August 1, 1864
AUGUST 1864
August 1, 1864 - "Rebel Female Letter"
We publish the following letter from a young rebel of the female persuasion
just as it was captured. The face of the letter discloses the authorship, and the
name is not important. It is a fair specimen of the letters going out from every
town and neighborhood, and in nine cases out of ten the writers ought to go
South with, or after their bitter and slanderous letters:
Dandridge, August 1st, 1864
My Dear Pa:
Mother wrote you and sent it to Knoxville to go out by flag of truce last week,
but I think it very doubtful whether you get it or not. The last that we received
from you was sent by flag of truce when Maj. White came down to New Market.
Well, Pa, we have been expecting the robbers on us for a month or two. Last
Wednesday night [July 27th] they came about mid-night, and plundered the
house.-Mother and I were frightened very much. Who would not have been? A
band of ruffians at midnight, plundering the house and cursing mother. They
have left us scarcely enough sheets to change our beds. The took three hundred
dollars in Confederate money, and every little thing they could lay their hands
on, even to your Masonic sash.- Mother had hid your apron and the rest of your
clothes. A Union man promised to get the sash back, if she would say nothing
about it. If he can get the sash back he can get other things, and maybe stoop
them. But no, they say that the authorities at Knoxville approve of it, and boast
that it is the only way that they can subjugate us. William informed them that
that is not the way to subjugate us. We Southern people are actually afraid to
go to bed at night—even the women and children. You need not expect, when
you come here (if ever) to find us with anything. I expect that they will be back
to-night with wagons and rob the town, at heart that is the general impression.
They told us that they were not satisfied the other night—You cannot imagine,
nor I describe our feelings at night approaches. I think that their object is to
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August 1, 1864
make our family leave. They asked the other night if Bill Bradford wasn't
going to move his family outside of the lines. If they keep on in the way they
have begun, we will soon be left destitute—Cousin Theodore Bradford had to
move his family to town. Cousin Shade Inman had to leave his home and we do
not know where he is at —he was beaten severely before he left. They make a
visit to his house nearly every night, and always leave packed. It is Union citizens who are robbing, they are not Federal soldiers and never have belonged to
the army. We recognized the ones who were here. I could tell you, but will wait
until some other time. One of our neighbors set them on us, for Dr. Jarnagan
and Mrs. Seabolt heard him directing them to our house, he pretended to be
distressed about it, but I think it is all pretense. Poor old Mr. Thomas has suffered more than anyone else in town. I hope the rebels may soon move down
and give us protection. They will soon be done plundering the town and then
they threaten to burn it to the ground. The authorities at Knoxville are aware of
all this but do not care. The Union men I think could stoop it as they are
acquainted with them, but it is no matter to them and I candidly believe that
some of them, at least, are secretly glad of it.
Brownlow's Whig and Independent Journal and Rebel Ventilator, August 31,
1864.
August 1, 1864 - Skirmish at Athens
•See August 1, 1864-August 3, 1864-Pursuit of Rebels from Athens, Tennessee, into North Carolina
August 1, 1864 - Guerrilla attack at Silver Springs, Wilson County
"Attacked by Guerrillas-Narrow Escape"
Dr. Wm. Reynolds, of this city, went to Wilson county several days ago, to purchase some mules. He bought them, eleven in number, and on Monday last
[1st] while on his way to this city, he was halted by seven guerrillas who
demanded the mules and a negro, whom he had along, driving them. Situated
as he was, he had to submit to their demands. The visitors then retired with the
spoils, and the Doctor started on his journey to this city, but before proceeding
far he was overtaken by two of the same party, who, with drawn pistols
demanded his horse and. . . money. . . He told them he had but very little which
was in a belt around his body. The guerrillas threatened to shoot him if he did
not deliver it instantly. The Doctor put his hand behind him as if in the act of
taking off his belt, but instead. . . drew a pistol and fired, killing one of the men
on the spot. The other then commenced to fire upon him, and he continued to
return the shots, both firing several times when the guerrilla skedaddled, and
the Doctor, glad of his escape from his clutches, made a quick tracks this way,
saving his money and his horse. The Doctor's coat shows that the skirmish was
rather dangerous; two balls entered his coat sleeve, and another through the
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 1, 1864
coat just above the shoulder. The affair occurred in the neighborhood of Silver
Spring where other robberies have recently been committed.
Nashville Daily Press, August 3, 1864.
August 1, 1864 - August 3, 1864 - Pursuit of Rebels from Athens, Tennessee, into North
Carolina
AUGUST 1-3, 1864.-Pursuit of Confederates from Athens, Tenn., into North
Carolina, and skirmishes (1st) at Athens, Tenn., and (2d) near Murphy, N. C.
REPORTS.
No. 1.
Report of Lieut. Col. Michael L. Patterson, Fourth Tennessee Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, of skirmish at Athens, Tenn.
HDQRS. THIRD Brig., FOURTH DIV., 23d ARMY CORPS, Loudon, Tenn.,
August 1, 1864.
GEN.: The rebels about fifty strong attacked our forces at Athens this morning
at 8 o'clock and fought some time, our forces killing 2, wounding 3, and taking
1 prisoner, and then the rebels retreated southward from that place. I sent a
squad of ninety men, commanded by Capt. Bivens, by this morning's train, by
direction of Capt. Ammen, assistant adjutant-general.
The following is a telegram I have just received:
ATHENS, August 1, 1864.
The rebels were here fifty strong; eight men fought them, killing 2 and wounding 1, who says they are Capt. Holland's men, Georgia. We mounted seventyfive of our men, under command of Capt.'s Bivens and Preble, and started in
pursuit at 1 o'clock. I am in command of reserve. The rebels left at 11 a. m.
B. C. MILLER, Lieut., First Ohio Heavy Artillery Volunteers.
Train passed Athens at 6 o'clock this evening; will be at Lenoir's probably ere
this can reach you. I will send it ahead as soon as it arrives here.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. L. PATTERSON, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg.
Report of Capt. Joshua S. Preble, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, of the pursuit of
the Confederates and skirmish near Murphy, N. C.
HDQRS. CO. L. FIRST OHIO VOL. HEAVY ARTILLERY, Loudon, Tenn.,
August 5, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 1st day of August, in accordance
with instructions from Lieut.-Col. Patterson, commanding post at Loudon,
Tenn., I repaired (with Capt. Bivens, commanding a squad of eighty men
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August 1, 1864
detailed from Companies M, L, C, and H, First Ohio Volunteer Heavy Artillery, for the purpose of driving a band of guerrillas) to Athens, Tenn. We
arrived at the latter place at 12 m. of said day to find the rebels gone. In accordance with my instructions I then took command of the detachment. I pressed
all the horses and mules I could find and mounted sixty of my men, and with
them and five citizens, at 1.30 p. m., started in pursuit. We pushed on some
thirty miles until it became dark, following the trail of the scoundrels, which
was a wide one, they having plundered everything indiscriminately which
came in their way. At 3 o'clock next morning we again started in pursuit, but
owing to the fact that most of my men were poorly mounted, it was impossible
for them to keep up. At 11 a. m. I came up with the enemy near the village of
Murphy, in North Carolina, sixty-five miles from Athens. With fifteen of my
men, all who had come up, I charged on the enemy. We killed 10 and wounded
a number more. We captured 18 horses, 6 mules, 20 guns, 4 revolvers, and 2
small pistols, and a number of other articles. We took no prisoners. It is needless to add that the enemy were completely demoralized and fled in every
direction. Our loss was 1 citizen-soldier killed. My men being very much
fatigued and our horses completely done up, without rations or forage, I did not
deem it advisable to pursue farther, and commenced our return, reaching Athens next day at 2 p. m. and reaching Loudon on the 4th instant.
It is with extreme pleasure I give my testimony to the good conduct of the
brave men under my command. For three days, over a very rough and mountainous country, with but one meal, did these brave men toil on, yet not [one]
word of murmuring was heard, but all anxious for the fray. I have only to regret
that my men were not better mounted, so that they could have "been in at the
death," for in that event I think I could have rid the earth of all the cursed gang.
The enemy's force consisted of part of the outlaw and murderer Vaughn's force
and numbered sixty-three men, all well mounted, but under whose immediate
command I could not learn.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
J. S. PREBLE, Capt. Co. L, First Ohio Vol. Heavy Arty., Cmdg. Detachment.
Report of Capt. Samuel Bivens, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, of the pursuit of
the Confederates and skirmish near Murphy, N. C.
HDQRS. CO. C, FIRST OHIO VOL. HEAVY ARTILLERY, Loudon, Tenn.,
August 5, 1864.
SIR: In obedience to your order of Monday, August 1, 1864, I proceeded to
Athens, Tenn., and on arriving there found that the rebel forces had left. I then
pressed all the horses belonging to citizens that I could find. In all I had sixtyone men armed, equipped, and mounted. We then started in pursuit of the rebel
forces, which were reported to be four hours ahead of us. We then marched
until 10 o'clock at night, a distance of thirty miles, and finding the roads so bad
and a heavy rain approaching we then bivouacked in an old church for the
night. We started next morning at daybreak in pursuit, and after traveling a dis-
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 1, 1864
tance of six miles we came to where they had encamped. We then found it
much easier to follow them, as a heavy rain had fallen during the night and
their footmarks were very plain. We then followed them up and down the gorgeous mountains as fast as our horses could travel, and, in fact, many of them
fell by the roadside, being entirely run down, and their riders were compelled
to follow on foot. About 11 o'clock our advance (about fifteen men in all) came
up with the rebel forces and we attacked them. The first fire the rebels broke in
confusion. We then had a running fight for a distance of one mile, killing 8 or
10 of their number, capturing 18 horses, 6 mules, and about 18 stand of arms,
besides numerous articles of plunder which they had stolen from Union citizens. The only casualty that occurred in my command was an old citizen by the
name of Rue; he was killed instantly by a ball passing near his heart. Many of
the rebels left their horses and took to the mountains on foot. We then dismounted and threw out our men on either side of the road and advanced about
one mile. We then found it necessary to turn back, as our horses were run
down, having traveled a distance of sixty miles without any food, over as
rough a road as there is in North Carolina. After getting together our stock and
plunder we started for Athens, and were compelled to travel thirty miles before
we could get anything to eat for our men or horses. Many of the horses being
run down, we were compelled to leave them on the mountains, which were
replaced by hose that were captured. We arrived at Athens Wednesday
evening, and found owners for all our captured stock expect three mules,
which were branded "U. S." I turned them over to Capt. Holloc, acting in concert with the provost-marshal of Athens in raising and mounting a company of
scouts for McMinn County. I let the Union citizens around Athens have the
captured arms, as they seem very anxious to defend their homes, and are
almost without arms.
While gone we traveled a distance of 120 miles, over as rough country as there
is in North Carolina, in the short space of forty-eight hours, without food for
our horses or men.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SAMUEL BIVENS, Capt., Cmdg. Scouts.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, pp. 367-369.
August 1, 1864 - August 5, 1864 - Scout from Strawberry Plains to Greeneville
AUGUST 1-5, 1864.-Scout from Strawberry Plains to Greeneville, Tenn., and
skirmish (2d) at Morristown.
Report of Lieut. Col. Luther S. Trowbridge, Tenth Michigan Cavalry.
HDQRS. TENTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY, Strawberry Plains, East Tenn.,
August 6, 1864.
LIEUT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of my operations in
attempting to carry out special instructions from headquarters Tenth Michigan
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 5
August 1, 1864
Cavalry of date July 31 ultimo, regarding the destruction of the railroad bridges
over the Holston and Watauga Rivers:
I left camp with 250 men and one mountain howitzer on Monday morning, the
1st instant.
On the 2d instant, at Morristown, I met a party of the enemy, about 110 strong,
under command of Maj. Arnold. I immediately engaged them, and after a short
fight they retired with a loss of 1 officer mortally wounded, so that he died two
days afterward, and 5 men wounded, who succeeded in getting away. I feared
that this early discovery of our movement would prevent its successful execution unless this party could be cut off in some way. Therefore, learning at Russellville that they had taken the Bull's Gap road, I detached Maj. Smith, with
four companies, to get in their rear beyond Bull's Gap, but much to my surprise
they did not stop, but took the Snap's Ferry road, leading toward Kingsport.
Failing to cut them off, I encamped for the night at Blue Springs and went the
next morning to Greeneville. Here, from the best information that I could get, I
learned that there were from 250 to 300 of the enemy at Johnson's Depot,
seven miles beyond Jonesborough, where the headquarters of Vaughn's brigade
had been established; about 50 at Carter's Station; about 100 at Zollicoffer;
Morgan's headquarters at Bristol, while there were many scattering bands of
scouts through the country. The whole number of armed men west of Bristol
was estimated at not over 1,000. When at Russellville I heard that there was a
party of about 150 at Rogersville, which afterward proved true, though I did
not credit the report at that time. That party passed through Bull's Gap on
Wednesday, the 3d instant. In view of all these facts I did not deem it prudent to
proceed farther than Greeneville. The enemy could easily concentrate a force
which, with the aid of their works at the bridges, would give me great trouble,
and an attempt and failure would be worse than a withdrawal. I therefore
returned from Greeneville on the 3d instant, and arrived safely in camp last
evening. While I was very loath to abandon the expedition, it seemed to be the
only course dictated by prudence. If it shall be desired to renew the undertaking I shall be glad to do it at any time and with any force which the general
commanding may think best.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. S. TROWBRIDGE, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, pp. 370-371.
August 1, 1864 - September 30, 1864 - Expedition from LaGrange to Oxford,
MississippiNOTE 1
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, p. 370.
NOTE 1: This mission originated in Tennessee while all action occurred in Mississippi.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 2, 1864
August 1, 1864 - September 30, 1864 - Repair and reopening of the Nashville to Clarksville
railroad
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report from the Office of the Director and General Manager,
Military Railroads of United States, Washington, D. C., October 31, 1865, relative to the repair and re-opening of the Clarksville to Nashville railroad in
1864:
~~~
In August and September, 1864, the Nashville and Clarksville Railroad, sixtytwo miles long, was opened, by order of Maj.-Gen. Sherman, to reach another
line of water supply for the depot of Nashville.
~~~
OR, Ser. III, Vol. 5, p. 297.
August 2, 1864 - Skirmish at Morristown
•See August 1, 1864-August 5, 1864-Scout from Strawberry Plains to
Greeneville
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 2, 1864 - Scout in Athens environs
LOUDON, August 2, 1864—7.55 a. m.
Capt. W. P. AMMEN, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.:
I this moment received the following dispatch:
I sent 150 men and one piece of artillery.
M. B. EWING, Cmdg. Charleston.
LOUDON, August 2, 1864.
Capt. W. P. AMMEN:
I have received the following message from Athens, 2d:
Col. PATTERSON:
There are reported to be three companies of rebels within three or four miles of
here. Send help at once; nearly all my men are out on a scout. The enemy is
coming in the direction of Madisonville.
MARSHMAN, Lieut.
I have ninety men on scout at Athens now. Can you send a force to Athens by
railroads? I can't spare the men. No train here to send them on.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 7
August 2, 1864
M. L. PATTERSON, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 218.
August 2, 1864 - "Meeting in Sevier County."
At a recent Union meeting I Sevierville the following resolutions were
adopted. The meeting was large, enthusiastic, and harmonious, and was
addressed by Colonels Butler and Houk. There is no mistake as to the sentiment of the people. Three are a few leading men who are copperheads, because
they either own a negro or are related to some one who does, but there are none
among the real voters of the county. They are all right, and express whenever
called upon, sentiments similar to those expressed in Sevier county:
Resolved. That we are for a vigorous prosecution of the war, and are not willing for any compromise until every armed traitor submits to the laws of the
land.
Resolved. That we heartily endorse the administration of Abraham Lincoln in
his efforts to suppress the rebellion, and we hereby pledge ourselves to render
him every assistance in our power to carry on the glorious work.
Resolved. That the nomination of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson at
the Baltimore Convention, meets our approbation, and we hereby ratify the
same and will give them our hearty and undivied support.
Resolved, that the doctrines embodied in the platform adopted by the Baltimore Convention are the only safe one for all truly loyal men and endorse, and
we will look upon all men who oppose the principles enumerated in said platform with suspicion, and we regard any opposition to the election of Abraham
Lincoln as giving aid and comfort to Jeff Davis and the rebellion.
Resolved that it is necessary for this Congressional District to have an elector,
and will probably be impracticable to hold a convention for that purpose, we
hereby express our preference for Col. R. R. Butler of Johnson county, for that
position, and hereby nominate him for the same.
Resolved, That W. G. Brownlow, of Knoxville, is our first choice for Governor.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Knoxville
Whig and Rebel Venillator, and Nashville Times.
G. G. Sims, President
Wilson Johnston, Secretary.
Nashville Daily Times and True Union, August 2, 1864.
August 2, 1864 - ". . . taint no use to try to fight the whisky they keep here."
A captain arrested yesterday by the guard for drunkenness, when carried before
Captain Sheridan, remarked that he had been a the front three years, knew a lit-
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 3, 1864
tle about the fighting business, but he must acknowledge that he got somewhat
confused by the sudden transformation from the field of battle to a city full of
temptation."By golly, just send me back again; taint no use to try to fight the
whisky they keep here."
Nashville Daily Press, August 3, 1864.
August 3, 1864 - Skirmish at Triune
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 3, 1864 - ". . . I talked a few minutes when him and six of his men came to the door
with pistols cocked, and asked me where I was from and what was my
business there." Dispersal of guerrillas in, Spencer, Van Buren County
Liberty Tennessee Augt. 5th/1864
Governor Johnson,
Sir I hereby Send you a report of what I have done Since I last reported. On the
3d of this Month I received news of Capt. Carter and Champ Ferguson Combining forces and moving in the direction of Tracty city with the intention of
attacking it. I immediately Started with fifteen men in pursuit of him[.] after
traveling Some Sixty miles I reached Spencer. I there arrested a man who
Seemed to know where Carter was, and informed me that he had returned from
his attack on Tracy City. He informed me that Carter and his men was then at
Hemlock Hollow, which is Twelve miles from Spencer on the Chattanooga
Road. I then set my plan to get him. My self and VannattaNOTE 1 disguised ourselves and Started in the advance. Some four miles from Spencer where I stopt
to enquaire after talking a few minutes telling them I was a Southern Soldier
and wanted to find Capt Carter, I talked a few minutes when him and Six of his
men came to the door with pistols cocked, and asked me where I was from and
what was my business there. I told him that I was from Lebanon and then gave
him an introduction to Mr. Smith was Vannatta and told him we wished to Join
him. He then remarked to me to go to the Stable and feed our horses and have
dinner[.] As I was unsaddling expecting to have a good time my men came in
view of the house[.] Carters men discovered them, and it was not more than
twenty steps to a Swampy thicket where it was impossible or a horst to go
throug. I dismounted my men and pushed through but Succeeded only in hitting one, I captured all their horses and equipment also a large amount of goods
that he had captured at Tracy City. I then searched the house and premises
where I found about five wagon loads of arms and ammunition which I had
piled and burned for want of transportation[.] The arms was principally Enfield
Rifles, unserviceable and all loaded which made it dangerous when they were
burnd [.] If you will permit those fifteen men to remain with me I will insure
that Carter will never mount himself or make another raid[.]
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 9
August 3, 1864
Your Obedient Servt Joseph H. Blackburn,NOTE 2 Comdg. Detchmt
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 7, pp. 76-77. NOTE 3
NOTE 1: According to fn. 3, p.77, Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol.7, John Vanatta
was a DeKalb County farmer and sergeant, Co. L, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry.
NOTE 2: According to fn 1, p. 77, Papers of Andrew JohnsonVol. 7, Blackburn was
a cavalry officer who had recently resigned from the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry as Captain and was raising his own regiment. At this point in time he
commanded a detachment which would constitute the core of a fully organized cavalry unit by September 1864.
NOTE 3: The Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 7, 1864-1865, ed. by LeRoy P. Graf,
Patricia P. Clark and Marion O. Smith, Research Assistant. (Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press, 1986), [Hereinafter cited as Papers of Andrew
Johnson, Vol. 7]
August 3, 1864 - Confederate guerrillas reported in Sevier County
HDQRS. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GEN. EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville,
Tenn., August 3, 1864.
Brig. Gen. J. AMMEN, Cmdg. Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps:
GEN.: I am directed by the provost-marshal-general of East Tennessee to tell
you that information has been received at this office that two companies of
rebel soldiers, well mounted and known as Osborne's and Henry's companies,
are in Sevier County, Tenn., and were last night within two miles and a half of
Sevierville, Tenn. There are apprehensions that these men will do a great deal
of damage to the growing crops and other property, unless driven out or otherwise stopped. Would it not be well to send a small force, say forty cavalry, to
Sevier County, who, combined with our troops already there, may be able to
capture or destroy the whole crowd?
I am, sir, with great respect, &c.
L. A. GRATZ, Maj. and Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 220.
August 3, 1864 - August 5, 1864 - Scout, Knoxville to Sevierville
HDQRS. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GEN. EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville,
Tenn., August 3, 1864.
Brig. Gen. J. AMMEN, Cmdg. Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps:
GEN.: I am directed by the provost-marshal-general of East Tennessee to tell
you that information has been received at this office that two companies of
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 3, 1864
rebel soldiers, well mounted and known as Osborne's and Henry's companies,
are in Sevier County, Tenn., and were last night within two miles and a half of
Sevierville, Tenn. There are apprehensions that these men will do a great deal
of damage to the growing crops and other property, unless driven out or otherwise stopped. Would it not be well to send a small force, say forty cavalry, to
Sevier County, who, combined with our troops already there, may be able to
capture or destroy the whole crowd?
I am, sir, with great respect, &c.
L. A. GRATZ, Maj. and Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 220
HDQRS. DETACHMENT TENTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY, Knoxville,
Tenn., August 5, 1864.
Brig.-Gen. TILLSON, Cmdg. Second Brig., Fourth Div., 23d Army Corps:
GEN.; I have the honor to report that, in compliance with instructions issued
from your headquarters on the 3d instant, Capt. Sears, with forty-two men of
this command, went to Sevierville, arriving thereon the 4th at 7 a. m. On arriving there they were informed that the rebels had left, upon which the command
halted and sent out a scout, who returned in the afternoon, stating that the
rebels had retreated by way of Newport and Sweet Water, and from there into
the mountains. There had been about twenty-five rebels roaming through the
country (a part of Osborne's former command), their object being to steal
horses, quite a number of which they had taken with them. They had also taken
two prisoners, but on an attempt of some citizens to bushwhack them (the
rebels) they abandoned their prisoners. The command returned to camp this
morning.
I am, sir, very respectfully, yours,
H. E. LIGHT, Capt., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 224.
August 3, 1864 - August 6, 1864 - Scout from Cumberland Gap, into Lee County VA and to
Tazewell
AUGUST 3-6, 1864.-Scout from Cumberland Gap, Tenn., into Lee County,
Va., and to Tazewell, Tenn., and skirmish (4th) near Jonesville, Va.
Report of Col. William Y. Dillard, Thirty-fourth Kentucky Infantry, commanding First Brigade, Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps.
HDQRS. FIRST Brig., FOURTH DIV., 23d ARMY CORPS, Cumberland
Gap, August 7, 1864.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the scout which left
this place on the 3d instant, myself in command:
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 11
August 4, 1864
On the morning of the 4th instant, at 9 o'clock, I entered Jonesville; two companies of rebels (I suppose Morgan's men) had left a half hour before I arrived
and had gone toward Abingdon. Pursuing them a few shots were fired on both
sides and I succeeded in capturing 5 prisoners and 7 horses. The preacher
White was among the prisoners. Leaving Jonesville in the afternoon, I went to
Mulberry Gap, and on the 5th to Tazewell and remained there that night, and
returned here on the 6th at 10 a. m. Gen. Morgan is without doubt concentrating his forces; in fact, I read the order myself calling his forces in; he has, it is
said, 1,500 men. The citizens of Lee County are expecting him. On my way to
Jonesville I found but two Union citizens. I think Lee County will produce
200,000 bushels of corn this year. I noticed on my way that hay, corn, and oats
had been stored near the road. The crops were in fine condition, and I feel confident that Morgan intends to occupy the county.
Hoping that the above will meet with your approval, I am, captain, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. Y DILLARD, Col., Cmdg. Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, p. 457.
August 4, 1864 - Skirmish at Triune
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 4, 1864 - Skirmish at Tracy City
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 4, 1864 - Care of the insane in Nashville
The crazy woman arrested the other day and lodged in the workhouse by Marshal Chumbly has a decided passion for "nothing to wear." The city marshal
has furnished several outfits for the lady, but so soon as the clothing touches
her back she tears it off. She is said to be destructive to rage as a first class
paper mill. [?] The hot weather, no doubt, had something to do with making
her a lunatic.
Nashville Dispatch, August 4, 1864.
August 4, 1864 - "Miscegenation in Nashville"
About three months ago, Mr. William Scruggs, who resides. . . fourteen miles
from town on the Hillsboro Pike, hired a refugee named Nash to work upon his
farm. When the work was finished, Nash was paid off and discharged. He loitered about the place until Tuesday evening last [August 2], when he and one
of Mr. Scrugg's negro girls disappeared. Mr. Scruggs came to town yesterday
morning, and with the aid of a police officer, succeeded in finding the two in
bed, in a house on the alley between Church and Union streets in the rear of the
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August 4, 1864
Maxwell house, or Barracks No. 1. The woman was taken in charge by Mr.
