Col. J. B. FRY,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen. and Chief of Staff:
Page 110 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 13, 1862
The railroad bridge will be fortified against all attack except distant bombardment.
Saint Cloud's Hill will be secure against any attack except regular approaches
and investment. Capitol Hill the same. These will be provided each with four
pieces and six companies. The building corner of Broad and Spruce will have
garrison of two companies; it will overlook a position selected for reserve of
one cavalry regiment and one battery of horse artillery. Said works will be
completed in order of importance, which is as above. The total garrison will be
two regiments infantry, one of cavalry, and two batteries. I lost forty-eight
hours by the tardiness of the citizens in answering, the requisitions of the commandant of the city for negroes, teams, tools, cooking utensils, and provisions.
Up to this date I have received but about 150 negroes, and to tools, teams, &c.,
except those I got from Government officers. I was ready to employ 825
negroes at daybreak on the 11th had they been furnished in compliance with
my requisitions. Work was begun on the bridge on morning of the 11th; on
Saint Cloud's Hill this morning.NOTE 1 I am not responsible for any delay the
general may remark upon. I made requisition for 1,000 negroes, with tools,
&c., without loss of time. My arrangements are in advance of the labor furnished. I have anticipated your order just received for guarding north side of
bridge. It will be perfectly safe except against cannonade, that would demolish
the bridge from a distance, from pieces concealed from our guns to be located
in flanking positions on south side.
J. ST. C. MORTON, Chief Engineer, Army of the Ohio.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 326-327.
NOTE 1: This date marks the beginning of the construction of Fort Negley.
August 13, 1862 - August 14, 1862 - Scouts in Humboldt environs
HUMBOLDT, August 14, 1862.
Gen. McCLERNAND:
Governor Johnson telegraphed Capt. Young to muster in all Tennessee troops
he can under your directions. The captain is at Isaac Hawkins' to-day, where
there is a war meeting. . . My scouts took 4 prisoners yesterday 15 miles east of
here; 5 more escaped from them. . . I thought perhaps you would like these
Tennessee troops to guard all the roads and capture these men.
Your obedient servant,
GEORGE E. BRYANT, Col.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 168.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 111
ca. August 13, 1862
ca. August 13, 1862 - ca. August 15, 1862 - Skirmishing near Sparta and fight near Vervilla
[Warren county]
No circumstantial reports filed.
TULLAHOMA, August 15, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. THOMAS:
Yesterday I sent up into the neighborhood of Hubbard's some small force of
cavalry. They report skirmishing near Sparta. Some two days ago they conversed with citizens, who state the object of the movements of the enemy was
to get into Kentucky. They took a rebel captain prisoner, who says they are
determined to have Nashville or cross the Cumberland into Kentucky. I do not
attach much importance to this. I sent your dispatch to Gen. Nelson yesterday.
Gen. Nelson sent a force of cavalry to Vervilla; captured 15 rebels and recaptured the horses of couriers shot the day before.
G. D. WAGNER, Col.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 342.
August 14, 1862 - Skirmish at Mount Pleasant
AUGUST 14, 1862.-Skirmish near Mount Pleasant, Tenn.
Report of Brig. Gen. James S. Negley, U. S. Army
COLUMBIA, August 14, 1862
Maj. Kennedy attacked Williams' guerrillas 8 miles south of Mount Pleasant
this morning at 7 o'clock, killing 2 and taking several prisoners. The enemy
fled to woods after the first fire. Our horses were too much exhausted to follow
them.
JAS. S. NEGLEY.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, p. 860.
August 14, 1862 - Skirmish at Rogers' Gap
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
August 14, 1862 - General Orders, No. 72NOTE 1 issued by Major-General W. T. Sherman,
relative to preservation of the peace in Memphis
GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 72. HDQRTS. FIFTH DIVISION, Memphis,
August 14, 1862.
I. Maj. Fisher, Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteers, and Capt. Littlefield, provost-marshal of Gen. Hurlbut's division, are announced as assistant provost-marshals of
Memphis, and will report for duty to Colonel Anthony. More attention will be
Page 112 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 14, 1862
given to the quiet and good order of soldiers on the streets. The assistant provost-marshals and the patrols and guards sent out by them have the power and
right to suppress all riots and nuisances. Any house where noise, drunkenness,
and fighting are either going on or likely to occur is a military nuisance, and
will be suppressed by the seizure of its contents and the delivery of the liquors
to the hospital department. If the nuisance cannot thus be suppressed the house
will be burned or pulled down according to its position. Any brigade provostmarshal may suppress a nuisance in the vicinity of his brigade, but no house
will be pulled down or burned without the written order of the commanding
general, the provost-marshal, or the commander of a brigade.
Riots on the streets will be promptly suppressed by blows, the bayonet, or firing when necessary. Of course the military are not bound by the licenses issued
by the city authorities, as licenses are designed for revenue and not to sanction
or encourage crimes and nuisances.
II. In consequence of the abuse of the privilege, passes given to officers and
soldiers are hereby limited to the time between guard mounting in the morning
and tattoo at night.
When an officer or soldier wishes to remain absent from his regiment and stay
in the city overnight he must obtain from his commanding officer and his brigadier a special leave of absence, specifying the reason of his visit to the city.
All officers and soldiers found by the provost guard in the city without passes
at any time, or after 10, o'clock at night without special leave from their brigadiers, will be arrested and confined for the night and sent in the morning to the
guard of Colonel McDowell's brigade-soldiers to work on the fortification one
week, officers to be confined to their tents in arrest. Written lists with charges
should accompany each batch of prisoners thus arrested and sent with them to
the fort.
It is hereby made the duty of the brigade commander of the Second Brigade,
Fifth Division, to organize his guard so as to compel all prisoners confined
under this order, as well as such as are or may be sentenced to work by regimental or general courts-martial, to labor nine hours each day on the fortifications. He will cause his guard-house to be carefully repaired and reconstructed,
so as to enable the officers of his guard to confine prisoners safely and to control their food. Prisoners who will not work are not entitled to rations, and must
be put on short diet.
III. The regiment of infantry on duty as provost guard in the city and the cavalry detailed for the same purpose are hereby declare to be on guard duty the
time of their detail, and are subject to the conditions of the forty-fifth Article of
War.
OR Ser. 1, Vol. 17, pt. 2, pp. 173-174.
NOTE 1: The Memphis Union Appeal of August 17 and 27, 1862 printed the same order, but it was called "SPECIAL ORDER No. 180," also dated August 14,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 113
August 14, 1862
1862.
August 14, 1862 - Major-General William T. Sherman reports on situation in Memphis and
explains Orders Nos. 61, 62, 67 and 70
HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis,
August 14, 1862.
Maj. JOHN. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Corinth:
SIR: It has been physically impossible for me personally to give attention to
the thousand of things which had to be done here since my arrival and at the
same time keep you fully advised of their progress. All is well now and matters
are progressing favorably, and for the sake of history, and that the major-general may have a clear insight of our situation, I send a variety of papers, some
of which need a word of explanation.
1st. Orders, No. 61, abolishes passes on land travel (on the river same as heretofore), and regulates it, confined to five roads and on each road a small guard
to inspect each traveler, the wagons, buggies or carriages. Such guards can better prevent illegal traffic or catch spies than any provost-marshal, who must of
necessity delegate his power to make out and sign passes to a clerk.NOTE 1
2d. Orders, No. 62, defines the posts of my brigades and defines the duty of
their guard. In that order I threaten incompetent officers with a board of examination, which on inspection I find I cannot appoint. (Section 10, act of Congress, page 521, Army Regulations.) I ask the detail of such a board of five
officers, composed of, say, Gen. Hurlbut, Gen. Lauman, Gen. M. L. Smith,
Col. D. Stuart, and Col. [Ralph P. ] Buckland. If you have granted leaves of
absence to any of these, I name Col. [Joseph R. ] Cockerill, Lieut. Col.
[Charles C. ] Walcutt, Maj. Fearing and Maj. Fisher as alternates.
3d. Orders, No. 67, about negroes. I found about 600 negroes employed here,
and daily others come into our works. I have knowledge that a law had passed
Congress for using the labor of such negroes, approved by the President and
sanctioned by Gen. Halleck. No __________instructions had come or could
come to guide me, and I was forced to lay down certain rules for my own guidance.
Masters and mistresses so thronged my tent as to absorb my whole time, and
necessity compelled me to adopt some clearly-defined rules, and I did so. I
think them legal and just. Under this order I must assume to clothe and feed
those negroes, but you will observe I make no provisions for any save laboring
men. The women and families take refuge here, but I cannot provide for them,
but I allow no force or over persuasion in any case.
4th. Orders, No. 70. I had ordered at the muster of June 30 that all absentees
without authority of Gen. Halleck or myself should be reported on the musterrolls as deserters. I see in the newspapers that the War Department had adopted
the same views, only fixing the date August 18, and to put my troops on a foot-
Page 114 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 14, 1862
ing with all others I have made this order. The official notice has not come to
me, but I see it so universally quoted that I cannot doubt that such an order is in
existence, and I infer that some accident has prevented its receipt in time to
prepare the muster-rolls.NOTE 2
5th. Instructions to Capt. Fitch.NOTE 3 On the receipt of Gen. Grant's telegraphic order about vacant houses and the leases of absent rebels I gave it to
Capt. Fitch, post quartermaster, with a few instructions. But as he progressed
so many points of law and policy arose that he was embarrassed and called on
me for further instructions. I made them in the form of a letter, which I authorized him to publish that all the parties might judge for themselves. This has
quieted the great mass, but still cases are daily referred to me of the most delicate nature, one of which I inclose with this—the letter of Mrs. Lizzie A. Merwether, whose husband is in the rebel service, and who remained under your
orders permitting such ladies to remain on taking or making a parole. I venture
to express the opinion that in war the parole of a woman or citizen is not good.
From them an oath should be exacted, for the parole is a word of honor which,
according to the old Federal code, a soldier alone could make; but apart from
this it seems by here own statement her husband deeded this property to her
then rebelled against his Government, and by the fortunes of war now finds
himself under one government and his wife another. In either event the property is safe, let which party prevail. Mrs. Merwether is a lady and has small
children dependent on her in the absence of her husband; but Capt. Fitch, under
my orders or rather these printed instructions, construed the property to be substantially that of the absent husband and orders the tenants of the property to
pay the rents to him.
I think in law and common sense the transfer of property to a wife at such a
time and under such circumstances is simply an evasion, and therefore void,
but am willing to stretch the rules as wide as possible to favor distressed
women and children, although I fear a single departure from the rules of severe
justice may lead us into many inconsistencies and absurd conclusions.
6th. I finally inclose a copy of a letter from Gen. Pillow, addressed to S. P.
Walker, esq., of this city, and designed for Gen. Grant and myself. It did not
come under a flag of truce, but by one of the secret mails which I have not yet
succeeded in breaking up. I also inclose a copy of my answer, which I will
hand to Mr. Walker and allow him to send as he best may. I do not consider my
answer as strictly official, as the matters inquired about are as to the situation
of his private property. I have published Gen. Grant's order, based on the one
from Hdqrs. of the Army, annulling all restrictions on the purchases of cotton
and payment of gold thereof. I cannot see how Gen. Halleck can allow gold,
which is universally contraband, thus to pass into possession of an enemy, but I
hope his reasons, as usual, are based on a far-seeing policy. I shall of course
obey the order and facilitate the trade in cotton and its shipment, but it seems
against the grain.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 115
August 14, 1862
With the exception of small guerrilla bands I hear of no enemy nearer than
Holly Springs and Senatobia.
Yours,
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen., Comdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 169-171.
NOTE 1: See Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 117, 118.
NOTE 2: See Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 158, 165.
NOTE 3: See Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 156.
August 14, 1862 - "Lady Rebels-Their Tender Mercies."
The rebel ladies of Memphis, bless them, how soft and tender their hearts beat
towards the vandal Yankee hordes, who to their great discomfiture are now
desecrating the sacred soil of Dixie in their unhallowed feet, and whom the
pious Dr. WaddelNOTE 1, deeply moved by the anticipated wrongs, insults and
miseries of the same delicate ladies, had it in his head and on his tongue, not a
long time ago, to pray that the good Lord would "send them back to the polluted soil, and polluted homes." Now let us have an interesting and deeply
pathetic lesson or two by way of illustration. Not long after these same dastard,
daring, ruthless, invaders made their hated presence in and to wicked possession of this sacred heritage of freedom, it so happened, that a poor confederate
soldier, falling into their barbarous hands, sickened and died. Savage like,
these Federal barbarian soldiers, prepared for the fallen foe a decent coffin and
laid him in it, and they bore it and its sacred dust, like decent christian men,
(which they were not) in solemn procession to the cemetery specifically specially consecrated to the sacred dust of the confederate army, and there laid
him in the grave they had opened beside his confederates in arms and in death.
A Federal officer and a rebel lady riding through the grounds and turning their
attention to what was passing, slighted, and drew up to the grave around which
the Federal soldiers were gathered, performing the last solemn rites of sepulture for their own, and their country's enemy. The kind lady's eyes saw a poor
toad at the bottom of the grave."Be so good, men do," she cried, "be so good as
to throw out that poor toad; don't let it be crushed under the coffin, don't" And
instinctively they did as she wished. Soon the question was suggested by the
lady, "why do you wage this cruel war against the South? Nothing else," she
cried, "but to set the negro free, enrich yourselves, and rule us." "No," replied
the officer. The point was warmly discussed, as the grave was being filled, the
fair one affirming and officer denying."And to prove to you,' said he, "that I am
right, I'll take the votes of these men, with whose names and opinion on this
subject I am unacquainted." Then addressing the men, he said, "Soldiers, all of
you who are in favor of freeing the negro by waging this war, raise your
Page 116 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 14, 1862
hands." Not one was raised."Well,' said she, "I'm still unconvinced that such is
not the desire and design of the North, and such will be the effect, at all events,
if you succeed; and my prayer is, that "Yellow Jack" may come along and
sweep your whole army to the same grave in which you have now placed the
dead." Oh! The exquisite tenderness of that lady's heart, who could not bear to
see the toad crushed beneath the coffin, but who could utter the prayer with the
same breath that the Federal army might be crushed in the gave not in due process, land by the ordinary casualties of war, but by a power more fell than the
Confederate army can wield-the power of that fell Southern distroyer, the yellow fever. Really, I cannot resist the temptation of applying to these tenser
hearted Southern lady rebels, the proverb of a very wise man: "The tender mercies of the wicked-even of these rebel ladies-are cruel." Who ever heard the
semblance of such a prayer uttered by Northern lips, coming out of the depths
of rancorous madness? I have never.
But a second lesson if illustration is at hand. A few days since, the 11th Indiana
had a like solemn and mournful duty to perform towards one of its members.
As the funeral cortege bore their dead comrade along with solemn sound of
music to, probably, the same cemetery, certain ladies came to the door of their
mansion, and patted their delicate hands in the face of the mournful procession
in the extacy of their joy that another Federal soldier was going to his long
home, where he would no more molest the South, and whither they wished the
whole army might be swept like Senacherib's [?], one hundred and eighty-five
thousand in a night.
Did Solomon take a moral and social daguerreotype of these ladies, when he
says "the heart of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he hath no need of
spoil, she will do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She layeth her
hands to the spindle, and her hands to the distaff. She stretcheth out her hands
to the poor, yes, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She openeth her
mouth with wisdom, and her tongue is the law of kindness." Is such the tendency and effect of slave-holding? Are such to be future mothers of civilized
and christian race?
Signed,
Carolus
Union Appeal for August 14, 1862.
NOTE 1: Dr. J. N. Waddel, a local Rebel clergyman. There are other references to him
above, and he apparently was no longer allowed to preach after making
these remarks sometime in July.
August 14, 1862 - A Confederate soldier's letter home to his family at the Cherry Creek
Community
Tyner Station
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 117
August 14, 1862
Hamilton County
August 14, 1862
Dear Father,
I have opportunity to send a letter home and I hope it will get there. I have sent
no less than ten letters since I left home but I doubt very much where they
went. . . I suppose the enemy are close on you. Well. . . them to help themselves, they cannot find much. I have no doubt but that they will take all you
have if they pay you a visit unless you take the oath of allegiance, that you can
do or let alone, I prefer that you move away and come down South before taking any such oath as they see cause to prescribe.
We are all in good spirits now; the Yankee army is in about the same fix that
ours was about the time we left Corinth. We had to guard the men to keep them
in. Now they [the Yankees] have the same to do, but they make a poor speed,
for as many as two hundred came to us as deserters at one time, and enough
come in daily to inform our General all about their army. I look for foreign
interference before long. Lincoln has called out 300,000 troops for recruits.
Our side is recruitingNOTE 1 every day, and from appearances, unless other
nations interfere, we will have a nasty time. Our men are now in the notion to
fight. Since the late policy of the U. S. Government on slavery and the confiscation of property, there is no chance to compromise only by compelling to let
us alone entirely, which they will be obliged to do.
I should like above all things to hear from you. I am afraid you need money or
something. If I had known all things I would have told you to keep all bank
money I left with you for expenses. I hope you done so anyhow. I have twenty
dollars in Tennessee money now. If I could, I would sent it to you. If the Confederates get all right in those parts, I will the first chance sent what you need.
My old friend J. C. Maline is here. He tells me they have concluded to take the
[Confederate] money in Putnam. I want to see my debts paid as early as possible, not knowing the number of my days. I have not about 275 dollars in effects
here. The Government owes me $160. I have other notes and accts. and some
money, but I shall need the whole of it at present as I shall have to buy a horse
and clothes and arm myself fit to be considered a staff officer. I recd. the
appointment of adjutant on the staff of the new commander of this regiment.
Ours Cols. Stanton and Sanders have resigned and the Senior Captain now
commands as Major and will perhaps be promoted to Col. or L. Col. His name
is Jno. M. Hughs, NOTE 2 and I take [him] to be a clever man.
At least he will treat me just right for the same reason that I have been treated
justly by former company officers, some of whom you know to be tyrannical.
The same Gen. who refused to give me an appointment of Major on Col. Stanton's and Sander's recommendation now advised my present appointment. The
others would not have lost me but one month as it was afterwards decided that
all vacancies was to be filled by promotion and the man appointed lost the
Page 118 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 14, 1862
place in one month but got his pay. The major ['s rank] is the easiest place in
the regt., but I like to be busy. So my present place suits me very well.
. . . I have concluded not to buy a horse yet, I can do without one for awhile.
My appointment [to Adjutant] is very uncertain at this time. The War Department sometimes differs from the commanding officers. The rank of the major
who gave me my appointment may not be determined to suit higher than the
Brig. Gen. He was set down as Senior Capt. because he held a commission as
Lieut. last. year. It is now decided by the War Department that the former rank
is nothing unless he had been elected to the same grade. I do not know that the
Captains will be allowed to determine their rank again but if they do the
Major. . . will be only Captain with his chance among ten others to be Major,
and my appointment will be only for the time he serves as Major and [then] I
will be a private again. But that will be no "fat out of my gourd." I can get the
appointment again if I want it. If the Major. . . should get out of his office any
other way I shall be free from the war and then you shall see me before I do
any further service in Jeff's War.
I should like to get out of the war for all of the time and if I get foot loose, I
may stay but I shall not bind myself in anyway. I want to hear from you very
much. . .
I know I shall be home if able to travel one year from the 31st inst., as my time
will be out, and I am sure that no inducement can get me in again except some
appointment out of the field.
~~~
I know you are more uneasy about us than you need be as I am not much in
danger; besides, if the worst should happen, you would still be as well off as
thousands of others North and South.
My expense is greater than ever before. If I can supply you with plenty, and
pay the little you owe, I care nothing for saving Confederate [money], as I
know we can live after the war if we are only lucky to be left alive and whole. I
am going to buy another horse as soon as I draw or get money owing to us. I
am going to keep two as they are as good property as I can own and I am
allowed to for two. It would surprise you to see my new brass buttons, but they
cost me something, I tell you. I do not know that I shall every wear my new
uniform as my old coat is a good as most others wear. You must write as soon
as possible. If the "Yanks" are [after?] our letters, they will not make much. I
wish myself and one of them as anxious for peace as I am could have matters
left to us, then we would go home tomorrow. John A. and all the boys you
know are well.
Yours, etc.
LaFayette [McDowell]
Diary of Amanda McDowell entry for August 25, 1862.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 119
August 14, 1862
NOTE 1: i.e., conscripting.
NOTE 2: Col. John M. Hughs, Twenty-fifth Tennessee [Confederate] Infantry. See
below, September 6, 1863, Skirmish at Sweetwater, et passim. Formerly a
hotelkeeper in Livingston, Tennessee. See: Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol.
6, fn 2, p. 539.
August 14, 1862 - "The Item Market."
Our colonel knew there would be plenty of items when liquor became plentiful, and those excellent allies of King Satan, Brandy Smash, Gin Cocktail, Min
Julep and other astute agents of the Devil had free course for their efforts. All
has come as he expected, and his pen has more offered than he undertakes to
record-for there are some things about which the less is said, the better. In his
circumambulations yesterday he saw the conquered lying thickly around. The
old negro mart on Clinton street, below Union, fronting the river, the scene of a
celebrated murder, and afterward the infamous haunt of a nest of infamous
women-which is not a ruin from fire-had its tenant in a sleeping, snoring victim
of the big drunk of Tuesday, which drunk had some considerable continuation
yesterday. In the filthy gypsum weed-covered hollow and ravines about the
bluff, lie exhausted votaries of "distilled damnation" lay stretched, unconscious. Many a deserted building, and many an out-of-the-way alley were similarly tenanted. There was no Bull Run or Shiloh panic about the alcoholic
battle of Tuesday; the discomfited just sank down and gave up. Bedsides these,
many were captured and place in durance. There will be no deficiency of
items, outrages, insults and violence while whisky is allowed to flow with a
constancy the rains of heaven cannot rival. There may be inconveniences
attending this hilarious and O be joyful condition of things, but our Colonel
finds it a fruitful source to supply the item market.
Memphis Bulletin, August 14, 1862.
August 14, 1862 - "A Little Ahead."
Two citizens were fighting yesterday on Main street, between Commerce and
Winchester. Two fresh hands, Paddies from Cork, of the First Ward arrested
them and brought them to the corner of Jefferson and Main. One of the culprits
broke away from Policeman No. 1, who took after him in bog-trotter style. The
other culprit said to Policeman No. 2, that if he wished to help his friend to
catch the runaway, he would stay there and wait till he came back. So the
bright policemen lost both darkies.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 15 1862.
Page 120 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 14, 1862
August 14, 1862 - 'TENNESSEE MONEY"
Never since the day that Caesar threatened the faithful guardian of the Roman
Treasure with decapitation has a greater outrage been committed upon the
monetary affairs of any people that is being foisted upon the people of Memphis to-day. Most of her merchants have quit business or gone South, and it
world seem that certain sharp persons who deal in money consider the balance
of the community their lawful prey. Some writer has tritely remarked that the
"dog" has been the companion of man since the creation, and in all that time
has learned but one of man's vices-namely: to "worry" his own species when in
distress. It would seem that war with its desolating results and lamentable consequences would fill the cup of sorrow of any people without being required at
the same time to tolerate a war against their own currency. That a war-and a
regular guirrilla warfare at that is now being waged against Tennessee money
is apparent to the most superficial observer. Two weeks ago Southern bank
paper passed as readily as Tennessee bills. How is it now; what is the cause of
its sudden depreciation? The answer suggests itself-the brokers and their illiberal and unjust quotations. A broker told one of his depositors this day-the 12th
day of August 1862-that Southern money was a[s] good as Tennessee but he
bought it at ten percent. discount because he could do it, claiming the right, like
other men, to make all the money he could. Memphis is not a manufacturing
city, her great interest that has given her prestige abroad and wealth at home is
COMMERCE. A glance at the city reveals the fact that it has been built by men
of enlarged views. The projectors of the immense storehouses of Memphis
must have been men of keen foresight and great liberality. Doubtless the men
referred to were great merchants and fully competent to guard with zealous
care their own circulating medium, and it is only now for want of thought and
concert of action that the mass of the people are being shaved out of one-fourth
of their honest labor by a few men who have no conscience. If this currency
were bought as discredited money and sent out of the State at once, so that our
people would have to submit to but one shave, the evil might be borne with,
but as it is bought and sold to be paid out once a week, the thing amounts to an
intolerable burden.
There is nothing wrong in Tennessee money but to dispose of the brokers and
their quotations. The city of Memphis has just as much use for money quotations as the corporation has for a town bull. The police should arrest all men
who shave Tennessee money under the shadow of the bank without license;
make every one of them pay a license like other dealers.
What say our bankers? Can they give us a statement of their affairs? Their circulation is known to be small. Is there paper not as good as other suspended
bank paper? What are their assets? Are they willing by their silence to see the
masses of the community shaved out of a fourth of their daily earning by a
dozen of heartless brokers, who produce nothing, but fatten on other men's
labor? The people have given the banks the value of her bills. If the banks have
not lost their means, but only suspended like other bank[s], the paper is equal
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 121
August 14, 1862
to that of any other banks. Let the banks give the people a statement of their
affairs. It is the duty of debtors to give creditors a statement. If the banks are
unwilling, let the people hold currency meetings in Court Square and know the
worst.
Merchant.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 14, 1862.
August 14, 1862 - Letter of John A. Ritter, 49th Indiana Volunteers
August 14, 1862 from Cumberland Gap, TN
Cumberland Gap, Ten.
Aug. 14, 62
Dear Margarett,
I take up my pen to write you a few lines to let you Know that I am still on the
land. My health is verry good. I strained my foot some time a go that gives
some pain ocasionly. That makes it some what inconvenient for me to walk
much but as I have but verry little walking to do it has not set me back. The
health of my company is tolerable good. Tom Buskirk is not well. I have no
one in the Hospital that is up here. There is several back yet that has not come
up with the some that will probably never come up but acording to an order
their pay stops on the 11 of this month & on the 18th they are to be mustered
and all that is not present are to be Court Martial. This I think will stir up their
minds by the way of Remembrance. There are some of our men that have been
home & at Hospitals under full pay that have never earnd five cents for the
governmt and it is getting time to stop the game. We have men in my company
that have not done one weeks service all told and such men is a disgrace to any
lady or community.
You have perhaps seen an account of the skirmish that [_______?] had. The
Rebbels [fared?] badly at the time. It is well understood that they lost a great
many men in that fight. Some of the prisners put it 600, some at 250. How this
is will perhaps never be known. I think the ware will soon be at a close or that
the fighting part of it is or will be done in a short time. I think the calling out
the 600,000 men will have a better affect to convince the people in armes that
we are in earnes than any thing yet and to let them Know that we [have?] the
stringth. I would like to see some men drafted. Their are those that would not
defend their own fire sides if the enemy was in our country and if it was not for
those that are out in the [_____?] Keeping them back they would be in Indiana
quick. There is nothing but the Bayonets that Keeps them from sacking all of
these men that are at home injoying all the comforts of the private life. I am
still at the gap making fortifications and I expect that we will stay here perhaps
to the end of the ware. Gen. Morgan told one of the Capts. that has a company
here that he was agoing to have Houses built for the men that built the [fortifi-
Page 122 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 14, 1862
cations?] and that they had to stay & defend them but the tide of ware is uncertain. He may take an other notion.
As ever,
John A. Ritter
Ritter Correspondence
August 14, 1862 - "I would tar their hearts out and cook them and make them eat them!"
BEAUTIFUL LETTER FROM A NASHVILLE SHE REBEL. —The following polished and peppery letter was written by a Nashville girl to a cousin, who
is a prisoner at Camp Morton, Ind. It ought to be published in the next edition
of the Complete Letter Writer:
"John, I want you to write and tell me about the fight, and how many lincoln
devils you killed. I would like to have been there and seen them Lincoln devils
keel over. It would have done my soul good to have seen them fall by the thousands. John, as you are a prisoner, and cannot have the pleasure of killing Lincoln hirelands, I believe I will take your place, and I dwell you what, I will kill
five Yankees—I will do more for them than Morgan has done for them. I tell
you Morgan is taring up the burg for them; he is doing the work for them. John,
I wish I was a man, I would come there and I would soon get you out of that
Lincoln hole. I would tar their hearts out and cook them and make them eat
them; but I will do all I can for you, and when you come in Shelby [county], I
will get some of their skelps and hang [them] up in my room for you to look at.
I will be for Jeff. Davis till the tenisee river freezes over, and then be for him
and scratch on the ice—
Jeff. davis rides a white horse,
linclon rides a mule,
Jeff davis is a gentleman,
And lincoln is a fule
I wish I could send them Lincoln devils some pies; they would never want any
more to eat in this world! May Jeff. ever be with you. From a good southernrights girls- from your cousin
Marianne.
Soldier's Budget [Humboldt], August 14, 1862.
August 14, 1862 - Opposition to closing public schools in Nashville
So far as we have been able to learn, the people are almost unanimously in
favor of opening such number of the Public Schools as may be necessary to
accommodate such children as parents and guardians may desire to send. In the
estimation of those whose opinions we have heard expressed, it would operate
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 123
August 15, 1862
injuriously to suspend the Public Schools, even temporarily, as proposed by
Alderman Brien's bill. The tax has been levied and partially collected, so that
the means to carry on the schools will be provided. The property would suffer
greater injury by not being used, while the present seems the time, of all others,
when children should be kept at school. The excitements of the street do them
no good, if not a positive injury, and it strikes us it would be good policy to
keep open the schools, that as many of the children as possible may be kept out
of the streets.
It is not necessary to address to the city fathers an argument against the education acquired in the streets. We all know it is easily acquired, and rarely otherwise than pernicious. The Public Schools will do much to neutralize the
influences which the excitements of the day exercise upon the minds of the
youth of our city. Let us, therefore, appeal in behalf of those youths who are to
be found scattered upon the streets of the city, because they have nothing to do,
for a continuation of the Public Schools. It would be infinitely better to appoint
some one to gather in these boys, than to close the schools. It is not improbable
there will be a great falling off in the number of those who attend the schools,
as compared to former sessions, but it is almost certain there will be enough to
make two good schools. The good that may be accomplished for these boys
and girls by continuing the Public Schools cannot be estimated. It is in this
light that we have been induced to make this appeal in their behalf.
Nashville Dispatch, August 14, 1862.
August 15, 1862 - Skirmish with guerrillas, Centreville, Hickman County
•See August 11, 1862--Affair [counter guerrilla] near Kinderhook
August 15, 1862 - Skirmish near BolivarNOTE 1
Last Friday [15th] a reconnoitering force sent out by General McClernand's
division, discovered about two hundred and fifty Confederate cavalry short
distance below Bolivar, surrounded them, killed thirty, captured one hundred
and forty and two hundred horses. We lost only five killed and ten wounded.
The Confederates were waiting to attack a supply train when they were surprised. The prisoners have been sent to Cairo.
Memphis Bulletin, August 19, 1862.
NOTE 1: This event is listed in neither the OR nor Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
General McClernand's command was active in the area at the time, however.
It seems, though, that this event, because of its reported distinction, would
not have escaped the notice of army historians.
Page 124 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 15, 1862
August 15, 1862 - Narrow escape from a shooting in Memphis
A narrow escape from what would have been a very painful catastrophe
occurred last night at the beer saloon on the north side of Washington street,
between Main and Second, kept by Mt. John Lehner. The particulars, as related
to us by Mr. Lehner, a man of good appearance and manners, are as follows: At
half past six o'clock last evening, two Germans were "talking rather hard," in
the German language. A file of soldiers of the Guard entered and interfered.
The landlord explained that there was no harm in what the men were saying; in
the mean time one of the men passed out of the door, and then retreated by the
rear door, which leads into the alley. One of the party interfering stepped to the
alley and fired at the man. He missed him, but the ball passed through a portion
of the dress of Mr. Necker's daughter, a girl of six years old, and struck the
door of his residence.
Memphis Bulletin, August 16, 1862.
August 15, 1862 - Soldier of the 6th Missouri regiment killed while attempting to escape
from the Irving block prison
Last night a soldier who had been confined as a prisoner in the Irving block,
attempted to escape, first by offering the guard ten dollars, but the guard refusing to accept the bribe, he ran, when the guard shot him, the ball passing into
the back of his head. He was a member of the 6th Missouri regiment.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 16, 1862.
August 15, 1862 - "Drunkenness—The Present Aspect of Our City-How Long Shalt the Evil
Continue."
The sudden reopening of the halls of King Bacchus in our peaceful and quiet
city, has had the unavoidable effect of immersing one half of the citizens and
the soldiery in the poisonous depths of inebriation, and leading them into boisterous disputation and riot. The comparative stranger visiting Memphis, is
stricken with amazement as he beholds the drunken scenes and public exhibitions or revelry and debauchery making day uproarious and night hideous,
where, previously general quiet ruled the day, and sweet serenity presided over
the night. The soldier's life is a reckless one, and aside from the enchanting
tempter which, when holding possession of a brain rendered frantic by excitement, drives its intoxicate victim to the commission of deeds from which sobriety would shrink with horror and honesty pale with fright. The city is all the
time filled with soldiers, and the many grogshops which are not opened to their
full and unchecked entrance, present to the passer-by daily and nightly scenes
of noisy dissipation and unlimited bacchanalian carousals. Soldiers go in
squads, drink together, and collect in tippling houses where they hold forth for
hours in the revelry of the dram-drinking confusion and disorder, and not
unfrequently by the force of numbers, compel the barkeepers to keep open
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 125
August 15, 1862
after the legal hour to shut up for the night. Would it not be better to abate this
evil now, than to wait for the realities of bloody murders to invoke redress?
Man, whose mind is inflamed with passion, and his passion poisoned with liquid curses, would fain leap to strike a blow at which his stout heart would quail
and sickens when sober thought holds its way. Let us not wait for perpetration
of crime to remove the evil, which now holds its orgies over the city.
"Murder itself is past all explanation—
The greatest crime that nature doth abhor."
Memphis Union Appeal, August 15, 1862.
August 15, 1862 - Lizzie Rafferty, the cult of domesticity and the Memphis Recorder's Court
"Indecency."
It is ever with reluctance we lift the pen to chronicle the conduct of fallen
women. Woman, who, in the divinity of her goodness and virtue, is ever the
ministering angel to the wants of suffering man, and whose lips give him lifeconsoling words in his melancholy moments of disconsolation, sometimes
descends from her useful and noble sphere, in which she is an ornament to all
creation, and becomes an object of pity, or an outcast victim of the low-flung
wretches of human degradation. It is in such connection we dislike to call her
name, and are therefore almost tempted to pass over that of Lizzie Rafferty
who was arraigned before the tribunal of the City Recorder yesterday morning,
for having publicly exposed her person, and fined there after, $6 and costs.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 15, 1862.
August 15, 1862 - "Too Many on a Seat."
Two slaves, Amos and Carroll, hackdrivers, the former belonging to Mr.
Tucker, and the latter to Mr. Malone, were yesterday taken and tried in the
Police Court for allowing persons to ride on their seats with them, which is a
violation of an ordinance of the city. They were fined $6.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 15 1862.
August 15, 1862 - Disloyal telegraph operator in Gallatin
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 15, 1862.
Mr. BRUCH, Nashville:
It is stated that the operator at Gallatin is disloyal. No doubtful man should be
in such a position.
D. C. BUELL.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 23.
Page 126 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 16, 1862
August 16, 1862 - Skirmish at Meriwether's Ferry, Obion river, in Dyer county
AUGUST 16, 1862.-Skirmish at Meriwether's Ferry, Obion River, Tenn.
Reports of Brig. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army.
TRENTON, TENN.
Col. Harris of the Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, with Capt. Fullerton's company
of the Second Illinois Cavalry, attacked a rebel force from Kentucky, 150
strong, at Meriwether's Ferry, in Dyer County, completely routing and driving
them into the river. The fight lasted thirty minutes, and Capt. Fullerton's officers and men fought with great gallantry and bravery. His force was only 60.
The enemy's loss was large in killed, wounded, and drowned. We took 10 prisoners, 40 horses, and a large number of arms, ammunition, &c. Our loss,
Lieut.'s Terry and Goodheart and 1 private killed and 6 wounded.
Several companies of cavalry from Kentucky are trying to push through south.
This was the first that crossed the line. They are well armed and fought desperately.
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser., I. Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 31.
HDQRS. CENTRAL DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Trenton, Tenn.,
August 20, 1862.
CAPT.: The fight at Meriwether's Ferry was much more decisive than I telegraphed. So far as ascertained the enemy had 37 killed. We have taken 16 of
their bodies out of the river. They lost everything. We got their horses, arms,
and baggage. Some got away naked. Col. Harris' conduct in the fight is spoken
of highly. It was well planned and finely executed. The cavalry, after following
them 30 miles, overtook them at Meriwether's Ferry and charged down a hill,
the enemy lying behind logs. The two lieutenants fell at the first fire, when the
boys jumped from their horses and fought a hand-to-hand fight, driving the
enemy into the river.
The enemy tried to re-enforce this party on the north side of the river by crossing men in a boat and on a raft. Our boys killed every man in the boat and on
the raft, shooting down all those on the north side as they tried to swim the
river. Our men fought bravely, and, considering that they lost both officers in
the first charge, I think with great credit. The enemy were commanded by
Capt. Binford, formerly of Hickman. I must say that I am very much gratified
and disappointed with the behavior of all my cavalry in these fights. They do
much better than I expected. In only one case have they backed from any force,
and I think I then gave them a lesson that will cause them to always stand hereafter. I dislike very much to part with them, as I have just got them fairly to
work. They are well acquainted with the country, need no guides, and have
learned to scout without giving me trouble from unauthorized depredations.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 127
August 16, 1862
You can readily see the disadvantage I shall labor under hereafter, using cavalry that are entirely unacquainted with the country.
I will endeavor to have my forces ready to move on the day you designate.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 31-32.
Another Fight.—We are informed that Company C. 2nd Ills. Cavalry overtook
150 guerrillas from Kentucky as they were crossing the ford of the Obion river,
near Troy, where our Regiment crossed on its way here. The rebels tried to
cross, and overloaded the boat, causing it sink, where by many were drowned.
Co. C lost both Lieutenants and some three or four men killed and nine
wounded, killing and drowning forty of the guerillas, took ten prisoners, with
horses, arms &c. The rest of the gang are making their way towards the
Hatchie river bottom, which seems to be the rendezvous of all scallywags in
Kentucky and Tennessee.
Soldier's Budget [Humboldt], August 23, 1862.
August 16, 1862 - Confederate Army of Kentucky, under Major-General E. Kirby Smith,
crosses the Tennessee Cumberland Mountains into Kentucky
HUNTSVILLE, ALA., August 16, 1862—10.10 p. m.
Maj.-Gen. HALLECK, Gen.-in-Chief:
Kirby Smith is advancing into Kentucky by the gaps west of Cumberland Gap
with some 12,000 or 15,000 men, doubtless with the immediate object of getting into Morgan's rear. Morgan says he can with his present supplies hold his
position for five weeks, and I have ordered him to hold on and depend on other
troops to open his communication. I have repeated my requests to the Governors of Ohio and Indiana to forward troops with all dispatch, and have ordered
Gen. Nelson to command. I shall meet him in Nashville to-morrow night to
give him instructions. I have no doubt of the importance of having more old
troops to meet this emergency, but I am also satisfied of the greater importance
of retaining the force in Tennessee. The movements of the enemy and information from various sources leave no room to doubt their intention to make a desperate effort to repossess themselves of this State. I don't know when I may
expect troops from Gen. Grant, but they ought to be here immediately. If more
troops could be spared they ought to come.
D. C. BUELL, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 344.
CUMBERLAND GAP., August 16, 1862—12 m.
Gen. BUELL, Huntsville:
Page 128 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 16, 1862
I have good reasons to believe that Smith intends to advance through Big
Creek, and possibly through Rogers' Gap, upon Barboursville. Both gaps are
observed. His force will be from five to eight brigades of infantry, with a corresponding force of artillery and cavalry, in all 12,000 or 15,000 men. I have
ordered a small cavalry force to Boston, with directions that upon the first
approach of the enemy at Big Creek or Rogers' Gap to fall back upon Barboursville and to destroy all forage and drive before him all cattle along the
route. I have this instant received intelligence that the enemy (probably Morgan's) is at Holt's Gap, near Somerset; it may be Smith's advance. I suggested
to Gen. Boyle several days ago to send a force to Danville. I respectfully suggest that I have left one of two plans: to await quietly here until Smith is
starved out and forced to fall back, or to concentrate eight regiments at London, and try and form a junction with the troops of Boyle and the new levies at
that place. Smith cannot possibly remain three weeks in my rear. I can hold this
place five weeks with my present command. I have this moment received a
telegram from a person calling himself Lieut.-Col. Hazeland, Seventh Tennessee Volunteers, dated Barboursville, informing me that Col. Clift, of that regiment, was attacked at a place called Huntsville, near Jacksborough, by a force
of 2,500 men. He has twice disobeyed my orders to fall back upon Barboursville.
MORGAN, Brig.-Gen. Volunteers, Cmdg.
LOUISVILLE, August 16, 1862.
Gen. BUELL:
Just received following dispatch, signed Gen. Morgan, dated Cumberland Gap,
August 16:
My scouts give me such intelligence as satisfies me that Kirby Smith is about
to invade Kentucky through Big Creek Gap with at least five brigades of infantry, four batteries of artillery, and probably other troops now in Knoxville. He
was a day or two since at Clinton with the above-named force.
~~~
BOYLE.
LOUISVILLE, KY., August 16, 1862—5.15 p. m.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK:
I send dispatch from Gen. Morgan. Governor Todd says he cannot send any
troops until next week:
CUMBERLAND GAP, August 16.
Gen. BOYLE:
It is undoubtedly the present intention of Kirby Smith to invade Kentucky by
Big Creek and probably by Rogers' Gap. His force will not be less than five or
greater than eight brigades of infantry, with a corresponding force of cavalry
and artillery.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 129
August 16, 1862
~~~
GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 352-353.
August 16, 1862 - "The Women of the South."
The soldiers of the Confederacy, although fighting in the noblest cause, and for
the highest stake that men ever battled for, have during the long and unequal
conflict had much to dispirit them. Half fed and illy clad, they have been compelled to endure the rigor of a winter campaign in a climate to them alike
unnatural and inhospitable. They have had to encounter the exhausting heat of
a southern summer, deprived of all the appliances which secure either health or
comfort. While their enemy has been bounteously provided with all the material of war, with all the medical science forwards to save life or alleviate suffering, with all that money and access to the markets of the world could supply to
make war easy; the southern patriot shut out from all sources whence could
come any such assistance, has had to struggle on through the gloomy series of
hardships and sisters which have hitherto characterized this war, to him supported only by the indomitable fortitude with which the justice of his cause and
the magnitude of the interests involved could give him. But amid all the trials
of the doubtful struggle he has had one unifying sound of cheer-the sympathy
which the noble daughters of the South have extended to the defenders of their
land-it is not to much to say that but for the heroic spirit—the self-sacrifice-the
generous devotion which they have displayed, the fight would ere now have
been ended and lost. Every impulse of the southern heart has been fired, every
manlier characteristic of the Southern Nation has been strengthened by the
conduct of their women.
The chivalry they have inherited from Knightly ancestors-the holy love they
bear to wife, to mother and to sister-they duty which they owe to those who
have nursed them through the pangs of wounds and sickness and cheered them
with high and holy encouragement upon the toilsome march, and ever on the
eve of battle, have appealed to those emotions which once aroused, make men
invincible.
Let the soldiers who survive this contest devote a life-long gratitude to the glorious being who deprived themselves of comforts to administer [?] to their
necessities, and when the sound of war is hushed, and our people remember its
terrible dangers only as visions for pride and thanksgiving, let the Confederacy
not forget the accord, in highest honors, to show who, when its existence was a
matter for doubt with its most unflinching defender, did so much to redeem it.
The Vidette, August 16, 1862.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: The Vidette was the newspaper of Brigadier-General John Hunt Morgan that
was published, in this case, in Hartsville, Tennessee, when Morgan had oc-
Page 130 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 16, 1862
cupied the town. Other issues were published in other towns in Tennessee
and Kentucky. There are but few copies of this very occasional publication
extant. These and other issues those that follow are provided through the
courtesy of Mr. Fred Prouty, Executive Director of the Tennessee Wars
Commission in Nashville, Tennessee.
August 16, 1862 - "MORGAN'S WAR SONG."
One of Morgan's Brigade
By B. W. D. NOTE 1
Ye sons of the South, take your weapons in hand,
For the foot of the foe has insulted your land!
Sound, sound the loud alarm!
Arise! arise and arm!
Let the hand of each freeman grasp the sword to maintain
Those rights, which, once lost, he can never regain.
Gather fast 'neat our flag, for 'tis God's own decree,
That its folds shall still float o'er land that is free!
See ye not those strange clouds which now darken the sky?
Hear ye not that stern thunder, now bursting so high?
Shout, shout your battle cry!
Win, win this fight or die!
To you country devote every life that she gaveLet the land they invade give their army its grave!
Gather fast 'neath our flag, for 'tis God's own decree,
That its fold shall still float o'er a land that is free!
On our hearts, and our cause, and our God we rely;
And a nation shall rise, or a people shall die!
Form from the serried line,—
Advance our proud ensign.
What our fathers achieved our own valor can keep,
And we'll save our fair land, or we'll sleep our last sleep!
Gather fast 'neath our flag, for 'tis God's own decree,
That its folds shall still float o'er a land that is free!
Tho' their plunder paid hordes come to ravage our land,—
Give our fields to the spoiler, our homes to the brand
Our souls are all aglow,
To face the hireling foe.
Give the robbers to know that we never will yield,
Gather fast 'neath our flag, for 'tis God's own decree,
That its folds shall still float o'er a land that is free!
From our far Southern shore now arises a prayer,—
The cry of our women fills with anguish the air.
Oh! list that pleading voice!
Each youth now make his choice,—
Now tamely submit, like a coward and slave,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 131
August 16, 1862
Or rise to resist like the free and the brave!
Gather fast 'neath our flag, for 'tis God's own decree,
That its folds shall still float o'er a land that is free!
Kentucky! Kentucky! can you suffer the sight.
Of Your sisters insulted?-your friends in the fight?
Awake! be free again!
Oh! break the tyrant's chain!
Seize the sword you once drew but to strike for the right,
From the homes our fathers drive the dastard in flight.
Gather fast 'neath our flag, for 'tis God's own decree,
That its folds shall still float o'er a land that is free!
Knoxville, Tenn., July 4, 1862
The Vidette, August 16, 1862.
NOTE 1: Most likely Lieutenant-Colonel B. W. Duke.
August 16, 1862 - "Tennessee to the Rescue!"
Your country needs brave men and stout hearts. The brave and gallant Morgan
with his equally brave and gallant band are in our midst! they have left their
homes to protect ours! Shall we be idle in this struggle? Will we permit othersstrangers-to do for us what we ought to do for ourselves? No! Let us to the
onset, let us mingle in this bloody strife, let your strong arms be bared for the
contest, let it be to the death. Our homes are invaded, our household goods
destroyed, our hearthstones polluted by brutes in the garb of men, who have no
inspiration but for plunder and wanton destruction. led by men who have risen
from the filthy off scouring of the North; leaders and followers are moved by
the same low and degraded impulses, these are the men, then, the materials
sought to be forced upon us, will we permit the passage of such a rabble into
our midst? No! answers every brave man who loves his home and his country;
rather perish everything sacred than this to occur.
Rally, then, to your country. Save her from this degration. A few more days
will herald the glorious news of a nation redeemed from foreign usurpation.
Our general effort on the part of our citizen soldiery will throw back from our
sacred soil the insolent foe, and peace once more gladden our happy land.
Tennesseans, come to the banner of freedom! Come where honor, fame, glory,
duty calls you! Come! join the band now nearly ready to march against the foe!
Come! unite with the gallant and brave Col. J. D. Bennett. Come cast your destiny with him. His renewed health warrants his acceptance of the position of
leader. Rally, while you can. Wherever Morgan leads, there will our band be
found.
A TENNESSEAN
The Vidette, August 16, 1862.
Page 132 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 16, 1862
August 16, 1862 - "The Enemy"
Various conflicting reports reached us last night in regard to the enemies movements, and of no very important import, with perhaps the indication that they
had become alarmed, and were about to change their "base of operations," and
we will venture to predict that if the men of Tennessee and Kentucky will but
throw off the lethargy, that ill befits them now, that there will not be in thirty
days a vandal of the Lincoln hordes on the soil of these once prosperous and
noble States.
The Vidette, August 16, 1862.
August 16, 1862 - Special Orders, No. 212NOTE 1
By the direction of the district commander, the pay of the Kansas 7th Cavalry
and of companies B, D, H, I and K of the 8th Kansas infantry, shall be stopped
until they shall have, by subscription or otherwise, paid the sum of $1,053.55
the value of tobacco and sugar destroyed by them at Trenton, Tenn. Paymasters
are directed not to make any payments to the troops herein named, until notified that this order is complied with.
By command of Brig. Gen. W. S. Rosecrans
C. Goddard, 1st Lieut., 12th Inf., C. V. A. A. G.
Fletcher Pomeroy Diaries, August 19, 1862.NOTE 2
NOTE 1: There is no record of any depredation committed of this or any other kind in
Trenton in 1862 in the OR. In the end, however, the money was never collected. Perhaps these soldiers were only obeying General Orders, No. 11, issued by General Dodge on July 26, 1862. See above.
NOTE 2: Fletcher Pomeroy, 1841-1926, Diaries, 1861-1865, Kansas State Historical
Society, (Topeka, Kansas: Kansas Historical Society, 1997), p. 54, entry for
August 19, 1862. [Hereinafter cited as Pomeroy Diaries, date of entry, etc.]
August 16, 1862 - "Intoxicated Women."
This is a subject about which we very muck dislike to write, for the reason that
woman should be a model of all earthly goodness, an example of piety and virtue, instead of appearing on the public thoroughfares of a city, or in the custody
of the Police, as an object of disgust or a victim of degradation. Such a spectacle is to us anything but pleasant, and ever begets feelings which our pen fails
to describe. A drunken woman is, indeed a pitiable object. There was a woman
in the Police Court yesterday morning, for being drunk, and was fined $5. We
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 133
August 16, 1862
saw two policemen passing up Main street, last evening, leading a woman who
was in an intoxicated condition. She was confined in the station-house.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 16, 1862.
August 16, 1862 - Report on women's participation in the raid on Murfreesboro
Capture of Murfreesboro'.
The Women in Battle.
The Bristol (Tenn.) Advocate gives some interesting particulars of the capture
of Murfreesboro' by Col. Forrest. It says:
. . . Never were soldiers hailed with more enthusiastic expressions of gratitude
and exultation than were the Confederate soldiers hailed by the citizens of the
town. Numbers of them, including not a few ladies, joined in the bloody conflict, and with pistols and everything else with which they could fight, assisted
in dealing dismay and death upon the hated invaders of their homes and their
rights.
It was yet early in the morning when our forces commenced the attack, and
many of the ladies of the place could not be restrained from rushing into the
streets, with disheveled hair and in their sleeping attire, cheering our soldiers,
and when any would fall, or were wounded, they would clasp them in their
arms, assisting in heaving them to their houses and ministering to them as to
delivering angels, and when our officers would remonstrate, telling them that
they were in danger from the shots of the enemy, they would reply that the
Lord would defend them and that it was no greater peril than that to which their
gallant defenders were all exposed. . .
The Knoxville Register also contains some particulars of the fight. It says:
As Colonel Forrest's command was marching through Cannon county, on their
way to Murfreesboro', the citizens crowded the thoroughfares, cheering our
gallant men with every demonstration of joy. The ladies everywhere were particularly enthusiastic. Some of the citizens of Cannon had been arrested and
were confined in prison at Murfreesboro'. The ladies besought our men, with
tears in their eyes, to rescue their husbands and fathers from the hands of the
tyrant. One little girl ran up to that old patriot and soldier, Captain Haney, of
the 1st Georgia cavalry, and wringing her hands, implored him to bring her
father back to her again. The old man turned to her, with his whole soul beaming in his face, and exclaimed, while the manly tear started to his eye, "I will,
my daughter! I will!" The result proved the truth of his words. . .
As our little army went dashing into Murfreesboro', awaking the echoes by the
rattling of their horses hoofs "o'er the stony streets," the whole population were
aroused from their slumbers, and rushed to their windows, balconies, and
verandas, with every demonstration of delight. Ladies could be seen kneeling
in postures of thankfulness to Heaven for the day of their deliverance. As the
morning advanced and as the fight thickened, the same fair ones were in the
Page 134 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 16, 1862
streets in spite of the whistling of the balls and rain of lead, administering to
the wants of our soldiers, filling their canteens with water and their haversacks
with an abundance of provisions. Unheeding the shots from the enemy's guns,
they thought only of the comfort of their gallant champions. One lady received
a ball through her dress, whilst another had her parasol shot from her hand, the
ball passing within two inches of her jeweled fingers. Such heroism has never
been known in the annals of war, and will illuminate to the remotest generation
the history of our glorious land.
Natchez Daily Courier, August 16, 1862.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
August 16, 1862 - A racial dispute in Nashville
Another Desperate Negro.—Yesterday morning considerable excitement was
caused about the Public Square in consequence of some difficulty between a
white man and a negro. No one knowing the origin of the disturbance, all sorts
of rumors were soon afloat, and pistols and knives were reported to have been
used. We have taken considerable trouble to ascertain reliable particulars of the
affair, which are, in substance, as follows: Isaac, a negro waiter at the City
Hotel, and formerly one of the best and most polite boys in the establishment,
has lately been somewhat neglectful of his duty, and on Saturday morning
brought matters to a climax—to that point where forbearance longer ceases to
be a virtue—and the steward felt called upon to reprimand him for what he had
done. His impertinence was beyond endurance, and the steward attempted to
chastise him, when Isaac seized a knife and attempted to strike with it. One of
the proprietors was appealed to, and at his request went below to Isaac, who
renewed the attack, and afterward ran into the street, taking refuge in a house a
few doors below. The proprietor then went out, and after some difficulty succeeded in bringing him back; but only again to break loose and run away—this
time toward the Market-house, where he succeeded in eluding the vigilance of
his pursuers. The Marshal and Police were put upon his track immediately, but
up to the present writing, he has not been arrested.
Nashville Dispatch, August 17, 1862
August 16, 1862 - August 22, 1862 - Operations about Cumberland Gap
AUGUST 16-22, 1862.-Operations about Cumberland Gap, Tenn., including
action at London, Ky., and skirmishes at Flat Lick, Ky., and Pine Mountain,
Tenn. (17th).
Reports of Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U. S. Army, commanding Seventh
Division, Army of the Ohio.
CUMBERLAND GAP, TENN., August 19, Via Lexington, Ky., August 22,
1862.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 135
August 17, 1862
GEN.: On the night of the 16th the enemy, said to be 20,000 strong, arrived in
our front and drove in our pickets. The morning following there was a brisk
skirmish, in which there were trifling losses on either side. During the morning
the enemy commenced to emerge from Patterson's woods, and with his artillery opened upon our cavalry. We returned the fire from the pinnacle forts on
the right and left and compelled the enemy to withdraw his guns. We also
drove him from the adjacent woods. He now envelops our entire front.
On the 16th instant 6,000 infantry and cavalry, with one battery of mountain
howitzers, passed through Rogers' Gap. Deserters say that that column is
15,000 strong, but an intelligent scout estimates it at only 6,000. It cannot be
the strength of the column which passed Big Creek Gap, for it is said to be
20,000 strong. I had stationed five companies of infantry at Cumberland Ford,
five at Barboursville, and a similar force at London and Richmond. I requested
Gen. Boyle to re-enforce Richmond and London, and on the 11th instant he
informed me that he would do so, but as Boyle's troops were elsewhere ordered
London was not re-enforced, and I ordered Col. Houk to concentrate his regiment and fall back upon Cumberland Gap. It is rumored that Houk was
attacked on the 16th instant and his command captured.
On the morning of the 16th I sent Capt. Martin via Cumberland Ford to
observe Big Creek and Rogers' Gap. On the 17th [at Pine Mountain, Tenn.]
instant he was attacked by Ashby's cavalry, 600 strong, and 60 of his men are
missing.
~~~
This telegram is sent to Gen.'s Halleck and Buell by courier to Lexington.
GEORGE W. MORGAN. Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, p. 860.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: Not listed in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
August 17, 1862 - Confederate attack at Cumberland Gap
LOUISVILLE, KY., August 20, 1862—11.10 p. m.
Maj.-Gen. HALLECK:
Capt. Brown, quartermaster at Lexington, telegraphs me that one of his men
from the Gap, left there on Sunday [i.e., 17th], reports that rebels attacked Gen.
Morgan Sunday in force. Scouts say 60,000. Got under the cliff so that large
guns could not reach them. Small howitzers were used to drive them back.
Three rebel regiments poured through Big Creek Gap and were near Barboursville in rear. Col. Garrard left Barboursville for the Gap. Gen. Morgan is said to
have sent word to Col. Garrard that he could keep off 100,000. This is substance of dispatch from Capt. Brown. I proposed to send three regiments of
infantry, two of cavalry, with battery of artillery, to drive out those in rear, but
Gen. Buell thought best to concentrate forces at Lebanon and Nicholasville. I
Page 136 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 17, 1862
have to-day ordered Maj.-Gen. Wallace, at Lexington, with three or more regiments of infantry, with two regiments of cavalry and artillery, to prepare to
move in that direction. Gen. Wright has not yet arrived. Will you give any
orders?
J. T. BOYLE.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 382-383.
August 17, 1862 - Skirmish at Pine Mountain
•See August 16, 1862-August 22, 1862-Operations about Cumberland Gap
August 17, 1862 - Major General William T. Sherman to Major General U. S. Grant
Memphis August 17, 1862
Major General Grant, Corinth
~~~
Your order of arrest of newspaper correspondent is executed, and he will be
sent to Alton by the first opportunity. He sends you by mail to-day a long
appeal and has asked me to stay proceedings till you can be heard from. I have
informed him I would not do so; that persons writing over false names were
always suspected by honorable men, and that all I could hold out to him was
that you might release him if the dishonest editor who had substituted his
newspaper name to the protection of another would place himself in prison in
his place. I regard all these newspaper harpies as spies and think they could be
punished as such.
I have approved the arrest of the captain and seizure of the steamboat Saline
for carrying salt down the river without permit and changing it off for cotton. I
will have the captain tried, by a military commission for aiding and abetting
the public enemy by furnishing them salt wherewith to cure bacon, a contraband article; also for trafficking on the river without license or permit. I hope
the court will adopt my views and stop this nefarious practice. What use in carrying on war while our people are supplying arms and sinews of war? We have
succeeded in seizing a good deal of Confederate clothing, percussion caps,
&c., some mails, &c.
At our last regular muster I caused all absentees to be reported "deserted,"
whereby they got no pay; but inasmuch as the order for the muster for tomorrow, August 18, is universal will have the muster tomorrow and all absent then
will be treated as deserters, and I will remit the former penalties as they are
incurred under my orders.
I have sent out several infantry parties, as also cavalry, and am certain there is
nothing but guerrillas between this and 'Senatobia [MS] and Hatchie River. All
the people are now guerrillas, and they have a perfect understanding. When a
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 137
August 17, 1862
small body gets out they hastily assemble and attack, but when a large body
moves out they scatter and go home.
~~~
. . . Your orders about property and mine about "niggers" make them feel that
they can be hurt, and they are about as sensitive about their property as Yankees. . . . I have taken some of the richest rebels and will compel them to buy
and pay for all the land, horses, cattle, and effects, as well as damages, and let
the Union owner deed the property to one or more of them. This they don't like
at all. I do not exact the oath universally, but assume the ground that all within
our lines are American citizens, and if they do any act or fail in any duty
required of them such then they can and will be punished as spies.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 178-179.
August 17, 1862 - "Outrages Committed at Gallatin"
We learn from Mrs._____, a highly respectable lady, residing in Gallatin, that
the Federals advance into that place, the morning following our evacuation,
was distinguished by scenes of brutality, indiscriminate robbery and pillage.
Indeed, it is known that they came there, not for the purpose of finding the
enemy, but for plunder. The house of Mrs. Glover was entered, and upon Mrs.
G's. requesting a THING in the Federal uniform with "Bars" of a Captain on
his shoulders, to protect her before which was then being sacked, she was
insultingly told to mind her own business and that if she saved herself she
might deem it fortunate.
This is but a single instance of the atrocities they committed, for it is also
known that our two men which were killed were shot after they had thrown up
their hands and surrendered, their assassins exclaiming no quarters to Morgan's
men. This and similar atrocities has become of such common occurrence that it
has necessitated a retaliatory proclamation from General Morgan.
The foregoing facts are but minute atoms in the wrongs which corrupt Northern agents and its base hireling press heap upon Col. Morgan in the troops in
his command.
Four hundred and sixty Federal prisoners were paroled by Col. Morgan and
Cynthiana, Ky. Each one was sworn not only not to serve against the Confederate cause but become responsible that he would protect the wounded that were
obliged to be left behind to the utmost of his power. How has this promise been
kept? By sending all the sick and wounded to Camp Chase, thus returning rigor
for clemency insult for good usage. Private friends of Col. Morgan are openly
taunted as such and made responsible in a pecuniary manner for being so by
heavy fines and threats of confiscations, and imprisonment. These acts of tyranny can only be restrained by retaliation, and to this course Col. Morgan is
impelled, however adverse, to hard means, by the virulence of his foes.
The Vidette, August 17, 1862.
Page 138 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 17, 1862
August 17, 1862 - Brigadier-General John Hunt Morgan prohibits sale of bacon to Federals
Headquarters, Hartsville, Tenn., Aug. 17, 1862
General Orders, No. 4
The Brigadier General commanding feels the necessity of issuing an order to
the inhabitants of this part of Tennessee, prohibiting the sale of bacon or flour
to the Federals, or to their agents.
He appeals to the patriotism of the well disposed to the Confederate cause to
support him in carrying out this order
He also acquaints the trading part of the community that Confederate Treasury
Notes being the legal currency of the country, no one can refuse payment in
that paper in exchange for their goods or produce, without incurring [the] most
severe penalties, and the Brigadier-General commanding is determined to
enforce the laws on this head most rigorously.
By order of Act'g. Brig.-Gen. Jno. H. Morgan
G. St. Leger Grenfell, Col. and Adjt. Gen.
The Vidette, August 17, 1862.
August 17, 1862 - "More so," in Union-occupied McMinnville; an entry in Lucy Virginia
French's war journal
What I have written as occurring in our midst during last week—had continued
the whole of the past week—the only variation being that it has been as the
boys say—"more so." Every day—nay—every hour these graceless tramps of
Yankees are stealing and prowling about the place—and corn, fruit, vegetables,
and chickens disappear with marvelous celerity. One month ago this place was
as Mammy says "J's linaded" with poultry—about 500 chickens—now there is
not 50 to be found and they are "going fast." We have been "pitching in" to
them very freely ourselves also, during the past two weeks—thinking we
would eat all we could to save them from the "blue devils," as Mammy calls
them. She says "I tell you Miss Ginnie, them chickens knows a Yankee 'jis as
far as they can see 'em—they thinks 'em a Varmint." And by the way if her supposition be correct I must say that I consider that the fowls have remarkably
clear judgment on the subject of Yankees. They even take the setting hens and
their eggs —much good may they do them! We had 44 head of hogs—now
scarcely one can be seen anywhere. The goats will go this week I suppose, of
course. They dig up the potatoes with their bayonets and have taken. . . up the
cows and [are] milking them. Of peaches we have scarcely had any "the Torments" as Nancy calls them, keeping them all cleaned as fast as they are able to
sink a tooth or knife in them. I never go out side in the yard—and Nancy tells
me she will not go out into the garden for to milking without taking some of
the children with her to watch for the Yankees. You never know were to find
them—you may look out and think the coast clear,-go out and they start up as
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 139
August 17, 1862
from the earth, or you see them skulking through the corn, among the trees and
in fact everywhere. Let the Col. holler at them when they are on a chicken
chase, and they sink away out of sight, like a sheep-stealing dog. Sum of everything that is vile into one "altogether Abominable" and you have my opinion of
Bull NelsonNOTE 1 and his hordes of marauders. Puss is still sick, and I am very
much concerned about her. We can get no physician to attend—no one in town
but Armstrong and he—having volunteered to attend the sick Yankees, will not
practice among the citizens, I am told. I was sick myself the past week—was
attached in a moment as it were, with something like bilious cholic, and lay in
bed 3 days. Is it fortunately happened we had some medicine (calomel) in the
house, which Darlin' gave me, with repeated rubbings etc. No salts being about
the establishment Darlin' got John Malone, who is a "Union man" to go into
town to get me some-not a bit could be found at any of the defunct stores but
making known his delemma to old Mrs. Spurlock—she was good to send me a
little. What should I have thought a year or two ago, had any one told me the
time would come when neither a physician or medicine could be had here for
the sick? A few days since I understood that a man lay at the old Kincannon
place at the point of death, and the pickets would not let a messenger enter who
[was] flying to town for medical aid. Two cordons of picket guards are placed
around the town and camps—and so thickly are they set that it is impossible to
pass them. All along the road above us they are posted—upon and around the
bluff and along the river on both sides—On Monday we got some intelligence
of Cooper.NOTE 2 Mr. Duke came over in the afternoon saying that Randolph
had been [in] to tell him to let Mr. French know that his boy had been by his
house an hour or two previous, trying to make his way home, but having on the
everlasting blue was espied by the pickets in his lane who rushed up and took
him off with them to town. Randolph's account of Coop'sNOTE 3 appearance,
and his bewilderment and confusion was such that I really felt very sorry of the
boy altho' he had been so foolish. We had no reliable news of him again until
yesterday when Malone came to tell us that Cooper had escaped from Camp
and came to town to Lee, and was then at John Ramsay's. We expected both
him and Lee yesterday evening but Mr. Ramsay had been drinking, and was
not in a state to get them a pass. The morning, however, Cooper made his debut
at home again, having changed his costume, and appearing in "citizen's dress,"
that is to say jeans, instead of blue. He looked a good deal embarrassed at "first
sight," of home folks, but seemed very glad to get home, and expresses himself
very satisfied with his first experiment in soldiering. I am in hopes that it will
prove a good lesson to him and the he will hereafter know his place better, and
remain satisfied to do his duties to his mother and his master. Nancy was
delighted at his recovery. She said she was glad on her own account and on her
Mas' John's too-for said she, "I just can't bear to see Mas' John going around
here attending to his horse, and such things—Mas' John aint never been used to
the like of that, and I thinks what would his mother say if she saw him doing
work that Cooper ought to be doing right now." Mr. Ramsay having recovered
himself somewhat, brought Lee out this afternoon—he looks very badly—the
Page 140 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 17, 1862
negro is worked down shoeing Yankee horses; and I don't mean that he shall go
back if I can help it. I was quite surprised this morning, as I sat at my window
to see Dr. Armstrong riding up to the gate. I met him very cordially for I was
glad to see him on account of Puss. He went to see her and pronounced her
case not a serious one—says she needs strengthening treatment and ought by
all means to have chalybeates water. I do wish I could take her to Bersheba she is not willing to go unless I go with her. Then Dr. spent a long time with
us—took dinner, etc. I cannot see thro' him exactly—I thought he was maneuvering to get the Col. to take the oath, if required. I studied him well as he
talked and though he was maneuvering—so did the Col.—as he has since told
me. How abominable it is to appear frank, cordial, and friendly to a person
whom you all the time distrust—whose sentences you are weighing every
moment—whose drapery so speak you scan keenly with an eye "that seeing all
seems naught to spy"—to catch if possible the chance sheen of a hidden danger. The Dr. may be a true friend—if he is I trust God will forgive my suspicions—if they are unjust no one would soon ask pardon than myself. But when
he said that "some men" talked like the Col. ought to be brought in and made to
take the oath—and argued that if he were the Col., and were taken, he would
take it rather than be sent to prison and depart from his family, I thought he was
maneuvering to get the Col. to say "Yes—so would he"-and he would have
done it in order to paralyze his farther influence with the southern soldiery. I do
not see why he should do this however, because it was only Darlin's influence
with these soldiers that saved his property, and his own life too when he was in
the hands of the Confederates. He told the Col. he would get him a pass to
come to town to look after his hogs—and urged him to come to town as that
would quash the little conspiracy hatching against him by men who thought he
was staying out for fear, when he was only staying because he could not get a
pass to go in. Now this looked as if he really had no wish to have the Col. made
to take the oath, but on the contrary desired to have him passed over and put to
no inconvenience. I cannot see the bottom of it yet—but time will show. . . The
Yankees arrested Mrs. Lawson Hill, and brought her to town—as a hostage for
her husband. They sent him word that if he did not come in, in two days they
would cut down every tree in his orchard. He has immense orchards and a distillery for the fruit. Dr. Reid was arrested but subsequently released, whether or
not he was made, to take the oath, I do not know.-Mr. Jessee Martin was
arrested and put in prison. The troops tore up things dreadfully at his house, I
am told. They broke open a trunk and took thence 1000 dollars in gold before
his wife's face—they accused him of assisting BrewsterNOTE 4 and his men to
capture several Yankee wagons, teams, soldiers, etc., who went out in that
direction on a foraging expedition. Martin has since been released—he was
made to take the oath, of course. I wish there could be some hope of this force
leaving, but I see no gleam of hope. They have brought in large supplies of
provisions from Murfreesboro by wagons, and hauled in immense quantities of
forage from everywhere around us. They are positively eating the country up—
destroying great quantities which they take—cutting down corn in the fields,
etc. In town I am told, everybody's garden is laid wasted, fencing burned up—
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 141
August 18, 1862
and general desolation will reign supreme when they leave—if they ever do.
They are working on the R. Road.-If that should be repaired and put in operation, perhaps, we might stand some chance for the winter—how it will be
Heaven only knows.—Nelson has left and another officer Gen. AmmonNOTE 5
has taken his place. Nelson's reputation is dreadful—he is cross, crabbed,
crusty and full to the brim with curses. In short, it would seem from report that
he ate, drank, and slept, damning everything as he went. His troops seem to be
like him for you can hear from the road the "God damns" in a perfect stream. It
is execrable indeed. The troops here number 15,000—there are smaller forces
at Manchester, Tulahoma, Murfreesboro, and between this and Alexandria. . .
A report has reached us also that there are 160,000 Confederates at Chattanooga—if so why don't they move on up this way and clean out these wretches
from here?. . . This week and last, on account of distress of the family, Puss's
illness and my increased cares consequent thereon, my own illness this week,
and the warm weather all combined—I have allowed the children to go with
any lessons whatever, except to have Jessie practice not and then, and indeed I
had but little heart for that."It is ill singing with an anxious heart" I have found
to be true.
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French, entry for August 17, 1862.
NOTE 1: William Nelson, who was defeated by Confederates under E. Kirby Smith
on August 30, 1862. In September, 1862, his fellow Federal General Jefferson C. Davis, after being slapped in the face by Nelson, shot him dead in the
Galt House Hotel in Louisville.
NOTE 2: Cooper was a slave belonging to the French family. He was either taken
away by Federal soldiers or ran away with them, but returned finding army
life not to his liking.
NOTE 3: I. e., Cooper.
NOTE 4: A local partisan leader.
NOTE 5: Jacob Ammen. He was promoted to Brigadier General of volunteers on July
16, 1862, having mainly garrison commands, administrative duties and
courts-martial duties,
August 18, 1862 - Confederate guerrilla attack on railroad train in Middle Tennessee
COLUMBIA, August 18, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
The train coming north was fired into this side of Reynolds'; several severely
wounded. I have 50 First Kentucky west of Reynolds' scouting, expecting that
the band at Cornersville would retreat that way. I have heard nothing from Maj.
Page 142 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 18, 1862
Rogers. The Third Kentucky have not returned yet from Nashville. Do you
intend the company First Kentucky at Franklin to remain? It is much needed in
that vicinity.
JAS. S. NEGLEY, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 365.
August 18, 1862 - Capture and burning of steamboats Callie and Skylark by guerrillas in
Benton County, on the Tennessee river
AUGUST 18, 1862.-Capture of steamboats on Tennessee River.
Report of Brig. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army.
TRENTON, August 21, [1862.]
Capt. Dougherty, Capt. Gilliam, and Capt. Napier, with about 500 rebels, were
on the Tennessee River, in Benton County, on Monday night last. They captured and burnt two steamboats, and attacked another, but failed to get it. This
occurred between Waggoner's and Walker's Landing.
There was a force on the opposite side of the river, but could get no information as to their number.
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt I, p. 34.
CORINTH, September 5, 1862.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.:
I am now convinced that the steamers Skylark and Callie burned on the Tennessee River about two weeks ago by rebels was done with the connivance of
the captains or Treasury agents.
~~~
U. S. GRANT, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 202.
August 18, 1862 - Surrender of Clarksville to Confederates
Report of Col. Rodney Mason, Seventy-first Ohio Infantry, with War Department General Orders, No. 115, of 1862
CAMP CHASE, Columbus, Ohio, August 27, 1862.
GEN.: Pursuant to your orders I reported with paroled prisoners at Benton Barracks, and then, by order of Maj.-Gen. Halleck, proceeded with them to this
camp.
Before receiving your command, through Col. Lowe, to leave Clarksville I had
repeatedly asked re-enforcements from Gen. Buell, whose stores were accumu-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 143
August 18, 1862
lating at that point to a considerable amount. After receiving that order I went
to Nashville, and explained fully to Maj. Sidell, Fifteenth U. S. Infantry, acting
assistant adjutant-general to Gen. Buell, the situation of affairs. I told him that
forces had been collected; that Lieut.-Col. Bristow, of the Kentucky cavalry,
had sent me notice they were going to attack me; that I should be attacked in
overwhelming numbers, and would not hold myself responsible for the stores,
but would hold my camp against infantry. He still insisted on my remaining
until you were heard from, and I consented. I received your orders to remain on
the day I had fixed for departure.
On Monday, August 18, I had, according to the morning reports, for duty:
Commissioned officers, 18; enlisted men, 225; on extra duty, 36; sick, 34; in
arrest, 7; total, 320. The extra-duty men were at the stables and post commissary and quartermaster's offices in the City.
A little before 9 a. m. I was informed that the enemy were in force near town. I
immediately started for camp (I was at my headquarters in the City), and
arrived there just as the enemy came into the City, a party of about 150 dashing
at a gallop for my headquarters, where they had hoped to capture me. The men
in camp had been formed (according to instructions previously given by me)
by their officers, the immediate command of the camp having been devolved
upon Lieut.-Col. Andrews.
The enemy halted, deployed a considerable portion of their forces, and held the
remainder in mass out of range and under cover of houses, placing a battery in
position in a corn field southeast of the college, about which we were
encamped. They then sent in a flag of truce, demanding a surrender. I laid the
matter before the commissioned officers. While they were considering the matter I returned to the flag and asked whether I would be permitted to verify the
statement of their forces. He went away and returned, saying that Col. Woodward, who commanded the force attacking us, requested a personal interview,
to which I saw no objections, and we met midway. I made the same inquiry of
him and he assented. I sent Lieut.-Col. Andrews to examine and count their
force, which he did, and on his return stated that they were over 800 strong one
company armed with volcanic rifles (16-shooters); one with Sharps carbines;
the remainder of the cavalry with double-barreled shot-guns, and part of the
infantry with muskets. They had a battery of three guns, with caissons, in the
corn field, but he did not go to them. They were afterward found to be 6 and 12
pounder field pieces. This report was made to the officers, and their vote was
reported to me as about three-fourths for surrender and the remainder against
it. I told them to rejoin their companies; that notwithstanding the disparity of
force I would fight them.
Before or about the time I reached the flag I was called by Lieut.-Col.
Andrews, who informed me that owing to the overpowering force opposed,
their display of artillery, to which we had nothing to reply, and only brick walls
to oppose, the men were found, in some companies at least, to be discouraged,
and that the officers unanimously recommended a surrender.
Page 144 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 18, 1862
Of the 225 men reported for duty 22 were on river guard, 7 on telegraph, guard,
and 6 out on telegraph line, repairing it-in all 35; leaving of those who ought to
have been in camp 190; but of those only 152 were reported to me as in camp,
including the camp guard of 42 men. Where the other 38 were I do not know.
I was then to determine whether I would, with this force of 152 men, or may be
175, by arming prisoners and bringing in men who might not be in line, fight
over 800 men, armed as well as we were for the sort of a fight that was impending, most of their men being soldiers of the regular army, who had been sent
home to recruit under Johnson, Woodward, and Garth, the 800 being increased
by several hundred citizens who had appeared already in arms, and who were
being constantly increased by men coming inform every direction. Had it been
simply a fight of small-arms there would have been a general willingness to
attempt to hold the college against any odds; but their artillery gave them complete control of this, and then we had nothing left. We had, as you are aware, no
artillery. A little gun (found at the rolling-mill), that would not chamber a
grape-shot, had been sent from Fort Donelson, and mounted at a gun Carriage
for a 24-pounder, was of no earthly value, and if it had been we had no ammunition for it. All the men the City, nearly one-third of my aggregate, were
already in the hands of the enemy. We had no hope of re-enforcements and no
possibility, with the Cumberland and Red Rivers on three sides of us and an
enemy indefinite in numbers in front, to retreat. To me then was submitted the
question whether, against the judgments of all my commissioned officers, and
my own most deliberately formed judgment (for I was dealing with a state of
facts that for weeks I had contemplated and attempted to provide against), I
should sacrifice the lives of my soldiers to the hope of retrieving a reputation
for myself and survivors. However strongly personal considerations required
my making a desperate resistance my conscience required me to surrender, and
now, reviewing all the facts, I think I did my duty.
Anxious to save every possible chance, I stipulated that the surrender should
not be made until sundown, at which time I yielded my camp, the entire mass
of public property outside having been inevitably in the hands of the enemy
from the beginning. I advised against giving parole, and refused to give my
own, as did also Lieut.-Col. Andrews, Capt. Houck, of Company I, and Lieut.
Hetzler, of Company H, acting commissary of subsistence at the post. Lieut.Col. Andrews afterward made an arrangement for a parole for thirty days, at
the end of which time we agreed to report to the officer commanding the Confederate forces at Hopkinsville, Ky. The other officers and the enlisted men
gave their parole not to take up arms against the Confederate States until
exchanged. These paroles I suppose to be binding, as Lieut.-Col. Woodward
held the commission as lieutenant-colonel of the C. S. Army, and his men were
all regularly mustered into service.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. MASON, Col. Seventy-first Ohio Volunteers.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 145
August 18, 1862
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 115. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN. 'S
OFFICE, Washington, August 22, 1862.
Col. Rodney Mason, Seventy-first Regt. Ohio Volunteers, is, by order of the
President of the United States, cashiered for repeated acts of cowardice in the
face of the enemy.
By order of Secretary of War:
E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 130. WAR DEPT., ADJT. GEN. 'S OFFICE.
Washington, March 22, 1866.
~~~
III. By direction of the President, General Orders, No. 115, August 22, 1862,
from this office, relating to Col. Rodney Mason, Seventy-first Ohio Volunteers,
is hereby revoked, and he is mustered out of the service of the United States to
date August 22, 1862.
~~~
By order of the Secretary of War:
E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I. Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 863-865.
They came dashing in on their poor old horses, dirty clothes and all sorts of
arms, they had no band at all not even a bugle, or a flag to show to whom they
belonged but their old dirty of "grey"—but "fight was in um'", and they "tuck"
the place and the "Feds" with all their blue broadcloth and brass buttons.
Diary of Nannie E. Haskins, entry for August 18, 1862.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: Betsy Swint Underwood, "War Seen through a Teen-ager's Eyes," Tennessee Historical Quarterly, No. 2 (June 1961) p.179.
We learn that the guard stationed at Clarksville, numbering between two and
three hundred surrendered ingloriously to a party of guerrillas day before yesterday of about their own numbers, without making any resistance. If this be
true, it is most infamous. We certainly need the stern punishment of a Court
Martial for some of our officers.
Nashville Daily Union, August 21, 1862.
The Clarksville Surrender.
When we recorded the Murfreesboro' surprise and surrender, we felt that we
were deeply humiliated, but it has been reserved for Col. Mason to humiliate
us still more deeply, by what seems to have been almost cowardly surrender to
the guerrillas. We are told that his troops were on a hill very strongly
entrenched behind a stockade, guarded by a ditch, with two pieces of artillery
and loopholes for musketry. The position was one of a thousand. And yet, with
Page 146 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 18, 1862
all these advantages, instead of fighting—instead of sweeping his assailants to
instant destruction—instead of fighting with the courage of a patriot soldier for
the honor of his flag, he basely, ignominiously surrendered, like a poltroon, to
a squad of lousy guerrillas, led by a drunken Yankee, and actually numbering
less than his own command. Was ever any act more mean and contemptible?
Why doesn't he go ahead and hang or drown himself immediately. How can he
ever again look a decent man in the face; after proving so false to all his boastful promises, and so infamously treacherous and cruel to the men who reposed
confidence in him, and looked to him for direction in the hour of danger? We
are told that the guerrillas sent him word that they would give him two hours to
consider their demand for a surrender, but he very politely told them that he
didn't want two hours to make up his mind, for he had already ordered his
troops to stack their arms! And so were surrendered to a miserable rabble,
armed with shot-guns, a strong garrison, two cannons, guns, ammunition, army
wagons, and a large amount of stores. Shame on such unmitigated, unparalleled cowardice. It is no pleasure for us to dwell on these things, but stern duty
requires that we should hold up to universal scorn and abhorrence such disgraceful actions on the part of our officers. It is high time that such crimes were
punished with the severest penalty known to a Court Martial. A few cases of
hanging or shooting would put a stop to these immediate surrenders.
In contrast with this shameful affair we take pride in mentioning the gallant
and brilliant resistance of Capt. Atkinson and his twenty men, in the stockade
at Edgefield Junction,NOTE 1 to an immensely superior force. Desperately and
heroically did they withstand the rebels thrice repulsing them, and scattering
them to confusion and dismay, until finally they drove them to a precipitate
retreat. The deeds of this gallant little band of heroes will live forever in the
hearts of their countrymen. They showed true courage and the real pluck of
soldiers. We know of nothing more brilliant in American history. Let our
troops all profit by this example.
Nashville Daily Union, August 22, 1862.
NOTE 1: This fight took place on August 20, 1862. See below. There were no circumstantial reports filed.
August 18, 1862 - Skirmish near Dyersburg
AUGUST 18, 1862.-Skirmish near Dyersburg, Tenn.
Report of Brig. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army.
HDQRS., Trenton, Tenn., August 18, 1862.
Capt. Lynch of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry attacked a small band of rebels this
morning on the Obion River, 6 miles from Dyersburg, taking all their horses,
arms, and ammunition. They abandoned everything.
No report of killed and wounded.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 147
August 18, 1862
Large numbers of rebels are flocking into this county from Missouri and Kentucky, well armed, and forming bands under leaders from Jackson's and Morgan's cavalry. The draft drives them over.
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 34-35.
August 18, 1862 - Capture of Confederate guerrillas near Bethel
BETHEL, TENN., August 18, 1862.
Capt. R. R. TOWNERS, Jackson:
We have captured 17 prisoners and 14 horses. What shall I do with them?
Answer.
I. N. HAYNIE, Col., Comdg.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF JACKSON,
Jackson, Tenn., August 18, 1862.
Col. I. N. HAYNIE, Bethel:
Send prisoners and horses by rail under guard to this place. If you can't send
the horses by rail turn them over to your quartermaster to be accounted for as
other property.
JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Maj. Gen., Comdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 180.