William Thillet, a friend of Mr. Scruggs, and the two of them had taken shelter
from the rain in the saloon of P. B. Coleman, when three soldiers came along,
in company with a negro boy, who pointed the girl out to the soldiers, and the
later immediately took possession of the girl, told her she was free, and at liberty to go where she pleased. The matter was laid before the military authorities who declined to inquire into the subject, or to have anything to do with it.
Nashville Dispatch, August 4, 1864.
August 4, 1864 - August 9, 1864 - ". . . we were received with great enthusiasm the poor people bringing their few bundles of oats as a gift." Federal foraging expedition in Wilson and White Counties
Camp Near Sparta, Tenn.
Aug. 9, 1864
Governor,
I arrived here today at 9 a. m. On the 4th I left Nashville at 3 P. M. and that
night encamped near the Hermitage. The next day the 5th I met Col. Miller at
the intersection of Gallatin & Lebanon Pikes-&proceeded to Lebanon. I found
as we had conjectured that there would be difficulty in subsisting the entire
Command on one road. I therefore sent Col. Miller with the 9th Tenn. Cav.
(Brownlow.) and the Battery by way of Alexandria, Statesville & Stigo to
Sparta-whilst I took the 13th Tenn Cav and by way of Trousdales Ferry Chestnut Mount, Pekin, & Bunker Hill to Sparta- The 9th being much smaller than
the 13th I sent the Battery with it thus equalizing the number of animals to be
fed. Col. Miller is not yet in and therefore I must keep this letter open to report
his success. I obtained a bountiful supply of oats (unthrashed) which makes
excellent forage, the straw serving for hay. There is no corn in the Country. The
people are in absolute want of bread. Those who have no wheat can only get
corn by going down on the Cumberland river.
Wilson County shows but slight signs of the war, everywhere the fields are cultivated & fine crops of Corn will be made. In Lebanon everything indicates
peace. The houses have never been disturbed, but with the exception of Mrs.
Stokes every door & window blind was closed- The same prosperity seems to
pervade Putnam County, but there we found nine tenths of the people loyal &
for Johnson & Lincoln. In my fathers district of Putnam there were but four
votes for seperation and two hundred and four against Secession.In that County we were received with great enthusiasm the poor people bringing their few bundles of oats as a gift-I have ordered everything paid for except
in case of disloyalty & in some instances I have fed notoriously disloyal men
almost out of house and home, by way of furnishing them a contrast with their
loyal neighbors. Most of the disloyal men of note have protections. I hope they
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 13
August 5, 1864
have benefited by them, among the number Col Golliday late of the Confederate army.
Sparta is most emphatically a "deserted village". One half of it was burned by
Stokes & the other half is abandoned, there is I believe but four families in this
once flourishing village. So much for the practical working of Secession.
I was most disagreeably disappointed to find that Garretts Regiment of "Home
Guards" as they call themselves are doing excellent service. I find them scouting out as far as this place thirty six miles from their "base" on foot. I have not
heard of a single instance of depredation by them. they are killing many of the
worst men in this part of the State, & will soon drive all the Guerrillas out.
They are passing through the Country in small parties killing (they take none)
all the robbers & Scoundrels. I am convinced of their usefulness.
The 9th & 13th Tenn Cavalry Regiments are not so well disciplined as I had
expected-Their officers seem to have but little control over them, nor do they
seem to endeavor to obtain any-I shall do all in my power with the means at my
disposal, no stone shall do nothing to bring discredit on you whilst I am with
them.
Col. Miller has just arrived with the remainder of the command, and to-morrow morning at 5 am we will set out to cross the mountain-"we are now
encamped at the base of the mountain-I will Telegraph you from Le Noirs." In
the mean time all shall go well. A very favorable impression has been made by
paying loyal men for their property.
Very Sincerely Alvan C Gillem
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 7, pp. 86-87.
August 5, 1864 - Criticism of mission to Sevierville
HDQRS. SECOND Brig., FOURTH DIV., 23d ARMY CORPS, Knoxville,
Tenn., August 5, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded for the information of Brig.-Gen. Ammen, commanding Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps.
It will be seen that the reports sent in by the commanding officer at Sevierville
were not based upon facts, proving that he did not take the steps necessary to
ascertain the number and character of the enemy before forwarding his urgent
requests for aid. This, with the additional facts that there is a force of eighty
men of the Second Tennessee stationed at Sevierville amply sufficient not only
to drive away the rebels, as was done by a few citizens, but to have entirely
destroyed them, excite suspicion both as to the courage and competency of the
comment are to be mustered out of the service in a few days the general commanding this brigade would deem it his duty to institute an official examination into his conduct, and to prevent its repetition in future.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 5, 1864
DAVIS TILLSON, Brig.-Gen. of Volunteers, Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 225.
August 5, 1864 - "Depredations by Negro Troops-A Negro Corporal Killed."
We understand that Mr. S. P. Ament, who lives a mile and a half from the city
on the Granny White Pike, has suffered greatly from the depredations of negro
troops (the 15th United States colored troops ), stationed in the vicinity of his
farm. He had a guard stationed at his house who had driven them off frequently, and Mr. Ament had reported that fact to the commander of the regiment. Sunday night [July 31] a number entered Mr. Ament's premises and
destroyed and carried off about $25 worth of vegetables. Tuesday [2nd] night
the same parties, or others, or others, came back and helped themselves. When
about to return to camp, the guard commanded them three times to halt, and
failing to do so, her fired, mortally wounding one of the party, who proved to
be a corporal in one of the companies of the regiment. He lived but a few
hours. During Wednesday [3rd] about a dozen of the negro soldiers called at
Mr. Ament's house and notified the guard that they intended to burn Mr.
Ament's house that night, and destroy everything on his place. The guard
informed the Colonel commanding a battery, stationed nearby, of the threat,
and he promptly furnished a guard sufficiently strong to protect Mr. Ament's
property in the event they should attempt to carry out their threat, but they did
not make their appearance Wednesday night [3rd].
We hear that other parties beside Mr. Ament have suffered from the depredations of these negro soldiers. It is represented to us that they are becoming a
perfect terror to the neighborhood.
Nashville Dispatch, August 5, 1864.
August 5, 1864 - "Special Orders, No. 187"
Headquarters District of Memphis
Memphis Tenn., August 5, 1864
I. Monday of each week being devoted to drill and instruction of the enrolled
Militia of the District of Memphis, it is hereby ordered that all business in the
city be suspended at four o'clock that day. The firing of the gun at Headquarters, Second Regiment, will be the signal at which time all business will cease
and business establishments close, and so remain until after Militia hours
~~~
By Order of Brig. Gen. B. P. Buckland
Memphis Bulletin, August 11, 1864.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 15
August 7, 1864
August 7, 1864 - Confederate Raid in Union County
AUGUST 7, 1864.-Confederate raid in Union County, Tenn.
Report of Capt. James W. Branson, First Tennessee (Union) Infantry, Deputy
Provost-Marshal.
OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL, Maynardville, Tenn., August 8, 1864.
GEN.: It is my painful duty to report to you one of the most shameful and
disastrous rebel raids yet made in this section of the country. This raid was
headed, as I understand, by the notorious Bill Gibbs, at the head of about
eighty of the most villainous gang of cutthroats, robbers, and assassins with
which our country is cursed. They came within three miles of this place about
daylight yesterday morning. They came down from the neighborhood of Thorn
Hill, Grainger County, about which place some of them may be found at any
time. Their headquarters are said to be Rogersville, but they are seldom so far
off. Their whole aim in this raid seemed to be to do all the devilment possible,
murder and plunder their chief characteristic. Up to this time I am advised of
their brutal murder of three men, and they threaten to kill all prisoners, and I
greatly fear they will do so. The three men thus murdered are Scott McPhetridge, Samuel Bunch, and James Ford (citizens). They also have taken off as
prisoners the following loyal citizens: Rev. William Hickle, William Hickle,
jr., John Richard, A. Maj.'s (soldier), C. Dyer (soldier), H. Jones, N. Branson
(soldier), F. Harsell, F. M. Buckner, Jacob Shelton and son, and Z. Nedeham,
besides others whose names I have not yet learned. They were more fiendlike
than any ever known in this country, robbing houses in such a wanton manner
as to show that destruction was their aim. They went on shooting at any and all
who tried to get out of their way.
Now, general, the Union citizens of this country call aloud for retaliation in so
far as to arrest immediately as many rebel citizens as they took of ours, to be
held as hostages, that the return of ours may thereby be secured. This is the
prayer of this community, and they respectfully ask the same of you through
me. Will you give an order to this effect, accompanied with the means to carry
it out? It will be impossible to find enough in the neighborhood of this devilment who have not taken the oath, but I am of the opinion that there are some
who have taken the oath whom it would not be amiss to arrest as hostages, yet
there might be enough found without taking such. Would it not be proper to
proceed in this way? At the same time let them know what they are arrested
for, and that as our men are treated so will they be.
Your most obedient servant,
J. W. BRANSON, Capt. and Deputy Provost-Marshal.
OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GEN. OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville,
Tenn., August 10, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters for consideration. It is recommended that a small mounted force be sent to Union County to arrest the
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August 7, 1864
hostages, in case the major-general commanding approves the policy. There
are only about twenty infantry at Maynardville, Tenn. It is also very desirable
to rid the country of the armed rebels who have committed so many depredations in Grainger and Hawkins Counties.
S. P. Carter, Brig.-Gen. and Provost-Marshal-Gen. of East Tennessee.
HDQRS. ARMY OF THE OHIO, August 16, 1864.
Respectfully returned.
This policy may and should be adopted if we have the power to execute it so
thoroughly [as] to secure protection to loyal citizens. Otherwise it will simply
result in general murder, plunder, and depopulation of East Tennessee. If small
bands of robbers and murderers cannot be driven out or destroyed, retaliation
will only beget retaliation, by which the loyal majority of East Tennessee must
necessary suffer the most. Gen. Ammen, commanding District of East Tennessee, is authorized to adopt such measures as he may deem wise and expedient
for the protection of the loyal people.
J. M. SCHOFIELD, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, pp. 460-461.
August 7, 1864 - Initiation of U. S. N. gunboat patrols, Johnsonville to Reynoldsburg
NASHVILLE, August 7, 1864.
Maj.-Gen. SHERMAN:
The Northwestern Railroad is now run by Mr. Anderson, though not formally
turned Over by Governor Johnson. A depot is established at Johnsonville, and
supplies are arriving by that line. The navy has been notified to patrol the Tennessee River to Johnsonville and ReynoldsburgNOTE 1 Gen. Gillem has been
guarding the road, and I have had several conferences with him as to increasing
the force there, as the increasing importance of the line seemed to require
more. Will confer with Gen. Rousseau and see that all is done which can insure
safety and full working of the road. Col. Donaldson fully appreciates its importance.
J. D. WEBSTER, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. V, pp. 410-411.
NOTE 1: Reynoldsburg was located within five miles of Johnsonville, on the east
(right) bank of the Tennessee River. Some citations put it as the site of
Johnsonville before Nathan Bedford Forrest's forces destroyed it in November 1864. The site no longer exists, having been destroyed by Forrest and
later inundated by the TVA and Corps of Engineers in the process of creating Kentucky Lake. It is not synonymous with New Johnsonville.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 17
August 7, 1864
August 7, 1864 - "Sanitary Improvements"
We have succeeded in obtaining the following statement of sanitary improvements effected by Health Commissioner Underwood during the month of July.
It will be seen on perusal that much good must have resulted therefrom:
Two cellars on Poplar street, east of North Market, have been drained of filthy
matter. All offensive flat boats have been removed. A sewer ordered across
Third street, near Market, was complete. A lot near Union and Second streets,
was cleaned and fenced. The guards stationed at Auction street bridge, to prevent the depositing [of] filth there, have been removed as no longer necessary.
At the Bazaar stable in Monroe street, a well has been sunk for the reception of
waste matter. A sewer was laid for the draining of Causey [?] street. The sewer
ordered constructed from the Worsham House to the Washington street sewer,
was completed. The sewer at the Commercial Hotel was opened and cleaned.
The privy at the Marine Hospital was drained and is in good order. A tenement
at the corner of Front Row and Adams street, long known as a nuisance, was
cleaned out, and the [lessees fined?]. The nuisance complained of at the foot of
Beal street was attend to; an additional dredge boat was put by the side of the
former one, and there is now room for the largest vehicles to drive on, turn,
load and unload with ease. A well was sunk at the barber shop, 355 Main
street, to receive waste water, etc. All the cellars on Main street from Union to
Beal were inspected, cleaned and limed. The throwing of slops and filth into
the basement of the Post office has been stopped. Many other improvements of
a less important character, and too numerous to mention, were effected, and
there is not the least doubt in our minds that the present clean and healthy condition of the city is owing entirely to the energy and efficiency of Commissioner R. Underwood.
Memphis Bulletin, August 7, 1864.
August 7, 1864 - "An Unwelcome Visitor"
An unmarried lady, boarding at the corner of Second and Beal streets, was
awakened from her slumbers, about three o'clock, Saturday morning, by a
noise in her room, and saw, by the light of a night lamp, what seemed to be a
figure of a female standing at the table, with a stiletto in hand. The figure
turned to quench the light when the face of a man was revealed. The lady was
terribly frightened, but managed to scream loudly for help, when the intruder,
who had evidently been intent on murder or robbery, stepped from the window
to the sidewalk, and escaped. Nothing was missed. The lady's room is situated
on the first floor of the house, and fronts the street. The windows were left
open on her retiring. This fright will, undoubtedly, move her to keep the closed
hereafter. It would be well for people, generally, to use the same precautions as
many cases similar to the above have occurred within a few weeks.
Memphis Bulletin, August 7, 1864.
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August 7, 1864
August 7, 1864 - "Monthly Mortality Report."
The number of deaths in this city for the month of July, 1864 was 463 [?] as
follows: Diarrhea, 88; fever, 39 [?] measles, 12; consumption 9; congestive
chills, 3; sun-stroke, 2; pneumonia 9[?]; small pox, 8; spasms, 3; teething, 6;
diphtheria, 2; dropsey, 2; erysipelas, 1; hooping cough, 1; wounds, 2; railroad
accident, 2; all others, 29[?] Unknown, 105; died in U. S. Hospitals, 154[?];
Aged: Under the age of ten, 419; between ten and twenty-five, 39; between
twenty five and fifty, 58; Between fifty and seventy-five, 14; age unknown,
238; Nativity; Tennessee, 112; Ireland, 22; Illinois, 12; Arkansas, 13; Mississippi, 19; Germany, 4; Mexico, 1; Italy, 1; Indiana, 2; Alabama, 6: Virginia, 2;
Ohio, 3; Iowa, 3; Missouri 8[?]; Louisiana, 3; North Carolina, 2; South Carolina, 2; New York, 2; Wisconsin, 5; Maryland, 1; England, 3; Chickasaw
Nation, 1; refugees, 10; unknown, 234. Number of deaths during the month
July [1864] less than the month of June 4
We are indebted for the foregoing to the active and efficient Health Officer, Mr.
R. Underwood.
Memphis Bulletin, August 7, 1864.
August 7, 1864 - "Opium in Cigars."
It is generally known that the best Havana cigars are made from tobacco
dipped in a solution of opium. Natural leaf tobacco never has that peculiar
effect, as will be noticed upon smoking the best okan [?] leaf in a pipe. It is the
opium in a first-rate cigar, and not the tobacco, which smokers get enslaved
with, and cannot do without. In some of the Havana establishments, twenty
thousand dollars of opium per year in used.
Memphis Bulletin, August 7, 1864.
August 7, 1864 - "Almost a Duel."
One of our citizens was guilty of a breech of etiquette a day or two ago, against
another citizen, who feeling indignant, threatened to chastise his former friend.
The odds in a pugilistic encounter being in favor of the insulted, whom for convenience sake, we will call Jack, the other party, Ben, declined to enter into any
such blackguard proceedings, but proposed a gentlemanly and equitable mode
of adjusting their difference, namely, by the use of navy revolvers at ten paces.
Nothing daunted, Jack accepted the challenge, and in a few hours seconds were
procured, a time and place selected and last wills and testaments made and set
preparatory to meting at nine o'clock yesterday morning for the deadly encounter. A few minutes before nine, Jack was on hand, revolver laded and primed,
he and his second pacing the room, and conversing on the settlement of business matters, in one of certain contingencies. Up and down the room they
walked, and walked, and walked again, but still Ben came not, and the two
began to "smell a mice"—they were "sold" sure. At length Jack proposed to
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 19
August 7, 1864
hunt up his late friend and administer upon him a sound thrashing, when the
door opened, and in rushed Been; he had been ransacking the city for a pistol,
but could find none, not one, which he could buy or borrow, even for a few
moment—long enough to send to send his friend to "kingdom come." What
was to be done? Jack swelled with rage, and Ben claimed a postponement,
when friends interfered and ended the difficulty
Nashville Dispatch, August 7, 1864.
August 7, 1864 - Prisoner of war hostages
HDQRS. DEPT. OF WESTERN VIRGINIA AND E. TENNESSEE, Abingdon, Va., August 7, 1864.
Brig. Gen. S. P. CARTER, Provost-Marshal-Gen. of East Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.:
GEN.: Some time since I had occasion to communicate with the commanding
officer of the Federal forces at Knoxville in regard to Capt. J. T. Reynolds, of
the Sixty-fourth North Carolina Regt., who was reported to me as under sentence of death at Knoxville for the discharge of his duty as enrolling officer of
Greene County, Tenn., and in which communication I requested to be notified
whether the facts were as stated, and at the same time remarked that if he was
executed as indicated I would inflict retaliation in kind upon the first Federal
officer of equal rank who fell in my power. The commandant of your department had not seen proper to reply to said communication, and I would therefore inform him through you that I now hold in custody Capt. Benjamin
Rogers, of Tennessee Union Guard, who was caught recruiting within our
lines, and would state that he is held as a hostage for the safety and good treatment of Capt. Reynolds. I would again request that I may be informed as to
what disposition has been made of Capt. Reynolds that I may act understandingly with Capt. Rogers.
Very respectfully,
J. H. MORGAN, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 7, p. 561.
August 8, 1864 - Skirmish at La Fayette
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 8, 1864 - "Almost a Riot"
Quite a disturbance occurred at the depot of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad about dusk yesterday evening, brought about by a regiment of Illinois soldiers, on their way home, who, without provocation, assaulted and knocked
down every negro who showed his face in the neighborhood. One negro, we
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 9, 1864
learn, was shot in the melee. Some of the men of the regiment were very boisterous, and it was with considerable trouble that they were quieted.
Nashville Daily Press, August 9, 1864.
August 8, 1864 - The nature of counter-insurgency missions and contraband conditions in
the Tullahoma environs, an excerpt from a letter from Major-General R.
H. Milroy to his wife in Rensslaer, Indiana.
Tullahoma Tenn.
Aug 8th 1864
My Dear Mary,
I recd yours of the 29th ult and 30th some days ago and was glad to learn that
you were all well. I am still socializing here. My most important enjoyment is
sending out after gurillas that are committing depredations in the country. I
have one Regt of Tennessee Cavalry here that are splendid gurilla hunters.
They are well acquainted with the country and there is a deadly hatred between
them and the gurillas, caused by out rages committed by the latter upon the
families or friends of the former. The most of my Tennessee troops are refugees who have been driven from their homes, and all have wrongs to avenge so
they take no prisoners. This suits me exactly and they know it so I never see
any guerrilla prisoners and frequently hear of them being killed and see their
horses and arms. A great many negroes both male and female run away from
their masters and come here and at other points along the R. R. and hire to Qr
Masters, rail road repairers and wood contractors and I have daily application
from them to send for their children that they could not get away with them and
they are afraid to go back for them. I have turned this branch of the business
over to Col. Dunn. He is an abolitionist and takes pains to give all the help he
can to those poor creatures in getting their families together,
~~~
Your Husband Truly,
R. H. Milroy
Papers of General Milroy, pp. 372-374.
August 9, 1864 - "A Sad Case-Two Children Brought from Illinois and Deserted."
On the night of the 1st instant, two children, a girl and boy, called at the headquarters of Captain Kennan, Co. F., 8th Iowa Infantry, at the corner of Beale
and Wellington streets, and asked the guards for some food, as they were very
hungry. The kind hearted soldiers took them into the guard house, fed them,
and learned the following synopsis of their history, for which we are indebted
to the Captain:
Their names are Pauline and Benjamin F. Rose, aged respectively thirteen and
nine years, and orphans. Their mother died when the younger one was an
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 21
August 9, 1864
infant, and their father [died], is near as they can remember, about three years
since. Clay county, Ill, is their home, where their father was a farmer until the
time of his death, owning a small farm, which, when dying, he left in trust with
one Cokely (who was also a farmer, living within five miles of Clay City in the
same county,) until they should attain their majority. Cokely took them to his
house where they lived receiving not the best of treatment till about the 1st of
July last, when he disposed of their property, and cruelly turned them out of
doors, penniless, with only one suit of clothing each, and that scant and of inferior quality. They then went to Clay City where the girl though she might find a
home for herself and little brother. Reaching that place they wandered about
the street for several days, subsisting on charity, and sleeping in barns, stables,
or on the streets, as it happened. A soldier meeting them one day gave them
some goof and learning their circumstance and history, told them that if they
would go with him to Memphis, he would get them a good home. The proposition was gladly accepted, and that evening the trio stated southward. Arriving
here, the children were basely deserted on the levee by the soldier, whose name
or regiment they had not learned. They searched for him in vain for about a
week, living by begging until the time of their appearance at Capt. Kennan's
headquarters, as above. The captain who felt an interest in the little wanderers,
treated them kindly, feeding and giving them quarters at the guardhouse, where
they remained until Sunday night, when they mysteriously disappeared, leaving hats. They have not since been found, but are supposed to be in the city, as
it would be difficult to leave without passes. The captain has consulted Mr.
Saxton, agent of the State of Illinois in regard to sending them back to that
State which he intended doing yesterday. This was known to the girl, who
objected strongly to returning, and is supposed to have been the cause of their
disappearance
The children were poorly clad, but intelligent and well behaved, exciting the
interest and comparisons of the entire company, and receiving the best that soldiers' fare can provide.
It is supposed that the soldier who brought them to Memphis was employed by
the man Cokely, who was desirous of having them removed as far as possible
for his own security. We trust that they may be found and restored to their
rights, through the instrumentality of Mr. Saxton, of some charitable persons.
Memphis Bulletin, August 9, 1864.
August 9, 1864 - Memphis city tax notice
CITY TAX PAYERS. All, parties owning real estate in the city of Memphis,
held and/or occupied but he United Stated and from which they have received
no rent since the occupation of Memphis by the military forces of the United
States will report the same to me in writing, on or about the 10th [?] inst., in
order that the provisions of Special Orders No. 73, exempting the same from
sale for the rent payment of city tax, may be timely extended to parties entitled
to the disposition granted.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 9, 1864
F. L. Carne [?], City Tax Collector
Memphis Bulletin, August 9, 1864.
August 9, 1864 - The Report of the Superintendent Nashville Waterworks, April-July 1864
"Common Council."
~~~
Office Sup't. Waterworks
Nashville, Aug. 9, 1864
Gentlemen: Superintendent of the Waterworks begs leave to submit the following report: On taking charge of the Waterworks in April last, I found them in a
very bad condition. Many of the stop valves in the streets were so much out of
repair that they could not be used. I have had new stems and boxes put in, and
they are in good order.
One of the Reservoirs was in such a leaking condition that it could not be used.
Thus I have had newly floored with brick, laid in hydraulic cement, and it is
now perfectly tight.
The engine and pumps are also in good order, and in my opinion the Waterworks are in abundant supply of water than at any time heretofore since the
present engine and pumps have been in use, notwithstanding the great quantity
of water used. The running time of the engine is ten and one-half hours, out of
twenty-four, with a consumption of nine cords of wood and thirty bushels of
coal.
The assessment of the Water Tax, for the present six months is completed, and
shows the amount to be $16,452.18, being in excess of $2,425.93 over the first
six months of the present year.
Respectfully submitted,
James Wyatt, Supt. Waterworks
~~~
Nashville Dispatch, August 12, 1864.
August 9, 1864 - Nashville Schools
Good schools are a crying need for our city at present, and we are gratified to
learn from the notice found in another column, that Rev. Mr. Wayland proposed to establish a school of a high grade, to commence in September. Mr.
Wayland has had extensive experience in teaching as well as in the pulpit. We
know not whether success in teaching is hereditary, but Mr. Wayland is, we
learn, a son of the learned Dr. Wayland, for many years President of Brown
University.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 23
August 9, 1864
An advertisement in another column will also apprise those interested, that Mr.
Malone, formerly principal of the Clarksville Female Academy, which he conducted very acceptably, will take charge of the popular school hitherto conducted by the late Rev. Dr. Ford. He will be assisted by an able corps of
teachers, including the Misses Ford. The patrons of the school may rest assured
that its high character will be fully sustained under the new principal.
Nashville Dispatch, August 9, 1864.
August 9, 1864 - "Embalming."