August 18, 1862 - Governor Johnson's Circular Assessing Confederate Sympathizers for the
support of the poor
State of Tennessee, Executive Department
Nashville, August 18, 1862
Sir:
There are many wives and helpless children in the City of Nashville, and
County of Davidson, who have been reduced to poverty and wretchedness in
consequence of their husbands and fathers having been forced into the armies
of this unholy and nefarious rebellion. Their necessities have become so manifest, and their demands for the necessaries of life so urgent, that the laws of justice and humanity would be violated unless something was done to relieve
their suffering and destitute condition.
You are therefore requested to contribute the sum of dollars, which you will
pay over within the next five days to James Whitworth, Esq. Judge of the
County Court, to be by him distributed amongst these destitute families in such
manner as may be prescribed.
Page 148 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 18, 1862
Respectfully, &c,
Andrew Johnson
Military Governor.
Attest
Edward H. East
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 149
August 18, 1862
Secretary of State
LIST OF PERSONS ASSESSED
Bass, William
$150
Foster, Sr., Robt. C.
100
Beach [Beech], A. C.
100
Frazier, Henry
150
Beach, A. B.
150
Gardner & Co.
300
Beach [Beech] L. F.
150
Hagan, William H.
100
Brown, Aris
100
Hamilton, James M.
100
Carter, Daniel F.
150
Manlove, J. E.
100
Cheatham, Archie [Archer]
100
McGavock, Jacob
300
Cheatham, F. R.
100
McGavock, Frank [Francis]
150
Cockrill, Mark R.
200
Williams, John
100
Dortch, W. B.
150
Woodfolk, W. W.
150
Douglas, Byrd
500
Vanlier [Vanleer], A. W.
200
Duncan, Andrew J.
150
[R. S. ] Hollins & Co.
200
Ensley, Enoch,
150
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, pp. 623, 624.
Page 150 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 18, 1862
August 18, 1862 - Initiation of Confederate siege of Cumberland Gap; an entry in the diary
of Private William E. Sloan
We are now within three miles of Cumberland Gap. We arrived here yesterday
morning [17th] and commenced a siege, and we have the Gap invested from
mountain to mountain, our line forming a semi-circle around the gap. The
enemy has heavy batteries on the mountain with which they shell us continually, but with very little harm to us. Our line is very scattering, owing to our
limited numbers, but things are so arranged that should the enemy attack pickets and skirmishers are well advanced. It is reported that Gen. Kirby Smith
(whom we have lost sight of for some time) is advancing through Big Creek
Gap, with the rest of our division and such other troops as he can collect
together, and that his aim is to attack Cumberland Gap in the rear. If this be
true, and they invest the rear properly we will compel the enemy to surrender.
The Yankees seem to know nothing about the flank movement, and are turning
their fire entirely on us. They are said to be commanded by one Gen. Morgan.
We are all in fine spirits.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
August 18, 1862 - Nashville Common Council considers suspending public schools
Special Meeting of the Common Council.
At the request of T. J. Yarbrough, John Trenbath, and G. M. Southgate, councilmen, the Mayor of the city called a special meeting of the Common Council on
Monday evening, at 3 o'clock, to "take under consideration the subject of suspending the Public Schools for the present."
At the hour appointed, on motion, Squire Southgate was called to the chair on
taking which he explained the objects of the meeting, and called upon Mayor
Smith and Mr. J. L. Meigs, Superintendent of School to make further explanation as to the necessity of closing the Public Schools.
Councilman Anderson offered a motion to reconsider the vote taken on the
subject at the previous meeting on Thursday, which was adopted. The bill was
then read, when Mayor Smith introduced Mr. J. L. Meigs, who stated the
objects of the bill, and the necessity existing for its passage. All the schools, he
said, would be required by the military authorities, and if other accommodation
were provided, there is at present no certainty that the Board of Education
could retain it for any length of time. The fitting up of the basements of the
three churches late used by the Board, had cost $1100 for fencing, hydrant
water, etc., etc., which had not yet be paid; but it was expected the rent of the
Howard school house would pay all those expenses. there was but little more
than $3000 in the treasury to commence upon, and the Board could not feel
justified in incurring heavy obligations for rent, alterations, repairs, teachers
salaries, etc., without seeing some prospect of meeting them. The lowest bid
for supplying the schools with coal was forty-three cents per bushel, which of
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 151
August 18, 1862
itself would be a very large item. He thought it much better to pass the bill, and
allow a few weeks to go by before taking any further action. Perhaps a month
or two may cast such light upon the subject as would warrant the opening of
the schools, and if so, the City Council would be ready to improve the opportunity by ordering them opened without unnecessary delay.
A suggestion was made to add an explanatory clause to the bill, but on reading
it over again, it was thought to be sufficiently explicit.
Several members of the Board expressed themselves satisfied with the explanation of the Superintendent, and on motion, the bill passed on its first reading.
The rule was then suspended, and the bill passed its second and third readings,
and was signed by the Mayor.
Nashville Dispatch, August 19, 1862.
August 18, 1862 - John Hunt Morgan's retaliatory Proclamation
PROCLAMATION
Headquarters Morgan's Brigade
Hartsville, Tenn.
Having noticed in the Cincinnati Daily Gazette, of the 15th inst., an article
dated "Paris, Ky., 14th August, 1862," whereby it appears that the agents of the
Federal Government are (to use their own words) forcing Morgan's "friends to
pay for the acts of their favorite chieftain," and thus violating all laws hitherto
respected and acknowledged by civilized nations, forgetting and willfully closing their eyes to the fact that I, in my justifiable attacks on Federal troops and
Federal property have always respected the private property and persons of
Union men, I do hereby declare that to protect Southern citizens and their
rights, I will henceforth put the law of retaliation into full force, and act upon it
with vigor. For every dollar exacted from my fellow citizens, I will have two
from all men of known Union sentiments, and will make their persons and
property responsible for this payment. God knows it was my earnest wish to
have conducted this war according to the dictates of my heart, and consonant to
these feelings which actuate every honorable mind, but forced by the vindictive and iniquitous proceeding of our Northern foes to follow their example, in
order to induce more humane conduct, I will, for the future, imitate them in
their exactions, retaliate upon them and their cruelties and oppression with
which my friends are visited, and continue this course until our enemies consent to make war according the law of nations.
Signed this 18th day of August, A. D. 1862
John H. Morgan
Col. Commanding Brigade
The Vidette, August 19, 1862.
Page 152 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 19, 1862
August 19, 1862 - "TENNESSEE MONEY."
Mr. Editor: Probably my former articles contain all that one man is entitled to
say on the money question. I desire to add a few words in reference to the matter by way of application. The circulation of the Tennessee banks is our own
money, and if, as a people, we suffer its discredit, its place will be supplied
from abroad.
As before intimated, when or bank paper is made the standard in Memphis, its
value as currency will be favorably affected and felt elsewhere. A sound policy
points to a careful and distrustful circulation of the bills of Eastern banks. The
United States treasury scrip is now (almost) the only paper money used for
banking in the Northern States. Hence Yankee bank paper must soon go to the
wall, and then our people will lose, as they deserve to lose, a worthless currency that they gave a preference to over their own paper.
I insist upon it, the close of the present war, be it sooner or later, will result in a
grand "fizzle" of all the New England banks. From their own showing they will
never be able to redeem their outstanding circulation. This ingenious portion of
our fellow-citizens are using their best exertions to supply our people with a
circulating medium, while the "Bears" decry our State stocks, and their brokers, buy unjust quotations, force Western and Southern money homeward. It
is a fact easy of demonstration that Western papers is better than Eastern-four
to one. How is it, then, that the difference is against the great South-West? Are
the pictures of the Eastern banks prettier than those of the Western banks? The
Yankees are famous for humbugging other people, and the Western people
should look ahead at the currency vortex and save themselves from becoming
the victims of sharp practice.
There are only two reasons why Tennessee should bank on her own credit, with
her own paper: First want of capital, and second, want of financial ability to
use it. No one doubts either the ability of Tennessee or Tennessee men in this
regard. They why suffer our own paper to be discredited at home?
The present is the same of all other for Memphis to raise the standard of her
own money. The army supplies are purchased [up] North, and paid for in government funds-one-half of the money paid troops here finds its way into circulation in all ramifications of business. The money thus distributed will nearly
pay for all the Northern good brought to this market. If only one-third of our
people could be induced to sell their cotton and sugar for Tennessee paper,
exchange would soon be in favor of Memphis. I here deny the oft repeated
remark that money regulates itself, and would merely suggest that communities of men have something to do with value of paper money.
Merchant
Memphis Union Appeal, August 19, 1862.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 153
August 19, 1862
August 19, 1862 - Skirmish near Murfreesborough
No circumstantial reports filed.
MURFREESBOROUGH, August 19, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. BUELL:
Not a word from Gen. Johnson. All quiet here. We had a slight skirmish with
20 mounted men 10 miles from here this morning.
W. B. HAZEN, Col., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 366-367.
August 19, 1862 - In praise of John Hunt Morgan
CAPT. Niles.-Editor, &c.:-Permit me in your paper to speak of the gallant
leader, Gen. Morgan, now in our midst. I have mingled much in life, have lived
where talent, words and bravery are appreciated. My age would warranty any
criticism I might make. I have no favors to ask—no friend but those who are
above nee. Hence my eulogy on the distinguished Morgan and his gallant band
and is without hope of fee or reward. Unbought, as my efforts in his praise are,
they are but the gushing of a heart turned to the melody of praise for all that is
gallant, brave and generous. Morgan is every inch a MAN with the brightest
stamp of pure nobility on his manly face. He moves amongst us the very beau
ideal of all that is worthy and valuable. Generous to a fault-just as Solon-wise
as Lyenregus, and fierce in battle as Caesar-In the midst of victory he is even
merciful. Remembering the fact that no brave man takes revenge on his conquered enemy, no foul stain pollutes the escutcheon of his bravery. His heart is
ever open to the appeal of the brave of the "fair." Woman's melting eye moulds
his warrior heart. The appeal for mercy from the lips of woman never fall in
vain on his ear.-He has no private revenge to gratify, his every act is for his
country's good; his every impulse is that she may be free. Long may he live.
The pride of the South, the wonder of the world!
TENNESSEAN.
The Vidette, August 19, 1862.
August 19, 1862 - August 21, 1862 - Raid on Louisville & Nashville Railroad
Reports of Col. John H. Morgan, Second Kentucky Cavalry (Confederate),
including proclamation.
HDQRS. MORGAN'S BRIGADE, Gallatin, Tenn., August 22, 1862.
GEN.: I have the honor to report that having received information while at
Hartsville that a force of 300 Federal infantry had arrived in this place on the
morning of the 19th and were committing depredations on the inhabitants, robbing houses and arresting all those citizens who had shown kindness to the
Page 154 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 19, 1862
officers and men of my command while stationed here, I left my camp near
Hartsville at 12 m. on the same day and encamped about 5 miles from Gallatin.
Fearing that the Federals would return by rail to Nashville, I dispatched Capt.
[J. B. ] Hutches with Company F and a portion of my advanced guard to burn
up the trestle work at Saundersville, and thus cut off their retreat, while I
attacked Gallatin. Some delay was experienced owing to the difficulties of the
ground during a dark night, but the plan met with entire success. The trestle
work was burned, and the guard of about 60 men driven into a stockade were
followed so closely by my men that they ran them out on the other side, killing
some and taking 16 prisoners; the remainder got into the woods and escaped.
The 300 Federals having, I suppose, advice of my arrival, attempted to leave
by train with some 60 citizens they had arrested in Gallatin, with no other
charge against them than that of being favorable to our cause, but cut off by
Company E, of my command, they were obliged to leave the cars and march
their prisoners along the Nashville railway track. I pushed on with four companies and came up with a detachment of about 80 men, under command of Capt.
[Abraham H. ] Miller; 35 prisoners were taken by my men and the remainder
either fell or escaped into the woods. A second detachment were reached who
had charge of the prisoners. I recovered 40 of these poor fellows, who had been
treated with great cruelty; the remainder were hurried on by the Federals and
lodged in a block-house, of stockade, which I attacked, but met with such
determined resistance that I retreated toward Gallatin. Before this fort I lost 2
of my best officers and 3 men.
I took in this expedition some 120 prisoners, killed and wounded some 60 of
the enemy, and carried off at least 200 muskets, which I have distributed
among my new recruits.NOTE 1 Had I not been obliged to leave my howitzers at
Knoxville to repair the Carriages worn-out in my last expedition to Kentucky I
could have captured every detachment of guards on bridges between Gallatin
and Nashville; but these stockades are not to be taken by troops unaccompanied by artillery.
When evening came I was with my command within 8 miles of Nashville, having destroyed every bridge between Gallatin and the Edgefield Junction. I have
learned also from an engineer of high standing that the tunnel burned on the
last expedition is so completely destroyed that it never can be repaired, the
rocks having fallen in in every direction.
I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, general, your most obedient
servant,
JOHN H. MORGAN, Col., Cmdg. Cavalry
HDQRS. MORGAN'S Regiment, Hartsville, Tenn., August 22, 1862.
GEN.: I beg to confirm my dispatch of the 22d instant announcing the result of
yesterday's expedition. My command, consisting of my own regiment, 700
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 155
August 19, 1862
strong, and a squadron of Texas Rangers, numbering about 100 men, returned
that day, worn-out, to Gallatin.
At 11 p. m. I received information from one of my friendly scouts that the
enemy's cavalry were encamped on the road-side between Castalian Springs
and Hartsville, a distance of only 12 miles from my camp. Judging from the
fact that they had halted by the road-side, I concluded that they intended to
march at night and attack early in the morning, and I made my preparations
accordingly, dispatching scouts upon whom I could depend to bring me positive information as to the enemy's movements. At daybreak my column was on
the move, and as the advanced guard reached the head of the town my pickets
came galloping in, followed by my principal scout, who reported that he was
closely pursued by a large body of cavalry. Not wishing, on account of the
inhabitants, to make Gallatin the scene of our contest, I advanced my column,
and was greeted on reaching the Hartsville pike by a heavy fire from that direction. I dismounted the two leading companies to fight and threw them into the
woods on the left of the road. The enemy increased his fire and I gradually had
my whole command engaged.
The fight began at 6.30 o'clock and was maintained without much advantage
on either side, the enemy having perhaps rather the best of it at first, until about
8.30 o'clock, when they began to fall back and my men to redouble their
efforts. At 9.30 o'clock I had driven them 4 miles and was preparing for a final
charge, when a flag of truce was brought proposing an armistice in order to
bury their dead, My reply was that I could entertain no proposition except
unconditional surrender. I learned then that the troops were commanded by
Brig.-Gen. Johnson. During the parley the enemy had formed into line of battle, and were evidently ready to defend themselves from any fresh attack. I
divided my force into three divisions, leading one myself in the direction
which I thought Gen. Johnson had taken. Maj. [G. W. ] Morgan had five companies under his orders on my left. Lieut. Col. [B. W. ] Duke, on my right, had
three companies and his advanced guard. Some delay was occasioned by the
non-arrival of my gallant Texas Rangers, who formed part of the body under
my own immediate orders. They had been separated from their horses during
the preceding fight and had not been able to recover them in time to come to
the front. On their arrival we marched on in the direction of the enemy, and
Col. Duke's division, coming within sight, advanced at a canter and opened
fire. Gen. Johnson's forces, being on a good pike, retreated for some time faster
than my men, who were on difficult ground, could follow, but after a pursuit of
some 2 miles they were overtaken and compelled to fight.
They were dismounted and formed behind their horses. The position they had
selected was a very good one, especially as they considerably outnumbered
Col. Duke's force, which was the only one opposed to them; Maj. Morgan and
my own detachment, in the eagerness of pursuit, having taken too far to the
left.
Page 156 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 19, 1862
Col. Duke reports that on perceiving that the enemy had halted he formed his
three companies and the advanced guard into columns of squadrons, preserving the regular distances between each, so as to be able to form into line at
command and attack. This was done with admirable precision and coolness by
his men, and nothing could exceed their gallantry. The enemy were formed
under the brow of a hill, and my men were drawn up above them, so that their
fire told with effect on my line, while that of the attacking party went over their
heads. After a very sharp engagement of about fifteen minutes they broke and
ran. Gen. Johnson, his adjutant-general (Capt. Turner), Maj. Winfrey, and a
number of privates were captured, but the main body escaped to the hills
through the woods and high corn, making for the Cumberland River.
Thus ended an action in which my command, not exceeding 700 men (one
whole company being in the rear with prisoners), succeeded in defeating a brigade of 1,200 chosen cavalry, sent by Gen. Buell expressly to take me or drive
me out of Tennessee, killing and wounding some 180 and taking 200 prisoners,
including the brigadier-general commanding and the greater part of the regimental officers.
My loss in both actions amounted to 5 killed, 18 wounded, and 2 missing.
Among the wounded was Capt. Huffman, who had his arm shattered by a ball
while leading gallantly on his brave Texan Rangers, a small body of men commanded by Maj. [R. M. ] Gano, of whom I can-not speak too highly, as they
have distinguished themselves ever since they joined my command not only by
their bravery, but their good, soldier-like conduct.
~~~
I received every assistance from the patriotism and zeal of the neighboring citizens, among whom Maj. Duffey and Capt. R. A. Bennet were pre-eminent. I
have also to report that I have received a dispatch from Gen. Forrest, stating
that he has encamped within 8 miles of me with a reenforcement of 800 men,
but no artillery. The want of this arm cripples my movements and prevents my
advance with that certainty of effect which a battery would afford. Recruits are
daily and hourly arriving. The population seems at last to be thoroughly and to
be determined on resistance.
I hope shortly, general, to be able to report further successes, and rest assured
that no exertions on my part shall be wanting, no sacrifices on that of my officers and men will prevent our giving as good an account of the enemy as our
small numbers will admit of.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, general, your most obedient
servant,
JOHN H. MORGAN, Col., Cmdg. Cavalry, C. S. Army.
P. S. -This morning I received positive information as to Gen. Nelson's intentions and movements. He is retreating from Nashville to re-enforce Bowling
Green at the head of 1,500 infantry, 200 cavalry, and 12 cannon. It is evidently
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 157
August 19, 1862
the intention of the Federals to attempt the defense of the line at Bowling
Green and Lebanon.
Proclamation.
HDQRS. MORGAN'S BRIGADE, Hartsville, Tenn., August 22, 1862.
SOLDIERS: Your gallant bearing during the last two days will not only be
inscribed in the history of the country and the annals of this war, but is
engraved deeply in my heart.
Your zeal and devotion on the 20th at the attack of the trestle work at Saundersville and of the Edgefield Junction stockade, your heroism during the two hard
fights of yesterday, have placed you high on the list of those patriots who are
now in arms for our Southern rights.
All communication cut off betwixt Gallatin and Nashville, a body of 300 infantry totally cut up or taken prisoners, the liberation of those kind friends arrested
by our revengeful foes for no other reason than their compassionate care of our
sick and wounded, would have been laurels sufficient for your brows; but, soldiers, the utter annihilation of Gen. Johnson's brigade, composed of twentyfour picked companies of regulars and sent on purpose to take us, raises your
reputation as soldiers and strikes fear into the craven hearts of your enemies.
Gen. Johnson and his staff with 200 men taken prisoners, 64 killed, and 100
wounded, attest the resistance made, and bear testimony to your valor. But our
victories have not been achieved without loss. We have to mourn some brave
and dear comrades. Their names will remain in our breasts; their fame outlives
them. They died in defense of a good cause; they died like gallant soldiers,
with their front to the foe.
Officers and men, your conduct makes me proud to command you. Fight
always as you fought yesterday and you are invincible.
JOHN H. MORGAN, Col., Cmdg. Cavalry
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 879-882.
NOTE 1: As reported by the regimental records the Union loss in the skirmishes at Pilot Knob, Drake's Creek, and Manscoe Creek, near Edgefield Junction, August 20, was 2 men killed, 3 men wounded, and 5 officers and 158 men
captured.
Report of Brig. Gen. Richard W. Johnson, U. S. Army, of cavalry action at
Gallatin August 21.
HARTSVILLE, TENN., August 22, 1862
I have the honor to report that on the 11th instant I left McMinnville, Tenn., in
command of three regiments of infantry, one battery of artillery, and 640 cavalry, taken from the Second Indiana, Lieut. Col. Stewart; Fourth Kentucky,
Capt. Chilson; Fifth Kentucky, Maj. Winfrey, and Seventh Pennsylvania, Col.
Wynkoop. With this force I marched to Smithville, where I was joined by two
Page 158 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 19, 1862
additional regiments of infantry. With this command I proceeded to Liberty.
Here I received an order recalling my infantry and artillery, and I sent them
back to McMinnville.
Hearing that the enemy, under Col. Morgan, was encamped in an old field, in
the angle formed by the Cumberland and Caney Fork, with my cavalry I
marched to the designated, and found that I had been incorrectly informed, but
was told that the force had left for Kentucky. I determined to return to Liberty,
thence to Cookville, and await their return.
On my arrival at Cookville I received reliable information to the effect that the
enemy was encamped in or near Hartsville, and I took up the march for that
place; but on reaching it found that he had left the evening before, going in the
direction of Gallatin. I took possession of his old camp, captured several prisoners, a number of wagons, mules, horses, &c., which had been taken from
Col. Boone's command.
At this place I heard of the approach of Forrest in my rear, and decided upon
uniting my force to the one in Gallatin, for the purpose of resisting an attack
from the combined forces of Forrest and Morgan; but on my approach to Gallatin I found that it was in the possession of Morgan's forces, which I was satisfied did not exceed 800 men. I immediately ordered an attack. Lieut.-Col.
Stewart and Maj. Winfrey, gallantly leading the charge of their respective regiments, threw their whole strength against the enemy with terrible effect. Col.
Wynkoop and Capt. Chilson also brought their commands handsomely into
action, and for some time the conflict seemed to progress finely for us. Soon
some horses were wounded, riders killed, and confusion began to appear. Regimental and company organizations were lost, and without any apparent cause
at least half of my command precipitately fled, throwing away their arms, &c.
Many of the men, after getting a thousand yards from the enemy, wildly discharged their revolvers in the air. I sent back a staff officer to rally them, but
they could not be induced to reappear on the field. Seeing my advance wavering, I ordered a retreat and tried to rally them behind a hedge and fence, but as
soon as the firing became general the whole line gave way. I tried to get them
to stand at several different points with the same result. Finally, seeing that I
could get them to fight no longer, I ordered a retreat, and marched to the rear
about 3 miles, and undertook to reform them.
While reforming, seeing that I was not pursued, I sent in a flag of truce and
asked that I might be allowed to bury the dead, but was informed that the dead
were being buried, and I was requested to surrender, men and officers being
promised their paroles. This request I declined.
Being well satisfied that my men would stand no longer I took up the line of
march for Cairo, on the Cumberland, hoping to be able to take a strong position
on the river and hold it; but my rear being hotly pressed I formed line of battle
with the Second Indiana and Fifth Kentucky and made my arrangements to
fight on foot. Soon the firing became brisk, and my line of battle broke and the
men fled in every direction, leaving only about 75 on the ground.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 159
August 19, 1862
Seeing Lieut.-Col. Stewart and Maj. Winfrey I asked them if they thought it
possible for them to rally their men, and they replied that they could not, and
that a surrender of the few left was all that could be done. Lieut.-Col. Stewart
made his escape.
With the few left I remained and held the enemy in check long enough to
enable the greater portion of my command to ford the river, but finally, being
completely surrounded by overwhelming numbers, I was compelled to surrender.
I regret to report that the conduct of the officers and men as a general thing was
shameful in the lowest degree, and the greater portion of those who escaped
will remember that they did so shamefully abandoning their general on the battle-field, while if they had remained like true and brave men the result of this
conflict would have been quite different.
~~~
My loss was 30 killed, 50 wounded, and 75 taken prisoners. About 200 horses
were killed or disabled in this action.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. W. JOHNSON, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 871-873.
Report of Lieut. Col. Robert R. Stewart, Second Indiana Cavalry, of cavalry
action at Gallatin, August 21.
NASHVILLE, TENN., August 22, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report herewith the part taken by my command in the
engagement which occurred between Gen. Johnson and Gen. Morgan on the
21st instant near Gallatin.
Leaving McMinnville on the 11th instant, our efforts to find or obtain intelligence of the whereabouts of the enemy were until the 19th instant, when at
Cookville we obtained reliable information that Gen. Morgan, with a command
800 strong, was at Hartsville. This intelligence we got by intercepting the
enemy's mail.
Gen. Johnson here asked my advice as to whether we should follow in pursuit.
I replied that we had been in search of the information just received, and urged
that we should follow in the morning, with a force of cavalry about 700 strong,
consisting of detachments of the Second Indiana, Seventh Pennsylvania,
Fourth Kentucky, and Fifth Kentucky Regiments. We took up the line of march
and moved 2 1/2 miles beyond Hartsville, where we recaptured some prisoners, horses, mules, and wagons which had been taken from Col. Boone a few
days previous. At this place we learned that Morgan had gone retake Gallatin.
Early next morning we pushed forward in the direction of Gallatin. My command—the Second Indiana—composed the advance of the column. I threw
forward Companies C and D as an advance guard. After moving some 9 or 10
Page 160 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 19, 1862
miles, Capt. Johnson, of Company D, sent back word that they were in sight of
the enemy's pickets. I returned the order to the advance guard to press them.
This being done, and 1 1/2 miles farther advanced, word was returned from the
front to the column that the enemy in force were moving to the right and left.
We also received reliable intelligence that Morgan had been re-enforced, and
that his command was at least 3,000, consisting of cavalry and infantry, all of
which I communicated to Gen. Johnson, who in reply ordered me to engage
them.
I here halted the advance guard, and the enemy appearing in heavy columns on
my right, I had my men to throw down the fence of an open field, marched my
regiment in, formed it into line, gave the command forward, and opened fire
upon the enemy's column, which after two volleys was broken, and we drove
them about 500 yards, when a terrific fire was opened upon the right and left
flanks of my command. Seeing that no support came to my aid, I ordered Capt.
Leabo to take command of the right squadron, face it to the right, and protect
the right flank. Discovering that this force was insufficient for the purpose I
ordered Companies A and B charge in aid of Capt. Leabo, which they did, but
the fire being so destructive, they were compelled to retire after severe loss. At
the same time I made an effort to change front to the left, but here I received
orders from Gen. Johnson to fall back, which command my men executed in
perfect order, marching off the field in a walk.
I gained my second position and formed my command front to the rear on the
left of an old log stable, and held the ground until the Fifth Kentucky, panicstricken, fled from the field in disorder. Here I again received orders from Gen.
Johnson to fall back. In the execution of this order the enemy pressed us hard,
yet I am proud to report that my men moved in order and gained their third
position unconfused at a place called the Cross Lanes, a distance of 1 1/2
miles.
Gen. Johnson at this time remarked to me, "Your men have acted most nobly in
this fight, but the Kentuckians have disgraced me and my State." Said he, "I
believe I will send in a white flag, asking permission to bury my dead." I
replied that the idea was a good one, as it would give us an opportunity to
restore order and fortify. He called for a white flag, and Capt. Turner, with one
of my orderlies, proceeded with it to the enemy's lines. While this was transpiring, with my command I gained the advantage of 100 yards of picket and rail
fence, which by means of some labor I formed into fortifications, protecting
the right and left flanks of my command. This was by far the best position we
had occupied, and here we determined to make our best effort. I dismounted
my men and ascertained the number of cartridges left, which I found to be an
average of 7 rounds to the man.
When Capt. Turner returned he reported that the wounded would be properly
cared for and the dead decently interred and that Gen. Morgan desired an interview with Gen. Johnson. Whereupon Gen. Johnson, with the white flag, rode
to Gen. Morgan, and in about twenty minutes returned and informed me of the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 161
August 19, 1862
result of the interview, namely, that Morgan had demanded an immediate surrender and would parole without delay both officers and men-allowing the
former to retain their side-arms-which he had refused, and, said he, "We must
get out of here," and ordered a retreat.
I commanded my men to mount, and taking my place in the advance marched
off in column of fours and in a walk. We had gone about 11/2 miles in the
direction of Cairo when the report came forward that the enemy were charging
our rear. Gen. Johnson here ordered me to face my men front to the rear and
resist the enemy's charge, which I executed, and had formed line, when the
Fifth Kentucky came dashing through in a style of confusion more complete
than the flight of a drove of stampeded buffaloes, if possible disgracing their
former inglorious conduct. There appeared to be a question of rivalry between
officers and men for which should outvie in the disgrace of their cowardly
scamper. After they had got through my ranks order was restored, and we
waited some ten minutes for the reported enemy, giving my men orders to
reserve their fire; they faithfully did so until the rebels advanced to within 25
yards, then, upon order given, opened a volley which broke the rebel line and
threw them back in confusion some 500 yards. In the mean time Gen.
Johnson's whole command, save the Second Indiana, had left and taken up a
hurried retreat.
Here Gen. Johnson rode up to me and asked what he should do. I replied that
no officer could command those damned cowards, pointing toward the Fifth
Kentucky retreating. He then said to me, "I shall surrender," and asked me for a
white handkerchief, which I refused to give. He then asked my chief bugler to
sound a parley; the bugler replied that he "did not know the call." Gen. Johnson
then obtained a white handkerchief from some one and started it through the
lines of my regiment. It was here that I rode in front my regiment and told my
men that they were about to be surrendered; and, said I, "Indianians, never surrender; follow me!" and moved off with all of my men who had heard the
order. We found the enemy on our fight and left. On our retreat luckily we
found a negro, whom I pressed, and who guided me to a ford, and we were
enabled to cross the Cumberland River. Having crossed in safety, I posted
Capt. Ross and 5 men as pickets, to watch and report the movement of the
enemy. I had proceeded about 5 miles when Capt. Ross reported a portion of
the rebels had crossed and were in pursuit. I ordered the "Trot-March," but
soon learned that it was a portion of my own men, with Capt.'s Johnson,
Kessler, Adjutant Woolley, and Lieut. Beck, Barnett, and Barnes, who, occupying a position at the left of my line, did not hear my order to follow. I ordered a
halt and waited until they came up; then moved to Stone River and encamped
for the night. Along the whole line of retreat evidences of the disgraceful conduct of the Fifth Kentucky appeared. Enfield rifles, pistols, sabers, saddlebags,
canteens, curry-combs, brushes, and hats had been thrown away and abandoned in helter-skelter style. Perfect disorder must have prevailed during this
cattle-like scamper.
Page 162 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 19, 1862
With my command I arrived at Nashville on the morning following at 8 o'clock
a. m., when I learned that the Fifth Kentucky and other portions of Gen.
Johnson's command had been swift enough to reach Nashville on the evening
before.
Although the result of the engagement was an unfortunate one, yet I am happy
to report the uniform good conduct of the Second Indiana Cavalry.
Further evidence of the gallantry of my command appears by reference to the
printed report of Adjutant Woolley, to which your attention is most respectfully
called.
I have not space to enumerate individual acts. Suffice to say that the highest
compliments which I could pay to any one is due to all.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. R. STEWART, Lieut.-Col. Second Indiana Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 874-876.
Report of Col. George C. Wynkoop, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, of action
August 21.
NASHVILLE, August 26, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the forces engaged near
Gallatin, Tenn., on the 21st instant, under command of Brig.-Gen. Johnson,
now a prisoner of war.
We left Hartsville early on the morning of the 21st instant and marched in the
direction of Gallatin, which is 14 miles west of Hartsville, with the Second
Indiana Cavalry, under command of Lieut.-Col. Stewart, numbering 287 men,
in the advance; then my command, consisting of detachments of three companies of my regiment and two of the Fourth Kentucky Cavalry, numbering in all
187 men, and a detachment of the Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, under command of
Maj. Winfrey, numbering 293 men, in the rear; our force, including officers
and men, numbering some 767 men.
We marched on slowly until about 8 o'clock, when Gen. Johnson was informed
that the rebel pickets were driven in 3 miles from Gallatin. We were then
ordered to march in close column by fours. Soon after the general received
word by a courier from the advance guard that the enemy were flanking us
right and left. We then moved on rapidly about 1 mile, when we were ordered
to halt and take down the fence on our right, and soon our line of battle was
formed in the field.
The enemy then made a stand to our right, and the Second Indiana was ordered
to charge upon them; the charge was a complete success, and threw the rebel
line into great confusion. Too great praise cannot be awarded Lieut.-Col. Stewart for the manner in which he conducted this charge.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 163
August 19, 1862
My command was ordered to engage the enemy on the left, where they were
firing from behind trees and bushes, but owing to the superiority of their arms I
could not do effective service. I ordered my men to take down a fence and was
about to charge upon them, when I was ordered by Gen. Johnson to fall back.
About this time the Fifth Kentucky seemed to have been panic-stricken and
retreated in great disorder. I fell back to the brow of a hill and formed a line,
men dismounted; the rebels pushed forward and a fiercely contested battle
ensued.
The general, seeing the superior numbers of enemy, ordered us to retreat to a
cross-road, where we halted, and the general sent in a flag of truce by his adjutant, asking permission to bury his dead. Col. John H. Morgan, who seemed to
be in command of the rebel forces, sent word that he would attend to our
wounded and bury our dead, and solicited an interview with Gen. Johnson. The
general rode over and had an interview with Col. Morgan, who demanded an
immediate and unconditional surrender, saying he was prepared to march three
heavy columns of cavalry on us.
Gen. Johnson returned, saying that further resistance would be useless, owing
to the superior number of the enemy. He immediately ordered a retreat, and
after retreating about 1 mile found that the enemy were charging on our rear
guard. We then halted and again formed a line of battle, with the men dismounted. We held our fire until the enemy advanced within about 50 yards,
when poured in a volley which scattered them in all directions.
We now fell back to a ravine and awaited their coming; they soon advanced,
and met with the same result as before. We were about to charge upon them
when to our right a heavy column of rebel cavalry dashed forward and was
about to cut us off from the river. Gen. Johnson, seeing them, hoisted a white
flag and proposed to surrender his whole force. Seeing that to stand now would
be useless, I, with part of my command and parts of the Second Indiana and
Fifth Kentucky, numbering in all about 200 men, dashed forward through their
lines and made good our escape; the balance of our force, consisting of parts of
the three commands, broke to the left and crossed the Cumberland River about
4 miles to the east of the town of Lebanon. We arrived in Nashville about 2
o'clock next morning.
The force of the enemy I estimate at about from 1,400 to 1,500 of Morgan's
cavalry and about 1,000 armed citizens.
The following is a list of the killed, wounded, and missing of the three different
commands, as near as can be ascertained:
Of my command—
Commissioned officers killed, 1 (Adjt. N. Wynkoop); commissioned officers
wounded 2 (Capt. Levi Chilson and Lieut. Joseph Vale). Noncommissioned
officers and privates killed, 8; missing, 43.
Of the Second Indiana Cavalry—
Page 164 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 20, 1862
Commissioned officers wounded, 2; missing, 1. Non-commissioned officers
and privates killed, 12; wounded, 40; missing, 31.
Of the Fifth Kentucky Cavalry—
Commissioned officers wounded, 3. Non-commissioned officers and privates
missing, 101.
Total killed, wounded, and missing, 244.
The report of killed may not be correct, as many of the missing may have been
killed. All the officers and men of my command fought with great courage and
coolness during the engagement, promptly obeying all commands.
Great credit is due Capt. Chilson and Lieut. Raplee, of the Fourth Kentucky, as
well as their men, for courage shown throughout the engagement.
My report would have been handed in much sooner had it not been for my illness since my arrival here.
I am, sir, with high respect, your most obedient servant,
GEO. C. WYNKOOP, Col. Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 877-878.
August 20, 1862 - Skirmish at Pilot Knob
•See August 19, 1862-August 21, 1862-Raid on Louisville & Nashville Railroad
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
August 20, 1862 - Skirmish at MurfreesboroughNOTE 1
•See August 19, 1862-August 21, 1862-Raid on Louisville & Nashville Railroad
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
NOTE 1: Perhaps Dyer confused this with the skirmish near Murfreesboro on May
19, 1862. See above.
August 20, 1862 - Skirmish at Manscoe NOTE 1 Creek
•See August 19, 1862-August 21, 1862-Raid on Louisville & Nashville Railroad
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
NOTE 1: Most likely this refers to Mansker Creek in Sumner County.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 165
August 20, 1862
August 20, 1862 - Skirmish near Edgefield Junction
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 20, 1862 - Excerpt from a letter by Surgeon William M. Eames (U. S. ) to his wife in
Ohio, relative to a skirmish above NashvilleNOTE 1 and fall of
ClarksvilleNOTE 2
Union Coll. Hospital [Murfreesborough]
Aug 22, 1862
Dear Wife,
~~~
. . . There was quite a skirmish 6 miles above Nashville the day I was there
(20th) & 22 of our men (from 50th Ind.) repulsed 400 or 500 of the rebels.
They were in a stockade & fought well & had none hurt. The rebels lost 7
killed—one of them a Lieut also 20 wounded. The rebel Cavalry have been
doing great execution in the vicinity of Nashville. . . . They burned two
bridges & captured 100 men above where they had the fight with the 22
men. . .
~~~
William Mark Eames Papers
NOTE 1: Referenced in neither the OR nor Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
NOTE 2: The Union garrison at Clarksville surrendered to Confederate forces on August 18, 1862. See above.
August 20, 1862 - Skirmish at Drake's Creek
•See August 19, 1862-August 21, 1862-Raid on Louisville & Nashville Railroad
No circumstantial reports filed
August 20, 1862 - Repair of McMinnville railroad completed by Federal forces
HDQRS., Huntsville, August 20, 1862.
Col. INNES, Stevenson:
It is reported the McMinnville road will be finished to-night. You need not take
your companies there. Take five companies to the Louisville and Nashville
road and push it with all energy; everything depends on it.
D. C. BUELL.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 376.
Page 166 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 20, 1862
August 20, 1862 - Guerrilla activity near Raleigh, West Tennessee
Destruction of Bridges Over Wolf and Hatchie Rivers. Organizing Guerrilla
Corps in West Tennessee.
About ten o'clock yesterday morning, a guerrilla corps, variously estimated
from 500 to 3,000, made their appearance in Raleigh, Tenn. The entered from
the north side, passed through in an easterly direction, and came on half way to
Memphis. Finding no cotton or Federal pickets in this direction, they retraced
their steps, and, on reaching the bridges over Wolf river, near the town of
Raleigh, they poured camphene upon them and then set them on fire. At last
accounts they were completely destroyed. The guerrillas next devoted themselves to finding out the secreted cotton, which they burned. They then moved
off towards Union depot and other points northward.
This guerrilla party are understood to be composed, in part, of Porter's old
company, Faulkner's Kentucky cavalry, and Burroughs' (or Burrows') new cavalry corps raised recently near Raleigh.
The whole country north of Memphis, outside the Federal lines, is represented
as in a blaze of military excitement, on account of which they allege as outrages recently committed upon them by bands of men falsely claiming to
belong to the Union army, and hence they are now forming a regiment of cavalry in West Tennessee, just beyond the Federal lines. It is stated that one
advantage which these guerrilla parties posses is, that they wear no uniforms,
and if hotly pursued, they become citizens, and can appear to be about their
usual peaceful pursuits, as soon as they can dismount, and put away their shot
gun and pistols.
The above guerrilla party, it is understood, burnt all the bridges over Wolf and
Hatchie rivers yesterday, the object being to prevent the Federal cavalry from
coming up in that direction to annoy them in the future.
Memphis Bulletin, August 21, 1862
August 20, 1862 - "THE CURRENCY-SOUTHERN BANK NOTES" Money anxieties in
Memphis
We subjoin two communications from bankers and brokers, on the subject of
Southern bank notes. The pressure upon our column this morning deprives us
of the opportunity to enter upon the field they so temptingly invite. In the
meantime we give place to their response and may recur to them hereafter:
Memphis, August 19, 1862
Editors Bulletin:
In your late issues you have referred to the depreciation of Southern bank notes
and the causes, together with the burden it brings upon the community. That
the money is depreciated and disposed to go lower, is a fact known to most
here. The causes for this state of things I think have not all been stated by you,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 167
August 20, 1862
and perhaps you have erred in some. To what you have said I would add that
bank paper, in order to be of good credit, must have some approachable office
for redemption in a valuable commodity of some sort-as coin, exchange, or
other bank notes. It is well known the Southern banks cannot be reached at
present, so that no redemption is to be had there. Another important idea is that
there being no communication with those States, there is of consequence no
call for the money to use there in any way. Still another reason is the many
strangers lately arrived here in trade have a peculiar distrust for anything
South, and are anxious to sell the moment they receive it. The market then is
glutted by a pressure to sell, while on the other hand, there is no demand, as
stated above.
I believe the regular brokers are not disposed to run down the money, nor to
oppress the community. I have talked with one who says he has tried hard to
keep it up. It is a lamentable fact that there are self-styled brokers, (outsiders)
who appear to inure the market very much by cutting and shaving as deep as
possible; and all this is done in violation of the statutes of Tennessee.
I believe most fully that Southern money, as a general thing, is equal to or better than Tennessee bank paper, and as such all your citizens ought to uphold it
until it can "go alone.
" signed "TRUTH. '
The Currency Question
To the Editors of the Bulletin:
I have read with much care all the articles lately published in your paper upon
the subject of our currency, and have looked in vain for a single suggestion that
would have a tendency to remedy the evil. All the evils of an irredeemable
paper currency are laid at the doors or the "brokers, bankers and shavers of
Memphis." Now, in my humble opinion, they are as much responsible for the
existing war, which is devastating our country, as they are for the condition of
the currency-and no more.
You remark in your issue of Sunday, that "our community have greatly suffered
by the meddling with our currency, as well as by the destruction of property,
especially the burning and destroying of the cotton crop of our planter." Why
not say "the brokers, bankers and shavers of Memphis" are to be held accountable for the latter, as well as the derangement of the currency? These currency
troubles are caused by the particularity of our present position, more than by
the Shylock propensities of the "brokers, bankers and shavers of Memphis."
You must know that the business of our city is not in the hands of Memphis
merchants, but in the hands of strangers who know nothing of the value of
Southern currency beyond its convertibility into "green backs." They are in
most instances the agents and clerks of Northern houses, and their instructions
are to remit as fast as sales are made. To keep Southern money until it becomes
good, is not a part of their business; but to realize upon it immediately, and to
charge such prices for their wares as will justify them in shaving off the money
Page 168 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 20, 1862
at what it will bring the market. In this matter a large amount of South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama currency is pushed upon the market, and largely
above the ability of the "brokers, bankers and shavers of Memphis" to redeem.
Is it strange then, that under these circumstances, a discount of ten per cent
should be charged for converting the currency of these States into current Tennessee funds? The notes of all good Southern banks are received on deposit by
our bankers under the head of currency, and paid out upon check in the same
kind of fund; and they will tell you, as they do all their customers, that Georgia
and South Carolina money is better than Tennessee, but that they cannot
exchange the one for the other without compensation, as they now have on
hand nearly every dollar of Southern currency they have bought in sixty days. I
am persuaded that the "brokers, bankers and shavers of Memphis" are as patriotic as other men, and they are as anxious as others to sustain the institutions of
the South of every name and character; and now, sir, if you or others can suggest any method by which our currency troubles can be remedied, I will guarantee that your plans shall have the hearty co-operation of every "broker,
bankers and shaver in Memphis."
While we are cut off from intercourse with the other States of the South, I can
see but faint hopes of relief from the present derangement in our money affairs,
but would be happy to hear some suggestions from wiser heads.
signed, "COMMON SENSE."
Memphis Bulletin, August 20, 1862.
August 20, 1862 - Federal confiscation of private property and a change in the traditional
relationship between slave and master, observations of one Madison
County slave owner
. . . Negroes have everything in their own hands and they know it, surrounded
and protected as they are by Federal soldiers. As many as see proper can walk
of & there is no remedy. We have to submit to any and everything. The Federals seem to think the property of the Rebels or Secesh as they term us, belongs
to them & act accordingly. If horses or mules are wanted they go and get them.
Peace how sweet! War how opposite!
Robert H. Cartmell Diary.
August 20, 1862 - Description of the Hardeman Springs, south of Bolivar, by a private in the
15th Iowa Infantry
We were up at cock-crowing this morning and pumped several cows dry before
the owners were out of bed. We filled a large kittle full of ripe peaches and
with our sugar we had a good long old breakfast. Went back to the Springs and
established ourselves there There are five separate and distinct Springs here
and each of them said to a different kind of water[.] One is sulphur and one
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 169
August 20, 1862
Iron and the others are different[.] All said to possess valuable medical properties[.]
A building in octagonal shape surrounds each spring[.] On the steep hill side is
a long string of log and frame buildings designed as [a] Hotel, Bath Rooms &c
for the convenience of persons attending the place[.] An old Negro who was a
servant here told us it was a great place for "de gemmen to hab pleasure[."] But
he said "dey take no pleasure hereabouts now [."] The water boils up above the
top of the basins and is cold and clear while all around are large handsome
shade trees and the ground all covered with a beautiful carpet of grass. There is
a Ball alley here and the men make constant use of it.
Boyd Diary.
August 20, 1862 - Salt Supply in Confederate Tennessee
Salt for Tennessee.
As very great anxiety has been felt on the part of the people of Tennessee in
consequence of the inadequate supply of salt, and the exorbitant prices at
which the little in market is being sold, amounting almost to prohibition to the
indigent, they will be pleased to learn, as stated by the Chattanooga Rebel, that
Gov. Harris, several weeks since, with his accustomed energy, turned his attention to the matter, and finally succeeded in effecting an agreement with Messrs.
Stewart, Buchanan &co., the owners of the salt works in Virginia, by which he
expects to secure the manufacture of a limited supply of salt for the exclusive
use of Tennessee.
The owners of the works, by reason of the heavy contracts already on hand,
were unable to undertake the supply of any part of the salt themselves, but
agreed with the governor to dispose of the use of the water for that purpose, on
liberal terms, to such parties as he might designate.
Under and by virtue of this agreement with the proprietors of the works, Gov.
Harris has entered into a contract with Messrs. McClung & Jacques, highly
respectable, energetic and responsible parties of Knoxville, Tennessee, who are
to manufacture this article exclusively for the use of the State, and supply it to
them at reasonable rates, in no event to exceed two dollars and seventy-five
cents per bushel of fifty pounds, with actual cost of transportation to points of
delivery.
Memphis Appeal [Grenada, Mississippi], August 20, 1862.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
August 20, 1862 - "Our town is now a wreck." A fire in Pulaski
On the night of the 20th, I was aroused from slumber, by the cry of fire, &
upon rushing into the street I saw the flames shooting forth from the top of
Page 170 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 20, 1862
Mrs. Wosely's Hotel. I addressed the Sentinel in front of my door & inquired if
he knew the origin of the fire, when he replies, "we suspect the confederates
have fired it to make a light to fight us by"—I said, seeing the stillness which
pervaded the streets & the total desertion of these streets, "why is it that there is
no attempt being made to arrest the flames?" Said he, "we have orders to stand
to our posts ready for the approach of the enemy, consequently we can render
no assistance." The citizens were fearful of arrest for some time if they
attempted to even go to the fire, however, in a short time the fire became so terrific that ladies flocked to see it, then the gentlemen became desperate & determined to do all in their power to save the business houses. Mr. Martine made
every effort by working his little engine & by urging lookers on to work diligently, but their efforts were of no avail. The block was consumed except Mr.
Luther McCord's house. By constant efforts he saved his house which fortunate
circumstance has given all his friends great pleasure. He is a worthy young
man & a favorite. Entreaties were of no avail in getting the negroes to work,
very few offering to work as to carry water, consequently Mrs. Carter's cistern
was emptied of water. Great indignation was felt toward the negro population,
seeing their utter indifference in regard to the unfortunate fire. Twenty-one
houses were consumed & 14 men thrown out of employment. Our town is now
a wreck. What will be the feelings of our brave—hearted Southerners, whose
homes are in this town &country, when they return & witness the works of a
hostile foe in our midst. Do not think I mean to accuse the soldiery directly,
perhaps I'd be wrong, but indirectly I think they are to blame by allowing
negros to go where they please by deterring white men from even going from
house to house within the corporation. If a negro wished to avenge himself for
any wrong he had (by the license allowed him) every chance. Citizens have
appealed to the Provost Martial of the garrison now in command being two
companies of Jewell's Regiment to enforce orders in regard to the negros
prowling at night, which I trust will prevent further conflagrations. He has
issued them but whether subordinates will obey strictly his injunction I cannot
tell. They are in power, we are their slaves. Giles County subjugated by 160
Pennsylvanians! Think of it & see how our hopes have been blighted in regard
to the Southern Confederacy retaining Tennessee! The Cotton states are free
from invasion but we have the reality to taste. Now I cannot see how we are to
be relieved. We are shut in from communication with any section of country,
even from the country & of course we have everything to depress us. Then in
addition to immediate surrounding the confiscation act will sweep over us on
the 25th of September, taking from us all our means of support. The men who
are at home will take the Oath of allegiance to the United States to save their
property, the men in the Southern Army will have to fight for theirs if they get
it. The wives &children of those in the Army will have to suffer intensely —
deprived of every means of support & their husbands sworn to serve the Confederacy. The men will have to come home and see their children begging
bread. The picture is dark, & if things present now, I cannot find a ray to
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 171
August 20, 1862
lighten it. Hopeful ones say all will right soon, while those less sanguine
believe the worst must come. God help us & save us from utter destruction.
Diary of Martha Abernathy, entry for August 23, 1862.
August 20, 1862 - Railroad Accident in Humboldt—the case of the forgotten password
Accident.
Last Wednesday night [20th], news was received that there was imminent danger of an attack being made at a bridge on the R. R. some four or five miles
below this place, where some of the Illinois Cavalry were guarding. They
immediately sent to camp for reinforcements, and Lieut. Langdon, of the Curtis Horse, was sent down with a detachment of the 12th [Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry], on two hand cars. After going a few rods from the Depot, Lieut.
Langdon stopped the forward car and got off to go back for the countersign,
which he had forgotten. Those on the hind car, among whom was the telegraph
operator at this place, tried to stop the car to prevent a collision, and in doing
so, something broke, letting the lever down with great force, striking the operator on the head, injuring him severely. He is now at the quarters of Major
Strong, and very low, but it is hoped he will soon recover.
Soldier's Budget [Humboldt], August 23, 1862.
August 20, 1862 - August 22, 1862 - Reconnaissance in Sequatchie Valley, Dunlap and
Pikeville environs
McMINNVILLE, August 22, 1862.
Gen. BUELL:
Scouting parties just in from Sequatchie Valley, Dunlap. No enemy there. A
reconnoitering force at Dunlap on the 20th. No other forces about. The officers
report that no considerable force can march on that road. Has not heard of any
force at Pikeville. Do not believe the enemy can reach this place by either the
Hill or the Therman pike. Will send Wood to Sparta should you approve. I
believe the enemy is moving toward Knoxville, and marching to subsist and
watch.
GEO. H. THOMAS.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 392.
August 21, 1862 - Action on the Hartsville Road, near Gallatin
•See August 19, 1862-August 21, 1862-Raid on Louisville & Nashville Railroad
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from a letter by Surgeon William M. Eames (U. S. ) to his wife in Ohio
Page 172 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 21, 1862
Union Coll Hospital
Aug 24 [1862]
Sunday PM
~~~
. . . There was another fight at Gallatin 2 days agoNOTE 1 & our men got
whipped out by a largely superior force of rebels. . .
~~~
William Mark Eames PapersNOTE 2
NOTE 1: Apparently Surgeon Eames had the date wrong.
NOTE 2: This skirmish is also referenced in CAR, p. 23.
August 21, 1862 - "DEATH TO DOGS!"
Weary citizens, overcome with heat, hard work, the last official war report, the
weak tea drunk just before going to bed, find their hopes of sleep are vain.
Open windows give entrance to the cooling night breeze; closed lace curtain
keep from intrusion the musical mosquito bent on wounds and blood-but what
shutters, bolts, locks, or designs of ingenious man can shout out the ceaseless
bow-wow-wow, the howls the yells, the sleep destroying cries of countless
dogs? "Soon as the evening shades prevail" the din begins. Barks no druggist's
skill can resolve into healing tinctures or sublimate to strong but silent
emences [?]-yells in every key, your shrieking contralto to the growling bars
making it hideous." Crying babies sometimes sleep, and scolding wives in the
course of passing hours cease their curtain themes, but the dogs, the baying
yelping babel-bawling dogs, never give up. While stars look out and night's
dark curtain veils the scene, with voice vociferous and unwearying lungs the
canine quadruped's curse drives from the couch life's gentle solace-sleep. In
vain are pistols fired, and missiles thrown with curses deep and dire! The
skulking herd, with drooping tail and cunning crawl, are off-off where no pebble, stick, or shot can reach, but not off to silence-still the bow-wow-wow goes
on unending When comes the calm, no more is heard the angry dash the roaring of unchained winds, not deafening crash of fear-inspiring thunder-the echoing peal of the fading avalanche hurdling down the mountain side-the
bellowing fury of the volcanoes' wrath have limit and an end; but the row, the
racket, the fierce, sleep-destroying howl and yell and bark of Memphian dogs,
for nights unending, unmarked by stoppage or interval, banish balmy sleep.
Not more constant was sweet Philomel, "who all night long her amorous descant sung" than is the canine curse. A flaming sword that every way showed its
glittering edge, kept man from paradise, so noisy, deafening dogs keep Memphis citizens from the heaven of speed. Death to the dogs-that is the slogan of
the coming war upon the nightly enemy. By shot or poisoning arsenic, quick
death must be the fate of our relentless foes. Death to the dogs, death to the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 173
August 21, 1862
brute destroyers of our nightly rest. Death! death! no less will satiate our. . .
revenge or curse the canine crowd we're cursed with.
Memphis Bulletin, August 21, 1862.
August 21, 1862 - Letter in response to Memphis Bulletin editorials about currency
. . . in reply to our former editorials upon this subject. We are pleased with the
tone and SPIRIT and candor of the article signed "TRUTH." The writer admits
"that Southern money, as a general thing, is equal to or better than Tennessee
bank paper." This writer assumes that to make Bank paper of good credit, there
must be some approachable office for redemption, either in coin, exchange, or
other Bank notes. We admit the position of the writer to be correctly stated. Let
us apply the fact to his principles, as laid down.
Where is "the approachable office" of the Bank of Tennessee, Chattanooga,
Bank of Memphis, Ocoee, etc.? As none of these Banks have a habitation
within reach of our Memphis bankers, brokers or shavers, we are led to inquire
why 10 percent. Differences be made by them between these banks, and the
paper of Southern Banks, which is admitted to be equal or better than they are?
None can be given upon the premises admitted, except the reasons we have
before assigned for the practice-a simple power, which the money-dealer
enjoys, of making an unjust and unfair discrimination, by virtue of his avocation, to appease the propensity of a morbid appetite for gain. We hold this an
abuse of one's calling to the injury and damage of the public; and it merits a
rebuke from the intelligence and fair business dealing of the people of the city.
Is there a Bank in the State which redeems its issues in coin or exchange,
whether it have an approachable office or not? There is not a single one that we
know of. The credit which attaches to these Banks and to all Southern Banks,
is just what attaches of public confidence to the SOLVENCY and ULTIMATE
REDEMPTION of their outstanding circulation in COIN, EXCHANGE, or in
their receivability in the payment of debts due these Banks.
We insist the entire issue of Bank notes now in circulation here, are wholly
irredeemable by any Bank in either coin or in exchange, or otherwise. The pretence, therefore, by "common sense" of availability, is without the shadow of
foundation; and we repeat the discrimination made by the bankers, brokers,
and shavers, has no foundation in reason, justice, or principle. The exaction is
founded in ordinate greed for gain, simply because the bankers, brokers and
shavers have the power from their vocations to establish an arbitrary standard
of value, by a mere ipse dixit of their own!
We state, and we challenge "Common Sense" to deny or gainsay the truth of
our position, that the Banks in Tennessee, are, none of them, redeeming their
issues either by coin, exchange or otherwise. If this be true, and we aver it to be
so, if we are correctly informed, how is it, that Tennessee Bank notes can be
worth more to the banker and broker at Memphis, than the issues of Southern
Banks, for the reason that their houses be not approachable and their issues be
Page 174 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 21, 1862
unavailing? All were equally current, all equally satisfactory to the public, to
the merchant, market-man, &c., until the banker and the broker made the discrimination of 5 and 10 per cent between the Banks of Tennessee and other
Southern bank notes? Surely not. If they do it is a self-imposed undertaking.
We assert that they handle Bank notes only as a matter of choice and of personal gain, and to which we make no objection. It is legitimate and fair that the
do so. We lay down the proposition that the basis of credit of all Bank paper is
public confidence in its solvency and ultimate redemption.
Now is the public confidence as great in the Banks of the South as in the Tennessee Banks? We assert their basis is LARGER, and their management
EQUAL, if not BETTER than that of our own Banks. None of them now provide for their issues. It cannot be pretended."TRUTH," and "COMMON
SENSE" neither aver or do pretend that such is the case. They both admit equal
value and equal confidence by the public."COMMON SENSE" vauntingly
asks the remedy. It is easy, simple and plain. It is neither to be mystified nor
evaded by logic or by facts. Let the bankers and brokers treat and use whatever
is an equal in value as an equal-AT PAR. Discard all ARBITRARY DISCRIMINATION! Sell coin or exchange, when they have the one or the other, at the
same rate for all solvent Bank notes. Use all Bank issues, believed solvent,
alike. Receive and pay out all such paper as equal until the BANKS THEMSELVES MAY BE ABLE TO REDEEM THEIR OWN ISSUES. When one
begins to pay, others must do so or suffer discredit and be dishonored, and
branded as unworthy of public confidence-sinking into oblivion and infamy
with Bankers of integrity and substance. For the bankers and brokers and shavers of Memphis to make in the premises, admitted and which all men of intelligence know to exist. A discrimination between the "itinerant Banks of
Tennessee" without a "local habitation," traveling with the armies of a rebellion amid a revolution perhaps endless, is an act of delusion and folly, to the
prejudice of a community and is very unjust-especially over Banks which re
fixed, stable and solid -in the hands of wise, discreet and honorable managers.
The practice is absurd and preposterous, unjust and selfish, for our bankers to
require a tax from day to day of ten percent upon the necessities of the poor
and helpless in our midst. We no appeal to their sense of liberality and justice
and honor, to do away with an arbitrary RULE, instituted by themselves, and
henceforth to use all irredeemable currency as money-SELLING AND BUYING COIN AND EXCHANGE for their own or other Banks, as it shall be presented, as equal in value, and YOU HAVE THE REMEDY. It is certain and
simple, and this policy will soften your pillow in disease, and when death may
come upon you as a thief, quiet your fears.
Memphis Bulletin, August 21, 1862.
August 21, 1862 - Defensive measures taken on railroad bridges McMinnville to Manchester
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DISTRICT OF THE OHIO, McMinnville, Tenn.,
August 21, 1862.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 175
August 21, 1862
Col. STANLEY:
Send the telegraph operator to this place at once, as the wires will be here this
evening and no operator here. Send six companies to guard the following
bridges on the McMinnville Railroad, viz.,: One 8 miles from Manchester this
way; one 9 miles from Manchester this way; one 10 miles from Manchester
this way; one 11 1/2 miles from Manchester this way; one 12 miles from
Manchester this way; one 14 miles from Manchester this way—six bridges in
all.
Place one company at each bridge and have a strong stockade built at each
bridge, so that the positions can be defended; and give positive orders to the
commandants of companies to allow no straggling nor plundering.
By command of Gen. Thomas:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 384.
August 21, 1862 - Anti-guerrilla and forage scouts Dunlap road and Rock Island environs
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, McMinnville, August
21, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. BUELL, Huntsville:
Your dispatch of yesterday was received this morning. The supply train of the
Fourth Division will be sent to Murfreesborough to-morrow morning. I will
have the troops in readiness for a move at the shortest notice. Sent a party of
cavalry yesterday on the Dunlap road to go as far as Dunlap. Another party on
the Sparta road, beyond Rock Island Ford, to hunt cattle and a band of guerrillas reported to be there. Shall send an expedition to Sparta to-night; also one to
Pikeville by the Spencer road.
Have spies employed to give information from the direction of Chattanooga,
Dunlap, Pikeville, Sparta, and Kingston.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 385.
August 21, 1862 - Madison County slaves leave the farm for freedom
Rach (a slave) walked off night before last & today little May with her 2 children, making 9, gone. Five of them I know to be in the 63d Illinois Regiment,
stolen by them.
Robert H. Cartmell Diary.
August 21, 1862 - Female Disdain for Federal Officers in Nashville
~~~
Page 176 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 21, 1862
In Nashville the feeling of bitter hatred toward the cowardly, white-livered
scoundrels who pollute the sidewalks with their degrading presence, grows
more deep and lasting every day. As I was passing up Cottage street I saw two
ladies turn off the sidewalk into the street to avoid meeting two richly caparisoned Yankee officers, coming in an opposite direction. Incidents of this kind
are of every-day occurrence. The ladies of the Rock city (God bless their patriotic souls) would sooner drag their flowing robes in the mud of the streets any
time than be contaminated by contact with these vile invaders of their homes.
They shun them as they would the cannibals of South America, or the Thugs of
India. Let no one doubt that Tennessee is all right. When our victorious legions
shall enter the "Old Volunteer State," driving the vile invaders before them, the
heartless mercenaries will be greeted on every side, from rock, tree, and bush,
by the keen crack of the country rifle, as they keep step to the music of the
singing bullets, sent as avenging messengers for the outrages committed on
defenseless citizens, women and children.
Memphis Appeal [Grenada, Mississippi], August 21, 1862. NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
August 21, 1862 - Protest of the murder of three Confederate soldiers Middle Tennessee
HDQRS. CONFEDERATE STATES FORCES, Chattanooga, August 21,
1862.
Maj. Gen. D. C. BUELL, Cmdg. United States Forces, &c.:
GEN.: I have to bring to your notice the following: I have evidence which convinces me that a few days after Capt. Brewster, of our service, had surprised
and taken some men of your forces, a detachment of United States forces,
under a Col. Stewart, of Indiana Volunteers, captured a Georgian of Brig.-Gen.
Forrest's command, and subsequently shot him while a prisoner because the
detachment meantime had been fired into.
Three days subsequent to this act another detachment of the same regiment,
possibly under another commander, captured another private of Forrest's command, who had been left sick at the house of one Brown, near Hill's Creek,
Warren County, Tennessee. This man was also taken out and shot, according to
the confession of the commanding officer.
I am also obliged to believe that a man by the name of Gougue, a member of
Confederate States First Regt. Kentucky Cavalry, was taken prisoner and afterward put to death at or near the house of one Israel Hill, in the same county.
For these atrocious acts no measures of a retaliatory character have been
ordered by the commander of the Confederate forces in this quarter, he being
assured from your past conduct that if you are duly informed of the facts you
will take prompt and efficacious measures to trace up and summarily punish
those responsible for acts so contrary to all obligations of humanity, and he
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 177
August 22, 1862
feels it needless to point out to you the inevitable consequences that must
ensue from a repetition of such sanguinary violations of the rules of war.
~~~
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
SAM. JONES, Maj.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 387.
August 22, 1862 - Reconnaissance, McMinnville to Altamont
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, McMinnville, August
23, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. BUELL:
I sent a reconnoitering party to Altamont on the 22d, Lieut.-Col. Wood commanding. He reports that the citizens confidently expected the enemy that
night, but he learned from a more reliable source that their advance, consisting
of one brigade, was then 10 miles beyond Altamont. Have they not mistaken
our advance from Tracy City for the advance of the enemy? The party I sent to
Dunlap reported no enemy there at 10 a.m. on the 21st. I have ordered the
reconnoitering party out to-night in that direction.
THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 399.
August 22, 1862 - Federal occupation of Sparta begins
McMINNVILLE, August 27, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. BUELL, Decherd:
GEN.: I send you a letter, brought in last night by one of our soldiers, who was
captured at Sparta on last Friday [22d]. He says he picked Capt. McMillin's
pocket and found the letter, and soon after made his escape. . .
~~~
Respectfully, &c.,
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers, Cmdg.
[Inclosure.]
CAMP NEAR SPARTA, TENN., August 25, 1862.
Miss MATT. LESLIE:
DEAR COUSIN: I have an opportunity to drop you a few lines by a prisoner
that I caught near Sparta 22d ultimo.
~~~
Page 178 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 22, 1862
The Yankees are occupying Sparta at present, having moved up last night. We
have two generals in the neighborhood looking out and reconnoitering, but
who they are I am not at liberty to tell.
~~~
J. M. McMILLIN.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 433-434.
August 22, 1862 - Federals initiate forced marches from Alabama to Nashville and Decherd,
Tennessee
HDQRS., Decherd, August 22, 1862.
Gen. ROSECRANS, Iuka:
Mitchel to leave tents and unnecessary baggage; fill his wagons with rations
and make forced marches to Nashville. Paine to march in same manner to
Decherd. Both must go on half rations and carry all the provisions they can and
leave tents.
JAMES B. FRY.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 390
August 22, 1862 - "Tennessee Money"
The editor of the Bulletin and the bankers and brokers of Memphis are having a
good time tinkering with the Memphis currency. As the bankers and brokers
have entered the ring to enlighten the public in regard to finance over the signature of "Truth" and "Common Sense," it is to be hoped they will keep pecking at this knotty question until some light is given to the public."Truth" says
"that the money is depreciated, and disposed to go lower, is a fact know to most
here." Doubtless he was thinking of buying uncurrent money, and imagined
himself talking to a customer over the counter when he penned this sentence,
for further on he says: "I believe most fully that southern money, as a general
thing, is equal to or better than Tennessee bank papers, and as such your citizens ought to uphold it until it can go alone." "Truth," having invested, by buying at 15 per cent. discount, is perhaps willing to sell at par, especially as
southern is better (to shave) than Tennessee bank notes. If Tennessee paper be
good, how happens it that the same banker or shaver, correcting the money
quotations for both papers, has Tennessee quoted at par in the Bulletin and 25
per cent. discount in the Union Appeal? Peradventure "Truth" or "Common
Sense" can explain this discripency ; or why is it that southern paper, quoted at
10 per cent., is bought at 15 per cent over the counter? Is this the patriotism
that "Common Sense" refers to? Or is this the broker that has tried hard to keep
the southern money up?
As to the strangers who arrive here, having a "peculiar distrust for anything
South," it should be borne in mind that the people who held cotton and sugar
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 179
August 22, 1862
here since the Yankees came have also shown a "peculiar distrust for anything
South." Hence, between the patriotic exertions of these people and the bankers
and brokers, the balance of the community have suffered until the thing is past
endurance. The balance of "Truth's" communication, though readable, is barren
of fact or interest."Common Sense" seems to labor like a Mississippi pilot in a
"fog;" he makes the discovery "that the business of our city is not in the hands
of Memphis merchants, but in the hands of strangers, who know nothing of the
value of Southern currency." The Memphis bankers and brokers know its
value, though they quote it at 10 [per cent and shave it at 15 per cent for Tennessee, and then shave Tennessee for 25 per cent. Where is the use of inserting
in the newspapers that the Southern money is good and at the same time shaving it over the counter at 15 per cent."Common Sense," thee must be more consistent. The remedy for this evil has been pointed out. Let the brokers send
hence the Southern money they have bought, at a ruinous discount, dur[ing]
the last sixty days; let them cease to publish unfair quotations of the money
market, for if the Tennessee banks are not insolvent, their paper is equal to any
other suspended bank paper; if we must have money quotations, give Tennessee money a fair show or give the public a reason for its discredit. How long
will the patriotism of the bankers and brokers suffer Yankees to twit our people
for preferring Northern paper to their own[?]
signed MERCHANT.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 22, 1862.
August 22, 1862 - Federal foraging depredations in the Jasper environs
Aug 22nd sunrise this morning found us scattered over the cornfields and
orchards adjacent Jasper in search of anything nourishing to the inner man,
such as roasting ears, peachiness, apples, &c. Jasper is a very gloomy looking
prospect for a town, and especially a County Seat; the buildings are most brick,
but generally in a state of dilapidation. About 11 o'clock A. M. our whole force
composed of Crittenden's and McCook's Divisions, left Jasper and marched off
in a northeasterly direction on [Gizzard] Road and traveled till about 1 o'clock
P. M. our regiment being in the advance. We then halted and went into camp
and the remainder of the day was principally consumed in passing the long
supply trains to the front. One circumstance occurred after our halt and as it
was the first of the kind I was ever witnessed I think it deserves special mention-It was the shameful pillaging of a house within the precincts of the camp.
A bunch of straggling vagabonds, after having taken everything in the yard
and garden afforded went into the house and searched through the whole
house, carrying off anything they could find that suited them. Despite the
entreaties of a tender little girl they bursted bureaus containing clothing, table
ware, and anything they had no use for, and carried of the contents-torn down
ladies ward robes and carried off any and all that suited them, and what they
could not carry off, they destroyed.
Page 180 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 22, 1862
It was the first and I think the most blamable piece of robbery I ever saw committed-and the greatest cause for dissatisfaction I ever had with our Guards
was the attention I necessarily give to carelessness they generally exhibited in
regard to this certain class of thieves who had crept into blue uniform, and were
servings as soldiers, but who were daily committing deeds that would disgrace
the humblest convict in "Sing Sing." There seemed to be a charm about them
as they turned out to stealing, and when provosts would charge upon a body of
offenders, they were sure to escape.
Boy in Blue, pp. 88-89.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: Not included. 1 A Southern Boy in Blue: The Memoir of Marcus Woodcock, 9th Kentucky Infantry (U. S. A. ), ed. Kenneth W. . . Noe, (Knoxville:
UT Press, 1996) [Hereinafter: Boy in Blue.]
August 22, 1862 - "Yankees & negroes, negroes & Yankees!"
. . . Little Mary came up tonight and asked for her bed clothes to take in camp
or somewhere else. Yankees & negroes, negroes and Yankees! Hurrah!. . . went
to town-bustle, an unpleasant place to the eye and nose.
Robert H. Cartmell Diary.
August 22, 1862 - Reconnaissance McMinnville toward Pikeville.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, McMinnville, August
24, 1862.
Gen. BUELL, Decherd:
A reconnoitering party under Maj. Laughlin, First Ohio Cavalry, sent by me
toward Pikeville day before yesterday, has just returned, Maj. Laughlin reports
that he encountered the enemy's advance scouts at Spencer and gained reliable
intelligence from one or two citizens that a force of 2,000 or 3,000 infantry and
some artillery was then at Pikeville, and that the enemy intended advancing on
this place by two or three routes. A party sent out last night on the Chattanooga
road report the enemy's pickets at Beersheba and a force behind in Sequatchie
Valley. I have been delayed until this time waiting for the return of compliance
with your last orders. Gen. Wood's division will be at the foot of the mountain,
if not at the Pass, to-night.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 410.
August 22, 1862 - A skirmish at Cumberland Gap
I have been with a detail on picket duty all night. We were fired on to-day by
two regiments of yankee infantry and driven in. One of our men was killed and
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 181
August 22, 1862
one wounded. We fell back in good order to our base and formed line of battle,
but the enemy did not advance. They brought with them a battery with which
they gave us a few charges of grape, also the heavy batteries on the mountain
opened on us with shell, but without damage. They soon retired, and we are
now occupying our former picket ground.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
August 22, 1862 - Confederate manner of guerrilla recruitment in Tennessee
New Southern Mode of Enlistment.
In Shelby and other counties of Tennessee, the rebel authorities have hit upon
the honorable plan of enlisting men for home duty, giving the following interpretation and definition of that duty. The recruit is regularly sworn but not uniformed, mustered into service, but detailed to special duty on his own farm to
act in concert with his neighbors similarly enrolled and detailed. When these
bucolic legionnaires see a chance to shoot a picket, burn a bridge or run out a
Union man, they remember they are soldiers of the Confederate States Army,
or Confederate Stealing Association and do the job. When a Federal detachment comes along to hunt the rebels, the "soldiers" remember they are farmers,
and come to the office with demands for protection or answer all inquiries
with—"don't know a thing about it." Now this may be a very convenient thing
for the framers, but it is rather exasperating to the detachment of undisguised
solders of the nation; and gives them a clear and palpable right to treat such
men as their crimes deserve. Our troops are fast discovering the guile and seeing through the flimsy veil; and for the sake of humanity and justice we do
trust they will treat such men as their duplicity, cowardice and crimes deserve.
Where lurk guerrillas long, there the people are their coadjutors and deserve
the punishment due to all accessories to crime.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 22, 1862.
August 22, 1862 - A Warren county woman's story
The Woes of War.
Sad as is the death and captivity of stout and active men, and the desolation of
the face of a country, which follow in the train of war, there are pictures of a far
gloomier, sadder hue, which pass at times before our eyes and pierce our hearts
with anguish. Yesterday as we were sitting in the Provost marshal's office a
young and delicate looking woman entered the room carrying a little babe
three months old, in her arms. Her appearance indicated the greatest destitution
and distress, and she seemed overwhelmed with a sense of sorrow. She made
inquiry for her husband, who she heard was lying sick in one of the military
hospitals in this place. She formerly lived in Warren county, where her husband
enlisted in the Federal army. Shortly after, the guerrillas burned her house
down, and she, with her little babe, wandered forth homeless, without shelter
Page 182 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 22, 1862
and friendless; and this happened in the enlightened—the civilized—the Christian State of Tennessee—in a State of schools, and bibles, and churches. This
feeble woman and her infant, all unconscious of the agony of that breast from
which alone it can derive sustenance, are driven out from their blazing roof tree
by men who style themselves "the chivalry" and the guardians of Southern
rights. Citizens, shall we surrender our free and beneficent Government to the
keeping of men so cruel and unfeeling? Are these guerrillas your protectors
and rulers, and will you entrust your happiness to their keeping? Look at the
homes they have desolated, the families they have made wretched, the heartbroken wives and miserable orphans they have exiled from their hearth-stones;
and if you are rational men, with the feelings of humanity in your bosom, you
cannot hesitate to answer No! No! No!
Nashville Daily Union, August 23, 1862. NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
August 22, 1862 - August 23, 1862 - Reconnaissance from Vervilla to Altamont
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the examination of Brigadier-General T. J. WOOD, Nashville,
December 17, 1862, by the "Buell Commission" relative to a reconnaissance
from Vervilla to Altamont, August 22-23, 1862.
Question. State at what time you became acquainted with Bragg's crossing the
Tennessee and what you did with the information.
On the 22d of August, 1862, I sent a regiment of infantry from my camp,
which was then at a little place called Vervilla, about 9 miles from McMinnville, to Altamont, I had learned previously that there were a few reliable
loyal men in the neighborhood of Altamont from whom information might
probably be obtained as to the movements, designs, and position of the enemy
at Chattanooga. I instructed one of the officers of the regiment to put himself in
communication with those persons. I had heard that there was frequent communication with the rebels themselves between Altamont and Chattanooga.
This officer to whom I had committed the obtaining of information reported to
me on his return, on the 23d, that he had heard from the loyal men in question
that it had been reported about Altamont, through rebel couriers and other persons coming from the direction of Chattanooga. . .
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, p. 168.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, McMinnville, August
23, 1862—10 p. m. Gen. BUELL, Decherd:
Your dispatch received at 8 p. m. I sent you the result of Gen. Wood's reconnaissance yesterday. Shall be able to start to-morrow morning for Altamont
with two brigades of the Fourth Division and two brigades of the Sixth Division. Will try to reach Altamont to-morrow. Will leave one brigade Fourth
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 183
August 22, 1862
Division, here to protect the extra wagons and baggage. Have not been able to
hear anything further of the enemy's advance by Dunlap.
GEO. H. THOMAS.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 400.
August 22, 1862 - August 24, 1862 - Reconnaissance, McMinnville to Spencer, Beersheba
Springs
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, Altamont, August 25,
1862—5 p. m.Gen. BUELL, Decherd:
The enemy no nearer than Dunlap. It is reported there is one brigade there and
one at Pikeville. This I learn here, and which confirms the report of Maj.
Laughlin, First Ohio Cavalry, who made a reconnaissance near Spencer on Friday last, returning to McMinnville yesterday, and both reports are confirmed
by Capt. Wickliffe, Third Kentucky Cavalry, who made a reconnaissance on
the Chattanooga road as far as Beersheba Springs and returned to McMinnville
last night.
Water is very scarce here, only one spring; not forage enough in the neighborhood to last for one day. The road up the mountain is almost impassable. Gen.
Wood has been from 6 o'clock till now and he has not succeeded in getting his
artillery up the road. I deem it next to impossible to march a large army across
the mountains by Altamont on account of scarcity of water and forage and the
extreme difficulty of passing over the road. I will therefore return to McMinnville and await further orders.
As I mentioned in one of my dispatches, I regard McMinnville as the most
important point for occupation of any. The occupation of McMinville, Sparta,
and Murfreesborough will, in my opinion, secure the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. I have sent out Smith to put in operation a system of spies, by
which I believe we can get reliable information.
Very respectfully,
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 420-421.
August 23, 1862 - Skirmish near Fort Donelson
AUGUST 23, 1862.-Skirmish near Fort Donelson, Tenn.
Report of Col. William W. Lowe, Fifth Iowa Cavalry.
FORT HENRY, [August] 24, 1862.
I have the honor to report that a detachment of 12 men of Company D of my
regiment, under Sergt. [Charles R. ] Gray, yesterday engaged a band of
rebels—whether regulars or guerrillas is not known—about half way between
Page 184 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 23, 1862
the two rivers, and after a short skirmish succeeded in killing 2. A large party is
said to be in the vicinity, and I now have troops after them. This detachment
under Sergeant Gray has been scouting several days from Fort Donelson.
W. W. LOWE, Col., Comdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 36.
August 23, 1862 - Tally of weapons confiscated from Confederate guerrillas and civilians in
West Tennessee
TRENTON, August 23, [1862].
Maj.-Gen. GRANT:
Have 900 shot-guns, 500 rifles, taken from guerrillas and citizens.
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 184.
August 23, 1862 - Forced march from Decherd to Nashville
HDQRS., Decherd, August 23, 1862.
Gen. ROSECRANS, or Gen. PAINE, Cmdg. Officer at Decatur:
Paine's and Mitchel's divisions must move by forced marches on Nashville.
D. C. BUELL, Maj.-Gen.
(Forward at once by large cavalry force.)
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 397.
August 23, 1862 - Military occupation of a farm in Madison County
Last night the Federals started an encampment of cavalry in [my] front woods
lot. I had hoped there would be no more encampment there on account of scarcity of water, but they come after night and such a running about in the yard
looking for a well, wanting supper &c. These men have been in the habit of
calling at houses & by threats making citizens furnish them with what they
wished. I declined, putting myself to the trouble of having cooking done for
them. Dogs barking and sabres rattling was the order of the night & through
today. They have nearly used the cistern dry. An order came out this evening
from the Colonel to stop using out of the cistern & to use out of the well. The
well being farther off, of course they prefer the cistern. These same men have
committed all kinds of depredations upon the citizens. My father has a negro
man & some of his horses are in their possession. They or some others plundered his house at the farm carrying off what they saw proper, just such a set of
impudent negroes as have gone to them or they have taken is enough to make
one sick. We have to submit as well as we can to our fate. These fellows curse
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 185
August 23, 1862
& swear that we brought them down here & ought to suffer for it. They pretend
to look upon us as traitors and everything we have as of right belonging to
them. . .
Robert H. Cartmell Diary, August 24, 1862.
August 23, 1862 - Reconnaissance, on the Chattanooga Road from McMinnville
•See August 22, 1862--Reconnaissance McMinnville toward Pikeville.
August 23, 1862 - The Tennessee Trots
Tennessee Quickstep.—This rapid and highly exhiliarating movement has a
peculiar feature, that is, it is a very great deal easier to commence than to leave
off. We have seen many instances, and many respectable army Surgeon can
testify to the same, of individuals beginning who never ceased going through
the mystic evolutions until it was found necessary to confine them in a wooden
straight-jacket. To any who are desirous of instituting experiments as to their
powers of performance and endurance in this peculiar exercise, not laid down
in Scott, Hardee or McClellan's Tactics, we will give a receipt, believed to be
infallible. Take unripe apples, peaches, very green corn, pears, young cucumbers &c., eat heartily whenever you feel like it, with plenty of sour beer, milk
&c.; to wash it down, and your success is almost certain. A heavy dose may
produce Cholera-Morbus, or colic, when you can have music for your marching. Try it once, skeptic.
Soldier's Budget [Humboldt], August 23, 1862.
August 23, 1862 - Confederate draft dodgers form Federal unit in Humboldt environs
We have observed a number of ragged fellows about the village lately and
wondered what their business might be, thinking it might mean treachery, but
were very agreeable disappointed to find that they were loyal Tennesseans,
forming a company for service under the "Stars and Stripes." These poor fellows have been compelled to lay out in the bush to preserve their lives from
their traitorous neighbors, for days and weeks but have finally gathered here to
offer their services to they country. We welcome you, loyal men, and are proud
of your patriotism. It is not the counterfeit that stays at home, trying to preserve
neutrality, but the genuine that says, "be that strikes my country, strikes me."
Would to God there were more such.
Soldier's Budget [Humboldt], August 23, 1862.
August 23, 1862 - October 21, 1863 - U. S. N. rescues 60 to 70 Union refugee families on Tennessee River
No circumstantial reports filed.
Page 186 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 24, 1862
Excerpt from the Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, regarding naval
operations in the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, August 23, 1862October 21, 1863
~~~
During my trips up and down the Tennessee, I brought out on the gunboats
some 60 or 70 refugee families, with their effects, punished as much as I could
all rebels and disloyal persons, and gave all the protection I could to loyal citizens
~~~
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23. p. 318.
August 24, 1862 - Reconnaissance, from McMinnville on Chattanooga Road to Beersheba
Springs
•See August 22, 1862-August 24, 1862-Reconnaissance, McMinnville to
Spencer, Beersheba Springs
August 24, 1862 - Report on arrests made in Nashville by the Captain of the Nashville Union
Guard from July 22 to August 24, 1862
July 22
J. W. Langly
(act Spy
John Morton"
____Morton"
Thomas Roberts"
____Grisholm"
James Mason"
John Shneider
(Treas. Lang
26
Turner S. Foster
(Treason
Aug. 2
L. D. Berchtold
Spy
S. Picard
"
L. Ronenau
"
F. Linkauf
"
S. H. Solomon
"
B. Kahn'
3
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
A. Richards
"
August 1862 — Page 187
August 24, 1862
B. Ropler
"
5
John Samuels
(Treasonable Lang.
6
J. Dolan
"
Ed. Strother
(Confed Army
12
J. D. Thomsa
(Treasonabale Lang
15
J. W. Fuller
(Examined & Discharged
H. Spencer
"
G. Spencer
"
18
P. Haslem
(Confed. Army
24
J. Dillon
(Treasonable Lang
Thos. H. Cox, Capt Nashville Union Guard
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, pp. 629-630.