On Sunday last [7th], we received an invitation from Mr. J. H. Curry to witness
the embalming of the body of Lieut. Stretch, of company D, 89th Illinois volunteers, by Dr. G. R. Wills. We arrived too late to witness the process, but we
saw, and were much pleased with, the effect. Although the body had been dead
about forty hours previous to the embalming, and decomposition had set in, as
soon as the process had been accomplished, the body looked natural, and emitted not the slightest offensive odor. Another remarkable thing connected with
the body was the flexibility of the joints and firmness of the flesh. The expense
attending this process, including coffin and box, is not more than the price of a
first quality metallic coffin. The body, as embalmed, preserves its natural
appearance, so that the coffin may be opened on arrival at its destination without danger of being shocked at the deformity of the body.
Nashville Dispatch, August 9, 1864.
August 10, 1864 - September 9, 1864 - Wheeler's Raid into North Georgia, East & Middle
Tennessee
Report of Brig. Gen. Jacob Ammen, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division, of operations in East Tennessee, August 15-31, during Wheeler's raid.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, Tenn., September 5, 1864.
COL.: From the best information in my possession [on] the 12th of August it
was not supposed the enemy was approaching Bull's Gap. I started for Cumberland Gap on a tour of inspection the 13th of August, and [on] the 15th was
informed by telegraph that Brig. Gen. Gillem, with two regiments of Tennessee
volunteer cavalry, had reached Knoxville, on his way to upper East Tennessee;
that Gen. Morgan, C. S. Army, with a considerable force was west of Bull's
Gap, and that Gen. Gillem had applied to Gen. Tillson for the Tenth Michigan
Cavalry for temporary Service. I directed Gen. T[illson] to give such aid as he
could, and a large part of the Tenth Michigan Cavalry was detached for this
special service.
The 18th of August I retired to Knoxville, and as there were rumors of the
enemy at Athens, proceeded on the morning train to Loudon (19th), and put a
strong guard (ninety-five) on the train, which proceeded within three miles of
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 10, 1864
Athens, where it was attacked by such a force as to render it expedient to
return, our forces returning the fire and preventing the capture of the train. Two
of our men were slightly wounded; no other injury. I ordered 300 of the First
Ohio Heavy Artillery from Knoxville, and on their arrival had 200 of the same
regiment at Loudon ready to go on the train, supposing this number sufficient
to meet the enemy. Proceeded very cautiously, and two and a half miles east of
Sweet Water discovered a bridge in front on fire at 6 a. m. August 20. The
trains were halted. Lieut.'s Clark and Firestone, with 130 men, all under command of Capt. Gatewood, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, accompanied by Lieut.
N. A. Reed, Jr., Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, aide-de-camp on my staff,
were sent forward to make reconnaissance and ascertain the position, numbers,
&c., the other troops ready to act as circumstances might require. Precautions
for the safety of the train were taken. The detachment had not proceeded more
than half a mile when they were near a picket-post, fired, ran back the pickets,
and in less than half a mile met a strong skirmish line, which, under our fire,
fell back to the houses, their numbers constantly increasing. The fire was kept
up until 9 a. m., killing 3 of them without sustaining any injury ourselves. The
detachment behaved admirably. I was satisfied the enemy numbered several
thousand, with some artillery, and, seeing some moving to the right and left, I
ordered the troops to the train and the train to return to Loudon, as the number
was too great for my force, and Loudon must be defended. The troops were
taken off at Loudon and the train sent to Knoxville. As there was no cavalry, I
pressed horses and mounted about thirty men and sent them under Capt. Preble, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, toward Philadelphia, to observe the enemy and
gain information. This detachment, although badly mounted, met the enemy,
had a sharp skirmish, killed 3, wounded 2 severely, captured 1, and brought
him to camp, but unfortunately 3 were captured, 2 of whom made their escape
and returned to camp. The enemy moved on the roads from Sweet Water and
Philadelphia toward Davis' Ford, on the Little Tennessee, crossing there the
night of the 20th and the morning of the 21st of August, to the number of 4,000
or more, with from four to eight pieces of artillery. Small parties from Loudon
harassed the rear and stragglers the 21st of August. No prisoners taken, but
several rebels reported killed. We sustained no loss in these skirmishes.
Scouts reported the enemy crossing the Holston at Louisville in force the 22d
of August. These reports were not true, as only a small force crossed at that
place, went to Concord, cut the wire, and returned to the south side the 23d.
I returned to Knoxville with troops on train August 24, and on arrival learned
that the enemy was crossing the Holston below Strawberry Plains, and that
there had been some spirited affairs. For particulars please see reports of Gen.
Tillson, Maj. Smith, and Capt. Standish, herewith transmitted. The enemy then
moved toward Blain's Cross-Roads, took the Emory road, and crossed the
Clinch at Lee's Ferry. Lieut.-Col. Melton, Second Tennessee, with infantry,
was sent on the Clinton road the night of the 26th to harass the rear at or near
the river, and met the enemy the morning of the 27th; had a brisk skirmish;
reports that he killed 2 or 3 of the enemy; that 1 of his men was severely
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 25
August 11, 1864
wounded, and that the enemy moved rapidly to join their advance. After crossing the Clinch, a small detachment came to the river opposite Kingston, fired
on the steam-boats. The fire was returned, and the rebels disappeared without
doing any damage.
August 27, sent couriers from Loudon and Kingston to Gen. Steedman, to
advise him of the movements of the enemy. The bridge at Flat Creek was
burned, but has been repaired, and all damage to the railroad above Strawberry
Plains has been repaired. The railroad was not injured from Knoxville to Philadelphia. From Philadelphia to near Charleston, on the Hiwassee, the railroad
and telegraph were badly injured. The telegraph to Chattanooga was in operation again September 2. A large force is at work on the railroad, and I am
assured it will be speedily repaired. The telegraph to Cumberland Gap was
destroyed for miles between this place and Clinton. In good order again August
31. I regret the absence of the Tenth Michigan Cavalry, as with their assistance
we could have been advised in time of the movements of the enemy and could
have harassed him more. At the time I directed Gen. Tillson to detach that regiment I had no expectation of this raid from the west, and was anxious to assist
Gen. Gillem in destroying the force advancing from the east. I have sent
instructions to Gen. Gillem to order the Tenth Michigan Cavalry to Strawberry
Plains. The troops very generally behaved [well], were attentive, and on the
alert. The party under Capt. Gatewood manifested great coolness and courage,
and to the captain and Lieut. N. A. Reed, Jr., aide-de-camp, I am under obligations.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
J. AMMEN, Brig. Gen. Vols., Comdg. Fourth Div., 23d Army Corps.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. II, pp. 736-738.
August 11, 1864 - Public endangered by prison guards in Nashville
A soldier, under arrest, yesterday, was fired on by the guard on Cherry street,
near the Post Office, while attempting to escape. The shot did not take effect,
and the prisoner was soon re-arrested. In the practice of firing off guns on
crowded streets, except in cases of a riot or a mob, a safe of judicious one? The
lives of innocent persons may frequently be endangered by it.
Nashville Times, August 12, 1864.
August 11, 1864 - "Whisky Peddlers"
We learn that the majority of the women who peddle lemonade about the levee
and on steam boats also keep a supply of whisky, about their persons which
they unlawfully dispose of the soldiers and negroes at comparatively low
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 11, 1864
prices. It is doubtless to the most villainous quality, and the practice is likely to
be productive of much evil if not speedily suppressed.
Memphis Bulletin, August 11, 1864.
August 11, 1864 - "Gambling and Attempted Bribery"
An Israelite named Lane was arrested in Beal street on Tuesday, by officer
Stockham for gambling. He was caught in the act of playing a game of "sixtysix." On being arrested he endeavored to bribe the officer to let him go, but the
officer, being an honest man, couldn't see it, and the unfortunate gambler was
obliged to take quarters at the city's expense until yesterday morning, when he
was brought into court. The Recorder fined him $11 for gambling, and $17 for
endeavoring to bribe the policeman. He paid both fines with some reluctance,
from the fact that the combined sums amounted to more than he had made [in
the card game].
Memphis Bulletin, August 11, 1864.
August 11, 1864 - The beginnings of the Memphis Public School system
"The Public Schools."
We call the attention of individuals concerned to an advertisement we publish
this morning in reference to the erection of school louses. We learn that an
application has been forwarded from the School Board to the Mayor and
Aldermen, asking the latter to confirm their selection of spots for building the
much needed school houses. Three locations have been chosen by the School
Board-a lot on Elliot street, 150 feet front, and 275 feet dep. The price is
$18,000, to be paid in twenty years, with ten per centum interest per annum.
The second location is the lot of ground belonging to the city known as Auction Square, which contains 148 feet square. The third is a building on Adams
street, East of McPherson College, near Lauderdale, which belongs to the
county, but over which the county has now no means of exercising authority or
collecting rent. An application has been sent to Gen. Washburn for these premises-which application has the endorsement of Mayor Harris-having in view
the purchase of the property at a future time. It will be seen that the selections
have been made in reference to the city as it will be-one of the school houses
being placed in the northern, one in the southern, and the other in the eastern
portion of the city. The School Board has been very industrious on this subject,
and has shown an anxiety to advance the great work of education that does it
infinite honor. Such actions are a benefit to mankind. The truth is too well
known to be denied, that the cause of education has hitherto had but few
friends in Memphis. The amount of public spirit aroused in the cause of the
material advancement of the city was great, but the momentous work of the
mental improvement of our citizens had few friends; the consequence was that
while we put up splendid blocks of business buildings, we raised no school
housed, and had not public library. Thank God, nous avons change tout ceta,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
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August 11, 1864
and the day of school houses and libraries come. It now remains with the Board
of Aldermen to complete the work so nobly begun by the School Board. The
Aldermen have been chosen to their office in a peculiar way; in no better manner can they prove the excellence of the measure by which they obtained
office, than by handing their fame down to future generations, as the Board of
Aldermen that built the first public SCHOOL houses in Memphis.
Memphis Bulletin, August 11, 1864.
August 11, 1864 - "School Teachers Wanted."
Office of the Board of School Visitors, Memphis, August 10th, 1864. The
Board of Visitors of the Memphis City Schools, desire to obtain first class
teachers for the following schools, viz.,: One senior male school, salary $1500;
one senior female school, salary $1200; two junior male schools, salary each,
$1200; Session, ten months, beginning September 1st. Immediate application
should be made in writing, addressed: "To the Committee on Teachers," etc.,
and sent, under cover, addressed to the undersigned, for the section of the
Board, on or before Monday, the 23d instant.
J. B. Clark, Secretary, etc.
15 Madison street
Memphis Bulletin, August 11, 1864.
August 11, 1864 - "The Shooting of a Citizen by a Negro Guard."
It will be seen from the following correspondence, which is published in the
[Nashville] Times of yesterday, that the negro guard who shot a citizen two or
three weeks ago, has been discharged:
LAW OFFICE OF BUNTS & LINDSLEY, NASHVILLE, TENN., Aug. 2,
1864, Col. R. D. Mussey, Com. Org'n Col'd Troops, U. S. A., Nashville, Tenn.Colonel: We have seen it announced in the city papers that a colored soldier in
the national army, on duty at this post, killed a citizen while he (the soldier)
was acting as guard over one of the government storehouses, and that he is to
be tried by a court-martial.
Well knowing the difficulties the colored troops have to encounter in a community once so violently secessionized as this, in the discharge of their duties, and
the odium attempted to be cast upon them and their officers, we desire to tender our professional services should you think any needed in his behalf free of
charge.
We have no doubt that he will receive a fair and impartial trial at the hands of
soldiers in the same service as himself, yet we are willing to show by this offer,
that any assistance we can render in vindicating our troops, though some of
them may be colored, from the bitter local prejudices that prevail in this section
of country, shall be freely given.
Page 28 — Aaugust 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 11, 1864
Very respectfully, Bunts & Lindsley.
Reply of Col. Mussey.
HEADQUARTERS COM'R ORGANIZATION U. S. COLORED TROOPS,
NASHVILLE, Aug 3, 1864. MESSRS. BUNTS & LINDSLEY, Present: Gentlemen: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2d
inst., tendering your services as counsel for a colored soldier, who, while on
duty in this city, on the 30 ult. [i.e., July 30], who killed a citizen, and who you
learn is to be tried by court martial.
In behalf of the soldier in question, and of the organization I have in charge, I
thank you for your generous and patriotic offer; I also thank you in behalf of
the national government, whose agent I am, in organizing colored troops, for
your hearty recognition of the wisdom of its policy, in arming the negroes, and
for your willingness to sustain it here, against the bitter local prejudices and
open opposition which it encounters. But I trust there will be no need for your
professional services in the particular case, in which you have tendered them.
For the General Commanding the Post, after a careful investigation of the circumstances attending the shooting of Willis, decided that the soldier did right
and cleared him from arrest and restored him to duty. Should the matter, however, ever come before a court martial, I will most cheerfully avail myself, in
the soldier's behalf, of your proffered assistance.
Meanwhile, gentlemen I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. D. Mussey, Col. 100th U. S. C. I., C. O. U. S. C. T.
Nashville Dispatch, August 11, 1864.
August 11, 1864 - "Scene at a Picket Post."
Persons going from the city through the lines are stopped and carefully examined, in order that nothing contraband may be carries out to the rebels. Men are
searched by the soldiers on picket, while women are conducted to houses near
by, where female searchers perform the same interesting operations, obliging
their subjects to disrobe as much as is necessary. Secesh women are very
adverse to this order of things, and rant and stamp furiously when hauled up;
they assert in many cases that they would a thousand times rather be examined
by the soldiers than the women, of whom the profess to entertain pious horror.
Soldiers frequently experience much difficulty in persuading these adventurous females, who will come within the lines notwithstanding the consequences
to submit as will be seen by the following instance, related to us by privates of
a Wisconsin regiment:
Last week several of his company, himself included, were on picket on the
Poplar street road, when a buggy approached, containing a man and a woman.
As usual, in such cases, they were stopped, and the man examined, at the conclusion of which, the woman, a lank, angular, sallow looking specimen of femininity, with the everlasting snuff wob protruding from her mouth, was invited
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
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August 11, 1864
to go before the female searcher in a house across the road."That be d____d,"
said the lord, "let her be searched here; come old gal, feel of; no Yankee
woman shall search you, by——." "Just so," replied the amiable female, "I'll
die afore I'll be searched by her; I'll tear her heart out. If them feelers want me
searched, they must do it themselves." The soldiers, however, showed no disposition to accommodate the good lady in this respect, whereupon she let herself loose in a tornado of wrath, mingled with strong oaths, on pickets
generally and female searchers particularly. But letting herself loose in this
way failed to mend matters to her satisfaction she was obliged to loosen herself
in another manner before one of her own sex, whose skillful fingers soon
brought from a nameless part of her person a quantity of quinine, needles, etc.,
which were handed over to the authorities. The indignant female was arrested
for attempted smuggling.
Memphis Bulletin, August 11, 1864.
August 11, 1864 - "HEBREW EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE!"
The fourth session of the Institution will open on MONDAY, the 29th day of
August at 9 o'clock A, M., in the new and spacious rooms.
No. 100 Madison Street, between Third and DeSoto.
Terms per Month, Payable in Advance
Tuition must be paid on or before the 10th of each month.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . $3.00
JUNIOR " . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . .4.00
SENIOR " . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . .5.00
MUSIC, DRAWING AND FRENCH. . . .. . . . . . EXTRA
FACULTY
A. J. Halle, A. M., Professor of Mathematics
Rev. S. Tuska, D. D. Professor of Language
Mrs. Annie D. Haile, Instructress in Female Department
Mr. S. Schlessinger, Professor of Music, and Miss Annie Coolidge, Teacher in
the Primary Department.
This is not a mixed school, except the Primary Department, The Junior and
Senior Male and Female Departments are in different buildings, and are
entirely separate and distinct. Parents of Guardians wishing to enter pupils for
the fall and winter session can do so by calling on L. Eremer, No. 253 Main;
street; A. S. Myers, No. 42 Monroe street; M. Olman, No. 178 Front St.; or to
Mr. or Mrs. Haile, at the Institute, No. 109 Madison street.
L. K. Kemmer, Pres't Board of Trustees
Page 30 — Aaugust 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 12, 1864
A. S. Myers, Secretary
Memphis Bulletin, August 11, 1864.
August 12, 1864 - "Fishing at White's Creek"
An interesting party of fishers, consisting of His Honor the Mayor, Councilmen Saben [?] and Rust, Captain Puckett, Deputy Marshal Steele, Superintendent Chumbly, and several others, left town early yesterday morning for
White's creek, for the purpose of enjoying a day's recreation among the finny
tribes.
Arrived at the bridge after a pleasant drive of an hour, the party debarked from
their vehicles, select some of the best feeding places, and went at the business
before them with all the zest which the pure air, the cool spring water, and the
inspiriting fluid contained in the demijohn, imparted to them.
After fishing an hour or two, the darkies announced dinner, and all the fishers
repaired at once to the green spot on which was spread a substantial repast of
trout, and butter and toast, drum and bacon, perch and crackers, and whisky,
with all the et ceteras necessary to tickle the palate and promote digestion.
Dinner over, all hands again went to the river to fish, but on looking over the
huge pile already caught, and bearing in mind the angler's maxim, never to take
from the river more than you need for present use, they concluded to "smile" to
their good luck; the which having been gone through with, they "smiled" to
"the day and all who honored it," and then "smiled" to a safe return, when seats
were taken, whips cracked, an off they go at full speed for home, reaching here
before seven o'clock in perfect order, and bringing with them an abundance of
fish, among the lot a splendid six-pound trout of beautiful proportions.
Nashville Dispatch, August 13, 1864.
August 12, 1864 - Attempt at suicide
A respectably dressed woman attempted, yesterday afternoon, to commit suicide by jumping off the railroad bridge. Having indulged, to too great an extent
her appetite for stimulants, she was not exactly in her right mind, and her rash
attempt was owing to that circumstance. Getting tired of her humdrum existence, she desired to make her temporary elevation permanent, but fraternizing
with the fishes of the Cumberland, and removing at once into the land of spirits. Not succeeding in letting out her life on terra ferma, with a small pocket
knife, that was wrested from her with considerable difficulty, she determined to
see relief in the "briny deep." Having partially quieted the apprehensions of her
friend, he released his grasp, she promising to follow. However, the instant his
back was turned, she made for the edge of the bridge, and when the act of taking the fateful spring when she was seized and dragged back, not without considerable risk to the person who interested himself in her behalf. He eventually
succeeded in inducing her to return home, and we trust she will so far mend her
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 31
August 13, 1864
ways, as never again to appear before the gaze of the public in such a fashion,
to her own shame, and the heart-burnings of her respectable connections.
Nashville Dispatch, August 13, 1864.
August 13, 1864 - "A Mellish Captain on the Rampage."
An over zealous militia captain on detail with his company yesterday, arresting
shirkers, entered a milliner's store on Main street, and inquired if there were
any men there. He was informed by one of the ladies that there were not. He
then told her she must take the oath of allegiance. She disputed his authority,
and refused. He insisted that she should, and raised his right hand to administer
the oath, when he received a slap in the face from a gentleman who entered
from the street. A slight disturbance ensued during which a superior officer
appeared, and, divesting the captain of his sword, placed him under arrest. The
affair has excited considerable interest about town.
Memphis Bulletin, August 13, 1864.
August 13, 1864 - "Arrest by the River Police."
The box of coffee and box of sugar of lead stolen from the steamer Belle Memphis, Tuesday morning, have been recovered by Serg't. Gleshine, of the river
police, and the thief arrested. The thief was a watchman on the levee in the
employ of Capt. Eddy, Assistant Quartermaster, and is known by the name of
John Brick. Sergeant Gleshine, who is ever on the alert, discovered the tea, on
Wednesday, in the store of an Italian, at the foot of Jefferson street, and there
initiated inquiries which led to the detection of Brick. He had carried it for sale
to the Italian, but without success, when he asked permission to leave it in his
store, until he could dispose of it, which was granted. Brick was immediately
incarcerated in Irving Block. On the way thither he acknowledged the theft.
Yesterday, his captor made further search, and after much diligence succeeded
in finding the box of sugar lead concealed under a sack in one of the Government sheds on the levee. The goods were delivered to Capt. John A. Lackey,
agent of the Memphis and St. Louis line of steamers. Brick is regarded as an
old offender, and it is supposed to have had a hand in most of the robberies that
have been committed on he levee and on steamboats, for several months past.
Sergeant Gleshine deserves the highest credit for trotting him out.
Memphis Bulletin, August 13, 1864.
August 13, 1864 - "Sent North."
Singly and in groups the frail flowers of Memphis are being uprooted by the
ruthless hands of the police, and by Gardner BullioghausNOTE 1 translated to
other soil. Yesterday, four blushing damsels-blushes born more of paint than of
modesty-named Jane Coyle, Ellin Morris, Martha Rowen, March Kirnan,
Page 32 — Aaugust 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 14, 1864
arrested for disorderly conduct, were sent to the State prison at Alton, Illinois,
for six months.NOTE 2
Memphis Bulletin, August 13, 1864.
NOTE 1: Not identified. Apparently a civilian police official, perhaps the Chief of Police.
NOTE 2: Apparently then, authorities in Memphis had for an undetermined number
of months been sending prostitutes to the military prison at Alton, Illinois.
August 13, 1864 - "Selling Liquor to Soldiers."
The practice of selling liquor to soldiers continues to be a source of much
annoyance to the authorities, notwithstanding the many examples made of
those detected. This last culprit we have to record is Mrs. Maiene, residing in
Chelsea, who was before the Recorder yesterday morning by whom she was
fine $100. The police will find many such cases by keeping a sharp lookout. It
was fortunate for the good lady that she had a license to sell, or she would have
been mulcted to the tune of another $180.
Memphis Bulletin, August 13, 1864.
August 13, 1864 - Skirmish near Clifton
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
August 13, 1864 - "Horse and Cattle Thieves."
A gang of thieves have been committing extensive depredations, of late,
among the stock of farmers, and others, residing near this city, and within the
lines, and from all quarters we hear of the loss of horses and cattle. The most of
the stolen animals have been taken from the pastures and roads; but in several
instances the thieves have entered and relieved stables of their contents. The
audacity and dispatch with which some of these robberies are effected, show
that the rogues are old hands at the business. Farmers should keep a vigilant
eye on these gentry, and if caught make them feel the power of the law or
something else.
Memphis Bulletin, August 13, 1864.
August 14, 1864 - "UNITED STATES SHIP YARD," Nashville
Very few of our citizens are aware that we have a shipyard doing a large business within a pistol shot of the Public Square, yet such is the fact. Even those
who may have become aware that ship carpenter work is being executed here,
are perhaps utterly in the dark as to the amount of business done and the magnitude of the contemplated improvements. It seems to us that but about six
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 33
August 14, 1864
weeks ago we first saw a few men at work on some barges on the Edgefield
side of the river, north of the railroad bridge. Since that time we have daily
noted the improvements going on, and on Saturday last we determined to stroll
over the grounds to see what was going on.
Accordingly, we sought Captain John W. Clark, under whose charge the ship
yard is being constructed and the government work done, and by his permission walked over the yard, and through the offices, and barracks, and workshop, and other places, and took a few notes of what we saw for the reader's
benefit.
The ground selected for the shipyard is about nine acres, fronting on the river,
and extending north from the railroad about two hundred and fifty yards, which
is nearly all fenced in, by a substantial plank fence. There are four main
entrances to the yard, each gate way surmounted by a sentry -box.
On the southeastern corner a house is being erected for the storage of tools,
while upon the northeastern corner will be located the straggles, barn, etc.
After passing the tool-house, we come to the office, in which Mr. Arthur Clark
presides as Chief Clark, and adjoining the office are the officers' mess room
sleeping rooms, kitchen, store-room, etc., etc.
To the north of these buildings, one is being erected 123 feet long by forty feet
wide, intended for workshops, store-room, etc. A blacksmith's shop will be fitted up on the first floor, and carpenters, moulders, etc. will find splendid
accommodations to carry on their avocations on the second floor. This will be a
great relief to the men who are now working in a small place under canvas.
Farther northward, and near the bank of the river, are the barracks, erected with
a view alike to the health and comfort of the men. These are superior to any we
have seen, the light and ventilation being much better than most others. No. 1
is occupied by mechanics, and No. 2 by the laborers, the negro quarters being
some twenty yards east from there. Between the barracks is a well constructed
kitchen, large enough to provide food for two or three hundred men, store room
or pantry attached. On the eastern end of the barracks are dining rooms for the
men occupying them; and to the west, detached from the barracks by a few
feet, are wash rooms, with a large tank between them, from which they will be
supplied with an abundance of water, which is thrown up from the river by a
force pump.
In a few days, as soon as a sufficient number of hands can be obtained, Capt.
Clark intends to commence the construction of a "way" on which to haul
steamers, and barges needing repairs. Several boats and barges have already
been repaired at the yard, and the Mattie Cabler is now undergoing a thorough
overhauling as well as some of the larger barges.
In the workshops we saw a very fine skip in course of construction for the ferry
at the foot of Spring street, and a jolly boat refitted and painted.
There are nearly two hundred hands employed in the yard, and several teams
employed in hauling lumber.
Page 34 — Aaugust 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 15, 1864
Mr. Robert Cull is the General Superintendent, to whom, as well as to Capt.
Clark, much credit is due for the amount of work already done, and the admirable manner in which everything is kept. Indeed, it is just what might be
expected of man of energy and character like Capt. Clark.
Nashville Dispatch August 14, 1864.
August 14, 1864 - "Rebel Deserters."
The following named rebel deserters came into our lines at this city, last week,
and made applications to take the amnesty oath: Dan. Biggs, Wright's Arkansas
cavalry; J. W. Armour, 154th Sr. Tennessee infantry; E. M. Apperson, formerly
of Memphis Home Guard; G. H. Burnet, co. B, 15th Tenn. infantry; Archibald
Steward, soldier for C. S. A.; Smith Ingram, co. E, 5th Miss. cav.; Daniel
Moore, co. E. 5th Miss. cav.; M. B. Guess, Johnson's scouts; Joseph Berbver,
co. A, 14th Tenn. cav.; Hugh Branch, 7th Tenn. Cavalry.
Memphis Bulletin, August 14, 1864.
August 14, 1864 - "Court Square Concerts."
The Second concert in Court Square last evening was attended by a respectable
concourse of people of all ages and sexes. The selections were good and the
brigade Band played excellently. Had the weather been favorable, the attendance would have been much larger; ladies are not partial to muddy streets,
and consequently, they were not numerous as on the first occasion. The next
entertainment will be given on Tuesday evening next at the usual hour.
Memphis Bulletin, August 14, 1864.
August 15, 1864 - Entry in Alice Williamson's Diary, Sumner County
"All's quiet in G. today.". . . Sambo in his political sermon says he has conquered "the great city of Gallatin which was so'ceeding by ''bellions" and gone
to conquer Paducah. I pity that place.
Williamson Diary
August 15, 1864 - Guerrilla Raid on the Nashville & Northwestern Railroad (United States
Military Railroad)
AUGUST 15, 1864.-Raid on Nashville and Northwestern Railroad, Tenn.
Report of Lieut. Col. James L. Donaldson, U. S. Army, Chief Quartermaster,
Department of the Cumberland.
CHIEF QUARTERMASTER'S OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Nashville, Tenn., August 16 1864.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 35
August 15, 1864
GEN.: As I anticipated, a raid was made on the Northwestern railroad last
night and 600 cords of wood destroyed, as well as some of the employees carried off, and perhaps murdered. We have a large number of horses and cattle
now at Johnsonville, and it is exceedingly important that they should be
brought here. How is this to be effected? Unless the Northwestern railroad is
properly guarded we shall have terrible disaster and stoppage of supplies. A
regiment of troops must at once be placed at important point son the road, and
men sent to Johnsonville to drive cattle here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. L. DONALDSON,
Chief Quartermaster, Department of the Cumberland.
[First indorsement.]
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE, Nashville, August 16, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded for the information of the major-general commanding
the department.
I am well aware of the importance of sufficiently guarding the Nashville and
Northwestern Railroad, but am at a loss from what part of my district troops for
that purpose should be taken, since almost every one is asking for more troops.
The only forces now on the road are the Twelfth and Thirteenth and detachments of the Fortieth and One hundredth U. S. Colored Troops, detachments of
dismounted cavalry, and one battery at Johnsonville. Every man that can be
spared in the vicinity of the post of Nashville is now escorting stock, and all the
posts on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad are depleted by details for
that purpose.
LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU,
Maj.-Gen.
[Second-indorsement.]
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Before Atlanta, August
20, 1864.
Respectfully returned.
The general commanding the department is equally "at a loss" with the general
commanding the district from what part of his department troops can be taken
for the purpose indicated in this letter. If all applications to send troops to the
rear were attended to there would be nobody left to fight at the front. But he is
decidedly of opinion that three regiments and a battery ought to hold the road.
By command of Maj.-Gen. Thomas
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, pp. 464-465.
Yesterday, Duvall McNairy, with some hundred men, made a descent on the
woodpile at Section 48 on the N. &N. W. railroad, containing some 500 cords,
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 15, 1864
which they burned, with three wood-sawing machines. They also killed a
negro man employed there. The guerrillas are said to be increasing along that
road, and will doubtless do great mischief if suffered to operate much longer.
Nashville Times, August 16, 1864.
August 15, 1864 - "Meeting of Colored Citizens"
The meeting of the colored citizens of this vicinity, yesterday at Fort Gilliem,
was very largely attended. The procession which passed through the streets
was very large, composed in part of a great number of hacks, filled with well
dressed people. The Band of the Tenth Tennessee favored them on their route
to the grave with some spirited and excellent music. So far as we noticed, the
behavior of the persons in the procession was orderly, and quiet, and void of
offense to all except those who believe in the divine right of the peculiar institutions. The assemblage at the grove was immense.
Mrs. Langston [of Oberlin, Ohio], the appointed orator of the day, was, unfortunately, unable to attend, but some colored speaker, whose name we did not
hear, is said to have made a patriotic and truly excellent discourse, which was
listened to with profound attention.
Some excellent and appropriate remarks were made by Gen. Chetlain and Col.
B. D. Mussey. Altogether, the affair was highly creditable to the colored people. They manifested a devotion to the Government which many white people
in this city would do well to imitate. Had the miserable Legislature and Governor of Tennessee manifested a tithe of honesty, good breeding, good sense, and
patriotism in 1861, which the colored people showed yesterday, Tennessee
would not have called upon to mourn the death of 40,000 of her citizens.
Nashville (Daily Press &) Times, August 16, 1864.
August 15, 1864 - Coal for Loyal Citizens
In a conversation with Colonel Donaldson, Chief Quartermaster of the Department of the Cumberland, and also with Captain Crane, Assistant Quartermaster
for the Military Railroads in the Department of the Mississippi, we learned that
it is their intention to allow citizens of approved loyalty to purchase from Mr.
Hopkins, Coal Contractor at this Post, all the surplus coal, which is not
required for Military use. That the public may understand on what terms they
must make applications, and for whose benefit this liberal step has been taken,
we append the oath which applicants for the privilege of purchasing their coal,
must take at the office of Captain Crane at the [Nashville &] Chattanooga
Depot;
I__________, do solemnly swear that I have since the commencement of this
rebellion borne, and will bear to the end, true allegiance to the United States.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 37
August 15, 1864
I do further swear, that I will not by word or deed, publicly or privately,
secretly or clandestinely, or at any family board, or with any confidential
friends, ever express disloyal sentiments or show or feel any sympathy with
this dastardly rebellion; and I earnestly hope for the success of the Union Arms
and the utter annihilation of the rebel power,
This averment I make voluntarily; and I will utterly repudiate the doctrine of
mental reservation, the cowardly subterfuge, that the oath is coercive, and of
no moral force, but regard its violation under any circumstances, as treason in
the first degree.
The requirement is eminently just and wise. The benefits of the government are
designed for its friends, not for its enemies, and the poor loyalist will be
accommodated, while the rich foe of the Government must take care of him
self as he is abundantly able to do. Without the above restriction the rebels
would elbow their poor loyal neighbors aside, and buy up every bushel of surplus coal for speculation. Col. Donaldson and Captain Crane deserve the
warmest thanks of our citizens for the permission to which they have so generously granted.
Nashville Times, August 15, 1864. NOTE 1
NOTE 1: See also Nashville Dispatch, August 16, 1864.
August 15, 1864 - Surrender of Thomas' Indian Legion proposed
LOUDON, August 15, 1864—9.45 a. m.
Capt. W. P. AMMEN, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.:
There is a proposition made in writing from one of Maj. Thomas' captains, stating many of Maj. Thomas' Indians and white soldiers will come in and give
themselves up if they can be assured protection. Shall I send written communication to them insuring protection if they come in? Answer.NOTE 1
M. L. PATTERSON, Lieut.-Col.
LOUDON, August 15, 1864.
Capt. W. P. AMMEN:
The captain of Thomas' Indians was at Murphy, N. C. Sent letter by his
brother-in-law, who is a loyal man, to Capt. Devine, provost-marshal of Monroe County. Rumors of rebels at Athens. No official news. Capt. Aleshire, of
Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, is in command at that place; presume he will
keep us posted.
M. L. PATTERSON, Lieut.-Col.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 253.
NOTE 1: Not found.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 16, 1864
August 15, 1864 - Capture of Confederate guerrilla leader Jim Pope at Spencer, Van Buren
County
Another of the Pope family in Limbo. It will be remembered that the notorious
scoundrel and bushwhackers, Mitch. Pope, was captured a couple of months
ago. His brother, Jim, something of a lesser light, but engaged in the same profession, was arrested yesterday at Spencer, and sent in here under guard. The
pope family are in a fair way of getting their deserts.
Chattanooga Daily Gazette, August 16, 1864.
August 15, 1864 - August 16, 1864 - Skirmishes near Clifton
•See August 16, 1864--Scout and skirmish near Clifton NOTE 1
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
August 16, 1864 - Confederate attack at Graysville
Excerpt from Report of Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman, U S. Army, commanding District of the Etowah, of operations June 15—September 11, (1864), relative to the attack on Graysville, August 16, 1864.
~~~
. . . At 1 o'clock on the 16th the enemy, some 500 strong, attacked a small garrison at Graysville, but soon withdrew beyond the reach of musketry, and after
tearing up some half a mile of track, retired by way of Parker's Gap. . .
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. II, pp. 496.
August 16, 1864 - "The Home for Refugees," Chattanooga
Very few have but a faint idea of the world of suffering, sorrow, and destitution
suggested by the Refugees' Home in this city.
Physical suffering and distress have become so common in these latter-days,
that they are looked upon as a matter of course, and elicit no special interest.
Yet, to the poor, homeless wanderer sent adrift among strangers, and far
removed from their once peaceful, happy homes, the full meaning of sorrow
and destitution are painfully realized.
The house for their accommodations here is generally crowded. Some remain
but a very short time after their arrival, and start for some unknown locality.
Every day almost, witnesses some new arrival-hungry, haggard and forlorn.
Men, women, children, sad and pale-faced; short in clothing, short in funds and
living on the charity of the Government are coming and going every day. The
tale of sorrow their history unfolds, and the terrible responsibility attached to
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 39
August 16, 1864
the arch-traitors who have transformed a peaceful country into a land of sadness and mourning!
Chattanooga Daily Gazette, August 16, 1864.
August 16, 1864 - Effects of war upon some young women in Cleveland
We were awakened last night at 1 o'clock from our slumbers, by the hurrying to
& fro of army wagons, horses, men, etc., caused by an alarm given that the
Confederates were coming. Rhoda arose, dressed. We all packed some few
clothes to take in case we were ordered out of town. About 4 o'clock we all
dressed, put on our bonnets & ate a little cold breakfast & were ready to start to
the country when the first gun was fired. . .
Diary of Myra Adelaide Inman, pp. 263-264.
August 16, 1864 - "Trouble on Cedar Street."
A well known Cyprian, resident on the western part of Nashville, considering
herself insulted by an impertinent darkey, followed him down Cedar street to
take vengeance dire and deadly. Furnishing herself with a pistol, she overtook
the colored insulter near the Commercial Hotel, and producing the "persuader,"
she was out to finish the "pusson" who had offender her dignity, but a
bystander interfered, and after a little scuffle the pistol was secured, the darkey
in the meantime having escaped. The "lady" was highly incensed at his flight,
and vowed she would soon have another chance at him, and "wipe out the
offence in the villain's blood."
Nashville Dispatch, August 16, 1864
August 16, 1864 - Scout and skirmish near Clifton NOTE 1
"Defeat of Biffle near Clifton—Nine Guerillas Killed."
The Evening Times of yesterday, says: "From Colonel Murphy, who arrived
yesterday from the North-western [Rail] Road, we learn that the notorious
Colonel Biffle, who has been roving in the neighborhood of the railroad and
Tennessee river for some time, was overtaken by a severe disaster on the 16th
inst. On that day a scouting party of thirty of the garrison at the town of Clifton, started out to scout the adjacent country. Having advanced two or three
miles from Clifton the scouting party fell in with Colonel Biffle at the head of
eighty guerillas. The scouts, although outnumbered nearly three to one,
attacked the Rebels fearlessly, and speedily put them to flight. The guerillas
left nine privates dead on the field, one captain killed outright, another mortally wounded, and one man a prisoner. Our loss was two killed."
Nashville Dispatch, August 24, 1864.
NOTE 1: These events are not referenced in the OR, but are catalogued in Dyer's Bat-
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 16, 1864
tle Index for Tennessee, p. 873. According to Dyer there were skirmishes on
the 15th and 16th involving the 10th Tennessee Cavalry and the 2nd Tennessee Mounted Infantry.
August 16, 1864 - “Bawdy Books and Pictures.”
•See June 3, 1864--"Lewd Pictures"
The attention of the police is called to the fact that there are a number of persons going about the city peddling obscene books and pictures. Yesterday we
noticed two of these gentry doing a big trade, one in a store on Main street and
the other on the levee, and at various times we have heard of others. They are
said to be from New Orleans and up the river, and spend a goodly portion of
their time upon steamboats. A sharp lookout should be kept for these gentry,
and they should be punished severely if caught. Memphis is not so utterly
depraved that she cannot be made worse.
Memphis Bulletin, August 16, 1864.
August 16, 1864 - “Man Found Dead in a Cellar.”
The body of an unknown man, in the worst stages of decomposition, was discovered on Sunday, in a baker's oven in the cellar of a house [?] situated on the
northeast corner of Shelby and Beal streets, by a Mr. Shellenbaum who keeps a
drinking establishment on the ground floor. For several weeks past persons
entering there have complained of an offensive smell arising from the floor, the
cause of which no one was able to explain. On Sunday, Mr. S. went into the
cellar to put a fresh barrel of beer on tap, when he was led by the intolerable
stench to institute a search which resulted in the above discovery. The man was
apparently a negro but decomposed beyond recognition; parts of his arms and
legs were eaten away by vermin. He was dressed in a checkered shirt and dark
pants. How he got there is a mystery. There is a door leading from the cellar to
Beal street which is generally open, and it is supposed that while intoxicated he
entered and stowed himself away for a snooze, which proved to be his last.
Coroner Moore was notified and held an inquest on the body the same afternoon, which resulted in a verdict that [the] deceased came to his death from
causes unknown. The body lay where it was found until yesterday morning,
when, for a consideration of $5, a negro was induced to remove it and have it
buried.
Memphis Bulletin, August 16, 1864.
August 16, 1864 - "Mortality Report."
The number of deaths in the city last week, according to Health Commissioner
Underwood's' report, was eighty two, sixteen less than the preceding week, as
follows: Diarrhea, 21; Fever, 2; Measles, 3; Consumption, 1; Diphtheria, 24
[?]; Gunshot wound, 2; in United States General Hospital, 31; all others, 14.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 41
August 16, 1864
Sex: Males, 61, Females, 21. Color: White 65 [?]; Black, 14. Nativity: Tennessee, 26; Mississippi, 7; Wisconsin, 3; North Carolina, 3; Arkansas, 5; Kentucky
2; Jews, 1; Georgia, 1; Ohio, 1; Illinois, 1; Ireland, 1; Unknown, 31. Age:
under ten years, 30; between ten and twenty-five, 8; between twenty-five and
fifty, 8; between fifty and seventy-five, [3?]; unknown, 30.
Memphis Bulletin, August 16, 1864.
August 16, 1864 - "Murdered by Guerrillas."
We learn that a young man named Stockly, and a companion, while returning
from a plantation several miles beyond the [Memphis] lines yesterday morning
[16th], was waylayed and murdered by guerrillas. The information came from
an apparently reliable source and is believed to be correct. Mr. Stockley was a
grandson of the late Col. Triggs, was well known in this city.
Memphis Bulletin, August 17, 1864.
August 16, 1864 - "A Female Soldier"
After we left the office of the Provost Marshal on Tuesday night [16] our friend
of the Press informs us that a good looking soldier "gal" made her appearance
there, dressed in a suit of blue, with artillery trappings. She was arrested by
Lieutenant Fletcher, who states that she enlisted on Tuesday morning as a
member of Battery C, 1st Tennessee Artillery, under the name of John Hoffman."She gives her real name as Louise Hoffman, said her father and mother
reside in New York City. She further states that she originally belonged to the
first Virginia cavalry, and was in both of the Bull Run fights. Since that she
engaged herself as a cook in the first Ohio regiment, becoming tired of which
avocations, she determined to enlist as a soldier in the artillery service. She
makes a very handsome soldier, and it looks like a pity that she would be
denied the privilege of following alive she seems so much devoted to.”
Nashville Dispatch, August 18, 1864.
August 16, 1864 - August 17, 1864 - Violence in Nashville
Early. . . [in the]. . . morning, the guard on duty in the jail yard, one of the
Nickins brothers, shot one of the prisoners named Wm. H. Horton. The reason
assigned for the bloody deed was, that the prisoner had cursed him and called
him a "son of a _____." To appreciate properly the nature of this rash deed, we
need only to state that the prisoner was in his cell, with three strong doors
behind himself and the guard, and only the strong iron bars to look through.
We had not heard that either of the above parties have been arrested.
Yesterday morning, Martin Concannon of Company B, tenth Tennessee, was
arrested for the murder of Irvin Stevens, a negro under the following circumstances: The negro lost his horse, and found it in possession of Concannon,
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 16, 1864
from whom he demanded it, but was refused. The negro sent his son for a
guard and soon after Concannon shot the negro.
Jermiah Pryor, a citizen of Davidson county, was arrested for shooting a soldier
belonging to the forth-sixth Pennsylvania, in Edgefield, about a mile from
town.
Andrew Lindley, a private in the fortieth Pennsylvania, was shot yesterday
morning, by some person unknown and brought in dead yesterday afternoon.
Deceased was an invalid, and guarding private property near the Northwestern
railroad.
A bloody affray occurred between some negroes yesterday afternoon, on
Broad street, which resulted in one of them being dangerously, if not fatally,
cut. His wounds were dressed by Dr. Madden and guards and police officers
sent after the other negroes, but up to a late hour they were not arrested.
Another disturbance occurred near the Post Office, which caused considerable
excitement, and the cutting of one of the parties.
Nashville Dispatch, August 17, 1864.
August 16, 1864 - August 19, 1864 - A Confederate soldier's visit home in the midst of civil
chaos in Bradley County
Aug. 16.—At home once more. I arrived at home this morning at two o'clock
and found the family well, which consists of our Dear Pa and Ma and two little
brothers, Wisner and Nevins. They are having a lonely time here with the
enemy around them, and have a hard time to live, as they are robbed by the
vandals every time they are known to have anything on hand to eat. I only
remained with them a few minutes, and then continued with my company on a
scout through the mountains. We crossed Ocoee River at Haskins' Ford, and
moved down the north side of the river to the Helderbrand Ford on the old Federal Road, and encamped. Thirty men of the Ninth Tenn. Battalion are here on
picket duty. There is only three miles from my home, yet I dare not go home to
stop over night for fear of the prowling enemy hid about the neighborhood. All
of our men who can do so in safety are visiting their homes.
Aug. 17.—I went home and spent several hours with the family. Took dinner
with them, and then returned across Ocoee river, and stayed all night at Mr. W.
Higgins' near Benton. Our cavalry division is camped on Hiwassee River, on
Savannah Farm.
Aug. 18.—I went into Benton and found several of our boys from the regiment,
and we scouted round the country generally, visiting friends. I returned to
Ocoee River and stayed with the 9th Battalion pickets.
Aug. 19—I went home this morning, but returned to the pickets immediately.
A part of the cavalry has been to Cleveland and destroyed the railroad. A courier reported about noon that the entire corps under Wheeler moved off in the
direction of Riceville yesterday. By some mistake they failed to call in the 9th
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 43
August 16, 1864
Battalion pickets, and we were therefore left behind. We all started together,
and crossed the Hiwasee at Columbus a little before sunset; went down the
river to Knox's Ferry, and took the road to Athens.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
August 16, 1864 - September 11, 1864 - Pursuit of Wheeler, East Tennessee to Murfreesborough
Excerpt from Report of Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman, U. S. Army, commanding District of the Etowah, of operations June 15—September 11, (1864), relative to the pursuit of Wheeler's command by Steedman, August 16-September
11, 1864:
~~~
At 1 o'clock on the 16th the enemy, some 500 strong, attacked a small garrison
at Graysville, but soon withdrew beyond the reach of musketry, and after tearing up some half a mile of track, retired by way of Parker's Gap. The enemy
had now left our line of communication to the front and were moving toward
Knoxville. They had not captured an engine or car. The entire damage to the
road cut the evening of the 14th was repaired on Thursday, the 8thNOTE 1, and
to this date has hardly been interrupted for a moment. I am clearly of the opinion that Wheeler's command was not less than 6,000 strong, moving in detachments of from 1,000 to 3,000 men within supporting distance of each other.
The force that attacked Dalton, I think numbered 3,000. . . On the 17th a
detachment, several hundred strong, was diverted from the line of march taken
by the enemy and menaced Cleveland, but did no damage other than destroy
several hundred yards of railroad track. I inclose the Official report of Col. H.
G. Gibson, commanding at that place, and with him keenly regret the casualties
in his command, inasmuch as I am informed that they were wholly the result of
the premature explosion of one of our own shells, but whether from inexperience in handling or from defective construction of the shell I am unable to
state. I think Col. Gibson has forgotten to mention this fact in his report. On the
22d, learning from scouts that Wheeler was between the Hiwassee and Little
Tennessee Rivers, and that those streams were not fordable at that time, I determined to try and force him to an engagement or to flee to the mountains toward
North Carolina. I therefore ordered the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, then at
Dalton, together with a detachment of the Sixteenth Kentucky, then at Cleveland, to patrol the Hiwassee as far up as the base of the mountain, and guard all
practicable fords, at the same time communicating a wish to Gen. Ammen that
he should guard the Little Tennessee to the same purpose. The next day,
August 23, I proceeded to Calhoun, Tenn., taking such troops as I could spare
from the garrison at Chattanooga and Cleveland, with a detachment of Gen.
Smith's command, some 1,500 strong, giving me a total of at least 3,600 men. I
moved in the direction taken by Wheeler as far as Madisonville, when, learning that he had crossed the Little Tennessee, and that his advance was beyond
the Holston, I returned to Chattanooga, where I arrived the evening of the 28th.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 17, 1864
The enemy had destroyed a large amount of railroad track between Calhoun
and London [Loudon?] NOTE 2; he had attacked and captured a portion of a
gang of workmen employed by the quartermaster's department in getting out
logs for the Government near Sale Creek, together with some 50 teams in use
there, and had robbed the country generally; friends and foes seemed to suffer
alike, but not an engine or car had yet been destroyed. After my arrival here,
learning that Wheeler was moving toward Middle Tennessee, by way of Sparta
and Pikeville, on the 31st of August I sent the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry,
some 600 strong, to the Sequatchie Valley, with instructions to pursue the
enemy, and prevent small detachments from being diverted from the main
body for the purpose of destroying the railroad; at the same time, at the request
of Gen. Rousseau for assistance, I sent four regiments, 300 strong each, to
occupy the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad from Bridgeport to Tullahoma.
The regiment sent to Cowan barely had time to unload from the cars before it
was engaged with the advance of 500 rebel cavalry, who, finding a force at
Cowan and the tunnel, moved north and destroyed some railroad track near
Decherd. On the 1st instant, having received reports that the enemy were demonstrating upon our lines of communication with Nashville with some prospect
of success, I moved by rail to Murfreesborough, taking with me, including the
four regiments placed on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad the day previous by me, 3,500 men and one section of artillery, making a total now from
my command in the District of Tennessee nearly 4,200 strong. Of my operations in that district I will forward a report as soon as one can be made. I am
deeply indebted to the officers of my command for their prompt and energetic
discharge of all duties required of them, and to the men for their readiness to
respond to all orders and their uncomplaining endurance of the most excessive
fatigue.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES B. STEEDMAN, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. III, pp. 496-497.
NOTE 1: The18th.
NOTE 2: London, Tennessee, is located in Cocke county, Loudon, Tennessee, is located in Loudon county, Calhoun is located in McMinn county. All three
counties are in East Tennessee. Referral to a state map indicates that it was
Loudon to Calhoun.
August 17, 1864 - Skirmish at Cleveland
Report of Col. Horatio G. Gibson, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, of skirmish
(August 17) at Cleveland, Tenn. (Wheeler's raid).
HDQRS. U. S. FORCES, Fort McPhersott, Cleveland, Tenn., August 22, 1864.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 45
August 17, 1864
MAJ.: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 17th instant I
received warning of the approach of the enemy in force, and about noon my
cavalry pickets were driven in from the Dalton road. At this time my command
was posted as follows: The battalion (four companies) of the Sixteenth Kentucky Cavalry, under Maj. George F. Barnes, and a section of light artillery,
under Second Lieut. E. R. Davidson, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, at the
building formerly occupied as my headquarters. The Second Battalion (seven
companies) of my regiment, under Maj. D. W. Hoffman, at Camp Sedgwick,
on the ridge midway between Fort McPherson and the town, and a detachment
of my regiment (100 men), under First Lieut. A. J. Thompson, at Fort McPherson. As soon as the enemy made his appearance and commenced an attack
upon the troops near the depot, Lieut. Davidson opened with effect upon him,
followed up by Lieut. Thompson from the fort, when the advance of the enemy
broke to the rear. A flag of truce soon after appeared in view, and I at once
ordered a cessation of the firing until the purport of it could be ascertained. By
this flag I received a note from Maj.-Gen. Wheeler, of which the following is a
copy:
HDQRS. CAL CORPS,
August 17, 1864.