August 24, 1862 - "The Constitution of the United States is your only legal title to slavery,"
W. T. Sherman to Tom Hunton, relative to not returning slave property to
rebels; the Major-General spells it out to a rebel slave owner and personal
friend
Memphis Tenn. Aug 24th 1862
My dear Sir, I freely admit that when you recall the times when we were school
fellows, when we were younger than now, you touch me on a tender point, and
cause me to deeply regret that even you should style yourself a Rebel. I cannot
believe that Tom Hunton the Companion of Gaither, Rankin, and Irvin and
many others long since dead, and of Halleck. Ord, Stevens and others still living can of his own free will admit the anarchical principle of secession or be
vain enough to suppose the present Politicians Can frame a Government better
than that of Washington Hamilton &Jefferson. We cannot realize this but
delude ourselves into the belief that by some strange but successful jugglery
the managers of our Political Machine have raised up the single issue, North or
South, which shall prevail in America? Or that you like others have been
blown up, and cast into the Mississippi of Secession doubtful if by hard fighting you can reach the shore in safety, or drift out to the Ocean of Death. I know
it is no use for us now to discuss this—war is on us. We are Enemies, still private friends. In the one Capacity I will do you the entire harm I can, yet on the
other if here, you may have as of old my last Cent, my last shirt and pants. You
ask of me your negroes. and I will immediately ascertain if they be under my
Military Control and I will moreover see that they are one and all told what is
true of all—Boys if you want to go to your master, Go—You are free to
choose. You must now think for yourselves. Your Master has seceded from his
Page 188 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 24, 1862
Parent Government and you have seceded from him—both wrong by law—but
both exercising an undoubted natural Right to rebel. If your boys want to go, I
will enable them to go, but I won't advise, persuade or force them—I confess I
have not yet seen the "Confiscation Act," but I enclose you my own orders
defining my position, I also cut out of a paper Grant's Orders, and I assert that
the Action of all our Leading Military Leaders, Halleck, McClellan, Buell,
Grant & myself have been more conservative of slavery than the Acts of your
own men. The Constitution of the United States is your only legal title to slavery. You have another title, that of possession & Force, but in Law &Logic
your title to your Boys lay in the Constitution of the United States. You may
say you are for the Constitution of the United States, as it was—You know it is
unchanged, not a word not a syllable and I can lay my hand on that Constitution and swear to it without one twang. But your party have made another and
have another in force. How can you say that you would have the old, when you
have a new? By the new if successful you inherit the Right of Slavery, but the
new is not law till your Revolution is successful. Therefore we who contend
for the old existing Law, Contend that you by your own act take away Your
own title to all property save what is restricted by our constitution, your slaves
included. You know I don't want your slaves; but to bring you to reason I think
as a Military Man I have a Right and it is good policy to make you all feel that
you are but men—that you have all the wants & dependencies of other men,
and must eat, be clad &c to which end you must have property & labor, and
that by Rebelling you risk both. Even without the Confiscation Act, by the simple laws of War we ought to take your effective slaves. I don't say to free them,
but to use their labor & deprive you of it; as Belligerents we ought to seek the
hostile Army and fight it and not the people.- We went to Corinth but Beauregard declined Battle, since which time many are dispersed as Guerrillas. We
are not bound to follow them, but rightfully make war by any means that will
tend to bring about an end and restore Peace. Your people may say it only exasperates, widens the breach and all that, But the longer the war lasts the more
you must be convinced that we are no better & no worse than People who have
gone before us, and that we are simply reenacting History, and that one of the
modes of bringing People to reason is to touch their interests pecuniary or
property.
We never harbor women or children—we give employment to men, under the
enclosed order. I find no negroes Registered as belonging to Hunton, some in
the name of McGhee of which the Engineer is now making a list—I see
McClellan says that the negroes once taken shall never again be
restored.NOTE 1 I say nothing. My opinion is, we execute not make the Law, be
it of Congress or War. But it is Manifest that if you won't go into a United
States District Court and sue for the recovery of your slave property You can
never get it, out of adverse hands. No U. S. Court would allow you to sue for
the recovery of a slave under the Fugitive Slave Law, unless you acknowledge
allegiance. Believing this honestly, so I must act, though personally I feel
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 189
August 24, 1862
strong friendship as ever, for every many in the South With Great Respect Your
friend
W. T. Sherman
Maj. Genl. W. T. Sherman to Thomas Hunton, Esq., 24 Aug. 1862.NOTE 2
NOTE 1: On August 9, 1862, General George B. McAllen, commander of the Army
of the Potomac, issued an order promulgating President Abraham Lincoln's
executive order of July 22, which had instructed the federal armies operating in rebellious states to seize property suitable for military purposes and
to employ slaves. McClellan added that slaves employed by the Union army
"have always understood that after being received into the military service
of the United States in any capacity they could never be reclaimed by their
former holders," and he promised such slaves "permanent military protection against any compulsory return to a condition of servitude." (See: OR,
Ser. I, Vol. 11, pt. 3, pp. 362-464.)
NOTE 2: Vol. 3, pp. 51-53, Letters Sent, W. T. Sherman Papers, Generals' Papers &
Books, Ser. 159, Adjutant General's Office, Record Group 94, National Archives.
August 24, 1862 - Nathan Bedford Forrest's "negro mart" to become city jail in Memphis
The New Jail.-Mr. Park, Mr. S. Tighe and Mr. Amis, acting as Jail Committee
have secured Col. Forrest's negro mart on Adams street, between Second and
Third street for the purposes of a jail at the rate of twenty dollars per month.
Mr. Hardwick, of the Hardwick House, has agreed to feed the prisoners for
thirty cents a day.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 24, 1862.
August 24, 1862 - "The Ball Game."
The lovers of the healthful and graceful game of Billiards will be pleased to
hear that Fred. Myers has leased the El Dorado Billiard Saloon, on the corner
of Second and Jefferson streets.
During his temporary absence in Cincinnati, Fred. Has been measuring his
skill against that of Phil. Tieman, and other knights of the cue, and certainly
upheld the reputation of Memphis most magnificently, making the largest runs
made in the arduous games he played. His many admirers and friends will,
doubtless, throng the favorite sale aux billiards one more, now that he resumes
its management. It has been frequently asked why Meyers manages a billiard
room better than anybody else."It takes a blacksmith to make a horseshoe,"
which might be rendered: it takes a billiard player to please billiard players.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 24, 1862.
Page 190 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 24, 1862
August 24, 1862 - "For the Ladies."
Our lady friends will, no doubt, be glad to learn that W. C. Potter, No. 65 Jefferson street, has just received a large supply of Hermstreet's Hair Restorative,
Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup, Lubin's Premium Extracts, and a very extensive assortment of Toilet Articles and fancy Goods. Potter is certainly one of
the most popular merchants of the city. His Feather Dusters are so elegant that
the ladies are purchasing rapidly out of his varied assortment.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 24, 1862.
August 24, 1862 - A private in the 15th Iowa Infantry on the value of contraband slaves
(in camp near Hardeman Springs)
Contrabands, (a new name for the negro slaves) are building forts around here
and felling trees across the road to keep the enemy's cavalry from surprising us.
A good many soldiers and people are bitterly opposed to having "niggers" take
any part in the War. I am not one of those kind of people. If a culled man will
dig trenches and chop lumber and even fight the enemy he is just the fellow we
want and the sooner we recognize this the quicker the war will end.
Diary of Cyrus F. Boyd, entry for August 24, 1862.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: Madeline Thorne, ed., The Civil War Diary of Cyrus F. Boyd: Fifteenth
Iowa Infantry, (State Historical Society of Iowa, 1953). [Hereinafter cited
as Boyd Diary, etc. . . ]
August 24, 1862 - Truce and defection at Cumberland Gap
We are still holding our position. Our boys made a truce with the yankee pickets to-day, and they met and had a conversation between the lines. The result
was that one of the yankees deserted and came over to us.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
August 24, 1862 - "The Comet and the Correspondents."
There is an analogy between the nouns in the caption of our item. Both are talebearers, whose tales are vaporish and not fully able to stand the test of scrutiny.
The cometNOTE 1 was visible last night, but its tail was indistinct and misty.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 24,1862.
NOTE 1: Comet Swift-Tuttle was discovered in July 1862 by astronomers Lewis
Swift and Horace Tuttle. The comet conforms to an orbital period of 130
years. It was last seen in 1992. Some forecast that it will impact with earth
in August 14, 2126. See: http://www.as.wvu.edu/~jel/skywatch/swfttle.ht-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 191
August 24, 1862
ml. Lewis Swift (Marathon, New York, USA) discovered this comet in
Camelopardalis on 1862 July 16, while examining the northern sky with his
11.4-cm Fitz refractor. He described the comet as a somewhat bright telescopic object, but did not report it since he thought he was observing the
comet Schmidt had found on July 2. Without knowledge of Swift's observation, Horace Parnell Tuttle (Harvard College Observatory, Cambridge,
Massachusetts, USA) independently discovered this comet on July 19, and
noted it was heading northward. He then made an official announcement.
When Swift heard of Tuttle's find, he immediately realized the comet seen
on July 16 was not Schmidt's and made his announcement to get credit for
his first comet discovery. As cited in: http://cometography.com/pcomets/
109p.html. There seems to have been little mention of the comet in Civil
War Tennessee.
August 24, 1862 - An assessment of the health of the Army of the Cumberland by Surgeon
William M. Eames from an excerpt from his letter to his wife in Ohio
~~~
. . . The army is getting much healthier than it has been, tho' they are on half
rations, at present all through this Department. The soldiers say they like to be
put on half rations as they can then get things from the secesh & live in good
style. I have no doubt that the fruit & vegetables they get have had a good
effect on the whole army. The men are all well in every Regiment with very
few exceptions. Give us a few thousand more men & cool weather & the cause
of secession in East Tennessee will be used up . . .
~~~
William Mark Eames Papers
ca. August 24, 1862 - ca. September 1, 1862 - Forrest retreats from Middle Tennessee
•See August 25, 1862--Skirmish at Fort Donelson
August 25, 1862 - Skirmish at Fort Donelson
AUGUST 25, 1862.-Skirmish at Fort Donelson, Tenn.
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Col. William W. Lowe, Fifth Iowa Cavalry.
No. 2.-Maj. James H. Hart, Seventy-first Ohio Infantry.
No. 1.
Report of Col. William W. Lowe, Fifth Iowa Cavalry.
FORT DONELSON, August 25, 1862-10 p. m. (Via Fort Henry, August 26,
1862.)
Page 192 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 25, 1862
This post was attacked to-day by a force under Col. Woodward. They were
repulsed by the command at this post at one by the remnant of the Seventy-first
Ohio, under Maj. Hart. A flag of truce was sent in before the attack, demanding
the surrender a la Clarksville. This was promptly refused by Maj. Hart. Soon
after, they made the attack. I started for this point as soon as the news of the
attack reached me with all the force I could bring, but the affair was ended
before my command got in—about sundown. We are now fixed for them, and I
start at daylight in pursuit of them. None of the re-enforcements have arrived.
I had an interview with Col. Woodward. No one hurt on our side. Ten or a
dozen of the rebels killed and wounded.
W. W. LOWE, Col., Comdg.
No. 2.
Report of Maj. James H. Hart, Seventy-first Ohio Infantry.
HDQRS. U. S. FORCE AT FORT DONELSON, TENN., August 26, 1862.
COL.: I have the honor to report that on Monday, the 25th instant, the forces
under my command at this post, consisting of parts of Companies A, B, G, and
H, of the Seventy-first Regt. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, were attacked by the
rebel forces, under command of Col. Woodward, at about 1. 30 p. m. Before an
attack was made a flag of truce was sent in to us, demanding a surrender of the
post. I demanded time to consider the proposition, and thirty minutes given me.
I immediately called my commissioned officers into council, submitted the
proposition of Col. Woodward, and put the question: "Shall we fight?" The
unanimous vote was, "Fight them," and this vote of the officers was but the
reflected sentiment, purpose, and determination of the entire command. After
negotiations had ended between Col. Woodward [who bore himself as a gentleman] and myself they made a charge with their cavalry. We repulsed and drove
them off, with a loss to them of 5 to 10 men, killed and wounded, and 4 horses
killed. On our part we met with no loss in killed or wounded. After about half
an hour's fighting the enemy retreated in confusion, and were no more seen
during the day or night.
I cannot close this brief and hasty report without expressing to you, colonel,
and through you to the commanding general, the warmest and most earnest
approval of the conduct of all officers and men engaged in the battle. Each and
every one of them did his duty and did it well.
I have the honor further to report that when I found a battle inevitable I
directed several buildings to be set on fire, to prevent the enemy's taking cover
behind them or in them. Of the prudence of this course I have no doubt. It in
my judgment contributed greatly to the confusion of the enemy's cavalry,
which was represented to be 335 strong, supported by 450 infantry and one 6pounder. Neither infantry nor cannon were brought into action.
I am, colonel, with sentiments of regard, yours,
JAS. H. HART, Maj., Comdg.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 193
August 25, 1862
[Indorsement.]
Respectfully forwarded.
The attacking force at Donelson, it should be remembered, was the same
(increased) to which Clarksville was surrendered. In justice to Maj. Hart and
his command I respectfully suggest that his report be made public. The remnant of the Seventy-first Ohio and its gallant commander deserves, under all
the circumstances, more than a passing notice.
W. W. LOWE, Col. Fifth Iowa Cavalry, Comdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 37-38.
Excerpts from the Account of A. L. McKinney, Chaplain, Seventy-first Regiment O. V. I.
Fort Donelson, August 26, 1862
Yesterday at half-past one o'clock P. M., companies A, Capt. Carlin, B, Capt.
McConnell, G. Capt Moody, H. Capt. Le Blond, of the Seventy-first Ohio volunteer infantry, holding the post at Fort Donelson, were attacked by a guerrilla
force under command of Colonel Woodward numbering four hundred and fifty
infantry and three hundred and twenty-five cavalry, so stated by him—Woodward-to Captain McDonnell. The rebels played sharp on our pickets. They sent
citizens with revolvers concealed, who approached the pickets and asked permission to come within our lines, as citizens had been doing some days previous. It may be observed that our pickets were posted on the different
approaches to town, at distances ranging from a half to three fourths of a mile
from our camp. As soon as these citizens were near enough to our pickets they
drew their revolvers and demanded their surrender. By this means they captured eight. They then marched through the space that had been covered by our
now captured pickets; and the first warning we had of their approach was their
appearance in force not to exceed a half-mile from our camp. The "long roll"
soon sounded, and the men were in line in a few moments. A flag of truce was
sent in by the rebels, and a surrender demanded. Major J. H. Hart, commanding
our forces, said that they should have a reply in thirty minutes. The commissioned officers were then called into headquarters, and the question put: Shall
we surrender?["] The unanimous vote was: "No!" "We will fight." This reply
was made known to Lieut. Col. Martin, the bearer of the flag of truce, who
returned to the rebel lines. In less than ten minuets another flag was sent in
accompanied by Col. Woodward, who again demanded the surrender of the
fort, offering the most honorable (?) terms, and protesting his reluctance to hurt
us. On being asked by Major Hart if we might have the privilege of verifying
his statement as to the strength of his forces, he very promptly and politely
answered "Yes." Captain McDonnell was accordingly deputed to pass along
his lines, and ascertain the facts and report; twenty minutes being given to
make the "reconnoissance." The Captain, after as thorough examination as
time would permit, reported that the enemy, in his opinion, did not number
over four hundred or possibly five hundred, and one small cannon, (which was
Page 194 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 25, 1862
captured from our boys at Clarksville,) and that we could whip them. Col.
Woodward, however, informed him that they had part of his forces posted
south of our camp; but that the twenty minutes were nearly up; hence no time
was left to ascertain the fact. The rebel regimental flag was partially concealed
from our view, and as we supposed it would be employed as a signal by them,
we sent a flag of truce demanding that their colors be placed where they could
be plainly seen by us. They complied and planted them in full view. We tied
our flag-staff to the forwarded wheels of a howitzer, resolved not to strike it
without a desperate struggle. At about three o'clock P. M. the rebel cavalry
raised the yell and charged in fine style down the hill, lying east of our
intrenchments, into the ravine. At that moment our boys let slip a well-aimed
shot of canister from our six-pounder,NOTE 1 which broke their column, killing
eight of their men, so they reported to our patrol, who were taken prisoners.
But, notwithstanding this check, they dashed across the ravine and up the hill,
and a portion of them up Main street [Dover], north of our position, which
brought them in range of our musketry, when a terrible fire was opened on
them by our boys, unhorsing a number, killing a wounding a number of horses
and men. It was during this heavy musketry that Col. Woodward's horse fell
dead under him, struck by three bullets. The chivalrous Colonel did some fine
crawling for about twenty feet to escape the shots directed toward him. A bullet broke the skin slightly in the side of his head. Notwithstanding their leader
was down, on dashed those of the charging column yet in their saddles till they
reached Spring street, when they wheeled to the left at right angles, still coming at a furious speed and receiving our fire at every opening between the
houses till they reached College street, down which they essayed to make a
charge directly upon our earthworks, but the second platoon of company B,
Capt. McConnell's, poured into them such a galling fire that they were again
repulsed and scattered in the wildest confusion. I saw more than a score of riderless horses careering over the hills and through the ravines.
Just as the attack was made a number of building were fired to prevent the
rebels from sheltering themselves in them and behind them. In the height of the
engagement thick volumes smoke were ascending from the house and the red
tongues of flame were leaping from the windows and darting through the roofs.
The sharp crack of rifled muskets, the heavy booming of our nine-inch howitzer and six-pounder, the wild shouts of the combatants, and the roar of the consuming flames, made a scene of terrific sublimity. Seventeen houses were
burned, and among them the court-house. Every commissioned officer did his
whole duty truly and nobly. . . Our entire number in ranks during the engagement was one hundred and fifty-five, against seven hundred and eighty-five,
according to Col. Woodward's own statement. From the time the enemy made
the attack till he was repulsed and entirely driven off, was about one hour,
though the sharp firing did not continue more than thirty minutes."The rebel
loss, from all that we can gather, as information is constantly coming in, will
not fall short of thirty killed and wounded. We took no prisoners, as it was
imprudent for any of our troops to leave the earthworks, as our force was too
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 195
August 25, 1862
small. Not a man among us was hurt. This is accounted for in the security of
our intrenchment. The rebel bullets at one time fell uncomfortably thick in our
camp, some of them grazing the top of our breast-works, and others striking
very close to some of the officers. As soon as the rebels were known to be in
force in our immediate vicinity, a telegram was sent to Col. W. W. Lowe, commanding the post at Forts Henry and Hindman,NOTE 2 and to whose command
we are temporarily attached, informing him of the danger, and asking reenforcements. He promptly responded to our call by immediately march at the
head of six companies of cavalry and one field-piece. They arrived here at
about half-past six o'clock P. M. The enemy had been routed and were retreating up the river. . .
~~~
Rebellion Record, Vol. 5, pp. 591-592.
NOTE 1: Chaplain McKinney noted: "The six pounder we used in the fight was left
by the rebels at the surrender of Fort Donelson in March last. Its trunnions
were broken off, and it was supposed to be useless. But our boys had it and
the howitzer, which had also been demolished, hauled fully a mile and a
half. They hollowed out a log, put the six-pounder into it, fastened it there,
mounted it on trucks and placed it in position; the howitzer ther remounted
on its own wheels, and manufactured ammuniton for both out of musket cartridges, except a few canister shots, minus the powder for the small gun,
which the boys picked up. And this was our artillery. The men who worked
the guns managed admirably for inexperienced hands. A. L. M.
NOTE 2: Many Union reports talk about Fort Hindman, which was Fort Heiman.
August 25, 1862 - Skirmish at Murfreesborough
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
August 25, 1862 - Life on an occupied Madison County farm
Putting up fences, turning stock out of corn, has been the work of the negroes
today. One field, right hand road, had a number of cavalry horses in it. The
negroes were threatened if they turned them out they would be shot. I don't
know whether they will leave me enough corn to get along with. One fellow
this morning was very calmly leading off Sam's mule. I made him turn him
loose. He said he only wanted to borrow him, said I was not disposed to
accommodate a soldier.
Robert H. Cartmell Diary.
August 25, 1862 - Major-General W. T. Sherman on the progress of the war
HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, Memphis, August 25, 1862.
Page 196 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 25, 1862
Col. W. H. H. TAYLOR, Present:
DEAR SIR: In compliance with your request, I put down a few of the points of
our conversation yesterday. The Cincinnati press has even taken pains to abuse
me personally. I am not dependent on the press in any manner, never having
sought popularity. In fact, I despise popularity obtained by the usual process of
flattery and pusillanimity. I could easily win the applause of the masses by
stooping to practices that would degrade me in my own estimation and that of
posterity. I have had many opportunities to take a leading position, but have
purposely declined all, because I do not think that I ought to lead or determine
a policy when I do not profess to see clearly the end. In Kentucky I foresaw or
thought I foresaw, opposition that called for a force that, at the time, seemed
ridiculous or absurd. Time had proved the truth of my representations. I have
been with Gen. Halleck ever since and know that he appreciates my motives
and character. Since my arrival here the same game is played. I admit that the
press succeeded in impairing my usefulness. I am not personally injured, as I
would be most happy if any other would assume my labors and responsibilities
and allow me to go to Saint Louis to live in peace. But personally I know there
can be no peace anywhere in America till this war is brought to a close, and
this is no speedy thing. There are over 6,000,000 of people in the South, every
one of whom is a keen, bitter enemy. The men are born and trained to arms.
They have educated leaders, as good, if not better, than ours. On the whole,
they are united, whilst our people and press appear more determined to ruin our
army than that of the enemy. See the number of leaders already consigned to
doom. As soon as any man rises above mediocrity he is made that but for all
the arrows of the envious or disappointed. Success is demanded, and yet the
means to attain success are withheld. Military men are chained to a rock, whilst
the vultures are tuned loose. We must be silent, whilst our defamers are
allowed the widest liberty and license. We dare not speak the truth unless that
truth be palatable to the crowd. Reputations are not made by the honest soldiers
who stand by their colors, but by the crowd that flies back to their homes and
employ the press. Our cause is in danger from this alone. It will soon be hard, if
not impossible, to get military men to expose their reputations to such dangers,
more insidious and sure of destruction than the bullets of our enemies.
I do say that, instead of using our minds to measure the danger in advance, we
are bungling along, having bitter experience as we go. To pull down one man
and build up another has been more the work of this war than to destroy the
power of the enemy. Thus any child may see how merchants, to make $1 a barrel on salt, furnish our enemy the means of putting up 2,500 pounds of bacon—
enough for a regiment for ten days. To make a few dollars on pistols, they supply the guerrillas with the means of killing our soldiers."Commerce must follow the flag" sounds well, but in truth commerce supplies our enemy the
means to destroy that flag and the Government whose emblem it is. I have no
hesitation in saying that the possession of the Mississippi River by us is an
advantage to our enemy, for by it and the commercial spirit of our people they
(the enemy) get, directly or indirectly, all the means necessary to carry on the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 197
August 25, 1862
war. This is not a popular idea, but is true. About the sick, I am held up to the
people of Ohio as a monster because I won't let the sanitary committee carry
off our sick. We take the best care of our sick here. When they recover they go
on duty. If carried away they seldom return. After Pittsburg you know that
5,000 men were carried off without their papers, and poor fellows now hunting
their regiments suffer for want of the evidence which Government demands
before giving pay, rations, and clothing. The parties who carried them away,
instead of taking the blame to themselves, try to throw it off on hard-hearted
quartermasters and commanding officers. They who carried off our men are to
blame, and no we. We came near being defeated from this cause, and the same
probably has led to McClellan's failure, for I see he had 70,000 absent without
leave, who, by the muster-rolls, were supposed to be before Richmond. This is
a monster evil and should be combated as much as any other enemy of a distracted country. I intend to be governed by "law and the regularly constituted
authorities," and not be the press. If the press is to rule, and Congress and the
President abdicate their powers, then we can choose what to do.
Your friend,
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. I, pp. 275-276.
August 25, 1862 - Certification of Loyalty to the United States for one Giles county resident
State of Tennessee
Executive Department
Nashville Augt. 25th 1862
The bearor of this Mr. T. T. Burgess of Cornersville Giles County Tenn is a
Loyal Citizen and it is therefore hoped that all Federal troops passing in that
Vicinity will avoid Committing depredations on his property and that he will
be protected against the Same[.]
Andrew Johnson, Military Governor
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, p. 632.
August 25, 1862 - Activities during the Confederate siege of Cumberland Gap
The enemy approached us this morning. They had two regiments of infantry
and some artillery with their wagon train. They did not drive our pickets in, but
proceeded to load their wagons with oats and green corn which grew just on
their picket line, and the infantry and artillery stood in line of battle to protect
the men who gathered the corn. They then planted their battery a little nearer to
us and shelled our pickets with great fury for a short time, but as we were under
cover of thick woods they did not know where to direct their fire, and therefore
did us no harm. They were in good range for sharp-shooters had our men been
provided with suitable guns, but I had the only long range gun in the
Page 198 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 26, 1862
company,NOTE 1 it being a Sharpe rifle. I had the pleasure of annoying their
gunners very much with my rifle, as I had a splendid position behind a great
oak tree, and felt perfectly safe from the shells; in fact I think that I would have
been safe without the tree, for the reason that while many shots were evidently
aimed at it, no one struck it, but I certainly would not have felt safe without
that great friendly tree standing in front of me. The enemy soon retired.
Our men are mostly armed with shot-guns and other muzzle loading arms of
old pattern, some of them being flint-locks; all of which are good enough at
close range, but are very unsatisfactory in the present service. We also carry
sabres, but they are only good in a cavalry charge. A few of us have revolvers.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
NOTE 1: Sloan had only a week earlier transferred from the 3d Battalion Tennessee
Infantry to the 2nd Battalion of Tennessee Cavalry, Co. D. See entry for August 19, 1862.
August 25, 1862 - One Confederate soldier's prognosis on the siege of Cumberland Gap
The siege of Cumberland Gap is likely to last much longer than we at first
expected. The prisoners that we have captured report that they have several
months supply of provisions on hand.
We learn that Gen. E. Kirby Smith, who was thought to be in [the] rear of the
enemy at Cumberland Ford, has left and gone on further into Kentucky, and
that the Yankees in the Gap have received large trains of supplies. This is the
report, but whether true or not we do not know. A long train of wagons was
seen coming down the mountain this evening, and we suppose they are coming
out after forage.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
August 26, 1862 - Temporary occupation of McMinnville by Federals
HDQRS., Decherd, August 26, 1862.
Gen. THOMAS, McMinnville:
Keep your position at McMinnville, but make nothing like a permanent establishment. Be always ready to move at a moment's notice. That Bragg is this
side of the river with a large force is beyond all question; it is hardly probable
that it is merely for the purpose of demonstration, and we must be prepared to
concentrate promptly. Of course the passage of so large a force across the
mountains is difficult, but not so much so as you would suppose from the road
you took. The Therman road is very good and the mountain quite easy of
ascent. The descent on this side is easy enough by four roads, all diverging
from Altamont, the first going by Beersheba to McMinnville, the second by
Hickory Creek to McMinnville or toward Manchester, the third also to
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 199
August 26, 1862
Manchester and to Decherd by Pelham, and the fourth to Cowan. The Beersheba road is excellent for a mountain road.
~~~
D. C. BUELL.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 426-427.
How true it is now that "we know not what a day may bring forth." I am saddened by looking over my record of yesterday. Then I was rejoicing that we
could again have an opportunity to "catch our breath"—now the iron clamps
are down on us again. This day is a type of the strain of suspense we are in all
the time. This morning we heard early that the "Southerners were coming in
upon every road," and the news made our heats beat with hope and exultation.
The Col. went to town—in an hour or two I saw some 15 men flying out the
road in groups, some of whom I thought were Federals."Ah!" thought I, "the
Southerners are coming." I did see some Federal flying I am positively certain.
But about 11 o'clock the Col. came back saying that the Yankees were coming
in and looking at the road that runs along the base of the mountain, I saw like
another "sister Anne" "great clouds of dust"—made by the returning marauders. Soon after a small body of the "blue" cavalry passed out in the direction of
Murfreesboro.-Some citizens came into town shortly afterwards reporting that
theses same cavalry were badly scared,—and it is thought they "saw Southerners" on the mountain and "retired,' These men said also that Nashville is taken
by the Confederates—Nashville, Clarksville, and Gallatin. But how can we
know? Just such a state of turmoil, and such a hey-day for Rumor, I have never
seen.
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French, entry for August 26, 1862.
August 26, 1862 - Major-General W. T. Sherman's report to Major-General U. S. Grant concerning activities in Memphis and environs since the onset of Federal
occupation
HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, Memphis, Tenn., August 26, 1862.
Maj.-Gen. GRANT, Corinth, Miss:
SIR: In pursuance of your request that I should keep you advised of matters of
interest here in addition to the purely official matter I now write. I dispatched
promptly the thirteen companies of cavalry-nine of Fourth Illinois and four of
Eleventh Illinois-to their respective destinations punctually on the 23d instant,
although the order only was received on the 22d. I received at the same time
from Col. Dickey the notice that the bridge over Hatchie was burned, and
therefore I prescribed their order of march via Bolivar. They started at 12 m. of
the 23d, and I have no news of them since. None of the cavalry ordered to me
is yet heard from.
The guerrillas have destroyed several bridges over Wolf Creek, one at Raleigh,
on the road by which I had prescribed trade and travel to and from the city. I
Page 200 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 26, 1862
have a strong guard at the lower bridge over Wolf River, by which we can
reach the country to the north of that stream, but as the Confederates have
burned their own bridges I will hold them to my order and allow no trade over
any other road than the one prescribed, using the lower or Randolph road for
our own convenience.
I am still satisfied there is no large force anywhere in the neighborhood. All the
navy gunboats are below except the Saint Louis, which lies off the city. When
Commodore Davis passes down from Cairo I will try to see him and get him to
exchange the Saint Louis for a fleeted boat, not iron-clad, one that can move up
and down the river, breaking up ferry-boats and canoes, and preventing all
passing across the river. Of course in spite of all efforts smugglingNOTE 1 is carried on. We occasionally make hauls of clothing, gold lace, buttons, &c., but I
am satisfied that salt and arms are got to the interior somehow. I have
addressed the board of trade a letter on this point that will enable us to control
this better.
You may have been troubled at hearing reports of drunkenness here. There was
some after pay-day, but generally all is as quiet and orderly here as possible. I
traverse the city every day and night, and assert that Memphis is and has been
as orderly a city as Saint Louis, Cincinnati, or New York. Before the city
authorities undertook to license saloons there was as much whisky here as now,
and it would take all my command as custom-house inspectors to break open
all the parcels and packages containing liquor. I can destroy all groggeries and
shops where soldiers get liquor just as we would near Saint Louis. Also the
newspapers are accusing me of cruelty to the sick-as base a charge as was ever
made. I would not let the sanitary committee carry off a boat load of sick
because I have no right to. We have good hospitals here, and plenty of them.
Our regimental hospitals are in the camps of the men, and the sick do much
better there than in the general hospitals; so say my division surgeon and the
regimental surgeons. The doctors would, if permitted, take our entire command. Gen. Curtis sends his sick up here, but usually no nurses, and it is not
right that nurses should be taken from my command for his sick. I think that
when we are endeavoring to raise soldiers and to instruct them it is bad policy
to keep them at hospitals as attendants and nurses. I send you Dr. [Nelson R. ]
Derby's acknowledgment that he gave the leave of absence of which he was
charged. I have placed him in arrest, in obedience to Gen. Halleck's orders but
Dr. Derby is still in charge of the Overton Hospital, which is not full of
patients. The State Hospital also is not full, and I cannot imagine what Dr.
Derby wants with the Female Academy out on Vance street. I will see him
again and now that he is chief at Overton Hospital I think he will not want the
academy; still, if he does, under your orders, I will cause it to be vacated by the
children and Sisters of Mercy. They have just made publication for more scholars, and will be sadly disappointed. If, however, this building or any other be
needed for a hospital it must be taken; but really in my heart I do not see what
possible chance there is under present circumstances of filling with patients the
two large hospitals now in use, besides the one asked for. I may, however, be
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 201
August 26, 1862
mistaken in the particular building asked for by Dr. Derby, but will go myself
and see.
The fort is progressing well, Capt. Jenney having arrived. Sixteen heavy guns
have arrived, with a large amount of shot and shell, but the platforms are not
yet ready; still, if occasion should arise for dispatch, I could put a large force to
work; but Capt. Prime when here advised that the work proceed regularly
under the proper engineer officer and laborers.
I am, &c.,
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen., Comdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 187-188.
NOTE 1: One novel manner of smuggling contraband out of Memphis was described
by Elizabeth Avery Meriwether. While having surreptitiously returned to
the city after she was exiled by Union authorities, she called on a friend,
Mrs. McAllen, and the following conversation ensued: "At any rate," she
said, "stay here with me until that dray yonder passes by." I looked in the
direction she indicated and saw two men approaching on a dray on which
lay the carcass of a dead horse. When the dray stopped in front of the Federal
pickets Mrs. McAllen clutched my arm and I felt her tremble. I was mystified. I could not understand why she would be so interested in two dray drivers and a dead horse. We saw the officer of the Picket Post approach the dray
and we heard him ask the drivers where they intended taking the dead
horse."Anywhere we can put him," returned one of the men."Nobody seems
to want a dead horse dumped near 'em. Everywhere we've started to dump
him somebody's kicked up a row." "Guess you'll have to take him out into
the country," said the officer. And thereupon the two men drove on. Mrs.
McAllen watched the dray disappear down the road, then she turned to me,
a look of great relief in her eyes."Did you recognize the men on that dray?"
she asked, I told her No, that I had never seen them before."Oh, yes, you
have," said Mrs. McAllen."You know them both. One of them is Captain
McAllen and the other is my brother Ben." Mrs. McAllen laughed when she
saw my look of astonishment and incredulity."Sounds crazy, I know it," she
continued, "but it is true. Capt. McAllen came into Memphis disguised as an
Irishman. That is a red wig you say on his head. He came partly to see me
and partly to get a view of the forts and forced about Memphis. I have been
in mortal terror every minute since he came here. You know they would
hang him as a spy if they caught him." "Yes, I know that," I answered."Thank God they are now past the lines." "But they are not out of
dangers," said Mrs. McAllen."I won't breathe easily until they are through
the Confederate lines. What did you think of that dead horse?" "Think of it?
What do you mean?" "I mean don't you think that a fine idea?" My brother
Ben thought of it. That horse is stuffed full of quinine, shoes, sock, gloves
and other articles our soldiers need. Ben heard of a dray man with a dead
cow who was ordered to drive it beyond the lines out into the country, so he
Page 202 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 26, 1862
bought a poor old skeleton of a horse and let it die of starvation—cruel to
the poor old horse, wasn't it? But our soldiers do need quinine and clothes
so badly; Ben said he would kill a dozen horses to help them." It was a successful subterfuge. See: Elizabeth Avery Meriwether, Recollections of 92
Years: 1824-1916, (Nashville: Tennessee Historical Commission, 1958),
pp. 148-149.
August 26, 1862 - Letter from Absolum C. Hilton, Confederate soldier, to his cousin Miss
Crate Lillard (Meigs county)
Camp near Tennessee River
August 26, 1862
Miss Crate Lillard
Dear Cousin I was handed a letter yesterday addressed to Brother Augustus
and he having bin left behind at Sick camp near Chattanooga[,] I taken the liberty of Breaking the Seal and reading the contents and I this morning attempt
an answer[.] Brother Gus was not left behind Sick but he has not recovered
from his wound yet susficently to March any great distance and the Presumption is that he will be discharged in a Short time as he has made application and
I think there will be no great difficulty. Cousin you insist in your letter on Gus
and me visiting you soon if Gus gets his discharge[.] I will insist on him visiting you but my chanch is a bad one, and I will make no Promises as I have bin
in the service now nearly 12 months and I never had a ferlough to go home yet.
I hope this letter will Secure your further good words in my favor to that pretty
Black eyed girl you spoke of for I think if anybody in the world is entitled to a
pretty and good wife it is a Southern Soldier who has who has bin fighting for
his Country. I would like very much to be with you to eat peaches and apples as
we have to walk about five or six miles when we get any peaches and have to
pay 2 prices for them at as we Buy them from Union Men [.] I would I would
like very much to come up and be with you at that meeting you speake of But I
Guess I had Better Stay with the Boys [.] I would say however Should I not Get
there at your usual hour of starting to Church that you need not wait for me as I
will guess there is some nice young man in the Country who will see you Safe
to and from Church if they have not all gone to the war. I would like very much
to know who that is that you expect to Marry soon I spect it yourself[.] This
leaves me hoping to hear from you soon[.] I Remain your affectionate Cousin.
Absolum C. Hilton
W. P. A. Civil War Records, Vol. 2, p. 176.
August 26, 1862 - Skirmish at Cumberland Gap
•See August 27, 1862--Skirmish near Cumberland Gap
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 203
August 26, 1862
August 26, 1862 - Skirmish at Cumberland Iron Works
AUGUST 26, 1862.-Skirmish at Cumberland Iron Works, Tenn.
Reports of Col. William W. Lowe, Fifth Iowa Cavalry.
HDQRS. FORTS HENRY, HEIMAN, AND DONELSON, August 30, 1862.
SIR: On the 25th instant, at about 1. 30 p. m., I received a dispatch from Maj.
Hart, commanding at Fort Donelson, stating that he was being attacked. I
immediately started over with all the cavalry force I could collect without
delay and arrived at the fort about sunset. I found that the enemy had been
repulsed by Maj. Hart's command, as stated in his report, to which I beg leave
to refer you. It then being too late to make any move that night I immediately
took steps to make everything secure and awaited the movements of the
enemy. Nothing being heard from him during the night I started the next morning at daylight with 120 men of my regiment to ascertain his whereabouts and
strength. At a point known as the Cumberland Iron Works he was found to be
in strong position. I at once had a few men dismounted to act as skirmishers,
who speedily drove in the pickets, and, following up with two companies, it
was soon ascertained that most of the enemy's force were dismounted, and
using, at a distance of from 10 to 20 yards, the muskets recently captured at
Clarksville. A 6-pounder was also brought to bear upon us, and finding it
somewhat annoying I ordered Company B, under Lieut.s. Summers and
McNeely, to charge and take the piece. This was done in the most gallant style,
the piece being upset and the Carriage broken to pieces and rendered perfectly
useless. Parts of Companies A and L, under Capt. Lower and Lieut. Gallagher,
were started forward to the support of Company B, while Company D, under
Capt. Baird, was held in reserve. The enemy's cavalry was at once put to flight,
but finding that with cavalry alone the infantry could not be dislodged from
their hiding places, I reformed my command in an open space and waited for
more than an hour for his appearance. Failing to draw him out, and both men
and horses suffering much from fatigue and want of food, I returned to Fort
Donelson. During the skirmish all behaved with the utmost coolness.
I lost in killed 1 officer [Lieut. Summers] and 3 men; wounded, 1 officer
[Lieut. McNeely] and 13 men, of whom 6 were captured, and 5 men captured
who were not wounded. The enemy's loss is not known.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
W. W. LOWE.
FORT DONELSON, September 2, 1862.
I now have reliable information that the loss of the enemy in fight of Tuesday,
26th, at Cumberland Iron Works, was 35 killed and wounded. I have twice
made a reconnaissance beyond the Iron Works. All is going well; am almost
ready. Can I be furnished with a small amount of secret-service money? I have
some valuable spies who ought to be paid. Answer at once.
Page 204 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 26, 1862
W. W. LOWE.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 39.
From the Account of A. L. McKinney, Chaplain, Seventy-first Regiment O. V.
I. of the Skirmish at Fort Donelson, above.
At daylight next morning (twenty-sixth) Col. Lowe, at the head of four companies-being less than one hundred and thirty men-of Fifth Iowa cavalry, started
in pursuit of the enemy, overtaking them at Cumberland Iron Works, about
seven miles from here. A sharp engagement followed. The rebels, about five
hundred or six hundred strong, were posted in a deep ravine bordering on the
road, along a corn-field-field and behind houses. Their position was one of
great natural strength. The enemy's battery became annoying, and Col. Lowe
ordered Lieut. Summers, with his company (B) to charge it. He, at the head of
his company, charged through a terrible fire of the concealed foe, scattering the
rebel cavalry, upsetting and breaking the cannon, so as to render it useless. The
charge of the cavalry was most daring and heroic. At least a score of horses
went down with it. From fifteen to twenty of our men were killed and
wounded; among them was the gallant Lieut. Summers, who was mortally
wounded. The loss of the enemy is not known. Col. Lowe's forces, both men
and horses, being jaded and suffering for food, returned to this post, after having waited more than an hour for the enemy to make an attack. The bearing of
Col. Lowe's cavalry was without fault-brave. Col. Lowe commanded in person, and was cool and firm; so was Lieut. Col. Patrick.
Rebellion Record, Vol. 5, pp. 592-593.
August 26, 1862 - Depredations on the Cartmell farm
Rode to town this evening to see the Colonel of the cavalry camped in my
woods lot. They are bothering my corn promiscuously & turning their horses in
the field. I will be satisfied if I can save barely enough to support the farm, but
think it extremely doubtful even if I can. . .
Robert H. Cartmell Diary.
August 26, 1862 - SkirmishNOTE 1 near Bolivar, excerpt from the diary of Thomas B.
WilsonNOTE 2, relative to a skirmish near Bolivar
Aug 26th. Started from camp [at LaGrange] at 11 o'clock A. M. and road on
towards Bolivar some two or three miles when we turned of[f] to the left in the
direction of Middleburg[,] in the meanwhile McCullough's and Slemmon's
Rgts were sent down the Bolivar road to drive in the Yankee pickets. They proceeded to within 5 miles of Bolivar when they came on 2 Rgts of Yankee
Infantry and 1 Squadron of Cavalry and a battery of Artillery. A fight immediately ensued which resulted in the defeat of the Yankees with a loss of 71 prisoners 30 killed and a large number wounded. Our loss was 6 killed & 30 killed.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 205
August 26, 1862
After the fight we proceeded across the country to Miller's factory about 9
miles from Bolivar on the road to Somerville. Here we arrived about 12 M and
our Squadron was sent out on picket towards Bolivar. . .
Diary of Thomas B. Wilson, August 26, 1862.NOTE 3
NOTE 1: There is no record in the OR. nor Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee about
this skirmish. Moreover, it is called a skirmish because there is no other description given to it. It may be that Wilson was confused about the date-that
is, there was a major skirmish near Bolivar on the 30th. See below.
NOTE 2: There were three men named Thomas B. Wilson serving in Confederate
Cavalry units. One was 1st Sgt. of C. Co, 11th Tennessee Cavalry, another
was a Private in Co. H, 5th Tennessee Cavalry, and the last was Captain in
Company C, 6th [Wheeler's] Tennessee Cavalry. It cannot be determined
just which left the diary. From the tone of the diary and the fact that he never
mentions giving orders or leading a field operation, it would appear the writer was an enlisted man, most likely a sergeant.