OFFICER COMDG. U. S. FORCES, Cleveland, Tenn.
I desire to know if you intend compelling me to shell the town?
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOS. WHEELER, Maj.-Gen., C. S. Army.
To which I replied as follows:
HDQRS. U. S. FORCES, Cleveland, Tenn. August 17, 1864.
Maj. Gen. JOSEPH WHEELER, C. S. Army:
GEN.: In reply to your note just received, I have to say that I have no objections to your shelling the town.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. G. GIBSON, Capt. Third U. S. Artillery and Col. Second Ohio Heavy Artillery.
After an interval of twenty minutes Lieut. Thompson opened fire again from
the fort, but deeming Lieut. Davidson's position insecure unless supported by
my whole command, I ordered Maj. Barnes to withdraw him and the cavalry to
Camp Sedgwick, from which point Lieut. Davidson again opened upon the
enemy, who could be seen in large force in the woods directly in our front. I at
the same time ordered all patients in the hospital, citizens, and all public stores
to be removed from the town, and whatever stores should remain after nightfall I gave orders to burn in case of necessity. During the afternoon Capt. Bachmann, of the Sixteenth Kentucky Cavalry, with his company, was sent to
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 17, 1864
reconnoiter the woods in our front, and had a sharp skirmish with a body of the
enemy posted there. The enemy appearing to make an effort to get in rear of
my position, I sent out scouts from the cavalry on the Charleston and Harrison
roads, who reported him as having crossed both roads in force. The position I
occupied with my main force being totally indefensible, except from an attack
directly in front, and moreover interfering to a serious extent with the fire from
Fort McPherson, I removed my whole command, as soon as night set in, to the
fort. This precaution, I am satisfied, saved my command from serious loss, as I
have since learned from rebel deserters that it was the intention of the enemy to
attack me after night-fall from my rear. The next morning, however, I found
that the enemy had disappeared, having done no further damage than the cutting of the telegraph wires and the destruction of a few yards of railroad above
and below the town.
~~~
H. G. GIBSON, Col. Second Ohio Heavy Arty., Comdg. U. S. Forces.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. II, pp. 743-745.
August 17, 1864 - Exodus of Cleveland's population caused by combat
. . . At noon the alarm was given that, "The Rebels were coming." We were eating when the first cannon fired. We all fled to the cellar leaving the table just as
it was. We then concluded that it was not safe even there & we then left. . . and
went to Mr. Reeder's, hundreds of persons joined us, (with bundles, etc.), in our
march for the country. We went to Mr. Reeder's & stayed all night. In due time
Mother and the rest joined us there. I will always remember the night between
40 and 50 persons were there & nearly as many negroes. The children and
grown people laying stretched on the bare floor. I was ensconced in a large
feather bed where I nearly suffocated from heat. . . Silence reigned in the
direction of our lonely & deserted homes. Not more than half a dozen families
remained at home. Occasionally we could hear the booming of cannon firing
from the fort at the Confederates, who were peering saucily at them from the
woods beyond the fair ground. They tore up all the Rail Road & left about
dark. I felt considerably disappointed, was in hopes they were going to pay us a
visit of two or three days & we could get to see all our friends. . .
Diary of Myra Adelaide Inman.
August 17, 1864 - Murder of Privates Charles Mortimer, 10th Tennessee Infantry and Williams (U. S. ) in Nashville
Private Charles Mortimer, 10th Tennessee Infantry (U. S. ) was killed on College street by a member of his own regiment. He was shot in the back as he
walked peacefully home that evening. The bullet passed completely through
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
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August 17, 1864
him, killing him instantly. Another private named Williams was shot as he
walked out of a "house of ill fame" on College street. He died soon thereafter.
Nashville Dispatch, August 17, 1864
August 17, 1864 - Federal soldiers steal hats in Nashville
Some of the soldiers going out on the Louisville and Nashville railroad are
guilty of practices which ought to be stopped, if possible. As the train passes
over the bridge they steal all the hats of the foot passengers they can lay hands
on. Many poor men suffer materially in this manner, and we therefore call the
attention of the authorities to the subject.
Nashville Dispatch, August 17, 1864.
August 17, 1864 - "Row on Cedar Street."
Two Federal officers got into a fight on Cedar street yesterday, and drew a
large crowd of spectators, when an officer of the Provost Guard came along,
pitched one of the combatants into the custody of the patrol, and sent the other
about his business. The patrol conducted the Captain to the office of Captain
Sheridan.
Nashville Dispatch, August 18, 1864.
August 17, 1864 - "The Minstrels."
There was as usual, a crowded house last night to hear the minstrels."Gipsy
Davy" was sung by J. W. Smith in first-rate style; his contortions and grimaces
were side-splitting. Bill Reeve, also kept the company's risibles in full
play."Sketches from Boz," was capitally enacted by Messrs. Reeves and
Lindly. It is a treat to the lovers of the "light fantastic" to see the young champion jig dancer. In fact, an evening cannot be more pleasantly spent than in
hearing the minstrels. Entire change every evening. Go by all means.
Nashville Dispatch, August 17, 1864.
August 17, 1864 - "Dr. Coleman."
A large proportion of the human race suffer more or less from venereal diseases, or their complaints. The taint once acquired is often said to lurk in the
blood, and manifests itself through succeeding generations. The great fault of
the age immediately preceding this, was that this frightful class of disease were
combated only in their symptoms, which being once subdued, the patient was
declared cured, through the deadly virus is still unexpunged from the system.
Fortunately for humanity, a better state of things has been inaugurated, and the
increased knowledge acquired by the foremost in the ranks of medical practitioners, enables them to strike at the very root of the disorder. Prominent
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 18, 1864
among them is Dr. Coleman, who had devoted the labor of his life to the discovery of the means of totally eradicating the venereal taint, and leaving the
patient as free as before infection. That he has succeeded, his thousands of
former patients testify; that he will still succeed, his large present practice
plainly proves. Dr. Coleman is one among the very few specialists now practicing, who are able to what they promise—work a perfect cure. He can do this,
and that in a safe and speedy manner, without danger or exposure. His office is
located on Cherry street, between Cedar and Deaderick. Visit him, all ye who
are afflicted. You cannot afford to remain away.
Nashville Dispatch, August 17, 1864.
August 18, 1864 - Skirmish at Charleston
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 18, 1864 - Commander Robert Townsend, U. S. N., inquires of Major-General C. C.
Washburn relative to illicit trade with Confederates along Mississippi
River
•See May 14, 1864--General Orders, No. 4 relative to further restrictions on
contraband trade
U. S. IRON-CLAD ESSEX, Memphis, Tenn., August 18, 1864.
Maj. Gen. C. C. WASHBURN, Cmdg. District of West Tennessee:
GEN.: InclosedNOTE 1 herewith I send you the names of the regularly armed
vessels composing the several divisions of the Mississippi squadron as the
same are arranged in districts by Admiral Porter's last general order in regard
to them. To the respective names I have added initials, whose significance is
shown in the explanations subjoined to the list. I have also given you a condensed outline sketch of the several classes of armed vessels belonging to the
squadron, which I trust will enable you to form a clear, general idea of their
character and force. Thus, I hope I have satisfactorily fulfilled my promise
given to you the other evening. You will notice that two of the double-turreted
monitors were in Admiral Farragut's gallant fight with Forts Morgan and
Gaines, and the rebel iron-clads in Mobile Bay. When the details are received I
think we will find that they did good service in their own peculiar way. Now
that I am writing, general, I beg leave to recall your attention to an expression
in your General Orders, No. 4, which far and wide has received an interpretation most offensive to the navy, an interpretation which I feel sure you could
have had no intention to convey. I refer to the phrase—"the farce of landing
under the guns of a gunboat." Even before I had the pleasure of making your
acquaintance I felt sure that, as an officer of rank and a gentleman, you could
not have intended to offer a gratuitous insult to the sister service. And thus
believing I understood you to mean that, with corrupt treasury agents to grant
permits, and with orders from high quarters that gunboats should not interfere
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
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August 18, 1864
with steamers having revenue aids on board, the act of landing under the guns
of a gun-boat could be only a farce. And, as Admiral Porter states in his General Orders, No. 209 (I beg leave to draw your attention to the copy inclosed
herewith), quoting and indorsing your own General Orders, No. 4, under the
late Treasury regulations, the fisco-fiducial duties of the navy were limited to
the prevention of the introduction of articles contraband of war within the
enemy's lines. The permit of a corrupt Treasury agent, indorsed by a venal military commander, could pour the products of Europe and of the North over the
rebel cotton-fields, with none to gainsay the authority or prevent the act,
though a whole fleet of gun-boats lined every reach of the river. And those of
us who have had some experience in the cotton regions cannot resist the moral
conviction that many in high places and in low have been unable to withstand
the alluring temptations held out to them by enormous cotton gains. In this
condition of affairs, with the atmosphere of the whole Mississippi valley reeking with a corruption more pestilential and fatal than the malaria of its swamps,
I and other right-thinking men, hailed, as the harbinger of a brighter and purer
day, your General Orders, No. 4. In trade, at least, the dull quiet of annihilation
is preferable to the baleful activity that springs from the fermenting and festering decay of all the higher and more noble elements of commercial life. The
recent action of the Treasury Department would seem to indicate that our anticipations of a more honorable future are not doomed to disappointment. But the
malign influences are diabolically strong; we can only pray for honest officials
and hope for the best. I imagine, general, that now for the first time your attention has been drawn to the prejudicial construction that can be given to your
expression in regard to the gun-boats. Let me ask and hope that in some succeeding general order you will refer to the subject and state that it was foreign
to your intention to cast a stigma upon the sister service, and that those who
may have thus construed your words were altogether mistaken both as to your
purpose and your meaning.
With high regard, I have the honor to remain, very respectfully and sincerely,
yours,
ROBERT TOWNSEND, Commander, U. S. Navy.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, pp. 266-267.
NOTE 1: Not found.
August 18, 1864 - "United States Military Commission."
Lieut.-Col. James J. Davidson, President
Lieut. H. C. Blackman, Judge Advocate
The case of the United States vs. Mrs. Mary V. Reynolds, of near Columbia,
Tenn., is now being investigated by the Military Commission, W. C. Bunts and
J. W. Phramore, Esqs., counsel for the defendant, who stands charged with-
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August 18, 1864
1. Being a spy,
2. Treason;
3. Violating the 56th and 57th Articles of War;
4. Being a war traitor;
5. Violating her oath of allegiance.
Mrs. Reynolds is the daughter of Mr. Thomas Leftwick, of near Columbia.
THE UNITED STATES vs. THOMAS W. ELLIOT.
This case was commenced before the Military Commission on the 14th of July,
and was concluded on the 15th of August. The prisoner was charged with1. Violation of the laws and usages of war.
2. Being a guerrilla.
3. Murder.
The case was one of considerable importance, and is especially interesting to
the public as establishing a precedent in admitting negro testimony against a
white man.-Judge John S. Brien, counsel for the defence, objecting, and the
Judge Advocate maintaining the competency of the witness. Below we give the
argument of the Judge Advocate:
Alfred March, colored, was called for the prosecution, when the defendant
counsel objected to his testimony being received, for the reason—1st. That a
negro, slave or free, is an incompetent witness in this State in any case involving the interest of a free white man; and secondly, That as such negro, he is
incompetent to testify in the Courts of the United States against a free white
man. To these objections the Judge Advocate made the following reply:
It is objected that this person is not a competent witness; first, because he is a
negro, and secondly, because he is a slave; and the laws of Tennessee, where
the Court sits, exclude such persons from testifying where a white man is a
party, and that the Federal Courts adopt the rule of the Courts of the State in
which they now sit.
Now there is no law of Congress rendering this class of people incompetent as
witnesses, and it is not seen why a Military Court should be held to the laws of
the State in which the court in convened. In the army, all rules should be uniformly the same all over the country. But sustain this objection, and you have
one rule for a court sitting in Cincinnati, Ohio, and another for Covington,
Kentucky, while in all probability the two places are garrisoned by the same
troops and commanded by the same General.
Is a Military Commission to be bound by rules? The rule for these tribunals, in
my opinion, should be just the rule that would be adopted by the commanding
General himself in investigating the case. Suppose the prisoner were brought
directly before the General Commanding, would not he investigate the case in
the light of all the fact that could be brought before him?-judging of the value
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August 18, 1864
of the statements of witnesses by their intelligence, their manners, and their
apparent honesty?
The General has power to try this case himself, and to inflict punishment, if he
sees proper to do so; but he refers it to a commission of officers selected by
himself, to ascertain and report the facts, and award sentence, but it is by his
authority and will the whole thing is done at last.
In the same way the General refers cases of assessments for damages done by
guerrillas. It is by virtue of his order that an assessment is made and collected,
and not in accordance with any law of the State. These investigations were
identical with Military Commissions, both are the offspring of military necessity, and each is but the carrying out of the will of the General Commanding.
Again, it would not do to adopt this rule. The Government has made soldiers of
this class of persons. It is said that this negro is a slave by the laws of Tennessee. Thousands of our colored soldiers are no less so. Would it do to say that
these soldiers could not testify in military courts? Would it do to say that a
negro soldier could not testify in courts martial against his white officers?
Would it do to say that negroes could not testify against white citizens for
encouraging and procuring negro soldiers to desert? If this very negro, now
offered as a witness, had been sent into one of our negro regiments by his master to entice negro soldiers away, would anybody say he could not testify
against his master on a trial for that offence?
If, then he is a competent witness at all, he is competent for all purposes. If he
would be competent against one white man, why is he not competent against
any white man?
It must be borne in mind that circumstances have changed in regard to these
people since the breaking out of this rebellion, and we are all familiar with the
legal axiom, that when the reason for a rule ceases, the rule itself ceases. If
there ever was such a rule in military courts, and if there ever was any reason
for such a rule, manifestly that reason has ceased to exist. I refer to court to
Deliart, pages 402-3.
The Court decided that the negro was a competent witness.
Nashville Dispatch, August 18, 1864.
August 18, 1864 - "Schools Opening."
By an oversight, we neglected to call attention to the fact that the school of Mr.
and Mrs. Cartwright would soon open for the coming session, at their former
place, on the first Monday in September. Those of Mrs. Sturdevant and Mddle.
Toupet will also open on the same day. These teachers are all well known and
appreciated. St. Cecilia's Academy commences its third years on the 5th of
September. Particulars will be found in our advertising columns.
Nashville Dispatch, August 18, 1864.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 18, 1864
August 18, 1864 - "Recorders' Court;" drunks, nuisances, and an amateur clairvoyant
Half a dozen drunken cases added $30 to the city treasury, besides the costs.
Moses York, a negro paid $7 for the privilege of a brief snooze in the markethouse.
Eliza Mann, a black woman with a white child, was fined $5 for disorderly
conduct.
A hard-working woman, of good character, was fined $50 for telling, or pretending to tell, fortunes. According to the testimony of the prosecutor, Mr.
Simpson, his wife had paid defendant a quarter to tell her fortune, and the
things related by defendant to Simpson's wife had so preyed upon her mind as
to "turn her plum crazy," so that two doctors were necessary to prevent her getting worse and quiet her mind. In reply to a question from Mr. South, counsel
for the defence, witness said he was not a Christian. There can be no doubt but
defendant has told fortunes among her neighbors, as half the girls and women
in town do, and it may be that she has occasionally received money, being a
widow, with four children, and poor; but we cannot believe she is a professional fortune teller, Marshal Churnbly having known her several years, and
never heard of it, and a respectable woman who has known her fifteen years,
and lived in the room adjoining for ten years, testifies positively that she was
not a fortune teller, and that she never pretended to be one; that she had known
her to sit up till 2 o'clock at night many a time sewing for the support of herself
and family. The Recorder will probably remit the fine, in consideration of the
good character of the defendant.
Nashville Dispatch, August 18, 1864.
August 18, 1864 - Female Soldiers
More Romance-Two Women Serving as Soldiers-Their Arrest.
Two females dressed in Federal uniform were brought to the Irving Block from
the front on Tuesday [16th]. They were arrested in the camps of the 21st Missouri Infantry, in which they were serving, one as a drummer and the other as
teamster, under the named of Charley Davis and Wm. Morris. The drummer's
real name is Jane Short. Previous to joining the 21st Mo., she served for over a
year as private in the 6th Illinois cavalry; into which regiment she enlisted
from Shawneetown, Ill, where she resided before the war. She was at the battle
of Shiloh, and was there wounded in the hand by a musket ball. After recovering she rejoined her regiment and participated in various conflicts, until prostrated by sickness and sent to the hospital, which led to her discharge. She then
came to Memphis and lived, she does not say how for several months, when
pining for the excitement of glorious war again, she joined the band of the 21st
Missouri, in which she performed excellent service on the base drum until the
time of her arrest. In appearance she is thick set, full-faced, has short hair of a
light color, and blue eyes. In uniform one would never suspect her to be a
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August 19, 1864
woman; she looks much like an unsophisticated country lad of twenty years
and [earnest?] modesty.
Lou Morris, alias Bill Morris, the younger of the two, is much better looking
than her companion, seems more active and sprightly, and, consequently, less
modest. She formerly resided in St. Louis, from which place she enlisted in the
"Red Rovers" of the 10th Missouri cavalry, eighteen months since, and served
nine months, passing unhurt through several engagements. She then deserted
and coming to Memphis, lived as a woman until meeting with Jane short, with
whom she started of the wars again, as teamster in the 2d Missouri Infantry.
They were never acquainted before meeting at a hotel in this city. They claim
that they have not revealed their sex, nor was it discovered by any of their comrades since they entered the service, and that their enlistment was promoted by
patriotic motives only. They wanted to do a small share towards "licking the
rebs " as Lou said. The cause of their arrest, Lou informed me, was that Jane
became frightened at the report that the regiment was to be sent out, with others, to meet Forrest, and revealed their sex to one of the officers, who reported
them at headquarters, when they were sent to the Provost Marshal of the right
wing of the 16th Army Corps, and thence to Memphis. Lou said she was not
frightened, and intends to join another regiment if she gets a chance. Jane is
content to return to the paths of peace again. Lou, when dressed in uniform,
looks as little like a woman as her companions, and presented the appearance
of a hardy boy of eighteen. They are much tanned by exposure. It is the intention of the authorities to sent to their homes, if they have any.
Memphis Bulletin, August 18, 1864.
August 19, 1864 - Skirmish at Charleston
AUGUST 19, 1864.-Skirmish at Charleston, Tenn.
Report of Lieut. Col. Martin B. Ewing, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery.
HDQRS. U. S. FORCES, Charleston, August 20, 1864.
LIEUT.: I have the honor to report, for the information of the colonel commanding, that all the forces of the enemy seem to have passed on toward Athens. They were in line of skirmishers about one mile and a quarter from the
bridge here for several hours yesterday. I shelled them while in the act of burning the road, and drove the whole party (Humes' brigade, about 1,400) off with
seven shells. The last shell thrown (a 10-pounder Parrott) was thrown a little
over three miles, burst among them, and wounded six men, one, Lieut.-Col.
Powell, of the Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, mortally. This report was derived
from a deserter and from a loyal citizen, whom they held prisoner all day yesterday. From all reports I gather that the whole force numbers about 6,000,
with eight guns.
Lieut. Fischer reported a mountain howitzer with the rear guard near here yesterday. Some fifty of our men skirmished all the afternoon with this guard and
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 19, 1864
finally drove them off. Members of this force said at a number of places, and to
many parties in this vicinity, that they were on a big raid, and were going on
toward Knoxville to meet Morgan, and go with him into Middle Tennessee or
Kentucky. They also said that they did not want either Cleveland or this place.
Lieut. Marshman, who was some miles south of Athens on Tuesday night,
reports that one brigade was engaged in seizing horses and beef-cattle and
sending them off through the mountains to Hood's army.
I have the honor to state, also, that every officer and man of this command did
his whole duty. The only trouble I had with them was keeping them from going
out and attacking the enemy at every point where they could hear of them.
I am also under great obligations to Col. Byrd, First Tennessee Infantry; Lieut.
Coburn, First North Carolina; Lieut. Hale, ____ Tennessee, and Mr. Williams,
citizen scout, for important aid and assistance.
No casualties in this command.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. B. EWING, Lieut.-Col. Second Ohio Heavy Artillery.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. I, pp. 116-117.
August 19, 1864 - Skirmishes near Sweet Water
LOUDON, TENN., August 24, 1864
Maj.-Gen. STEEDMAN:
GEN.: I have the honor to make you acquainted with the following account of
the proceedings of the raiding party from the south, in this vicinity for your
information: On Saturday last [19th] a detachment from this place had a skirmish with the enemy near Sweet Water early in the morning, and finding their
strength too great fell back. In the afternoon, near Philadelphia, had another
skirmish, and 3 men captured, 1of whom made his escape, but no one killed or
wounded. The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded in these two skirmishes
was 6 or more. We captured 1 from the Sixth Georgia Cavalry. That day the
enemy moved to the south of this place and crossed the Little Tennessee at different fords the 20th and 21st. The 22d some crossed the Holston at Louisville
and cut the telegraph at Concord, and did a little damage to railroad, and then
returned to the south side of the river the next day. Railroad and telegraph to
Knoxville now repaired.
~~~
I am, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. AMMEN, Brig. Gen., U. S. Vols., Comdg. Fourth Division, 23d Army
Corps.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. V, p. 658.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 55
August 19, 1864
August 19, 1864 - Confederate attack on Federal supply wagon train near Athens
•See August 27, 1864--Skirmish on Clinton Road, near Knoxville
August 19, 1864 - Skirmish near Philadelphia
•See August 19, 1864--Skirmishes near Sweet Water
August 19, 1864 - "Military Commission, Department of the Cumberland."
Lieut. Col. Wm. M. Wiles, 22nd, Ind. Vol. Inf.
" " Jas. J. Davidson, 73d, Ills. Vol. Inf.
Capt. Thomas Lewis, 59th Ohio Vol. Inf.
" Thomas J. Rhodes, 60th Ills. Vol. Inf.
First Lieut. E. B. Belding, 1st Ohio Light Artl'y.
Second Lieut. H. C. Blackman, 8th Kansas Vol Inf., Judge Advocate.
A. G. Davis, Clerk
——
A somewhat interesting case was tried lately by the Military Commission,
viz.,: that of George H. Whitehead, what was charged with the crime of perjury. It appears that John S. Rossin was killed on the 26th of July, 1863. On the
20th of August, 1863, Whitehead was arraigned before a Military Commission
convened at Clarksville, Tenn., tried upon a charge of willful murder, and sentenced to be hanged. The finding was referred to Gen. Rosecrans, who disapproved of the sentence, and ordered the prisoner to be released. Cornelius E.
Peacher was arrested in November, 1863, and tried for the murder of Rossin, in
April, 1864. Whitehead being called as a witness, he testified that he killed
Rossin; that Preacher had nothing whatever to do with it, except in being in his
company; that he (Whitehead) fired all four shots, and that Peacher did not fire
any at the deceased.
Whitehead was subsequently arraigned upon a charge of perjury, before the
Military Commission sitting in this city. Jordan Stokes, Esq., was associated
with the Judge Advocate in the prosecution, and Judge Jo. C. Guild and Gen.
John E. Garner appeared for the defence.
Objection being made to the jurisdiction of the court, and overruled, the trial
was proceeded with. Some of the witnesses for the prosecution swore positively that Whitehead fired two shots, and the Peacher fired two-the third and
fourth, the latter giving the fatal wound; while Whitehead in his testimony in
the Peacher case, swore that he had fired each of the four shots. In this he was
supported by Peacher, who swears that he fired neither of the shots; by Sugg
Fort, Thomas H. Sugg, and James T. Williams, who swore substantially to the
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 20, 1864
same state of facts. The characters of these persons for truth and honesty, were
proved to be as good as anybody's, but witnesses of undoubted good character.
The case was argued with much earnestness on both sides, the evidence analyzed, and the witnesses severely handled.
Nashville Dispatch, August 19, 1864.
August 20, 1864 - Skirmish with guerrillas and mutilations at Pine Bluff, near the Great
Western Furnace
AUGUST 20, 1864.-Skirmish at Pine Bluff, Tenn.
Report of Lieut. Col. Elijah C. Brott, Eighty-third Illinois Infantry. HDQRS. U.
S. FORCES,
Fort Donelson, Tenn., August 25, 1864.
COL.: I have the honor to make the following report of a skirmish between a
portion of rebel Gen. Woodward's command, numbering 110 men, and Capt.
William W. Turnbull, Company B, Eighty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and
eleven men of his company: On the morning of the 17th instant Capt. Turnbull
received orders from these headquarters to proceed with his company as guard
to telegraph repairers on line leading to Smithland, Ky. On the morning of the
20th, near the Great Western Furnace, a distance of about fifteen miles from
the fort, a citizen reported to the captain six guerrillas. The captain learning by
going across the rebels would be obliged to travel three miles while the captain
would reach the same place in traveling one mile, hoping thereby to capture the
six guerrillas, the captain, with eleven men, started in pursuit; but on reaching
said place the guerrillas had preceded him a very few minutes. The captain and
men followed nearly to the Tennessee River, a distance of six or eight miles
from his camp. Came from them 1 horse and 1 gun. The captain then concluded to return to camp, and when but a short distance on his return he was
met by 110 men of Woodward's command, who fired into the captain and party
at a distance of about twenty yards, the captain returning the fire. The rebels
then charged on and overpowered them, killing the captain and 7 men, horribly
mutilating their bodies, their heads and faces terribly beaten, and from two to
four bullets in each. One man being wounded and left on the field was carried
by ladies to the house of a citizen. While lying on a couch a second party came
up. One of the fiends seeing the wounded soldier fired his pistol at him three
times and killed him. Two men escaped and reached the fort in safety, and 2
more taken prisoners. A detachment consisting of Company B, mounted infantry, and Battery C, Second Illinois Light Artillery, Capt. James P. Flood commanding, found the bodies on the ground where the fight had occurred,
gathered for burial by the citizens. The body of Capt. Turnbull was found some
distance from the scene of strife, he, it seems, having fallen back and defended
himself until overpowered and killed.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 57
August 20, 1864
I am, your obedient servant,
E. C. BROTT, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Post.
OR Ser. I. Vol. 39. pt. I, p. 467.
August 20, 1864 - Reconnaissance near Sweetwater
•See August 27, 1864--Skirmish on Clinton Road, near Knoxville
August 20, 1864 - Skirmish near Sweetwater
•See August 27, 1864--Skirmish on Clinton Road, near Knoxville
August 20, 1864 - Capture of Confederate soldiers by U. S. C. T. in Meigs County
We arrived at Athens before daylight. Our regiment is gone down on Tennessee
River to Meigs County. I learn that a good many of them were captured by
some Yankees who were stationed on the river cutting timber, and Col. McKenzie has taken the remainder of the regiment and the First Tenn. And gone in
pursuit. The men who were captured had gone home, and had appointed a
place to meet before returning to the regiment. The Yankees (who were mostly
niggers ) found out their place of meeting, and waylaid and captured them as
they arrived. I came on with the cavalry division via Sweetwater, toward Little
Tenn. River.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
August 20, 1864 - August 21, 1864 - Wheeler's command crosses the Little Tennessee at
Davis Ford
•See August 27, 1864--Skirmish on Clinton Road, near Knoxville
August 21, 1864 - Attack on Memphis by ForrestNOTE 1
Report of Maj. Gen. Cadwallader C. Washburn, U. S. Army, commanding District of West Tennessee.
MEMPHIS, TENN., August 21, 1864.
Maj.-Gen. Forrest, with three brigades of cavalry, attacked this City at 4 a. m.
to-day, making a sudden dash on our pickets and riding into the heart of the
City. They were repulsed and driven out, with considerable loss. They obtained
no plunder, but about 250 100-days' men [i.e., draftees] were captured. They
left Gen. A. J. Smith's front at Oxford the evening of the 18th, and made a
forced march of nearly 100 miles. Gen. Smith has all my cavalry but about
400, and I have taken measures to notify him, and have him fall upon them and
intercept their retreat. The whole thing has resulted very satisfactorily so far.
What cavalry I have is harassing their rear.
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August 21, 1864
C. C. WASHBURN, Maj.-Gen.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., September 2,
1864.
COL.: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 21st ultimo this
City was attacked by Maj.-Gen. Forrest, C. S. Army, with three brigades of his
command, numbering from 2,500 to 3,000 men.
They left the immediate front of Gen. A. J. Smith (who had with him a force of
4,800 cavalry and a large force of infantry and artillery), at Oxford, on the
evening of the 18th instant and made a forced march hither, crossing the Tallahatchie River on a pontoon bridge at Panola, and arriving at our picket-line by
3 o'clock on the morning of the 21st. A force, consisting of about one-third of
Forrest's command, was detached by him and ordered to dash over the pickets
and into the City, while the remainder engaged our forces outside. This detachment came in on the Hernando road, driving in the pickets and riding past a
regiment of 100-days' troops that was there stationed, and rode with the utmost
rapidity to my headquarters, which they at once thoroughly invested, giving
me barely a moment's time to escape. Another party rode to the Gayoso House,
where they expected to find Maj.-Gen. Hurlbut, but in this were disappointed,
he lodging that night with Col. A. R. Eddy, assistant quartermaster. Another
party went to attack Gen. Buckland's headquarters, but making a mistake in the
street, gave him also time to escape. They then proceeded to the Irving Prison,
but the guard was ready for them and they were handsomely repulsed. By this
time the provost guard had rallied and attacked the enemy vigorously, while
the firing of the militia alarm gun added to the fright of the assailants, and they
retreated as rapidly as they came, and joined the main force outside. They had
no time for plunder, and save a few horses (perhaps 80 in all), they got nothing.
Reaching the outside of the City a brisk fight was kept up with our forces there
assembling until about 9 a. m., when the entire force moved off on the Hernando road. Our troops rallied rapidly to the point assailed, and under Col.
David Moore, Twenty-first Missouri Infantry, whose regiment was not present,
but who volunteered, and Col. G. B. Hoge, One hundred and thirteenth Illinois
Infantry, commanding the remnant of his brigade, Lieut. Col. Roach, commanding One hundred and thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry (100-days' men), and
Col. E. L. Buttrick, commanding Thirty-ninth and Forty-first Wisconsin Infantry (also 100-days' men), also Col. Ray, commanding fortieth Wisconsin Infantry (100-days' men), with Col. Prince, and the convalescents of the Seventh
Illinois Cavalry, and Col. M. H. Starr, and a small detachment of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, they attacked vigorously and drove the enemy away. My effective cavalry was nearly all in the front with Gen. Smith, but such as was here
were ordered to fall upon Forrest's rear, and pursue and harass his retreat. They
followed him to Hernando, twenty-five miles, which point he left, retreating
toward Panola about 9 o'clock on Monday morning, the 22d instant.
As soon as possible on the morning of the attack I endeavored to get a dispatch
through to LaGrange, to be expressed from there to Maj.-Gen. Smith, but it
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 59
August 21, 1864
was found that during the night the wires had been cut between Collierville and
Germantown. . .
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, pp. 468-469.
Report of John E. Randle, Chief of Fire Department.
MEMPHIS, August 24, 1864.
The following is a correct report of the depredations committed by the Confederate forces during their recent raid in Memphis, on Sunday morning last, in
the fire department:
Patrick Roach, a member of steam fire company No. 2, was murdered while on
duty at the engine house. He was a good and efficient member, and leaves and
aged mother and sister, who were entirely dependent upon him for support.
John Thompson, a member of the same company, and while on duty at the
engine house, was made prisoner and carried off by the rebels. List of property
taken off by the rebels: One horse mule, valued at $500; 1 captain's trumpet,
$30; 2 firemen's belts, $20; 1 saddle, $25; 1 new black cloth coat, $35; 2 black
felt hats, $24; 2 oil-cloth coats, $15; 1 pair leggings, $5. Grand total, $654.
Respectfully submitted by
JOHN E. RANDLE, Chief of Fire Department.
Report of Maj. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest, C. S. Army, commanding Forrest's cavalry.
MOBILE, ALA., August 22, 1 864.
(Received 23d.) The following dispatch received from Gen. Forrest:
HERNANDO, August 21, 1864.
I attacked Memphis 4 o'clock this morning, driving enemy to his fortifications.
We killed and captured 400, capturing their entire camp, with about 300 horses
and mules. Washburn and staff escaped by darkness of morning, leaving his
clothes behind. My loss, 20 killed and wounded.
N. B. FORREST, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, pp. 483-484.
NOTE 1: There are a total of 15 reports on this raid.
August 21, 1864 - Skirmish at Rogersville
•See August 21, 1864-August 23, 1864-Pursuit of Confederates from
Greeneville environs
August 21, 1864 - Confederate attack and capture of Federal post at Maryville
No circumstantial reports filed.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 21, 1864
KNOXVILLE, TENN., August 22, 1864.
Gen. BURBRIDGE:
Enemy attacked our post of about fifty men, at Maryville, with artillery, yesterday evening, and probably captured them. They are reported as passing in
force toward Maryville from Louisville last night. No reliable information of
any force this side of the river. Will keep you posted.
G. M. BASCOM, Lieut.-Col. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 285.
Crossed the Little Tennessee and passed through Unitia, in Blount County. A
part of the Kentucky brigade moved via Maryville for the purpose of dislodging a small garrison of Federals who had fortified themselves in the courthouse
at that place. They refused to surrender to the Kentuckians, and they, not caring
to hazard lives by storming the place, very foolishly, and I may say criminally
set fire to the near by houses, thinking that the wind would carry the fire into
the court-house and burn the enemy out; but instead of doing so the fire spread
in all other directions and left the garrison uninjured. The result was all the
business property and a great deal of residence property was destroyed, and the
people turned out homeless. The fire did not injure the court-house, being isolated from the other buildings. A piece of artillery arrived after dark and fired
two or three shots, which brought the enemy out to surrender. There were only
14 of them.
Whoever is responsible for this amazing piece of cowardice and vandalism, be
he Gen. Wheeler or a Kentucky Colonel, ought to be court-martialed and dismissed from the service.
~~~
A shameful feature of this fire is that nearly all the victims are people of southern sympathies, and many of their sons are away in the Confederate Army.
Diary of William A. Sloan, August 21, 1864.
August 21, 1864 - "POLICE REFORM"
It should gratify all good citizens to know that well directed, earnest efforts are
being made to reform our police department, and that these reforms are made
to begin just in the right way, by the requirement of moral, honorable, honest,
gentlemanly conduct from those who are the paid guardians of the lives and
property of our citizens. Only by such conduct can the members our police
force win and retain the confidence and respect of the public, and no police
force can be of much service unless its members are respected. It is neither
necessary nor politic to set a thief to catch a thief. There is no reason why every
policeman may not be a gentleman and man of honor.
Memphis Bulletin, August 21, 1864.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 61
August 21, 1864
August 21, 1864 - August 23, 1864 - Pursuit of Confederates from Greeneville environs
AUGUST 21-23, 1864.-Skirmishes at Rogersville (21st), skirmishes at Blue
Springs (23d), and pursuit of Confederates to Greenville, Tenn.
Report of Brig. Gen. Alvan C. Gillem, U. S. Army.
HDQRS. U. S. FORCES, Greenville, Tenn., August 24, 1864.
I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the troops
under my command since my last report, made to you at Strawberry Plains on
the 18th of August:
I rested at Strawberry Plains, the first day spent in camp since leaving Gallatin.
On the 19th instant we marched to Mossy Creek, where we arrived late in the
afternoon, when I learned that there was a party of some 400 rebels at Morristown. I determined to surround them, and, if possible, capture them. Accordingly, I ordered the Ninth Regt. of Tennessee Cavalry, under Col. Brownlow, to
proceed on the road toward the Bend of Chucky, and thence by a cross-road to
come up in the enemy's rear. At 2 o'clock that night I marched with the remainder of the troops by the Knoxville road to Morristown. Both forces arrived at
Morristown just after daylight, and ascertained that no rebel force had been
there. Encamped at Morristown for the remainder of the day, and in the afternoon was joined by a battalion of cavalry, which had been sent out from Strawberry Plains to go up the north side of Holston River, by Rutledge and Bean's
Station. On the arrival of this battalion I detached Lieut.-Col. Ingerton, Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, with a battalion of that regiment, to attack a force of
rebels at Rogersville, with orders to join me the following night near Bull's
Gap.
On the 21st marched to Lick Creek. Soon after my arrival there Lieut.-Col.
Ingerton came in from Rogersville, at which place he had surprised the enemy
at daylight that morning, killed 23, and bringing with him 35, and Joseph B.
Heiskell, member of the rebel Congress. On his entrance to Rogersville the
enemy, though superior in number to him, fled toward Kingsport. Late that
night I received a dispatch from Gen. Tillson, informing me that Wheeler's
command was marching by way of Maryville to Dandridge. I determined to
turn back and attack his forces in detail as they crossed the river. The 22d I
returned as far as Russellville. Sent scouts in every direction, but was unable to
learn anything definite of the enemy, nor were the authorities at Knoxville able
to give me any information in regard to the enemy's movements. I therefore
determined to turn back and attack the force which I knew to be between me
and Greeneville. We left camp at 6.30 a. m. on the 23d; a small force of the
enemy was met at Bull's Gap, which fled upon our approach. At Blue Springs
we came upon the enemy's pickets, and two miles farther on we found their
force occupying a strong position on a ridge to the south of the Greeneville
road. The Tenth Michigan Cavalry were ordered to dismount and move forward. After ascertaining the position of the enemy two pieces of artillery were
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 21, 1864
placed in position. Soon after the enemy endeavored to charge one of them, but
were driven back by the Tenth Michigan Cavalry. I then directed Col. Miller to
take two companies of the Ninth Tennessee Cavalry and to turn the enemy's
left flank, which he did most successfully, a by-road having been pointed out to
him by a small boy, William Brown; through but a mere child afterward
accompanied him throughout the fight. No sooner did the enemy perceive that
Miller was getting in their rear than they began retreat. I then ordered Col.
Brownlow, with five companies, to charge them in front. Then began a running
fight, which was closed by night two miles beyond Greeneville, the enemy
halting and endeavoring several times to reform. Their horses were fresh,
while ours had been moving constantly for twenty days, and had marched eighteen miles that day before the fight began. I afterward understood that the
enemy did not halt until they arrived at Jonesborough. Our troops all behaved
well. The Tenth Michigan, under Lieut.-Col. Trowbridge, was first engaged
with the enemy and behaved well. The seven companies of the Ninth Tennessee Cavalry, under Lieut. Col. John Brownlow, charged the enemy gallantly.
Company A, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, under Capt.'s Kerner and Hambright,
fought with the Michigan troops on foot until the enemy gave away. They then
mounted and charged most gallantly, led by Capt. Kerner. That gallant officer
fell wounded, as it is feared, mortally, cheering his men on. His conduct on that
day was the admiration of all. I beg to call your attention to the gallant conduct
of Lieut. Patterson, commanding Battery E, First [Tennessee] Artillery, Lieut.
Regan, of the Tenth Tennessee Infantry, serving in the same battery.
After turning the enemy's position Col. John K. Miller led the pursuit, and
drove the enemy from every position they attempted to hold, from where they
were first engaged to Greenville. His gallant conduct merits your particular
approbation. To Col. James W. Scully, Lieut.'s French, Miller, and Mount, acting aides-de-camp, I am indebted for much valuable assistance in transmitting
orders. Lieut. Lynn, Tenth Tennessee Infantry, my provost-marshal, was with
me, but laying aside his staff duties, I believe it was conceded by all, he was
foremost in the charge until we entered Greeneville, when he was at least 100
yards in the advance of any other man in the command, and where he shot a
rebel soldier named McDowell in front of his father's house. The enemy's loss
in this fight was 57 killed. Our loss 28 wounded (2 since dead), none killed and
none captured. On the morning of the 23d I had detached Lieut.-Col. Ingerton,
with the Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, to go to Rogersville to break up the
enemy's force which I learned had assembled there. This afternoon he arrived
at this place (Greeneville), having attacked the enemy at Rogersville, killed 13,
captured 24, making the enemy's total loss in the two days 70 killed. I beg to
call your attention to Lieut.-Col. Ingerton's gallantry in the two attacks he has
made on Rogersville.
The force which I met yesterday this side of Blue Springs was Morgan's old
brigade, Fourth Kentucky Cavalry, and Tenth Kentucky Mounted Infantry,
under Col. Giltner, which was re-enforced during the fight by Gen. Vaughn
with Bradford's Thirty-second [Thirty-ninth] Tennessee Mounted Infantry,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 63
August 22, 1864
numbering probably 800 men. The Ninth and Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry
are improving rapidly, and require but little more experience to make them
excellent soldiers. Col.'s Brownlow and Ingerton use every endeavor to
instruct their men.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALVAN C. GILLEM.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, pp. 484-486.
August 22, 1864 - A Bender in Smoky Row, Nashville
The women of Smoky Row got on a big spree last night; three of them-Laura
Hickman, Jane Johnson, and Liz. Adcock, were on a jolly drunk in a hack,
while Belle Wallace and Fanny Ames were running a race on horseback. The
Carson and Morgan war resumed last night, particulars of which will be developed in the Recorder's Court this morning.
Nashville Dispatch, August 23, 1864.
August 22, 1864 - August 24, 1864 - Scouts from Bull's Gap toward Maryville
KNOXVILLE, TENN., August 23, 1864—4 p. m.
Brig.-Gen. GILLEM, Bull's Gap:
I have sent a strong force down on the Loudon road with orders to whip the
enemy or compel him to develop his force. The scout I sent toward Maryville
disobeyed instructions and did not get any definite information. I have sent out
another party that I have reason to believe will do better. If I get information
which will warrant my leaving the Tenth Michigan with you, I will so inform
you. It is possible such may be the result. I hope to get something reliable by
to-morrow a. m.
DAVIS TILLSON, Brig.-Gen. of Volunteers.
KNOXVILLE, TENN., August 23, 1864—6.55 p. m.
Gen. GILLEM, Bull's Gap:
A scout just in reports it is reported that the enemy were moving along the
Bowman's Ferry road to cross the French Broad between 12 and 2 o'clock.
There were about four regiments. There is only one boat at this ferry. This
information is reliable. A soldier of the Second Tennessee Infantry who was in
the fight at Maryville, and was taken prisoner and escaped, reports that a man
who treated him very kindly told him the force to which they surrendered was
the advance brigade of Wheeler's corps of 7,000 men and 20 pieces of artillery;
that the main force was behind. Did not state where. This advance brigade is
undoubtedly the one now making for Bowman's Ferry, on the French Broad. I
shall take pains to re-enforce at Strawberry Plains.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 23, 1864
DAVIS TILLSON, Brig.-Gen. of Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, pp. 289-290.
August 23, 1864 - Skirmish at Blue Springs and pursuit of Rebels to Greeneville, Tennessee
•See August 21, 1864-August 23, 1864-Pursuit of Confederates from
Greeneville environs
August 23, 1864 - Scout and affair at Maryville
KNOXVILLE, August 24, 1864.
Lieut. REED, Aide-de-Camp:
I have just received definite information of the enemy from a scout I sent out to
Maryville last night. The brigade of which I telegraphed you last night as being
on the Boardman Ferry road was only a part of the enemy's force. They also
passed up Tar Creek road, and the main body on the Sevierville road. They are
crossing French Broad in several places. See next dispatch for balance.
TILLSON.
KNOXVILLE, August 24, 1864.
Lieut. REED, Aid-de-Camp:
Their force is from 2,500 to 3,000, with five pieces of artillery. I have sent the
information to Gillem and suggested to him the propriety of turning back, if
possible, and striking the enemy before he can cross the river and concentrate.
The affair at Maryville turned out of small consequence; nobody killed or
wounded on our side, and only 13 or 20 captured, some of whom have since
escaped; the rest, it is stated, have been paroled by enemy.
TILLSON.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. V, pp. 658-659.
August 23, 1864 - "Theatre;" the Carter Zouave Troupe appears in Nashville
This house will open for the season tonight, with the Carter Zouave troupe, a
company of twenty-two charming children, who have created a perfect furore
wherever they have appeared, filling the house night after night with the elite
of the city, and delighting every person who has had the good fortune to witness their performances. We are informed that the oldest of the twenty-two is
only about thirteen years, while the youngest is about six. We expect to be in
our old seat at the opening, and will report our impressions to-morrow.
Nashville Dispatch, August 23 1864.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 65
August 23, 1864
August 23, 1864 - "Sentenced to be Hanged."
James Mallory, a native of Kentucky, and formerly belonging to a Kentucky
regiment, was tried on the 29th of February last, and found guilty of murder
and of operating as a guerrilla under Ray, in Dixon county, and sentenced to
death. The sentence of the Military Commission has lately been confirmed,
and the prisoner condemned to be handed on the 9th day of September next.
Mallory is very young, not more than 20 years old.
Nashville Dispatch, August 23, 1864.
August 23, 1864 - "Carpenters Coming to Nashville."
The Pittsburg Post of the 17th inst. says: "It is said that the carpenters of this
city and Allegheny are having a general exodus, and that they are all being
engaged by government agents to go to Nashville. It is said there they will
receive from $60 to $75 a month, together with their board, which is a great
inducement to journeymen during these hard times. Moreover, the men are
under the impression that when in government employ they will be fee from all
liability to the draft. The workmen have the privilege of forming themselves
into working squads and electing their own foreman. Over one hundred have
already, been engaged in Allegheny, and it is said that they are still coming by
scores. This will place the contractors in a serious dilemma, and it will be next
to impossible for them to complete their contracts in the great strait for workmen which will succeed, without sustaining a large loss of money."
Nashville Dispatch, August 23, 1864.
August 23, 1864 - "Rebel Sympathizers Arrested."
The entree of the rebels on Sunday [i.e., Forrest's raid, August 21] afforded
various disaffected citizens an opportunity for manifesting their disloyalty
which they did not allow to pass unused. Some thirty arrests have been made of
citizens charged with offenses of this character. The following twenty-three are
held prisoners, and are now in the Irving Block: D. H. Ward, T. J. Simpkins, E.
Diffee, J. W. Elam, Ed. Grady, John Clark, John Hill, giving whisky to and harboring rebels; Fannie O'Brien, singing secesh songs; Mrs. E. R. Hall (similar
charge to the last); Wm. Carr and H. I. Libaughburg, cheering for the rebels;
John McSmith and W. H. McClure refused to allow the militia guard to search
a house for rebels J. Walden, he is charged with offering to give up to the rebels
some six negroes living in his yard on Union street, who he told, had been in
the Federal service. Thomas Ford (rebel sympathizing; N. Reeves giving information to the rebels; L. C. Hardwicke (proprietor of the Hardwicke House on
Adams street between Second and Third) said he wished Forrest would enter
and clean the town of Yankees. T. J. Edwards said he hoped to God Forrest
would come and he would join him). James Madewell and B. Fieldcamp, (har-
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 24, 1864
boring rebels), Wm. Flynn (uttering disloyal sentiments), A. J. Foster and
Anthony Kane (harboring rebels.)
Memphis Bulletin, August 23, 1864.
August 23, 1864 - "Additional Arrests."
Ex-Mayor John Park is again in limbo. He was lodged in the [Irving] Block
yesterday for treasonable sentiments uttered in the most vindictive manner.
When brought into Capt. Hoyt's office by the guard, his language was so violent against General Washburn and his subordinates that it was with difficulty
an orderly was prevented from inflicting upon him a severe personal chastisement. This is the second incarceration of this gentleman. Verily, these are the
times that try men's loyalty.
Judge Brady was arrested as one of the bondsmen of the famous or the infamous Captain E. C. Lundy, who was killed in one of the camps Sunday morning, while at the head of a party of rebels. It will be recollected that Lundy was
arrested outside the lines in July, on suspicion of being a Confederate officer,
then holding a commission. He was subsequently released and ordered outside
[the lines] giving bonds to the amount of three thousand dollars, not to come
within the lines. At the time of his arrest he acknowledged that he had been in
the rebel service, but asserted that he was discharged. Before leaving the city
he purchased a splendid Confederate officer's uniform, which he had on at the
time of his death. Judge Place was finally released from custody upon his giving proper security.
F. I. Pledge, of Grand Junction, was arrested at the Gayoso House as a suspicious character, and also lodged in the Block.
Memphis Bulletin, August 23, 1864.
August 23, 1864 - "Mortality Report."
The number of deaths for the week ending Saturday, August 20, was as follows: Diarrhea, 16; consumption, 5; billious fever, 7; dropsy, 3; pneumonia, 1;
unknown, 2; died in United States General Hospitals, 29; all others, 6; less than
last week, 9.
Memphis Bulletin, August 23 1864.
August 24, 1864 - Skirmishing on Strawberry Plains RoadNOTE 1
No circumstantial reports filed.
Crossed the Frenchbroad River, the broadest and most beautiful stream in East
Tennessee. Crossed Holston River about five miles below Strawberry Plains,
having first captured the yankee pickets who were occupying the opposite
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 67
August 24, 1864
bank. This was done by crossing men at another ford below, and charging them
in the rear.
We were charged by some cavalry soon after we crossed the river, but the
Texas Brigade met the charge, and the enemy fled.
Diary of William L. Sloan.
KNOXVILLE, TENN., August 25, 1864.
Gen. STEEDMAN, Chattanooga:
The enemy crossed the Holston, two miles below Strawberry Plains, yesterday
and last night. He is apparently moving toward Big Creek Gap. Our cavalry,
numbering seventy, had a skirmish with the enemy and was worsted. We have
no cavalry here and cannot pursue to advantage. The force of the enemy is
probably 4,000, with four or nine pieces of artillery. Did not attack garrison at
Plains, and did but little damage to railroad. All quiet here.
J. AMMEN, Brig.-Gen. of Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 28, pt. V, p. 666.
NOTE 1: Not referenced in the OR or Dyers' Battle Index for Tennessee.
August 24, 1864 - Federal attack on Rogersville and capture of Tennessee Confederate Congressman Joseph HeiskellNOTE 1
NASHVILLE, TENN., August 25, 1864. (Received 9 p. m.)
Hon. A. LINCOLN, President of the United States, and SECRETARY OF
WAR:
The following is a dispatch received from Gen. Gillem, who is now operating
in East Tennessee:
LICK CREEK, TENN.
A detachment from my command, under Lieut.-Col. Ingerton, Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, attacked Rogersville at daylight this morning; killed 23, captured 25, among them Col. Walker [Watkins], and several non-commissioned
officers. Joe Heiskell walked to meet us.
ALVAN C. GILLEM.