NOTE 3: Confederate Collection, mfm 824-4, Box 7, Folder 10, Thomas B. Wilson,
Diary, August 18, 1862-October 25, 1862. [Hereinafter Diary of Thomas B.
Wilson.]
Started from camp about 4 o'clock A. M. After winding through the wood for
some time we got into the main road about 2 miles from Medon. Here our
Squadron was sent up towards Medon to keep back the Yankees back until the
Column passed. We stationed ourselves in ambush and after waiting sometime
finding no enemy we started back. We had not gone far before the Yankees
were reported following us up. We immediately formed and sent out skirmishers and after skirmishing for some time, we withdrew with the loss of 4 horses
and after skirmishing for some time, we withdrew with the loss of 4 horses
killed & wounded. We fell in with the rear of the column and crossed the RR at
Tom's [i.e., Toone's] Station and took the road for Denmark. We were traveling
along at our leasure when all at once about 11 o'clock A. M. we were startled
by the report of 2 cannons in front of us. We were immediately formed in fours
and started at a gallop towards the firing. The head of the Column was driven
back. We immediately reformed and charged the battery again amidst a perfect
storm of bullets from the Yankee Infantry concealed in the woods. We drove
the Yankees from their guns and captured them 2 in number. Several other
charges were made by the other Rgts. The fight lasted 2 hours and ended in the
total rout of the enemy with the loss of 110 killed and wounded not known [,]
200 prisoners 5 wagons of baggage & 2 pieces of artillery which we burned.
Our loss was 30 killed & about 60 taken prisoner. It seems that this same Yankee force was at Estinaula when we attacked Bolivar and were retreating
toward Jackson having burned all of their extra baggage and left 400 bushels of
oats of Estinaula when we came on them almost by surprise. Their force consisted of 2 Rgts of Infantry, 1 of Cavalry, & two pieces of Artilery. After the
Page 206 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 27, 1862
fight we turned to the left and proceeded in the direction of Jackson until we
arrived to within 5 miles of that place. Crossing the rack of the flying Yankees
and through the woods by byepaths towards [the] Hatchie River. We traveled
until 12 o'clock at night and halted about 6 miles from the River the night being
so dark that we were unable to see our way. We traveled this day about 30
miles. Our last fight took place near Denmark.
Diary of Thomas B. Wilson, August 28 [September 1], 1862.
August 26, 1862 - Guerrillas murder Squire Garrison in DeKalb county
Horrid Assassination of an Old Man by Morgan's Guerrillas.
A very reliable citizen of DeKalb county has informed us of a most revolting
murder, which was committed last Tuesday [26th] on the person of an old and
estimable citizen of that county, by two of Morgan's cut-throats. 'Squire Garrison, an old man of excellent character and universally beloved, had been a firm
and decided Unionist, and had thereby incurred the hatred of the rebel marauders. Gen. Johnson had a few days previous to the murder, left five of his sick
soldiers in the care of Squire Garrison, and this act of kindness incurred the
fury of the rebels. On the day of the tragedy, two of Morgan's men stopped at
his house, had their horses fed, rested themselves, took dinner, drank the old
gentleman's liquor, and otherwise enjoyed his hospitality. They left after a
while apparently well satisfied. A short time after dark, 'Squire Garrison heard
some one calling at his gate, and going out found the two guerrillas who asked
permission to stay with him all night. He asked them to dismount, and took
their horses to put them in the stable. When he had reached the stable yard one
of these wretches fired, shooting him through the body. The old man fell
shrieking in the agonies of death, when the other guerrilla approached, and
exclaiming, "damn you, be quiet!" blew out his brains. The murderers then
rode away, leaving their gray-haired victim weltering in his blood. 'Squire Garrison was one of the most blameless and innocent of men, beloved and
esteemed for his many virtues. The voice of his blood cries in his countrymen
for vengeance. Shall that voice be unheeded, or shall we tamely yield ourselves
and our families to the mercies of creatures with the shape of men and the
hearts of devils? And let every secessionist reflect that the blood shed by these
guerrillas is sprinkling their own garments with a dye that can never be washed
out. The "damned spot" will remain forever.
Nashville Daily Union, August 31, 1862.
August 27, 1862 - Life in occupied Memphis
AN ARTISTIC "SCRIMMAGE."—In the neighborhood of the site of the old
Brown Eagle yesterday, quite an exciting fight occurred between two Teutonic
Gentlemen, resulting in a smashed "mug" on the one hand, and a set of purple
eyes on the other. Both parties claimed advents in the conflict-one contending
that his opponent could not ascertain the exact odor of a complicated boquet ;
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 207
August 27, 1862
while the smashed "mug" consoled himself with the belief that the purple eyes
could not descry the varied hues of the same bouqet. Be that as it may, the city
certainly has a "dead thing: on its side, to the tune of $75. Go in boys, we want
the city to get a "stake" then, it may be, we can have the pleasure of seeing the
old wharfboat hull removed from the foot of Union street. Go in.
WHY IS IT PERMITTED?—We are sometimes utterly astonished at the reckless manner in which some hackmen drive their horses through the streets. It
has been the painful duty of journalists of this city to record more than one case
where the life of some unfortunate child has been crushed out beneath the
wheels of pleasure carriages. We know that there is a law regulating the speed
at which the hackmen are required to drive-why not enforce the law? Let a
policeman stand at the corner of McCall and Shelby street one evening after
tea and if he does not find a violation of the ordinance referred to, it will be
because he will not see with his eyes wide open. Someone of you peace and
order guardsmen, try your hand at the place designated-you will certainly have
to report a case or two, and by so doing, add a few dollars to the city's mite.
RECORDER'S COURT-EFFECT OF OPENING LIQUOR SALOONS-HOW
THE CITY MAKES ITS MONEY. -It used to be said that the "wages of sin is
death;" This is no longer true of Memphis, where the wages of sin is money.
The first week of the present Recorder's Court, as it is called, there were collected in the way of fines $281.35; the second week on 274. Sin seemed on the
decrease. The whisky shops were opened, and the third week fines to the
amount of $342 were collected.
The whisky shops were still open, and on the fourth week fines were collected
to the amount of five hundred and sixty-four dollars and fifty cents.
The whisky shops were still kept open, and on the fifth week there were collected in the way of fines five hundred and ninety-two dollars and eighty five
cents.
The whisky ships are still kept open, and on last week six hundred and sixty
four dollars and five cents were collected.
The city, it will be perceived, is thriving by its crimes, and has found out a most
moral way of filling its treasury! It would be more difficult to imagine anything
more disgraceful. As the money increases so do the criminals, which increased
as follows:
First and second weeks (no whisky) 56 and 75 cases
Third, fourth, fifth and six weeks (whisky shops open) [the] number of criminals cases [rose from] 95, 151, 246, and 185.
Comment is unnecessary; yet we cannot help reminding our readers that the
eventual wages of all sin, and causers of sin, is death.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 27, 1862.
Page 208 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 27, 1862
August 27, 1862 - Engagement at Round Mountain
AUGUST 27, 1862.-Skirmish at Round Mountain, near Woodbury, Tenn.
Report of Col. William Grose, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry.
MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., August 30, 1862.
GEN.: I arrived here this morning at 6 o'clock. The forces under my command
had an engagement with Gen. Forrest between 3 and 4 o'clock p. m. on the
27th instant at Round Mountain, 21/2 miles from Woodbury. He made the
attack upon our rear, and as he supposed upon our train. But instead of my train
his heavy force came in contact with the Twenty-third Kentucky, under Col.
Mundy. The enemy was handsomely repulsed, and with a portion of Capt.
Mendenhall's battery, the right wing of the Thirty-sixth Indiana, and Col.
Mundy's regiment we pursued and drove them over 2 miles, scattering them in
every direction.
Our loss is 4 of Twenty-third Kentucky and 1 of Lieutenant-Col. Cochran's
cavalry wounded. The loss of the enemy is much larger.
Your obedient, servant,
WM. GROSE, Col., Cmdg. Tenth Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, p. 887.
August 27, 1862 - Skirmish at Fort McCook on Battle Creek
AUGUST 27, 1862.-Skirmish at Bridgeport, Ala., and attack on Fort McCook,
Battle Creek, Tenn.
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Col. Leonard A. Harris, Second Ohio Infantry.
No. 2.-Brig. Gen. Samuel B. Maxey, C. S. Army, with congratulatory orders.
No. 1.
Report of Col. Leonard A. Harris, Second Ohio Infantry.
SIR:
~~~
On the morning of the 27th I received information that the enemy were crossing at Bridgeport. I ordered the cavalry to Bridgeport, with instructions that if
the enemy had crossed to attack him at once, and if possible to drive into the
Tennessee River. I also directed the cavalry on picket on the Jasper road to
push forward as far as Jasper and report promptly the advance of the enemy in
that direction.
Maj. Pugh, with the cavalry, had no sooner engaged the force at Bridgeport
than the enemy put a battery of four guns, one a siege gun, in position on the
opposite bank of the Tennessee River, about 800 yards from the fort. They
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 209
August 27, 1862
opened on the fort and camp and shelled it without intermission, except to
allow their guns to cool, for twelve hours. I soon received information that the
enemy had crossed in force at Bridgeport; that the cavalry had attacked them
without success, and were then falling back to the fort. I was satisfied that my
scouts would report the Decherd road in possession of the enemy. I therefore
made preparation as a last resort to hold a small mountain path, which I understood, tapped the Decherd road about 8 miles from the fort. I placed three companies of infantry and the cavalry, which had just arrived, at that point, with
instructions to hold it to the last extremity. In the evening my scouts from Jasper reported that the enemy were not advancing in that direction. I immediately
directed two companies to proceed to the Battle Creek Ford, where the Jasper
road joins the Decherd road, and to hold it against any force that might be
brought against them. I also threw a company of riflemen in the pits to annoy
the enemy and cover the withdrawal of our forces and stores from the fort. The
wagons were loaded with the most valuable stores; the balance were piled up
ready to be burned. The tents were cut up and the wagon wheels were wrapped
with them. As soon as it was dark I commenced the withdrawal of the forces
and the stores for which I had transportation. This I succeeded in doing without
loss.
The casualties in the fort were 1 killed and 9 slightly wounded, including my
acting assistant adjutant-general, Vandegrift, and orderly, Henry Norris, who is
a brave and cool little fellow.
An hour after the last of the forces had been withdrawn Capt. Mathews, of the
Fourth Ohio Cavalry, applied the torch to the stores which were left behind,
completely destroying them.
I arrived with the command at Decherd on the 29th and reported to Maj.-Gen.
Buell at that point. The enemy had on the day before the attack four regiments
of infantry and a battalion of cavalry, under command of Gen. Maxey, and
were also in direct communication with Chattanooga, 27 miles by rail, from
which place they could receive re-enforcements to any extent.
~~~
Under the circumstances, the necessity of longer holding the fort having
passed, I acted according to instructions in withdrawing my command. I
believe that the enemy, relying on their command of the Decherd road by their
artillery and infantry fire, neglected until it was too late to throw a force in my
front as they had done in my rear, which would have necessitated a retreat
through the mountain by uncertain and difficult paths.
Very respectfully,
L. A. HARRIS, Col., Cmdg. Ninth Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 887-889.
No. 2.
Page 210 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 27, 1862
Report of Brig. Gen. Samuel B. Maxey, C. S. Army, with congratulatory
orders.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN., August 31, 1862.
COL.: I send with this a copy of Brig.-Gen. Maxey's report of the affairs at
Bridgeport and Battle Creek, in which a part of his command was engaged on
the 27th instant. The affairs were conducted with judgment and spirit, deserving high commendation, and I shall be gratified if the general commanding
sees proper to notice it in general orders. Such notice of the good conduct of
new troops in their first engagement with the enemy would be gratifying and
encouraging.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
SAM. JONES, Maj.-Gen.
[Inclosure.]
HDQRS. CONFEDERATE STATES FORCES, Near Graham's, opposite
Mouth of Battle Creek, Tenn., August 30, 1862.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the affairs in which a
portion of the troops under my command were engaged on the 27th instant:
Early in the morning I ordered Capt. P. H. Rice, commanding Company A, [J.
R. ] Howard's battalion Georgia and Alabama cavalry, to ford the Tennessee
River about 21/2 miles below Bridgeport, and cautiously approach that place
and attack the enemy. Capt. Rice found, however, that the enemy had precipitately evacuated the night before. This being communicated to me, I ordered
the Thirty-second Alabama Regt. of Infantry, Col. [A. ] McKinstry, which was
concealed on the bank of the river, to cross. Capt. Rice was in the mean time
ordered to throw his cavalry well out on the Battle Creek and Stevenson roads.
Scarcely had the Thirty-second crossed when the cavalry reported enemy's
infantry and cavalry approaching in force, the truth of which was made apparent from the clouds of dust in the roads. I immediately ordered the Thirty-second to be formed in line of battle near the crest of the hill in the town, and in a
few moments the enemy's cavalry (Fourth Ohio and one other, name not
known) dashed up in full speed, and were permitted to come within less than
50 yards of the infantry before a gun was fired, when a galling fire was poured
into them and they retreated in great confusion. In a short time clouds of dust
warned me of the enemy's approach on our left, and to meet it I had the front of
the left wing changed forward in time to receive another dash of cavalry, which
was again thrown in confusion by another volley more effective than the first,
and he again retreated but reformed, and by the dust I soon saw he was
approaching the center. A company of the Thirty-second Alabama, armed with
the Enfield rifle, commanded by Lieut. [A. ] Sellers, was placed in the center in
ambush, and as the enemy came up the hill in very close range this company
arose and delivered its deadly fire simultaneously with the wings (separated for
cover), and this time they broke and fled in perfect confusion. While this portion of the fight was going on my batteries, consisting of Capt. [S. L. ] Free-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 211
August 27, 1862
man's [Tennessee] and Capt. [G. A. ] Dure's [Georgia] artillery and one 24pounder rifle gun, opened out (by previous agreement on the enemy's works at
the mouth of Battle Creek, about 5 miles distant up the river, and continued
incessantly during the entire day. The heavy columns of dust bearing toward
Stevenson from the enemy's camps around there showed a general commotion.
At night I ordered the battery commanders to keep the fire up, believing the
enemy, if properly managed, would evacuate before day.
At about 2 o'clock in the morning the work was abandoned in great confusion,
the enemy burning most of his commissary stores, but leaving in our possession some $30,000 worth of valuable property, embracing some commissary
stores, ordnance stores, quartermaster's stores, clothing, all his tents, 32 horses
and 4 mules, a few wagons and ambulances, and some few medicines, and a
splendid case of surgical instruments, besides some sutler's stores, a number of
officers' trunks, many of the post commander's papers, and some very valuable
maps.
It is proper to observe that after the fight commenced at Bridgeport the Third
Georgia Cavalry and Twenty-fifth Tennessee Infantry were ordered across, but
did not reach the place in time to participate; indeed it was only after the fight
had opened that I received notice that the Third Georgia was placed at my disposal temporarily.
I was informed by the major-general commanding several days ago that some
cavalry under Col. Lay would move down the Sequatchie Valley, and I had
hoped to have its assistance. At 10 p. m. on the 27th I received a note from Col.
Lay, dated Jasper, 5.30 p. m., informing me that he was there with 550 cavalry,
and desired me to inform him of my movements, stating that he heard the cannonading, &c. This I did, with an expression of belief that the enemy would be
shelled out before morning, and saying to him in substance that if he would
take his position about the mouth of Sweeden's Cove about daylight he would
probably get them. It is unfortunate that these suggestions were not acted on,
for if they had been the enemy, being panic-stricken by throwing cavalry in his
front, the hills on either side, and my forces in rear, would have been easy prey.
I am indebted to Capt. T. M. Scott, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. C. G.
Schultz, assistant inspector-general; Capt. W. H. Lewis, ordnance officer of my
staff, and my aide, Lieut. R. C. Andrews, for valuable and efficient aid. The
work between the two points kept the first three constantly busy, Capt. Scott
personally superintending the throwing forward re-enforcements. My aide,
Lieut. Andrews, was with me at Bridgeport, and did his duty coolly and well.
The Thirty-second Alabama did nobly, fighting like veterans, under their able
colonel (McKinstry), seconded by Lieut.-Col. Maury, distinguished for gallantry and coolness on the field.
Capt.'s Freeman and Dure and the officers under them did their whole duty.
Lieut. Holtzclaw, of Capt. Dure's battery, worked the siege gun most of the
time and splendidly. It was handled part of the time by Capt. McCreery.
Page 212 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 27, 1862
Capt. Rice and his command acted in a manner worthy of all praise. In short I
never saw troops behave better than did the Thirty-second Alabama, Rice's
cavalry, Freeman's and Dure's batteries, and the detachment with siege guns. I
particularly call your attention to the boldness of this regiment of infantry in
wading a broad sheet of water, such as the Tennessee, up to their arm-pits, with
retreat cut off and the enemy known to be strong in front.
Should I be furnished with sufficient cavalry to reap the fruits of this movement our cause will be greatly benefited. The work out of which the enemy
was shelled is a splendidly constructed field work, admirably executed; is the
key to the Sequatchie Valley, and its possession completely breaks the enemy's
chain up the Tennessee River. With cavalry to operate from that point toward
Stevenson and Huntsville the enemy could be kept in constant alarm.
~~~
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. B. MAXEY, Brig. Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I. Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 889-891.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 2. HDQRS. ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Pikeville, Tenn. September 2, 1862.
In the attack on the 27th ultimo on the enemy's works at Bridgeport and Battle
Creek by the troops under Brig.-Gen. Maxey the general commanding finds a
display of gallantry and boldness, rewarded by complete success, which has
rarely been surpassed. He congratulates the brigadier and his gallant officers
and men upon one of the most dashing achievements of the day.
By command of Gen. Bragg:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 891-892.
Statement of Lieutenant John L. Chandler, Thirty-second Alabama Infantry, on
events at Battle Creek, Tennessee, and Bridgeport, Alabama, August 27, 1862
HEADQUARTERS, THIRTY-SECOND ALABAMA REGIMENT, AUGUST
28, 1862.
Sir: In obedience to your circular requesting adjutants of regiments to forward
a list of incidents and casualties in our engagements with the enemy, I have the
honor to make the following statement.
The Thirty-second Alabama Regiment, numbering 330 fighting men, having
received marching orders. . . arrived at Bridgeport. . . and found that the place
had been evacuated the night before by the Federalists.
A few moment afterwards, it having been ascertained that the enemy were
approaching in force from Battle Creek across the Jones' Creek Bridge, Captain Rice was ordered with his company of cavalry to check their advance. Our
regiment was immediately drawn up in line of battle behind the crest of a commanding hill.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 213
August 27, 1862
Captain Rice's gallant little band of twenty-five men being hotly pursued by
the enemy, intervals in our line were made through which they safely passed,
when they reformed in line of battle in our rear.
The enemy, consisting of a detachment of cavalry and infantry, numbering 500
men, immediately attacked or center and right and left wings, when they were
signally repulsed four times, retiring with loss and in confusion.
General [Samuel Bell] Maxey inspired our men with his cheering presence and
with distinguished valor and intrepidity endeared himself to our command.
Colonel [Alexander] McKinstry acted with great self-possession and bravery
while inciting our troops to charge. Lieutenant-Colonel [Henry] Maury was
seen everywhere in the thickest of the fight, exposing his person to the shells
and missiles of the enemy. His unflinching courage and bravery were attested
everywhere.
Officers and men, by their persistent bravery and cool daring, covered themselves with glory. . . thereby proving themselves worthy soldiers of our glorious southern cause.
~~~
John L. Chandler, Lieutenant
SOR, Ser. I, Vol. 3, pp. 244-246.
HDQRS., Decherd, August 29, 1862.
Gen. McCOOK:
~~~
Harris evacuated Battle Creek safely after ten hours' bombardment, bringing
all the stores he had transportation for.NOTE 1
D. C. BUELL.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 444.
NOTE 1: This is all the OR has to offer on the bombardment and evacuation of the
fort at Battle Creek.
An account of the fight at Battle Creek from Angus Waddle the 33rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry
The gun which thus broke the stillness of that Tennessee Valley quickly
changed the peaceful appearance of our camp. A moment before everything
was as quiet as it was possible for a military, camp to be, but now all was bustle
and activity, the long roll was beaten, the men present quickly fell into line and
the protection of the fort was eagerly south. The picnic was ended and stern
war upon us. The fort which we had regarded as our protection soon showed
itself a delusion and a snare. As I said before, it was built upon the side of the
mountain, but, unfortunately for us, was directly exposed to the enemy and we
soon found that it was the most insecure place in the neighborhood. Shell after
Page 214 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 27, 1862
shell came bursting in our midst and as the fragments hurtled through the air,
we soon found that it was not good for us to be there. By leaving the fort, however, and getting on the wrong side of the embankment, a place of comparative
security was found and thither a pilgrimage soon began. The chaplain showed
his orthodoxy by uniting his faith with the works and the followers of his good
example were more numerous on that occasion than they had generally been
when he preached the faith alone. As we were without artillery and the enemy
far beyond reach of musketry, there was nothing for us to do but take our medicine and it came in no homoeopathic doses. Solid shot, case shot and shell
rained upon us the whole afternoon and it required no second sight to tell who
had the picnic then. What fun it must have been-for them! Colonel Harris bore
himself gallantly, as he always did, but there was no opportunity, for the display of any military ability and beyond the drawing in of the pickets where
they were not needed and the strengthening of those which occupied dangerous
posts, there was noting to do but dodge the missiles which came from over the
river.
With the approach of darkness our flanging companies, armed with Enfields,
were sent to the river bank and soon caused the withdrawal of the guns to a
more respectful distance, but yet we were within reach and the shell with its
fiery, hissing fuse, still made its regular visits. Orders were issued to prepare
for a retreat and the wagons, their wheels being muffled with old tents to conceal the movement, were loaded with our camp equipage and everything prepared for an evacuation of the fort. About twelve o'clock everything was in
readiness and in squads we collected at an appointed rendezvouz, and commenced our march over the rough, rugged road running along the stream at the
base of the mountain. When we reached the fort which had been considered the
point of danger, our pickets there were united with the main force and in a
heavy rain, which was then falling, we began a wearily, toilsome night march
over the mountainous road which was to lead us to the main army. We afterward learned that it was the intention to intercept us at that point, but General
Adams, in command of the rebel cavalry, was in a debauch at Jasper and preferred the society of his boon companions to a ride in the rain to his command,
which was ready to attack us at that point. Soon after daylight we descended
the mountain into the plain and congratulated ourselves that we were safe once
more, for we then began to appreciate the precarious situation in which we had
been placed. As we were about to bivouac, for breakfast, a squadron of cavalry
was seen advancing in our front, which for a short time was supposed to be the
enemy and Colonel Harris immediately announced his intention of making a
fight. It proved, however, to be a party, of our old friends of the 4th Ohio cavalry on a scout and soon they joined us in our morning meal and listened to our
accounts of the previous day's events. Singularly enough those events have
never found a place in history, and with the exception of slight mention in the
history of the regiment in "Ohio in the War," I believe that this hasty and
imperfect sketch is their only record. It was an event of considerable moment
to us who were there, for by a miracle almost, we escaped capture and it was
wonderful that, with the exception of one man in Co. K killed and two or three
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 215
August 27, 1862
slightly wounded, there were not more casualties from the heavy cannonading
which we were compelled to endure for nearly twelve hours. Resuming our
march we were soon at Decherd and there to our surprise learned that the army,
was in full retreat northward. . .
Waddle, Three Years, pp 24-25.
August 27, 1862 - Skirmish near Cumberland Gap
AUGUST 27, 1862.-Skirmish near Cumberland Gap, Tenn.
Report of Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U. S. Army.
CUMBERLAND GAP, August 29, 1862.
GEN.: Nothing of interest on the 28th instant. On the 27th a small detachment
from the First and Second Tennessee, commanded by Capt.'s Meyers and Robbins, attacked and surprised a party of the enemy's cavalry, commanded by
Acting Brig.-Gen. Allston, of South Carolina. Allston, his colors, and 3 privates were captured. The enemy left 4 dead men upon the field and had a considerable number wounded.
The affair was a complete surprise, and we did not sustain any loss.
GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, p. 892.
August 27, 1862 - Skirmish near Murfreesborough
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 27, 1862 - Skirmish on Richland creek, northeast of Pulaski
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 27, 1862 - Skirmish at Reynold's Station, Nashville & Decatur Railroad
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 27, 1862 - Correspondence from Elizabeth M. Harding to Military Governor
Andrew Johnson
Belle Meade, August 27, 1862
Gov Johnson
Sir,
I have learned through the medium of Mr. Hague, that a boy named John Martin was arrested by the Provost Marshal, under a charge of endeavoring to convey letters, or information to the Southern Army; that I also was suspected of
Page 216 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 27, 1862
sending or intending to send letters by him to the South, and had furnished him
with a horse to go on. This suspicion, for I know it can be nothing else, calls
upon me to state the facts, so far at they relate to my agency in giving a horse to
young Martin. Under ordinary circumstances, I could have let my own innocense of wrong intention have been found out, by yourself through some other
channel, but I cannot, after the apparent interest which you have manifested in
me & mine, forbear an explanation which is due both of your & myself—
Johnny Martin was an old race rider of Gen Hardings, of whom he though a
great deal; he is a South Carolinian by birth, & is an orphan. Gen. H. finding
him a good honest truthful boy, offered to send him to school & befriend him
in every way in his power, & did send him to school for some time, & also told
him when ever he was in need of assistance to call upon him & he would help
him; this promise was known to me.-For some months past, I have seen but little of Johnny, but while in Nashville a few days ago, where I had gone to call
upon yourself, he called at my Fathers door, & asked to see me: he then told
me, he wished to go South, to his friends & relatives, and asked me to give him
a wild thorough-bred young gelding, who was placed here to pasture, & had
long since, in common phrase "eaten his head off"; the horse was so wild &
unruly, & threw several of my negroes, & was finally turned loose in the parks
as incorrigable & dangerous. This was known by John, & others, but he asked
for him, as I thought, & still believe, to go to his home, (& he informed me that
he intended to take the oath of allegiance, & go openly & not clandestinely.) I
gave him the horse & parted from him there & I here affirm (more on his
account than my own) that I neither sent letters or messages, or thought of
doing so, nor do I believe he intended taking them for others, I do not believe
that John would so deceive me, his friend, as to the objects going South. I knew
his occupation as a race rider, was entirely broken up by the war, & sincerely
believe him to have been in earnest, when he expressed his desire to go
home—to his sisters & friends, & I do not believe that he never intended to
carry either letters, or information south; at all events, if such was his intention,
he concealed his objects from me. God forbid that I would so unsex myself, as
to be playing the spy, for either North, or South. I have now, & have had, no
other wish, & my prayer has ever been, that this bloody war, might come to an
end, & Peace, blessed Peace, again be restored to our unhappy country.-I have
some pride in showing to you that while you were endeavoring to forward my
wishes, I was not stabbing you secretly at the same time. But for the wish to
exonerate myself to you, I would scorn to notice this blow dealt at me, by some
secret foe of my husband; who has betrayed alike, an ignorance of my sex, &
of my feelings.- To you alone, of all Federal officers, who hold in your hands,
what is to me dearer than life,—&for the kindness you have expressed for me
& mine, I owed this explanation, in order that your kindness to me, may be vindicated, to yourself.very respectfully,
Mrs. Wm. G. Harding
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, pp. 633-634.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 217
August 27, 1862
August 27, 1862 - Pillaging, theft and insults, one Madison County farmer's encapsulation
As usual for some time past, plenty of dust and soldiers. Went over and saw the
Colonel this morning. Col. Nobles 2nd Illinois Cavalry and tried to make some
arrangement about the corn, so as to save me enough for a support He is a
clever disposed gentleman and I think will have the thing attended to. Pa saw
one of his horses in the crow and concluded he would make an effort to get him
and succeeded in doing so, but a person must make up his mind to be insulted
when he comes in contact with many of the privates. The fellow who camped
the horse was willing to swear he bought the horse from a free negro boy
named John, said the boy had his free papers.
Said boy proved to be Limus, Pa's own boy. The hatred between the Northern
and Southern people is intense. The Northern Soldiers are particular insulting
and bear intense hatred to those who have in the Southern army. In my case, if
it were not for the restraint held over them by the officers, they (privates) I
believe, [would] hang me.
Robert H. Cartmell Diary.
August 27, 1862 - Skirmish at Fort McCook on Battle Creek
•See June 18, 1862-August 27, 1862-Federal presence at Battle Creek; swimming, fortifications; and the "Belle of Battle Creek"
The gun which thus broke the stillness of that Tennessee Valley quickly
changed the peaceful appearance of our camp. A moment before everything
was as quiet as it was possible for a military camp to be, but now all was bustle
and activity, the long roll was beaten, the men present quickly fell into line and
the protection of the fort was eagerly south. The picnic was ended and stern
war upon us. The fort which we had regarded as our protection soon showed
itself a delusion and a snare. As I said before, it was built upon the side of the
mountain, but, unfortunately for us, was directly exposed to the enemy and we
soon found that it was the most insecure place in the neighborhood. Shell after
shell came bursting in our midst and as the fragments hurtled through the air,
we soon found that it was not good for us to be there. By leaving the fort, however, and getting on the wrong side of the embankment, a place of comparative
security was found and thither a pilgrimage soon began. The chaplain showed
his orthodoxy by uniting his faith with the works and the followers of his good
example were more numerous on that occasion than they had generally been
when he preached the faith alone. As we were without artillery and the enemy
far beyond reach of musketry, there was nothing for us to do but take our medicine and it came in no homoeopathic doses. Solid shot, case shot and shell
rained upon us the whole afternoon and it required no second sight to tell who
had the picnic then. What fun it must have been-for them! Colonel Harris bore
himself gallantly, as he always did, but there was no opportunity for the display
of any military ability and beyond the drawing in of the pickets where they
were not needed and the strengthening of those which occupied dangerous
Page 218 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 27, 1862
posts, there was nothing to do but dodge the missiles which came from over the
river.
With the approach of darkness our flanging companies, armed with Enfields,
were sent to the river bank and soon caused the withdrawal of the guns to a
more respectful distance, but yet we were within reach and the shell with its
fiery, hissing fuse, still made its regular visits. Orders were issued to prepare
for a retreat and the wagons, their wheels being muffled with old tents to conceal the movement, were loaded with our camp equipage and everything prepared for an evacuation of the fort. About twelve o'clock everything was in
readiness and in squads we collected at an appointed rendezvouz, and commenced our march over the rough, rugged road running along the stream at the
base of the mountain. When we reached the fort which had been considered the
point of danger, our pickets there were united with the main force and in a
heavy rain, which was then falling, we began a wearily, toilsome night march
over the mountainous road which was to lead us to the main army. We afterward learned that it was the intention to intercept us at that point, but General
Adams, in command of the rebel cavalry, was in a debauch at Jasper and preferred the society of his boon companions to a ride in the rain to his command,
which was ready to attack us at that point. Soon after daylight we descended
the mountain into the plain and congratulated ourselves that we were safe once
more, for we then began to appreciate the precarious situation in which we had
been placed. As we were about to bivouac, for breakfast, a squadron of cavalry
was seen advancing in our front, which for a short time was supposed to be the
enemy and Colonel Harris immediately announced his intention of making a
fight. It proved, however, to be a party of our old friends of the 4th Ohio cavalry on a scout and soon they joined us in our morning meal and listened to our
accounts of the previous day's events. Singularly enough those events have
never found a place in history, and with the exception of slight mention in the
history of the regiment in "Ohio in the War," I believe that this hasty and
imperfect sketch is their only record. It was an event of considerable moment
to us who were there, for by a miracle almost, we escaped capture and it was
wonderful that, with the exception of one man in Co. K killed and two or three
slightly wounded, there were not more casualties from the heavy cannonading
which we were compelled to endure for nearly twelve hours. Resuming our
march we were soon at Decherd and there to our surprise learned that the army
was in full retreat northward. . .
~~~
Waddle, Three Years, pp 24-25.
August 27, 1862 - Yankee cotton buyer robbed near Memphis
Chicago Banker Captured.
A few weeks since, Lazarus Silverman, a well-known banker, doing business
on Lasalle street, left for Memphis with the avowed purpose of purchasing cotton. Mr. Silverman carried with him nearly $30,000 in gold, with which he
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 219
August 27, 1862
hoped to drive such bargains with the needy southrons as should net him an
amount sufficient to remunerate him for the risk incurred. The banker went to
Memphis and while the country to the rear of that city was still half subjugated,
trusting to his familiarity with the people, and the fact that he was connected by
marriage with some of the first families of Tennessee, he imprudently ventured
beyond our lines, and took up his abode with a planter of decided "Union proclivities," and was in a fair way to realized a small fortune by exchanging the
gold for the staple. But, alas! The banker's visions of wealth were destined to
vanish like the mist before the summer's sun. His "Union" friend proved to be
in the confidence of Jeff. Thompson's guerrillas,NOTE 1 and notified them of the
presence of his northern friend. One fine morning a thieving band of about
forty came galloping up the lawn leading to the mansion of the planter, and laid
violent hands on Mr. Silverman and his bag of gold. The banker is now studying the political economy in the upper story of a cotton factory in Dixie, and
his hard-earned dollars have gone to swell the coffers of the bogus Confederacy in the direction of the tropics.—Chicago Tribune.
Memphis Union Appeal, August 27, 1862.
NOTE 1: Not referenced in OR or Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee. identified.
August 27, 1862 - Rumors of war and the Nashville public market
To Market-Men.—A rumor having got abroad that the horses and vehicles of
market-men would be seized if brought to the city, we have taken the trouble to
inquire into the matter, and are informed that no orders of the kind have been
given. All such persons are permitted to enter and leave town unmolested.
Anything they may bring will readily sell at good prices.
Nashville Dispatch, August 27, 1862.
August 27, 1862 - August 28, 1862 - Army of the Mississippi, under Bragg, crosses the Tennessee River-the invasion of Kentucky begins
Summary of Events, OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, p. 3
August 27, 1862 - August 31, 1862 - Skirmish at Clover Creek BridgeNOTE 1, near Cloverport, Hardeman county, and skirmish at Medon Station, entry from the
diary of Thomas B. Wilson
Started from camp about 5 A. M. and proceeded towards the Hatchie River.
Crossed the River about 10 o'clock between Estinaula and Bolivar and proceeded towards Tom's StationNOTE 2 on the RR where we expected to find the
Enemy but did not. We then attacked about 60 or 70 Yankees at the bridge on
Clover Creek and captured them without any loss on either side. We then
stopped and fed our horses and after resting a while we started for Medon Station, about 4 miles above and 12 miles from Jackson. We arrived in the neigh-
Page 220 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 28, 1862
borhood about an hour and a half before sunset, and camped about 1 mile from
the depot. In the meantime Jackson's Rgt invested the place. The Yankees came
out to meet them but were soon driven back when it was ascertained that the
place was fortified in such a manner as to be unapproachable for Cavalry and
we had to withdraw. About 9 o'clock at night an order came to mount horses
immediately. We did so and go into Column expecting all the time to hear the
crack of Yankee bullets when we were halted and remained during the night
holding our horses.
Diary of Thomas B. Wilson, August 27, 1862.
NOTE 1: Possibly at the present day junction of State Route 138 and Clover Creek in
Hardeman County.
NOTE 2: Probably "Toone's Station."
August 27, 1862 - October 22, 1862 - Wheeler's Cavalry Operations, Tennessee &
KentuckyNOTE 1
AUGUST 27-OCTOBER 22, 1862.-Operations of Wheeler's' Cavalry in Tennessee and Kentucky.
SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN TENNESSEE.
Aug. 27, 1862.-Command crosses the Tennessee at Chattanooga.
August 30, 1862.-Skirmish at Altamont, Tenn.
Sept. 6, 1862.-Affair on the Gallatin Road, Tenn.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, p. 892
NOTE 1: The greater majority of Wheeler's operations during this time took place in
Kentucky and were associated with Bragg's Invasion of Kentucky and the
Battle of Perryville. Reference to them is not included here.
August 28, 1862 - A Confederate cavalryman's observations on the fortifications at Cumberland Gap
~~~
Cumberland Gap is a very strong hold, being a natural fortification of itself,
and the big forts with heavy siege guns mounted in them, and other formidable
earth-works makes the place almost impregnable. Our force is about equal in
numbers with that of the enemy, with the difference that they have more field
artillery than we have, to say nothing of the heavy fort guns that they are using
against us; therefore the idea of storming the gap has not been suggested, and
would be perfectly insane. Those forts were built by the Confederates, and they
are equally effective on either side of the mountain. We would require a force
of 5 to 1 to take the Gap by storm, therefore we must starve them out if we get
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 221
August 28, 1862
them. Heavy firing was heard in our beyond the Gap this morning, but we suppose it was only the yankees firing of their loaded guns.
Diary of William E. Sloan, August 28, 1862.
August 28, 1862 - Troop movements on the Cartmell farm
All except 1 company of the cavalry camped in front of the house left this
morning. . . but since supper about as many more have moved in.
Robert H. Cartmell Diary.
August 28, 1862 - Fighting in the streets of Nashville
Street Rows.—Nashville whisky appears to have a very bad effect upon the
soldiers in our midst; almost every day more or less fighting or quarreling
takes place among them, and yesterday in addition to the unfortunate affair
mentioned in another paragraph, a serious affray too, place on Summer street,
during which one of the parties nearly lost a finger, and the other received
some severe bruises. On College street a drunken soldier was arrested by Deputy Marshals Tucker and Steele, and in their endeavors to get him to safe quarters, Tucker lost his coat and vest, and Steele was severely handled. After
getting him into a hack, an army officer ordered his arrest by the Provost
Guard.
Nashville Dispatch, August 28, 1862.
August 28, 1862 - August 30, 1862 - Expedition in Cannon countyNOTE 1
•See August 29, 1862-August 30, 1862-Skirmishes at Short Mountain CrossRoads (29th) and Little Pond (30th),NOTE 1near McMinnville, Tennessee
HDQRS. SIXTH DIVISION, In Camp, near McMinnville, Tenn., August 31,
1862.
MAJ.: Immediately after my return to camp yesterday from the mountain expedition, on which I had been absent two days. . .
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, p. 900.
NOTE 1: The only reference to this expedition is found in this the opening sentence
of the Report of Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, August 31, 1862, on the action
at Short Mountain, on August 30, 1862 [see below].
Page 222 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 29, 1862
August 29, 1862 - Federal military intelligence predicts guerrilla uprising in Trenton, Kenton, and Union City environs
HDQRS. CENTRAL DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Trenton, Tenn.,
August 29, 1862.
Capt. M. ROCHESTER, Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Columbus, Ky.:
CAPT.: From all the information I can obtain there is some movement in contemplation in West Tennessee by the rebels. They are massing all their cavalry;
have drawn in all their guerrilla bands, and everything is very quiet. Gen. Grant
telegraphed me last night that they had massed 6,000 cavalry and intended to
attack our lines at some point. I have ordered the building of stockades where
my forces are weak and entrenchments at Humboldt and this place. There is no
position here that is very defensible. I will make a strong abatis around our
camp and near the water, which is on rather low ground. The Fourth Illinois
Cavalry from Memphis is just coming in. They are weak in men, horses, &c. I
do not believe that they have 400 men in all told for duty. I have mounted two
companies of infantry at Humboldt, one at Trenton, Kenton, and Union City.
The equipments shipped me I have never received and cannot find them.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 192.
August 29, 1862 - The Federal army at Decherd, an excerpt from Colonel John Beatty's
diary
We are at Decherd, Tennessee. I am weak, discouraged, and worn out with
idleness.
The negroes are busily engaged in throwing up earth works and building stockades. To-night, as they were in line, I stopped a moment to hear the sergeant
call the roll, "Scipio McDonald." "Here I is, sah," "Caesar-Caesare
McDonald." "Caesar was 'sleep las' I saw of him, sah." These negroes take the
family name of their masters.
The whole army is concentrated here, or near here; but nobody knows anything, except that the water is bad, whisky scarce, dust abundant, and the air
loaded with the scent and melody of a thousand mules. These long-eared creatures give every variety of sound of which they are capable, from the deep base
bray to most attenuated whinny.
The Thirty-third Ohio was shelled out of its fortifications at Battle creek yesterday. Colonel Moore is in the adjoining tent, giving an account of his trials
and tribulations to Shanks of the New York Herald.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 223
August 29, 1861
Fifty of the Third, under Lieutenant Carpenter, went to Stevenson [Alabama]
yesterday, on their return they were fired upon by guerrillas. Jack Boston shot a
man and captured a horse.
Beatty, Citizen Soldier, pp. 173-174.
August 29, 1861 - Inebrieated warriors
Drunken Soldiers.—We have been requested by a number of citizens to call
attention of the Provost marshal to the large number of drunken soldiers at all
times to be found about the city, creating a disturbance, stealing fruit and committing all kinds of unlawful acts—even interfering with the police in arresting
disorderly persons. The matter should be looked into, for portions of the city
are in a constant state of excitement.
Nashville Dispatch, August 29, 1862.
August 29, 1862 - The story of Ellen Quinn
Recorder's Court.
Quite a romantic scene occurred in the Recorder's Court yesterday morning, in
connection with a young woman named Ellen Quinn, who was arrested on
Wednesday evening, for being drunk and disorderly. The witnesses against her
were Belle Fulcher and Mollie Bradley, the former of whom was fined $5 for
disturbing the Court after being told to cease talking. Ellen was fined $14. She
was willing to plead guilty, and threw herself upon the mercy of the Court,
promising never again to appear before the Court as a criminal. Ellen is the
young woman who was arrested some months ago for being dressed in male
attire. She is a native of Ohio, and was among the earliest volunteers from that
State. She preserved her disguise for several moths, when her sex was accidentally discovered. She then left the army. But her love of romance and adventure
prevented her remaining long in the charms of crinoline, and she soon joined
another Ohio regiment, with which she came to Nashville, and afterwards went
farther South. In April she returned to Nashville, and her disguise was shortly
thereafter discovered, when she was arrested and placed in the work-house in
charge of Mr. J. Q. Dodd. Here she remained until about six weeks ago, when
she was permitted to depart. She was a stranger in town, and knew not where to
go or what to do for food and shelter. Under such circumstances, distressing
and embarrassing as they were, she very naturally applied to some soldiers for
advice. One of them took her under his especial care, and promised to have her
wants attended to, and to procure lodging for her until she could be sent home.