Joe Heiskell is a member of the Confederate Congress. Morgan has been in
upper East Tennessee, no doubt intending to form a junction with Wheeler,
who is now making a raid for the purpose of again entering Kentucky, and
destroying the Nashville and Louisville Railroad. The rebels have been, under
the directions of Morgan, threshing and gathering all the straw in the part of the
State. Rogersville is seventy miles east of Knoxville in the direction of the saltworks in Virginia, and of Lynchburg. We hope to destroy the salt-works, which
will not be very comfortable news at Richmond.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 24, 1864
ANDREW JOHNSON, Governor.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, pp. 299-300.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, August 26, 1864—9.31 a. m.
Governor JOHNSON, Nashville, Tenn.:
Thanks to Gen. Gillem for making the news, and also to you for sending it.
Does Joe Heiskell's "walking to meet us" mean any more than that Joe was
scared and wanted to save his skin?
A. LINCOLN.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 303.
NOTE 1: Joseph Brown Heiskell (1823-1913). Editor of the KnoxvilleRegister and an
attorney in Monroe County before relocating in Rogersville, he was a member of the Rogersville bar. Like his father and uncle before him Heiskell occupied a seat in the General Assembly (1857-1859). Like many
secessionists, Heiskell was a strong Whig supporter and at first opposed secession changing his view after Abraham Lincoln's call for volunteers after
Fort Sumter. He ran on a pro-Confederate ballot for the Provisional Congress. Although he lost the August 1861 election for the 1st District of Tennessee by an staggering latitude to Unionist T. A. R. Nelson, he was later
elected to the first Confederate Congress three months later, after the legislature had re-gerrymandered the state so that Union potency was sufficiently
diminished. He took his seat in Richmond on February 18, 1862, just two
days after the fall of Fort Donelson. He served conscientiously rarely missing a vote through the end of the second session in mid-October 1862. A
member of the War Tax and Judiciary committees, and he introduced a
number of bills and resolutions. One bill sought to stimulate the production
of small arms, another called for an inquiry into ordnance plants in Richmond, and another aimed at allowing draft exemptions to persons engaged
in the manufacture of copper, lead, and iron-many such people, as it turned
out, lived in upper eastern Tennessee, which encompassed his district. In his
two session is office, Heiskell was a champion of the Davis administration,
debating and voting in favor of two conscription bills and the suspension of
the habeas corpus writ. At the same time he resolutely held that it was the
Confederate government's duty; to compensate its citizens for losses sustained during the war, and he supported regulating by law the confiscation
and impressment of private property for the use of the military. No doubt the
most controversial and interesting proposals made by this Tennessee Confederate Congressman was his September 10, 1862 suggestion which favored a policy of taking hostages in reprisal for the capture and
imprisonment of Southern citizens and other noncombatants. He meant to
arrest any Unionist, no matter how prominent, and hold them "for their adhesion to the anti-slavery, black republican, anti-Christian government in
Washington" as hostage until Confederates could be exchanged. In the 3d
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 69
August 24, 1864
and 4th sessions (January 1863-February 1864) Congressman Heiskell introduced another twenty bills, which made him one of the most active members of the Volunteer State's delegation. He obtained a leave of absence to
return home briefly. Back in Richmond and remained deeply interested in
military affairs in East Tennessee. For example, he called for investigations
of the Confederate disaster at Fishing Creek, Kentucky, and in the operations of General John S. Williams at Blue Springs, Tennessee. No doubt his
most peculiar measure is found embodied in his resolution in January 1864,
that instructed the congressional doorkeeper to manage the heating in the
House "so as to preserve a temperature not higher that sixty-two degrees
Fahrenheit." He voted for conscription laws, and the abolition of the practice of hiring a substitute for military service. He resigned in February 1864
over Congresses refusal to endorse General Benjamin F. Butler as a legitimate Federal exchange agent. He was reelected unanimously to the 2d Confederate Congress, and assumed more and more responsibilities by serving
on five different committees. He continued to play an active role in government, submitting ten more pieces of legislation, including a May, 1864 bill
to suspend the writ of habeas corpus and to declare martial law in Richmond. By the time the Congress had reconvened in November, 1864 as
General John B. Hood began building forces for his disastrous and wasteful
attack into Tennessee, he had been captured by Federal forces on August 21,
1864 and could not attend. He was never exchanged and sat the war out at
Camp Chase, Ohio, a prisoner of war After the war he moved to Memphis
with many other erstwhile Volunteer State Confederate officials, such as
Landon Carter Haynes, and William G. Swan, where he took up the law
once again. Never having received a pardon, he was an unreconstructed
rebel, and he ultimately served as a delegate to the state constitutional convention in 1870 and as an attorney general and court reporter of Tennessee,
(1870-1873) before once again practicing law. Heiskell's Reports, which he
published, are important in Tennessee law to this day. He died in Memphis
on March 7, 1913, and was buried in Elmwood Cemetery.
August 24, 1864 - Happy birthday, unhappy news, an excerpt from a Bolivar school girl's
diary
My birthday has passed and gone. I am now seventeen, almost a woman. I shall
endeavor to spend this year more properly than the last. I will try and combine
both my literary and domestic talents. Ma is quite sick with Erysipelas.NOTE 1
Jimmie Wendel is with us. He is a smart, handsome and elegant gentleman.
Have heard of Capt. Morgan's death. He was killed in a fight at Atlanta.
Diary of Sally Wendel Fentress.
NOTE 1: Erysipelas is an acute febrile disease associated with intense edematous local inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by a hemolytic
streptococcus. The condition is accompanied by high fever and associated
Page 70 — Aaugust 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 24, 1864
delirium.
August 24, 1864 - "To the Public;" Officers of the 8th Tennessee Cavalry and 2nd Tennessee
Mounted Infantry protest a killing in the Gallatin environs.
CAMP 8TH TENN. CAVALRY, NEAR GALLATIN, TENN., August 13.
The undersigned, officers of the 8th Tennessee Cavalry, take this method of
disapproval against the killing of one Mason I. Gray and son, of Robertson
County, on the 10th inst., near this place, by military authority emanating from
Post Commandant at this post.
They believe the killing was not done under any law of the United States either
civil or military, and ask for an investigation of the case.
A. J. Brown, Lt. Col.
Wm. B. Davis, Major
S. Mason, Lt. & Adjt.
Lewis M. Jarvis, Capt.,
G. Edgar Grisham, Capt.
Navin W. Brown, Capt.
N. McLaughlin, Capt.
C. C. Kenner, Capt.
Geo. McPherson, Capt.,
F. M. McFall, Capt.
Jas. D. Kendrick, Lieut.,
Robert L. Tinker, Lieut.
Jno. C. Moreland, Lieut.,
John W. Cope, Lieut.
Nashville Dispatch, August 24, 1864.
August 24, 1864 - "The Blacks in Arms."
No [portion?] of [the population?] as implicitly credited the [?]NOTE 1 yesterday, that Forrest was about to attack Memphis, as our colored population. As
one of them expressed it, "Our time is come dis day;" and believing that in case
of an assault on Memphis they would be in particular and extreme peril, they
became greatly excited but their excitement was marked by extraordinary
readiness to fight. Many rushed to the armories, the hospitals, the fort, and
wherever there seems a chance to get hold of guns and ammunition. One
officer gave out to these patriotic and belligerent blacks over a thousand guns;
and there is no doubt that if there had been a chance the blacks would with
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 71
August 24, 1864
alacrity have face Forrest's men who have already have a most unwholesome
dread of negro soldiers.
Memphis Bulletin, August 24, 1864.
NOTE 1: Illegible.
August 24, 1864 - "How the 'Mellish' Got Out of the Block."
When the alarm was first given yesterday morning the approach of rebels, as a
few proceed to one of the wards in Irving Block, in which some fifty militiamen were confined for delinquency on Sunday Inst., and inform them of what
was going on."Will you fight the rebs this time, if I let you out?" "Yes, by ___;
let us out and we'll fight like hell," roared the fifty unterrified. The officer told
them the now had a chance to vindicate themselves, and he hoped they would
do it. He then ordered the doors opened, and yelling and hooting, the "ragin'
mellish" rushed streetward through the gate like so many wild men. They made
for their respective armories, and were soon ready for duty; but the alarm was
false, and the fierce men of blood were without a chance to show their prowess. The will to do, however, was as good as deeds, and the authorities were
satisfied. There certainly must be something in the atmosphere of the Block
that infuses patriotism in to the breasts of the men indifferent.
Memphis Bulletin, August 24 1864.
August 24, 1864 - "The Loyal Ladies of Memphis."
Much has been said and written about the conduct of the disloyal ladies of the
South, but the loyal ladies of the South, where they have opportunity to express
their sentiments, are making a record that will yet win its way to public appreciation. On the days of the late alarm Sunday and Tuesday, the 1st regiment,
Colonel Charles McDonald commanding, was posted at the bridges south of
the city. On Sunday morning the boys were on duty without breakfast, on
learning which fact the ladies residing near the bridge on Hernando road at the
outskirts of the city, made and distributed to them coffee and food, milk, and
whatever they required. Through both days they took them water at integrals,
distributing it with their own fair hands. Colonel McDonald and his gallant
regiment desire us to express their gratitude, and to assure the ladies near the
Hernando road bridge that if real danger could come to the city, they shall have
abundant and grateful protection.
Memphis Bulletin, August 24, 1864.
August 24, 1864 - "SOMETHING ABOUT RATS."
•See October 9, 1863--"Rats, Rats, Rats;" public health difficulties in Memphis
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 24, 1864
A good many foolish people hate rats. We do not. We rather like them. We
mention this not to be considered exceptional members of the class of foolish
people, or as a proof of superior sagacity, but as an apology for saying something about a species of very useful animals that are abused both verbally and
in print, a great deal more than they deserve. There are a half a dozen sorts of
rats, all belonging to the family of rodents, a class of mammals distinguished
by the chisel shape of the incisor teeth. The largest rats in the world are found
in Bengal and on the Cormandel coast. They have a body thirteen or fourteen
inches long, a tail from fourteen to eighteen inches long, and full grown one of
them will weigh three or four pounds. In this country there are found six varieties of rats. The black rats, poor fellow, now nearly extinct, with their short, soft
fur, dark backs, lead colored bellies and brown feet; they came to this country
in the 16th century, from Europe and are pretty, timid, and active. The grey or
Norway rat, which was brought to this country about the time of the Declaration of Independence, and is now the most common variety, was originally
brought from Central Asia to Europe, through Russia. It is larger, fiercer, and
more voracious than the black rat. The Chinese rats, which are colored black,
white and brown, like guinea pigs, and have bluntish heads, large ears and long
black whiskers, are now common in South America and Mexico. They are the
prettiest and most easily tamed of the rat kind. On wealthy rat fancier in New
York has several hundred pets of this sort. They are so tame that they will come
at his call and like to be fondled.
The wood rat of the Gulf States is a very mild and docile variety, living mostly
on fruits, roots and grain. The bush rat of the far west is a light brown chap
with white feet. The cotton rat is of reddish brown the side being lined with
dark brown. It is very pretty, active and easily tames. The common grey rat is
so powerful and fierce and prolific, that it drives out all other sorts from its
vicinity. It is intelligent and can be trained to perform many tricks, but its quarrelsome disposition makes it difficult to tame. A gentleman of our acquaintance has a female rat that he carries about in his coat pocket, and it is so
thoroughly domesticated that it makes no efforts to escape. He has trained it to
defend his pocket, and no watch dog can more faithfully guard his master's premises than it does the contents of the pocket.
Though frequently living in filthy localities, rats take great pains to keep themselves clean and their fur smooth. Their prehensile tails can be used for almost
all the purposes of hands, and this makes them, when tame, very amusing. Rats
are wonderfully prolific. They have young when they are six months old, and
produce five or six litter of 12 or 13 ratlets each every year. The progeny of a
pair of rats will thus be much over a million within three years. This prolificness would make them a great scourge, if their lives were not devoted to useful
labor, but rats are very useful. They are the only scavengers we have in Memphis. Even in cities where thorough sewerage removed a vast amount of the
decomposing matter that would other wise case disease—rats are indispensable. If there are only one hundred thousand rats in Memphis, and this is a very
low estimate, then it take at least two hundred and fifty bushels of food every
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August 24, 1864
day to support them, and this food is almost wholly of such vegetable and animal matter as would otherwise be decomposed and generate disease.
Memphis Bulletin, August 26, 1864.
August 24, 1864 - Skirmish and capture of Federal Pickets five miles from Strawberry
Plains
Crossed Frenchbroad River, the broadest and most beautiful stream in East
Tennessee. Crossed Holston River about five miles below Strawberry Plains,
having first captured the yankee pickets who were occupying the opposite
bank. This was done by crossing men at another ford below, and charging them
in the rear. We were charged by some cavalry soon after we crossed the river,
but the Texas Brigade met the charge and the enemy fled.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
August 25, 1864 - Confederates fail to burn bridge at Strawberry Plains
KNOXVILLE, TENN., August 26, 1864.
Lieut. Col. M. L. PATTERSON, Loudon.:
The enemy came down the Emory road or Beaver Creek road inquiring for
Lee's and Black's fords below Clinton. A portion of them are on the road from
Ball PlayNOTE 1 to Campbell's Station, encamped. Yesterday they tried to burn
the bridge at Strawberry Plains but failed, as the garrison there of 150 men,
with two pieces of artillery, drove then away without any loss on our side, but
some to them. If they attempt the bridge at London you can keep them away by
sending infantry to this side into the two works by railroad, near end of bridge
(one already occupied by Fourth Tennessee), and some at this end of bridge. . .
They tried to apply torches to the bridge at Strawberry Plains, but the guns on
this side were in the way. The two forts on this side, with a few skirmishers in
front to observe and afterward fall back into the works and to the end of the
bridge on this side, will make the defense good, probably the best.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
J. AMMEN, Brig.-Gen. of Volunteers, Cmdg. Division.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. V, p. 674.
NOTE 1: This may be Ball Camp, in Knox County. Whether its name is associated
with baseball or with some version of the Native American game of lacrosse
is not known.
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August 25, 1864
August 25, 1864 - Report on the role of the Tennessee Enrolled Militia during Forrest's raid
on Memphis
Report of Brig. Gen. Charles W. Dustan, commanding Tennessee Enrolled
Militia.
HDQRS. 1ST Brig. ENROLLED MILITIA, DIST. OF MEMPHIS, Memphis,
Tenn., August 25, 1864.
CAPT.: In compliance with orders from district headquarters I have the honor
to submit the following report of the action of this command during the rebel
cavalry raid into this city on Sunday last: I was awakened by Col. Starr, Sixth
Illinois Cavalry, at the instant of the entrance of the rebels, and at the earliest
possible moment repaired to the armory of the Second Regt. Enrolled Militia,
where, by direction of Brig.-Gen. Buckland, whom I found at that point, I
caused the gun used as a signal of alarm for the militia to be fired.
This firing alarmed the raiders and, I am informed, greatly hastened this withdrawal. Still under direction of the general commanding district, I moved in
charge of some sixty men of the One hundred and thirteenth Illinois Regt.
(guard at the Irving Military Prison) and some eighteen or twenty men
detached from the command, militia, &c., in the direction of the picket-line on
Hernando road, in pursuit of the enemy, who were beating a hasty retreat from
the dangerous locality to which they had penetrated. Finding Lieut.-Col. Bell,
of the Eighth Iowa Infantry, at the lines and engaged with the enemy I turned
over the men I had been conducting to him and returned at once to the armories
of the militia. I found the men assembled in unexpectedly large numbers and in
excellent spirits. The First Regiment Enrolled Militia was moved out on the
Hernando road and held in reserve of the regular forces then fighting. The Second and Third Regiments were placed, by companies, guarding the bridges on
Gayoso Bayou from Monroe street north to the Mississippi River. At noon the
enemy had disappeared and my command was dismissed.
Here, captain, I desire to call the attention of the general commanding to the
prompt manner in which this organization responded to the call for duty upon
this as well as the two subsequent calls, their ranks being more numerous in
each call. The earnestness of purpose and gallant bearing with which each
officer and soldier hastened to his post is a guaranty that when the time comes
the 2,000 stout hearts and strong arms of the members of the First Brigade of
Enrolled Militia of the District of Memphis will do their entire duty in the
defense of the post.
It is proper before closing this report to state my obligations to the members of
my staff for their promptness and activity in conveying orders and the performance of their others duties.
I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 75
August 25, 1864
C. W. DUSTAN, Brig. Gen., Cmdg. Enrolled Militia, Dist. of Memphis.
OR, Ser. I, 39, pt. I, pp. 482-483.
August 25, 1864 - A dialogue about West Tennessee loyalty to the Union in the Bluff City
LOYALTY IN MEMPHIS
Small Mass Meeting at the City Hall
Exciting discussions
The Defeat of the Thugs
In accordance with the call of the Union Executive Committee of West Tennessee, about one hundred loyal citizens of Memphis, more or less, assembled at 4
o'clock yesterday afternoon in the city Hall, for the purpose of selecting delegates to the State Convention of loyal people, to be held at Nashville on Monday, September 5th.
The meeting was organized by the calling of Wm. Hunter to the chair. He
spoke at length in relation to this habeas corpus, the origin of human rights and
the veto power.
On motion, Wm. M Connelly, Esq., was chosen Secretary of the meeting.
Mr. J. W. Smith moved the appointment of five delegates to the State Convention. This was amended on motion of Mr. Wallace that a committee of five
should be appointed to report business for the meting. Which was adopted, and
the committee retired for a few moments and returned with the following resolutions:
WHEREAS, A Convention of the people of Tennessee, in favor of the maintenaence of the integrity of the American Union, at all hazards, has been called
by the Union Executive Committee, for the purpose of taking into consideration the best means of restoring the State of Tennessee to the rights and privileges to which it is entitled in common, with other states: and, whereas, the
members of the Executive Committee for West Tennessee, call a meeting to
take such action in reference to said Convention, as may be deemed advisable,
by the Union men of West Tennessee.
1st. Be it therefore resolved, That the Chairman of this Convention be authorized to appoint a committee, to report the names of suitable persons to this
meeting to be elected by it as delegates to represent the loyal Union men of
West Tennessee, in said Convention.
2d. Resolved, That is the sense of this meeting that all the means in the power
of the people and of the Executive of this State, should be employed to restore
to the loyal citizens of Tennessee, the benefits and privileges of civil government, as far as may be compatible with the interests of the Government of the
United States.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 25, 1864
3d. Resolved, that the Union men of West Tennessee will cordially co-operate
with the constituted authorities, either civil or military, in suppressing the
rebellion, in crushing treason and annihilating rebels and rebel sympathizers.
Objections were made to the resolutions on the ground of their indefiniteness.
Mr. Fitch was opposed to hampering the delegates by resolutions, unless the
resolution had some reference to subject matters to come before the State Convention.
Mr. Wallace wanted all Union men to be alive. He didn't want them to be like
terrapins, that only a fire on the back would move. Men who couldn't be got
out of their office to attend meetings without extreme difficulty shouldn't cavil
if every thing did not suit them.
Dr. Gregg had a notion that the resolutions were sufficiently comprehensive.
He didn't want to talk longer about it, unless somebody else wanted to say
something.
Mr. Richards moved to adopt the resolutions separately. His motion was lost.
The resolutions were then adopted as a whole, and the chairman, (Mr. Hunter)
appointed the committed to report the names of delegates.
The Committee pro forma retired, and in a few minutes reported the names of
fifteen persons whom they suggested as delegates.
Mr. Fitch proposed to amend the report of the committee by declaring that all
loyal men of West Tennessee, who might attend the State Convention at Nashville, should be considered delegates. The chairman of the committee accepted
the amendment. Mr. Hunter was doubtful whether the Chairman's acceptance
should be considered valid.
Dr. Gregg objected to the amendment to the report proposed by Mr. Fritch. If
such amendment was adopted disloyal, disreputable and unworthy persons
would be imposed upon the convention as our representatives. It was too loose,
we must have some responsible organization to decide as to the loyalty of representatives.
In reply Mr. Fitch maintained that the Executive Committee had called a Mass
Convention, a Convention of the loyal people of Tennessee, and it was not the
intention of that committee to have any meeting in any part of the State, nor is
it within the power of any such meeting to restrict the numbers of attendants
from [illegible] upon approach of the Ill-conditioned Unconditional Union
Club. He regretted that any such association should attempt to subvert the call
of the Executive Committee, and to deny the people the right of accepting their
invitation so cordially expressed. Did not think there was any just reason to
fear that disloyal, disreputable or unworthy persons would force their way into
the proposed Convention. Had more confidence in the good judgment and
sound loyalty of the Union men of East and Middle Tennessee than to think
them less discernment than the political thug association of Memphis had no
personal feeling against any persons belonging to it. No doubt [it] had many
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
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August 25, 1864
warm friends among them, but must and would denounce any such conclaves
and harsh as it must seem, could not call it anything but a political Thug Association, for there was but one feature of difference in it and the organization.
One additional ear mark only, and that was a self-sacrificing spirit, ever willing to abnegate persisted interest for the public good, by accepting on office
and holding of until they could get a better one. He admired a unionism that
could stand the public gaze; open its doors and invite all to hear its deliberations. The proposed Convention was intended for the people, the loyal masses.
and he hoped no dark lantern clique, however loyal it might be, would attempt
to prevent their attendance. Though such a course was undoubtedably decided
upon at their secret conclave held last night, for the purpose of pacing the committees, and in general, to cut and dry the business for this assemblage; he had
too much confidence in the sound sense of a majority of those present thing it
would prevail.
Mr. J. W. Smith was opposed to letting others than delegates go. He wanted to
know if Mr. Fitch had never before helped to cut and dry proceedings before
conventions were held, or had never met in secret conclaves to fix things. He
believed that if the rebels could thus control a Union Convention, half of them
were such d____d scoundrels, they would swear any thing and attend it as
loyal men. He would be willing that any Lincoln and Johnson man should be a
delegate, but not every one who pretended loyalty. He would not have McClellan men, nor Fremont men. All secessionists would swear they were loyal.
Mr. Fitch did not wish to reflect on the loyalty of the members of the secret
Union Club. He had no doubt of their loyalty, but he was opposed to their
secret tribunal determining that other men, just so loyal as themselves, were
not so.
Mr. Davis didn't see why every loyal person could go, since the call for the
convention invited all loyal people.
Mr. Gregg thought only unconditional Union men should be delegates. He
wanted some tribunal somewhere to determine who was loyal.
Mr. Fitch suggested that the order relating to passes might have loyal men
residing in the country from the Convention.
Mr. Tagg said he would like as many to go as possible. He had no apprehensions of the Union men in the State Convention not being strong enough to
control it. The question was then called for.
Mr. Bingham, who had just arrived, having been detained by indisposition,
desired to know the question, before he was called upon to vote. The Chairman
then stated the purport of Mr. Fitch's motion.
Mr. Bingham said that he would be glad to see Memphis represented in the
State Convention by a hundred loyal men, willing to spend their time and go to
the expense and trouble of going to Nashville to meet in a loyal convention. He
depreciates a narrow, exclusive policy, and want of harmony as ruinous to the
Union party in Memphis. A great party could only be formed and built up by
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 26, 1864
the coalescing for common objects of men having widely different opinions on
minor points. Narrow exclusiveness and want of harmony had been the curse
of the Union party in Memphis.
He concluded with an earnest appeal for harmony and union among the Union
men of West Tennessee,
The question was put to vote, and the report, with Mr. Fitch's amendment, that
all loyal men of West Tennessee, should be delegates, was adopted by a vote of
23 ayes to 17 nays.
Mr. Tomency proposed, for the sake of testing the sense of the Convention the
following resolution:
Resolved, that we deem it inexpedient to hold a Presidential election in Tennessee next November, for the reason that we do not think the Union men of
the State would be permitted to attend the polls at any but fortified points, and
there could not be a free expression of the popular voice.
Mr. Bingham opposed this forestalling the action of the Convention, which
would be in a better condition to know the feelings and interests of the whole
State, and this referred to one of the questions for the determination of which
the State Conventions was called and would be better qualified to act.
Mr. Halsey moved to adjourn.
Mr. Connelly proposed a resolution:
Resolved, That this Convention heartily indorses the policy of compelling all
residents of United States Territory to be actively loyal."
This led to some discussion and a motion to adjourn was carried.
Memphis Bulletin, August 26, 1864.
August 26, 1864 - Murder by bushwhackers on the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad in
Humphreys County
"The Northwestern Railroad Murders"
In the Press of Sunday (28th), we mentioned the fact that a man and his wife
had been murdered on the N. & N. W. Railroad about 12 miles from the city.
We have since learned that the murder was committed at McEwins, section 58,
in Humphreys County, and the persons murdered were Thomas Sherran, or
Sheridan, and his wife. The murders were committed by. . . persons unknown,
and the deed was done with an axe and probably a knife, on Friday morning
[26th] between eight and nine o'clock. The bodies were horribly mutilated. Mr.
Shearan owned a large tract of land in that neighborhood, and had a contract
for furnishing ties for the railroad. He came to Nashville a few days ago. . . for
the purpose of drawing some money, and the probability is that the murderers
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
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August 26, 1864
were aware of the fact and committed the atrocious deed with a view to getting
his money. . .
Nashville Daily Press, August 29, 1864.
August 26, 1864 - "Another Female Soldier."