He took her to a house of disreputable character, where she continued until
Wednesday last; but she has not yet lost all feeling of shame. Her tears seemed
to indicate that she may yet be reclaimed, if proper steps be taken to accomplish so desirable an object. We commend her case to the military authorities
Page 224 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 29, 1862
here, and hope they will render her such speedy assistance as will prevent the
necessity of her returning to her former habits. . .
Nashville Dispatch, August 29, 1862.
August 29, 1862 - August 30, 1862 - Federal scouts to Dunlap and Beersheba Springs
ON THE MARCH RETURNING, August 30, 1862.
Maj. G. E. FLYNT:
MAJ.: My cavalry has returned, having gone within 5 miles of Dunlap.
Maj. Foster, in command of the cavalry, reports that he encountered the
enemy's pickets 8 miles this side of Dunlap, whom he drove in for 3 miles,
coming in succession on different outposts. He learned that Gen. Bragg was at
Dunlap with three brigades encamped up and down the Sequatchie in the
neighborhood. There is also another force some 7 miles higher up the valley.
The people with whom Maj. Foster conversed thought the enemy was working
up the valley, but of course they know nothing certainly on this point nor can
they be relied on as to numbers. There may be more than three brigades
encamped at Dunlap.
Maj. Foster also reports no water from the foot of the mountain on this side to
the foot on the other side, a distance of 15 miles.
I sent a small party yesterday afternoon to Beersheba Springs, who report that
they were told by a citizen that a rebel force of 15,000 cavalry was encamped
yesterday on Big Creek, 6 or 7 miles from Altamont toward Dunlap.
Respectfully,
TH. J. WOOD, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 453.
August 29, 1862 - August 30, 1862 - Skirmishes at Short Mountain Cross-Roads (29th) and
Little Pond (30th),NOTE 1near McMinnville, Tennessee
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, U. S. Army, of skirmish at Little Pond.
No. 2.-Capt. Henry R. Miller, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, of skirmish at Short
Mountain Cross-Roads.
No. 3.-Col. Edward P. Fyffe, Twenty-sixth Ohio Infantry, of skirmish at Little
Pond.
No. 4.-Col. George P. Buell, Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry, of skirmish at Little
Pond.
No. 1.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 225
August 29, 1862
Reports of Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood,
U. S. Army, of skirmish at Little Pond.
HDQRS. SIXTH DIVISION, In Camp, near McMinnville, Tenn., August 31,
1862.
MAJ.: Immediately after my return to camp yesterday from the mountain expedition, on which I had been absent two days, I heard that Forrest's command
was crossing the railroad 3 miles west of my camp, going northward. I at once
sent out three regiments of infantry and four pieces of artillery, under Col.
Fyffe, Twenty-sixth Ohio, to cross to the north side of Barren Fork, near to my
camp, move out to the Murfreesborough road, take the road to that place, and
try to cut Forrest off. By a very rapid forced march (part of it at the doublequick) of 9 miles Col. Fyffe reached the junction of the cross-road by which
Forrest was moving and the Murfreesborough road just as about one half of the
enemy had got onto the latter road. Col. Fyffe deployed a part of his command,
immediately ordered up the artillery, and opened a fire of shell and musketry.
He divided the enemy, forced a portion back on the cross-road, and utterly
routed and scattered him in all directions. The pursuit was continued for 11/2
miles, till it was too dark to see.
Col. Fyffe captured a number of horses, mules, shot-guns, sabers, revolvers,
carbines, saddles, bridles, cartridge-boxes, &c. He captured Gen. Forrest's light
spring wagon, riding-horse, and the riding-horse and body servant of Capt.
Forrest, brother to the general.
The rebels fled in the utmost consternation and confusion. Forrest's forces
numbered between 1,400 and 1,500.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
TH. J. WOOD, Brig.-Gen. of Volunteers, Cmdg.
P. S. -A cavalry scout, sent out by me early this morning, reports, from information received of citizens, that several of Forrest's command were killed and
wounded.
HDQRS. SIXTH DIVISION, August 31, 1862.
MAJ.: My people captured last evening a very intelligent negro who belonged
to a Texan Ranger who was killed in the attack on the stockade on the 29th.
This negro gives a very intelligent account of Gen. Forrest's movements for the
last two weeks. He says Forrest left his train at Decatur, in Meigs County, on
the Tennessee River, two weeks ago, since which time he has been roaming
around, hunting for small parties and trains to capture, and subsisting on the
country; that when he came down on the 29th he was on his way back to Decatur to his train, intending to cross the mountains by the way of Altamont; that
after the repulse at the stockade he moved on toward the foot of the mountains
and halted for the night. There he learned that our forces were at Altamont. He
probably learned also that troops were moving to Hillsborough (Crittenden's),
though the negro does not say so. But he says Forrest made a speech to his men
Page 226 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 29, 1862
yesterday, telling them they were surrounded and would be caught if they did
not get out of the trap at once. Hence the rapid movement northward, across
the railroad, yesterday afternoon. Doubtless Forrest will try to make his way
around by Sparta or Rock Island, crossing, to get into the valley, and make his
way down to Pikeville, Washington, &c., or from Pikeville, beyond Spencer, to
cut him off? I think it might be done. The negro says Forrest was repulsed in an
attack on a train at Woodbury a few days since.
Respectfully, &c.,
TH. J. WOOD, Brig.-Gen. Volunteers, Cmdg.
HDQRS. SIXTH DIVISION, August 31, 1862.
MAJ.: The more information I obtain the more certain I am that an attempt
ought to be made to cut up, capture, or at all events prevent Forrest from joining Bragg. I am still more certain that the object of Forrest's movement down
this way was to cross the mountains and effect a junction with Bragg, and having been disappointed in this movement, he will attempt to effect the same purpose by the way of Sparta and down the Sequatchie Valley. The junction
should by all means be prevented, as Forrest's command would be of the greatest advantage to Bragg in his advance. That the advance will be made sooner or
later I am quite certain. The attempt will be made to sweep everything to Nashville, retake it, and then invade Kentucky. I have got hold of some information
to-day on this point. I think Gen. Thomas is mistaken in not believing Bragg to
be on this side of the Tennessee River. I am satisfied the advance will be made
by one of two roads—by the road by which I went out the other day, the Hills'
Truce road to Dunlap, or up the valley and around by Sparta, or perhaps by
both roads at once. The general, I think, ought to have both roads watched clear
to the other side of the mountains.
I sent out a party of cavalry this morning beyond where my people encountered
Forrest yesterday evening, which has just returned, with information that as
late as 11 o'clock to-day Forrest, with he bulk of his command, was near to
Short Mountain. I understanding Short Mountain is near and a little to the right
of the McMinnville and Lebanon road. Cannot the general sent out a force
there to rout him out? He probably halted there to collect his scattered forces.
Respectfully,
TH. J. WOOD, Cmdg.
No. 2.
Reports of Capt. Henry R. Miller, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, of skirmish at
Short Mountain Cross-Roads.
HDQRS. DETACHMENTS 18TH OHIO AND 9TH MICH. REGTS., August
30, 1862.
Yesterday at 1 p. m. we were attacked in our position, 8 miles west, on the
Manchester and McMinnville Railroad, by Gen. Forrest's rebel cavalry, con-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 227
August 29, 1862
sisting of one regiment Texas Rangers, Col. Wharton; one battalion Alabama
Cavalry, Capt. Bacot; one battalion Tennessee Cavalry, Maj. Smith, and one
battalion Kentucky Cavalry. We repulsed the enemy, with a loss of 9 killed and
40 wounded, several mortally. Among the killed, Capt. Houston; among the
mortally wounded, Lieut. Butler, who died this morning. Our loss, 9 wounded,
5 severely. The rout complete, the rebels throwing away arms and fleeing,
leaving on the field their dead and several of their wounded. They set on fire a
small trestle between us and Manchester, half a mile distant from us, which we
put out, and have now repaired the damage. The enemy have gone in the direction of Sparta.
H. R. MILLER, Capt., Cmdg.
SHORT MOUNTAIN CROSS-ROADS, TENN., August 30, 1862.
COL.: On Friday, August 29, the troops under my command, numbering 100
effective men, of Company A, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers; Company I, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers, Capt. Charles C. Ross, and Company D, Ninth Michigan Volunteers, Lieut. Wallace, had just completed the inclosure of a stockade
at this place 30 by 40 feet square, of round timber, 12 feet high. The men were
eating dinner at about 1 o'clock p. m. in a grove, distant from the stockade
about 100 yards, and in which also we had the ammunition belonging to the
command, except such as was in boxes, when the enemy, 1,500 strong, made
his appearance, formed in line of battle along the skirt of woods extending
from the railroad along the south side of the stockade at the distance of about
200 yards, and rapidly extended his line on east and west sides. My men ran
rapidly to the stockade, and at the same time the enemy, with a terrific yell,
fired a volley and rushed to cut us off from the stockade. The attacking force
consisted of 900 dismounted cavalry, commanded by Gen. Forrest, and led to
the charge by him. My men kept up a sharp running fire on the way to the
stockade, checking the impetuosity of the enemy, and all but some 10 of Company I and the men on picket got inside the fort before the enemy. The men cut
off kept up a constant fire from the railroad and woods during the engagement
and got in safety. The race to the stockade was a desperate one. On getting
within the stockade I at once sent three parties of 6 men each, one from each
company, to bring in the ammunition. These squads were commanded by Sergeant [Edward] McLaren, Company A; Sergeant [James K. ] Williams, Company I, and I regret that I do not know who from Ninth Michigan company.
They ran to the thicket under a terrible fire from the enemy's skirmishers and
succeeded in bringing in the ammunition.
The enemy now made an attack from three directions with great desperation,
approaching within 50 feet of the stockade. I kept up a constant and welldirected fire upon him for ten minutes, when, finding it impossible to dislodge
us or seriously injure our men and his own falling rapidly around, he made a
rapid retreat to the woods in great confusion. His men ran in every direction
before our fire, throwing down their arms, and immediately fell back out of
Page 228 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 29, 1862
range. Soon after an attempt was made to destroy the railroad above us. I went
out with a party and drove then away.
I at once sent messengers to Manchester and McMinnville on foot through the
enemy's lines with information. To do this dangerous duty I called for volunteers, and from those offering to go I sent Clinton L. Lee, private Company A,
to McMinnville, and Henry F. Thayer, private Company D, Ninth Michigan, to
Manchester. They both got safely through and gave information of our situation.
The enemy's forces consisted of Col. Wharton's Texas Rangers; one battalion
Alabama Cavalry, Capt. Bacot's; one battalion Tennessee Cavalry, Maj. Smith,
and one battalion Kentucky Cavalry, numbering, as I learn from Dr. Houston,
surgeon Texas Cavalry, 1,500 strong. I have also the same information from
Lieut. Butler and other prisoners.
We buried 12 of the enemy left dead and dying on the field, and have 41 of his
wounded in our hands and scattered among the houses of citizens in the vicinity. Among the dead are Capt. W. Y. Houston and Lieut. Butler, Texas Rangers.
Our loss is 9 wounded, to wit: Seven of Company I, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers; 1 of Company A, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers, and 1 of Company D,
Ninth Michigan Volunteers. Two are wounded dangerously and the others
slightly. I send list of wounded.
Drs. Johnson and Mills, surgeons Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers, arrived at midnight and at once proceeded to give all possible attention to the wounded. At
daylight Drs. Stimmel and Sabine, Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, arrived from
McMinnville, and assisted in attentions to the wounded and suffering. To all
the gentlemen my thanks are due for their promptness, industry, and skill in
ministering to the wounded.
We captured 8 horses, 3 saddles, and 30 guns.
The conduct of all the officers and men of the command was such as to compel
my admiration. They fought from the first with great coolness, bravery, and
determination. The enemy outnumbered us as nine to one.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
H. R. MILLER, Capt. Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers, Cmdg.
No. 3.
Report of Col. Edward P. Fyffe, Twenty-sixth Ohio Infantry, of skirmish at Little Pond.
HDQRS. FIFTEENTH BRIGADE, Near McMinnville, Tenn., August 31,
1862.
SIR: In pursuance to orders from Brig.-Gen. Wood to cut off Gen. Forrest and
his command, who was passing to the westward and within 2 miles of this
camp, making his way northward, and upon five minutes' notice, after procuring a guide, I marched in a circuitous route through the woods to the Murfrees-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 229
August 29, 1862
borough and McMinnville road, a distance of 6 miles from camp. I pushed
forward in the direction of Murfreesborough in quick-time until I came to an
open country, where at some distance across the fields I discovered the column
of Gen. Forrest, consisting entirely of cavalry.
The enemy having become aware of my presence at this time there commenced an exciting race between his command of cavalry and my column of
infantry for the intersection of the two roads. I ordered my command forward
at a double-quick, which they obeyed cheerfully, although they had marched
several miles at quick-time without water. I discovered when about 400 or 500
yards distant from the junction of the roads that Gen. Forrest had formed his
command in line of battle to receive my attack. I immediately ordered Lieut.
Estep, commanding Eighth Indiana Battery, to take up a position on an elevated piece of ground in the field to the left of the road, with instructions to
commence firing, and the advance guard (Companies A and F, Capt.'s James
and Peatman, of the Twenty-sixth Ohio), under Maj. Degenfeld, to deploy in
front of the artillery on the low ground, advance, and commence firing. In the
mean time Lieut.-Col. Young, commanding the Twenty-sixth Ohio Regiment,
agreeably to instructions, formed his regiment in rear of the advance guard and
followed it closely in line of battle. After firing a few rounds the enemy's lines
gave way in the center. His right wing (the Texan Rangers and some Alabama
troops) were forced to take the back track to our left, while Gen. Forrest, with
his left wing, scampered off in the direction of Murfreesborough. I ordered
Lieut. Jervis forward on the main road with one section of artillery to fire on
Gen. Forrest's detachment, and gave instructions to Lieut.-Col. Gorman, commanding Seventeenth Indiana, to support him with his regiment. I then ordered
Lieut. Voris, with the other section, supported by the Fifty-eighth Indiana, Col.
Buell commanding, to follow up and to fire on the Texan Rangers, leaving the
Twenty-sixth Ohio to occupy the center.
In a very short time the enemy were entirely dispersed in every direction; so
much so that it was with were entirely difficulty I could determine on which
road it would be must profitable to pursue him. I immediately concluded to follow him on the Murfreesborough road, but it had grown so dark that I was
enabled to pursue him but about 2 miles, when I was forced to abandon the
chase in consequence of the men and animals suffering for water. I returned to
camp the same night, arriving about 11 o'clock.
The ground over which we fought presented every indication of the utmost
confusion and consternation on the part of the enemy, the woods and roads
being strewn with arms, wearing apparel, &c. Accompanying this I have the
honor to present a list of the property that fell into our hands.
The actual loss of the enemy I had no means of ascertaining, but from the statements of citizens subsequently received and from his own admissions his loss
must have been from 18 to 20 in killed and wounded.
It is with pleasure that I inform you that these fine regiments of your division
never came into line in better order at their battalion drills than they did upon
Page 230 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 29, 1862
this occasion. The artillery, commanded by Lieut. Estep, was well handled,
quickly got into position, fired rapidly and with precision.
The command of that portion of the brigade that accompanied the expedition
devolved upon me in consequence of the severe illness of Brig.-Gen. Hascall,
who was at the time confined to his room.
It is proper to state that the Third Kentucky Regt. did not participate, in consequence of just having returned from a severe march of two days' duration, thus
entirely incapacitating them for further immediate service.
I cannot speak too highly in praise of the members of the general staff. Capt.
Ed. R. Kerstetter, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieut.s. James R. Hume, Jules
J. Montagnier, and Charles H. Bruce, aides-de-camp, were active in conveying
my commands to every part of the field. I would respectfully commend them to
your favorable notice.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, you obedient servant,
E. P. FYFFE, Col. Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, Cmdg.
No. 4.
Report of Col. George P. Buell, Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry, of skirmish at
Little Pond.
ON THE ROAD, August 31, 1862—11 a. m.
This armed body was commanded in person by Gen. Forrest. He has passed
north, via Sparta, to avoid our troops, and thus join Bragg on the other side of
the mountains. He also expects to join Morgan soon, who will also join Bragg.
Can they not be cut off somewhere northeast of McMinnville? He went toward
Short Mountain from here, thence via Sparta. If we had deployed along this
road last night it would have been better. We entirely cut off 500 Texas Rangers, who fell back into the woods, and after we left they went on north.
GEO. P. BUELL, Col., Cmdg.
P. S. -I start immediately. The wagons captured at Murfreesborough are at
Pikeville, and very little force there-two pieces of artillery and a little cavalry.
OR, Ser. I. Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 901-906.
NOTE 1: Not surprisingly, a nearly filiopietistic version of the event at Little Pond
given by John A. Wyeth in his Life of General Nathan Bedford Forrest, facsimile of 1899 ed., (Dayton, OH; Morningside Bookshop, 1975.), speaks
not in terms of loss but of victory. He does not use the place name "Little
Pond" and claims: "Not a man was captured or even hurt in this attack." He
does not mention the General losing his mount. Tennessee Historical Commission marker 2 E 65, "Skirmish at Guest Hollow" (Tenn. 55, Coffee
County, just south of Morrison) recounts the tale admitting that the General's force suffered 180 casualties. It concludes: "Confederate forces withdrew and destroyed railroad bridges between Guest Hollow land
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 231
August 29, 1862
McMinnville." The latter point is moot.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, McMinnville, Tenn.,
August 30, 1862.
Capt. HENRY R. MILLER, Cmdg. Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers:
Maj.-Gen. Thomas, commanding the United States forces at this place, takes
pleasure in commending your gallantry and the heroism of the men under your
command in so nobly repulsing the superior force of the enemy brought
against you yesterday.
Examples like Capt. Attkisson's at the Edgefield Junction and the brilliant
achievement from your stockade on the 29th day of August, 1862, gives inspiration to our troops and fresh confidence in their leaders. The example so nobly
set is commended for imitation.
Very respectfully,
[GEO. E. FLYNT,] Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Chief of Staff.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 454.
"BATTLE NEAR MCMINNVILLE, TENN."
CINCINNATI "GAZETTE" ACCOUNT
Camp of General Wood's Division
Near McMinnville, Tenn. September 2 [1862]
On Saturday evening, thirtieth ultimo, occurred in this neighborhood one of the
most brilliant feats of the war-brilliant both in execution and results-being no
less than the meeting, routing and utter discomfiture, by an inferior force of
infantry and two sections of artillery, of the dreaded General Forrest and his
active brigade of cavalry.
For some days, Gen. Forrest (brigadiered for his successful raid on Murfreesboro) has been hovering around Lebanon, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, awaiting the napping of another squad of Union generals, colonels, etc. His brigade
consisted of Col. Lawton's, formerly Terry's Texan Rangers, whom Willich
fought at Munfordsville [KY]; Colonel Smith's _____ Tennessee, Col Horton's
Second and the First regiment of Georgia; an Alabama regiment, and a Kentucky squadron-all cavalry-all of whom were with him at the battle of "Little
Pond" of which I write. Gen. Hascall's and Col. Wagner's brigades of Gen.
Wood's division are encamped two miles from McMinnville, on the railroad to
Manchester. On the morning of the thirtieth ultimo, it was learned that Forrest's
brigade was encamped six miles from here toward Manchester, and arrangements were made to attack him in the morning and drive him on to Gen.
McCook or Crittenden, coming up from the east and south. But at four P. M. it
was discovered that Forrest was crossing the railroad about two miles from
here, and rapidly marching for the McMinnville and Murfreesboro road, which
they would gain at a point called Little Pond, six miles from the railroad, eight
Page 232 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 29, 1862
miles from Wood's camp, and nine miles from McMinnville. The game seemed
to be lost. Not a second to spare. Gen. Hascall being sick in bed, Col. E. P.
Fyffe of the Twenty-sixth Ohio, was ordered to take three regiments, and if
possible, cut off at least a part of the rebel column.
In less than ten minutes the Twenty-sixty Ohio, under command of Lieut.-Col.
Young, was on its "marching way." Two sections of the Eighth Indiana battery,
under command of Lieutenants Estep, Vorris, and Jervis, were not far behind,
and these were soon followed by the Seventeenth Indiana, commanded by
Lieut.-Colonel Gorman, and the Fifty-eighth Indiana, Col. Buell. Time was
everything. Not a moment could be spared for canteens, haversacks or rest.
The route lay through the woods, over the fields, twice across Big Hickory
Creek, from knee to waist-deep, and into the Murfreesboro road two miles this
side of Little Pond. The boys felt it was a race with cavalry, and for glory, and
heeded not the weeds, woods, waters, nor waving corn. The lieutenants of artillery deserve no little credit for carrying the pieces safely through such a path.
At the end of five miles, made in less than sixty minutes, the colleen halted to
breathe load and prime. The march resumed in about quick-and-a-half timeindeed, the "stumpys" and "buntys" trotted at about ten steps out of fifteen.
And now we are on the main road-ten minutes more will show the rebel column, or their dusty backs in the air. Major Dagenfeld, with companies A and F
of the Twenty-sixth, as advance guard, at a half run and walk; Colonel Fyffe
with his staff close upon their heels; the rest of the column crowding closely
up, and all hidden in a smothering dust.
The country now opens out into cultivated fields-corn on the right, grass and
weeds on the left. A moment more will tell if we are too late. Good luck! good
luck boys!--there they are! For a mile on our left, on a line parallel with our
own route, and half a mile distant, is the long line of dust half as high as the
trees. Three quarters of mile ahead the dust-cloud makes a right angle and
moves directly for our road, but has not yet reached it! Forward! double-quick!
march! and away we go, infantry tramping, horses clattering, and artillerywagons rumbling. We are seen-mistaken for a provision-train. The traitor General has gained the road at the head of his long column of butternuts."Another
Yankee train, boys, just to our hand! A good supper and plenty to take along."
But four hundred yards are now between us. The squadrons of cavalry are galloping up and forming in line of battle in front of thick woods, facing us on
both sides of the road, and at right angles to our line of march. Col. Fyffe
immediately comprehends the position, and his aids as rapidly carry his orders.
The Twenty-sixth Ohio is to occupy the centre, the Seventeenth Indiana the
right, and the Fifty-eight Indiana the left, each of the two latter in support of a
section of artillery. At this time, Gen. Forrest's Quartermaster galloped along
the line, notifying him that artillery was being placed to support our attack. He
replied: "Damn the artillery! Stand to your posts, boys, if the devil comes.
Shoot down the damned officers, cut out their hearts with your sabres, and
throw them in their jaws."
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 233
August 29, 1862
Lieutenant-Colonel Young had now thrown his regiment into line, at a doublequick, over a high fence, and was marching steadily to the front, holding his
men well in hand, for the square at any moment a charge should be threatened
by the cavalry. A few yards further-just a moment more-but now Lieutenants
Vorris and Jeervis are already sending in the grape and shell. A shell passes
within a few yards of the rebel General land bursts a few yards behind him. A
volley of musketry-another-another. No! the line is broken. The enemy's left
and centre almost simultaneously broke to the rear, in a wild stampede. His
right having partly come up while the dispositions were being made, was unformed sick and crowded in a narrow lane. Colonel Fyffe now ordered the Seventeenth Indiana to hold the road and protect one section of artillery, the Fiftyeighth Indiana to take position on the extreme left in support of the other, while
the Twenty-sixth Ohio was close by the left and front, upon the enemy's right
(consisting of the Texas rangers and a Georgia squadron) ere they could form.
The movements were all executed in double-quick time, but it was too late.
The valiant Texans and Georgians, dropping every thing, took the back-track
and made a most inglorious and dastardly flight. Colonel Young was immediately on the ground they had occupied, and found it strewn with saddles, navy
revolvers, shot-guns, and a few rifles and muskets, blankets, coats, hats, several wounded horses, their medical wagon, (they only one they had,) etc., etc.
All this occupied far less time than I have taken to describe it, as everything
was done at double-quick time. It was an utter discomfiture and most complete
rout, seeming to pass before the eye almost as a flash. Major Dagenfeld, who,
with his advanced guard, had acted as skirmishers during the entire advance,
now scoured the woods for the smitten foe; but they were not to be found.
After pursuing them two miles along the main road, it being quite dark, and
further pursuit with infantry being useless, and no water being at hand, the
troops were marched back to camp.
The next morning three companies under command of Colonel Buell were sent
out to gather the spoils. They amounted to several wagonloads of arms, accoutrements and clothing. Four prisoners were taken, among them General Forrest's servant, who was with him during the action, and gave the write part of
the information above. Some twenty-five or thirty horses were taken and disable. Among the captured horses were the General's and his brother's, Captain
Forrest. Colonel Young now rides the General's horse, and Colonel Buell the
Captains. The casualties were few, and all on the side of the enemy, he neither
daring to charge, nor waiting till we were in effective range. He lost one killed,
twenty to twenty-five wounded, and some one thousand five hundred to two
thousand missing. Seldom has a more brilliant stroke been made in the annals
of war. The next day a fresh brigade was sent out to gather up stragglers. They
were heard of everywhere for miles, in squads of two, five, ten and fifty, but
none could be found.
In the subjoined general order by Gen. Wood, he most aptly and justly compliments Col Fyffe for his prompt action and successful strategy, and his command for their efficiency in its execution.
Page 234 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 30, 1862
Headquarters Sixth Division, Army of the Ohio, Camp near McMinnville,
Tenn., Sept. 2 [1862]
General Orders, No. 68.
The Commanding General congratulates Col. E. P. Fyffe of the Twenty-sixth
Ohio, and the troops who participated in the expedition of the thirtieth ult.,
against the notorious partisan Forrest, on the distinguished success which
attended their efforts. Col. Fyffe's command made a rapid march of nine miles
across the country, intercepted a large body of hostile cavalry, one thousand
five hundred strong, attacked at once and vigorously, and utterly routed and
dispersed the foe, without the loss of a man. It was the promptitude and vigor
of the attack which caused the utter dispersion of the foe before he could do
any injury.
The Commanding General commends the conduct of the regiments and artillery engaged on this occasion to the imitation of the whole division, and invites
all, whenever the occasion may offer, to emulate so noble and gallant an example.
By Command of Brig. Gen. Wood.
Rebellion Record, Vol. 5, pp. 599-600.
August 29, 1862 - August 31, 1862 - Cannon county, skirmishes Woodbury, Little
Pond.[a.k.a. Guest Hollow], Short Mountain Crossroads [near Morrison]
and McMinnville; Nathan Bedford Forrest "whipped"
HDQRS. First Division, Army of the Ohio
McMinnville, August 31, 1862.
"Thursday Forrest was whipped by Colonel Grose's men near Woodbury. Friday [August 29] he attacked the stockade on the McMinnville Railroad 8 miles
from here [i.e., Short Mountain Crossroads, or Morrison Depot, today Morrison] and was whipped again, and returned to Hickory Creek [Little Pond].
Started yesterday [30th] for Bragg's camp by Altamont; was met by McCook's
advance and again whipped. He then returned toward Woodbury again, but was
pursued by one of Wood's regiments, overtaken, and attacked at the crossing of
the road from Manchester to Smithville and the road from here to Murfreesborough, and again badly whipped and dispersed.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, 462
August 30, 1862 - Running skirmish from Dunlap environs up the Sequatchie Valley and
capture of two of Bragg's body guard near Altamont
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, McMinnville, August
30, 1862.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 235
August 30, 1862
Gen. BUELL, Decherd:
. . . Sent Gen. Wood with a brigade and some cavalry on the Chattanooga road.
He sent cavalry under Maj. Foster to within 5 miles of Dunlap. Reports that he
encountered the enemy's pickets 8 miles this side of Dunlap, which he drove in
for 3 miles, coming in succession upon different outposts. Learned that Gen.
Bragg was there with three brigades encamped up and down the Sequatchie.
There is also another force some 7 miles higher up the valley. People with
whom Maj. Foster conversed thought the enemy was making up the valley.
These reports of citizens not known are good for naught.
Maj. Foster also reports no water from the foot of the mountain this side to the
foot on the other side, a distance of 15 miles. A small party sent to Beersheba
Springs were told by citizens that a rebel force 1,500 strong (cavalry) was
encamped yesterday on Big Creek, 6 or 7 miles from Altamont toward Dunlap.
Heard from Gen. Mc-Cook at Altamont last night. Has captured two of Bragg's
body guard, who report that he has a large force, but not yet in the Sequatchie
Valley. His cavalry thinks he has a division there.
~~~
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 453-454.
August 30, 1862 - Skirmishing near Altamont
Excerpt from the Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, C. S. Army, on his
Kentucky Raid, August-October 1862, relative to fighting near Altamont,
August 30, 1862.
HDQRS. CAVALRY, Knoxville, Tenn., October 30, 1862.
COL.: I have the honor to report that on August 27 I moved across the Tennessee River at Chattanooga with a brigade of cavalry, consisting of parts of the
First Alabama and First Kentucky Regiments.
On the 28th we moved in front of Gen. Hardee's wing. The next day I received
an order to march toward Altamont and drive in the enemy's scouts on the
mountain. We arrived near Altamont at daylight on the morning of the 30th and
drove in their pickets on three sides, firing into their camp and killing, as we
afterwards learned, 1 colonel, 1 captain, and 2 privates. The enemy were so
alarmed and deceived that Gen. Buell reported in his Official statement, subsequently made to a council of war at Nashville, that Gen. Hardee attempted to
cross the mountain with his corps, but by his placing a large force at Altamont
he had compelled Gen. Hardee to fall back into the valley. A few hours before
we reached Altamont the enemy had an infantry brigade in ambush on the
road, but on our approach they marched in and joined their main body. After
having menaced their flanks until 12 m. we returned to Sequatchie Valley. We
then moved northward, covering the rear and left flank of the army, having
slight skirmish near Fleming's.
Page 236 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 30, 1862
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
JOS. WHEELER, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, p. 893.
August 30, 1862 - "I may also say that the mounted infantry or 'Mule Cavalry' proved an
entire success." Skirmish near Bolivar.NOTE 1
HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, Memphis, Tenn., September 4, 1862.
Col. J. C. KELTON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army:
DEAR COL.:
~~~
All seems well here and hereabouts. No large body of the enemy within striking distance. A force of about 2,000 cavalry passed through Grand Junction
north last Friday, and fell on a detachment of the Bolivar army at Middleburg,
the result of which is doubtless reported to you. As soon as I heard of the
movement I dispatched a force to the southeast by way of diversion, and am
satisfied, that the enemy's infantry and artillery fell back in consequence
behind the Tallahatchie.
~~~
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 200. NOTE 2
NOTE 1: This cavalry-infantry-artillery "skirmish" lasted about seven hours.
NOTE 2: See also: Albert Castel, ed., "The War Album of Henry Dwight, Part IV,"
Civil War Times Illustrated, Vol. XIX, No. 3, 1980, pp. 32-36.
Report of Col. Mortimer D. Leggett, Seventy-eighth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of skirmish at Bolivar, Tenn., August 30, 1862.NOTE 1
HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, Bolivar, Tenn., September 1, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report that about 7 o'clock a. m. of August 30 I
received from you orders to take a portion of my command, one section of the
Ninth Indiana Battery and two companies of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, and
drive back a force of rebel cavalry, reported to be about 400 strong, upon the
Grand Junction road and near our lines.
Col. Force, of the Twentieth Ohio, having received information that a small
rebel force was menacing our pickets, very properly took the responsibility in
my absence of sending out two companies, under Maj. Fry, of his command, to
guard the lines and feel of the enemy. On arriving at my headquarters I immediately sent 45 of my mounted infantry to support the two companies sent out
by Col. Force, and followed as rapidly as possible with the balance of the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 237
August 30, 1862
Twentieth Ohio and three companies of the Seventy-eighth Ohio, leaving
orders for the remainder of the Seventy-eight Ohio to be ready to march at a
moment's notice.
The cavalry and artillery had orders to meet me at the picket post at the Grand
Junction road, but on arriving at that point I found that neither had got there. I
left the infantry at that point under command of Col. Force to escort the artillery when it should arrive. With my staff I pressed rapidly on to the front to
prevent, if possible, an engagement until my main force could come up.
When I reached the advance I found the two companies of the Twentieth Ohio
and the mounted infantry deployed in a piece of woodland on the Van Buren
road, about 5 1/2 miles from Bolivar, and briskly skirmishing with the enemy. I
immediately discovered that we had been deceived as to the number of the
rebels, and sent back for the balance of my command to come forward as rapidly as possible. Shortly afterward two companies of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, under Maj. S. D. Puterbaugh, numbering in all 40, came up.
The nature of the ground being such that cavalry could not be used, some 12 or
14 of those who had carbines dismounted and formed with the infantry. After
driving the enemy steadily but slowly for three-fourths of a mile I gained a
position where I had a distinct view of the foe and found that I was contending
with a force of over 6,000 instead of 300 or 400. I then notified you of the fact
and asked for re-enforcements, which were promptly supplied, but the distance
from camp being over 6 miles, it necessarily took several hours to get infantry
re-enforcements upon the ground.
At this time I would have withdrawn my little force from the contest, having
less than one man to twenty of the enemy, but the nature of the ground over
which I would have been obliged to retreat was such, that my force must have
been annihilated had I attempted to escape from such overwhelming numbers.
I had not men enough to retreat, and consequently had no choice left but to
fight until support could reach us.
After we had been engaged about two hours six companies of the Twentieth
Ohio, under Col. Force, came up; also two pieces of artillery under Lieut. W.
Hight, of the Ninth Indiana Battery. Two of these companies were immediately
deployed to relieve the cavalry and mounted infantry, that they might be held
in readiness to meet any flank movement of the enemy. There being no adequate support for the artillery I dared not bring it into action, but sent it about a
mile to the rear, to take position at the junction of the Van Buren and Middleburg roads and await re-enforcements.
About noon I discovered that the enemy were making a determined effort to
flank us upon the right and get to our rear upon the Middleburg road. Leaving
Col. Force in command on the Van Buren road, I took the two companies of the
Eleventh Illinois Cavalry and mounted infantry and passed over the Middleburg road, where we found the enemy advancing in large numbers. The infantry immediately dismounted and engaged the enemy with great vigor and
Page 238 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 30, 1862
determination, and after a desperate struggle of over an hour drove them back.
Just at the close of the struggle Capt. Chandler, of the Seventy-eighth Ohio,
came upon the ground with the remainder two companies of the Twentieth
Ohio and two companies of the Seventy-eighth Ohio. These four companies
were at once deployed upon the right and left of the Middleburg road and
engaged the enemy's skirmishers. The firing having ceased on the Van Buren
road I sent orders to Col. Force to leave a sufficient guard to protect our left
from a surprise and bring the balance of his command to the Middleburg road,
where it was evident that the enemy were organizing for the purpose of making
a determined effort to break our lines to reach our rear.
The infantry re-enforcements had not arrived. The balance of the Seventyeighth Ohio was reported close by, but not near enough to support the artillery,
hence it could not be used. At this moment Lieut. Col. Harvey Hogg, of the
Second Illinois Cavalry, came up, with orders from you to report to me upon
the field with four companies of his command. I immediately assigned him a
position on the right of the road, but discovering that the enemy would probably make a cavalry charge upon us before Col. Force could reach me from the
Van Buren road, I asked Col. Hogg if he could hold a position on the left of the
road and a little to the front of where he then was against a charge from the
rebel cavalry. He promptly said he could and besought me to give him the position, which was done.
He had not completed his change of place before the enemy charged down the
line of the road in vast numbers, but meeting the deadly fire of the four infantry
companies under command of Capt. Chandler they were compelled to retreat,
leaving many of their horses and men strewn upon the ground.
They twice repeated their attempt to get possession of the road and were both
times repulsed by the companies under Capt. Chandler.
They then threw down the fences and entered the field upon our left and
opened fire upon Col. Hogg's cavalry and the two companies of the Twentieth
Ohio attached to Capt. Chandler's command. The infantry and cavalry returned
the fire briskly and with terrible effect. I then discovered that a full regiment of
cavalry was forming in the rear of those firing upon us, evidently with the
determination of charging upon our cavalry and that portion of the infantry on
the left of the road. I said to Col. Hogg if he had any doubt about holding his
position he had better fall back and not receive their charge. He promptly
replied, "Col. Leggett, for God's sake don't order me back." I replied, "Meet
them with a charge, colonel, and may Heaven bless you." He immediately
ordered his men to draw their sabers, and after giving the order to "Forward"
he exclaimed, "Give them cold steel, boys, " and darting ahead of his men he
fell pierced with nine balls. The next instant the two maddened lines came
together with a clash of arms sublimely terrible. The enemy wavered and gave
partially away, but Col. Hogg having fallen in full view of his men, and no
other officer for the moment assuming command, our cavalry became partially
disorganized and fell back a short distance, when Capt. M. H. Musser, of Com-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 239
August 30, 1862
pany F, Second Illinois Cavalry, took command and soon put them in shape for
fighting again.
The struggle between the rebel cavalry and Companies G and K, of the Twentieth Ohio Infantry, who were deployed on the left of the Second Illinois Cavalry, was if possible still more determined and angry. Our men engaged in a
hand-to-hand conflict with the enemy, and in fighting fifty times their own
number they displayed a determined, persistent courage seldom exhibited upon
the battle-field.
Seven companies of the Seventy-eighth Ohio, under Maj. D. F. Carnahan, and
Col. Force's command from the Van Buren road coming up at this time, they
formed in line to support the artillery. I ordered a slow retreat of the advanced
line and brought the enemy within range, when Lieut. Hight, of the Ninth Indiana Battery, opened upon them with shot and shell and caused them to break
and disperse in great disorder.
Thus ended a contest of seven and a half hours, in which less than 900 of our
brave soldiers met and drove from the field over 6,000 well-officered and wellarmed rebels.
To make mention of all who distinguished themselves for courage and gallantry on the battle-field would require the naming of every officer and man
engaged. Every one did his full duty; more than could be reasonably asked.
Not a man faced to the rear until he was ordered or carried back. Several fought
after they were wounded until the loss of blood rendered them unable to stand.
It would be unjust, however, not to name Col. M. F. Force, of the Twentieth
Ohio, whose coolness and courage inspired all who saw him; Maj. Fry, of the
Twentieth Ohio, who commanded the advance when the attack was first made
in the morning, was in the thickest of the fight all day; Lieut. Ayres, of the
Twentieth Ohio, and Lieut. Munson, of the Seventy-eighth Ohio, who together
commanded the mounted infantry, and without whose efforts we must have
lost the day; Lieut. Hills, Twentieth Ohio, displayed great energy and bravery
in snatching our dead and wounded from the very hands of the enemy; Capt.
Kaga and Lieut. Melick, of the Twentieth Ohio, for the adroit management of
their companies and their indomitable courage; Capt. Chandler, of the Seventyeighth Ohio, whose coolness and bravery in maneuvering the four companies
under his command were observable by all who saw him. Capt. G. F. Wiles,
Lieut. W. W. McCarty, and Second Lieut.'s Roberts and Scales, all of the Seventy-eighth Ohio, are deserving of the highest praise for their personal valor
and for their skill in extricating their companies when entirely surrounded by
the enemy. Maj. S. D. Puterbaugh and Capt. Otto Funke, of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, were in the fight nearly all the time and exhibited great courage
and gallantry. The Second Illinois Cavalry was on the field so short a time I can
only particularize their commander, the lamented Col. Hogg. A braver, truer
man never lifted his arm in defense of his country. He was brave to a fault, and
fell while leading one of the most gallant cavalry charges of the present war.
Page 240 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 30, 1862
It is proper that I should make special mention of Adjt. E. N. Owen, Twentieth
Ohio, and Adjt. H. S. Abbott, of the Seventy-eighth Ohio, who acted as my
aides-de-camp during the day, and regardless of personal danger frequently
went through showers of bullets in executing their orders. I may also say that
the mounted infantry or "Mule Cavalry" proved an entire success. They prevented the enemy from flanking us at least twice during the battle. They move
with the celerity of cavalry, yet fight as infantry.
Our loss was 5 killed, 18 wounded, and 64 missing. The enemy's loss was far
greater, but as they were seen to pick up and carry to the rear their killed and
wounded as fast as they fell their loss is not known to us. It is reported over
200.
I inclose the report of officers commanding regiments and detachments in the
battle.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. D. LEGGETT, Col. Seventy-eighth Ohio Vol. Infantry, Comdg. First Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 46-49.NOTE 2
NOTE 1: Colonel Leggett's report was included under the heading: "31-September 1,
1862, ":Heavy Skirmishing between Medon & Toone's Station on the Mississippi Central Railroad," below. It is sequestered here to give clearer temporal definition to the event.
NOTE 2: See also: Rebellion Record, Vol. 5, pp. 597-599.
August 30, 1862 - Skirmish at Altamont, on Manchester-Smithville Pike
•See August 29, 1862-August 31, 1862-Cannon county, skirmishes Woodbury, Little Pond.[a.k.a. Guest Hollow], Short Mountain Crossroads [near
Morrison] and McMinnville; Nathan Bedford Forrest "whipped"
August 30, 1862 - Scout to Dunlap environs
ON THE MARCH RETURNING, August 30, 1862.
Maj. G. E. FLYNT:
MAJ.: My cavalry has returned, having gone within 5 miles of Dunlap.