Lizzie Hodge, a female soldier, was arrested in Bowling Green, and brought to
the Provost Marshal's office in this city yesterday. She will be held until this
morning, when she will be sent to her sister.
Nashville Dispatch, August 26, 1864.
August 26, 1864 - Actress arrested for impersonating a soldier
FANNY WILSON, aged 19 years, and an actress in the Memphis Theatre, was
arrested a few days since while attempting to be a soldier. She had shorn her
locks and donned the Federal blue—but it would not do. She had heard of
major Pauline Cushman and panted for military glory and the romance of a
Southern prison.
Nashville Dispatch, August 26, 1864.
August 27, 1864 - Skirmish on Clinton Road, near Knoxville
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Brig. Gen. Jacob Ammen, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division, of operations in East Tennessee, August 15-31 (Wheeler's
raid).
~~~
The 18th of August I retired to Knoxville, and as there were rumors of the
enemy at Athens, proceeded on the morning train to Loudon (19th), and put a
strong guard (ninety-five) on the train, which proceeded within three miles of
Athens, where it was attacked by such a force as to render it expedient to
return, our forces returning the fire and preventing the capture of the train. Two
of our men were slightly wounded; no other injury. I ordered 300 of the First
Ohio Heavy Artillery from Knoxville, and on their arrival had 200 of the same
regiment at Loudon ready to go on the train, supposing this number sufficient
to meet the enemy. Proceeded very cautiously, and two and a half miles east of
Sweet Water discovered a bridge in front on fire at 6 a. m. August 20. The
trains were halted. Lieut.'s Clark and Firestone, with 130 men, all under command of Capt. Gatewood, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, accompanied by Lieut.
N. A. Reed, Jr., Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, aide-de-camp on my staff,
were sent forward to make reconnaissance and ascertain the position, numbers,
&c., the other troops ready to act as circumstances might require. Precautions
for the safety of the train were taken. The detachment had not proceeded more
than half a mile when they were near a picket-post, fired, ran back the pickets,
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 27, 1864
and in less than half a mile met a strong skirmish line, which, under our fire,
fell back to the houses, their numbers constantly increasing. The fire was kept
up until 9 a. m., killing 3 of them without sustaining any injury ourselves. The
detachment behaved admirably. I was satisfied the enemy numbered several
thousand, with some artillery, and, seeing some moving to the right and left, I
ordered the troops to the train and the train to return to Loudon, as the number
was too great for my force, and Loudon must be defended. The troops were
taken off at Loudon and the train sent to Knoxville. As there was no cavalry, I
pressed horses and mounted about thirty men and sent them under Capt. Preble, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, toward Philadelphia, to observe the enemy and
gain information. This detachment, although badly mounted, met the enemy,
had a sharp skirmish, killed 3, wounded 2 severely, captured 1, and brought
him to camp, but unfortunately 3 were captured, 2 of whom made their escape
and returned to camp. The enemy moved on the roads from Sweet Water and
Philadelphia toward Davis' Ford, on the Little Tennessee, crossing there the
night of the 20th and the morning of the 21st of August, to the number of 4,000
or more, with from four to eight pieces of artillery. Small parties from Loudon
harassed the rear and stragglers the 21st of August. No prisoners taken, but
several rebels reported killed. We sustained no loss in these skirmishes.
Scouts reported the enemy crossing the Holston at Louisville in force the 22d
of August. These reports were not true, as only a small force crossed at that
place, went to Concord, cut the wire, and returned to the south side the 23d.
I returned to Knoxville with troops on train August 24. . . Lieut.-Col. Melton,
Second Tennessee, with infantry, was sent on the Clinton road the night of the
26th to harass the rear at or near the river, and met the enemy the morning of
the 27th; had a brisk skirmish; reports that he killed 2 or 3 of the enemy; that 1
of his men was severely wounded, and that the enemy moved rapidly to join
their advance. After crossing the Clinch, a small detachment came to the river
opposite Kingston, fired on the steam-boats. The fire was returned, and the
rebels disappeared without doing any damage.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. II, pp. 736-738.
August 27, 1864 - SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 203, relative to convening a conference to fix
prices in Tennessee and other Confederate states
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 203., ADJT. AND INSP. GEN. 'S OFFICE, Richmond, August 27, 1864.
~~~
XXXIV. In view of the importance of harmony of action and uniformity with
reference to prices in States contiguous and similarly situated, the commissioners to fix prices in the States of South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi, and Tennessee are instructed to convene for conference and
mutual concert of action, as far as may by them be deemed practicable and
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 81
August 27, 1864
expedient, on the 20th of September next at Montgomery, Ala. On the 30th of
the same month the commissioners for Virginia and North Carolina will convene for like purposes at Raleigh, N. C. Attention to this order is particularly
requested and prompt compliance enjoined.
By command of the Secretary of War:
JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. IV, Vol. 3, p. 608.
August 27, 1864 - Theft of a Confederate Lieutenant-Colonel's saddle bag
A terrible rain fell during the night. Lieut. Col. Montgomery had one end of his
saddle bags stolen. He slept with his hand on his saddle bags, and the thief
could not get it all without the risk of waking the Colonel up, so he cut one end
off with a knife and took it, leaving the other half. It never rains to hard for a
sneak-thief to prowl around camps and steal from an honest man.
Diary of William A. Sloan, August 27, 1864.
August 28, 1864 - "Wild Steer in the City"
On Sunday evening last, a drove of cattle belonging to the Government was
passing through the city. Amongst the lot was a large, long-horned steer, which
broke loose from the drove, and as wild as a young buffalo on the plains, proceeded through the streets, seeking whom he might devour. On Market Street,
near the Medical College, he made a rush at Miss Parrish, Mrs. Jones and her
daughter, who were walking through that thoroughfare. Mrs. Jones and Miss
Parrish made their escape by getting on the College wall, when the steer ran
towards Miss Jones, knocked her down, and tore her clothing considerably; she
endeavored to extricate herself from the reach of the furious animal, but as she
rose from the ground, the steer would again gore her, which he repeated, until
the lady, perfectly exhausted, fell down in an insensible condition; the raving
animal then left her, and proceeded on his course towards Sladetown, where he
attacked a negro man, and gored him until life was extinct. He then took after
another negro, and he made his escape by running round a tree, managing to
manoeuver as to keep the horns of the beast from reaching him. As droves of
cattle pass through the city daily, it is well for people to be on their guard, and
parents should be particularly careful that their children should be kept out of
the way.
Nashville Daily Press and Times, August 30, 1864.
August 28, 1864 - Military Governor Andrew Johnson proposes keeping captured Confederate Congressmen from Tennessee in prison
NASHVILLE, August 28, 1864.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 29, 1864
Gen. SHERMAN:
Albert G. Watkins, ex-member of Congress, and Joe Heiskell, member of the
Confederate Congress, have been captured in the recent expedition in upper
East Tennessee and sent to Knoxville, and are there now in confident. I hope
Gen. Sherman will permit me to suggest the propriety of their being elsewhere
for safe-keeping until their cases can be properly disposed of. They are bad
men, and exercised a dangerous and deleterious influence in the country, and
deserve as many deaths as can be inflicted upon them. They are extensively
connected with influential persons throughout that region of the country. Powerful influence will be brought to bear in favor of releasing them on parole and
bonds. They should at once be removed from Knoxville. I trust in Heaven that
your efforts now being made will be crowned with success.
ANDREW JOHNSON, Military Governor.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 311. NOTE 1
NOTE 1: See also Brownlow's Whig and Independent Journal and Rebel Ventilator,
August 31, 1864.
August 29, 1864 - Wheeler moves on Sparta
No circumstantial reports filed.
NASHVILLE, August 29, 1864.
Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.:
A courier in at Gallatin from Carthage reports Wheeler at Sparta with 12,000
men and six pieces of artillery. Gen. Granger reports a part of Roddey's and
Forrest's force across the river near Savannah, with nine regiments near Tuscumbia, preparing to cross at Bledsoe.
L. H. ROUSSEAU, Maj.-Gen.
NASHVILLE, TENN., August 29, 1864.
Brig.-Gen. WHIPPLE:
Gen. Steedman telegraphs that some 3,000 or 4,600 of Wheeler's force were
reported north of Kingston yesterday morning, moving toward Sparta and
McMinnville. Gen. Granger telegraphs that Roddey with 3,000 men and nine
pieces of artillery is preparing to cross the Tennessee in boats, and, if possible,
at the Shoals.
LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU, Maj.-Gen.
NASHVILLE, TENN., August 29, 1864.
Brig. Gen. H. P. VAN CLEVE, Murfreesborough:
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 83
August 29, 1864
A courier in at Gallatin from Carthage reports Wheeler at Sparta. Keep scouts
out on the road to Lebanon as far up as Jefferson Crossing, ten or twelve miles.
A scout has been sent from here to Lebanon.
By command of Maj.-Gen. Rousseau:
B. H. POLK, Maj. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
NASHVILLE, TENN., August 29, 1864.
Brig. Gen. R. S. GRANGER, Decatur:
A courier just in at Gallatin from Carthage reports Wheeler at Sparta,NOTE 1
with large force and six pieces of artillery. No orders have been given to Col.
Spalding since he was ordered to send the two regiments to Decherd, of which
order you were at once notified. You will be notified when orders are given
direct to your troops.
By command of Maj. Gen. Rousseau:
B. H. POLK, Maj. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
NASHVILLE, TENN., August 29, 1864.
(Received at Tullahoma 8.45 p. m.)
Maj.-Gen. MILROY:
A courier from Carthage to Gallatin reports Wheeler at Sparta, with a large
force and six pieces of artillery. What is the force at Duck River, Elk River, and
at the Tunnel? They should be increased. The force at Decherd should be sent
to Elk and Duck Rivers. Send the two pieces of artillery formerly at Elk River
back to that place.
By command of Maj. Gen. Rousseau:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. V, pp. 703-704.
NOTE 1: After a hard day's ride through Middle Tennessee with General Wheeler,
Commissary Sergeant John Coffee Williamson, Company E, 5th Tennessee
Cavalry (C. S. A. ), wrote in his journal for August 29, 1864, that the women
of Sparta were "very glad to see us. Most of them cheered in the true lady
like style. Most of Sparta has been burnt by the Yanks." Sergeant Williamson and his company rode to Smithville by nightfall, camping on the Lebanon Road. The Sergeant also commented in part in his journal that night: "I
have been very sick all day, and at night I was perfectly worn out. We got
up no rations. I took a dose of morphine and slept soundly." See: J. C. Williamson, ed., "The Civil War Diary of John Coffee Williamson," Tennessee
Historical Quarterly, Vol. XV, No. 1 (March, 1956), p. 65.
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August 29, 1864
August 29, 1864 - Major-General William T. Sherman furnishes rules for trading with
States and parts of States in insurrection
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 25. HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Nashville, Tenn., August 29, 1864.
In order to carry out the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 2,
1864, and the regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury relative to trade and
intercourse with States and parts of States in insurrection, and to make the
operations of trade just and fair, both as to the people and to the merchant, the
following general rules will be observed in this military division, as near as the
state of the country will permit:
I. All trade is prohibited near armies in the field or moving columns of troops,
save that necessary to supply the wants of the troops themselves. Quartermasters and commissaries will take such supplies as are needed in the countries
passed through, leaving receipts and taking the articles up on their returns.
When cotton is found, and transportation to the rear is easy and does not interfere with the supplies to the army dependent on the route, the quartermaster
will ship the cotton to the quartermaster at Nashville or Memphis, who will
deliver it to the agent of the Treasury Department. It will be treated as captured
property of an enemy, and invoiced accordingly. No claim of private interest in
it will be entertained by the military authorities.
II. In department and military district embracing a country within our military
control, the commanders of such departments and districts may permit a trade
in articles not contraband of war or damaging to the operations of the army at
the front, through the properly appointed agents and sub-agents of the Treasury
Department, to an extent proportionate to the necessities of the peaceful and
worthy inhabitants of the localities described; but as trade and the benefits of
civil government are conditions not only of fidelity of the people, but also of an
ability to maintain peace and order in their district, county, or locality, commanding officers will give notice that all trade will cease when guerrillas are
tolerated or encouraged, and, moreover, that in such districts and localities, the
army or detachments sent to maintain the peace must be maintained by the district or locality that tolerates or encourages such guerrillas.
III. All military offices will assist the agents of the Treasury Department in
securing possession of all abandoned property and estates subject to confiscation under the law.
IV. The use of weapons for hunting purposes is too dangerous to be allowed at
this time, and therefore the introduction of all arms and powder, percussion
caps, bullets, shot, lead, or anything used in connection with firearms, is prohibited absolutely, save by the proper agents of the United States, and when the
inhabitants require and can be trusted with such things for self-defense, or for
aiding in maintaining the peace and safety of their families and property, commanding officers may issue the same out of the public stores in limited quantities.
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August 29, 1864
V. Medicines and clothing as well as salt, meats, and provisions, being quasicontraband of war, according to the condition of the district or locality when
offered for sale, will be regulated by local commanders in connection with the
agents of the Treasury Department.
VI. In articles non-contraband, such as the clothing needed for women and
children, groceries and imported articles, the trade should be left to the Treasury agents as matters too unimportant to be noticed by military men.
VII. When military officers can indicate a preference to the class of men
allowed to trade, they will always give preference to men who have served the
Government as soldiers, and were wounded or incapacitated from further service by such wounds or sickness. Men who manifest loyalty by oaths and nothing more are entitled to live, but not to ask favor of a Government that
demands acts and personal sacrifices.
By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, pp. 314-315.
August 29, 1864 - August 30, 1864 - Wheeler attacks and disperses Federals at McMinnville
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Maj. Gen. Robert H. Milroy, U. S. Army, commanding Defenses of Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, of operations during Wheeler's raid.
HDQRS. DEFENSES NASHVILLE AND CHATTANOOGA RR, Tullahoma,
Tenn., September 17, 1864.
~~~
Maj. Waters, of the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, stationed at McMinnville, with
three companies of his regiment, was attacked at that place on the 29th [i.e.,
August] ultimo by some 300 rebel cavalry and guerrillas, under Col. Dibrell,
and after a skirmish of some three hours, he was driven out with the loss of 1
man killed and 1 wounded, and about 10 were captured, consisting mostly of
sick in the hospital.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. II, p. 490.
The account of Lucy Virginia French
. . . fighting was going on—on the other side of town [McMinnville]—Carter's
men, and some said others. Three of Wheeler's men who were on a scout dined
that day at Brewsters, and he and son having just been relived from the Guard
House the night before, being released on account of the scare [that Wheeler
would attack], concluded it would be better to "report." Bill Brewster came in
and reported accordingly, to Maj. Waters, Yankee Commandant of the Post. As
soon as Waters heard it he is said to have given the order—"Come out of that
Court House, Wheeler's here with 10,000! Retreat! The rivers' risen'—hell's
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August 29, 1864
afloat—and the devil can't swim!" And retreat they did. They took the Tullahoma road, taking off their two little howitzers—the pups, as Maj. Chaffie
called them. About 5 o'clock the rebels entered the town with a yell—Mammy
[slave] ran out as soon as she heard it crying "Miss Ginnie! the rebels is in!
that's just the way they did when Wheeler come before!" I supposed it was so.
A squad of Yankees dashed straight down the bluff, up by the line-stone spring
and tore along across the garden into the woods. Pretty soon we heard sharp
firing at the river and the little "pups" barking occasionally—we knew then
that they were retreating on the Manchester road. The firing ceased at dark—
then all was quiet."The Col. went into town to ascertain who was there and
what was done. About an hour after his departure we saw a great light and a
heavy column of smoke rising from town—I was very much afraid it was Dr.
Armstrong's house, for I thought the rebels who had come in were "Carter's
guerrillas" as they are called. I had no idea that any of Wheeler's men were
there. Judge of my surprise then when about 10 o'clock the Col. returned saying that Maj. Chaffie and Maj. Burford would be there in a few minutes. I was
just about retiring, but dressed again, had Pussy light up and get out "the cordial," to treat them. The command went on Capt. Powell and the 2 Majs.
stopped and made a flying visit. Gen. Wheeler was at Liberty that night with
the most of his command,—Burford said, looking at Chaffie, "We just came
down with 150 men to take the town and see our sweethearts!". . . That
reminds me that while on the other side of town. . . Mollie. . . was at Mrs.
Myers—and she and Mrs. M. being on the lookout thought they heard a commotion up by the Richardson house. Soon they heard voices—then saw a body
of horsemen on the hill. They did not know if it was rebels or Yankees—until
she heard a voice (Burford's) give the command[:] "Charge down in line boys!"
and another voice cried out—"Yes, and give them h-ell !Hurrah! for Wheeler!"
and on came the rebs —this profane fellow far in front of the column, with his
hat off and yelling like a maniac. The Yankees were driving now full tilt to the
river—Chaffie and Burford stopped at Mrs. Myer's to greet their friends—the
former remaining all the evening with Mollie. The excitement in town was
great Union citizens had fled to the woods in all directions—Union people had
put their goods at rebel houses for protection—this did not save them, however. Some boxes of goods of Mrs. Price's were at Mrs. Myer's—they were
protected while Wheeler's men were in for Mrs. M. and Mollie's sake, but after
Wheeler's fellows left, Carter's went in and took the last thing. Mrs. Cain's hose
was searched, and things she had placed at Mrs. Hills for protection were
taken—that is the goods—the rebs gave back her silver spoons, forks, etc. . .
which no Yankee would have done. The Union "sistern" were greatly incensed
and talked loudly of retaliation when "our boys" got in again. The Clift family
all left. . . I am told they just rose from dinner—left the table and everything on
it standing—threw a bed or two and some trunks in a 2 horse wagon and left.
The girls on horseback, crossed the river, during the firing, I was told. An incident is said to have happened at the river worthy of being recorded. Eugene
Cain commanded the Yanks there and Dow Mercer was one of the chief[s] of
the rebels, both natives of this town, old schoolmates and play-fellows. They
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 87
August 29, 1864
stood at no great distance from each other at one item, with pistols raised and
both dropped their arms as soon as they recognized each other. Dow Mercer
hallooed out to some one who was nearer Cain than he, "Tell Eugene Cain
how, dee for me—I'm Dow Mercer. I wouldn't hurt him for the world!" If this
story is true it is creditable to both the boys. . . All this to-do occurred on Monday the 29th. . .
~~~
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French, entry for September 7, 1864.
August 29, 1864 - August 30, 1864 - Scout and skirmish with guerrillas six miles southwest
of Winchester
TULLAHOMA, October 30, 1864—3 p. m.
Maj.-Gen. THOMAS:
I ordered out the two cavalry companies stationed at Decherd yesterday [29th]
evening to support the scouting party sent from here on Friday [28th]. They
were met six miles southwest of Winchester this morning [30th] by a superior
force of guerrillas, and repulsed. I have ordered all my available cavalry from
here in that direction. If Gen. Granger could send some cavalry from Huntsville to New Market to co-operate with my cavalry I think the guerrillas of this
region could be dispersed.
R. H. MILROY, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. III, p. 524.
August 29, 1864 - September 4, 1864 - Operations in East Tennessee [including the death of
Morgan; see September 4, 1864, "Major-General John H. Morgan killed
in Greeneville" below]
OR, Ser. 1, Vol. 39, pp. 488-492.
August 30, 1864 - Skirmish at Tracy City and destruction of railroad
No circumstantial reports filed.
TULLAHOMA, August 31, 1864.
Maj.-Gen. STEEDMAN:
Wheeler's forces captured a company of Tennessee cavalry at Lebanon yesterday morning. They were skirmished by Gen. Van Cleve's scouts near Woodbury. A cavalry scout sent out from Duck River bridge drove in pickets of a
heavy force of the enemy six miles east of that place yesterday evening. On
yesterday the enemy attacked and drove in small force stationed at Tracy City,
and destroyed a railroad bridge. Col. Krzyzanowski reports the enemy at Jasper yesterday. The telegraph all north of Duck River was cut last night. I know
Page 88 — Aaugust 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
August 30, 1864
not what damage, if any, has been done to the railroad north of that place, but
will soon know. No trains from Nashville since 6 p. m. last night.
R. H. MILROY, Maj.-Gen.
P. S. -Later: Fighting reported at Decherd at 10.45 a. m.
R. H. M.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. V, p. 739.
BRIDGEPORT, August 31, 1864.
Maj.-Gen. STEEDMAN:
A member of the detachment of the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry has brought the
following communication:
TRACY CITY, August 31, 1864.
We had a fight yesterday [30] with a detachment of Wheeler's brigade, and
repulsed him. They claim to have had about 300 men. The enemy is reported to
be about three-quarters of a mile from here, waiting for a piece of artillery. We
can hold this place until we are re-enforced, unless they get artillery. We cannot
get away without being captured by their cavalry. We have about thirty-five
men and want help.
Gen., I am unable to send any re-enforcements from here. Can I request you for
help for the troops at Tracy City? I have a pilot who can conduct the troops on
a road about sixteen miles from this place.
An immediate answer most respectfully requested.
W. KRZYZANOWSKI, Col., Cmdg.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF THE ETOWAH, Chattanooga, August 31, 1864.
Col. KRZYZANOWSKI, Bridgeport:
I sent a strong force of cavalry to the enemy's rear this morning, who will drive
them from the vicinity of Tracy City to-morrow, if they do not leave sooner. I
think they will hear of them, and leave to-night.
J. B. STEEDMAN, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. V, pp. 739-740.
August 30, 1864 - Capture of Union cavalry at Lebanon
•See August 30, 1864--Skirmish at Tracy City and destruction of railroad
August 30, 1864 - Scout and skirmish at Duck River
•See August 30, 1864--Skirmish at Tracy City and destruction of railroad
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
Aaugust 1864 — Page 89
August 30, 1864
August 30, 1864 - The Legend of the Murder of Private DeWitt Smith Jobe
Jobe, like Sam Davis, was a member of Coleman's Scouts. He was awarded the
Confederate Medal of Honor on August 17, 1977. His citation reads:
Realizing that he was surrounded and about to be captured by the enemy, Private Jobe destroyed the valuable papers in his possession by tearing and eating
them. Infuriated by this ploy, his captors bound and beat him, demanding that
he tell them the contents. Refusing all their demands, Private Jobe was slowly
strangled with a leather strap wrapped around his neck. When the enemy realized Private Jobe would never talk, they tortured him. . . kicking in his front
teeth, cutting out his tongue, gouging his eyes from their sockets, all the while
dragging him by the leather strap until he ultimately choked to death.NOTE 1
Valor in Gray, p. 15.
NOTE 1: There is no independent verification for this atrocity in the Official Records
of the Union and Confederate Armies. Tennessee Historical Commission
historical marker number 3 D 43, U. S. 31A, Williamson County, between
Triune and Nolensville, commemorates his death.
August 31, 1864 - Skirmish at Decherd
•See August 30, 1864--Skirmish at Tracy City and destruction of railroad
August 31, 1864 - Skirmishing near Cowan
COWAN, August 31, 1864.
Gen. STEEDMAN:
Five hundred rebel cavalry passed here at 2 o'clock this p. m., skirmishing with
my outposts. Communications north of here are cut.
C. H. JACKSON, Lieut. Col., Eighteenth Wisconsin Volunteers, Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. V, p. 740.
August 31, 1864 - Skirmishing near Christiana
No circumstantial reports filed.
LOUISVILLE, August 31, 1864—7 a. m.
Maj. ECKERT:
Both lines between Nashville and Chattanooga cut south of Christiana, Tenn.,
and heavy firing heard south of there. Work to Chattanooga via Huntsville and
Stevenson. Line from Chattanooga to front.O. K.
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August 31, 1864
S. BRUCH.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. V, p. 740.
August 31, 1864 - Skirmish at Clifton
No circumstantial reports filed.
August 31, 1864 - Contingents of Wheeler's cavalry skirmish near Murfreesboro and
Smyrna
Our squadron (Capt. Rheagan's) was ordered to move on to Murfreesboro and
drive in the yankee pickets, but when we arrive we found no pickets outside the
fortifications. We could see the sentinels on the breastworks, walking their
beats. We remained about two hours on picket duty, within a few hundred
yards of the works, and then we discovered a body of the enemy's cavalry
attempting to get in our rear and cut us off. We fell back and avoided a collision. During this time our command was moving on Smyrna to destroy the railroad. We followed it up, and rejoined our regiment to night. The command
captured one stockade to night. We are camped nine miles from Nashville.
Diary of William A. Sloan.
August 31, 1864 - A Confederate in Federal uniform, excerpts from the journal of Amanda
McDowell
The rebels are still in but are going to leave, I think. A man came here today
and took George Broyle's horse. He was dressed in Federal clothes and said he
was a Federal soldier, but some of us doubt it. . .
~~~
September 2, 1864
. . . The pretended Yankee was a Southern soldier, after all, just as I expected.
Diary of Amanda McDowell.
August 31, 1864 - Confederate cavalry approache Murfreesboro during Wheeler's Raid
Our squadron (Cap. Rheagan's) was ordered to move on to Murfreesboro and
drive in the yankee pickets, but when we arrived we found no pickets outside
the fortifications. We could see the sentinels on the breastworks, walking their
beats We remained about two hours on picket duty, within a few hundred yards
of the works, and then we discovered a body of the enemy's cavalry attempting
to get in our rear and cut us off. We fell back and avoided a collision. During
this time our command was moving on to Smyrna to destroy the railroad and
moved west.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
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