Maj. Foster, in command of the cavalry, reports that he encountered the
enemy's pickets 8 miles this side of Dunlap, whom he drove in for 3 miles,
coming in succession on different outposts. He learned that Gen. Bragg was at
Dunlap with three brigades encamped up and down the Sequatchie in the
neighborhood. There is also another force some 7 miles higher up the valley.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 241
August 30, 1862
The people with whom Maj. Foster conversed thought the enemy was working
up the valley, but of course they know nothing certainly on this point nor can
they be relied on as to numbers. There may be more than three brigades
encamped at Dunlap.
Maj. Foster also reports no water from the foot of the mountain on this side to
the foot on the other side, a distance of 15 miles.
I sent a small party yesterday afternoon to Beersheba Springs, who report that
they were told by a citizen that a rebel force of 15,000 cavalry was encamped
yesterday on Big Creek, 6 or 7 miles from Altamont toward Dunlap.
Respectfully,
TH. J. WOOD, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 454.
August 30, 1862 - New jail established in occupied Memphis
The New Jail. Mr. Park, S. Tighe, and Mr. Amis, acting as Jail committee, have
secured Col. [i.e., Brigadier General Nathan Bedford] Forrest's negromart on
Adams street between Second and Third. . . for the purposes of a jail. . .
Memphis Union Appeal, August 30, 1862
August 30, 1862 - Letter from A. E. Harris [C. S. A. ] at Baptist Gap, Morristown environs,
to Mrs. Maria Jane (Crampton Smith) Harris at Oak Hill, Panther
Springs, Tennessee
Camp near Baptist Gap
Aug. 30, 1862.
Dear Aunt:
I am out of cloths and most money and there is none to be had here, I wish you
would have those pants mended that I left when I was over there, also a couple
of shirts made, callico or anything you think suitable will do. I would send
home after them but it is very uncertain whether I would ever get them or not,
perhaps you will have a chance to send them to me or to Foster at Taswell & he
can send them to me. We will draw some money before long and I will send
you the money to pay for them then. I have been trying to get a furlow of two
or three days and could not get that. Aunt send this as soon as you can and perhaps I will get them before we leave here but we are not gone to Kentucky yet
and it is my opinion that it will be several days before we go. Our cavalry pickets were surrounded by a regiment of two of infantry from Cum. Gap, they
came over the top of the mountain and succeeded in surrounding our pickets
which were on top of the mountain at Baptist Gap. Lieut. Mamard & Colonel
Alsten were up on the mountain at the time. Col. Alsten was taken prisoner and
Page 242 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 30, 1862
Lieut. made good his escape but lost his fine horse two privates were killed &
three taken prisoner all of Capt. Smith's Com- it being on picket that day.
Foster was over here yesterday but did not stay but a few hours, he is looking
very well but somewhat sunburnt to what he was when he came into the service. John and I are both well. Aunt pleas have these things fixed up and send
them over the first opportunity and you will much oblige your nephew.
A. E. Harris
W. P. A. Civil War Records, Vol. I, p. 36NOTE 1.
NOTE 1: Tennessee, Records of East Tennessee, Civil War Records, Volume I, Prepared by the Historical Records Survey Transcription Unit, Division of
Women's and Professional Projects Works Progress Administration, Mrs.
John Trotwood Moore, State Librarian and Archivist, Sponsor, T. Marshall
Jones, State Director, Mrs. Penelope Johnson Allen, State Supervisor, Mrs.
Margaret H. Richardson, District Supervisor, Nashville, Tennessee, The
Historical Records Survey, June 1, 1939, p. 36 [Hereinafter cited as W. P.
A. Civil War Records, Vol.___, p. ____, etc.]
August 30, 1862 - Depredations on the Cartmell farm
This regiment about as hungry as other, roaming about digging potatoes &c.
Those that left yesterday killed 2 of my cattle and I don't know how many
hogs. . .
Robert H. Cartmell Diary.
August 30, 1862 - Results of a foraging expedition in Hardeman Springs and environs
. . . A large foraging expedition composed of the 16th In which has been gone
four or five days returned last evening and brought back with them 400 "contrabands" 30 mules, 12 wagons and a large amount of other captures[.] This
morning the camp was alive with colored men and women and children hunting situations in the Brigade as cooks or any kind of servants for "de Union
boys [.'] Our company took three big strong darkies to cook[.] But one of them
ran away before noon and the other two look as if they would run any time[.]
They were too much overjoyed at the idea of being free and well they may
be. . .
Boyd Diary
August 30, 1862 - Union troop train attacked by Confederate bushwhackers; excerpt from
Surgeon William M. Eames' letter to his spouse
Nashville
August 31, 1862
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 243
August 31, 1862
Sunday 1 o'clock A. M.
Dearest Mary,
I am still at the Commercial Hotel; but expect to leave today. Our Reg. came in
yesterday & I was heartily glad to see it. They came on the cars from Columbia
& had a long tedious journey but no serious mishap. Part of them were attacked
by bushwhackers but the rest of the Reg. arrived in time to help them out of
their trouble & there was but little damage done except killing three 19th Ill[.]
boys & wounding several & burning two bridges & hindering a while. Our
men killed some of the rebels and took some prisoners & got 7 fine horses. . .
~~~
Wm. M. Eames
William M. Eames Papers.
August 31, 1862 - Skirmish at Medon Station
No circumstantial reports filed.
HDQRS of the Army
Washington, November 25, 1862
Hon. E. M. Stanton
Secretary of WarNOTE 1
~~~
The withdrawal of a considerable part of Gen. Grant's army to re-enforce Gen.
Buell and to occupy Louisville and Cincinnati induced the enemy to renew
operations in Northern Mississippi and Western Tennessee. A force of some
5,000 or 6,000 men was sent to attack Bolivar and Jackson, Tenn., and by
destroying the railroad to cut off all connection between Memphis and Corinth.
The head of the enemy's column was met about four miles south of Bolivar on
the 30th of August and a brisk skirmish ensued. On the 31st a portion of the
enemy's forces was engaged and repulsed near Medon Station. . .
H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief
OR, Ser. III, Vol. 2, p. 875.
NOTE 1: Apparently the only report related to the Medon Station skirmish is found in
General H. W. Halleck's report to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton on
November 25, 1862, for all the U. S. Army's activities from July 21, 1862.
August 31, 1862 - Capture & destruction of W. B. Terry on Tennessee River
AUGUST 31, 1862.-Capture of U. S. transport W. B. Terry on the Tennessee
River.
Page 244 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 31, 1862
Report of Leonard G. Klinck, master U. S. transport-steamer W. B. Terry.The
above-named steamer left Paducah, Ky., Saturday, August 30, at 1 a. m., bound
for Hamburg, Tenn., with a cargo of coal, for the use of gunboats on the Tennessee River. Arrived at foot of Duck River Sucks same day at dark, where we
lay anchored in the middle of the river until daylight Sunday morning. Worked
all day trying to get over the shoals without success. Finding it impossible to
get over, concluded to return to Paducah and report. Started down about sundown, hopping to reach a safe anchorage before dark, but unfortunately
messed the narrow and difficult channel and ran hard onto the lower ledge of
rocks, under a bluff high bank, with her stern only 20 feet from shore, and with
less than 2 feet of water from boat to shore. Finding it impossible to get off
without assistance, and being in hourly expectation of the arrival of steamer
Des Moines City, which was to follow us up, thought best to await her arrival
as long as there was any chance to save the boat and cargo, and then abandon
and burn her, if necessary, to keep her out of the hands of the Confederates.
We had on board for the protection of the boat two 6-pounder Parrott rifled
guns, with a sergeant and 6 gunners, and also 10 sharpshooters, all belonging
to the Eighty-first Regt. of Ohio Volunteers. From our position the cannon
were entirely useless, unless the enemy were within 50 feet of the boat. I sent
out five of the sharpshooters as pickets, with instructions not to fire, but report
immediately to me if they saw or heard any cause for alarm; and if they had
obeyed orders I believe we could have destroyed the boat and guns; but the
first intimation we had of attack was a discharge at daylight of about 200 guns
into the broadside of the boat, many of the balls going entirely through and out
at the opposite side. Not a single state-room escaped being pierced through.
Our pickets had fired on their reconnoiters and then ran. This precipitated an
attack by their whole force, which took us by surprise. From what I afterward
saw I was in the after-cabin when the firing commenced, and went immediately through the cabin and down the forward gangway onto the lower deck to
see about the cannon. Before reaching the after-deck, where they were placed,
both were discharged and deserted without spiking. I found every man lying
flat down behind the ice-box and coal pile. I do not accuse them of cowardice
for this, because no set of men on earth could have loaded the guns in their
exposed position amidst such a perfect hail-storm of bullets as was being
poured through the cabins and deck. Their discharges were mingled with the
wildest shouts I have ever heard. All of them were within 60 yards of the boat.
Being satisfied that any further attempt at resistance would be worse than folly,
and believing it my duty no longer to hazard the lives of my passengers and
crew (not forgetting myself), I called with all the power of voice I could command for them to cease firing until I could show a flag of truce. I do not know
that they heard me, but they did not cease firing. I then went up into and
through the cabin, got a boom-handle, put a small sheet on it, went out on the
guard in front of them, and waved it. There were as many as fifty shots fired by
them after I presented my extempore flag of truce, four of which went through
it. Their officers say that they ordered firing to cease the moment the flag was
shown, but that some of their men did not hear it and could not see the flag.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 245
August 31, 1862
Capt.s Napier and Algee came immediately on board and took formal possession in the name of the Confederate States of America.
All forces were then set at work throwing overboard the coal and everything
that would lighten her, and in a few hours succeeded in hauling her over the
rocks. They used her that evening to ferry some troops across the river, and the
next morning stripped her of all furniture and stores and burned her about 10
o'clock. The Terry had 8 officers, including myself. Her deck and cabin crew
numbered 17 (all negroes ), and we had 5 passengers, all of whom, with officers and crew, were taken prisoners. The soldiers were taken, excepting two of
the pickets, who are missing (probably in the woods). The passengers work the
boat until she was burned. We were then paroled and allowed to construct a raft
out of the spars and stages and turned loose on the river, without provisions of
any kind, to make our way to Fort Henry as best we could.
In the attack there were none killed, unless it might possibly be the two missing
pickets. One passenger was seriously wounded in the knee; another, the only
lady passenger, received a painful, though not dangerous, wound in her thigh.
One of the gunners and one negro received two wounds each, not dangerous.
The soldiers and negroes, some of whom were free, were all sent back in the
country immediately after capture. With Capt.'s Napier and Algee we have no
fault to find while prisoners with them. They treated us gentlemanly and
respected our rights to private property of all kinds, but some of their men pilfered much of our clothing that was not under lock and key.
LEONARD G. KLINCK, Master U. S. Transport-Steamer W. B. Terry at time
of capture.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 52-53.
CORINTH, September 5, 1862.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.:
I am now convinced that the steamers Skylark and Callie burned on the Tennessee River about two weeks ago by rebels was done with the connivance of
the captains or Treasury agents. The steamer [W. B. ] Terry, just captured on
the same river, was probably done with the connivance of her commander,
Capt. Klinck. I had just ordered the expulsion of Capt. Klinck from our lines on
the strength of a letter received, sent through Washington, exposing his secession proclivities, the very morning his brother, the quartermaster, sent him in
command of the Terry. Klinck is now in Cairo under arrest.
U. S. GRANT, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt II, p. 202.
August 31, 1862 - Skirmish at Rogers' Gap
AUGUST 31, 1862.-Skirmish at Roger's Gap, Tenn.
REPORTS.
Page 246 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 31, 1862
No. 1.-Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U. S. Army.
No. 2.-Maj. Gen. J. P. McCown, C. S. Army.
No. 1.
Report of Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U. S. Army.
CUMBERLAND GAP, TENN., August 31, Via Louisville, Ky., September 14,
1862.
At noon on the 29th I sent 60 picked infantry, under Capt. Mayers and Lieut.
Rogers, First Tennessee, by a circuitous route through the mountains to Roger's
Gap, with instructions to harass the enemy, and, if possible, intercept dispatches. This morning at daylight Capt. Mayers surprised Capt. Rhodes' company of rebel cavalry on the southern side of Rogers' Gap. He killed 6,
wounded 6 or 8, and captured 19, among whom is Capt. Rhodes, a renegade
Ohioan; also 30 horses and equipments, including carbines, &c. Capt. Mayers
and party reached Cumberland Gap at 6 o'clock p. m. to-day. This brave little
band performed a march of 60 miles, over a route almost impracticable, in fifty
hours, and surprised and captured one of the enemy's outposts, and returned to
this place without the loss of a single man. A portion of the enemy were absent
on a scout; of those present one lieutenant escaped, and he only clothed in his
shirt. This morning I sent Lieut. Col. [Joel W. ] Ridgell, with 275 men, to join
Garrard, Third Kentucky, en route to Gen. Wallace. The forces of the enemy
under Gen. Smith, about 25,000 strong, have gone forward from Cumberland
Ford and Barboursville toward Lexington. The condition of his army is desperate; his whole force is doomed. Sixty of his men will be in to-morrow morning
to surrender. Those who have arrived represent that a considerable portion of
the conscripts are for the Union. Were it not for the immense importance of this
stronghold I would advance with two brigades by rapid marches to gain
Smith's rear; but were we to lose the Gap it would cost a sea of blood to retake
it. Col. Garrard has fought and whipped the enemy near McKee to-day. I established a battery on Poor Valley Ridge, 1 mile south of the Gap, and shelled the
enemy's camp, indicated by the their fires, at several points. We could see the
rebels scatter. The Knoxville register of the 27th instant declares that we have
but three days' rations. The telegram of the general-in-chief has been received.
He need not feel anxious in regard to this post. Officers and soldiers are in fine
spirits and prepared for any sacrifice which duty may require.
GEORGE W. MORGAN, Cmdg.
No. 2.
Report of Maj. Gen. J. P. McCown, C. S. Army.
KNOXVILLE, TENN., September 2, 1862.
A Federal force through Rogers' Gap captured and dispersed the company
there; they also threaten our trains through Big Creek Gap. All the force at my
command will be required to protect these points. Where is Breckinridge's
division?
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 247
August 31, 1862
J. P. McCOWN, Maj.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 953-954.
August 31, 1862 - Federal artillery bombardment of C. S. A. camps at Cumberland Gap
from Poor Valley Ridge
•See August 31, 1862--Skirmish at Rogers' Gap
No circumstantial reports filed.NOTE 1
. . . The enemy has been shelling at us continuously all day with their big guns,
but they do us no harm. The buzzing of shells has become an old song to us;
our boys pay no attention to them. Most of the shells pass over our heads,
though some fall short of us. It is worthy of note that there has not been a rifle
pit, or any sort of breastworks erected over our entire line since this siege
began, though most of our regiments have thick woods to camp in. If our enemies had our position they would have the whole country round about dug up
into powerful earth-works.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
NOTE 1: Not listed in OR General Index nor in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
August 31, 1862 - An aristocratic Warren County woman's observations on the war in the
McMinnville environs
Sunday, August 31st
Sadder than ever, and not well besides, I take up my old pen, again to record
the doings and sufferings of the past few days. The retreat of last Sunday was I
am sure made in "Good faith" by the Yankees, and intended to be permanent.
This I am convinced of from the fact of the men saying they had learned that
70 thousand of the "secesh" were advancing upon them—also burning up some
stores, wagons, etc., which they could not get away. . . I have learned that they
say since their return that they are leaving, but meeting with Thomas's division,
some 15 or 20 miles out, unexpectedly, they returned. They doubtless heard too
that there were no "70,000" anywhere about to molest them, so back they
came. They had sent all their tents, baggage, etc. down towards Murfreesboro
on Sunday, (and by the by all that rain, with its escort they, the Yankees, say,
was captured somewhere about Woodbury, by Morgan and Forrest, how true it
is cannot tell;)—Consequently these men are without tents and almost without
provisions. What they lack however, they make up off the citizens—whatever
they want, we are the sufferers. Never shall I forget the scenes that occurred
here on Wednesday (27th) morning. They seemed to be anticipating an attack
in the direction of Murfreesboro. . . the pickets were out in heavy force. They
were Indianians and the meanest looking set of wretches I ever saw. Soon after
daylight the whole place was crowded with them racing to and fro, everywhere
in search of food. Some were digging potatoes, some pulling corn, some chas-
Page 248 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 31, 1862
ing the chickens and sucking pigs—some had the cows up in a corner milking
them,—endless crowds beset the kitchen and smoke house begging, cursing
and threatening, so that Nancy had to just give over cooking breakfast,—and
endless crowds were racing about the orchards, shaking down and crunching
the half-ripe fruit with the fierceness of famine and the voracity of wild animals,—while others in bodies of 15 to 30 were running our fat hogs and killing
them with rocks. I saw them stone one poor fellow [i.e., a pig] to death myself
out in the grove,—two others they killed in the same way at the limestone
spring. . . Never shall I forget my feelings that morning—I felt as I suppose a
person may who is in a shelter, not altogether secure, and looking through a
loop-hole finds himself suddenly surrounded by hordes of revening wolves.
There could not have been less that a thousand of the miscreants on the place—
every corner was black with them. The negros were alarmed, and perfectly
"outdone" with them. Mammy said a day or two after—"If I'd had my will, and
the strength I'd a been kickin ' them dogs till now." It was, to use her phrase
"Perfectly tarrifying!" I kept the children in the house, and all the doors and
windows closed until the pickets were changed in the afternoon,—a Ky. regiment was put on guard then, and we began to breath a little easier.—Wednesday [27th] evening a whole brigade left—in the direction of Murfreesboro,—
we heard that day of the train that retreated Sunday being taken near Woodbury, it was said that Morgan and Forrest were all there. On Thursday [28th]
morning we heard cannonading in that direction, and a Mr. Todd who came up
from there on Friday said there was fighting there the day previous—but that
was all he knew. . . On Wednesday evening when that brigade left—the dust
was so thick you could not distinguish between the men and horses, and it
rolled in clouds down the grove, filling the yard full, and extending in great
waves to the river.—On Friday [29th] evening some men came to the kitchen
and acted worse than any had yet done,—cursing, and spitting everywhere—
going into everything in the cup-board and stove,—inciting the negros to run
away, and upon finding out that they were better satisfied at home, cursing
them for fools, and trying to insult and aggravate them in every possible manner. When the Col. heard of it he went after an officer—but by the time that
official arrived the wretches had de-camped. This time Mammy was perfectly
furious—She came in to tell me about it, and she was so enraged she could
scarcely speak. . . Last night [30th] they expected to be attacked from the
direction of Woodbury—and the men were drawn up in line of battle all along
the road above us. . . There was a young moon, a week old, and before I went
to bed I looked out my window. The moonlight slept sweetly all over the grove
and all was so still and hushed, you could not have conjectured there was an
armed man in a thousand miles of the place—yet the shadows were full of
them, and the road bristling with bayonets. The Katy-dids cry and a very light
murmur of the wind among the leaves were the only sounds that broke the deep
stillness. When I awoke this morning—no fight had occurred, nor do I imagine
there will be one here. I do not look for the Yankees to be driven from here by
"Southern powder and Southern Steel." Our forces are, it seems to me, very
fond of the policy of "masterly inactivity." We have been hearing for 6 weeks
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 249
August 31, 1862
past that there was a Confederate army of 180,000 men, with a train of wagons
10 miles in length in Chattanooga—but if so, we have had no evidence of it as
yet. If our army intends to strike at all, I do not see why it should not endeavor
to do so before the new [conscription] levy of 300,000 men shall be furnished
the north. If they get in here, or a portion of them it will be a much more difficult task to redeem Tenn, if indeed they desire here redemption at all.-The Yankees will only be driven away by necessity—the necessity of getting
something to eat. . . In the meantime they have scoured the country in every
direction—taking corn, hay, fodder, cattle, people's meat out of their smoke
houses, poultry, pigs, calves, sheep—in fact everything that can be eaten. How
we are to live this winter God only knows. They have torn down Lawson Hill's
distillery, took all his brandy, etc. They took one man prisoner about 14 miles
from here, for selling cattle to the Confederates. His wife was nearly distracted,
and his only child, a boy of 7 or 8 years followed the party who were taking off
the prisoner for a mile land half, screaming and crying for his father. The father
wept—they tried every way to get the child to return—but he would not—at
last one of the men took him upon his horse and rode back with him as hard as
he could go—There is a regularly organized band of negro stealers among
them—they run the negros off to Ky. and sell them. . . I have despaired of the
Southern army doing anything for us here. . .
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French.
August 31, 1862 - A Madison County yeoman farmer's realization about civil war
We live on but amid scenes such as we hope no more to see. We now realize
the truth that of all wars, civil war is the most to be dreaded. . .
Robert H. Cartmell Diary.
August 31, 1862 - September 1, 1862 - Heavy skirmishing between Medon & Toone's Stations on the Mississippi Central Railroad, and DenmarkNOTE 3
•See September 1, 1862--Skirmish at Britton's Lane
No. 1.
Report of Brig. Gen. Leonard F. Ross, U. S. Army, commanding District of
Jackson, Tenn., of operations August 30-September 1,-09 1862.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF JACKSON, Jackson, Tenn., September 7, 1862.
I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of troops
under my command during August 30 and 31 and September 1 instant:
On the morning of August 30 I received a dispatch from Col. M. M. Crocker,
commanding at Bolivar, that that post was threatened by a large force advancing from the south, and subsequently that Col. Leggett had been sent out to
make an attack on the advancing column of the enemy; that a skirmish had
taken place with a force supposed to be about 4,000 strong and that re-enforce-
Page 250 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 31, 1862
ments had been asked for and sent forward. Feeling that an attack was being
made on Bolivar I took the first train for that place. On arriving I ascertained
that a severe skirmish had taken place 4 miles south of Bolivar between the
forces under Col. Leggett, consisting of the Twentieth and Seventy-eighth
Regt. 's of Ohio Volunteers; four companies of the Second Illinois Cavalry,
under Lieut.-Col. Hogg; two companies of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, under
Maj. Puterbaugh, and one section of artillery, and the whole rebel force.
After a skirmish of about seven hours by our infantry, our artillery was brought
to bear upon the enemy; this, followed by a gallant charge of our cavalry, under
Lieut.-Col. Hogg, drove the enemy from the field. In this charge Col. Hogg
fell, while engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with Col. McCulloch, by a shot
fired by one of McCulloch's men. Night coming on, our forces fell back to
within supporting distance of the balance of the division, formed a line of battle, and awaited a renewal of the attack. In the morning [31st] the enemy was
nowhere in sight, but I heard that his main force had moved to our right and
had gone north. Fearing an attack on Jackson in force, the place being but
weakly garrisoned, without fortifications, I directed that Col. Dennis, stationed
at Estenaula, with the Twentieth and Thirtieth Illinois Volunteers, two companies of cavalry, under Capt. Foster, and one section of artillery, return at once
to Jackson, for which place I took the first train.
Within an hour of my return I was informed that the telegraph wires were cut
and the railroad bridges fired between here and Bolivar, and that four companies of the Forty-fifth Volunteers at Medon, under Capt. Palmer, were attacked
by superior numbers. Six companies of the Seventh Missouri Volunteers, under
Maj. Oliver, were at once sent forward to re-enforce Medon. Orders were also
dispatched to Col. Dennis, who was moving toward this place, to change his
direction toward Medon, attack the enemy in the rear, and if possible cut them
to pieces and capture them.
Maj. Oliver, with his six companies of the Seventh Missouri, moved at once to
Medon by railroad, and attacked the enemy vigorously and drove him from the
field. The enemy had previously taken prisoners some 40 of our pickets along
the line of the railroad, but being driven from Medon and the line of the railroad and closely pursued he retired on the road leading to Denmark. When
about 6 miles from Denmark, on the following morning, [September 1st] the
enemy's advance was met by the advance forces of Col. Dennis' command, 800
strong. Both parties prepared for action. Col. Dennis, selecting a strong position for resisting a cavalry charge, awaited the attack. The forces of the enemy
numbered some 6,000. The engagement resulted in a victory to our arms, the
most brilliant of the war. The enemy left on the field 179 dead; wounded not
known. Our loss is 5 killed and 51 wounded. After this engagement the enemy
retired beyond the Hatchie toward LaGrange.
For particulars in regard to the above engagements and for lists of killed and
wounded I beg leave to refer you to the reports of Col. Crocker, Thirteenth
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 251
August 31, 1862
Iowa Volunteers, and Col. Lawler, Eighteenth Illinois Volunteers, inclosed
herewith.
In each of these engagements the skill and gallantry of the officers and the cool
determined courage of the men deserve the highest commendation.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. ROSS, Brig.-Gen., Comdg. District.
No. 2.
Report of Col. Marcellus M. Crocker, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, commanding
Second Division, District of Jackson, Tenn., of skirmish near Bolivar, Tenn.,
August 30, 1862.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, DISTRICT OF JACKSON, Bolivar, Tenn.,
August 30, 1862.
Col. Leggett, commanding the First Brigade, was sent out by me this morning
on the Grand Junction road, with one regiment of his brigade; four companies
of the Second Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Hogg; two companies of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, under command of Maj. Puterbaugh, and
one section of artillery, with instruction to drive off a force of the enemy's cavalry, supposed to be 150 strong, and reconnoiter the country. Upon arriving at
the ground Col. Leggett at once became engaged with a large force of the
enemy's cavalry. The engagement lasted about seven hours, mostly skirmishing, but occasionally becoming a hand-to-hand fight, our forces repelling
charges of the enemy's cavalry. About 4 p. m. the enemy drew back, and Col.
Leggett, receiving re-enforcements about that time, did not renew the attack. I
then ordered Col. Leggett to fall back with his entire force to a position inside
our picket lines, where he is now stationed, expecting a renewal of the attack at
daylight.
We have lost in killed and wounded about 25, Lieut.-Col. Hogg, of the Second
Illinois Cavalry, among the number.
During the engagement to day all the men (infantry, cavalry, and artillery)
behaved with the greatest gallantry and, though opposed by largely superior
numbers, not only maintained their ground but drove the enemy back. The
force of the enemy engaged was seven regiments of cavalry.
Yours, respectfully,
M. M. CROCKER, Col. Thirteenth Iowa Vols., Comdg. Second Division, District of Jackson, at Bolivar, Tenn.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 44-46.NOTE 2
NOTE 3: There are five reports concerning this combat event.
NOTE 2: Report No. 3, of Colonel Mortimer D. Legget, is omitted here as it dealt with
Page 252 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 31, 1862
the skirmish near Bolivar on August 30, 1862, and included above.
~~~
No. 4.
Report of Col. Michael K. Lawler, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, of skirmishes at
Medon and near Toone's Station, August 31, 1862, and at Britton's Lane, near
Denmark, Tenn., September 1, 1862.
HDQRS. COMMANDER OF THE POST, Jackson, Tenn., September 6, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report the following concerning the recent engagements along the line of the Mississippi Central Railroad and in the vicinity of
Medon Station:
Immediately after the repulse of the enemy at Bolivar large bodies of his cavalry attacked the different detachments stationed along the line of the Mississippi Central Railroad between Medon and Toone's Stations. The detachments
being small, consisting at most of single companies, after sharp skirmishing
retired to Medon Station, at which point, at and near the railroad depot, a barricade was constructed of cotton bales, under the direction of Adjutant Frohock,
of the Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry. At 3 p. m. August 31, the enemy attacked
the defenses at Medon in force, estimated to be 1, 500 strong, but were gallantly held at bay by about 150 men of the Forty-fifth Illinois. Being informed
of the attack on Medon I immediately sent six companies of the Seventh Missouri Infantry, under the command of Maj. W. S. Oliver, by railroad, with
instructions to re-enforce our men at that place. On the arrival of the train at
Medon the Seventh immediately formed line and charged the enemy, driving
him from the town and inflicting considerable loss upon him, also taking a
number of prisoners. As soon as I was informed of the demonstration on Bolivar I ordered the force stationed at Estenaula, and under the command of Col.
E. S. Dennis, of the Thirtieth Illinois, to return to this post. The command of
Col. Dennis consisted of the Thirtieth Illinois, commanded by Maj. Warren
Shedd; the Twentieth Illinois, commanded by Capt. Frisbie; a section of two
pieces of Gumbart's artillery and two companies of cavalry, commanded by
Capt. Foster.
Col. Dennis struck tents on the morning of August 31, destroying such stores
and baggage as he was unable to carry, and marched to within 12 miles of this
post, where he was met by an order from me, directing him to march for
Medon Station, to intercept the enemy near that point. Col. Dennis countermarched his command, arriving in the vicinity of Denmark that night. About
10 o'clock on the morning of September 1 his advance guard reported the
enemy in strong force at Britton's Lane, near the junction of the Denmark and
Medon roads.
The enemy's force consisted of seven regiments of cavalry, viz.,: Barteau's,
Adams', Slemons', Jackson's, Forrest's, Wheeler's, and Pinson's, amounting in
the aggregate to 5,000 men, under the command of Brig.-Gen. Armstrong. The
aggregate of Col. Dennis' force was about 800. Discovering that he was out-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 253
August 31, 1862
numbered, Col. Dennis immediately selected the best position the ground
would admit of and formed in line of battle. His position was in a large grove,
surrounded by farms, all the fields being in corn, the woods and some broken
ground being in the rear and corn fields in front, the line being on a ridge. The
greatly superior force of the enemy enabled him to entirely surround the command of Col. Dennis, and early in the engagement to capture the transportation
train, taking with it the teamsters and sick as prisoners. The enemy also captured the two pieces of artillery, but were unable to get possession of the caissons and ammunition. During the engagement the artillery and train were
recaptured by Col. Dennis, the enemy having destroyed four of the wagons by
fire. The enemy made many determined charges. Dividing their force and dismounting a part they attacked both as infantry and cavalry, the cavalry charging so close as to fall from their horses almost within the ranks of our men.
The battle was of four hours' duration, at the end of which time the enemy left
Col. Dennis in possession of the field, leaving 179 of his dead on the field and
also a large number of wounded. The total loss of the enemy in killed and
wounded is over 400. The loss of Col. Dennis in killed was 5—buried on the
field immediately after the action. His wounded numbered about 55, who were
brought to the general hospital at this post the day after the battle. Great praise
should be given to the admirable generalship and ability displayed by Col.
Dennis, and in fact every officer acted with the greatest bravery. Where all did
so nobly it would perhaps be invidious to particularize. Great credit is due
Capt. Frisbie, commanding the Twentieth Illinois, and to Maj. Shedd, commanding the Thirtieth Illinois; also to Adjutant Peyton, of the Thirtieth, who,
severely wounded, refused to leave the field. Maj. Shedd was also wounded.
Great praise is due Capt. Foster, commanding the cavalry, he rendering Col.
Dennis important aid on every part of the field. The men acted with the most
veteran courage. Surgeon Goodbrake, of the Twentieth Illinois, was untiring in
attention to the wounded, and for skill is deserving of great praise. Accompanying this report I send a list or the wounded, as furnished by him.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
M. K. LAWLER, Col., Comdg. Post.
No. 5.
Report of Brig. Gen. Frank C. Armstrong, C. S. Army, of skirmish near Bolivar, Tenn., August 30, 1862, and at Britton's Lane, near Denmark, Tenn., September 1, 1862.
MIDDLEBURG, TENN.,
Five miles south of Bolivar, Tenn., September 1, 1862.
Just finished whipping the enemy in front of Bolivar; ran in town. I believe
they will leave the country. West Tennessee is almost free of the invaders. All
needed is advance of the infantry. They estimate their force at 10,000. I believe
they have only about 6,000. Capt. Pryor will give you the details. I send 71
prisoners to Gen. Villepigue; 4 commissioned officers.
Page 254 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 31, 1862
There are strong works in rear of Bolivar, and I did not enter the town, as it
would only cause them to shell it without giving me any advantage. You will
hear of us again in a day or so.
FRANK C. ARMSTRONG, Brig.-Gen.
HDQRS. CAV. Brig., DISTRICT OF THE TENNESSEE,
September 2, 1862.
Maj.: I have the honor to report that since my dispatch from Middleburg I have
crossed the Hatchie; passed between Jackson and Bolivar; destroyed the
bridges and one mile of trestle work between the two places, holding for more
than thirty hours the road.
On my return, while marching toward Denmark, I encountered two regiments
of infantry, two squadrons of cavalry, and two pieces of artillery, in which we
captured two pieces, of artillery, destroyed a portion of the train, and took 213
prisoners, killing and wounding, by their own statement, over 75 of the enemy.
My loss was small. I recrossed to the south side of the river this morning and
have this evening paroled the prisoners.
Among the killed before Bolivar a few days ago were 2 colonels and in the
fight at Denmark 1 lieutenant-colonel; 8 officers taken prisoners.
During the entire expedition I have the co-operation of Col. Jackson, whose
command deserves an equal share of credit with my own. Our command were
in the saddle for nearly forty-eight hours, and some of them longer, without
food, but neither hunger nor fatigue could daunt them. They are ever ready
when an opportunity offers to punish the insolent invaders.
I am more firmly than ever convinced that the enemy are prepared to evacuate
Bolivar whenever an advance of our army is made.
I moved southward toward Somerville in the morning. Dispatched via Holly
Springs will reach me. I can strike across whenever needed.
It would be unjust to make distinctions. Each one has nobly done his duty during this expedition.
I have gone further probably than my instructions, but I hope my anxiety to
render service and my success will be an excuse for my doing so.
I am, major, with respect, your obedient servant,
FRANK C. ARMSTRONG, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 49-72.
Aug 26, [30] 1862. Started from camp [at LaGrange] at 11 o'clock A. M. and
road on towards Bolivar some two or three miles when we turned of[f] to the
left in the direction of Middleburg[,] in the meanwhile McCullough's and
Slemmon's Rgts were sent down the Bolivar road to drive in the Yankee pickets. They proceeded to within 5 miles of Bolivar when they came on 2 Rgts of
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 255
August 31, 1862
Yankee Infantry and 1 Squadron of Cavalry and a battery of Artillery. A fight
immediately ensued which resulted in the defeat of the Yankees with a loss of
71 prisoners 30 killed and a large number wounded. Our loss was 6 killed & 30
killed. After the fight we proceeded across the country to Miller's factory about
9 miles from Bolivar on the road to Somerville. Here we arrived about 12 M
and our Squadron was sent out on picket towards Bolivar. . .
Diary of Thomas B. Wilson, August 26, 1862.NOTE 1
Started from camp about 4 o'clock A. M. After winding through the wood for
some time we got into the main road about 2 miles from Medon. Here our
Squadron was sent up towards Medon to keep back the Yankees back until the
Column passed. We stationed ourselves in ambush and after waiting sometime
finding no enemy we started back. We had not gone far before the Yankees
were reported following us up. We immediately formed and sent out skirmishers and after skirmishing for some time, we withdrew with the loss of 4 horses
and after skirmishing for some time, we withdrew with the loss of 4 horses
killed & wounded. We fell in with the rear of the column and crossed the RR at
Tom's [i.e., Toone's] Station and took the road for Denmark. We were traveling
along at our leasure when all at once about 11 o'clock A. M. we were startled
by the report of 2 cannons in front of us. We were immediately formed in fours
and started at a gallop towards the firing. The head of the Column was driven
back. We immediately reformed and charged the battery again amidst a perfect
storm of bullets from the Yankee Infantry concealed in the woods. We drove
the Yankees from their guns and captured them 2 in number. Several other
charges were made by the other Rgts. The fight lasted 2 hours and ended in the
total rout of the enemy with the loss of 110 killed and wounded not known [,]
200 prisoners 5 wagons of baggage & 2 pieces of artillery which we burned.
Our loss was 30 killed & about 60 taken prisoner. It seems that this same Yankee force was at Estinaula when we attacked Bolivar and were retreating
toward Jackson having burned all of their extra baggage and left 400 bushels of
oats of Estinaula when we came on them almost by surprise. Their force consisted of 2 Rgts of Infantry, 1 of Cavalry, & two pieces of Artilery . After the
fight we turned to the left and proceeded in the direction of Jackson until we
arrived to within 5 miles of that place. Crossing the rack of the flying Yankees
and through the woods by byepaths towards [the] Hatchie River. We traveled
until 12 o'clock at night and halted about 6 miles from the River the night being
so dark that we were unable to see our way. We traveled this day about 30
miles. Our last fight took place near Denmark.
Diary of Thomas B. Wilson, August 28 [September 1], 1862.
NOTE 1: Thomas B. Wilson, a Tennessee Confederate cavalryman, was apparently
confused about the dates of the conflict, placing the activities of August 30,
1862 - September 1, 1862 as having taken place on the 26-28th of August.
For example, in his entry for October 3, 1862, he admits being four days off
in his caluclations.
Page 256 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 31, 1862
August 31, 1862 - Faulty Federal Intelligence Code
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION ARMY OF THE OHIO, McMinnville, Tenn.,
August 31, 1862.
Gen. SMITH, Decherd:
Order for concentrating was received early this morning, but I could not decipher it before this afternoon. Have it now.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, McMinnville, Tenn.,
August 31, 1862.
Gen. BUELL, Tullahoma:
Succeeded in deciphering the order for concentrating. It was a hard problem.
Whoever put it up must have been asleep, as no particular route was followed
and a great many words omitted.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 464.
August 31, 1862 - September 1, 1862 - Federal reconnaissance in the Sequatchie Valley
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO, McMinnville, September 1, 1862.
Gen. BUELL, Murfreesborough:
Smith has returned from Dunlap. He saw four regiments of infantry and four
pieces of artillery—12-pounders—march up the Sequatchie Valley toward
Pikeville Saturday [August 31] afternoon. Three regiments of cavalry and two
small pieces of artillery had previously marched for Pikeville. He was told that
this was the advance of a force of 45,000, which was to march on this place by
the Dunlap and Therman roads; also by Spencer and Sparta. He was also told
that they were on their way to Kentucky. From what he could see these troops
were not well provided with provisions. Their arms seemed to be good, but
many had shot-guns. They appeared to be in low spirits. Cheatham was in
command. Hardee was there; his troops were expected the next day. Smith
heard drums beating below Dunlap Sunday morning before he left home, but
did not see any troops. He met with the same cavalry force on the mountain
which has so often been reported to you. He was informed that Bragg had two
steamers and one horse-boat at Chattanooga constantly engaged in crossing
troops, and that they would bring with them fifty pieces of artillery.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 468-469.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 257
August 31, 1862
August 31, 1862 - September 3, 1862 - Federal troop maneuvers ordered to shadow Army of
Mississippi on its way toward Kentucky
GENERAL ORDERS, No,. DECHERD, August 30, 1862.
The following movements of troops are ordered, viz.,:
1st. The wagon trains and artillery, under escort of the First Brigade, Col.
Walker commanding, to move as follows, to wit: To Tullahoma on the 31st
instant; to Keats' on the 1st of September thence to within 5 miles of Nashville
on the 2d; on the 3d on the Nashville pike; then to halt and encamp, and the
commanding officer to report to Gen. Rousseau in person in Nashville for further orders.
2d. The Fifth Division (Crittenden's) will march to Manchester, and there draw
18,000 rations, on the 31st; to Hoover's Gap on the 1st of September; to a point
within 5 miles of Murfreesborough on the 2d, and to Murfreesborough on the
3d. A brigade will be pushed forward by forced marches to-night so as to reach
Hoover's Gap early to-morrow. It must be held until occupied in succession by
brigades of the rear divisions, each of which will push forward a brigade for
that purpose on arriving at Manchester.
3d. The First Division (Schoepf's) to march to Hillsborough on the 31st; to
within 8 miles of Beech Grove on the 1st, drawing 15,000 rations in passing
Manchester; to a point within 14 miles of Murfreesborough on the 2d, and to
Murfreesborough on the 3d.
4th. The Second Division (McCook's) to march from is present position to Pelham on the 1st, unless he has marched to Hickory Creek, in which case the will
continue on that road to Manchester on the 2d, whether he goes by Pelham or
Hickory Creek; to Hoover's Gap on the 3d; to a point within 10 miles of Murfreesborough on the 4th, and to Murfreesborough on the 5th. This division will
take up what rations (about 27,000) remain at Manchester.
5th. The Fourth and Sixth Divisions, under Gen. Thomas, to march to Clermont on the 3d, to Readyville on the 4th, and to Murfreesborough on the 5th.
6th. The Thirteenth Michigan, Simonson's battery, and three companies of
Engineers and Mechanics at Stevenson to march to Tantalon on the 31st; to Elk
River on the 1st; to Duck River on the 2d; to Wartrace on the 3d; to Christiana
on the 4th; to Murfreesborough on the 5th. The Thirty-seventh Indiana, now on
the road between Stevenson and Decherd and that part of the Twenty-fourth
Illinois and Ninth Michigan on the line between Decherd and Murfreesborough, will be relieved by Brig.-Gen. Smith, who is assigned to the command of
the troops named in this paragraph and to the duty of relieving all the bridge
guards on the arrival at Decherd of the troops from Stevenson. Gen. Smith will
concentrate them with the troops at Decherd, and march the whole command
as above directed, reaching Murfreesborough on the 5th. A train of 50 wagons
will accompany this column to carry the sick.
Page 258 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 31, 1862
7th. The Eighteenth Ohio and other troops between Manchester and McMinnville will be concentrated at Manchester on the 1st by Col. Stanley, and will
march from that point with the Second Division (McCook's).
These orders must be strictly and rigidly complied with and the marches made
in good order and without straggling or confusion. Commanders will be held
responsible for this. In case, however, the enemy would not press upon Altamont and McMinnville the troops at those points will delay as long as they can
do so and still have a day's march between them and the enemy's advanced
guard, if indeed the enemy should follow at all.
The different columns on the same route will communicate with each other
daily and oftener if any movements of the enemy or other controlling obstacle
should unavoidably interfere with the order of march, but it is expected that
everything that energy and fortitude can accomplish will be done to overcome
any such difficulties. Strong pioneer parties will be sent with the advanced
guards and invariable clear the road of obstacles, and the cavalry will be
thrown as far in advance as safety will permit to prevent the road from being
obstructed by the enemy.
D. C. BUELL.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 454-455.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
August 1862 — Page 259
August 31, 1862
Page 260 — August 1862
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION