December 1, 1864
DECEMBER 1864
December 1, 1864 - Action at Owen's Cross Roads
No circumstantial reports filed.
December 1, 1864 - Skirmish at Clinch Mountain
LEXINGTON, KY., December 2, 1864.
(Received 5 p. m.)
Maj. THOMAS T. ECKERT, Washington, D. C.:
We have news from Burbridge this morning. Our forces at Clinch Mountain.
Slight skirmish with enemy yesterday. Scout reports Breckinridge at Morristown with 3,000 infantry; his cavalry at Bristol. Our forces expected to be at
Bean's Station to-day. Shall I report daily?
CAREY, Cipher Operator.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 28.
December 1, 1864 - December 14, 1864 - Operations about Nashville [prior to Battle of Nashville]
December 2-4, 1864.-Operations against stockades and block-houses on Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad.
December 4, 1864.-Action at Bell's Mills, Tenn.
December 5-7, 1864.-Demonstrations against Murfreesborough, Tenn.
December 6, 1864.-Action at Bell's Mills, Tenn.
December 7, 1864.-Battle of the Cedars, Murfreesborough.
December 13, 1864.-Attack on railroad train near Murfreesborough, Tenn.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 21-22.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 1
December 1, 1864
December 1, 1864 - February 7, 1865 - Initiation and termination of talks relative to the
exchange of East Tennessee political prisoners
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE, FOURTH DIVISION,
TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,
Knoxville, Tenn., December 1, 1864.
Brig. Gen. JOHN C. VAUGHN, C. S. Army:
GEN.: Your communication of November 29 has just been received. The
major-general commanding the department directs me to say that you and Gen.
Carter can continue negotiations for the exchange of non-combatants at a designated place during eight or ten days, or longer if necessary. Ladies within
your lines whose husbands or relatives are in our army, and who may wish to
come into our lines, will be received. Ladies within our lines who may wish to
go within yours must apply to the proper authority for permission. These negotiations, &c., not to interfere in any manner with or suspend the military operations of the U. S. forces in East Tennessee.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
J. AMMEN, Brig.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 7, p. 1176.
DECEMBER 10, 1864.
Maj. Gen. E. A. HITCHCOCK, Commissioner for Exchange, Washington, D.
C.:
GEN.: I have the honor to inclose copy of agreement entered into on 1st instant
at new Market, East Tenn., with Brig. Gen. John C. Vaughan, acting in behalf
of the so-called Confederate Government, for exchange and release of citizens
of East Tennessee held by the U. S. military authorities and by the rebels.
I also inclose list of rebel sympathizers now imprisoned at Johnson's Island and
Camp Chase, Ohio, as hostages for Union men imprisoned by rebels, and
respectfully request that they be sent to Knoxville as early as practicable, in
order that the proper exchange may be effected according to agreement.
For your information I send lists of rebel sympathizers held at this place as
hostages who are to be released, as well as of Union men supposed to be in the
hands of the rebels. Copies of these lists were left with rebel commissioner.
An effort was made by the rebel commissioner to secure release of parties
indicted for treason, and to prevent further issuing of capiases he proposed, in
case his object could be effected, to agree to make no further arrests in East
Tennessee and to agree to a suspension of the conscript law for this district.
Under your instructions I declined to consider his proposition.
Page 2 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 1, 1864
Hoping that the arrangement I have made looking to the release of many warm
friends of the Government who have suffered long in rebel prisons will meet
the approbation of our authorities.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. P. CARTER, Brig. Gen. and Provost-Marshal-Gen. of East Tennessee.
DECEMBER 10, 1864.
Brig. Gen. J. C. VAUGHN, Cmdg. Confederate Cavalry, East Tennessee:
SIR: I am in receipt of your communication of the 7th instant, inclosing list of
twenty-nine citizen prisoners this day delivered at our lines. In looking over the
list I am surprised to find that the name of Charles Innman, of Sevier County,
does not appear. He has been arrested, as I understand, since you took command in East Tennessee, and his case was specially referred to in our interview,
with a promise on your part that he should be speedily released. I trust that the
apparent oversight in his case will be speedily corrected.
I have already written to Washington to have the prisoners who are held as hostages at Johnson's Island and other points sent to this place for exchange. They
will be sent to your lines without unnecessary delay after their arrival at Knoxville. I trust that you will have the Union prisoners, who have been so long
absent from their homes, brought to East Tennessee at as early a day as possible in order to [secure] their release.
I inclose list of hostages who are hereby released and sent to your lines. You
will see that [they] have been set at liberty here. A few other persons held at
Knoxville shall be sent to your lines, if they desire it, at an early day.
I have already written on the subject of treason cases, as agreed upon.
Hoping that all citizen prisoners of East Tennessee now held may soon be
restored to their homes,
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. P. CARTER, Brig. Gen. and Provost-Marshal-Gen. of East Tennessee.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 7, pp. 1208-1209.
RICHMOND, December 15, 1864.
Brig. Gen. JOHN C. VAUGHAN:
SIR: I regret that I cannot give my approval to the recent agreement made
between Brig. Gen. S. P. Carter and yourself in relation to East Tennessee prisoners.
Whilst it requires that all "Union citizens of East Tennessee who are held by
the Confederate authorities" shall be released, there is no corresponding stipulation in respect to our own loyal people. It is well known that a large number
of Confederate citizens have been arrested by the U. S. military authorities in
East Tennessee and turned over to the State for indictment. Most of the Union
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 3
December 1, 1864
men whom we hold were arrested in retaliation, and in fact are held as hostages
for such persons. The agreement not only leaves such as have been turned over
to the State authorities to an almost hopeless captivity, but fails to require the
release of all other citizen prisoners. The Federals only agree to deliver the
hostages. It is believed there are some, if not many, loyal Confederates now in
confinement who have not been turned over to the State and who are not held
as hostages. As to such Gen. Carter only agrees "to use his best efforts" for
their release.
The Confederate authorities are willing to enter into an agreement for the
release of all citizens or political prisoners on both sides belonging to East Tennessee. They cannot be charged with any want of liberality in this proposition,
as it is generally conceded that the larger part of the population of that country,
not under arms, is hostile to us.
Capt. Shad. Harris is a deserter from our service; he was tried as such and condemned to death. The mercy of the President saved him from a just doom.
Capt. Battle is unjustly held as hostage. To give up Harris for Battle would
strengthen the hands of the enemy in their avowed purpose of contesting our
right to try deserters from our service. Capt. Rogers is now safe within our
lines.
The fifth section of the agreement, if adopted, would, I am afraid lead to difficulties. What is meant by conforming to the "requirements of the authorities?"
We and the enemy will in all probability give very different constructions to
such a phrase and thus again precipitate what we wish to avoid.
In the event of your inability to secure general release of citizen prisoners
belonging to East Tennessee, including Mr. Heiskell, I approve of your desire
"to arrest a number of prominent men as hostages."
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 7, p. 1229.
HDQRS. VAUGHN'S CAVALRY, Bristol, February 7, 1865.
HON. JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:
GEN.: Yours of the 2d instant is at hand. I regret, as do the officers and men of
my command, that you have been taken from the department. No one has ever
won the confidence and esteem of my command so completely as yourself.
They ask for no one more competent or able than you; and to obey your orders,
comply with your instructions, has ever been my own and their delight. From
the highest officer to the merest private in my command there is one universal
murmur of regret at your sudden departure from the department. Your compliments we appreciate, and regret that no other opportunities offered themselves
than those that did so as to have enabled us to have done honor to Kentucky's
noblest son-yourself. Your name will ever live in the hearts of my command. I
Page 4 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 2, 1864
am truly gratified that you manifest in your letter an interest in my command,
which I shall communicate to my Tennesseeans, your true friends. . . I would
also respectfully call your attention to the propriety of something being done
that shall secure the exchange and release of our citizen prisoners from East
Tennessee. There are many noble and inoffensive Southern citizens confined
North who can be exchanged for, thus relieving our friends of much suffering,
restore them to their families and friends, and save our Government of much
expense in feeding the many citizens we have confined under the most trivial
charges.
Hoping that the proudest anticipations of your countrymen may be realized in
their hopes for your success in your new field of duty, and that you may live to
be admired and appreciated for your efforts for the success of our common
cause, I remain, as ever, your true friend,
JOHN C. VAUGHAN, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg., &c.
[Indorsement.]
Mr. Shepherd will note the portion of this letter relating to exchange of citizen
prisoners and address note to Commissioner of Exchange, desiring early attention to the subject.
J. C. B., Secretary of War.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 7, pp. 964-965.
December 2, 1864 - "Provost Order No. 249."
Headquarters Post of Nashville
Office of Provost Marshal
Nashville, Tennessee, December 2, 1864
EXTRACT
~~~
On account of the crowded condition of the city and the number of troops
present collected in and around the limits, it is here by ordered:
That all Saloons and all Bars in Eating Houses be closed at 8 o'clock P. M.
until further orders.
All special permits as to the selling at the tables of Restaurants are for the
present revoked.
By command of Brig. Gen. John. F. Miller
Nashville Dispatch, December 3, 1864.
December 2, 1864 - On the burial of Cleburne at Ashwood
[From the Mobile News.]
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 5
December 2, 1864
Gen. Cleburne.
A member of the staff of the lamented Maj. Gen. Cleburne, writing from
Columbia, Tenn., to a friend, gives the following account of his burial:
"I had his remains brought to this place, and buried at Ashwood, six miles distant, the private grave-yard of the Polk family. I met with great kindness from
the people here in the performance of my sad duty. His coffin was strewn with
flowers by the ladies, and the following beautiful lines written by Miss H.,
were sealed upon it:
"Fare thee well, departed chieftain!
Erin's land sends forth a wail;
And oh! my country sad laments thee,
Passed too soon through death's dark vale.
"Blow ye breezes soft on him,
Fan his brow with gentle breath,
Disturb ye not his peaceful slumber,
Cleburne sleeps the sleep of death!
"Rest thee, Cleburne, tears of sadness
Flow from hearts thou'st nobly won,
Memory ne'er will cease to cherish
Deeds of glory thou hast done."
Columbia, Tenn., Dec. 2, 1864.
Galveston Weekly News, April 5, 1865. NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
December 2, 1864 - December 5, 1864 - Operations against stockades and block-houses held
by U. S. C. T. on N&C RailroadNOTE 1
The following reports present a good indication of the fighting at the railroad
blockhouses.
HDQRS. FORTY-FOURTH U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Nashville, Tenn.,
December 4, 1864.
LIEUT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the affair which
occurred on the 2d and 3d instant, at Stockade No. 2, on Mill Creek (Chattanooga and Nashville Railroad), between the troops temporarily under my command and the enemy under Gen. Forrest:
At 8 a. m. the train containing the Forty-fourth U. S. Colored Infantry and
Companies A and D of the Fourteenth U. S. Colored Infantry left Murfreesborough and arrived at the bridge over Mill Creek, guarded by Block-house No. 2,
at about 11 a. m., when suddenly a battery opened upon the train, nearly all of
which was upon the trestle bridge. The locomotive and first car were struck
Page 6 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 2, 1864
and several of the men injured. I immediately got my command off the train
and moved it up to the stockade, which I supposed was evacuated, but, on my
arrival there, found it occupied by a detachment of the One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Volunteers, commanded by Lieut. Harder. As the block-house was
full, and three batteries were shelling us terribly, and a heavy musketry fire
commenced from all sides, I formed my men around the house and then pushed
a portion up a hill on the east side of the fort, which entirely commanded it, and
from where the heaviest fire was kept up. Unable to carry the crest of the hill I
kept the men on the side of it, and had logs and stumps of tress converted into a
breast-work. This position afforded them much shelter, and they held it against
several assaults of the enemy. The batteries, which continued their fire, injured
the block-house constantly; they had to change position a dozen times, being
silenced by our musketry. At about 5 p. m. the enemy managed to establish a
battery on the hill which I spoke above, and it was this battery which did more
harm than all the rest. It knocked the lookout of the stockade to pieces, and also
the roof, which caved in at several places. The shots fired by it struck the house
every time, and a number penetrated it; one shell, exploding inside, killed the
railroad conductor, who had sought shelter in the house, and wounded several
of the garrison. It was now dark and the artillery fire ceased, but musketry was
still kept up. I drew the command back to the block-house, and left a strong
skirmish line at the position which we had occupied during the day. As my
ammunition was nearly exhausted (the men who came off the train only had
forty rounds), and I expected an assault, I stopped all firing in order to reserve
the four rounds I had left per man for the last effort. The firing was kept up
until 3 a. m. of the 3d, but not answered by my men. My position was quite
desperate, and when I took into consideration that my stock of ammunition was
almost expended, the stockade so much used up that a few shots would have
knocked it down, and having lost one-third of the men, I resolved to abandon
the stockade and fight my way to Nashville.
I knew that should the place be surrendered or taken by assault a butchery
would follow, and I also knew that re-enforcements would have been sent to
me if it had been possible to send them. I therefore left the block-house at 3.30
a. m., and, contrary to my expectations, got through the rebel lines without
much trouble. I arrived at Nashville about daylight. In addition to the above I
have to state that I left Surg J. T. Strong, Forty-fourth U. S. Colored Infantry,
and Chaplain Railsback, Forty-fourth U. S. Colored Infantry, in the blockhouse to take care of the wounded men.
The soldiers and officers of the different commands behaved well and steady
during the entire fight, and especially during the retreat; every man did his
duty; not a shot was fired, but silently they marched, determined to die rather
than be taken prisoners.
The forces engaged numbered as follows: Forty-fourth U. S. Colored Infantry,
227 muskets; Companies A and D, Fourteenth U. S. Colored Infantry, 80 muskets; detachment One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Volunteers, 25 muskets;
total, 332 muskets.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 7
December 2, 1864
~~~
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. JOHNSON, Col., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 540-541.
Report of Capt. Clarence W. Baker, Fourteenth U. S. Colored Troops, of operations December 2, 1864.
CAMP FOURTEENTH U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Nashville, Tenn.,
November [December] -, 1864.
LIEUT.: I have herewith the honor to submit a report concerning the conduct
and loss of Companies A and D, Fourteenth U. S. Colored Infantry, in action at
Stockade No. 2, December 2, 1864.
The train was very unexpectedly fired upon by a rebel battery from a commanding position. The men left the cars hastily, were formed in line, and
moved upon the hill in rear of the stockade, subsequently deployed as skirmishers, lying exposed to a heavy fire from artillery and musketry from 11 a.
m. until about 6 p. m., when the larger part of the command was drawn in,
leaving pickets posted upon the skirmish line held during the day, and throwing
up a rude breast-work, with traverses, on two sides of the stockade. Upon a due
consultation of the place was determined upon, whereat the men were much
pleased, expressing themselves as ready to cut through the rebel lines, or, failing, die in the attempt. Fortunately we succeeded in passing through the line of
rebel pickets without losing a man in killed or wounded.
Our loss was as follows: Company A, Fourteenth U. S. Colored Infantrykilled, 1 private; wounded, 1 corporal, 2 privates, missing, 1 corporal, 7 privates; total, 2 corporals, 10 privates; total, 1 corporal, 12 privates. One
wounded man from A and 2 wounded from D Company were left in the stockade, unable to be moved.
It is no more than simple justice to say for the men and officers under my command that they behaved admirably and did credit to the regiment.
CLARENCE W. BAKER,
Capt., 14th U. S. Colored Infty., Cmdg. Companies A and D.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 538.
Report of Col. Thomas C. Boone, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry, of
operations December 2-5, 1864.
LIEUT.: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of the operations of my
regiment during Hood's late advance into Tennessee.
On the 25th of November, as per instructions from headquarters post of Murfreesborough, I started to Duck River Bridge, at the same time sent the adjutant
northward toward Nashville on an inspection tour. I found the troops from here
Page 8 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 2, 1864
to Duck River supplied with the requisite amount of ammunition and subsistence to December 10, 1864. The adjutant returned November 27, making a
similar report. I immediately forwarded twenty days' rations to all the detachments of the regiment from Nashville to Duck River, supplying the troops to
the 1st of January, 1865.
Block-house No. 2, five miles from Nashville, commanded by Lieut. George
D. Harter, was the first attacked by the enemy. About 8 December 2, 1864 a
force was seen approaching the block-house, a large majority of whom were
dressed in Federal uniform. The force began gradually to surround the blockhouse. About this time a railroad train was heard approaching from the south.
When it came in sight it was discovered to be loaded with colored troops. The
train came up very slowly, and when on the bridge at the block-house was fired
into by the enemy's artillery, disabling the engine and wrecking the train immediately. This began the fight, and seven pieces of artillery opened fire on the
block-house. The colored troops, which consisted of parts of the Fourteenth
and Forty-fourth U. S. Colored Infantry, and numbering in all abut 350 men,
under command of Col. Johnson, of the Forty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops,
sought protection at the block-house. They were scarce of ammunition, and
Lieut. Harter gave to Col. Johnson for the use of his command 2,000 rounds,
without which they could have rendered but little or no assistance to the blockhouse garrison. The garrison kept up constant firing on the enemy, forcing
them to change the position of their artillery frequently. One piece, however,
which did them the most damage, was stationed on a hill about 500 yards north
of the block-house. It was loaded under cover of the hill, pushed to the crest,
sighted and fired, and then drawn back to reload. The garrison was unable to
force this gun from its position. Firing was kept up continually from 10 a. m.
until dark. Near 500 rounds solid shot and shell, from 10 and 20 pounder guns,
were fired at the block-house. The rebels told our wounded (who were left in
their hands) that they fired upward of 460 rounds. Night found the block-house
in a ruinous condition, the north wing being completely destroyed, outside casing of west wing was badly damaged, the lookout gone, two large breaches
made in the roof, and one of the posts-the main support of the roof-knocked
out, while the other center posts were badly splintered. Lieut. Harter, taking
into consideration the condition of the block-house and that his ammunition
was nearly all expended, regarded it as certain capture to remain until daylight.
Consequently, at 3 a. m. December 3, 1864, the garrison evacuated the blockhouse, and, accompanied by the colored troops, arrived safely in Nashville at
daylight. Upon reporting to Maj.-Gen. Thomas, Lieut. Harter was informed
that an order had been issued two days previously directing the abandonment
of all block-houses from Nashville to Murfreesborough. The courier failed to
get through the rebel lines, consequently the order was not received. Casualties
of the garrison at this block-house (No. 2) were 1 enlisted man killed and 3
enlisted men wounded.
No. 1, block-house, four miles from Nashville, commanded by Lieut. Jacob N.
Shaffer, was attacked and the entire garrison captured December 3, 1864. The
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 9
December 2, 1864
amount of firing upon and damage done to block-house and garrison before its
surrender has not been ascertained. It is reported, however, that firing was kept
up throughout the day and that a flag of truce was sent in five times during the
day.
Block-house No. 3, near Antioch, commanded by Capt. D. N. Lowrey, was
attacked on the 3d of December by artillery. The rebel guns here were placed in
such positions as to prevent the block-house garrison from doing them much
injury other than occasionally picking off a gunner. After holding out for
thirty-six hours and receiving ninety shots, from 12 and 20 pounder guns, the
garrison was compelled to surrender.
Capt. Lewis F. Hake, commanding at La Verge, received an order December 4,
1864, from Maj.-Gen. Thomas (which had been issued three days previously),
to abandon all the block-houses from Nashville to Murfreesborough and withdraw the forces to the latter place. Couriers were started each way along the
railroad on the morning of the 5th no notify the commanders of the blockhouse No. 4, having received this order, was in the act of evacuating his blockhouse, when he was attacked and compelled to surrender.
On the morning of the 5th of December, 1864, as the command at La Vergne
was completing its preparations to march to Murfreesborough (two wagons
having already been loaded), the rebels suddenly made their appearance in
considerable force on all sides, and a flag of truce was discovered approaching.
It was halted at a proper distance and Lieut. Eadie sent out to meet it. Whilst a
consultation was being had under the flag the rebels took advantage of the
same and planted four pieces of artillery bearing directly on the command.
Under the circumstance, being surrounded by a force greatly superior in numbers, with their artillery in position commanding the whole ground ready for
firing, Capt. Hake was compelled to surrender his command, consisting of 73
men (regimental martial band included), 25 horses and equipments, 2 pieces of
artillery (one 6 and one 12 pounder), and small-arms.
Commanders of block-houses Nos. 5 and 6, Capt. William M. McClure and
Lieut. John S. Orr, received Capt. Hake's order the night of the 4th. They evacuated their block-houses on the morning of the 5th instant. Rebels in small
squads had already made their appearance on all sides. The garrisons were
compelled to make a circuitous route around through Jefferson, marching over
twenty miles, had several skirmishers with the enemy on the way, and arrived
safely in camp at Murfreesborough about 2 p. m. of the same day.
Block-house No. 7, four miles from Murfreesborough, commanded by Lieut.
H. H. Glosser, was attacked on the 4th instant by rebel artillery and musketry.
Seventy-six artillery shots were fired at the block-house, thirty-two of which
struck it. The railroad bridge at this point was saved, and but little damage was
done to the block-house other than knocking off the lookout. This house was
not again attacked with artillery. Sharpshooters remained keeping the garrison
hemmed in, as the following communication, being the first that was heard
from Lieut. Glosser, will explain.
Page 10 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 2, 1864
BLOCK-HOUSE, No. 7, December 18, 1864.
Maj.-Gen. MILROY:
SIR: I am informed by your scout (Mr. Lee) that the rebels have retreated. He
tells me that if there is anything I want to sent a note to you and say what it is.
Gen., I want nothing but liberty. I have been hemmed in for thirteen days, not
daring to put my head outside the block-house. The rebel sharpshooters have
left, and I feel better. The health of myself and men is good; am ready for any
emergency. Gen. Forrest, sent in a flag of truce four times, demanding the surrender of this house, promising to treat me well, and threatening to burn me
with Greek fire if I refused. I resolved to believe nothing but such things as I
could see; and as I could not see the Greek fire, I thought I would until I did.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. GLOSSER, First Lieut. Company E, 115th Regt. Ohio Vol. Infty., Cmdg.
Block-House No. 7.
No casualties were sustained at this block-house. The garrison kept up firing at
all times when the rebels appeared in sight, expending during the whole time
nearly 8,000 rounds of ammunition. The detachments at block-houses between
Murfreesborough and Tullahoma, with but one excepting, were not attacked by
the enemy.
Block-House No. 9, near Bell Buckle Station, Lieut. M. S. Hurd commanding,
was approached by flag of truce and its surrender demanded. Lieut. Hurd
promptly refused, telling them "if they wanted the block-house, they must
come and take it." The rebels did not open fire with their artillery, and after a
few volleys of musketry withdrew from sight. Straggling rebels were now seen
all along the road to Tullahoma, quite a number of whom were picked up and
forwarded to Murfreesborough.
You are already cognizant of the part taken by the detachment in and near Murfreesborough, which renders it unnecessary for me to mention the particulars.
So far as I am able to learn I have good reason to believe that every detachment
of the regiment throughout has done its duty as became soldiers.
I feel it my duty here to make special mention of the manner in which the little
bands of veterans under their command, so nobly acquitted themselves under
such trying circumstances. Too much credit cannot be given them for so gallantly defending heir block-houses against the prolonged attack of the enemy,
so much their superior in numbers and furnished with 10 and 20 pounder guns.
Captured, 170; killed, 1; wounded, 4; escaped since capture, 4.
~~~
I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS C. BOONE, Col., 115th Regt. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 631-634.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 11
December 2, 1864
NOTE 1: According to Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee: " Dec. 2-3, Skirmishes
Block House No. 2, on Mill Creek, Chatta. & Nashv. R. R."
December 2, 1864 - December 7, 1864 - Activities of Major-General R. H. Milroy's command prior to the Battle of the Cedars, December 7, 1864, excerpt from a
letter to his wife in Rensselaer, Indiana
Fortress Rosecrans
Murfreesboro, Tenn Dec. 18 1864
My Dear Mary,
. . . I arrived here on the 2nd inst. without any fighting except a little skirmishing with bushwhackers-of whom we killed and captured a number. On the
afternoon of the 4th Inst. the Rebs attacked a Block house 4 1/2 miles North of
this place. I was sent out with 3 Regts of Inf. and one Regt of Cav. and two
pieces of artillery to drive them off. It was nearly dark when I got to Overalls
Creek where the Rebs were commanding our Block -house which guarded the
R. R. bridge across that creek. I threw out my skirmishers and opened on them
with my artillery. At dark I crossed the Creek with two of my Regts and
attacked the Rebs furiously, not knowing their strength. I found them hard to
drive but finally drove them capturing 20 prisoners from whom I learned that I
was fighting a whole Reb division under Gen Bates about 3000 strong. I had
about 900 men in action and thought it best to stop the pursuit and fall back
which I did safely with the loss of 6 killed and 62 wounded. We left the field
strewed with killed and wounded Rebs. The next day [5th] Bates was reinforced by two brigades of Infantry and by Gen Forrest with 3000 Cavalry, and
come around this Fortress and the town [of Murfreesboro] on all sides. We
have near 70 pieces of artillery in the fortress and we opened on them with our
heavy sige guns and soon made them get out of reach, but they could be seen
around in sight constantly till the 7th. . .
Papers of General Milroy, pp. 399-400.
December 3, 1864 - Action at Block Houses Nos. 1 and 3
•See December 2, 1864-December 5, 1864-Operations against stockades and
block-houses held by U. S. C. T. on N&C RailroadNOTE 1
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
December 3, 1864 - Reconnaissances from Cleveland and Tyner's Station
CLEVELAND, TENN., December 3, 1864.
Capt. H. A. FORD, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.:
I have sent reconnoitering parties on three of the most important approaches
from the south and west, and taken all possible precaution toward the protec-
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 3, 1864
tion of this place. At Tyner's Station I have 200 men and two pieces of artillery;
they have a good earth-work, and can without doubt hold it.
H. BOUGHTON, Col.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 40.
December 3, 1864 - General and Special Orders, No. 1, establishing the Civic Guard of
Chattanooga
GEN. AND SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 1. HDQRS DISTRICT OF THE
ETOWAH, Chattanooga, December 3, 1864.
I. The general commanding the district, considering it highly advisable to have
this post and its several defenses as strongly held as possible, hereby orders
that all civilians within the lines of the post be enrolled and organized into a
military force.
II. With the view of having the force enrolled and effectually organized, the
general orders and authorizes Col. Edwin S. McCook to take the business in
hand at once, and orders him to the command of the force he shall so enroll and
organize.
III. All civilians, therefore, within the lines of this post, who are not in the
actual employment and pay of the United States Government at this post, will
proceed instantly, on the publication of these orders, to the rear office of the
post guard, there report to Col. McCook, register their names and residences,
have themselves properly enrolled and assigned for military duty, and having
been enrolled, hold themselves subject to his orders.
IV. The military duty indicated in these orders will not take the civilians
enrolled and organized by Col. McCook beyond the exterior lines of defense.
V. Col. McCook has full power to organize the force contemplated in these
orders as his experience and judgment best dictate, and he will appoint and
order such officers and other assistants to act under him as he thinks best gaslight for command, or any other work or duties in connection with the force
contemplated.
VI. The force commanded by Col. McCook will be known as the Civic Guard
of Chattanooga.
VII. This order of enrollment and organization comprehends not only all the
civilians who may be permanently resident at this post, but all civilians who
may be temporarily detained here, whether on business or pleasure, or owing
to obstructions on the road.
VIII. Col. McCook will have every facility afforded him for the proper arming
and equipment of the Civic Guard, and will determine, subject to the approval
of the general commanding, the signal for the assembling of his command on
any sudden emergency.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 13
December 3, 1864
IX. Every civilian enrolled in the Civic Guard of Chattanooga will be furnished
by Col. McCook with a printed certificate of enrollment. The post provost
guards on and after Tuesday, the 6th day of December, will demand, in addition to the usual City pass, the said certificate of enrollment.
X. Any civilian hereby ordered to register and enroll himself in the Civic guard
failing to procure, or to produce on proper demand, the said certificate of
enrollment, will be arrested on the spot and handed over to the provost-marshal.
XI. Should the party or parties so arrested fail satisfactorily to explain the circumstances of their not having, or their not producing, the said certificate of
enrollment, said party or parties will immediately be sent by the post provostmarshal to work for thirty days on the streets or fortifications.
By order of Brig.-Gen. Meagher:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, pp. 39-40.
December 3, 1864 - First Action at Bell's Mill -U. S. N, capture and recapture of U. S. S.
Prairie State & Prima Donna, and dispersal Rebel artillery
•See November 17, 1864-November 29, 1864-Confederate Cavalry operations
in Middle Tennessee previous to the Battle of Nashville
Excerpt from the Report of LCDR Le Roy Fitch's report made from the U. S.
S. Moose off Nashville on December 4, 1864:
~~~
. . . about 9 p. m. [December 3], I received intelligence that the enemy's left
wing had struck the river and had batteries planted at Bell's Mills, about 4
miles below Nashville by land but 18 by river, and that they had captured two
steamers. [I ordered the tin clads and gunboats: Neosho, Carondolet, Moose,
Brilliant, Fairplay, Reindeer, and Silver Lake to the bend.]
~~~
I directed Acting Master Miller [of the Carondolet] to run below the lower batteries, giving them grape and canister, then round to and come back and fight
them upstream
~~~
The boats moved down perfectly quiet, with no lights visible, and were not
seen by the enemy until the Carondelet opened fire on their lower battery and
encampment.
~~~
As soon as the Carondelet opened fire the enemy poured a heavy volley of
musketry into the boats along the entire line, and also opened on us with their
upper battery of four guns. About this time the Fairplay had stopped to keep
from running into the Carondelet, and the smoke from the guns and smokestacks, combined with our steam, settled around us so very thick in this bend
Page 14 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 3, 1864
that I could see nothing nor could the pilots see where we were running; so,
finding myself nearly in contact with the Fairplay, I was also forced to stop,
and after the Carondelet and Fairplay had passed below the bend I found
myself still in the smoke and in a rather bad position, as the batteries were then
firing directly into me and so far on my port quarter that we could not bring our
guns to bear. I therefore directed the pilots to back up, as it was clear above and
below it was intensely thick. I was afraid by this time the Carondelet and Fairplay had passed the lower battery, rounded to, and were again moving up,
which would make our chances for colliding very great. I therefore decided to
back up again, about the upper battery, as I could not remain where I was long
enough for the smoke to lift; and, as the rebels were now giving this boat their
entire attention, made it also dangerous to attempt to round to. In backing up
above the batteries, I necessarily moved slowly, but the pilots. . . handled the
vessel so magnificently that we were able to keep our guns working on them so
rapidly that in a great measure they were kept silent.
When I got above the battery where I could use the port broadside and bow
guns, they soon ceased firing, as the Reindeer had by this time got above their
guns, rounded to, and was in a good position to assist this vessel in case she
was disabled. . . I concluded to wait till daylight, knowing that the Carondelet
and Fairplay, which were below the lower battery, would keep everything
quiet and take care of the captured steamers.
The musketry along the bank and on the hillside was for a time very annoying,
but we soon drove them off. The firing from their battery for a time was very
rapid, but their guns were not well aimed; most of their shell and all their grape
passed entirely over us; this, I presume, was owing to our being so close to
them. The river at this point is not over 75 or 80 yards wide, and part of the
time we were directly under their guns. Two percussion shells struck this boat
in the hull a little above the water line, and one struck in the wheel, but none of
them did much damage. One of them came quartering from the battery above
us and lodged in the bread room, close to the magazine, but did not explode.
Another struck us fair and would have passed on through the bottom, but was
turned from it course by striking one of the deck beams; it also did not explode,
but lodged in the rake. The Silver Lake was not quite close enough to engage
the batteries, but kept the musketry silent along the bank above.
In the morning, very early, we again moved down, the Neosho having [by] this
time joined us, but saw nothing of the enemy; the batteries were removed the
night before we left them. Between 8 and 9 a. m. I met the Carondelet and
Fairplay, with the transports just below where the lower battery stood during
the night. Learning that all was clear below, I returned to Nashville with the
gunboats and transports.
Not withstanding the darkness and haziness of the night, all of the boats were
well maneuvered. . .
~~~
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 15
December 3, 1864
The numbers of rounds fired were as follows: Carondelet, 26; Fairplay, 37;
Moose, 59; Reindeer, 19; Silver Lake, 6.
I am not able to say what execution we did, as darkness covered all, but we
drove them from their guns and back from the river, recapturing the steamers
they had captured in the early part of the evening before they had time to
destroy them, made them abandon most of the forage they were taking from
the vessels, and cause them to let may of their prisoners escape.
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 26, pp. 640-643.
December 3, 1864 - Confederate guerrillas destroy railroad track between Buck Lodge and
South Tunnel
BUCK LODGE, TENN., December 4, 1864.
Lieut. H. D. BROWN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Gallatin, Tenn.:
SIR: I have the honor to report to you yesterday at 4 p. m. it was reported to me
by a citizen that about twenty guerrillas had crossed the railroad between Buck
Lodge and South Tunnel, and that perhaps the railroad was damaged. I sent
immediately a patrol toward South Tunnel, and found that at a point one mile
south of Buck Lodge, and half a mile north of the brigade picket, four rails had
been removed from the track and the telegraph cut. I ordered my men to repair
the track, and the same time stopped the passenger train which was just coming
down. The telegraph was repaired by the engineer. You will allow me to say
that the act was done in full sight of the bridge picket, and that it could not have
been done if the workmen on the railroad had made application for a guard
instead of working without. I was with my company at skirmish drill at the
same time, not more than half a mile from that place, and heard the hammering, but as I knew the workmen were there I had no suspicion.
I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ADAM BUCK, Capt. Company A, Cmdg. Post.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 50.
December 3, 1864 - Confederates fire upon U. S. S. Kentucky near Harpeth Shoals
CLARKSVILLE, December 3, 1864.
Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.:
The steamer Kentucky, with three companies of Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry and 170 infantry, has returned, not being able to pass a battery near Harpeth Shoals. A courier has just arrived with dispatches from Col. Thompson,
from Johnsonville, that his force will reach here to-morrow afternoon. A courier says that he could not reach Gen. Cooper, at Centerville.
Page 16 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 3, 1864
A. A. SMITH, Col., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 41.
December 3, 1864 - James A. McCord's letter to his brother describing the battle at Franklin
Franklin Tenn
Decr. 3rd 1864
Dear Brother
After a long and very hard march, we arrived at this place, the 30th day of
Novr. about 4 oclk when we went immediately into a fight and every one says
that it was the hardest fought battle that has been fought during the war. There
is no telling what our loss is. We lost ten Genls killed & wounded. Genls
Cleburne Granburry, Gist, Adams, Strahl, & one more I forgotten were killed
and four that were wounded. Granbury's celebrated brigade left this place yesterday morning with 137 Guns all told. Hall & Jno Tom GillispieNOTE 1 was
both killed dead on the field, and nearly every one of the company fared the
same fate. The larger portion of Genl Bates Div acted very cowardly in the first
of the fight. Tyler's & Finley's and Jackson's left would not charge the works.
I was skirmishing in front of Tyler & Finley and they run three times and left
me on the hill begging them to come back when one of old Abes boys plugged
me in the right foot, making it a severe wound, tho not a serious one I hope. I
am well cared for. I do not know any place where I could fare as I do here. The
people are the kindest in the world especially the Ladies. The world does not
know their superior and I doubt that their equal can be found.
Lt McKibbinNOTE 2 wounded in left fore arm. Troy SaundersNOTE 3 slightly in
arm (gone back to Co.) Mo MaysNOTE 4 & Ben DeasonNOTE 5 were wounded
but not dangerous I believe. I do not know how your company suffered (but little I believe). No Country knows a braver man than Genl Bates. I am proud to
say that there was no one between me and the Yankees when I was wounded.
You will have to excuse this short letter as my foot pains me a great deal & I do
not know when I will get a chance to send off though I believe I will put it in
the P. O. Give my love to all.
Truly yours
Jas A McCordNOTE 6
P. S. This fight lasted eleven hours.
James A. McCord Correspondence.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: Cpl. William Hall Gillespie, Co B, 7th Texas Infantry was mortally wounded and died at Franklin, Tennessee. He is buried in McGavock Confederate
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 17
December 3, 1864
Cemetery, Texas Section 3, Grave 39. His brother, Pvt John Thomas
Gillespie Jr. was in the same company and was also killed at Franklin. He is
buried in Texas Section 2, Grave 26.
NOTE 2: Lt. Martin Van Buren McKibben enlisted as 5th Sgt, Co I, 30th Georgia Infantry on September 25, 1861. He was appointed 1st Sgt May 13, 1862. Promoted to Jr. 2nd Lt on July 16, 1863 and 2nd Lt in 1864. He was severely
wounded at Franklin on November 30, 1864. He was listed in Saint Mary's
Hospital at West Point, Mississippi on January 13, 1865.
NOTE 3: Pvt. Troy S. Saunders enlisted in Co I, 30th Georgia Infantry on June 30,
1863. He was wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia on September 19, 1863. He was listed in Direction Hospital at Griffin, Georgia on December 22, 1863. No further record.
NOTE 4: Pvt. Robert W. Mays enlisted in Co I, 30th Georgia Infantry on September
25, 1861. Roll for December 31, 1862, last on file, shows him 'present'. Pension records show he was wounded in the right breast at the Battle of
Chickamauga, Georgia on September 19, 1863. Born 1842, he died in Butts
County, Georgia on December 8, 1918.
NOTE 5: Pvt. Benjamin T. Deason enlisted in Co I, 30th Georgia Infantry on September 25, 1861. He was wounded at the Battle of Franklin and captured in one
of the Confederate hospitals there on December 17, 1864. He was released
from Camp Chase, Ohio Prison on June 13, 1865
NOTE 6: Pvt. James A. McCord enlisted on November 1, 1862. In January 1864, he
was on detail duty as a clerk at the General Hospital in Lauderdale Springs,
Mississippi due to a disability. He was wounded at the Battle of Franklin
and captured in one of the Confederate hospitals there on December 17,
1864. He was released from Camp Chase, Ohio Prison in June, 1865.
NOTE 1: As cited in.http://www.franklin-stfb.org.
December 3, 1864 - December 8, 1864 - Naval reconnaissance Cumberland River, NashvilleCarthageNOTE 1
Letter from Major-General Thomas, U. S. Army, to Lieutenant Commander
Fitch, U. S. Navy, requesting a patrol of the river to Carthage, Tenn.: [December 3, 1864]
CAPTAIN: The major-general commanding directs me to say that inasmuch as
the enemy has made no attack to-day, and great uncertainty attends his movements, he thinks it unsafe to trust the courier line between Gallatin and
Carthage to bring us information of any attempt which might be made by the
rebels to cross the river above here, and is of the opinion that, to render us
Page 18 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 4, 1864
secure, you had better patrol the river as far as Carthage with at least one ironclad and two gunboats, if you think there is sufficient water in the cannel to
enable you to do it.
~~~
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 26, p. 640.
Correspondence from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Glassford, U. S. Navy, to
Major-General Thomas, U. S. Army, regarding reconnaissance of U. S. steamers Brilliant and Springfield to Carthage, Tenn.
U. S. S. Sliver Lake, December 8, 1864.
General: The gunboats Brilliant and Springfield have just returned from up
river. There is no force on the river between this point and Carthage. Breckinridge is reported at Sparta with about 3,000 men, though with reliability we can
not say.
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 26, p. 659.
NOTE 1: Not referenced in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee or the OR.
December 4, 1864 - Actions, Block Houses Nos. 4 and 7
•See December 2, 1864-December 5, 1864-Operations against stockades and
block-houses held by U. S. C. T. on N&C RailroadNOTE 1
Report of Lieut. H. Milo Torrence, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry,
Assistant Inspector railroad Defenses, of operations December 4-17, 1864.
OFFICE ASSISTANT INSPECTOR RAILROAD DEFENSES, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, December 28, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on Sunday, December 4, at about 11 a. m.,
the enemy opened three pieces 12-pounder artillery on block-house No. 7, at
distances of 500 and 800 yards, throwing seventy-two shot and shell, thirtyone of which struck the building, five in the lookout and twenty-six in the main
building and its entrance way. Of the twenty-six, six were thrown in to the
inner casing at loop line. It will be remembered that the outer casing of this
house is supported above the loop line by pillars twelve to fifteen inches long.
The shot were thrown in between the upper and lower logs of the outer case
and the pillars. Some of the pillars were struck and shattered but none knocked
entirely out. No shot penetrated the main building; no shot struck, however,
directly on the loop, the bearing of the guns being such as not to admit of it
except at the corner. No shot penetrated the timbers of inner case sufficiently
deep to distend the timber on the inside. About 2 p. m. Maj.-Gen. Milroy
engaged the enemy and relieved the garrison. On Monday, the 5th, about 2 p.
m., the enemy again opened three pieces on house, at distance of 800 and 900
yards to the northwest, and fired five or six shot and shell, one of which only
struck the building, doing but little damage. The garrison were ready for the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 19
December 4, 1864
attack, and had seven or eight loops bearing on the battery. I required them to
fire by rank, which was done, and done with such precision as to compel the
enemy to limber up and get away at double-quick, with the loss of one horse,
and, I learn from rebel authority, three or four wounded men; their sharpshooters left with them. We took advantage of the dark to get more wood and water,
and some timbers, with which the floor of tower was made bomb-proof. About
midnight a Federal soldier came to garrison, saying that Gen. Bate had sent
him to say to garrison that if they would surrender that he (Bate) would paroled
he whole garrison, respect private property, &c., and that he would sent in flag
by 6 a. m. or sunrise. At 12 the promised flag came, by order of Gen. Hill, asking surrender upon terms offered by Gen. Bate; was answered that "We would
hold the block-house." This morning a picket-line was put out around us, the
sharpshooters looking after also. On the 7th flag came in, by order Gen. Forrest, giving ten minutes to surrender or be burned with Greek fire, etc. Four
flags came in during the thirteen days. On Friday, the 16th, the pickets were
called in. On 17th all disappeared except a few staggers, who evinced no disposition to molest.
The garrison did not have one man hurt, nor did the house sustain any serious
injury.
The deficiency in the block-house, as developed in this case (and as far as I can
learn in that of No. 2.), is in the stanching supporting the ceiling and in the horizontal bracing at the cap plates. In No. 7 the gird spanning the south wing
commenced to give way hide the house was bombarded in the opposite side or
wings. I had temporary posts put in and other like improvement made as circumstances suggested. I am of the opinion that the rectangular building, properly constructed and located, is the better plan for the block-houses. I have
increased confidence in block-houses as means of defense, from my experience, and believe that they can be so constructed as to resist any artillery that is
ordinarily brought to bear against them.
Allow me to recommend to favorable consideration Lieut. Glosser and his
command; they behaved nobly during the siege of fourteen days.
Respectfully submitted.
H. M. TORRENCE, First Lieut. and Assistant Inspector Railroad Defenses.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 635-636.
December 4, 1864 - Skirmish at White's Station
DECEMBER 4, 1864.-Skirmish at White's Station, Tenn.
Report of Lieut. Glenn Lowe, Third Iowa Cavalry.
HDQRS. THIRD IOWA CAVALRY, Memphis, Tenn., December 5, 1864.
COL.: Pursuant to orders from brigade headquarters I left camp yesterday
morning at 7 a. m. with thirty men to patrol the Germantown road as far as
Page 20 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 4, 1864
White's Station. About two miles and a half or three miles this side of the station my advance guard and flankers started the enemy's pickets and immediately gave pursuit at a rapid rate. I followed at a charge for about a mile, when
the enemy leading my advance off the road soon started some rebels, and like
the first gave chase. I followed at a trot to the station and arrived there to learn
that both of my advanced guards had been captured, and to find from 100 to
150 of enemy under Capt. Fort waiting for me. As soon as I was observed by
the enemy they commenced flanking me on either flank and advancing in my
front. Determined to show a bold front I advanced in line and met them half
way, delivering a well-directed volley into their ranks. Their flanks beginning
to close in upon me, I was now compelled to fall back, which I did in good
order. As the enemy would come upon me I faced to the rear and gave them a
volley. After doing this three times I saw I would be cut off entirely if I did not
move faster. I fell back until I was again free from their flanks and a gallop. My
bugler now sounding the halt, my men obeyed the command, as also did the
enemy. I now sent one man to camp to inform you what had transpired, and
returned at a walk with the balance. Thirteenth of the men captured were on the
advance, and had it not been for their doing more than their duty they would
have returned with me.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Col. JOHN W. NOBLE, Cmdg. Third Iowa Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 93.
December 4, 1864 - Actions, Overall Creek Bridge
Report of Col. Gilbert M. L. Johnson, Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry, of operations December 4-9, 1864.
HDQRS. THIRTEENTH INDIANA CAVALRY, Murfreesborough, Tenn.,
December 10, 1864.
SIR: In compliance with orders received in communication dated headquarters,
Murfreesborough, December 5, 1864, I have the honor to report that, in accordance with verbal orders received from Maj.-Gen. Rousseau on the evening of
December 3, 1864, I took up the line of march with my command on the morning of December 4, 1864, toward La Verge, with the view of camping that
night at that point. Upon reaching a point some three miles distant from this
place I met a detachment of the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, which had been stationed at Overall's Creek, retiring upon this point, being pursuer by the enemy.
I ordered the captain in charge of the same to deploy his men as skirmishers on
the left of the road, at the same time throwing a company of my command on
the right, and proceeded in this manner one mile to the creek, the enemy's skirmishers falling back to the opposite bank. A brisk skirmish was kept up, the
creek intervening, the enemy at the same time opening on us with three pieces
of artillery. At this time I addressed a communication to the general commanding, of which the following is a copy:
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 21
December 4, 1864
HDQRS. THIRTEENTH INDIANA CAVALRY, Overall's Creek, December 4,
1864.
Maj.-Gen. ROUSSEAU:
GEN.: I am holding the skirmish line at Overall's Creek. The enemy exposed a
line double to mine; reported moving column on my right flank; have used
three pieces of artillery on me; also reported the same to by used on the blockhouse. Slight loss; skirmishing rapid; await orders; artillery moving toward
their rear on the pike. Heavy artillery firing distinctly heard in the direction of
Nashville. I shall endeavor to cross the creek.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
G. M. L. JOHNSON, Col. Thirtieth Indiana Cavalry.
Shortly afterward Gen. Milroy came up with re-enforcements, his infantry
relieving my skirmish line, and I formed my regiment in column on the pike, at
a distance of 400 yards from the bridge. Just before night-fall I received an
order from Gen. Milroy, through Capt. Carson, to charge across the bridge,
which order I obeyed. After gaining the opposite bank I turned the head of my
column to the right, which had the effect of causing the retiring of a large part
of the enemy's force. My pieces (Enfield rifles) being discharged and difficult
to reload when men are mounted, and the enemy having turned their artillery
on me, I retired my column to the creek under cover of the bank, and in doing
so received a slight fire from our own forces stationed in the block-house, they
evidently in the darkness mistaking us for the enemy. I immediately threw out
skirmishers, dismounted, and, reforming my line, made another dash around he
former position of their left flank and in rear of the hill on which their artillery
had been planted. The enemy having retired, I threw out outposts and withdrew
my command to this side Overall's Creek. I retired, in accordance with orders
from Gen. Milroy, and arrived in camp at this place about 1 a. m. December 5,
1864.
Additional skirmishes and reconnaissances have been had with the enemy on
the 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th of December, 1864. In these my command has captured about 20 prisoners, among whom were 1 major and 1 lieutenant.
Please find the list of casualties appended.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
G. M. L. JOHNSON, Col. Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 630-631.
Report of Col. Minor T. Thomas, Eighth Minnesota Infantry, of operations
December 4, 1864.
HDQRS. EIGHTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, Fortress Rosecrans, Tenn.,
December 5, 1864.
Page 22 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 4, 1864
MAJ.: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the
Eight Minnesota Volunteers in the engagement at Overall's Creek on the
evening of the 4th instant:
The first position was to the right, with the left resting near the brick house on
the right of the pike road. I was then ordered to move by the right flank in the
direction of the block-house on the railroad, following and supporting a line of
skirmishers from the Sixty-first Illinois. When within fifty yards of the blockhouse halted and formed line of battle. The enemy in front were sharpshooters,
posted in a house. After remaining in this position for a short time, and being
annoyed by the sharpshooters and shell from the enemy, I first moved down
two companies to the right of the block-house, and, by opening fire, drove the
sharpshooters from cover, and was in the act of opening intervening space,
which compelled me to debase and move down the whole force. When in this
position we were subjected to the fire of the orders permitting me to go no farther, I remained in this position until ordered to retire, which was done, first
was done, first to the first position on the field, and at 9 p. m. marched to the
fortress.
The only casualties were Private Dominick Barney, Company H, wounded in
the head severely (left at block-house); Private John Payne, slightly, Company
A.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. T. THOMAS, Col. Eighth Minnesota Volunteers, Cmdg. Regt.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 622.
December 4, 1864 - Report of Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting information of the capture of arms and ammunition which had been crossed
over the Mississippi at mouth of Obion River
MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City,
December 4, 1864.SIR: Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Mitchell reported under
date of 28th ultimo that 55 boxes of arms, etc., had been taken across the Mississippi on the night of the 25th ultimo from the mouth of the Obion or Forked
Deer River for the use of the enemy, but that he had arrested the principals in
the affair and would communicate further particulars.
On the 29th ultimo he reported that Brigadier-General Shaler, commanding at
Columbus, had informed him on the 26th ultimo of the intended crossing of
these arms, 13 wagonloads, which the enemy designed transporting from
Dyersburg, in Gibson County [Lauderdale or Dyer County], Tenn., on flatboats
down the Obion River, and that 16 more wagonloads were on the way, which
would be brought up if the first attempt was successful.
Lieutenant-Commander Mitchell immediately requested General Washburn to
dispatch a party of cavalry to cooperate with him.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 23
December 4, 1864
I enclose a telegram from Lieutenant-Commander Mitchell, dated 2d instant,
reporting capture and destruction of the arms (except 50 revolvers) which the
enemy succeeded in crossing, as reported above, by the cavalry force. With the
arrangements made with General Washburn and the additional precautions
taken in guarding the river at the point designated, he expects to be able to prevent the crossing of the additional 16 wagonloads.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,
S. P. LEE, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron. Hon.
GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. P. S. -I require an active patrol of
the river, not to be defeated by known previous arrangements, to cover landings of steamboats by gunboats, which would give facilities for crossing at
other points.
S. P. LEE, Acting Rear-Admiral. [Enclosure—Telegram.]
U. S. S. SIBYL, Off New Madrid, December 2, 1864.With the exception of 50
revolvers, all the arms (850 stands) the ammunition, and medicine that crossed
the Mississippi at mouth of Obion River on Friday night last have been captured by a cavalry force under the command of Colonel [P. J. ] Yorke, sent by
General Washburn, at my request, to cooperate with me. Unfortunately, the
arms were destroyed, the roads being so bad they could not be brought in.
J. G. MITCHELL, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Eighth District.
Rear-Admiral LEE, Mound City.
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 26, pp. 757-758.
December 4, 1864 - Excerpt from Telegram to J. A. Seddon reporting success of Hood's
offensive
MOBILE, December 4, 1864. (Received 7:20, 10th.). . . Governor Harris
reports all of Tennessee south of Duck River in our possession. People of Tennessee and army in high spirits. . .
D. H. MAURY, Major-General, Commanding. Hon. J. A. SEDDON.
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol., 21, p. 930.
December 4, 1864 - "An Official in a Tight Place."
Among the visitors to the points of observation on Sunday was one of our
County officials, who was anxious to take an observation of the situation of
affairs. On his way thither, he was invited to take a hand in the digging operations; he protested, the guard insisted, and finally the Colonel was called upon
to decide. The worthy expressed himself gratified at making the acquaintance
of the _______ of Davidson county, but as he seemed like an able bodied man,
Page 24 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 4, 1864
he did not feel justified in excusing him from doing a few hours service to his
country.
Nashville Dispatch, December 6, 1864
December 4, 1864 - "Sunday;" Nashville civilians pressed to work upon fortifications
In consequence of a rumor that soldiers were pressing citizens to work on fortifications, and of the desire to get within sight on hearing the guns, but few gentlemen attended church on Sunday. Those who remained at home perhaps did
well, but those who neglected their religious duties to gratify their curiosity
were furnished with spades and picks as fast as they arrived outside of town.
We did not hear of a man being molested on his way to church, or from there to
his home.
Nashville Dispatch, December 6, 1864.
December 4, 1864 - "Working Their Passage."
Among the victims of the press-gang on Sunday, we heard of two quartermaster's clerks who took their lady loves in aback to see the Rebels in the distance.
Arrived at the first line of breastworks, a soldier directed the men to step out
and the driver to come down. The order was obeyed, and a few minutes after
they might have been seen, shovel in hand, working for Uncle Sam. At first
they labored tardily and reluctantly, but on being informed that if they worked
industriously for an hour they would be permitted to pass further out, where
they could see wonderful things; they went at it with a will. The sixty minutes
having passed, the men claimed the performance of the promise made them;
they were liberated, the carriage passed on in the direction indicated, and in fifteen minutes they were again digging, the officer at the latter place making a
promise similar to that given by the first. The hour passed, the officer kindly
proposed to direct them where they might go to see the Rebels, but the young
gentlemen declined the offer, entered their cab, and told the driver to push into
town with all possible speed.
Nashville Dispatch, December 1864.
December 4, 1864 - "Provost Order No. 250."
Headquarters Post Nashville
Office of the Provost Marshal
Nashville, Tennessee, December 4, 1864.
The General Commanding the Post directs that Liquor or Beer Saloons and all
bars where liquors, ale, beer, or wines are kept and sold, be closed, and that the
retailing by the bottle, glass or other small quantities of all liquors, be stopped
until further orders.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 25
December 4, 1864
This step he regards as necessary for the preservation of the public peace and
safety.
Hunter Brooke, Captain and Provost Marshal.
Nashville Dispatch, December 6, 1864.
December 4, 1864 - "Lettie is simply wild in her eagerness to 'see a battle, a real battle!' and
anxiously watches for the 'rebs'—dreading lest they come not at all, at
least on our side of the river." Excitement in one Nashville Union household at the approach of Hood's army
Was awakened last night by heavy cannonading, and felt sure the battle had
begun. It continues today. Pa came home a little while this morning—reports
the utmost confusion and bewilderment in the city—everybody is being
pressed into service, white and black, to work on the fortifications—which it
seems have been found incomplete at the last moment,-even he had difficulty
in getting out of their hands—postmaster though he be! The general impression is that Hood will make a desperate attack on Nashville—most of the
Nashvillians who are in the service at all are with him, and there is scarcely a
family of an prominence in the City which is not represented by an officer of
rank in his army, which fact in itself would speak for the desperation of the
attack when it comes.
A large train of wagons took possession of our place today, and the teamsters
began their destruction instantly, cutting the few trees left, burning fences, and
pulling down barns and stables, making the dear father quite frantic.
Captain Rusing came out this morning to offer wagons for our use should we
find it necessary to move into the city, but I don't' think we shall stir whatever
happens.
~~~
Lettie is simply wild in her eagerness to "see a battle, a real battle!" and anxiously watches for the "rebs "—dreading lest they come not at all, at least on
our side of the river. I never saw such enthusiasm in any one, as burns in that
little fragile looking child's breast—she is patriotism personified!
~~~
Mrs. Acklen's is just out of the lines, between the two armies, and in the worst
possible position. General Stanley fortunately has his headquarters in the
house, which is the best protection they can have. . .
Pa and Jamie both went into the City, leaving Captain Osburne alone to fight
off the marauding soldiers. A line of battle has been drawn up just in the rear of
the house extending from the river to Mrs. Crucher's both cavalry and infantry.
It is in consequence of the rumor that Forrest with his Texans has succeeded in
crossing the river, and is near Mrs. Crutcher's.
The servants and children are utterly unmanageable-simply wild—the former
stand and stare at the line of soldiers in petrified terror, the latter equally mag-
Page 26 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 5, 1864
netized by the attraction being one of unmitigated delight at the idea of a battle
"right here!" No finer fun can be conceived of; and Lettie, Lou, Frank, John
and Baby Bess, are all ready, decked in warlike paraphernalia, U. S. belts, and
eagles shining on their small bodies, and bayonets gleaming in their little
hands, all eager for the fray! "On! Marmion On!" means something to them
now, and what a downfall to their hopes it will be should this all end in mere
rumor! I have been laughing at, and trying to encourage old Aunt Cynthia, who
persists in declaring "No! No! No! I can't do no cooking this hyar day!"
"because Miss Maggie, dem dar bullets kill me sure in de kitchen!" I have
offered her the front parlor if she thinks that safer—anywhere in the house if
she will only prepare some fuel to sustain and keep burning all this fire and
flame of valor and patriotism in the Lindsey family—but to no purpose—cook
she will not, nor any of her numerous assistants—my only answer being: "How
kin you—jest and laugh at sich a time as this Miss Maggie, when de rebs cum
sure, and we all be killed!" It's fortunate at any rate that the children take a
more cheerful view of the situation. Phil is especially gleeful, and a fine leader
he is making—is quite a hero to the others already. . .
Journal of Maggie Lindsley.
December 5, 1864 - Skirmish at Nashville, Hillsborough, Hardin and Charlotte pikes
•See November 17, 1864-November 29, 1864-Confederate Cavalry operations
in Middle Tennessee previous to the Battle of Nashville
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
December 5, 1864 - "Extremes Meet."
Last night we saw one of the blackest she-niggers "you eber did see," dressed
in white with red trimmings, and white pantaletts reaching to her ankles, and
her dress a little above the knee, on her way to a hall. She attracted the observation of all passers by, and was finally stopped on the corner of Cedar and
Cherry streets, by a crowd of soldiers, one of whom expressed a desire to
examine and see what kind of animal she was.
Nashville Dispatch, December 6, 1864.
December 5, 1864 - December 9, 1864 - Skirmishes and Reconnaissances around Overall
Creek environs
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the report of Report of Col. Gilbert M. L. Johnson, Thirteenth
Indiana Cavalry, of operations December 4-9, 1864, relative to skirmishes and
reconnaissances around Overall Creek environs, December 5-7 and 9, 1864.
HDQRS. THIRTEENTH INDIANA CAVALRY, Murfreesborough, Tenn.,
December 10, 1864
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 27
December 5, 1864
~~~
Additional skirmishes and reconnaissancesNOTE 1 have been had with the
enemy on the 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th of December, 1864. In these my command
has captured about 20 prisoners, among whom were 1 major and 1 lieutenant.
~~~
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
G. M. L. JOHNSON, Col. Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 631.
NOTE 1: It is impossible to quantify the reconnaissances or skirmishes that took place
from this information.
December 5, 1864 - December 7, 1864 - DemonstrationsNOTE 1 against Murfreesborough
Report of Major-General R. H. Milroy, U. S Army, of operations December 4
and 7, 1864.
GEN.: In obedience to your orders I proceeded on the afternoon of the 4th
instant to the relief of the block-house at Overall's Creek, four miles and a half
north of this place, on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, which was
besieged by a considerable rebel force with artillery. I took with me, by your
order, the eighth Regt. Minnesota Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Sixty-first Regiment Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry, One hundred and seventy-fourth
Regt. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and a section of the Thirteenth New York Artillery, under Lieut. McGurrin. I proceeded on the Nashville pike to Overall's
Creek, where I found the Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry (Col. Johnson), who preceded me some hours, engaged in skirmishing with the enemy's sharpshooters,
who were deployed across the creek. I threw Lieut. McGurrin, with his section
of artillery, forward to the bluff of the creek, who engaged the enemy's battery
in gallant style, which was posted on an eminence about 900 yards distant, on
the opposite side of the creek, between the railroad and the Nashville pike. I at
once deployed the sixty-first Illinois as skirmishers, and sent up the Eighth
Minnesota to the block-house at the railroad crossing, about half a mile below
the pike, with orders to cross there, if practicable, and flank the rebel battery on
the right. I then advanced the galling fire, and drove back the rebel sharpshooters. I then threw forward the one hundred and seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteers
Infantry (Col. Jones), who crossed the bridge under a sharp fire, both of artillery and small-arms, and formed in good rider on the opposite bank. Being
under the impression that the force opposing me consisted of a portion of Forrest' cavalry, dismounted, I supposed that their three-gun battery operating
against us could be run over had taken by Col. Johnson with his gallant regiment, who were anxious to try the experiment. So, after the One hundred and
seventy-fourth Ohio had formed on the north bank of the creek, the ground
being favorable for a cavalry charge and the smoke of the battery and
approaching darkness rendering my movements invisible, I directed Col.
Page 28 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 5, 1864
Johnson to cross the bridge, pass through an opening in the line of the One
hundred and seventy-fourth Ohio, charge the battery and take it if possible. The
colonel moved forward on the enemy in the most splendid and impetuous style,
but finding the battery strongly supported by infantry he turned and passed off
to the right. I then moved forward the rolling fire upon the enemy, capturing a
number of prisoners who dared not to arise from the ground to run away amid a
sheet of lead. From these prisoners I learned that the force confronting me consisted of Gen. Bate's division of infantry.
It being now quite dark, and the enemy having been driven back near eighty
rods and ceased firing, and the Eighth Minnesota not having found a crossing, I
withdrew the One hundred and seventy-fourth of the creek. These regiments
withdrew in the most perfect order, bringing off their dead, wounded, and prisoners. The Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry also returned to the bridge and crossed
to the south side up in line on the south bank of the creek and kindled fires the
whole length, and waited till 9 p. m., when, not hearing of the enemy, I moved
back to the fortress.
The Eighth Minnesota, being a veteran regiment of long and true service,
would of course have done efficient service could they have found a crossing at
the block-house; the Sixty-first Illinois, being also well sustained their reputation as veterans. But the One hundred and seventy-fourth Ohio being a new full
regiment, and for the first time under fire since its organization I was most
agreeably surprised at the promptness, steadiness, and bravery they evinced;
no veterans could have behaved better in action, but this I discovered (as I have
in every other instance where I have found an efficient and reliable regiment) is
owing to the energy, bravery, and efficiency of its colonel.
My staff-Maj. Cravens, Capt. Carson, Capt. Wilkinson, Lieut. Worthington,
and Lieut. Frowe-well deserve and have my thanks for the assistance rendered;
also Capt. J. G. Mohler, of the One hundred and fifteenth Regt. Ohio Veteran
Infantry, who volunteered his services on the field and rendered himself very
useful to me. Maj. Cravens and Lieut. Worthington both had their horses shot
under them. My thanks are also due Surgeon (Maj.) Birney, who volunteered
as medical director, and rendered very valuable service in care of the wounded.
I captured 20 prisoners. My killed, wounded, and missing amount to 64-the
Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry yet to hear from. I have no means of knowing the
loss of the enemy, who fell back five miles that night; some 8 or 10 dead were
counted on the field.
~~~
R. H. MILROY, Maj.-Gen. of Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 615-616.
NOTE 1:
CAR, p. 46, claims there was an "event" at Murfreesborough on the 5th
of December in which there were 205 killed.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 29
December 6, 1864
December 6, 1864 - Second Action at Bell's Mill, Cumberland River, NOTE 1 U. S. N.
Excerpt from the December 17, 1864 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch,
on the second engagement at Bell's Mills, and operations near Nashville to
December 16, 1864:
We then went down abreast of the lower battery, stopped, rounded to, and came
back till abreast of the middle battery and nearly midway between their upper
and their lower guns; here I stopped and used grape and canister against the
enemy, and at the same time was receiving a concentrated fire from all their
guns, but this was the best position I could get to use the canister. I could not
hurt them from above nor from below, owing to the shape of the river and the
natural protection they had chosen behind the spurs of hills. I had also great
faith in the endurance of the Neosho and therefore chose this position as the
most favorable one to test her strength and at the same time use canister and
grape at from 20 to 30 yards range. Our fire was slow and deliberate, but soon
had the effect to scatter the enemy's sharpshooters and infantry, but owing to
the elevated position of the batteries, we could do but little injury. The enemy's
fire was terrific, and in a very few minutes everything perishable on our decks
was completely demolished. I lay in this position about two and a half hours,
and finding that the enemy's shot and shell were cutting away the summer pilot
house and letting it down so as to hide the fighting pilot house, and obstruct our
sight, I steamed on up the river again, and met the fleet under convoy. Seeing
that it would be impossible to get the transports below the batteries with losing
several [of them], I sent them back to Nashville. . . I then cleared. . . the. . .
deck and went down the second time, taking the Carondolet. I had her made
fast to the bank above with instructions not to open till I went down and drew
the enemy's fire, which would show their position. . . We passed against just
after dark, but were saluted with two guns as we passed and them could get no
more responses.
~~~
. . . I desire to bring to your favorable notice John Ditzenback, quartermaster
on the Neosho. During the engagement of the forenoon of the 6th instant all our
flag and signal staffs on the Neosho were shot away and the flag lay over the
wheelhouse. As soon as we had passed the upper battery, and while yet under
fire of the enemy's artillery and musketry, Pilot John H. Ferrel, of this vessel,
who was with me on the Neosho, and John Ditzenback, quartermaster on board
of that vessel, went out of the pilot house and, taking the flag from where it lay,
tied it up to the stump of the main signal staff, which was the highest mast we
had remaining.
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 26, pp. 649-652.
NOTE 1: Defined as a skirmish in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
The second battle of Bell's Bend was fought 18 nautical miles below Nashville between Confederate infantry and artillery and the U. S. Navy. While
Page 30 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 6, 1864
guiding a convoy of supply ships and when nearly opposite Bell's Mill on
the north side of Bell's Bend, Lt. Commander Le Roy Fitch, commanding
the ironclad U. S. S. Neosho, discovered a large rebel force which directly
opened upon the ships with a heavy volley of rifle fire and some 14 pieces
of artillery. The enemy was above, beside, and below the Neosho, and a direct threat to the convoy. Other less heavily armed and armored warships
(i.e., "tin-clads") included the Fair Play, Silver Lake, and Moose. With the
Neosho in the lead, and less heavily protected ships to the rear Fitch ordered
the pilots to slow and returned fire.
December 6, 1864 - Changes in the Nashville environs as a consequence of the approach of
Hood's army; an entry from the Journal of Maggie Lindsley
Alas! Alas! That I must chronicle it after all! The Forrest panic yesterday was
unfounded it seems, but still the soldiers are here, and still destruction at least
goes bravely on! Barns, stables, fences all gone now, and the sound of the cutting and falling of our glorious forest trees heard from morn till night! Beautiful Edgefield no longer! Her beauty and her pride laid low in these her superb
forest trees! For from the river to the Springside here is not a grove left! The
bareness and the bleakness are simply intolerable, and make me sick. Whenever I go out on the balcony from my room, I just break down at seeing all
those ugly stumps where were out beautiful "woods," with its wonderful
sycamores, and its wealth of wild grape vine; where we swung, and climbed
and played under a veritable bower of green until we reached the river banks!
What shall we do without our "Woods" when the summer comes again? And
the children! What a loss to the older ones, who have been accustomed to live
the long summers there, and to the baby tots never to have know that Paradise!
What will Springside be without its "Woods!" O! But I am tired of devastation,
devastation and nothing but devastation! It is difficult for me even now to
recall Edgefield as it was four years ago—when I spent so much time cantering
throughout the lanes and groves on horseback—where will I ever find shady
roads now when the summer sun comes in all its intensity!
General Webster rode out this morning—in high spirits, and is sure of Hood's
retreat or capture. Pray Heaven it may be the last, and we may be rid of this
unsettled, horrible life. Colonel Mussey rode out, dined with us, and after dinner I rode with him—on Nap—down to Mr. Hobson's where we had a fine
view of the whole (Union) army—our fortifications and the rebel lines. Nap
was gentle, stood quite still-and behaved as if he were as inured to all his surroundings as they Colonel's horse,-while I viewed the whole scene leisurely
through the Colonel's fine glasses. And what a grand sight it was! Forts Negley, Casino, and Camp Webster, great lines and masses of troops drawn up in
battle array in every direction, flags flying, bands playing, bugles sounding, at
intervals the cannon roaring, belching forth fire and smoke at every roar—very
grand the scene! Colonel Stewart was at the head of his regiment, but I did not
see Colonel Johnson. (Two years ago about, I saw General Rosecranz review
30,000 troops from this hill, and then in our enthusiasm and pride, we thought
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 31
December 6, 1864
the war must surely be near its close, and yet today we seem no nearer than
then!)
The Rebel works are just behind Mr. Rains's, in front of dear old Belmont, and
they occupy Mr. Vauly's house. Mr. Edmundson's house is General Chatham's
Headquarters—some other General is at Mrs. A. V. Brown's.
~~~
Dr. de Graw and Lieutenant Novel were here an hour this afternoon. They had
learned that Mr. Gale's house had been burned.
Journal of Maggie Lindsley.
December 6, 1864 - January 15, 1865, - Lyon's Raid from Paris, Tennessee, to Hopkinsville
Kentucky, with skirmishes
Report of Brig. Gen. Hylan B. Lyon, C. S. Army, commanding Department of
Western Kentucky.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN KENTUCKY, Aberdeen, Miss.,
January 3, 1865.
I have the honor to respectfully submit the following report of the expedition
just completed by my command through the State of Kentucky, Tennessee, and
the northern part of Alabama:
On the 21st of November, 1864, while I was at Corinth, Miss., securing arms
for my command, which was then being organized at Paris, Tenn., I received
orders from Gen. Hood, commanding Army of Tennessee, and approved by
Gen. Beauregard, commanding the Division of the West, to proceed with my
command across the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers west of Clarksville,
Tenn., to move up the north bank of Cumberland River, capture Clarksville, if
practicable, tear up and destroy the railroad and telegraph lines running into
Nashville, and to put all the mills in running order throughout that entire section for the use of the Government.
My command at this time consisted of 800 men, undisciplined and but poorly
organized, and two pieces of artillery (12-pounder howitzers).
None of my command had been in the service exceeding four months, and a
majority of them but a few days. I organized it into two brigades of 400 men
each-the First Brigade commanded by Col. J. J. Turner, Thirtieth Tennessee
Infantry; the Second Brigade by Col. J. Q. Chenoweth, of Chenoweth's regiment. My command was poorly equipped, except in arms, 100 of my men were
dismounted, but few had blankets or overcoats, and many were destitute of
shoes or clothing sufficient to make a respectable appearance.
The command moved from Paris on the 6th of December to Danville, on the
Tennessee River, at which place I had previously ordered boats to be constructed to cross the river. This was successfully accomplished on the 8th of
December.
Page 32 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 6, 1864
On the 9th I took possession of Cumberland City, thirty miles below Clarksville and ten above Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland River, at which point,
by means of our of our artillery, command by Lieut. R. B. Matthew, of
Gracey's battery, we succeeded in capturing a large steamer loaded with forage
and provisions, which I converted into a ferry boat, and by means of which I
crossed my command over the Cumberland. During the evening of the 9th I
succeeded in capturing 2 other steamers and 4 barges, all of which I anchored
in the channel and consigned to the flames; 50 prisoners, of whom one was a
lieutenant-colonel, were captured on those boats. The property destroyed,
including the steam-boats, is estimated at $1,000,000.
The weather was intensely cold; many of the soldier were already frosted, and
it was with the greatest difficulty that they could be made to move from the
fires built along the road.
I found Clarksville too strongly fortified and garrisoned to attack, and ordered
Lieut.-Col. Cunningham, commanding Chenoweth's regiment, to destroy the
railroad and telegraph lines from the Red River bridge, four miles from Clarksville, to the Junction or intersection of the Nashville and Clarksville road with
the road running from Clarksville to Russellville, Ky., which was successfully
accomplished without the loss of a man. I, in the meantime, had moved with
the remainder of my command in the direction of Hopkinsville, Ky., twentyfive miles north of Clarksville, Tenn., and found on arriving near that place that
the enemy, 400 strong, had evacuated the place and retired to Russellville, Ky.,
on the Nashville and Louisiana Railroad. . .
. . . near Elizabethtown . . . I learned of Gen. Hood's defeat and retreat from
Tennessee, which had a very demoralizing effect upon my command (which
were all new recruits), and within two days after it was ascertained that the
Confederate army had left Tennessee 500 of my men deserted and returned to
their homes. From this point I . . . succeeded in crossing the Cumberland at
this place without difficulty, and moved south through Livingston, Sparta
McMinnville, and Winchester, Tenn.; from thence to Gunter's Landing, on the
Tennessee River. I had up to this time been followed closely by the enemy, but
had preserved my piece of artillery. The Tennessee River was very high, several gun-boats were patrolling the river, and a large force of infantry and cavalry moving down from Huntsville to capture us, while the gun-boas would
keep us from crossing, but during the night I crossed my command over with
canoes (the piece and Carriage was dismounted and carried over fragment at a
time), except about fifty men, who had straggled from the main body. I moved
from Gunter's Landing to Red Hill, at which point I was attacked by an overwhelming force of Federal cavalry from Decatur, Ala., which force succeeded
in capturing sixty of my officers and men and my remaining piece of artillery. I
moved through Blountsville and Elyton to Tuscaloosa, Ala., where I ordered a
halt for the purpose of resting and recruiting my horses and men, who are in a
very jaded condition. My command is encamped near that place.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 33
December 7, 1864
Up to the time of Gen. McCook's move on Hopkinsville I had enforced the
draft or conscript law, and mustered into the service about 400 men, 100 of
whom Capt. Gracey succeeded in bringing to Paris, Tenn. This movement of
McCook prevented my carrying out to the letter the order received from Gen.
Hood, though I accomplished all I was ordered to do except putting the mills in
running order near Clarksville, Tenn. I took from the bank at Hopkinsville,
Ky., a small sum of Federal money, which I have turned over to the quartermaster, to be used in defraying the expenses of the expedition, and for which
he will render a proper account.
When all things are considered pertaining to this expedition, it was a success
beyond my most sanguine expectations. The men were all new recruits, but
poorly organized, and armed for the first time only the day before they crossed
the Tennessee. They captured 3 valuable steamers; burned 8 fortified courthorses, several important railroad brigades, depots, stockades, and blockhouses; captured and paroled 250 prisoners; and caused to be withdrawn from
Nashville McCook's entire division of cavalry, consisting of 3,000 veteran soldiers, and detained at and near Louisville Wilder's brigade of cavalry, about
1,500 strong, thus causing a diversion in favor Gen. Hood in his retreat from
Nashville of 4,500 men.
Great credit is due to Capt. F. P. Gracey for his untiring energy in constructing
boats, and for the management of the boats on the Cumberland and Tennessee
Rivers while crossing my command.
My thanks are due to Col. Chenoweth and Lieut.-Col. Cunningham; also, to
the members of my staff-Capt. W. D. McKay, acting assistant adjutant-general;
Lieut. John Couch, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. P. Echols, acting assistant
inspector-general; Lieut. Hubert Keon, acting assistant inspector-general; and
Lieut. William Winston, aide-de-camp-for the uniform promptness with which
they performed every duty required of them.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. B. LYON, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg. Department.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 803-806.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: See also OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 797-801.
December 7, 1864 - Reconnaissance and engagement, Wilkinson's pike near Murfreesborough, a.k.a., "Battle of the Cedars"
Report of Major-General LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU, on activities December 58, 1864.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE, Murfreesborough, December 12,
1864.
Page 34 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 7, 1864
Dispatches from Gen. Thomas of the 5th and 8th instant received last night.
Railroad train to Stevenson for supplies will take this dispatch to be forwarded.
Wires down between this and Stevenson. On the 8th instant I dispatched by
courier by way of Gallatin reporting operations her on the 4th instant. The
enemy attacked the block-house at Overall's Creek, fired seventy-four shots,
doing no damage. I sent three regiments, under Gen. Milroy, to its relief. The
enemy (Bates' division) were routed and driven off. We took some prisoners,
near thirty, but no guns. Loss of the enemy unknown, as night closed in before
the fight was over. Our troops, new and old, behaved admirably. We withdrew
at night. The next evening [6th] Bate returned, skirmished with and drove in
our pickets, and threatened the fortress; pretty heavy skirmishing till the 7th,
when the enemy moved around on the Wilkinson pike, northwest of the fortress. He was re-enforced by Forrest with 2,500 cavalry and two division of
infantry. On the evening of the 6th he made a breast-work of logs and rails on
Wilkinson's pike, from which he was driven on the 7th by Gen. Milroy with
seven regiments of the garrison here; a pretty severe engagement, lasting perhaps three-quarters of an hour. The rout was complete, infantry and cavalry
running in every direction. The fight was well conducted by Maj.-Gen. Milroy,
and the troops behaved most gallantly. We took 207 prisoners, including 18
commissioned officers, 2 pieces (12-pounder Napoleons) of artillery, which
were at once placed in position in the fortifications, and 1 stand of colors
belonging to the First and Third Florida. Our loss in the fight at Overall's Creek
was 5 killed and 49 wounded, and on Wilkinson's pike more fully in my dispatch of the 8th, which may not have reached you. I am subsisting off the
country, which I think I can do. Before the fight on the Wilkinson pike,
Buford's division of cavalry took possession of about one-half of the town of
Murfreesborough, shelling it vigorously and destroying many of the houses.
With a section of artillery and a small force of infantry, I drove them, wounding and killing 30 and taking 25 prisoners. A captain of artillery left his boots,
letters, sponges, staff buckets, on the ground. We lost one man wounded. The
enemy's cavalry all around, but I think in small bodies. We forage without
molestation. No enemy near here that I know of. Cheatham reported coming
this way through Triune. All right here, and will endeavor to keep it so.
LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 614-615.
Report of Major-General R. H. MILROY, relative to the engagement at
Wilkinson's Pike, or the "Battle of the Cedars," or, "Second Battle of Murfreesborough," December 7, 1864.
FORTRESS ROSECRANS, Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 10, 1864.
GEN.: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your order, I proceeded
on the 7th instant to make a reconnaissance and feel the enemy in the vicinity
of this post. I took with me, by your direction, seven regiments of infantry and
a six-gun battery, under the command of Captain Bundy, of the Thirteenth New
York Artillery, and a small detachment of the Fifth Tennessee Volunteer Cav-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 35
December 7, 1864
alry. One hundred and seventy-seventh, One hundred and seventy-fourth, One
hundred and seventy-seventh, One hundred and seventy-eight, first Illinois
volunteer Infantry, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and Twelfth Indiana
Volunteer Cavalry (dismounted). For convenience, I divided these regiments
into two brigades (pro tempore), as follows: First Brigade, Col. Thomas, of the
eighth Minnesota, commanding, consisted of a six-gun battery, eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Sixty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, One hundred and
seventy-fourth and One hundred and eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
1,973 strong. The Second Brigade consisted of the One hundred and seventyseventh, and One hundred and seventy-eight Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, 1,326 strong. Total strength of my infantry,
artillery, and cavalry combined, 3, 325. I started on the Salem pike about 10 a.
m., and threw out the detachment of the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry in advance,
who struck the rebel vedette in less than half a mile after passing our pickets.
The rebel cavalry fell back rapidly before my advance. I threw out a portion of
the sixty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry as skirmishers, to assist the cavalry in
driving them. Upon arriving at Stone's River, two miles out, a body of about
300 rebel cavalry were discovered across the river. I brought up a section of
Capt. Bundy's battery and shelled them a few minutes, when they retreated rapidly, and I crossed the bridge and continued my march. Upon arriving at Mr.
Spence's fine residence, for miles out, I learned from his accomplished lady
that there were two brigades of rebel cavalry, under Gen.'s Jackson and Armstrong, at Salem a mile farther out, and that Gen.'s Forrest and Bate, with a
large force of infantry, artillery, and cavalry, were north of me, on the Wilkinson pike, three miles from Fortress Rosecrans. I deemed it best to turn my
attention in that direction, but before doing so I detailed a company and sent
them back with a drove of sixty fine, fat hogs, belonging to Mr. Spence, that
would have fallen into the hands of the rebels if left. I proceeded north till
within half a mile of the Wilkinson pike. My skirmish line encountered that of
the enemy, and in a few minutes afterward they opened on me with much
rapidity from a six-gun battery stationed in the edge of a wood on the opposite
side of a field in my front. I at once ordered forward Capt. Bundy's battery,
which artillery ammunition that could be carried in the limbers of the guns, the
shell and solid shot of my supply was exhausted in about thirty minutes. Finding that the enemy would not come across the field to attack me, and not being
able to ascertain his strength, and the left of his line, extending parallel with the
Wilkinson pike, was as near Fortress Rosecrans as my right I deemed it prudent not to engage them with my infantry without having the fortress in my
rear, and accordingly fell back through the forest until out of sight of the
enemy, and then moved by the right flank in a northeasterly direction until my
lines were partly across the Wilkinson pike, where I formed them to the front
in two lines of battle, Col. Thomas' brigade forming the front line and Col.
Anderson's the second line. The Sixty-first Illinois was deployed as skirmishers in front of the first line. In this order I advanced upon the enemy, through
the brush, cedars, rocks, and logs, under a heavy fire of artillery. I had sent my
artillery back to the fortress for ammunition before commencing my last
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 7, 1864
advance, and consequently had no artillery. I had sent my artillery back to the
fortress for ammunition before commencing my last advance, and consequently had no artillery to reply to that of the enemy. Skirmishing with smallarms began very soon after commencing my advance, but my skirmish line
advanced rapidly, bravely, and in splendid order, considering the nature of the
ground, driving the rebels before them for about one mile, when coming to a
cotton-field I found the enemy strongly posted in a wood on the other side
behind a line of works constructed of rails and logs. The enemy's fire of smallarms here became so strong that my skirmishers withdrew to the flanks of my
line of battle, opened on the enemy a terrible fire, while it still advanced in
good order to the middle of the field, when the line halted and the fire from
both sides was most furious and destructive for about ten minutes, when I
ordered an advance, and the front line moved forward into the edge of the
wood, where for a few minutes the roar and fire of musketry was like the thunder of a volcano, and the line wavered as if moving against a hurricane. Fearing that my front line would fall back, I ordered the One hundred and seventyeighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry to move on the double-quick from the left of
the front line, and the balance of the rear line to advance to support and relieve
the front line; but before this could be fully executed the gallant regiments
composing the first line, seeing themselves supported, advanced with a yell
and darted over the enemy's works, capturing many prisoners and putting the
enemy to a hasty flight. A rapid pursuit of half a mile resulted in the capturing
of many more prisoners, one battle-flag, and two fine pieces of artillery (12pounder Napoleons), with their caissons. The ammunition of some of the regiments being exhausted, I ordered them to halt and replenish from the ammunition wagon that overtook us at that point.
While this was going on, I received your dispatch, general, admonishing me of
the report of a large rebel infantry force from the north, and directing me to
return to the fortress, if I could do so with safety. My artillery, which I had sent
back for ammunition, arrived at this time, and a large body of the enemy's cavalry being in plain view I directed the artillery to open on them rapidly for a
few minutes, when they rapidly disappear out of sight.
I cannot speak too highly of the bravery exhibited by my troops especial by
those in the front regiments, under the gallant Col. Thomas. Never did troops
fight better for the time they were engaged. Every officer and man performed
his duty with the most unflinching bravery and promptness. The conduct of the
Second Brigade, under Col. Anderson, also deserves much praise; for, though
the regiments of the brigade did not take much part in the firing, yet their coolness and promptness in supporting the first line added greatly to its confidence
and morale, and did much to discourage the enemy by the appearance of two
lines of battle moving on them. I regret deeply the death of the brave men
killed, and added their country. Particularly among the killed do I regret the
death of Maj. Reed, of the One hundred and seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, who fell while gallantry leading on his regiment to victory. The history of his services and adversities in the present war is stranger than fiction.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 37
December 7, 1864
My total loss in killed and wounded amounts (as per inclosed reports) to 208,
of whom 22 were killed. I have no means of arriving at a knowledge of the loss
of the enemy, but from the number of dead and wounded observed on the field
it must have been greater than mine. Among their dead on the field were
observed two lieutenant-colonels. We captured and brought in 1197 prisoners,
among whom 21 were commissioned officers. Forty-three different regiments
are represented by the prisoners. The enemy were commanded by Gen. Forrest
and Bate, and about 5,000 strong.
I am much indebted to the gentleman of my staff for their prompt, gallant, and
efficient assistance throughout the day; and I avail myself of this opportunity to
tender to the major-general commanding kindness in affording me the two late
opportunities of wiping out to some extent the foul and mortifying stigma of a
most infamously unjust arrest, by which I have for near eighteen months been
thrown out of the ring of active, honorable, and desirable service.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
R. H. MILROY, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 617-619.
I skirmished around within two or three miles of the Fortress for several hours,
when I struck their main force under the Comd of Gens. Forrest and Bates.
Forrest being the senior officer had the Comd. They opened on me with a full
battery at short range. My battery replied nearly an hour when my artillery was
exhausted. Finding that the enemy were strongly posted and fortified and near
double my strength I concluded to shift my position around and got between
them and the Fort. I did this and attacked them with great rapidity and the
fighting for near an hour was most terrific, but I rolled them on and drove them
in confusion capturing 220 prisoners including 2 majors and 28 other Comd.
officers, killing a large number among whom were two Cols. and taking 2
pieces of artillery, I drove them over two miles and returned to the Fortress
after dark, bringing in all my killed and wounded. I only had 25 men killed and
187 wounded. The Rebs got more reinforcements and still kept around the
country mostly in sight until the 16th when they left. . .
Papers of General Milroy, p. 400. NOTE 1
Excerpt from the Report of Major-General Nathan Bedford Forrest, C. S.
Army, commanding cavalry, of Operations November 16, 1864-January 24,
1865, relative to the engagement at Wilkinson's pike (a.k.a."Battle of the
Cedars") and the shelling of Murfreesborough on December 7, 1864. General
Forrest's description of Buford's actions vary considerably with the remarks of
Union commanders.
~~~
On the morning of the 7th I discovered from the position occupied by Col.
Palmer the enemy moving out in strong force on the Salem pike with infantry,
cavalry, and artillery. Being fully satisfied that his object was to make battle, I
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December 7, 1864
withdrew my forces to the Wilkinson pike, and formed a new line on a more
favorable position. The enemy moved boldly forward, driving in my pickets,
when the infantry, with the exception of Smith's brigade, from some cause
which I cannot explain, made a shameful retreat, losing two pieces of artillery.
I seized the colors of the retreating troops and endeavored to rally them, but
they could not be moved by any entreaty or appeal to their patriotism. Maj.Gen. Bate did the same thing, but was equally as unsuccessful as myself. I hurriedly sent Maj. Strange, of my staff, to Brig.-Gen.'s Armstrong and Ross, of
Jackson's division, with orders to say to them that everything depended on their
cavalry. They proved themselves equal to the emergency by charging on the
enemy, thereby checking his farther advance. I ordered the infantry to retire to
Stewart's Creek, while my cavalry encamped during the night at Overall's
Creek. The enemy returning to Murfreesborough, I ordered my cavalry to
resume its former position.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 755.
NOTE 1: See also pp. 469-477, Papers of General Milroy, for another rather gasconading account from his letter to his wife of January 1, 1865.
December 7, 1864 - Blockade of Cumberland River by Confederate Cavalry
•See November 17, 1864-November 29, 1864-Confederate Cavalry operations
in Middle Tennessee previous to the Battle of Nashville
•See December 14, 1864-December 15, 1864-Third Naval engagement at
Bell's Mill Bend, Cumberland River below NashvilleNOTE 1
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Brig. Gen. James R. Chalmers, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division, of operations November 17-December 29, 1864,
covering operations, December 1- December 17, 1864.
~~~
On the 1st of December we moved across to the Hillsborough pike, fording
Harpeth River below Franklin, and up that road to a point opposite to Brentwood, where we crossed over to the Franklin pike, expecting to be able to
intercept a part of the enemy's force on their retreat from Franklin; but finding
that they had passed, we moved up the pike to within four miles of Nashville,
where we encamped for the night. On the 2d Col. Biffle's brigade was sent to
cover the Hardin and Hillsborough pikes on the left of the infantry, and on the
3d Rucker's brigade was moved in the same direction, so that my division covered the Hillsborough, Hardin, and Charlotte pikes. On the same day Lieut.Col. Kelly was sent with a detachment of 3d Rucker's brigade was moved in
the same direction, so that my division covered the Hillsborough, Hardin, and
Charlotte pikes. On the same day Lieut.-Col. Kelly was sent with a detachment
of 300 men and two pieces of artillery to blockade the Cumberland River at a
point twelve miles below Nashville, and on the same day he captured two
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 39
December 7, 1864
transports going down the river laden with horses and mule belonging to the
United States Government. Some of the enemy's gun-boats coming down to
the rescue recaptured the transports and a part of the freight, which had been
removed from them to the shore, but Col. Kelley succeeded in securing the
bringing off 56 prisoners and 197 horses and mules.
On the 5th our line remained unchanged, and we had some slight skirmishing
with the enemy. On the 6th, an infantry force having been sent to relieve Col.
Rucker on the Hillsborough pike, his whole brigade, with two additional pieces
of artillery, was moved to the Charlotte pike and the blockade of the Cumberland was effected. On the 7th a monitorNOTE 1 appeared in front of our batteries
and attempted to force the passage of the river, but was badly damaged and
driven back, and on several subsequent occasions fleets of gun-boats repeated
the attempt without success. All remained unchanged until the 12th, when Biffle's brigade was ordered by Gen. Hood to the right wing of the army, leaving
me with Rucker's brigade alone. I wrote to Gen. Hood, showing the strength of
my command and the length of the line which was expected to hold, and that it
would be impossible for me to maintain my position if attacked unless supported. On the 14th Ector's brigade of infantry was sent to relieve my force on
the Hardin pike, and my line then extended from the left of that pike across the
Charlotte pike to the river, a distance of about four miles, to defend which and
to support the batteries on the river I had a force of 900 aggregate present, the
Seventh Alabama Cavalry being between Ector's brigade and the left of the
main line of infantry.
On the morning of the 15th the enemy made a general attack along the whole
line, and Ector's brigade, being forced back by the force in front of it, swung
around to rejoin the infantry on its right without giving me any notice of their
movement. The Hardin pike being thus left open the enemy moved down it,
and the first intelligence I had of their presence on that pike they were already
two miles in my rear on it. The wagons of my headquarters and division ordnance train had for greater security been left on the Hardin pike in rear of the
infantry, and the commanding officer of the infantry having failed to give any
notice of the approach of the enemy or of his intended movement, they were
overtaken and captured before they could be removed. The attack on Rucker's
brigade commenced in the morning by the gunboats on the river, which were
repulsed, and was followed by an attack in front along the Charlotte pike by
Johnson's division of cavalry, supported by a force of infantry. We held our
position until I learned that the enemy were two miles in our rear on the Hardin
pike, when we fell back two miles to a cross-road leading from that pike,
where we remained until night, when I ordered Colonel Rucker to move across
to the Hillsborough pike, leaving the Seventh Alabama Cavalry to hold the
position on the Charlotte pike until daylight, which was done. I had attempted
several times during the day to communicate with Gen. Hood, but my couriers
were either killed or captured and failed to reach him. Before daylight on the
morning of the 16th I received an order from him to put myself in communication with his left wing and to hold the Hillsborough pike, which order I had
Page 40 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 7, 1864
already given. Before daylight I had taken position on that pike, with Rucker's
brigade at the point where the road leading from Brentwood intersects it, and
was soon engaged in skirmishing with the enemy. The force opposed to me
was Hatch's division of cavalry, and their object was evidently to move down
the cross-road to Brentwood, which would have placed them entirely in rear of
our army, and put them in possession of the road by which it afterward
retreated. Finding some hindrance in their way on this line of march, a brigade
was sent rapidly across to the Granny White pike to move down it. I moved
across the latter pike with my escort and Twenty-sixth (Forrest's) Regt. of Cavalry, and placing them in strong position, held the enemy in check for more
than three hours and saved Cheatham's ambulances. In the maintain Johnson's
division of the enemy's cavalry had moved across from the Charlotte pike, following our path, and attacked Col. Rucker in the flank, while the remainder of
Hatch's division engaged him in front. Col. Kelley having been forced back
from his position, Col. Rucker was withdrawn from the Hillsborough pike as
soon as possible to support him, and the whole brigade (excepting the Seventh
Tennessee Cavalry) was formed in front of Brentwood, to prefect the wagons
and ambulances which were collected there. The Seventh Tennessee was sent
down the Hillsborough pike (by Gen. Hood's order) to report at Franklin and
aid in guarding the wagon trains at that place. About 4.30 p. m. I received an
order from Gen. Hood directing me to "hold the Granny White pike at all hazards," and Rucker's brigade was moved back upon it and placed in position in
rear of that from which Col. Kelley had been driven. It was attacked at once,
front and flank, by Hatch's and Johnson's divisions, and, after a sharp struggle,
was forced back in some disorder. By this time it was so dark that it was impossible to reform the men, or indeed to distinguish friend from foe, so closely
were they mingled together, but an irregular firing was kept up for some time
until we were compelled to retreat toward the Franklin pike. After we had
retreated for some distance, Col. Rucker having moved with his regiment to
Brentwood, [Lieut. Col.] R. R. White, Fourteenth Tennessee Cavalry, the
senior officers present, collected and reformed as many of the men as possible,
and leaving the Fourteenth Tennessee on picket in front of the enemy, moved
with the remainder to the Franklin pike, where they were halted until the infantry and artillery column had passed, and encamped for the night with the rear
guard of the army, when were joined by Col. Biffle and his brigade, which had
come up from the right in rear of the infantry. The enemy's cavalry encamped
on the field where we had last fought them, and made no attempt to follow us,
though our picket fires were within sight of them during the night.
In the engagements of these two days this division lost many valuable officers
and men, the first of whom was Col. Rucker, who was wounded and captured
in the last fight while fighting hand to hand with the enemy. Many others were
killed or captured at the same time, and others availed themselves of the opportunity to desert and scatter through the country; some of these have now
returned to their commands, but no accurate report can yet be made of our loss.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 41
December 7, 1864
On the morning of the 17th we moved to Franklin, when, in obedience to
orders from Gen. Hood, I was placed in command of the cavalry, and reported
to Lieut.-Gen. Lee for duty in assisting to protect the rear of the army, consisting of this and Gen. Buford's division. During the day we were almost constantly engaged with the enemy, who followed us vigorously with a strong
force, often in close encounters, and held them in check until nearly night-fall,
when by a series of bold charges they broke the lines of our infantry and cavalry, but were severely punished and driven back by the second line of infantry.
On the 18th, Brig.-Gen. Armstrong having come up with his brigade, and Gen.
Cheatham's corps having taken the place of Gen. Lee's as the rear guard of the
army, we moved down the turnpike from Spring Hill toward Columbia and
crossed Rutherford's Creek, the infantry being on the pike and the cavalry in
the rear and on the lands. The enemy did not press us, and we had not fighting
beyond a little skirmishing. On the 19th, Maj.-Gen. Forrest having come up, I
resumed command of my division, which was posted on the left of Cheatham's
corps to guard the crossings on Rutherford's Creek. During the day we had
some skirmishing with the enemy, but held our position until 4 p. m., when,
they having succeeded in crossing a force in front of our infantry pickets, our
whole force was withdrawn to the south side of Duck River. On the 22d, the
enemy having effected a crossing of Duck River, and the rear guard, under
Maj.-Gen. Forrest, having commenced its retreat, this division (which had
been consolidated into a brigade) moved down the Campbellsville pike, on the
left flank of the infantry, and on the following day moved still farther down
that pike without molestation from the enemy. On the 24th we moved back
toward Columbia, so as to occupy a position on the left flank of our infantry,
which had moved back as far as Lynnville. While here we were attacked by a
superior force of the enemy and forced back to the main body on the turnpike,
when we crossed Richland Creek and moved on to Pulaski. After this we
moved on the right flank of the infantry until we reached the Tennessee River,
which we crossed on the evening of the 27th, without having been again
engaged with the enemy.
During the engagements on the march to Nashville, and until after the fight on
the Granny White pike on the evening of the 16th of December, the officers
and men of this division behaved with great gallantry; but after that time, while
there were many who continued to exhibit the same courage and constancy, I
retreat to say that there were some who so far forgot their duty as to desert their
comrades and seek an ignominious safety in flight; some of these have since
returned to their colors, but others are still absent.
Under these circumstances it given me great pleasure to render deserved honor
to all those who remained faithful to their duty. The Seventh Alabama Cavalry
having, when it was ordered to this division, rested under some imputation of a
lack of courage, I am gratified to say that since it has been under my
command. . .
~~~
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 7, 1864
James R. Chalmers, C. S. Army, Brigadier-General
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 764-767.
NOTE 1: There has never been mention of a monitor-class fighting vessel on the
Cumberland River during the Civil War in any of the secondary literature
about the Battle of Nashville. Lieutenant-Commander Le Roy Fitch in his
report of December 17, 1864, mentions that none of his sailors were killed
during the Battle of Nashville, although: "Some six or eight men in the turret
of the Neosho were somewhat bruised and scratched. . . " Since only monitor class ships had turrets it follows then that General Lyon was right. According to Tony Gibbons, the U. S. S. Neosho was one of only three riverine
monitor class warships, of which the U. S. S. Osage was the first, built for
the U. S. Navy during the Civil War. The Neosho and Osage and Ozark were
built in Missouri, and when launched they drew but three feet of water, and
so an extra half-inch of iron plating was added to the deck. The turret, which
was mounted "right forward, was a modified Ericson type which had a 300degree field of fire." The single turret carried 8-inch armor, while the stern
wheel was fully armored. Its top speed was 7.5 knots and it carried two 11inch Dahlgren smoothbore cannon. See Tony Gibbons, Warships and Naval
Battles of the Civil War, (NY: Gallery Books, 1989), p. 57. Gibbons fails to
place the Neosho on the Cumberland River in December, 1864. See also
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 27, between pages 48 and 49 for a picture of the Osage, Neosho's sister ship; and Richard Pratt, The Civil War on Western Waters, pp. 129-132, 190-191.
December 7, 1864 - Bombardment of Murfreesborough by Confederate artillery
•See December 7, 1864--Reconnaissance and engagement, Wilkinson's pike
near Murfreesborough, a.k.a., "Battle of the Cedars"
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Reports of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Cumberland, relative to the bombardment of Murfreesborough by Confederate forces on December 7, 1864.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Eastport, Miss., January
20, 1865
Gen. Rousseau.
~~~
The enemy showing an unwillingness to make a direct assault, Gen. Milroy,
with seven regiments of infantry, was sent out on the 8th [7th] to engage him.
He was found a short distance from the place on the Wilkinson pike, posted
behind rail breast-works, was attacked and routed, our troops capturing 207
prisoners and two guns, with a loss of 30 killed and 175 wounded. On the same
day Buford's cavalry entered the town of Murfreesborough after having shelled
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 43
December 7, 1864
it vigorously, but he was speedily driven out by a regiment of infantry and a
section of artillery.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 36.
Excerpt from Report of Major-General Lovell H. Rousseau U. S. Army, commanding District of Tennessee of operations December 4-12, 1864, relative to
the engagement at Wilkinson's pike (a.k.a."Battle of the Cedars") and bombardment of Murfreesborough by Confederate force on December 7, 1864.
~~~
Just before Gen. Milroy fell upon the enemy Buford's division of cavalry
attacked Murfreesborough and entered the town, shelling it fiercely, knocking
the houses to pieces. With a regiment of infantry and a section of artillery I
drove the enemy out of the town, and I have not heard any more of them in my
direction since. All is perfectly quiet here to-day, which doubtless resulted
from the fact that the enemy was badly whipped. In these fights the troops have
behaved with exceeding courage and I am glad to say that the new troops have
not been at all behind the old in the exhibition of steadiness and courage.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 613.
A detachment of confederates make their appearance on the east and south east
of town, coming within the [city] limits, planting some pieces of artillery and
commenced a vigerous shelling of the place. It was said to be a Mississippi
regiment. They threw some forty or fifty shots in town in different directions,
doing but little damage more than striking a fiew houses. Two shots striking
the court house. One or two striking Lawing Cabinet Shop. One near the Methodist church. Several others in this vicinity. None of the shells bursting. No one
killed by these shots. The firing lasted in this direction for some time. This was
a wanton piece of destruction. Nothing to be gained by the confederates in thus
shelling the town. The federal troops were all at the forts. Nothing remaining in
town but citizens and many of them at the forts guarding property.
In the mean time Gen. Rousseau came from the fort with a detachment of artillery. During the shelling of the confederates, advancing up College Street.
Planting his cannon commenced returning the fire. In a short time the confederate battery was silenced, having one of the gun carriages disabled.
~~~
Spence, Diary.
Excerpt from the Report of Major-General Nathan Bedford Forrest, relative to
the shelling of Murfreesborough on December 7, 1864.
~~~
It is proper to state here that I ordered Brig.-Gen. Buford to protect my left
flank, but he was so remote the order never reached him. While the fight was
going on, however, he made a demonstration on Murfreesborough, and succeeded in reaching the center of town, but was soon compelled to retire.
Page 44 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 7, 1864
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 755-756.
December 7, 1864 - Skirmish near Greeneville, Confederate foraging party attacked near
Greeneville
GREENEVILLE, TENN., December 7, 1864—-7 p. m.
Maj.-Gen. BRECKINRIDGE:
Yours of the 6th instant has just reached me. In regard to sending Gen. Duke's
command north of the Holston River as soon as I can spare them, that time will
not come as long as the forces remain in East Tennessee that were in our front
when you left us, and now there is a force that came from Cumberland Gap of
from 2,000 to 4,000 men, so all my scouts and citizens report. But is my intention to send Gen. Duke's command to Hawkins County to-morrow or next day,
if everything is quiet. My scouts were at Noah's Ferry of Ford, yesterday p. m.,
and the enemy were still encamped in the vicinity of Bean's Station, with pickets at all the fords on the Holston near there. This county is full of parties from
the Federal Army bush whacking. Gen. Duke's men were attacked to-day,
while foraging, within four or five miles of Greeneville, and two of his men
captured. The forces of Col. Palmer do us no good. The enemy have foraged
none above the Strawberry Plains since you left south of the Holston River.
Gen. Carter and I agreed to exchange all citizen prisoners, except a few who
are indicted for treason. I have sent a copy of the agreement to the Secretary of
War. Whether they will agree to it or not is to be seen. I did what I thought was
best for our friends. The railroad is repaired only abound half way to Greeneville at this time. To send Cosby's and Giltner's brigades into Hawkins or Hancock Counties, in Tennessee, or Lee Country, Va., would threaten Cumberland
Gap and cause the force at Bean's Station to fall back. There is plenty of supplies of all kinds in either of those counties.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN C. VAUGHN, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 664.
December 7, 1864 - Reconnaissance to and action at Overall Creek
Report of Col. Edward Anderson, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Twentieth Army Corps, of operations December
7, 1864.
HDQRS. SECOND Brig., FOURTH DIV., 20TH ARMY CORPS, Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 8, 1864.
MAJ.: I have the honor to report that the brigade under my command was
ordered to march on the reconnaissance of yesterday under Maj. Gen. R. H.
Milroy.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 45
December 7, 1864
This brigade consists of the One hundred and seventy-seventh and One hundred and seventy-eight Ohio Volunteer Inf., Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, Fourth
and Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, and Thirteenth New York Independent Battery.
En route for the field of action I was informed that the Thirteenth New York
Battery was attached to the First Brigade, in the rear of which I was ordered to
march. The Fourth and Fifth Tennessee Cavalry Regt.'s, commanded by Lieut.Col. Clift, were ordered to report to Col. G. M. L. Johnson, Thirteenth Indiana
Cavalry, commanding cavalry. Thus I had under my immediate command
troops as follows, viz.,: Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, Lieut. Col. Alfred Reed commanding, numbering 16 officers and 352 men (368); One hundred and seventyseventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. A. T. Wilcox commanding, numbering
18 officers and 496 men (514); One hundred and seventy-eight Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, Col. J. A. Stafford commanding, numbering 17 officers and 427 men
(444); making a total of 51 officers and 1,275 men-1, 326 men.
At Overall's Creek, where the enemy opened an artillery fire upon us, I was
ordered to form my brigade in the rear of the First Brigade, and in undertaking
to do so I found the one hundred and seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
which was on the right of my command and now for the first time brought
under fire, exposed to at terrible succession of shots from the enemy's battery.
The officers of the regiment and my own staff officers joined in an endeavor to
keep them in column, but knowing that the whole future of the regiment probably depended on preventing their breaking to the rear, I ordered Col. Wilcox to
have them lie down. Through all the artillery duel that ensued they remained in
that position, of course so remote from the enemy, in their position as reserves,
that they could do nothing but endure. I was glad, in occupying a position
where I could watch the regiment, to notice that none appeared to flinch under
this heavy fire and in a position more exposed than often comes to a regiment.
After the battery had ceased firing I was ordered to march my brigade by the
right flank till the right of the column should rest on the Wilkinson pike; there I
again formed line of battle and undertook to march to the support of the First
Brigade, which was engaging the enemy in the front. Owing to the extreme
roughness of the ground, rocks, jagged and detached, being covered at intervals by brush and logs, I was forced to march very slowly, and for a distance by
right of companies, to the front. When we had nearly approached the position I
was ordered to occupy in rear of the First Brigade, and at about 200 yards distance, I was ordered to throw the One hundred and seventy-seventy Ohio Volunteer Infantry to the right, forming its line perpendicular to the line already
formed, in order to prevent a flanking movement on the part of the enemy, who
were evidently intending to get into our rear. This regiment threw out two companies to deploy along its front as skirmishers. Sharp firing along the line
showed that the general had not been mistaken in supposing it necessary to
protect the right flank. Maj.-Gen. Milroy took the One hundred and seventyeight Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and, marching it left in front, led it to the
extreme left and conducted it personally into battle. Of the action of this regiment I am unable to speak thereafter, but have no question as to its gallantry, as
the almost reckless daring of the general cannot be other than infectious. The
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December 7, 1864
Twelfth Indiana Cavalry was pushed forward on the right of the pike over a
cotton-field, where it lay under a hot musketry fire till it was ordered forward
into the woods as the enemy retired. At this juncture I ordered forward the One
hundred and seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the firing having ceased
on the right flank. I formed it in line parallel to the lines in front, and received
orders to hold it there while the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry was ordered to the
extreme front, thought too late to participate in actual conflict there, the enemy
having retired. On our return to the fortress the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry
brought up the rear.
The casualties in my command were happily few, as it was held almost entirely
in reserve. I take pleasure in testifying to the bravery of these troops, nearly all
brought in this engagement for the first time under the enemy's fire, and here,
in a position most trying to any soldier, obliged to take the enemy's shots and
unable to enjoy either the satisfaction or the excitement of returning their fire.
No one, however, would be surprised that troops would stand gallantly under
fire, as they could all the time see the general they loved in the fore front of
battle, where the bullets were flying most thickly. These troops would follow
Gen. Milroy wherever he might lead. Where nearly every officer was brave it
would be useless to attempt allusion to individual instances. My confidence in
officers and men is unbounded.
I report the following casualties in the three regiments under my immediate
command and the other troops that report through me: Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, killed, 1 private; wounded, 1 officer (Capt. Sherwood, Company E,
severely in the leg), 10 privates. One hundred and seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, wounded, 4 privates. One hundred and seventy-eight Ohio Volunteer Infantry, wounded, 2 privates. Fifth Tennessee Cavalry (Col. W. J.
Clift), wounded, 2 privates. Thirteenth New York Battery (Capt. Henry
Bundy), wounded, 4 privates. Total, killed, 1 private; wounded, 1 officer and
22 enlisted men.
I have the honor to respectfully submit the foregoing.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWARD ANDERSON, Col., Cmdg. Second Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 610-611.
December 7, 1864 - ". . . and then began a scene which I shudder to recall:" depredations at
the Washington tobacco plantation "Wessington," in the Springfield environs; Mrs. Jane Smith Washington's letter to her son, a student in Toronto, Canada
Springfield, December 18, 1864
My dear son,
I suppose you have received Mr. Anderson's letter containing an account of the
occurrences at home last Wednesday and Thursday week. Friday morning (the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 47
December 7, 1864
9th) was bitter cold and in coming up very early in the buggy with Dr. Dunn
my fingers were frost bitten and I was not able to hold a pen or even dress
myself for nearly a week, and so asked Mr. A. to write to you, which he very
kindly did. I will try to give you a faithful history of a scene which God willing
I hope never to witness again—But first to give a clear insight into the causes
which prompted the act—I must review some occurrences which took place in
our immediate neighborhood only two days previously.
On Monday the 5th, four men, dressed partly in federal uniform had robbed in
open day [the] Troughles, Red burns, Squire Hyres, Jim Morrow and several
others. Dr. Dun called by that afternoon and to us of it. The next day those
same men robbed old Strous [?] Bucke Darden, and took Ian Polk's horse.
That night about 9 o'clock, Dr. Dunn again stopped at the gate and told us to
look out—that those men were in the neighborhood, and would pay us a visit.
The next morning [6th] old Dick reported that they had been seen in the Vanhhook field. All these things naturally put us on the qui-vive and we were looking every moment for the robbers.
We and not a neighbor in five miles had even hard that there was a horse
presser in the country, we were all expecting robbers, but had no idea there was
a federal in the country.
Your Father had been at the Tobacco barn all day and about half past three he
came to the house with Joe and eat his dinner. He had just risen from the table
when Joe and Irene came rushing in saying two robbers were at the stable trying to steal Ball. Your Father seized his gun and rushed out—saw one of the
men leading Ball off from the stable door and fired upon him instantly—so
rapidly did this thing transpire that before I could run to the walk, the shot was
fired and the mans companion was galloping with all his might down towards
the mill—Your Father and Granville mounted to go in pursuit of the fellow,
who had jumped the Orchard fences and was making rapidly for the Chestnut
Colt. Granville went through the Peach Orchard your Pa started round by the
pond, and at the granary came in sight of a squad who fired on him several
times. He at once returned to the house, had Granville called in and prepared
for defence expecting every moment to be attacked by the gang of robbers as
we thought them to be. In the meantime the gang rode off in the direction of
Cedar Hill. [They] were gone nearly an hour, when they returned[,] rode to the
stable where had the man locked up, and then turned and again went towards
Cedar Hill. I had the stable door locked when the man staggered into it,
because I thought he was only wounded and perhaps someone might be able to
identify him and thus discover who composed the gang. He had on Federal
pants his other clothes were those of a citizen. While the men were still around
the place, I wrote to Dr. Dunn to get some friends, and come to our assistance
and sent to Col DowneyNOTE 1 for a guard. In less than an hour after Foster
returned from Turnersville [?], Dr. Dunn came over with a co from the 7th
Ohio. Col Garrard, the whole command 160 men encamped there that night,
and saw the man, and heard the circumstances, and the Col remarked that your
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 7, 1864
Pa was doing good border service that he saw no evidence of the fellow having
belonged to either army, and applauded your Father for his act. Col Downey
sent down a squad but finding us amply guarded by Col Garrard's forces they
returned to Springfield.
The next morning [7th], not fifteen minutes after Col G. left the house, about
twenty men of the 8th Michigan under Lieut. Crowley came dashing up to the
house like demons and in an instant were swarming all over it—calling for
your Father with the most blasphemous oaths and abusive epithets threatening
to shoot him on sight. I took Lieut. Crowley to the room where your Father
was, he accused him for everything under the sun, but your Father never
answered him a word except that he was not conscious of having done wrong
but that before a proper tribunal he would answer any questions. His calmness
only enraged them more. It was they would murder him if they took him from
the house, and I and your Grandmother in tears and on our knees besought that
man to send him under guard to Springfield, he scoffed at our prayers and
drove us from him with oaths. They finally took your Father and started off
with him but had not got to the top of Jimney's [?] Hill before they were overtaken by a squad of the 14th Illinois under Lieut. Evans and your Father was
brought back again, Crowley's command returned also, and then began a scene
which I shudder to recall. I stood by your Father all the time, feeling that his
safety was even for a moment depended on me. The officers insited the men to
greater fury than even then possessed them, and after talking in a way to rouse
their bad passions even higher, left them without control to rent their fury at
will. Four two mortal hours, threats, curses, jeers and taunts as to his fate were
heaped upon him and I. Pistols were snapped in his face, and shaken over his
head, my prayers and tears were made a scoff and jest—-a band of Indians
could not have taken more devilish delight in tormenting a prisoner. Your
Father stood confronting them calmly and fearlessly, steadily looking into their
eyes, and they quailed before the steady gaze of an unarmed prisoner like cowards as they were.
I felt the end was drawing near, and taking my arms from around him, I started
to seek an officer having the three little girls standing round his feet. I had not
left him a second when I heard a shot and turning saw your Father staggering
from the shock, but in one instant he recovered himself and was grappling with
the fellow's pistol with both hands. I rushed in between them and clasping my
darling round the neck placed my body between him and the man, who cocking
his pistol would have shot again through me had not a comrade caught his hand
with the remark "you have done enough." I shrieked ["]murder[!"] with all my
power, your Father stood as calmly defiant as ever, the children screaming
round our knees, and those demons gloating over our misery. In twenty minutes of longer, Lieut. Doyle of [the] 8th Michigan came to us and through his
influence we were allowed to go to the house, where he helped me bind up the
wound until the arrival of Dr. Dunn. One of the men who had most strongly
threatened your Father's life, came with us to the house, our self-appointed
guard and remained in the room with his gunk all the time. While this had been
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December 7, 1864
transpiring the house had been pillaged from garrat to cellar, trunks broken,
open[ed] & rifled, furniture chopped to pieces with axes, doors burst down,
and your Grandma cursed and told if she did not give them 500 dollars they
would burn the house over her d__n old head. They robbed Granville of everything he had.
Now let me tell you how wonderfully God worked for our salvation, while
those scenes were being enacted here, a man who had gone to Springfield to
get a receipt for his horse, overheard the threats of those men, and going to Col
Downey told him to go down and see us if he could. Boyd heard the same
rumors, Col Shirley [?] Woodard also heard them & reported them to the Col
who at their suggestion and from the noble instincts of his own heart, jumped
into the saddle and with Boyd and an escort of 12 men, came under his whip
and spur through the near way to our rescue. Not one moment too early did he
come, their plundering almost done, the next act would have been murder and
fire as was proved by their firing the straw in the cellar just after Col Downey
came.
We saw the Lieut. And I do not know how he accomplished it, but by asserting
his authority as commandant of this post, to hold prisoners charged with any
crime he got your Father out of their hands and into his, then I felt his life was
measurably safe but Col Downey had but 12 men while they were 50 strong,
and we feared that after night they might over power his guard and still work
their will.
To guard against any difficulty the Col sent back to Springfield for reinforcements and after their arrival left us a guard of fifteen men and with the others
brought your Father here. While Col Downey was waiting for his reinforcements, the men of Crowley's & Evans' command began to burn the outbuildings. Col D had only men enough to guard the house and we had to let them
burn. The Woods barn with the whole Tobacco crop was first consumed, then
the shuck pens and corn cribs then the large barn where the hay was kept. (You
remember the barn and stable below the house) that set some of the negro cabins on fire but they were extinguished, then they burned the Rocky barn in
which was stored wagons, farming implements, threshing machine, shingles
enough to cover the hose and many other valuable things. The fencing caught
from this fire and but for the prompt exertions of Sergeant Jackson (a
negro)NOTE 2 the whole place would have been consumed.
I can never forget Col Downey and His men, all from the kind and noble Col
himself, to the privates in the ranks, deserve our warmest gratitude, you are
indebted to them, through God's good providence for your Father's life. My
children shall remember Col Downey as their greatest benefactor.
The case has been laid before Gen Rousseau, and Gen Thomas, and they
approve Col D's conduct throughout. We are staying with Gen Garner and his
excellent wife and all his family vie each with each other in kindness.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 7, 1864
Your Father is held subject further orders, non of our friends anticipate any
trouble, most probably when the excitement subsides about NashvilleNOTE 3
his case will receive attention.
The bullet passed entirely through his arms above the elbow but missed the
bone, it is healing as well as we could desire.
Boyd remained with your Grandma until day before yesterday, he will return
there again. When our future movements have been determined on I will write
you fully for the next few weeks we remain in Springfield either her or at Aunt
Susan's. Grandma and the children are well. I hear from them every day, I wonder she did not die under this great distress, but God has upheld her as He has
done us all. Blessed be the His name for evermore, my heart says Amen, in the
feelings of gratitude to Him and the instruments he used to show his power.
Your devoted mother,
Jane Washington
[P. S. ] Do not think of coming home, unless I write for you, you could do us no
good here, your presence would only add to our cares. All our friends are as
kind as they can be and I hope in a few weeks to be able to tell you that everything is satisfactorily arranged. Till them be hopeful and cheerful and study as
hard as you can. Your letters of the 5th and 10th have been received.
Good bye, God bless you, my dear boy.NOTE 4
TSLA, Civil War CollectionNOTE 5
NOTE 1: Probably Col. Thomas J. Downey, in command of the 15th U. S. C. T. See:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 458 and; December 15, 1863, "U. S. C. T. recruiting difficulties in Middle Tennessee," above.
NOTE 2: Jackson must have been from a U. S. C. T. unit involved in garrison duty at
the Springfield post and was there on the orders of Colonel Downey.
NOTE 3: The build up to the battle of Nashville. December 15-16, 1864.
NOTE 4: Address on envelope: Wm. L. Washington, Box 185, Toronto, Canada. Often the wealthy would send their children out of the country to continue their
schooling and to protect them from having to serve in either of the armies.
NOTE 5: TSLA, Civil War Collection, Correspondence by Jane Smith Washington,
Letter, December 18, 1864.
December 7, 1864 - "Fire Plugs Needed."
The fire on Wednesday night [7th] proved conclusively that absolute necessity
of more fire plugs in that neighbored. The government engine Donelson had
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December 1864 — Page 51
December 7, 1864
out more than two thousand feet of hose, before she could reach the fire from
the nearest plug. The recommendation of Chief Engineer Freeman, made some
months ago, to have cisterns cut on the high parts of the city, ought to be
attended to an once, before a terrible conflagration teaches our city fathers the
evils of procrastination.
Nashville Dispatch, December 9, 1864.
December 7, 1864 - "Fireman Stabbed."
One of the military firemen, Mr. Ring, was badly injured on Wednesday night,
while engaged at the fire on Church street. It appears that some soldiers were
"running" the firemen on their incapacity, saying that the Cincinnati firemen
would have extinguished the fire before the Government men got to work.
Some few words passed between them, when the soldier drew a knife and cut
Rigby twice in the breast, and once in the forehead. The wounds, though painful, are not considered dangerous.
Nashville Dispatch, December 9, 1864.
December 7, 1864 - January 15, 1865 - Operations of U. S. C. T.
Report of Col. Charles R. Thompson, Twelfth U. S. Colored Troops, commanding Second Colored Brigade, of operations December 7, 1864—January
15, 1865.
HDQRS. TROOPS ON NASHVILLE AND NORTHWESTERN R. R., Kingston Springs, Tenn., February 24, 1865.
MAJ.: I have the honor to transmit the following report of the action of my
command during the past campaign:
On the 7th day of December I reported to Maj.-Gen. Steedman, in accordance
with verbal orders received from department headquarters, and by his directions placed my brigade in line near the City graveyard, the right resting on
College street, and the left on the right of Col. Harrison's brigade, where we
threw up two lines of rifle-pits. On the 11th of December made a reconnaissance, by order of the general commanding, to see if the enemy were still in
our front. Two hundred men, under command of Col. John. A. Hottenstein,
pressed the enemy's picket-line and reserve to their main line of works, where
they were found to be in force. The object of the reconnaissance having been
accomplished we retired to our position in line by the direction of the majorgeneral commanding. This was the first time that any of my troops had skirmished with an enemy, and their conduct was entirely satisfactory. On the 13th
of December, by order of the general commanding, I reported to Col. Malloy,
commanding brigade, Provisional Division, District of the Etowah, to make a
reconnaissance on the east side of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, to
see if the enemy was still in force in that vicinity. The Thirteenth Regt. U. S.
Colored Infantry was deployed as skirmishers, and the Twelfth and One hun-
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December 7, 1864
dred Regt. 's U. S. Colored Infantry were held in reserve in line. We advanced
from the Murfreesborough pike, with the skirmishers of Col. Malloy's brigade
connecting with my left, and drove the enemy's picket and reserves to their
main line, after a somewhat stubborn resistance, on the grounds of Mr. Rains.
The enemy were there in full force, and sharp firing was kept up as long as we
remained there, which was until nearly dark. We retired to our position in line,
but not without loss. Capt. Robert Headen, of Company E, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, was mortally wounded while on the skirmish line pushing his
company forward under a heavy fire from the enemy's earth-works; several
men, also, were killed and wounded.
On the 15th of December, by directions received from the major-general commanding, I moved my command at 6 a. m. to assault the enemy's works
between the railroad and the Nolensville pike. So that movement might be
made more rapidly I moved the two regiments, which were to be in the first
line (the Thirteenth and One hundredth U. S. Colored Infantry), under cover of
the railroad bank, and placed them in column of company, side by side, and
awaited the opening of the battle, which was to be done by Col. Morgan, on the
left. As soon as his guns were heard I moved across the railroad, the reserve
regiment (the Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry) passing in the rear through a culvert and wheeling into line charged and took the works in our front. The enemy
were evidently expecting us to move to the left of the railroad, as their artillery
was moved to meet us there and was not opened on us until we had gained the
works and were comparatively well protected. My orders being to await there
the orders of the general commanding, my command was kept in the same
position during the day, except making slight changes in the direction of the
line to protect the men from an enfilading fire. Sharp firing was kept up
between the skirmishers, and considerable artillery ammunition expended. The
section of the Twentieth Indiana Battery, commanded by Lieut. York, who was
wounded, and afterward by Lieut. Stevenson, did excellent execution, and
drove the enemy's battery opposing it from their positions which it took to
operate against us. During the night we strengthened our rifle-pits and threw up
an earth-works for the protection of the artillery, which had been much
exposed during the day to the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters.
At daylight on the morning of December 16, indications that the enemy had
left our front being apparent, I sent my skirmishers forward, and found the
rifle-pits occupied by the enemy's sharpshooters vacant. By direction of the
general commanding I then sent the skirmish line to the hill south and about
one mile from the one we had taken the day previous. Finding no enemy there
the whole command was ordered forward. We marched about one mile and a
half toward the south, and then moved in a westerly direction, my left connecting with the right of Col. Morgan's brigade. We halted on the hill east of the
Tennessee and Alabama Railroad until the general commanding could communicate with the right of the army. When this was done I was ordered to move to
the east of the Franklin pike and connect with the left of Gen. Wood's (Fourth)
corps. This was done without material damage, though the enemy opened on
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December 7, 1864
us from two batteries on Overton Hill. Immediately upon getting my command
into position I reported the fact to Gen. Wood, who said he was about to make
a charge, and desired me to support his left. At about 3 p. m. his command
started, and after they had proceeded about forty yards I moved. The left regiment (the Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry) was obliged to move about eighty
yards in column, as there was a dense briar thicket on the left, which it could
not penetrate. After passing this thicket it was my intention to halt the command until I could see what was on Gen. Wood's left and how it would be best
to charge the works. The deploying of the Twelfth Regt. at double-quick
caused the other regiments to think that a charge had been ordered, and they
immediately started at double-quick. Being under a heavy fire at the time, I
thought it would cause much confusion to rectify this, so I ordered the whole
line to charge. The One hundredth Regt. was somewhat broken by trees, which
had been felled. The Twelfth Regt. U. S. Colored Infantry and the left wing of
the One hundredth Regt. U. S. Colored Infantry passed to the left of the
enemy's works, they making a sharp angle there. This gave the enemy an enfilading and rear fire on this portion of the command. It being impossible to
change front under the withering fire, and there being no works in front of
them, I gave orders for that portion of the command to move by the left flank to
the shelter of a small hill a short distance off, there to reorganize. The right
wing of the One hundredth Regt. moved forward with the left of the Fourth
Corps, and was repulsed with them. The Thirteenth U. S. Colored Infantry,
which was the second line of my command, pushed forward of the whole line,
and some of the men mounted the parapet, but, having no support on the right,
were forced to retire. These troops were here for the first time under such a fire
as veterans dread, and yet, side by side with the veterans of Stone's River, Missionary Ridge, and Atlanta, they assaulted probably the strongest works on the
entire line, and though not successful, they vied with the old warriors in bravery, tenacity, and deeds of noble daring. The loss in the brigade was over
twenty-five per cent. of the number engaged, and the loss was sustained in less
than thirty minutes. While reorganizing my command the troops on the right
had broken the enemy's line, which caused them to retreat from Overton Hill.
The enemy on Overton Hill was considerably re-enforced during the attack, on
account of the firmness of the assault, and which naturally weakened the
enemy's left and made it easier for our troops to break their line at that point.
Under orders from the general commanding we moved down the Franklin pike,
and bivouacked on the left of the army.
December 17, we marched to the north bank of the Harpeth River, opposite
Franklin, in pursuit of the enemy. December 18, marched about three miles
south of Franklin, where orders reached us to return to Franklin and from there
to move to Murfreesborough. We arrived in Murfreesborough on the 20th of
December, at about noon, the men completely worn down, having accomplished by far the hardest march that I ever experienced. The rain had fallen
almost constantly, and every brook had overflown its banks and assumed the
proportions of a river. The mud was ankle deep, and when we arrived at Murfreesborough over fifty per cent. of the command were in need of shoes. On the
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December 7, 1864
23d of December, 1864, moved from Murfreesborough by rail, and on the 26th
of December disembarked from the cars about nine miles east of Decatur, Ala.,
and moved within a mile of the Tennessee River, near the mouth of Flint River.
~~~
. . . On the 5th moved to within four miles of Decatur, where I received orders
to move with my old command (the Second Brigade Colored Troops) to Nashville, Tenn. On the 6th of January moved of the terminus of the railroad opposite Decatur and waited transportation. On the 7th sent the Twelfth Regt. off,
on the 8th started, for Nashville with the Thirteenth and One hundredth Regt.
's. On arriving at Larkinsville found that the rebel Gen. Lyon had cut the road,
and was sent in pursuit of him by Gen. Cruft, who was at Larkinsville. Moved
to Scottsborough on the morning of the 9th, and found that Lyon had gone
toward the Tennessee River. In conjunction with Col. Malloy's brigade started
in pursuit on the Guntersville road. On the 10th overtook Mitchell's brigade
and marched to Law's Landing, where, by order of Gen. Cruft, I took post. On
the 11th I received orders to return to Larkinsville, as Lyon had escaped across
the Tennessee River. Arrived at Larkinsville on the evening of the 12th, and
loaded troops the next evening (13th) and started for Nashville, at which place
we arrived at 4 p. m. on the 15th day of January, 1865.
The conduct of the troops during the whole campaign was most soldierly and
praiseworthy. Before making the assault on the enemy's works the knapsacks
of the troops comprising the Second Brigade were laid aside, and after the
works were taken, being ordered to go in pursuit, these were left, and without
blankets or any extra clothing, and more than one-half the time without fifty
good shoes in the whole brigade, this whole campaign was made with a most
cheerful spirit existing. For six days rations were not issued, yet vigorous pursuit was made after the rebel Gen. Lyon.
~~~
Of the officers of my staff-Capt. Henry A. Norton, Twelfth U. S. Colored
Infantry, acting assistant inspector general; Lieut. George W. Fitch, Twelfth U.
S. Colored Infantry, acting assistant quartermaster, wounded by the enemy
after having been taken prisoner while taking stores to the command; Lieut.
William H. Wildey, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, ordnance officer; Lieut.
John D. Reily, Thirteenth U. S. Colored Infantry, acting aide-de-camp; Lieut.
Thomas L. Sexton, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, acting assistant adjutantgeneral; Lieut. D. A. Grosvenor, One hundredth U. S. Colored Infantry, acting
aide-de-camp, who, after having been wounded in three places, took the colors
of his regiment from close to the enemy's earth-works, the color-bearer having
been killed; and Lieut. R. G. Sylvester, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, commissary of subsistence of the brigade-I cannot speak too highly; uniting in the
performance of their several duties, and on the field anxious to do the cause
service in the most dangerous places, they richly deserve the thanks of the
country.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 55
December 8, 1864
To the glorious dead we drop a tear, and while we cannot but deeply regret the
great loss, not only we, their companions, but the country has sustained, we
could not wish them more honorable graves. The conscientious, brave, and
high-minded Capt. Robert Headen, the gallant Lieut. Dennis Dease, the gentle,
but firm and untiring Lieut. D. Grant Cooke, of the Twelfth U. S. Colored
Infantry, the two former receiving their death wounds while leading their men
against their country's and freedom's foe, the latter butchered by the savage
enemy while performing his duties as regimental quartermaster taking supplies
to his command, we can never forget as friends, and their positions can hardly
be refilled.
In the deaths of Lieut. John M. Wooddruff, Lieut. George Taylor, Lieut. L. L.
Parks, and Lieut. James A. Isom, of the Thirteenth U. S. Colored Infantry, the
service has lost brave and efficient officers, the country patriots, and humanity
friends; they all fell close to the enemy's works, leading their brave men.
The loss of the brigade is as follows:
Officers.
Enlisted men.
Aggregate.
Killed
7
73
80
Wounded
12
376
388
Missing
1
1
Total
20
450
469
All of which is respectfully submitted.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. R. THOMPSON, Col. Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, Cmdg. Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 543-546.
December 8, 1864 - Confederate Brigadier-General Lyon's successful foraging Raid taking
Cumberland City & provisions, three steamers
•See December 6, 1864-January 15, 1865,-Lyon's Raid from Paris, Tennessee, to Hopkinsville Kentucky, with skirmishes
December 8, 1864 - Skirmish at Chattanooga
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
December 8, 1864 - Reconnaissance from Nashville to Ashland near Shoals of Harpeth River
HDQRS. SEVENTH OHIO CAVALRY, December 9, 1864—4 p. m.
Capt. W. B. SMITH, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brig., Sixth Div., Cav. Corps:
Page 56 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ca. December 8, 1864
CAPT.: I have the honor to report that I sent three companies, under command
of Capt. R. C. Rankin, on the reconnaissance down the river ordered last night.
They were ordered to proceed as far as Ashland, a point twenty miles below
here, near Harpeth Shoals. Capt. Rankin reports that night before last a party of
fourteen dismounted men crossed the river near Bell's Mill, in Anderson's
Bend, near where the boats were captured last Saturday night; that on reaching
this side they pressed horses and a guide and struck out for Kentucky. They
were probably deserters. He could hear of no other parties on this side of the
river. He went down below Ashland one mile and a half to where some guerrillas were said to be, but could find nothing of them. The Hyde's Ferry pike
strikes the river about eight or ten miles below here, and for two miles takes its
course along the bank of the river under the cliff. This exposes a force traveling
the road to fire at a short range from the southern shore. Capt. Rankin followed
this route both going and coming without attracting any fire from the opposite
bank. If the enemy had crossed as stated in the communication of the officer
commanding U. S. steamer Neosho, it is quite probable that I would have heard
of it while scouting down within twenty miles of Clarksville for horses, and
that Capt. Rankin would have ascertained it by the scout of to-day. It is his
opinion, as it is my own, that no cavalry force of the enemy had crossed the
river.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ISRAEL GARRARD, Col. Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 125.
December 8, 1864 - Skirmishes on the Granny White Pike
•See December 9, 1864--"The Situation."
ca. December 8, 1864 - December 9, 1864 - Scout from Nashville
No circumstantial reports filed.
EDGEFIELD, TENN., December 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. F. KNIPE, Cmdg.
Seventh Division, Cavalry Corps:
GEN.: I have been directed by Maj.-Gen. Wilson to make a summary of the
information obtained during a recent scout to Lebanon. We found only straggling parties of the enemy, ones and twos, visiting families. Biffle's cavalry had
been at Lebanon, but had gone, many thought, toward Carthage, but the weight
of evidence was in favor of "to the south of Nashville and to Forrest." The
opinion of the people was that Forrest either had gone or intended going to a
point near Clarksville about eight miles above, and there crossing for a strike at
our communications. This notion was very general, and Bowling Green was
the point indicated. Breckinridge was expected, and every man, black and
white, thought him on the way, via Sparta. I have, however, seen East Tennessee from beyond Livingston, and he was not anywhere there. I could hear of
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 57
December 9, 1864
pontoons, but found none. I could not obtain certain information as to whether
we still hold Murfreesborough, or not, but the people seemed to think (especially negroes ) that we do still hold it. Two men informed me that the Thirteenth Indiana were in La Vergne, and armed with muskets only (bad ones),
and that the enemy had charged in with cavalry and taken the place and the
force prisoners. They had this from a third party, who said he saw it. A man
named Dibble [Dibrell] was expected at Lebanon. He had recently been made a
brigadier-general, but I inclined to the opinion that he was expected to conscript his command, rather than bring it. Cheatham's division, or part of it, was
said to be on Stone's River, and that was the only certainly of a force that I
could find. All the horses in the country seemed to have been carried off. Our
scout, which extended from Gallatin, crossing out to Lebanon and around it,
back to the river at Cairo crossing, a travel of forty miles, with numerous
branch detachments, obtained only eight horses. The country was full of
rumors, of which what I have written are the only tangible ones. All means of
crossing as high up as Hartsville and all at Carthage have been destroyed by
my force, and the gun-boat Post Boy had orders to destroy all found. My force
under Maj. Stephens, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, found everything quiet at
Carthage and could hear of no enemy in that region. The country on both sides
of the river had been stripped of horses completely, even to the stallions, but
there is plenty of forage-plenty.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HAMMOND, Brevet Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 126.
December 9, 1864 - Orders for a scout from Gallatin to Carthage and beyond
NASHVILLE, TENN., December 9, 1864—-8.15 a. m.
Col. GILFILLAN, or Cmdg. OFFICER ELEVENTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, Gallatin:
You are hereby directed to have the Second Tennessee Cavalry (Col. Murphy
commanding, which has been ordered to Gallatin for duty) patrol the river
from Gallatin up to Carthage and beyond, and from Gallatin to this place,
keeping a sharp lookout for any attempted crossing of the enemy, and promptly
making a report through you to myself if such a movement is discovered. You
will be held responsible that this order is faithfully and fully carried out.
Acknowledge receipt.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers, Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, pp. 126-127.
Page 58 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 9, 1864
December 9, 1864 - Confederate occupation of Cumberland City
•See December 6, 1864-January 15, 1865,-Lyon's Raid from Paris, Tennessee, to Hopkinsville Kentucky, with skirmishes
December 9, 1864 - "Theatre."
"Aladdin" continues to draw numerous audiences to this time-honored house,
and no wonder, for Miss Julia Nelson has won the hearts of all the bachelors,
and Harry Everett has won the affections of the ladies. Go and see this spectacle, by all means; the scenery alone is worth double the price of admission.
Nashville Dispatch, December 9, 1864.
December 9, 1864 - "The Acquittal of Mrs. Rowland."
We are gratified to learn that Mrs. Mary A. Rowland, of Dickson county, who
was for some time on trial before the Military Commission of this city, has
been honorably acquitted, and that the judgment was approved by the Judge
Advocate of Maj. Gen. Thomas' Department. She passed through the fiery
ordeal of a public trial, and has come out unscathed. She was defended with
energy and earnestness by her counsel, Messrs. Smiley and Cantrel.
Nashville Dispatch, December 9, 1864.
December 9, 1864 - "The Situation."
The cold weather yesterday, or something else, caused more than the usual
quiet which has prevailed along the line for several days past. There was some
skirmishing in front of the fourth corps, on the Granny White pike, growing
out of an order to dislodge some Rebel pickets who had taken position nearer
to the Federal line than was agreeable. The Rebel pickets were in larger force
than was supposed, and repulsed the squad sent to dislodge them. The Union
force was re-enforced and, after a brisk little skirmish, drove the Rebels from
their position they had occupied, capturing two of them, who belonged to an
Alabama regiment. We could hear of no other firing on any portion of the line.
It was reported that several dwelling houses on the "neutral ground" were
destroyed by fire, some by each army. The citizens who resided on the territory
between the two armies have suffered immensely from taking and destruction
of their property.
Three rebel deserters came into the lines Wednesday and one yesterday, and
gave themselves up.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 59
December 9, 1864
Maj. Gen. Couch, who was recently ordered to report to Gen. Thomas has been
assigned to the command of the second division of the twenty-third corps.
Nashville Dispatch, December 9, 1864.
December 9, 1864 - "Howe's & Norton's Champion Circus."
We are happy to state for the information of the lovers of exhibitions of muscular energy and daring feats of horsemanship, that the interruption to their gratification has been removed; the famous trick horses having been returned, all in
good order. The mammoth circus is again in full blast. Little Alice, the fairy
equestrienne, is the wonder of the circle; no one so young can accomplish so
many daring feats with such evident coolness is the astonishment of all beholders; Madame Agnes'' performances on the slack wire is always well received;
Master Charles Fish and James Madigan are unsurpassed as graceful and daring riders. Messrs. Lawlow, Aymar, and Davenport, keep the immense throng
convulsed with laughter by their grotesque posturing and witty saying, and
their jokes are not the stale abortions we were accustomed to hear, abut entirely
original, and show that they are not only humorous, but educated and refined.
Mr. T. R. O. Howe, by his wonderful success in the training of that intelligent
quadruped, Gen Grant, has proven himself to be the prince of trainers, and
almost convinces us that horses have reason. But what shall we say of Lester,
the contortionist, "are you man or demon?" We sincerely doubt whether it is
possible for him to be burthened with the calcareous substance denominated
bones; whalebone has been suggested, but even whalebone cannot be vent to a
right angle without cracking; and comes the right single, isosceles, and all
other angles triangle, circles, ovals, oblongs-well, to Trotter's geometry for the
balance of his shapes. Trick horse, comic and acting mules, are additional features. We cannot conclude without writing a few words in praise of the splendid cornet band, led by Prof. Peters, that adds so much to the magnificence of
the entertainment. In short, if you want to study, go to the Circus; if you want
to be astonished, got to the Circus; if you want to laugh, go to the Circus; if you
want to-well, go the Circus by all means.
Nashville Dispatch, December 9, 1864.
December 10, 1864 - Predicament of black and white refugees in the Murfreesboro environs,
excerpt from a letter by Major-General R. H. Milroy to his wife in Rensselaer, Indiana
January 1, 1865
My Dear Mary,
~~~
. . . There were thousands of poor negroes and their families who had been living and working on the R. R. cutting wood-taking care of horses-cattle etc and
there were about 2000 refugees-mostly white men who had run away from the
Page 60 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 10, 1864
Reb conscription in the surrounding counties. All these were deprived of the
means of substance. Several hundred of these refugees had come in on good
horses for which they would obtain no feed. I got Rousseau to issue an order
authorizing my Qr Master to purchase all these horses for Cavalry and artillary
horses that were fit, which helped them along very much. But the poor darkies
suffered very much for both fire wood and food. The Rebs were so near our
own pickets that it was unsafe to go out for wood and all the stumps, logs,
fences, and shade trees inside the pickets were mostly used up-and everything
in the way of provisions became very scarce and could hardly be had for any
price. I frequently seen the poor darkies greedily grabbing the entrails of hogs
and beef cattle that our butchers had killed for food-There is a fine steam mill
in the town that kept us from starving. We sent out our forage trains to the
country for corn. All our cavalry with a brigade of Inf. and a section of Artillery accompanied each train and though they had skirmishing with the Reb
Cav they always succeeded in bringing in a train loaded with corn. Part of this
corn was taken to the Mill, shelled and ground, and the meal issued to all of us
for bread, which was all the kind we had for ten days. . .
Papers of General Milroy, p. 478.
December 10, 1864 - The Plight of Refugees in Nashville
There are large numbers of indigent refugees remaining in our city, and many
destitute citizens, who have before them the gloomy prospect of intense suffering, if they remain here this winter. The prices of clothing, provisions, fuel, and
everything else necessary for the support of human life, have attained an altitude which renders it impossible for those, in what might have heretofore been
esteemed easy circumstances, to maintain their families, without the most
pinching economy. With every disposition to extend the hand of assistance to
the needy, they find themselves unable to render material aid. It is upon this
great middle class that the expense of all our public and private charities have
principally fallen heretofore. The wealthy, wrapped up in their conceit and self
importance, and regarding the poor as not fit to breathe the air they do, have
never done much, and never will, unless from the vainglorious motive of having their alms published to the world. During the present winter, therefore, it
will be as much as the really benevolent can do to take care of themselves. It
would, then be better for all those who have not the means of subsistence to
avail themselves of the notification of the Mayor of Nashville, published this
morning, and go north where there is peace and plenty. Our city is too full; and
we fear if the number of non-producers is not greatly lessened, they will pay
dearly before the blossoms of another Spring gladden our vision.
Nashville Daily Union, December 10, 1864.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 61
December 10, 1864
December 10, 1864 - Gillem's command starts from Knoxville
•See December 10, 1864-December 29, 1864-Expedition from East Tennessee
into Southwestern Virginia NOTE 1
December 10, 1864 - "Provost Order No. 254;" enforcing the price of flour as established in
Provost Order 252
•See November 26, 1864--"Provost Order No. 246;" price fixing in Nashville
by the U. S. Army
Headquarters Post of Nashville
Office of Provost Marshal
Nashville, Tennessee, December 10, 1864
EXTRACT
~~~
II. It having been represented to the general Commanding the Post that flour
dealers in the city are attempting to evade or defy Provost Order No. 252, by
hiding their flour, or openly refusing to sell it at schedule rates ($15 per barrel);
it is hereby ordered, that all flour dealers either merchants or consignees, selling on commission, shall report to this office what amount of flour they have
on hand, and what disposition they either have made or intend to make thereof.
This report must be made by 12 o'clock on Monday, Dec. 12 1864.
All persons who fail to comply with this order will be liable to arrest and their
goods liable to confiscation for the use of [the] Government.
By Command of Brig. Gen. J. F. Miller
Hunter Brooke, Capt. and Provost Marshall
Nashville Dispatch, December 12 1864.
December 10, 1864 - "Skedaddling."
An extraordinary skedaddle took place at the office of the Provost Marshal yesterday morning, when all the clerks rushed helter skelter out of the office and
into the hall as if Old Nick had been after them. Consternation was depicted in
the countenances of some of the guards, but, like veterans, they stood firm at
their post, while our local seized his hat and cane, preparatory to jumping out
the windows; he was prevented from doing so, however, by a kind-hearted
gentleman, who informed him that the supper bell was the innocent case of all
the excitement.
Nashville Dispatch, December 11, 1864.
Page 62 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 10, 1864
December 10, 1864 - Willis Hansford's letter home from Nashville on the whereabouts of his
father after the battle of Franklin
December the 10th, 1864
Nashville, Tenn.
Dear Mother,
I seat myself this morning to answer your letter I received last evening, dated
Dec. the 3rd, which gives me great satisfaction to hear that you are all well.
This letter leaves me well and I hope these few lines will find you the same. I
told you (in) the other letter about Pap getting wounded, but don't know
whether you got the letter or not. He was wounded. I havent heard from him. I
packed him off the field. It was in the night. I could not tell how bad he was
wounded. I don't think it went to the holer. I wanted to stay but I could not get
to stay, but I think he will get well. The Rebs is payrolling (paroling) all the
(Federal) wounded fast as they get so (well enough) they can travel. I got his
money and started you one hundred dollars by William Marcum and I will send
you some more as soon as I get the chance. I don't know when I will get to
come home, but I will come as soon as I can. You do the best you can till I get
to come, and get some body to get wood for you. So I will close for this time,
but remain your son till death.
From Willis Hansford
To Mary Hansford
Write soon.
Willis Hansford Correspondence.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.franklin-stfb.org.
December 10, 1864 - December 29, 1864 - Expedition from East Tennessee into Southwestern Virginia NOTE 1
DECEMBER 10-29, 1864.-Expedition from East Tennessee into Southwestern
Virginia.
SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN TENNESSEE.
December 10, 1864.-Gillem's command starts from Knoxville, Tenn.
12, 1864.-Stoneman's command (Burbridge's and Gillem's forces) advances
from Bean's Station, Tenn.
12, 1864.-Skirmish at Brig Creek, near Rogersville, Tenn.
13, 1864.-Action at Kingsport, Tenn.
14, 1864.-Affair at Bristol, Tenn.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 63
December 10, 1864
29, 1864.-Gillem's command reaches Knoxville, Tenn.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 806.
Report of Brig. Gen. Alvan C. Gillem, U. S. Army to Brig. Gen. ANDREW
JOHNSON, Military Governor of Tennessee, relative to the Expedition into
Southwestern Virginia and East Tennessee, December 10-29, 1864.
HDQRS. BRIGADE GOVERNOR'S GUARDS, Camp near Knoxville, Tenn.,
December 30, 1864.
GEN.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this
command the 10th to the 19th instant:
In accordance with an agreement between Maj.-Gen. Stoneman and myself
that the forces under my command should co-operate in a movement against
the rebel forces in East Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia, I marched from
this place on the 10th instant with 1,500 picked men and horses, unencumbered
with transportation, except a limited number of ambulances (seven), and
encamped that night eight miles beyond Blain's Cross-Roads on the main road
leading to Kingsport. The 11th instant we marched twenty-five miles, and that
night drew seven days' rations from the depot at Bean's Station. Left camp at
daylight on the 12th, and when ten miles this side of Rogersville came upon the
enemy's pickets, which were driven back until we reached Big Creek, four
miles east of Rogersville, where we came upon the enemy (which afterward
proved to be Duke's brigade), occupying a strong position which commanded
the brigade over the creek. Seeing that it would be impossible to attack this
position in front without considerable loss of life, I ordered Maj. Wagner, with
one battalion of the Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, to proceed down the creek
and turn the enemy' left flank by a ford, whilst the Eighth Tennessee Cavalry
made a demonstration of crossing above the bridge. These movements had the
desisted effect, and the enemy abandoned their position. So soon as I perceived
them falling back the remaining two battalions of the Thirteenth Tennessee
Cavalry were ordered to charge them in front, major Wagner's battalion having
crossed the creek in time to join in the charge. The enemy were driven in confusion in the direction of Kingsport. They were pursued until 8 p. m., when my
command was halted ten miles east of Rogersville to rest and feed. At 12 p. m.,
after four hours' rest, I resumed the pursuit, and at daylight reached the bank of
the North Fork, opposite Kingsport, having marched forty-four miles in the
previous twenty-four hours. The enemy were found strongly posted in a cedar
thicket on a bluff commanding the ford, and also in the village of Kingsport.
After consultation with Maj.-Gen. Stoneman, the Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry
was ordered to proceed up the river and cross at Kyle's Ford, two miles and a
half above, and turn the enemy's right flank, whilst I, with two battalions of the
Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, under Lieut.-Col. Stacy, and the Ninth Tennessee Cavalry, under Maj. Hornsby, should cross the river and attack them in
front. To cover our crossing Maj. Wagner, with the Third Battalion of the Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, was ordered to take a position in the shrubbery and
behind the fences near the river on the west bank. At my request Maj.-Gen.
Page 64 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 10, 1864
Burbridge ordered a regiment to support Maj. Wagner, and also one to cross
the river at the same ford by which the Eighth Tennessee passed, but this regiment did not reach Kingsport in time to participate in the engagement. So soon
as the Eight Tennessee Cavalry its appearance on the enemy's right flank, the
Thirteenth and Ninth Regt. 's, with the exception of Wagner's battalion,
charged across the river and attacked them in front. This movement completely
surprised them, and after a feeble resistance, considering the advantage of their
position, they fled in confusion, and were pursued for seven miles. The pursuit
only ended when the enemy, loosing all semblance of organization, scattered
through the woods for safety. The enemy's loss in this charge was 18 killed, 84
prisoners, including Col. R. C. Morgan, commanding brigade. Their subsistence and ammunition train of 14 wagons and 4 ambulances fell into our hands.
That night we encamped three miles east of Kingsport. At 4 o'clock in the
morning of the 14th I marched for Bristol, via Blountville, arriving at the
former place. . . at 1 p. m. . .
~~~
Since the occupation of East Tennessee by the Federal forces, upper East Tennessee has been constantly harassed by raids from Southwestern Virginia. It
was my aim to prevent a repetition of these raids, and so thorough were my
orders executed that I am convinced that any force invading East Tennessee
from that direction before the ripening of the crops of the ensuing year will be
compelled to bring its supplies of forage and subsistence from beyond
Wytheville. I regretted the necessity of giving orders that may cause suffering
from beyond Wytheville. I regretted the necessity of giving orders that may
cause suffering to non-combatants, but regard this as the most effectual means
of protection the people of East Tennessee, whose welfare had been entrusted
to me, and who had already suffered, as the penalty of their loyalty, the loss of
everything but life, and I unhesitatingly gave the order to desolate the route of
the invader. During the expedition many of our horses gave out and were abandoned, with the exception of about forty, these were replaced by others taken
from the country, and which were branded "U. S." on my return to this place.
All the horses are much reduced and require rest.
~~~
I must beg leave to call your especial attention to the dashing gallantry of
Lieut.-Col. Stacy and Capt. Dyer, of the Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, Lieut.'s
Northern, Sam. Bell, and Layman (who lost an arm), Ninth Tennessee Cavalry,
and Sergt. John H. Brown, Eight Tennessee Cavalry, who bore his regimental
colors far in advance of his command and planted them on a piece of the
enemy's artillery in the action of the 16th.
~~~
I am, Governor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. C. GILLEM, Brig. Gen., U. S. Vols., Cmdg. Brigade Governor's Guards.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 819-824.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 65
December 10, 1864
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Pulaski, December 27,
1864—10 p. m.
Maj. Gen. GEORGE STONEMAN, Knoxville, Tenn.:
I have received the report of this date of your operations in East Tennessee and
Southwestern Virginia, and most cordially congratulate you and the officers
and men of your command of your complete and splendid success, and for
which you richly deserve, and I have earnestly recommended you receive, the
thanks of the War Department. Whilst you were driving Breckinridge from
East Tennessee this army gave Hood a very genteel whipping, capturing from
him all of sixty-eight pieces of artillery, large numbers of small-arms, and several thousand prisoners. His army is new thoroughly demoralized and retreating as rapidly as the roads will permit across the Tennessee. Gen. Sherman has
also made a triumphant march through Georgia to Savannah, which place he
captured on the 21st instant, with quantities of stores, arms, and ammunition,
and 150 locomotives. The garrison, under Hardee, made its escape by the
Union Causeway toward Charleston.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers, Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 814-815.
HDQRS. VAUGHN'S BRIGADE, Bristol, December 28, 1864.
GEN.: On my arrived here I find things in better state than expected. All beefcattle are safe and here now; will also get up about 650 out of the 700 hogs
which were here. The telegraph will also get up about to this place; have also
the operator from Jonesborough, Tenn., here, but no instrument; would like to
have one forwarded at the earliest convince. There is one engine here belonging to the Tennessee railroad to have the road repaired as far as the brigade, one
mile this side of Abingdon, and run the engine there with one flat car, which
was left here undisturbed. The Tennessee railroad has been damaged but very
little. The Federal attempted to chop down some uprights at the bridge at Zollicoffer [Bluff City], but were prevented by the home guards. I will have the
hands of the Tennessee railroad help to repair the Virginia railroad as far up as
the Seven-Mile Ford, which I think can be repaired to both points in a few
days.
Very respectfully,
J. C. VAUGHN.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 836.
NOTE 1: There are 16 reports relative to this expedition.
Page 66 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 11, 1864
December 11, 1864 - Capture of Ben South, Thomas E. Tutt and Echo on Cumberland River
by General Lyons
CHIEF QUARTERMASTER'S OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Nashville, Tenn., December 11, 1864.
Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff:
GEN.: The following copies of telegrams just received are furnished for the
information of the major-general commanding:
CLARKSVILLE, December 11, 1864.
Fleet empty boats left last night for down the river. The boat Ben South, some
two hours in advance, it is reported, burned by Gen. Lyon's force at Cumberland City, some twenty miles below this post.
I. P. WILLIAMS, Capt. and Assistant Quartermaster.
CLARKSVILLE, December 11, 1864.
Courier just in from Fort Donelson reports capture of two-boats Echo, and
destroyed; also steamer Thomas E. Tutt, loaded with grain and troops, coming
up, taken and destroyed at Cumberland City.
I. P. WILLIAMS, Capt. and Assistant Quartermaster.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. L. DONALDSON, Brevet Brig.-Gen. and Chief Quartermaster.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 145.
December 11, 1864 - Reconnaissance and skirmish near Kingston Springs
•See December 7, 1864-January 15, 1865-Operations of U. S. C. T.
December 11, 1864 - Conditions in Maury County resulting from the march of Hood's army
. . . The Southern Army has done me great damage the five days they were
here. They have taken 140 acres of corn, burned 30,000 rails, mostly cedar, cut
and destroyed over 25,000 trees that will average over 2 feet across the stump,
took 30 fattening hogs that would average 250 pounds each, took two horses
and the Otey [a neighbor] fully worth $1,000.00 in gold, took off 5 or 6 head of
cattle, the English beeves among the best.
We are trying to get in enough wood to keep warm. The snow is three inches
deep frozen into a sheet of ice. This may well be called the cold Sunday. My
son Thomas stayed all night with me. It was a sad time, with him rejoining the
[Confederate] army today. The parting hear heart rending. I am not able to
describe it, it speaks for itself in silence.
Diary of Nimrod Porter.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 67
December 11, 1864
December 11, 1864 - "The Poor of the City."
The committee appointed by the City Council to supply the wants of the poor
of the city have gone to work in earnest, and it will be seen by the card of Capt.
Wm. DriverNOTE 1, chairman of the committee, published in this morning's
Dispatch, that they have already received contributions in money from citizens
amounting to $1,654. Capt. Driver instituted a faithful search on Friday for
flour, and found only four barrels in the city for sale. This fact show how low
the supply of breadstuffs has run down in the city. There was a heavy demand
at the bakers yesterday for bread, and they were unable to supply it, and many
a poor family will to-day suffer for the want of bread. In this emergency Capt.
Driver applied to Gen. Thomas for the loan of fifty barrels of flour, and the
General generously gave the committee authority to draw that amount from the
commissary, and to-morrow morning the committee will be ready to distribute
fifty pounds to each poor family in need of it. Those making application will be
required to get the alderman of their ward to certify that they are needy and
worthy, when the Mayor will give them an order for the flour. Gen. Thomas
has further aided the committee in their laudable work, by granting them the
use of one car a day on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad to bring in supplies and they have already sent an order to Cincinnati for flour, and will also
order corn meal, hominy, pork, etc. These will be furnished to the poor of the
city at actual cost. The committee have also made arrangements for a supply of
wood, which will be furnished the poor at cost.
The usual supplies of produce are almost wholly cut off. The country people
are afraid to bring their produce to market because their horses are impressed,
and they complain of the difficulty of getting passes. Every facility and protection should be extended to people to induce them to bring in their produce. The
wants of the people could be greatly relieved in this way.
Nashville Dispatch, December 11, 1864.
NOTE 1: The man who gave the U. S. flag the sobriquet "Old Glory."
December 11, 1864 - Excerpts from the journal of Maggie Lindsley describing the Nashville
environs in the shadow of Hood's army
Things grow monotonous—are they to remain thus all winter I wonder! Two
large armies lying here at Nashville looking at each other, and doing nothing
more valorous than destroying what is left of the once beautiful regions about
them! Yesterday's paper states that the damage done in the last few days to
property on the opposite side of the city amounts to between half a million to a
million dollars—all those lovely homes on the Franklin pike, Mr. Putnam'swhat merry times we girls have had in that dear old house!)—Mr. Berry's, Mr.
Duncan's, etc. are utterly ruined I am told. Mrs. A. V. Brown's is Chatham's
headquarters. The rebels are conscripting every man and boy in their lines. It is
whispered that the Nichols have Harry and Mr. More secreted in their house
Page 68 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 11, 1864
altho' the rebels are constantly there, but as the older boys are officers, there is
not much trouble in hiding these two I imagine!
No engagement yet, but cannonading from our forts all the while—no return
from the enemy. We go to sleep to the cannon's roar, we awaken to it. Hood
certainly is only "fooling" as the children say-he cannot mean to be the attacking party-why don't General Thomas attack him! It is said that General J. C.
Brown was again wounded at Franklin.
~~~
We had quite an excitement this morning, occasioned by an order from General
Wilson that our pasture across the lane should be taken as a mule corral, and
accordingly a thousand mules, and their drivers came! Captain Osburne had
about 30 guards here at the time—and ordered them to shoot at the gate the
first man or mule that went in. After many threats, and much disorder the
mules were driven back, tho ' whether we are rid of them remains to be seen.
Even the poor Negroes are being turned out of their homes everywhere by private soldiers. Such is General Wilson's discipline!
~~~
Journal of Maggie Lindsley.
December 11, 1864 - December 12, 1864 - Expedition, U. S. N. to mouth of Stones
RiverNOTE 1
TO: Acting Master E. Morgan, Commanding U. S. S. Springfield FROM:
LCDR LeRoy Fitch, U. S. S. Moose, Below Nashville, Tenn., December 11,
1864.
Sir: There are some barges and steamers up the river about the mouth of
Stone's River which it is desired to bring below, as it is believed the rebels are
about to establish a battery at or near that point. I think that, with due precaution, judgment, and quick action, you can accomplish this work. You must be
very cautious, and be sure to keep your vessel and the steamers while getting
the barges in such a position as no to let the enemy get batteries below or
abreast of you. This is a delicate and important duty, and in trusting it to you I
hope the result will be every way successful and creditable to the Navy. I
would send the Neosho, but at the present state of warfare and severity of the
weather it is almost impossible to do anything with her.
LeRoy Fitch, Lieut. Commander, Comdg, 10th District Mississippi Squadron
(U. S. N. )
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 26, p. 653.
NOTE 1: Referenced neither in OR nor Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 69
December 12, 1864
December 12, 1864 - Stoneman's command (Gillem's and Burbridge's forces) advances from
Beans' Station 10-29NOTE 1
•See December 10, 1864-December 29, 1864-Expedition from East Tennessee
into Southwestern Virginia NOTE 1
December 12, 1864 - Skirmish at Big Creek, near Rogersville
•See December 10, 1864-December 29, 1864-Expedition from East Tennessee
into Southwestern Virginia NOTE 1
December 12, 1864 - Reports of Surgeon J. Theodore Heard, Medical Director, Fourth
Army Corps, relative to the Middle Tennessee Campaign of NovemberDecember 1865
Reports of Surg. J. Theodore Heard, Medical Director, Fourth Army Corps, of
operations November 29-30 and December 15-26, 1864.
HDQRS. FOURTH ARMY CORPS, MEDICAL DIRECTOR'S OFFICE,
Nashville, Tenn., December 12, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the
medical department of the Fourth Army Corps at the battle of Spring Hill and
Franklin, November 29 and 30, respectively:
On the morning of the 29th of November the Fourth Corps (three divisions)
and the Twenty-third Corps (two divisions) were in position on the north bank
of Duck River, opposite Columbia, Tenn. The enemy, or the larger portion of
the rebel army, was upon the south bank and confronting our lines. At 9 a. m.
the Second Division, Fourth Corps, marched for Spring Hill, accompanied by
and guarding all the trains of the army, with the exception of twenty ambulances left with the First and Third Divisions, Fourth Corps, which divisions
were ordered to remain with the Twenty-third Corps until dark and then withdraw with the rest of the army. About 2 p. m., the head of column being within
one mile of Spring Hill, the general commanding was informed that the cavalry
of the enemy was pushing back our cavalry and rapidly approaching the town.
The troops were at once pushed forward at double-quick, passed through the
town, charged the enemy, checked him, and finally caused him to retire. The
division was then placed in position to protect the pike on which the trains
were moving. About 4 p. m. the right brigade(Third Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Bradley) was furiously attacked by what afterward proved to be two brigades of
rebel infantry. The attack was continued until nearly dark, when our right gave
way toward the pike, followed by the enemy. Fortunately, however, all trains
had then passed and were parked north of the town, where also division hospitals were temporarily established and the wounded rapidly cared for. A few
wounded were unavoidably lost when the right gave way. One hundred and fifteen wounded were brought to hospital. Shortly after dark orders were given to
break up hospitals, load ambulances, and be ready to move with the other
Page 70 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 12, 1864
trains at a moment's notice. The rest of the army reached Spring Hill about 10
p. m., and continued their march through the town toward Franklin. The hospital and ambulance trains moved at the same time, reaching Franklin at 10 a. m.
November 30, without loss, although several times attacked by the enemy's
cavalry. The wounded and sick were shipped by rail to Nashville early in the
afternoon. The two divisions of the Twenty-third Corps, with the First and Second Divisions of the Fourth Corps, remained south of Harpeth River and
entrenched themselves; the Third Division, Fourth Corps, crossed to the north
side of the river, and was not engaged in the battle of Franklin.
At about 1 p. m. November 30 the enemy appeared in force opposite our lines.
At 3.30 p. m., as it was determined to withdraw at dark toward Nashville,
orders were given to send all trains, except half the ambulances of each division, to Nashville. Soon after the trains were fairly on the road the enemy commenced a furious attack upon the entire lines. Six distinct assaults were made,
and, by hard fighting, were repulsed, with great loss to the enemy. As soon as
the firing commenced orders were sent for the hospital wagons to be parked in
the nearest filed, and the tents to be temporarily pitched, all ambulances to
return and cross the river. Efforts were then made to obtain a train of cars for
the wounded; the commanding general, however, did not deem it best that one
should be telegraphed for. Owing to the intense darkness and imperfect provision for crossing and recrossing the river, the movements of ambulances were
necessarily retarded. The wounded were collected at hospital as rapidly as possible. The town was thoroughly searched for wounded. Orders were issued for
the withdrawal of troops at 12 o'clock. The ambulances worked constantly
until 11 p. m., and were then loaded to their utmost with wounded collected at
hospitals. Such slight cases of disease as remained were loaded upon arm wagons. The hospitals and ambulance trains were the last to draw out, and were
closely followed by the troops; 550 wounded were brought off. From all that
can be ascertained it is probable that from 75 to 100 wounded of this corps
were left in the hands of the enemy. Many rebel wounded fell into our hands,
but were left for want of transportation. The ambulance train reached Nashville
at 9 a. m. December 1, and the wounded were placed in general hospital. The
following casualties occurred in the ambulance corps of Fourth Army
Corps.NOTE 2
List of wounded and tabular statements of wounded have already been forwarded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. THEO. HEARD, Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers.
Surg. GEORGE E. COOPER, U. S. ARMY, Medical Director, Department of
the Cumberland.
HDQRS. FOURTH ARMY CORPS, MEDICAL DIRECTOR'S OFFICE,
Huntsville, Ala., January -, 1865.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 71
December 12, 1864
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the
medical department of this corps during the battles of December 15 and 16
near Nashville, Tenn.:
On the morning of December 14 orders were received to be ready at 6 a. m.
December 15 to move upon the enemy's position. The hospitals of this corps,
which, since the 2d of the month, had been located near the city on the Franklin
pike, were ordered to be broken up and the hospital train to be parked on the
Hillsborough pike, there to remain until further developments; the sick were
transferred to general hospital. At 7 a. m. December 15 the troops of this corps
moved out by the Hillsborough pike in front of the line of works occupied by
them during the two weeks previous, and formed as follows: First Division on
the right, connecting with the left of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith's command; Second
Division on the left of the First; and the Third Division on the left of the Second and somewhat retired. The hospitals of the corps were at once established
directly on the Hillsborough pike, and about a quarter of a mile in rear of the
line of works. The site selected was the lawn in front of a large brick house;
water was abundant and good. Detachments from each division ambulance
train were close in rear of the troops; the remaining ambulances were parked in
rear of the works and ready to move out when required; the stretcher men were
with their respective regiments. During the fighting of the 15th ultimo the line
of this corps was advanced nearly two miles. The loss in wounded was not
severe, being only 203 men. The wounded were promptly removed the field
and cared for at division hospitals. After dark, the fighting having ceased and
all operations and dressing having been attended to, the wounded were transferred to general hospital. As the position of the corps had now changed from
the Hillsborough pike to the Franklin pike, the hospital trains was ordered to be
loaded and ready to move at daylight on the 16th ultimo.
On the morning of the 16th ultimo the position of the troops of this corps was
as follows: The Third Division on the left of the Franklin pike, connecting with
the right of Maj.-Gen. Steedman's command; Second Division in center; and
the First Division on the right, connecting with the command of Maj. Gen. A.
J. Smith. The hospitals were located on the right and left of the Franklin pike at
"The Springs," about two miles in advance of the old line of works; the ambulances were near the troops. The fighting of to-day was much more severe than
that of yesterday, although the casualties were wonderfully slight. Four hundred and ninety-five men of this corps were wounded and taken to hospital.
Shell wounds were of more frequent occurrence than on the previous day. At
night the wounded, after being attended to, were ordered to be transferred to
general hospital and the hospital trains to be leaded and ready to move at early
day, either for the establishment of the hospitals near the troops in the event of
another battle, or to be ready to follow the corps in case, as was probable, the
enemy should retreat.
The medical and ambulance officers of the corps deserve great praise for the
faithful and efficient manner in which they performed their arduous duties.
With little or no rest for fifty hours, they yet cheerfully and fearlessly contin-
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 12, 1864
ued at their posts. I can truly say that I have never seen wounded more
promptly removed from the field or better carried for in division hospitals.
Medical and hospital supplies were abundant and rations plenty. There were no
casualties in the ambulance corps or among medical officers.
The following number of wounded of other commands was received into hospitals of this corps, viz.,: Rebels, 15; Twelfth U. S. Colored Troops, 2; Thirteenth U. S. Colored Troops, 40; Fourteenth U. S. Colored Troops, 1; One
hundredth U. S. Colored Troops, 3; total of other command, 61.
Inclosed are lists of rebels wounded received into hospitals of this command.
The battle reports of division hospitals have been forwarded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. THEO. HEARD, Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, Medical Director.
Surg. GEORGE E. COOPER, U. S. Army, Medical Director, Department of
the Cumberland.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 174-177.
NOTE 1: Not referenced in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee. This had been dated as
taking place from December 12 to December 29, 1864. See CAR, p. 46.
NOTE 2: Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 killed, 3 wounded, and 1 missing.
December 12, 1864 - "Two More Soldiers Shot."
Two Indiana soldiers were shot, and one of them killed, at a house of ill fame
on College street, yesterday afternoon. The two women occupying the apartment where the men received their wounds, were arrested and taken before
Capt. Moshier the Chief of Military Police. The statement of one of these
women, Emily Elizabeth Clinton, is to the effect that her man's name is John
Moore; that she was born in Missouri and raised in Hamilton county, Tennessee, that the two men who were shot entered the house yesterday afternoon,
and sat by the fire about fifteen minutes when a soldier rode up and threw
rocks at the door, or knocked with his pistol or gun; that one of the men went to
the door and asked "What you want, friend?" when the soldier on horseback
asked if there was any one in the house belonging to the Tenth cavalry. The
man at the door replied "No; there are only two Indianians here." when the soldier fired and the man fell; he fired again, and shot the other man in the cheek.
Witness ran out, and seeing the soldier stopped her as she was running around
the house; jerked the pistol from him, pulled off the caps, and threw the pistol
away; does not know where the pistol is; it was a six-shooter; the man had on
an overcoat and hat, with sabre, sword and pistol; they were all sitting before
the fire when the soldier rode up to the door; the man who was shot through the
cheek was named Sam; witness had seen him only before; had never seen
either of the other two before. Mary Kelly, the other woman arrested, denied all
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 73
December 13, 1864
knowledge of the men, and related about the same tale as to the shooting. Capt
Moshier made a searching examination, and believing the woman knew more
than they were willing to tell, he committed them both to jail. The body of the
dead soldier was removed, and the wounded man was removed to Hospital No.
3
Nashville Dispatch, December 13, 1864.
December 13, 1864 - Reconnaissance, Kingston Springs, east side of N&cRR
•See December 10, 1864-December 29, 1864-Expedition from East Tennessee
into Southwestern Virginia NOTE 1
December 13, 1864 - Action near Rotherwood Hawkins County, at North Fork of Holston
River, and capture of Rebel guerrilla leader
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the MEMORANDA of the Eighth Regiment Cavalry (US):
December 13, 1864.-Reached Rotheswood, Hawkins, county-Eighth Regiment
in front; found the enemy in front on the opposite side of the North Fork of the
Holston River, and under cover. Colonel Patton was ordered to cross the river,
up the stream, and to drive the enemy from under cover, so as to open the ford
for the remainder of the command, which orders he obeyed, attacking and routing the enemy, and capturing the rebel Dick Morgan and a portion of his command.
Report of the Adjutant General, pp. 522-523.
December 13, 1864 - Attack on railroad train near MurfreesboroughNOTE 1
Report of Col. Thomas Saylor, Twenty-ninth Michigan Infantry, of operations
December 13, 1864.
HDQRS. TWENTY-NINTH Regt. MICHIGAN VOL., INFANTRY, Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 14, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with your order of the 13th
instant, I proceeded with my regiment in charge of a train south on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad for the purpose of obtaining fuel, and reconnoitering with the view of preventing the stances would permit me to pass over.
About three miles from town, immediately in the vicinity of the residence of
Mr. Russell, we found a culvert on fire and a few rebels scattered about the premises. I left a sergeant and fifteen men as a guard to that portion of the road,
and proceeded between eight and nine miles, when, on the suggestion of the
conductor, I stopped to lead the train. About 4 p. m., the train being loaded, I
moved cautiously toward town. I had proceeded but a few miles when clouds
of smoke were seen to rise from the track a short distance ahead. On approaching the same and halting the train, we were greeted with a volley of musketry
Page 74 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 13, 1864
from the enemy, who were posted behind a ridge on our left, apparently in
large numbers. I disembarked two companies, deployed them, and threw them
rapidly toward the enemy, who fell back on their approach. In the meantime
the fire was removed from the track and the men lively at work relaying the
same, about fifty feet of which was torn up and thrown aside. About the time
the track was in sufficient repair to pass over they opened upon us with artillery. I then ordered the train to move forward, when, to my surprise, I found
that the brakemen had decamped and the engineer could not be found. He
finally made his appearance after an absence of about ten minutes, during
which time we were exposed to a galling fire and the engine in great danger of
going demolished by the rapid firing of the enemy. We finally got in motion
and moved slowly on, with a line of skirmishers in rear of the train, who were
at times heavily pressed by the rebels. The water-tank of the engine was rent by
a ball and the water escaped, for the want of which point we were obliged to
push it home by hand.
In our exertions to repel the enemy and conduct the train safely in we lost in
killed, wounded, an missing as follows: 1 man killed; 9 men and 1 officer
wounded; 6 men missing; total loss, 17.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS SAYLOR, Col., Cmdg. Twenty-ninth Regt. Michigan Vol. Infantry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 634.
NOTE 1: According to Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee: "Dec. 13-14, Actions, Murfreesborough."
December 13, 1864 - Action at KingsportNOTE 1
•See December 10, 1864-December 29, 1864-Expedition from East Tennessee
into Southwestern Virginia NOTE 1
December 13, 1864 - Frustration and apprehension expressed by one pro-Union woman in
Nashville
~~~
Hood still lies in front of us with his army, and still Destruction is our ruler!
The officers say that the suburbs of the city have been so changed in every
direction during this fortnight that we have been kept at our own post, that we
of Springside would not know them. Trees all gone, beautiful houses pulled
down, as the would interfere with the cannons range, hills turned into threatening fortifications, and lines of soldiers drilling everywhere! Hood himself is at
Mr. Rains's, the next place to Uncle John Trimble's—think of it, as near as that!
No wonder the poor blacks are terrified out of their wits.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 75
December 14, 1864
~~~
Journal of Maggie Lindsley.
NOTE 1: Not referenced in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
December 14, 1864 - Affair at Bristol
•See December 10, 1864-December 29, 1864-Expedition from East Tennessee
into Southwestern Virginia NOTE 1
December 14, 1864 - Skirmish on Germantown road, near Memphis
DECEMBER 14, 1864.-Skirmish on the Germantown road, near Memphis,
Tenn.
Report of Col. Edward F. Winslow, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, commanding Second
Cavalry Brigade.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, December 14, 1864.
Capt. Huff, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, and fifty men were suddenly charged on the
Germantown road, this day about 12 m., by a party, and dispersed, five miles
out. Loss yet unknown, though I judge several were killed, wounded, and perhaps quite a number captured.
Yours, truly,
WINSLOW, Col., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 844.
December 14, 1864 - Scout up the Cumberland River from Nashville
No circumstantial reports filed.
GALLATIN, December 14, 1864—-10 p. m.
Maj. Gen. G. H. THOMAS:
The captain in charge of a party of Fourth Tennessee Cavalry sent up the river
this morning has just reported that he met two of our scouts, who told him that
a force of rebels, with artillery, is opposite Hunter's Point, about twelve miles
above here, and they will probably attempt to cross.
JAMES GILFILLAN, Col. Eleventh Minnesota Infantry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 191.
December 14, 1864 - Rebel cavalry destroys railroad track near Fountain Head
GALLATIN, December 14, 1864—-10.40 p. m.
Maj.-Gen. THOMAS:
Page 76 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 14, 1864
Capt. Buck, of my regiment, stationed at Buck Lodge, on the railroad, ten
miles above here, reports that a force of about 200 rebel cavalry were here,
about 6 o'clock this evening, at Fountain Head, one mile and a half above his
station, tearing up the track and destroying the telegraph.
JAS. GILFILLAN, Col. Eleventh Minnesota Infantry, Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 191.
December 14, 1864 - An excerpt from a Maury County plantation owner's diary relative to
conditions in Middle Tennessee prior to the battle at Nashville
Southern troops are all around Nashville, the scouts and pickets are fighting
every day. We are trying to get straight after the visit of the Southern army,
which we entertained. We are trying to haul up some wood, working the black
mule in the 2 horse wagon, which is all that was left us [by the Southern army].
The [Southern] soldiers are all through our place, so it is hard work to keep
even this mule.
Confederates are conscripting all between 18 and 45, they having employed
substitutes is no excuse. The next call will be between 16 and 50. They may get
me yet.
Diary of Nimrod Porter, December 14, 1864.
December 14, 1864 - JohnWatkins, 19th Ohio Battery, letter home with comments about the
battle of Nashville, prostitution and race relations in Nashville
Nashville Tennessee Dec 14, 1864
Friend John,
It is almost imposible for me to do anything else this morning and for that matter all day but sit in my tent. I have concluded to sit down and write you a few
lines. for it will help pass away the time and it is plenty warm enough to write
this morning. we are in camp on the south side of town and hardly 15 minutes
walk from the Capitol and less than 1000 yds from the line of works held by
our troops on this side of town. Since we have been the rebels have made no
serious moves towards our lines. they moved up and established a line in front
of us. but almost out of reach being miles off. But within reach of the 30 pdr
Parrots in Fort Naglee. farther to the right of us they established there line
within 1000 yards in some places of our line. and once opened a Battery but
they were speedily hushed up and since then have remained remarkably quiet.
Fort Naglee is one of the most important works erected to defend this place
there are a present 7—30 pdr Parrots 4-3 inch guns 4 or 6 Napoleon guns some
24 pdrs howitzers and above all 1 large 7 inch swivel gun, rifled and there is
but very little of the ground near the fort that some of those guns do not cover.
and there Batteries stuck along the breast works that it seems as though nothing
can approach them. Yesterday I was up at the fort to see what was the occasion
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 77
December 14, 1864
of such much musketry. while there I saw three of four lines of battle advancing toward the rebel lines and in a piece of woods in the advance of them the
skirmishers were having a lively little time. But I could not learn the results of
the movement. it has been reported that the rebels were moving and the bulk of
there army is gone. and I suppose the movement was to ascertain what force
there was there. the troops were mostly negroes. for a few days back the
Johnnies have been coming in pretty lively with frozen feet and toes. They are
without blankets and many of them without shoes. and the late cold weather
has been severe on them. last Sunday was a very cold day a piercing cold wind
blowing all the time and that night it froze up hard. Monday the wind subsided
and it was not quite so cold. yesterday it was a little warmer. Thawing all day
and night last night with a little rain. and this morning the frost is almost all out
of the ground and there is mud almost bottomless. yesterday morning we were
expecting to move. but for some reason or other the order was countermanded
and I was gland of it. Of all the nasty muddy places when it is muddy these
large Military posts heart all the immense amount of business down here keeps
all the streets crowded all the time but in more than one respect I think is decidedly the worst place in the country there is more black legs and thieves than I
had an idea there could be in one place and prosper and when we first came
here there was not a night but someone was killed. I have been woke up several
time by the firing of pistols. our fort that we first went in was in an abandoned
part of town given up most entirely to prostitutes. and there is hundreds of
them and I hear they have licensed houses, when we were in Lexington I
though there was a good many there but this place is ahead of anything I ever
saw. It seems though there was nothing else here. for they monopolise everything. all the public hacks and drives. The front seats of all places of amusement I have seen 6 & 8 in a carriage driving by drinking and carousing singing
and hollering like so many drunken men. they are dressed up in the height of
fashion all the time. And it is out of the question for a man to go anywhere with
me meeting some of these painted sephubcres.NOTE 1 and U. S. officers are
there principle maintainers as a matter of course a great many of the night
brawls and fights that very neighborhood and the first thing resorted to is the
pistol. and the quickest man is the best but the private soldiers are a great many
of them but there wages does not carry them far there was one spell that the
15th regulars doing provost duty got down on the negroes soldiers and most
every night killed some of them. the night we came here Andy Johnson made a
speech to the black soldiers and in the course of the evening they had a torch
light procession one of those 15th soldiers was drunk and kept following them
around and hurrahing for McClelland calling Johnson and Old Abe h———
bNOTE 2 and everything else they could think of finally he struck one of them
and then they shot him without any ceremony right in front of Johnsons house
putting 17 balls in him I believe that vexed the regulars so that [they] resolved
to kill every nigger they could. but I guess it all stopped now for I have not
heard anything of it lately——- but I must bring this to a close. hope you will
soon be able to get around and all of you get well. I suppose you have heard
Page 78 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 14, 1864
before now that Bud Carter is at home. I am enjoying good health as usual my
respects to all. the same to yourself and wife
John Watkins
John Watkins Collection
NOTE 1: Ed. note. The editor of this collection believes the author may have meant
"sepulchres," i.e. painted tombs. He may likewise have meant succubus, a
demon in female form supposed to have sexual intercourse with men in their
sleep.
NOTE 2: Perhaps Watkins meant "humbug."
December 14, 1864 - December 15, 1864 - Third Naval engagement at Bell's Mill Bend,
Cumberland River below NashvilleNOTE 1
Excerpt from the December 17, 1864 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Le
Roy Fitch:
About 10 p. m. of the 14th I received a note from headquarters [instructing me
to head for Bells Mill on the Cumberland in the morning]. . . At daylight I got
under way with the following boats. . . Neosho, Carondelet, Moose, Reindeer,
Fairplay, Brilliant and Silver Lake, for the purpose of attracting the attention of
the [Rebel] batteries while our troops were moving to the rear. I sent the
Neosho, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Samuel Howard, on down to go below
the batteries, feel their strength, and then return.
The Neosho was only to engage them to attract their attention. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Howard then returned to where I was, just above their works,
and reported but four guns in position. These I could easily have silenced and
driven off, but our army had not yet advanced sufficiently to insure their capture. I therefore maneuvered around above them till in the afternoon, when our
cavalry had reached the desired position in the rear; the Neosho and Carondelet
then moved down again and the rebels, finding the position they were in, had
tried to remove their guns, but were too late; our cavalry closed in and took
them with but little resistance. Our object having been thus far successfully
carried out, the Neosho and Carondelet then moved on to opposite Bell's Mills,
took position, and tied up to the right bank to assist our cavalry that was at the
time considerably annoyed by a rebel battery of four guns situated on the side
of a hill back from the river about half a mile. A few rounds of shell and shrapnel from our heavy guns, together with the firing from one of our land batteries
planted on a hill above us, soon silenced the rebels and scattered the supporting
column. I think this battery also fell into possession of our cavalry.
It was not getting dark very fast, and not knowing the exact position our forces
had taken the firing on our part ceased and the boats were withdrawn a short
distance above, where they remained until daylight next morning (15th), when
we again dropped down and found our forces in entire and undisputed posses-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 79
December 14, 1864
sion of the field. Having accomplished all that I could on this end of the line I
returned at once to Nashville, and not having received any reports from Acting
Master Morgan, whom I had left above the city to give me information of
movements there, I sent Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Glassford up the river
with the Reindeer, Silver Lake, and Fairplay to ascertain the condition of
affairs in that locality. Having made the desired reconnoissance as far up as
Stone's River and finding all quiet, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Glassford
returned during the night. I was considerably annoyed by Acting Master Morgan's not reporting to me and keeping me informed of affairs above, as he
should have done. I could not therefore pass the matter over without censuring
his for neglect in this particular. . . I am happy to state that our participation in
he stirring events of the last fortnight has been attended without the loss of a
life on our side. . . Some six or eight men in the turret of the Neosho were
somewhat bruised and scratched in the face by a shell striking the muzzle of
one of the guns and exploding, but in fact, our casualties are too trivial to mention.
~~~
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 26, pp. 650-651.
NOTE 1: Referenced in neither Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee nor the OR.
December 14, 1864 - December 15, 1864 - Milroy claims Forrest fails to take Federal supply
trains in Murfreesboro environs
. . . I had a hard fight on the 14th when out with a forage train. Forrest tried to
capture my train, but I licked him again-and again on the 15th. I had a pretty
stiff brush with them when out foraging. . .
Papers of General Milroy, p. 400. NOTE 1
NOTE 1: See also pp. 469-477, Papers of General Milroy, for another rather gasconading account from his letter to his wife of January 1, 1865. Additionally, as
is seen below, Forrest reported destroying supplies and taking prisoners.
See: OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 756.
December 14, 1864 - December 15, 1864 - "The Poor Fund-Bounteous Contribution.
The following correspondence explains itself, and speaks volumes for the liberal donors Messrs. Duffield & Flynn, of the Old Theatre:
Nashville Theatre, Dec. 14, 1864.-Mr. William Driver, Chairman Relief Committee-Dear Sir: Enclosed you will find three hundred ($300) dollars, which
you will please accept as a contribution for the poor from yours, respectfully,
Duffield & Flynn, Managers Nashville Theatre.
Reply of Capt. Driver.
Page 80 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 15, 1864
Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 15, 1864-Messrs. Duffield & Flynn, Managers of the
Nashville Theatre-German: Your note of this date enclosing three hundred dollars for the benefit of the poor of Nashville is before us. In the name of our
many sufferers, we thank you. Gentlemen, you have stretched out your hands
voluntarily and gloriously to wipe away the tears of affliction from the eyes of
the widow and fatherless, and their God will surely bless and protect you and
yours."The blessing of Him that was ready to perish" will gather around your
path, for you have caused the widow's heat "to leap for joy."
Very truly yours,
William Driver, Chairman.
Nashville Dispatch, December 16, 1864.
December 15, 1864 - Capture of railroad train near Murfreesborough
Report of Maj. Jerome B. Nulton, Sixty-first Illinois Infantry, of operations
December 12-15, 1864.
HDQRS. SIXTY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Murfreesborough, Tenn.,
December 22, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report in regard to the recent expedition to Stevenson, Ala., which resulted in the capture of the entire train and a
portion of the escort:
Pursuant to instructions from the general commanding, the Sixty-first Illinois
Infantry, 150 strong, and about forty of the First Michigan Engineers, left Murfreesborough, Tenn., on the 12th instant, with orders to proceed to Stevenson,
Ala., and return without delay with the train laden with supplies for this garrison. We arrived at Stevenson on 13th with but little difficulty, and after having
procured the supplies required we started for Murfreesborough early on the
morning of the 14th. The train was delayed at the Cumberland Mountains in
consequence of being unable to ascend the grade, but we finally succeeded in
crossing and reached Bell Buckle about dark in the evening, where we received
intimation of an enemy in our front. About 2 o'clock at night [i.e., the 15th] we
were fired into at or near Christiana, and upon being informed by the conductor
that he could not run the train back we immediately debarked, formed a line so
as to protect the train, and moved on, repairing the road as we came, but our
progress was necessarily very slow, from the fact that the enemy had cut the
road in various places. Here allow me to state that while in this condition we
dispatched a messenger to Gen. Rousseau to notify him of our situation and
asking for re-enforcement. Fighting continued by the enemy, at which time we
were entirely surrounded by the enemy, with the road cut in our front and rear.
Soon after daylight the enemy dismounted and charged our line, but they were
handsomely repulsed, with considerable loss in killed and wounded. They then
brought their artillery into action, which soon convinced us that we could not
hold the train against such fearful odds. Consequently, about 8 o'clock [the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 81
December 15, 1864
15th], the colonel, 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 81 enlisted men belonging to
the Sixty-first were captured, together with the entire portion of the First Michigan Engineers, including the lieutenant in charge.
~~~
J. B. NULTON, Maj. Sixty-first Illinois Infantry, Cmdg. Regt.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 620-621.
Excerpt from the Report of Brigadier-General Lawrence S. Ross, C. S. Army,
commanding Ross's division, of operations from October 21-December 27,
1864 relative to the capture of a Union supply train on December 15, 1864.
December 15, a train of cars from Stevenson, heavily laden with supplies for
the garrison at Murfreesborough, was attacked about seven miles south of the
City, and although guarded by a regiment of infantry 200 strong, was captured
and burned. The train was loaded with sugar, coffee, hard bread, and bacon,
and carried full 200,000 rations. The men guarding it fought desperately for
about an hour, having a strong position in a cut of the railroad, but were finally
routed by a most gallant charge of the Sixth Texas, supported by the Third
Texas, and 150 of them captured; the others escaped to a block-house near by.
The next day, in consequence of the reverse to our arms at Nashville, we were
withdrawn from the front at Murfreesborough, ordered across to Triune, and
thence to Columbia, crossing Duck River on the evening of the 18th.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 771.
Excerpt from the Report of Major-General Nathan Bedford Forrest, C. S.
Army, commanding cavalry, on operations from November 16, 1864 to January 23, 1865, relative to the capture of a Union supply train on December 15,
1864
~~~
. . . Brig.-Gen. Jackson, who had been previously ordered to operate south of
Murfreesborough, captured, on the 13th, [i.e., 15th] a train of seventeenth cars
and the Sixty-first Illinois Regt. of Infantry, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Grass.
The train was loaded with supplies of 60,000 rations, sent from Stevenson to
Murfreesborough, all of which were consumed by fire, after which the prisoners, about 200 in number, were sent to the rear.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 756.
December 15, 1864 - Destruction of Confederate canoes, skiffs and artillery barges on the
Cumberland River
[Telegram.]
CLARKSVILLE, TENN., December 15, 1864—6:45 a. m.
Page 82 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 15, 1864
I sent two gunboats at 4 o'clock this morning, accompanied by an Army transport and twenty men furnished by Colonel Smith, which destroyed about
twenty of Lyon's canoes and skiffs and brought away two artillery barges found
near Cumberland and in creeks. None of burned transports interfere with channel.
S. P. LEE, Acting Rear-Admiral, etc.
General THOMAS.
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 26, p. 666.
December 15, 1864 - "Slaughtering and Sausage Making."
Yesterday we paid a visit to the slaughter house of Jenkins & Brother, and were
agreeable surprised and delighted with our visit. The establishment is under the
direction of Mr. Peter Craiger, who keeps it in superb order; among his assistants are Uncle Phil. Coleman, who has been butchering here for the last forty
years, and Aunt Esther, who has dressed more tripe during the past thirty five
years than would be required to carpet Davidson county. The most interesting
operations to be witnessed here is the manufacture of sausages. Craiger puts in
the machine the requisite amount of salt, pepper, sage, etc., and about 150
pounds of mean in lumps from half a pound to a pound; he puts the machine in
motion, and in six minutes the meat is ready to be forced into its enclosure.
This last operation is performed by hand, and yards of sausages are thrown out
in a remarkably short space of time, to the astonishment of those inexperienced
in such matters. A visit to this establishment is well worthy the time
required.NOTE 1
Nashville Dispatch, December 16, 1864.
NOTE 1: The irony in this article is found in the fact that the 15th was the first day of
the battle of Nashville, where another kind of slaughter was taking place.
Also, it seems possible that the people of Nashville had more on their minds
than Hood's army.
December 15, 1864 - "Suicide."
The Military Police were yesterday called upon to look after the body of a man
found dead in the bottom north of the city. From a book found upon the body, it
is supposed his name is John Walsh, who enlisted in the 130th Indiana on the
15th Dec. 1864; he shot himself through the right breast about 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, in the bottom north of the Government stables on Crawford
street. After being discovered his body was taken to Hospital No. 8, from
whence he will be buried. On the body was found a revolver, a pocket-book
containing $10, and a prayer-book published by Dunigan & Brother, in 1854,
in which the above name was written. In a blank leaf of his prayer book is
inscribed, "Presented by a friend to Dennis O'Leary, of Huntington, Hunting-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 83
December 15, 1864
ton county, Indiana." The names of Mary Cahil and of Mrs. Haly are also written in the book. If any person is acquainted with the deceased he is requested to
make known the fact to this office, or to Capt. Morhiser, Chief of the Military
Police.
Nashville Dispatch, December 16, 1864.
December 15, 1864 - Confederate attack upon the steamer Piketon
The steamer Piketon went up the river for wood, about 10 o'clock yesterday
morning. After going up about five or six miles, the Confederates opened on
her with musketry, and succeeded in wounding one or two of her men. She
passed on a few miles further, when a battery opened on her, killing Mr.
Blakely, the wood clerk, and badly wounding Mr. Geo. Williamson, the mate
of the boat. A six-pound shot went through the smoke-stack, and the cabin was
riddled with musket balls. The Piketon returned as fast as possible, and one or
two gunboats went up to shell the Confederates out of the way.
Nashville Dispatch, December 16, 1864.
December 15, 1864 - "The Poor."
Councilman Sayers distributed food and fuel to about three hundred poor people yesterday, whose smiling countenances in a measure compensated him for
the loss of his dinner.
Nashville Dispatch, December 16, 1864.
December 15, 1864 - Confederates attack and scatter Nashville woodchoppers
It was reported yesterday that the Rebels had crossed the Cumberland at Cornelius' farm, and drove in the wood-choppers, who fled towards town.
Nashville Dispatch, December 16, 1864.
December 15, 1864 - December 16, 1864 - Battle of NashvilleNOTE 1
The Battle of Nashville, December 15-16, 1864.
Rather than counterattacking the Confederates and attempting to destroy
Hood's superior force at Franklin. General Schofield withdrew his army from
Columbia to the safety of Nashville. Schofield joined Major-General George
Thomas who commanded abundant numbers of Federal troops stationed in and
around Tennessee's capitol City. Nashville, occupied since February, 1862, was
one of the most solidly barricaded cities in North America. Nashville was an
essential Federal transportation, communications, and supply center for martial
activities west of the Appalachians. Subsequent to assigning his troops only a
day to care for the wounded and inter the large number of Confederate killed at
Franklin, Hood gathered his forces together. He then pursued Schofield and
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 15, 1864
attempted to lay siege to Nashville. He hoped to draw the Federal army out of
its entrenched and well fortified positions. It was the Federal strategy to entice
Hood toward Nashville where superior forces would decimate the Army of
Tennessee. It was a winning scheme.
Although Thomas was urged to attack before Hood had an opportunity to fortify his troops, the elements postponed the final battle. On December 8, a stinging ice storm bashed Nashville, preventing any action by either army for an
entire week. Major-General Thomas attacked Hood's positions on the hills
south of Nashville on December 15 in a thick fog. The United States Colored
Infantry carried out diversionary maneuvers throughout the day with great loss
of life. After a day of fighting, General Hood regrouped his battered army in
order to establish a shorter defensive-not offensive-front. On December 16,
General Thomas launched a reinvigorated attack in the afternoon which
abruptly overwhelmed the Confederate defensive positions.NOTE 2 The Army
of Tennessee was vanquished and retreated southward with Federal cavalry
and infantry in pursuit. Fighting rear guard actions for ten days, Forrest's cavalry successfully held the Union forces at bay. Federal forces abandoned the
pursuit and permitted the Confederates to cross the Tennessee River into Mississippi. This textbook retreat marked the end of significant Civil War activity
in Tennessee.
THE FIRST VICTORY AT NASHVILLE
SKETCH OF THURSDAY'S BATTLE
Nashville, Tenn., 15th. The army commenced moving today with Stedman's
corps on the left, the 4th corps next, then A. J. Smith's corps. The cavalry
moved to the right, and the 23d corps was held in reserve. Reconnoitering
lasted until meridian, when at 121/2 o'clock the order to advance was given,
and the whole column moved onward. The rebels expected Thomas would
attempt to turn their left flank, and prepared works to receive our forces. To
keep up the delusion, Stedman was ordered to skirmish heavily on the rebel's
left. While Stedman was maneuvering the rebels were massing their right, and
we concentrating the 16th and 23d corps and Wilson's cavalry on our right. The
result was that when the bugles sounded the advance, our right wing advanced
rapidly between the left of the rebels and the Cumberland River, completely
doubling up a rebel division posted to blockade the river. A battery was taken
here and sent to the rear.
The rebels by this time perceived that our attack on the right was a feint, and
Hood soon attempted to atone for his mistake, but was too late. Our right had
established a force on the main bank of the river and was rapidly advancing.
The whole 23d corps had taken position on the extreme right, while Smith's
corps, executing a half wheel movement, drove the rebels before them easily
and rapidly. The hill where the rebels were posted was taken with little loss.
In an hour or so the rebels presented a strong front, and our progress for a
moment was checked. It was now visible that the contest was about to com-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 85
December 15, 1864
mence. Another diversion on our left was made to enable our right to get into
position and strengthen themselves ready for a charge. In front of the 4th corps
and about one mile beyond the rebels had a strong line of works defended by a
heavy line of skirmishers.
Wood ordered a charge, and with promptness and decision the men leaped over
the breastworks and advanced. In less than twenty minutes our force had possession of the rebel works, and the banners of the 4th corps were planted upon
them. Our men, flushed with victory, without orders pushed forward and
reached the second line of rebel works by most strenuous exertions, capturing
some prisoners, which with those captured previously, amounted to over one
thousand.
The second line of intrenchments, now in sight, was located on the verge of a
hill, a mile beyond the skirmish line. These intrenchments were built with great
skill. Some time elapsed before our men got in position to advance. Our cavalry had advanced meanwhile until its right wing rested on the hills six miles
beyond Nashville. Moved from the river they now maneuvered without difficulty. Instead of facing west they now faced directly south.
The corps of Schofield and Smith were in position directly parallel on the left.
Our skirmishers advanced to Hillsboro' pike, sheltering themselves behind the
fences on the north side, while the 4th corps formed right angles, the front division lying directly across the Hillsboro' pike, and the remainder being to the
left. While these movements were going on our lines were forming and batteries being placed. The rebels could be distinctly seen moving to the left toward
Hillsboro', with a view to prevent our turning their left. As far as could be
ascertained the entire rebel reserve was thus thrown in front of our right and
centre. In the meantime our commanders sent reinforcements equally strong to
the posts menaced by the rebels.
At half-past three all was ready for the charge on the second line of the rebel
works. The position was a strong one, and to reach which our forces had to
ascend hills to an elevation of 15 degrees, without any protection. Our forces
were massed and hurled with irresistible force against the rebel lines. At ten
minutes before 5 the charge commenced. The 1st and 2d divisions of the 4th
corps moved west, and the 3d division, at right angles with it, moved south. On
the right of the fourth corps was the corps of A. J. Smith. The 1st and 2d divisions of the 4th corps had the hardest part of the task. They had to move in
exposed positions to the rebel works in front, and these works were more formidable and stronger than elsewhere. Under a heavy fire of grape, canister and
musketry, our men moved steadily forward. A few of our men were killed, but
the casualties were fewer than was expected, owing to the rebels firing too
high.
After advancing within one hundred and fifty yards of the works the rebel fire
became very severe. Our troops never wavered, but with shouts along the line
they advanced and were almost immediately upon the intrenchments. The distance yet to be passed did not exceed one hundred yards, and reinforcements
Page 86 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 15, 1864
were in sight coming up, yet the rebels evinced no signs of retreating, and discharged volley after volley into our ranks at a distance of twenty-five yards. A
few of our men had now reached the works and were using the bayonet when
some few of the rebels fled, followed by others, and soon all broke and fled in
the wildest confusion. Their artillerists attempted to secure four 12-pounder
Napoleon guns, but succeeded in getting only one off the field. The other three
fell into our hands, together with two caissons and a large lot of small arms. We
also captured in this charge about 400 prisoners. Prisoners reported that Hood
told them they could hold their position against any Yankee force which could
be brought against them. Our losses did not exceed 100 killed and wounded.
Smith's and Schofield's corps had in the meantime advanced half a mile to the
south of Hillsboro' pike, capturing a whole battery of six guns. This makes the
total of artillery captured today-five guns being taken on the extreme left by
the 15th Ohio-amount to 18 guns. Several battle flags were also taken. The
rebel loss in killed and wounded was not less than 600, while ours was about
300.
The rebels have taken up another line, and may defend it tomorrow if they do
not retreat tonight.
The colored troops behaved splendidly, and lost severely. Col. Schaffer's colored regiment and the 17th colored regiment lost nearly all their officers.
The steamer Pike, while proceeding up the river, was fired into by the rebels
when three miles from the city. One man was killed and four wounded. She
turned back.
The gunboat fleet were engaged down the river, about fourteen miles from the
city, shelling the rebel left. The headquarters of Chalmers was captured with
fifteen wagons and all his books, papers, valuables, &c. These are now at our
headquarters.
The Provost Marshall General says about 550 prisoners have reached the city
up to 9 P. M. The total number of prisoners captured will not fall short of 1200.
Boston Evening Transcript, December 19, 1864. NOTE 3
NOTE 1: Any attempt here to more fully discuss the Battle of Nashville would fail to
reach the quality and analysis of accounts previously written by excellent
historians. Many excellent secondary studies of the battle exist and to
present only a few of the 258 separate official accounts would prove inadequate, unnecessary and hackneyed. Nevetheless, a brief accounting is made
here.
NOTE 2: See map in OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 408.
NOTE 3: As cited in: http://www.jimlyons.com.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 87
December 16, 1864
December 16, 1864 - Dodging the Confederate draft in Maury County
•See December 18, 1864--"Conscripting-Losses by the People."
Preparations are making by the Confederate officers to conscript every one
they can force into service, there have many men left Maury County and particularly the Towns to parts unknown some have give up to Fedrels and others
dodging any way to keep out of the conscripts. Great many have gone to Nashville with the Fedrels, hundreds and thousands of negroes have went off with
the Fedrals when they left here the last days of Nov. men women &children,
from Maury & Giles counties. The conscripts [i.e., conscription squads] take
all between the age of 18 & 45 they having employed substitutes is no excuse
for the southern confederacy and all between 16 & 18 & 45 & 50 years of age
are to be conscripted. . .
Diary of Nimrod Porter, December 16, 1864.
December 16, 1864 - Circus benefit for the poor during the battle of Nashville
The Circus gives a performance to-night for the benefit of the poor of the city.
This fact alone ought to crowd the tent, and there can be no doubt but the proprietors will be rewarded generously.
Nashville Dispatch, December 16, 1864.
December 16, 1864 - "The Remarkable Stays."
Gaynor's celebrated Corsets, so strongly recommended by the Medical Faculty
of Europe, for their peculiar adaptation to the figure, combining lightness and
strength of texture, with perfection in style, cut and finish, which secures that
ease and comfort in every attitude, obtained only by the use of these Corsetscan be had in Nashville only at
Chas. Simmons & Co.'s
No. 5 Simmons Block
Opposite St. Cloud, Church street.
Nashville Dispatch, December 16, 1864.
December 16, 1864 - A Domestic response to the Battle of Nashville
The cannon has been thundering all day yesterday and all today. The battle evidently is raging at last, and will certainly be a furious one under the circumstances—the rebels in sight of their homes will fight with desperation.
Jamie has not been out to us for several days, nor Pa—and we have only had
the daily papers, which however are silent on this one point of course—any
statement of the actual condition of affairs being prohibited. Captain Lamotte
and Lieut. Torry called this morning, but they are still on our side of the
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 16, 1864
bridge—they said that yesterday for the first time the rebs returned our fire.
Every report shakes the hole house—but we do not mind it, but keep quiet
around roaring fires,-for it is bitterly, bitterly cold—and try to read as usual,
but it is rather difficult with such an accompaniment ringing our ears. The little
Mother even tries to sing occasionally, but "Highland Mary," "Bonnie Doon,"
"The Ingleside" and the sweet songs of Moore which she loves don't harmonize well with the cannon's roar, and so she tries "Clansmen up, & March awa!
March awa! Gather to the pibroch ca! For the Bruce and Scotland's glory!'
which she thinks much more appropriated;-to Captain Osburne's intense
delight & amusement, for he enjoys her clear, birdlike voice. . .
But really it is wonderful how we could have become so accustomed to this
state of affairs as to take it so quietly as we are doing today! I remember when
two years ago the battle was raging as far off as Murfreesboro, how excited we
all were, and how I started and trembled at the faint, far off sound—so indistinct as to be merely suspected in fact—and was too unnerved to do anything
but think of the horrible carnage then going on: while today when the deadly
work in going on within a mile of our own doors, within sight indeed!--when
the artillery is deafening, we sit before the fire quietly, read, chat & laugh! And
when I grow too nervous for anything else I seek relief in writing in my
journal. . .
~~~
Later
Van has just returned from town, here's his news. General Thomas attacked
Hood yesterday; morning—took his nearest works—captured 1000 prisoners,
and much artillery—the battle still continues today. Harding is not Hood's
Headquarters—Forrest is near the Lunatic Asylum, and Van heard that Trimble, Tully and Neill Brown, and Frank Reid also are all with him. Poor boys!
"So near and yet so far" from home! Tully always vowed he hated the ballad
"Home sweet home!"—I wonder if he "hates" it yet!
~~~
Journal of Maggie Lindsley.
December 16, 1864 - December 17, 1864 - "Seeing the Elephant."
Two of the fancy women of College street went out on Friday [16th] to see the
fight. By some means their carriage got outside of the picket lines and inside
the rebel lines before they were aware of the fact. Seeing Rebel soldiers about,
they ordered the hackman to "bout ship" and put for town, but before he could
do so, the carriage was surrounded by Rebel cavalry, who took the establishment in charge, believing the occupants were spies. They were sent to the rear
and placed under guard, where they remained until the retreat commenced, and
then they were ordered to move southward, another nymph du pave having in
the meantime been picked up and placed in the same hack. At length the horses
gave out-they could no longer draw the load through the mud; so three cavalry-
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December 1864 — Page 89
December 17, 1864
men were ordered to take them in charge. The women protested, and begged
consideration for their laces and valuable silk dresses, but without avail. They
were compelled to evacuate the carriage and mount in front or behind the riders as each preferred, and thus they entered Franklin, literally covered with
mud. They were placed under guard at a hotel, and closely questioned by an
officer, who seemed at a loss to know what to do with them, whether to send
them south as spies, or send them adrift. At length, on Saturday [17th], the
Federal cavalry came thundering along, and the women were left in their room.
On Sunday night they arrived here, one of them riding behind a Federal guard,
and the other two riding an old mule, and thus they were landed at the door of
the Provost Marshal's office, who, after taking evidence of their identity, discharged them.
Nashville Dispatch, December 22, 1864.
December 17, 1864 - Action at Holly [a.k.a."Hollow"] Tree GapNOTE 1
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Major-General Henry D. Clayton, C. S. Army,
commanding division, of operations November 20-December 27, 1864, relative to Hollow (a.k.a. Holly) Tree Gap, December 17, 1864.
~~~
. . . About 2 o'clock at night it [i.e., Holtzclaw's brigade] was halted seven
miles from Franklin and bivouacked until 5 o'clock. Daylight on the morning
of the 17th found us in position at Hollow Tree Gap, five miles from Franklin,
Stovall's brigade and a section of Bledsoe's battery being upon the right and
Pettus' brigade upon the left of the road, and the other two brigades in rear.
About 8 a. m. the enemy's cavalry made their appearance, driving in our own
cavalry in a most shameful manner, a few pursuing them even through the line
of infantry and cutting with their sabers right and left. A few shots from the
infantry, however, drove them back, with the loss of a stand of colors. About 9
a. m. they again advanced upon this position, when we succeeded in capturing
about 100 men, with their horses, and another stand of colors. At about 10 a. m.
we were withdrawn from this position and crossed Harpeth River a few miles
from this place. After some slight skirmishing we were relieved by Maj.-Gen.
Stevenson's division. For the particulars of the capture of seventy-five officers
and men of Holtzclaw's brigade, and a like number from Gibson's brigade, I
refer to the reports of their respective brigade commanders. For this occurrence
I think no one to blame but our cavalry, who, all the day long, behaved in a
most cowardly manner. It is proper, however, that I should make one bright
exception to this general remark: I refer to the case of Col. Falconnet, commanding a brigade, who, when about to cross the Harpeth River, seeing the
enemy charging upon Gibson's brigade, drew his revolver, and gathering less
than 100 brave followers, dashed upon the enemy, more than twenty times his
number. After having been relieved, as above stated, by Gen. Stevenson, the
division was moved on slowly, halting occasionally so as to keep within a short
Page 90 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 17, 1864
distance of his command. Six miles south of Franklin, the division being at a
halt in the road, I learned that the enemy were moving around Gen. Stevenson.
I immediately placed my command across the road, Stovall's brigade, Col. R. J.
Henderson commanding, on the right, Gibson's in the center, and Holtzclaw's,
Col. Bushrod Jones commanding, upon the left. Hearing considerable firing in
the rear I ordered Col. Jones to move Holtzclaw's brigade forward in line of
battle, keeping his right resting on the pike, so as to render any assistance that
might be necessary to Gen. Stevenson. Having given some general instructions
to Gen. Gibson as to keeping out skirmishers and scouts, I directed him to take
command of the two brigades, and with my staff rode up the pike to communicate with Gen. Stevenson. Upon coming up with Col. Jones I learned that the
enemy in large force was forming upon his left as if for the purpose of charging. I then rode forward and informed Gen. Pettus, whose brigade was near by,
of the disposition I had made for his support, and started back to where I had
left Gen. Gibson with the two brigades; when in about 100 yards of the left of
Gen. Gibson's command, which rested upon the pike, I saw a column of cavalry moving obliquely and just entering the road a few paces in my front. An
infantry soldier of my command, recognizing me (it being then quite dark), ran
up to me and whispered, "They are Yankees." Turning my horse to the left, so
as to avoid them, I moved rapidly to the right of Gen. Gibson's line, and after
narrowly escaping being killed by several shots fired at me through mistake, I
communicated the information to Gen. Gibson, who promptly wheeled his brigade to the left and delivered a volley which scattered the enemy, killing many
of them. I then, at the suggestion of Gen. Gibson, moved back these two brigades behind a fence, in order to better resist a charge and also for greater security against firing into our own men. This position was scarcely taken when the
enemy again began to move from the left upon the pike in our immediate front.
Demanding to know who they were, I was promptly answered, "Federal
troops," which was replied to by a volley, killing several and again driving
them off, leaving a stand of colors, which was secured. The enemy having
finally retired and the firing having ceased, I communicated my intentions to
Gen. Stevenson and moved off my command.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 699-700.
NOTE 1: This was probably the first rear-guard action during the Army of Tennessee's retreat from the Battle of Nashville.
December 17, 1864 - Action at Franklin
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Brigadier-General James T. Holtzclaw, C. S. Army,
commanding brigade, of operations November 20-December 27, 1864, relative
to the action at Franklin, December 17, 1864.
~~~
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 91
December 17, 1864
. . . At 11 p. m. [16th] I halted four miles from Hollow Tree Gap, remaining
until 3 a. m. [17th], when I moved inside of the gap and halted in rear of Pettus'
brigade. At daylight our cavalry stampeded, ran through the gap, and formed a
mile in the rear. I sent, by direction of the major-general, a regiment up the hollow to the left of the gap. The enemy passing to the right induced the withdrawal of the brigades from the gap. I was unable to communicate with a
portion of the regiment sent out, the enemy dashing in in force between us. I
moved in rear of the brigade in line of battle to within one mile of Franklin,
where I passed the brigade of Gen. Gibson, drawn up to support a section of
artillery. I hurried across the river and formed on the southern bank, in Franklin. By the time I had formed, the enemy's cavalry pursued Buford's cavalry
division, driving it in confusion into the river. They were repulsed by Pettus'
brigade, in the works north of the river, and the section of Bledsoe's battery, in
my line on the south, not getting in musket-range of my command. The portion
of the regiment I had detached in the morning and could not communicate with
passed around the hills to the left of the pike, running five miles to get there.
They came into the pike just at the position taken by Gen. Gibson, exhausted
with running around the enemy's cavalry. Without notice to myself or authority
from the major-general, Brig.-Gen. Gibson ordered this detachment of about
seventy-five men to remain and cover the battery. Then withdrawing with the
battery he withdrew his brigade, while my small detachment, in obedience to
his orders, held the position, covered the retreat of himself and the section. As
a matter of course they were overwhelmed by the enemy's cavalry, 2,000 or
3,000 of whom had surrounded them, three officers and five men only escaping. I went into line next just outside of the trenches of Franklin. The enemy's
cavalry dashed up to within 300 yards of my line, firing carbines and pistols.
Three or four volleys drove them back. I then marched back in line, halting
every few hundred yards until I passed through the gap south of Franklin.
Moving on with the division I was ordered into line about six miles from Franklin just before dark. Just after I had formed another of the many cavalry stampedes from Chalmers' division occurred. In trying to get them out of my line
and formed on the left I received a severe contusion on the ankle, so painful as
to prevent my doing anything for several hours. I retired to seek medical aid, a
fight with the enemy's cavalry occurring shortly after. My brigade acted under
orders of the major-general. I need not, therefore, speak of its operations in that
affair.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 706-707.
December 17, 1864 - Action at West Harpeth River
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Lieut. Gen. Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Army Corps, of operations November 2—December 17, 1864, relative to
the action at the West Harpeth River, December 17, 1864.
Page 92 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 17, 1864
COLUMBUS, MISS., January 30, 1865.
~~~
Early on the morning of the 17th our cavalry was driven in in confusion by the
enemy, who at once commenced a most vigorous pursuit, his cavalry charging
at every opportunity and in the most daring manner. It was apparent that they
were determined to make the retreat a rout if possible. Their boldness was soon
checked by many of them being killed and captured by Pettus' (Alabama) and
Stovall's (Georgia) brigades and Bledsoe's battery, under Gen. Clayton. Several
guidons were captured in one of their charges. I was soon compelled to withdraw rapidly toward Franklin, as the enemy was throwing a force in my rear
from both the right and left of the pike on roads coming into the pike near
Franklin and five miles in my rear. This force was checked by Brig.-Gen. Gibson with his brigade and a regiment of Buford's cavalry under Col. Shacklett.
The resistance which the enemy had met with early in the morning, and which
materially checked his movement, enabled us to reach Franklin with but little
difficulty. Here the enemy appeared in considerable force and exhibited great
boldness, but he was repulsed, and the crossing of the Harpeth River effected. I
found that there was in the town of Franklin a large number of our own and of
the enemy's wounded, and not wishing to subject them and the town to the fire
of the enemy's artillery, the place was yielded with but little resistance. Some
four or five hours were gained by checking the enemy one mile and a half
south of Franklin and by the destruction of the trestle bridge over the Harpeth,
which was effected by Capt. Coleman, the engineer officer on my staff, and a
party of pioneers, under a heavy fire of the enemy's sharpshooters. About 4 p.
m. the enemy, having crossed a considerable force, commenced a bold and vigorous attack, charging with his cavalry on our flanks and pushing forward his
lines in our front. A more persistent effort was never made to rout the rear
guard of a retiring column. This desperate attack was kept up till long after
dark, but gallantly did the rear guard—consisting of Pettus' (Alabama) and
Cumming's (Georgia) brigades, the latter commanded by Col. Watkins, of
Stevenson's division, and under that gallant and meritorious officer Maj. Gen.
C. L. Stevenson—repulse every attack. Brig.-Gen. Chalmers with his division
of cavalry covered our flanks. The cavalry of the enemy succeeded in getting
in Stevenson's rear, and attacked Maj.-Gen. Clayton's division about dark, but
they were handsomely repulsed, Gibson's and Stovall's brigades being principally engaged. Some four or five guidons were captured from the enemy during the evening. About 1 p. m. I was wounded while with the rear guard, but
did not relinquish command of my corps till dark. Most of the details in conducting the retreat from that time were arranged and executed by Maj.-Gen.
Stevenson, to whom the army is much indebted for his skill and gallantry during the day.
I cannot close this report without alluding particularly to the conduct of the
artillery of my corps on the 16th. Sixteen guns were lost on the lines. The
greater portion of them were without horses, they having been disabled during
the day. Many of the Carriages were disabled also. The noble gunners, reluc-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 93
December 17, 1864
tant to leave their guns, fought the enemy in many instances till they were
almost within reach of the guns.
Maj. Gen. Ed. Johnson was captured on the 16th. Being on foot he was unable
to make his escape from the enemy in consequence of an old wound. He held
his line as long as it was practicable to do so. The Army of Tennessee has sustained no greater loss than that of this gallant and accomplished soldier.
~~~
Yours, respectfully,
S. D. LEE, Lieut.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 689-690.
December 17, 1864 - "Brutal Murder of Soldiers"
Several soldiers and officers of the First Tennessee Cavalry, who were in the
fight at Franklin and were wounded, were at their homes on furlough, and were
captured the other day in Hancock county. Lieut. Stapleton was taken out, and
after his boy was pierced with several bullets, his brains were beaten out by the
rebel soldiers with the butts of their guns. Lieut. Fox was also captured and
taken off and his fate is not known. This is the treatment our wounded soldiers
receive when captured by these wild beasts, these devils incarnate, these murderers, thieves and assassins and imps of hell. And yet, when we capture these
most diabolical bushwhackers, they are treated as prisoners of war, and are,
after a time, exchanged as prisoners.
The rebel citizens, who have promising sons in the rebel service give information of certain Federal soldiers being at home and cause these raids into their
neighborhoods. When next our Tennessee troops into those sections, we hope
they will have the manliness to hang the guilty rebels as they come to them,
and apply the torch to what they have in the way of this world's goods. We
have all been fooling with these incarnate devils, and the sooner we cease to
trifle with them the better it will be for our families and our country.
Brownlow's Knoxville Whig and Rebel Ventilator, December 17, 1864.
December 17, 1864 - Federal orders to clean the Nashville battlefield of the dead and of
weapons
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Granny White Pike,
December 17, 1864.
Brig. Gen. JOHN F. MILLER, Cmdg. Post of Nashville:
GEN.: The major-general commanding directs that you send a regiment over
the field of yesterday to bury the dead, collect the artillery, small-arms, and
other material captured from the enemy. Teams sufficient to haul twenty-three
pieces of artillery will be required, that being the number captured yesterday.
Page 94 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 18, 1864
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brig.-Gen. and Chief of Staff.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 244.
December 17, 1864 - Hood's army's retreat after the battle of Nashville, the view of one
Maury County resident
Hood's army is leaving Nashville and falling back, the Federals in pursuit after
a great defeat, many of his men killed, many taken prisoner. The wagons of the
Southern army have been passing all night going south. They are camping all
around hunting everything[,] some are wounded. There is not much left for
them or his neighbor in the country. They are the worse looking and most broken down looking set [of soldiers] I ever laid eyes on.
Diary of Nimrod Porter, December 17, 1864.
December 17, 1864 - Capture of Louisiana Confederates and Battle Flags near Brentwood
Battle Flags Captured.—General Jas. F. Knipe, of the 7th cavalry division,
made a lucky hit on Saturday [17th] afternoon, near Brentwood, capturing two
flags belonging to the fourth and thirtieth Louisiana cavalry, together with
about two hundred and fifty prisoners, including twenty commissioned officers, the brigade musicians, and two sets of musical instruments, one of silver
and the other of brass. The flag of the 30th Louisiana was faded and torn, red
cotton ground, with blue cross, and twelve silver bullion stars on the cross.
That of the 4th Louisiana, commanded by Col. Hunter, who was also captured,) is a magnificent one; the ground is of red bunting, with a cross made of
heavy blue silk, the border of yellow twilled silk, twelve gold stars being upon
the cross. The flag bears the following inscription: "Jackson, Port Hudson,
Baton Rouge, and Shiloh."
Nashville Dispatch, December 20, 1864.
December 18, 1864 - Skirmish at Spring Hill
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Col. Datus E. Coon, Second Iowa Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations September 30, 1864—January 15,
1865, relative to the skirmish at Spring Hill, December 18, 1864.
HDQRS. SECOND Brig., FIFTH DIV., CAVALRY CORPS, MILITARY
DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Gravelly Springs, Ala., January 20, 1865.
~~~
December 18, moved at daylight, continuing the pursuit to Spring Hill, where
we found a considerable force of the enemy, and fired but a few shots, when
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 95
December 18, 1864
they fell back in confusion. Camped for the night three miles south of Spring
Hill. . .
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 592.
December 18, 1864 - Skirmish at Chattanooga
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
December 18, 1864 - "Conscripting-Losses by the People."
•See December 16, 1864--Dodging the Confederate draft in Maury County
We met Mr. Archer Cheatham yesterday, who was reported to have been conscripted by the Rebels, but the report was without foundation, as he succeeded
in eluding the conscript officer. He was more fortunate in this than some of his
neighbors, among whom were John H. Williams, Ben. Wood, Wm. Yates, Wm.
Henry Smith, and _____ Raymond, who were conscripted. Mr. Williams was
not taken off by the conscripting officer when notified, and as he is now within
the Federal lines, will of course stay here. It is reported that a considerable
number of citizens of this county who were within the Rebel lines were conscripted, and either put into the ranks or sent off to some camp or post.
We learn from Mr. Cheatham that the two armies have swept his neighborhood
of almost everything than an army could use, such as stock of all kinds, poultry, grain, etc., while fences have disappeared as if by magic. No houses were
burned near him. The Rebels "pressed" nearly all the valuable horses and
mules, and took whatever they could find for the support of men and animals,
and the Federals took the balance. It is evident the loss sustained by the people
residing on the territory occupied by the two armies and contiguous thereto,
will amount to an immense sum, while the hardships resulting from these
losses cannot be imagined.
Nashville Dispatch, December 18, 1864.
December 18, 1864 - "Marriage Licenses;" nuptials during the battle of Nashville.
The Clerk of the County Court of Davidson county issued licensed during the
past week, authorizing the solemnization of marriage between the following
persons:
[list of 18 couples follows]
Nashville Dispatch, December 18, 1864.
Page 96 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 19, 1864
December 18, 1864 - The aftermath of the Battle of Nashville; one pro-Union woman's journal entry
Sunday again and with it peace and quiet. The battle is over. Confederates have
retreated, General Thomas pursuing. Last night our army was at Franklin. Glorious Thomas! (I cannot speak his name without tears and from that I know I
am pretty well shattered by all the recent excitement.) Countless blessings on
his noble head!
Captain LaMotte and Dr. De Graw spend today with us—they had visited the
battlefield yesterday, and described it as they saw it, still covered with dead
and dying. I don't care to write or to think of what they told me of what they
saw. I sicken to think of all the sad changes since I was at beautiful Belmont a
few weeks ago! And now this terrible dread of who are lying dead out there on
that battle-fields hangs over us! Van went out to the field yesterday—but he is
sick at heart—boy as he is—and will say nothing but that he is haunted by the
terrible sight, and would give everything to blot it out, and have his mind as
clear as it was 24 years ago.
Journal of Maggie Lindsley.
December 19, 1864 - Skirmish at Rutherford's Creek
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Col. Datus E. Coon, Second Iowa Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations September 30, 1864—January 15,
1865, relative to the skirmish at Rutherford's Creek, December 20, 1864.
HDQRS. SECOND Brig., FIFTH DIV., CAVALRY CORPS, MILITARY
DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Gravelly Springs, Ala., January 20, 1865.
~~~
. . . December 20, at daylight were again in motion down Rutherford's Creek.
Marched nearly two miles, when I was ordered to dismount my command and
construct a crossing from the fragment of a railroad bridge which the rebels
had destroyed the day previous. This works was completed, and my command
across at 12 m., and the pursuit again resumed. The Seventh and Ninth Illinois
were dismounted and deployed on foot, while the remainder of the brigade followed mounted to Duck River, opposite Columbia. On arriving here found the
enemy had crossed his rear guard in comparative safety at 4 a. m., leaving a
small party, with a piece of artillery, as rear guard in the town upon the opposite side. A light skirmish between the above-named regiments and the enemy,
accompanied by light cannonading from both sides, closed the operations of
the day, when the command encamped to await the arrival of the pontoons.
During the skirmish the Seventh Illinois discovered where the enemy had
abandoned four pieces of artillery by tumbling it into Duck River over the
abutment of the old bridge. It was afterward taken out by the infantry.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 97
December 19, 1864
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 593.
December 19, 1864 - Skirmish at Curtis' Creek
No circumstantial reports filed.
December 19, 1864 - Skirmish near Columbia
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
December 19, 1864 - Orders to arrest Federal stragglers in Nashville environs and restrict
movement into and out of Nashville
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, December 19, 1864.
Brig. Gen. JOHN F. MILLER, Cmdg. Post of Nashville:
GEN.: The major-general commanding directs that you will have all stragglers
belonging to the troops in front whom you may find about the city of Nashville
and vicinity arrested, confined in the barracks, and turned out, under guard,
every day, to work on the fortifications until further orders, reporting to the
major-general commanding the number you have arrested and so employed.
You will exercise great vigilance in overlooking the passes of persons permitted to go in and out of Nashville, and all persons who enter Nashville without
proper authority should be arrested and put to work on the fortifications, until
they can fully satisfy you that they are not enemies of the Government. Travel
by railroad and steam-boat to Nashville from Kentucky and the States west of
the Ohio River is positively prohibited, except with passes issued from headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, for good reasons, which must be
stated on the pass. This order will be understood as particularly applicable to
women desiring to enter Nashville, and none will be admitted unless their loyalty is well established and known, and even loyal women are not to be admitted except upon the best of reasons. You are also directed to make a thorough
examination of the country about Nashville for the killed and wounded of the
recent battle, and have them provided for, and also collect the arms, &c., found
upon the field.
I am, general, your obedient servant,
[ROBT. H. RAMSEY,] Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, pp. 278-279.
December 20, 1864 - Federal efforts to stop depredations by dismounted cavalry in Brentwood Hills
HDQRS. POST OF NASHVILLE, Nashville, Tenn., December 20, 1864.
Page 98 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 20, 1864
Maj. BEAUMONT, Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Cavalry Corps:
I am informed that between our picket-line and Brentwood Hills there are
numerous bands of dismounted cavalry wandering about and committing all
manner of depredations. I would respectfully suggest that some step be taken
to get these men into camp and under control, that an end may be put to this
evil.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. F. MILLER, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I Vol. 45, pt II, p. 295.
December 20, 1864 - Skirmish, Columbia
•See December 19, 1864--Skirmish at Rutherford's Creek
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Brigadier-General Thomas J. Wood, Headquarters
4th Army Corps, Huntsville relative to the skirmish on the Duck River,
December 21, 1864.
~~~
. . . During the night and the early forenoon of the following day, the 20th, two
bridges for infantry were constructed across the stream. . . So soon as these
were completed the infantry of the corps was passed over, marched three miles,
and encamped for the night on he northern bank of Duck River.
During the night of the 20th the weather became bitterly cold. Wednesday, the
21st, operations were suspended, and the corps remained quietly in camp, as
the pontoon train, detained by the swollen streams, the inclement weather, and
the miserable condition of the roads, had not been able to get to the front. The
day was bitterly cold, and the rest which the command gained by laying in
camp was much needed after their arduous and laborious service of the many
preceding days.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 136.
December 20, 1864 - "Provost Orders, No. 260."
Headquarters Post of Nashville,
Office of Provost Marshal
Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 20, 1864
EXTRACT
~~~
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 99
December 20, 1864
Provost Orders No. 250, dated Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 4, 1864, closing all
Liquor Saloons, is hereby revoked, and all persons having military licenses are
hereby permitted to resume business from this date.
May who have failed to pay the tax on said licenses are hereby reminded that a
settlement of the same must be made immediately.
By command of Brig. Gen. Jno. F. Miller
Hunter Brooke, Captain and Provost Marshal
Nashville Dispatch, December 20, 1864.
December 20, 1864 - Murder of officers commanding U. S. C. T. between Lewisburg and
Mooresville
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Nashville, Tenn., January 13, 1865.
Gen. J. B. HOOD, C. S. Army, Cmdg. C. S. Army of Tennessee:
GEN.: I take this means of informing you of an act of cold-blooded murder of
prisoners of war recently committed by a company of scouts belonging to Forrest's forces and commanded by a Capt. Harvey. The circumstances were as
follows:
On the 20th of December last three officers belonging to the U. S. service were
captured by this company of scouts, which numbered thirty-six men, about
fourteen miles southeast of Murfreesborough. As soon as captured they were
robbed of everything valuable which they had upon their persons, even their
clothing. They were kept under guard for three days with some other prisoners—enlisted men who had been captured near Murfreesborough—until they
reached a small town named Lewisburg, some eighteen miles south of Duck
River. From there our captured officers were sent under guard of four men, as
they were told by the guard, to Forrest's headquarters, and the enlisted men
were taken off on a road leading to Columbia. The officers were taken along
the turnpike leading from Lewisburg to Mooresville, for the distance of about
four miles, when they left the road and turned to the right for the purpose, as
they were told by the guard, of stopping at a neighboring house for the night.
When they had reached a wooded ravine, about half a mile from the turnpike,
the leading man of the guard halted, partially turned his horse, and, as one of
the officers came up, drew his revolver and without uttering a word shot him in
the head. The other two officers were then killed by being shot through the
head with carbines, and their bodies were next morning decently buried, but
not by your troops, upon the premises of a citizen living near. It is supposed
that the enlisted men, who were taken off on another road, met a similar fate to
that of the officers. I have the names of these officers in my possession, and the
whole that is herein stated is susceptible of proof.
It is my desire as far as lies in my power to mitigate the horrors of this war as
much as possible, but I will not consent that my soldiers shall be thus brutally
Page 100 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 20, 1864
murdered whenever the fortunes of war place them defenseless within your
power. Such acts on the part of the soldiers of your army are of by no means
rare occurrences. A case which occurs to my mind now, and of which no mention has heretofore been made to either your predecessor in command or yourself, is that of the murder of ten prisoners of war by a portion of Ross' brigade,
of Wheeler's command, at Wood's Gap, between Gordon's Mills and Dalton,
early in April last. Should my troops, exasperated by a repetition of such acts,
take no prisoners of war at all in future, I shall in no manner interfere in this
exercise of their just vengeance, and you will fully understand their reasons as
well as mine, and you will please remember that it is your army and not mine
who is responsible for the inauguration of the dreadful policy of extermination.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Army, Cmdg.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 8, pp. 64-65.NOTE 1
NASHVILLE, TENN., January 3, 1865.
Maj. WILLIAM INNES, Assistant Commissioner, Organizing U. S. Colored
Troops:
MAJ.: The following report of my capture and subsequent attempted murder is
respectfully submitted for your information:
I was captured on the 20th of December fourteen miles in a southeasterly
direction from Murfreesborough, in company with two other officers, Lieut. D.
G. Cooke, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, and Capt. Charles G. Penfield, Fortyfourth U. S. Colored Infantry, by a company of scouts belonging to Forrest's
command, numbering thirty-six men, commanded by Capt. Harvey. As soon as
captured we were robbed of everything of any value, even to clothing. We were
kept under guard for three days with some other prisoners (private soldiers of
Gen. Steedman's division, who were captured near Murfreesborough) until we
reached a small town called Lewisburg, some eighteen miles south of Duck
River. There the officers were sent under a guard of four men to report, as I
supposed, to Gen. Forrest's headquarters. The guard told [me] that was their
destination. They took us along the pike road leading from Lewisburg to
Mooresville, about four miles, and then left the road and turned to the right for
the purpose, as they said, of stopping at a neighboring house for the night.
After leaving the road about half a mile, as we were walking along through a
wooded ravine, the man in advance of us halted, partially turned his horse, and
as I came up, drew his revolver and fired on me without a word. The ball
entered my right ear just above the center, passed through and lodged in the
bone back of the ear. It knocked me senseless for a few moments. I soon recovered, however, but lay perfectly quiet, knowing that my only hope lay in leading them to believe they had killed me. Presently I heard two carbine shots, and
then all was still. After about fifteen minutes I staggered to my feet and
attempted to get away, but found I could not walk. About that time a colored
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 101
December 20, 1864
boy came along and helped me to a house near by. He told me that the other
two officers were dead, having been shot through the head. That evening their
bodies were brought to the house where I lay. Next morning they were decently
buried on the premises of Col. John C. Hill, near by.
The shooting occurred on the 22d, and on the 23d, about midday, one of Forrest's men came to the house where I was lying and inquired for me; said that
he had come to kill me. The man of the house said that it was entirely unnecessary, as I was so severely wounded that I would die any way, and he expected I
would not live over an hour. He then went away, saying that if I was not dead
by morning I would be killed. After he left I was moved by the neighbors to
another house, and was moved nearly every night from one house to another
until the 27th, when I was relieved by a party of troops sent from Columbia and
brought within the Federal lines.
The privates were sent off on a road leading to the right of the one we took;
about in the direction of Columbia, I should judge. I cannot but think they were
killed, as about that time our forces occupied Columbia, the rebel army having
retreated. There were twelve privates, belonging, I think, to Cruft's brigade.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. W. FITCH, First Lieut., Twelfth U. S. Colored Infty., and A. A. Q. M.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 8, pp. 19-20.NOTE 2
HDQRS. FORTY-FOURTH U. S. COLORED INFANTRY, Chattanooga,
Tenn., February 2, 1865.
Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-Gen. U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:
GEN.: I have the honor to report the following: On the 20th of December,
1864, Capt. Charles G. Penfield, commanding Company E, Forty-fourth U. S.
Colored Infantry; Lieut. Fitch, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, and Lieut.
Cooke, Seventeenth [Twelfth] U. S. Colored Infantry, were captured in the
vicinity of Triune, Tenn., by a company of independent scouts of Forrest's
command under Capt. Harvey. The three officers were marched along guarded
by four cavalry-men of this command until the evening of the 22d, when without previous warning, the men who were guarding them at the time deliberately murdered Capt. Penfield and Lieut. Cooke and badly wounded Lieut.
Fitch, whom they left for dead and who afterward escaped and made the above
statement. This cold-blooded murder was perpetrated in the vicinity of Columbia, Tenn. I very respectfully request that, in justice to the officers of colored
regiments, some measures of retaliation be adopted for this terrible outrage,
which, to judge from Capt. Penfield's character as a man and soldier, I am sure
of it, on his part, was not provoked. He was left sick and tired after the battle of
Nashville, in which he behaved with gallantry, at the small village of Triune,
and was captured while endeavoring to catch up with his command.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Page 102 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 20, 1864
L. JOHNSON, Col., Cmdg.
[First indorsement.]
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE ETOWAH, Chattanooga, February 4,
1865.
Respectfully forwarded.
JAMES B. STEEDMAN, Maj.-Gen., Cmdg.
[Second indorsement.]
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Nashville, February 14,
1865.
Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-Gen. of the Army for information and
action of War Department,NOTE 3 with copy of letter to Gen. Hood from the
general commanding inclosed.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Army, Commanding.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 27, p. 171-172.
NOTE 1: See also OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, pp. 578-579.
NOTE 2: See also OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 163-164.
NOTE 3: It is not known how this matter was resolved.
December 20, 1864 - December 24, 1864 - Conditions in Franklin and Columbia in the wake
of Hood's retreat
•See December 23, 1864--". . . raising their little hands in joy and crying "o'er
yonder's Gen'l. Forrest! Yonder's Gen'l. Forrest! howd'y Gen'l. Forrest. . .
" The scene during Forrest's occupation of ColumbiaNOTE 1
"Letter from a Returned Columbia Refugee
Correspondence of the Nashville Dispatch
Columbia, Tenn. Dec., 24, 1864
I left Nashville on the morning of the 20th inst., and arrived at Franklin about
sundown. After getting supper, I visited Bate's Rebel hospital, where I made
the acquaintance of Dr. Hill, of the 10th Tennessee cavalry, with whom I conversed some two hours. He informed me that there were between 1200 and
1500 wounded and sick Rebels in Franklin; that Hood's army was perfectly
demoralized; that his whole army was down on him; that they wanted Joe
Johnston, and that unless a change was made the entire army would desert him.
I also conversed with a number of citizens, all of whom represented Hood's
army as a fleeing mob. They did little or no damage in returning through Franklin, having pillaged stores and private houses, and laid waste and devastated
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 103
December 20, 1864
everything on the onward march to Nashville. They conscripted every man
between eighteen and forty five in Franklin, but succeeded in getting only one
man to go with them, the balance remaining. A large number of Williamson
county men deserted from Hood's army. The next morning [21st] after breakfast I set out on foot for Columbia. When I reached the pace where the battle of
Franklin was fought I stopped and surveyed, and as far as I could see on both
sides of the road, it looked like a vast burying ground.
Getting within three miles of Columbia, and learning that General Forrest and
his cavalry occupied the place, and feeling quite sore from my tramp, I concluded to stop for the night with the fond hopes of reaching home and loved
ones the next morning. When morning came [22nd] I was informed that on the
evening before, the Rebels had sent in a flag of truce, requesting that the
Fedrals would not fire on them, as they had no desire for an engagement of any
kind, stating that they were none left in the town, but old men, women, children and sick and wounded soldiers, which was granted and strictly complied
with, until Gen. Thomas got ready to lay his pontoon bridge, which was early
the next morning. The pontoon across Rutherford creek was completed late on
Wednesday evening, and his forces crossed over it during the night. So on
Thursday [22nd] morning a skirmish was commenced for the possession of the
south bank of Duck river, which was attained in a few minutes, with the loss of
one Federal and two Rebels killed. I did not hear of any wounded on either
side.
About eleven o'clock I learned that the Rebels had evacuated Columbia, when I
came to the river, but did not succeed in getting across until late in the afternoon. The pontoon bridge was completed during the night.
I scarcely know where to commence in speaking of the acts of the Rebels during the time they held Columbia. With only a few exceptions, every storehouse
in the place was broken open and robbed of its contents. Many private residences were also robbed, their carpets being torn up from the floorsNOTE 1, and
but very few families were left any thing in the way of eatables. They took
from my wife and children the very last mouthful I had to eat, besides every
dollar's worth of my stock. Every book, paper and memorandum belonging to
the corporation of the city was destroyed. The dockets of every magistrate in
my district were also destroyed. They entered the Masonic Hall and robbed it
of all its contents, leaving not the smallest thing as a memorial that they "had
been there since we had gone." They also took the hall of the Odd Fellows for
a hospital. They conscripted every man between eighteen and forty-five, and
herded them in a livery stable. They succeeded in getting some fifteen or
twenty away with them, the greater portion of whom have returned since the
occupation of the town by the Federals. Not more than five or six are now out.
There are but two or three who volunteered, while hundreds of Maury county
men have deserted them. Nearly all the refugees who returned with Hood's
army, have remained at home, including A. O. P. Nicholson. To sum the whole
up in a nut-shell, they have created a perfect revolution. No one, not even the
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 21, 1864
most radical secessionist, desires the return of the Rebel army. Such was the
feeling of the people of this county [i.e., Maury] upon my return. Hood had
done more for the Union cause than the Federal army could possibly have
done, and had the Federal commanders seized upon it in a proper manner, they
could easily have made Maury county an unconditional Union county. But,
alas! discipline was wanted with the 4th army corps. The men of this corps
were suffered to come into town, and what the Rebels left they seized, to a
great extent. Last night several storehouses which had not yet been molested,
were broken open and robbed by straggling soldiers of this corps. Many private
houses were also entered and property, such as spoons, knives and forks, cups
and saucers, etc. was taken off.
About three o'clock today the 24th Indiana (belonging to the 23d corps) under
command of Col. Orr, entered the town to do patrol duty: and for the sake of
protecting innocent women and children, he guaranteed to everyone who
applied, regardless of political sentiments, a guard for their residences. He also
put out a strong provost guard, with strict orders to arrest and place in the guard
house, all stragglers and depredators. Things soon began to have a much more
favorable aspect, and the citizens will long remember Col. Orr, Capt. Connor,
Lt. Walker, and the soldiers of the 124th Indiana.
Wild Jack
Nashville Dispatch, December 27, 1864.
NOTE 1: These carpets were evidently cut up for use as blankets by the Rebel soldiers.
December 21, 1864 - Fund Raising for East Tennesseans in Brooklyn, New York
BROOKLYN
Meeting at the Academy of Music.
Sympathy for East Tennessee.
Speeches by Col. N. G. Taylor, A. A. Low, Esq., and Others.
A meeting was held last evening at the Academy of Music in aid of the "East
Tennessee Fund." In consequence of the extremely disagreeable weather, the
attendance was not as large as could be wished for, yet the hall was comfortably filled, and among the audience were many ladies.
Mr. A. Low, of the New York Chamber of Commerce, was elected President.
The Secretaries were next elected, after which Mr. Low introduced to the audience
COL. N. G. TAYLOR
Who said that in answer to the call which he had received, he appeared, not for
the purpose of delivering a partisan political speech, because the political questions had passed away; he came not even for the purpose of speaking of the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 105
December 21, 1864
breach between citizens of this once united country. He himself was a Southern
man by sympathy and interest, and although severed yet he thanked God that
he had a heart fully alive between the sinner and the sin. He came to talk of
facts, albeit they may seem stranger than the wildest fiction; to talk about that
little Switzerland that occupies the highest point, as well as the central position
east of the Mississippi-the land of his birth-East Tennessee. After describing
accurately the geographical and topographical formation of East Tennessee, in
its relation to the rest of the Union. He said he would not try to ascertain the
reason of the fact that the mountaineers of East Tennessee has been always
sound, while surrounded by corruption and treason. It is true that there has
been no radical reason why East Tennessee is not found battering against the
Union, and that is that they love their country, and their whole country. The
Southerners said, at first, that we were untrue to the safety of the South. But
this was false, for East Tennessee had said that the true interest of the South
was in the Union and under the flag of the Union. And, even now, the entire
force of the Southerners execrates the name of "East Tennessee," because she
would not be false to the Union. The inhabitants of that region have ever been
faithful to the American freedom, in the war of the revolution, at Kings' Mountain, in the war of 1812, in many a well-fought field. And when in the nullification times of 1832-3, the glorious hero of Tennessee lifted up his hand, and
swore that "The Union must and shall be preserved." In 1860, the present great
struggle opened in East Tennessee. Mr. Lincoln was not known there, but the
principles which he represented were well known. The speaker had supported
Bell, and had tried to save the Union through cooperation with other factions,
but without success. But those inclined in secession insisted on a convention of
the people, which was opposed by the Unionists. In the meantime, the election
was held to decide whether there should be a convention or not. On two separate occasions East Tennessee was overwhelmingly in favor of the Union. But
her slavery was then decreed, and threats against her were made. With their
press muzzled and when no man dared to open his lip in favor of his country,
when called upon to vote for State officers, they elected Union men on every
hand. Thus East Tennessee vindicated her truth at the ballot-box as she had
always done in the field; and then the pent up wrath of the slave-holding rebels
began to be poured upon the heads of East Tennesseeans. They seized all the
guns in the region by force of arms. Thus they seized all the arms lead and
powder in the country, and then the confederate States passed a conscript law,
and the men, young and old, of East Tennessee, who had sworn loyalty to the
Union of their fathers were not permitted to leave the State, according to the
Confederate law, but were either compelled to seed the wild gorges of the
mountains, or be torn from their homes by the ruthless rebels to fight against
the flag they adored. The Confederates used Cherokee warriors and bloodhounds to ferret out their victims, who, at last, learned to trust the two former
as less cruel than the last. And the old men and women were not more exempt
from these outrages than the young. The speaker mentioned several very
aggravated cases of cases of rebel barbarity, in the instance of THORNBERG,
SAMUEL, PICKENS, and others, where insults had been heaped upon the par-
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 21, 1864
ties in question, because they had sons or other relatives at the North, or for no
other reason than because they love their country. Col. TAYLOR continued by
reviewing at length the history of the past few terrible years in East Tennessee,
with a glowing tribute to the American flag, which, as predicted, should [e]ver
triumph! and concluded by asking whether this glorious remnant of a glorious
race should go out of the world in beggary and trampled rights. He was not
before the audience as a beggar, or as a representative of beggars, but to
demand charity for this people as a right—as an act of justice. The Northern
people have the steadfast sympathy of these wretched, suffering, brokenhearted people of East Tennessee, so long as their object is the utter, absolute
overthrow of this rebellion, and on no other terms. The mention of GRANT,
SHERMAN, SHERIDAN, FARRAGUT (the son of Tennessee) and other
Union heroes, as our true peacemakers, was received with enthusiastic
applause.
Rev. Dr. Vinton then read five resolutions, thanking Col. TAYLOR expressing
sympathy with the East Tennesseans, and appointing a committee of prominent
citizens to carry out the objects of the meeting. These resolutions were unanimously adopted, and while Col. TAYLOR was giving some of his personal
experiences among the rebels, a collection was taken up from among the audience
Mr. Low then stated his regret that Admiral Farragut had been unable to be
present, as had been expected; after which the meeting adjourned.
New York Times, December 22, 1864.
December 21, 1864 - January 5, 1865 - Expedition from Memphis to destroy M&O
RailroadNOTE 1
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 844.
NOTE 1: While all the action occurred in Mississippi, the expedition originated from
Memphis. Not referenced in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
December 21, 1864 - "A Night Ride Under Difficulties"
Lieutenant Wilkinson and Deputy Marshal Ingalls went in a hack, on Wednesday night [21st], to hunt up Mat Williams, who was accused of stealing goods
from the store of Piser & Co. The team [of horses] was not of the best, and
becoming tired, they determined to take a rest. The driver whipped and coaxed
and cursed, but there was no go in them. At length Wilkinson mounted one
horse, the driver the other, and Ingalls became the John and the trio exercised
their power of eloquence upon the jaded nags until they reached Williamson's
residence. As soon as they entered a search was commenced. Ingalls standing
guard, while Wilkinson crawled under the bed to haul out a trunk. Billy pulled
and tugged, and at length his body emerged from under the bedstead, when a
heavy and hard substance came in contact with his cranium, and a volley of
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 107
December 22, 1864
abuse from the tongue of Mrs. Williams reached his ears. Billy had been listening to the abuse heaped on the head of Ingalls but paid little attention to it until
his ears were opened by the blow on his head, when he begged madame to consider the fact that the duty of searching was quite as disagreeable to him as it
was to her. Their labors, having been concluded after much tribulation, they
returned to town. Wilkinson having a bump upon his head, and Ingalls a volume of abuse on the brain, and the hack bearing a load stolen property.
Nashville Dispatch, December 23, 1864.
December 22, 1864 - Skirmish at Duck River
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Journal of the 4th Army Corps:
December 22.-7 a. m., open fire upon the enemy's pickets across Duck River.
After considerable firing we succeed in crossing the Fifty-first Indiana Infantry
across the river in pontoon-boats. They soon drive back the enemy's skirmishers and capture a few prisoners. These skirmishers were left by the enemy as a
party of observation. The Fifty-first Indiana behaved very well, and lost 1 man
killed and 7 or 8 wounded. 8 a. m., the enemy having been driven from the
south bank of the river, Col. Streight (First Brigade, Third Division) commences to lay the pontoon bridge. There are but three pontoniers with the train,
and the troops that are to lay the bridge know nothing about the work. It will,
therefore, be necessarily slow. Some of the prisoners captured to-day report
that five brigades of the enemy's troops left Columbia very early this morning
for Pulaski, and that Hood intends to cross his army over the Tennessee at
Decatur. 6.30 p. m., the pontoon bridge just completed. This corps will move
over it at once; the cavalry will follow, and commence to cross at 5 a. m., tomorrow. Gen. Thomas verbally directs that as soon as the cavalry gets over tomorrow we "press on" after the enemy; to move out the Pulaski pike, and the
cavalry will move "on our flanks." 7 p. m., Gen. Beatty's division commences
to cross; Gen. Kimball's will follow; then Gen. Elliott's. 12 midnight, owing to
delays the last of Gen. Elliott's division is just crossing the pontoon. Gen.
Beatty's division bivouacs on the ridge just beyond our old picket-line-the one
established when we first arrived at Columbia-Gen. Kimball's division on the
right of the Pulaski pike, inside of the same. The pontoon bridge is a very poor
one, and may break down before all of our artillery and trains pass over it. The
artillery is to follow directly after our troops, and our trains after the artillery.
All must be over by 5 a. m. to-morrow to allow the cavalry to cross.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 162.
December 22, 1864 - Skirmish at Lawrenceburg
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
Page 108 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 23, 1864
December 22, 1864 - John C. Seibert, 31st Indiana Infantry writes home with news of the
end of Hood's offensive
In Camp Near Duck River
Tenn. Dec. 22, 1864
Dear Rachel
I have come through so far all safe. I was in the charge the two first days in
front of Nashville. All the boys came out safe that went down from out section.
It has been raining and snowing ever since we left Nashville and has been very
hard traveling. It is very cold here now. We are waiting to get across the river.
We may cross today and go to Columbia about two miles from here. We have
taken many prisoners and pieces of artilery. I don't know how many. I suppose
you know more about it than I do as we have not had any mail for several days.
Our brigade captured six pieces of artilery [on] the first charge and I helped to
haul them off the field. I will send my fine shirt by first mail. I fixed it up to
send the day before we left Nashville but did not get to send it out. I will write
again as soon as I can get the chance. I have to write this laying on my belly
and am getting very cold so no more this time. Take care of yourself and the
babies. Kiss them for me.
Yours, Cris
Dec. 24th
All well. On road to Pulaski.
Cris
John C. Seibert Correspondence. NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.indianainthecivilwar.com.
December 23, 1864 - Skirmish at Columbia
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Journal of the 4th Army Corps:
December 23.-5 a. m., the bridge is in such a bad condition and the descent and
ascent of the banks so slippery that it is most difficult to get on and off of the
bridge. Since midnight, when the last of Gen. Elliott' division crossed, we have
been able to cross but three batteries and a few wagons. The rest of our artillery
and the greater part of our train is to cross, but the bridge must now be given up
to the Cavalry Corps, which is just ready to cross. 7 a. m., directed division
commanders to march (to move down the Pulaski pike) as soon as the cavalry
passes. It will be at least 9 o'clock before all of the cavalry gets over the river,
even if the bridge does not break or have to be repaired. It was very cold last
night; this morning it is a little warmer. The roads off the turnpike are yet
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 109
December 23, 1864
impassable. 2 p. m., the cavalry is very slow crossing the brigade. It is very
probable that it will not all be over before dark, therefore orders are given to
division commanders to march down the Pulaski pike about five or six miles
and camp for the night. 2.30 p. m., commence to march, Kimball's division
leading, followed by Beatty's, then Elliott's. 4 p. m., come up with the rear
guard of the enemy, posted in a gorge through which the pike runs, five miles
from Columbia. There are high hills on either side of this gorge, running
almost at right angels to the road. 4.15 p. m., deploy two regiments as skirmishers and one as support, and then more forward to drive the enemy out of
the gorge. A rifle battery is also brought to the front and opens fire. 4.45 p. m,
the enemy runs. There was apparently one brigade of cavalry in the gorge; was
not much firing. The casualties on both sides, so far as known, only one killed,
a rebel captain of cavalry. 5 p. m., it is now too late to move any farther, and
the troops are put in camp for the night. Gen. Wilson says that all of his cavalry
will be over the river by dark, and that he will move out at 5 o'clock in the
morning. The cavalry will move in advance of this corps, and as soon as it
passes by the corps will move. It has been very cold to-day.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 162-163.
December 23, 1864 - Skirmish at Warfield's, near Columbia
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Major-General Nathan Bedford Forrest on operations November 16, 1864-January 23, 1865.
~~~
The enemy succeeded in crossing Duck River on the morning of the 22d. I at
once ordered my troops to fall back in the direction of Pulaski. Brig.-Gen.
Chalmers was ordered on the right down the Bigbyville pike toward Bigbyville. The infantry moved down the main pike from Columbia to Pulaski, the
rear protected by both Buford's and Jackson's divisions of cavalry, while a few
scouts were thrown out on the left flank. The enemy made his first demonstration on my rear pickets near Warfield's, three miles south of Columbia. He
opened upon us with artillery, which forced us to retire farther down the road in
a gap made by two high hills on each side of the road, where he was held in
check for some time. On the night of the 23d I halted my command at and near
Lynnville, in order to hold the enemy in check and to prevent any pressure
upon my wagon train and the stock then being driven out.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 757
December 23, 1864 - "Disorderly Characters"
Sallie Smith, having been proved to be a disorderly character, was sent north of
the Ohio yesterday morning, and ordered to remain there during the war. Emily
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 23, 1864
Pate and Mrs. Fisher, charged with being disorderly and troublesome characters, were arrested last night, and will be sent north of the Ohio this morning,
with orders to remain there until the close of the war.
Nashville Dispatch, December 23, 1864.
December 23, 1864 - "Unfortunate Shooting Case"
P. B. Coleman, Esq., Coroner of Davidson county, held an inquest on the body
of William Peach, a hack driver and a member of the present Grand Jury, who
came to his death under the following circumstances: The Provost guard had
arrested two men on College street about ten o'clock last night for creating
some disturbance, and while passing through Cedar street to the Police Court,
one of them broke and ran. The guard, after halting him three times, fired, but
missed the fugitive, the ball taking effect or the unfortunate Peach, passing
through his right lung, and causing instant death. The shooting we entirely
accidental, but the guard should have exercised more care than to have fired
where so many persons are continually passing. The deceased leaves a wife but
no children, and about 26 years of age. The Coroner, with his characteristic
generosity, as well as the Jury, refused to receive and recompense for their services.
Nashville Dispatch, December 23, 1864.
December 23, 1864 - "The Price of Milk"
The military order fixing the price of milk is likely to deprive us of this important article entirely, unless our dairymen are allowed to receive at least as much
for their milk as will enable them to pay expenses. We respectfully submit the
following facts given us by one of our leading dairymen, to the consideration
of Gen. Miller and the Military Board. Before the war, the price of milk was
forty cents a gallon, the price of feed being from $3 to $15 per ton. The price
fixed by the Military Board, is 60 cents per gallon, while the price of bran per
ton is $60, oats and hay scarcely to be had at any price. The dairyman alluded
to above has thirty cows, which at this season of the year yield less than twenty
gallons of milk per day, the actual product of last week being $70, while the
actual cost of feeding amounted to $85 to say nothing of labor, board of hands,
wear and tear of materials, etc. Unless the Board make some change, we are
informed that dairymen will be compelled to sell out their stock, and retire
from the business until feed can be procured at more reasonable prices.
Nashville Dispatch, December 23, 1864.
December 23, 1864 - "Military Police" [Nashville]
Captain P. C. Morhiske, Chief.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 111
December 23, 1864
Richard Ram, a government employee, for stealing a horse, was sent to jail
until further orders.
Sergeant Charles Allen, 1st Iowa battery, was sent to jail until further orders,
charged with threatening to shoot and with resisting the guard. Also Shelton
Morris and Charles McCann.
John Tipton, Wm. Griffin, John Moser, Michael Gaffney, James Williams,
government employees, were sent to jail until further orders.
John Willy was sent to jail for eight days, charged with being drunk.
Coon Styles was fined $5 for fighting.
John Frederick, a citizen, was sent to the city Marshal.
John Tosure and a negro named Henry Young, were sent to the Provost Marshal charged with violating order No. 252.
The following were sent to jail to get sober: Isaac Jenkins, W. H. Thorpe,
Michael Tierney, Thomas Phillips, J. J. Halin, Daniel Mooney, Patrick Flaherty, Wm. Mills, government employees.
Several others were arrested and released on examinations.
Nashville Dispatch, December 23 1864
December 23, 1864 - ". . . raising their little hands in joy and crying "o'er yonder's Gen'l.
Forrest! Yonder's Gen'l. Forrest! howd'y Gen'l. Forrest. . . " The scene
during Forrest's occupation of ColumbiaNOTE 1
•See December 20, 1864-December 24, 1864-Conditions in Franklin and Columbia in the wake of Hood's retreat
Some of the boys plundered confectioneries, and filled their arms with nicknacks. Some were laden with boots and shoes and hats; some with bags of
flour, some had tin ware enough to open a Confederate hotel, everything was
plundered. But while the jubilant melee for spoils was at its height, General
Forrest. . . rode along the movement weighted to the gunwales with pretty
girls, and plundered the honey from hundreds of willing lips. To see them running to the streets, raising their little hands in joy and crying "o'er yonder's
Gen'l. Forrest! Yonder's Gen'l. Forrest! howd'y Gen'l. Forrest" and an ocean of
similar exclamations, and then turning up their little faces and pouting their
pretty mouths with a lamb-like submission for his kisses, make one thrust his
elbows in his breeches pocket and wish he was in Forrest's boots!
Memphis Bulletin, January 3, 1865.
NOTE 1: A war correspondent for the Montgomery News was present at the Confederate evacuation and left this account of the scene in Columbia.
Page 112 — December 1864
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 24, 1864
December 23, 1864 - Skirmishes south of Lynnville and at Buford's Station
Reports of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Cumberland.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Eastport, Miss., January
20, 1865.
COL.:
~~~
During the 23d Gen. Wilson was occupied crossing his command over Duck
River, and came up with the enemy just south of Lynnville, and also at Buford's
Station, at both of which places the enemy made a short stand, but was speedily
dislodged, with a loss in killed, wounded and prisoners.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 42.
December 24, 1864 - "Important Orders."
The following orders are important, and published for general information:
Passes.
Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 17,
1864.
—General Orders, No. 31.-Passes to Nashville, Tenn., by railroad, river, or
other conveyance, from points north of this Post, will be issued only from these
Headquarters, Headquarters Department of the Cumberland, and by the Commandant of the Post at Nashville. No other passes will be recognized.
By order of Major-General W. T. Sherman.
R. M. Sawyer, Ass't. Adj't. Gen.
Abandoned and Confiscable Property.
Headquarters, Military Division of the Mississippi, Nashville, Tenn., December 19, 1864. General Orders No. 32-I. All abandoned or confiscable lands,
houses and tenements, or other property, not required for military uses, will be
turned over by officers of the Quartermaster's Department charged with the
custody thereof. Upon the cessation of the occupation or use, for military purposes, of any such; property, it will be turned over to the Treasury Agents,
together with an information which may be useful in its care or management,
or which may affect the rights of the United States, or of others, interested in
the property.
II. No abandoned or confiscable property will be occupied or used by persons
in the military service, except on regular assignment by the Quartermasters'
Department.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 113
December 24, 1864
III. District and Post Commanders in this Military Division, will, from time to
time, render to the officers and agents of the Treasury Department such assistance, not incompatible with military operations, as they may need to enable
them to take possession of abandoned and confiscable property and to retain
the same against any authority, except of the United States.
By order of
Major-General W. T. Sherman
Nashville Dispatch, December 24, 1864.
December 24, 1864 - Action at Richland Creek
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Col. Datus E. Coon, Second Iowa Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations September 30, 1864—January 15,
1865, relative to the skirmish at Richland Creek, December 24, 1864.
December 24, marched with the division, in rear of Gen. Croxton's command,
as far as Lynnville, when my brigade was ordered to march by the left flank, to
gain the rear of the enemy's lines, and drive him from a strong position on
Richland Creek, but was prevented by the unfordable condition of Richland
Creek, when I dismounted by command and engaged the enemy at long range
for half an hour. During this skirmish the rebel Gen. Buford was wounded by
the seventh Illinois. Camped for the night.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 593.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, Near Richmond
Creek, December 25, 1864.
Lieut. Col. A. J. ALEXANDER, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps:
COL.: I have the honor to forward herewith a rebel battle-flag captured from
Chalmers' division yesterday evening. The capture was made by Corpl. Harrison Collins,NOTE 1 Company A, First Tennessee Cavalry. The corporal saw the
rebel standard bearer, under the direction of a rebel major, trying to rally his
men. He determined to have the flag; led a charged, killed the major, routed his
men, and secured the flag.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN T. CROXTON, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 574.
NOTE 1: Collins, a Hawkins County, Tennessee, native, would win the Medal of
Honor for his daring act.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 24, 1864
December 24, 1864 - Skirmish at Lynnville
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Journal of the 4th Army Corps
FIVE MILES SOUTH OF COLUMBIA, TENN., PULASKI PIKE.
December 24.-7 a. m., the cavalry still passing by. Division commanders
directed to march and follow it as soon as it passed; Gen. Elliott's division will
lead, Gen. Beatty's will follow, then Gen. Kimball's. 11.50 a. m., the head of
our column just starting on the march. The corps has been drawn out ever since
8 a. m., but could to march on account of the cavalry. The rear of the cavalry
column just starting. We will now be able to move rapidly. 1 p. m., received
note from Gen. Wilson, who states that he cannot move on the side of the turnpike, owing to the nature of the ground; that his progress has been slow, as he
has been constantly skirmishing with the enemy. 5 p. m., reach a point two
miles and a half south of Lynnville. The cavalry is about a mile and a half
ahead, going into camp. The corps will camp at this point for the night. Since
11.50 a. m. the corps has marched sixteen miles and a half-that is, the head of
column. The whole corps marched the same distance in five hours.
The force in our front, or in front of the cavalry, is the enemy's rear guard, and
consists of seven brigades of infantry and Forrest's cavalry. The enemy's pontoon train camped on Wednesday night at Mr. Foster's, twelve miles south of
Columbia, and left there early Thursday morning for Pulaski. All information
obtained on the road goes to show that the enemy intends to cross the Tennessee River at Lamb's Ferry, that he will lay his pontoon at that point, and that he
will not make a stand north of the river.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 164.
December 24, 1864 - Skirmish at Murfreesborough
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
December 24, 1864 - "Robbery and Assault"
On Saturday [24th] a man named John Reynolds entered the store of A. Salinski, and stole therefrom a pair of boots, which he ran off [with], followed by
Salinski, who at length came close up with the thief, when he dropped the
books, and struck Salinski a violent blow over the left eye, with an instrument
of some kind. Fortunately one of the military detectives was near by, and he at
once arrested him and took him before the City Marshal. On his way to the
Recorder's office Reynolds threw away a slung shot, which the detective discovered and took possession of. On searching the prisoner, a new style of brass
knuckle was discovered on his person; it is a very formidable instrument, and
when worn on the middle finger resembles a large brass ring, the heavy portion
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 115
December 24, 1864
being in the palm of the hand, but when required for service may easily be
turned to the outside.
Nashville Dispatch, December 27, 1864.
December 24, 1864 - "Nothing is safe, no help is anywhere. . . " the emolument of war in
Maury County, an excerpt from the diary of Nimrod Porter
Gen. Croxton's headquarters is in our house, with his whole brigade camped all
over out yard, lots, lane and everywhere they can get near enough a fence to
keep them in wood. With reluctance the Gen. Ordered the provost guard to station out their guards all around the house, but it only gave the guards a better
opportunity for marauding than the common soldiers, and they made the best
of it. They took all the apples out of the cellar. They broke the weatherboarding
off the house for fires, burnt the yard fences, went in our smoke house and took
the meat. They cooked the last old gobbler and all the chickens over a fire in
the yard.
They even took the boots off the blacks [i.e., slaves]. Considerable fuss over
that. They should not rob the blacks.
Last night they took all black Sukey'sNOTE 1 money, all my corn and what little
oats I have left.
There is great tribulation in the country, stealing horses, mules, hogs, breaking
in houses. The soldiers are very insulting and impose on everybody, stealing
and encouraging the blacks to steal and do every manner of rascality. Nothing
is safe, no help is anywhere for our unfortunate condition. All, all that we have
is nearly gone. How will we live? What will we eat?
I wish there was a river of fire a mile wide between the North and the South
that would burn with unquenchable fury forever more and that it could never
be passed to the endless ages of eternity by any living creature.
Is there no hope for this dying land?
Tomorrow is Christmas day, a bitter one for us, black or white. A grey fox ran
under the kitchen walk. I shot it for dinner. We have a little parched corn.
Diary of Nimrod Porter, December 24, 1864.
NOTE 1: Unidentified.
December 25, 1864 - "Christmas Day"
Christmas day passed off without much tumult, and to the general joy of the
people. As usual on Christmas morning large number attended such churches
as were open, and few there were, we believe, however, poor, but enjoyed a
Christmas dinner. Many families kept "open houses", where hundreds partook
of the luxuries and delicacies provided for them. Some fifty or more, who
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 25, 1864
indulged rather too freely in the intoxicating beverages so freely dispensed, on
Saturday [24th] night, spent the day in the calaboose or jail, while others, who
started too early on Sunday [25th] morning, found themselves locked up for
the balance of the day and night.
Nashville Dispatch, December 27, 1864.
December 25, 1864 - Christmas in one Confederate household in Warren County
Christmas Dec. 1864
Tonight I have but one thought—the cause of the South has gone down. The
news all around us is evident of the fact. For my part I freely acknowledge that
I can see no brightness now for the Confederacy. Hood has been beaten at
Nashville and is now endeavoring to get out of the state, and Sherman's rapid
[march] through Ga. has been successful. He being now at Savannah if he has
not possession of the city. . .
~~~
Yesterday Martha and myself worked the love long day making cakes, molasses candy, egg nogg etc. for the children must have something. I felt it a drag,
all the time,—I did it from necessity. The children saw their odd cake elephants, horses, birds, old women etc. while in the process of cooking, and
therefore they would not do for the nice white stockings that were put up to
tempt good Santa Claus. I never was so put to it to get up something for the
stockings, but I had a set of tiny coffee cups and saucers and some other little
affairs which they had never seen, or forgotten—these I filled up the little girls
with, and put in the boys, paper, pen, pencils, and some greenback [dollars].
They all seemed highly pleased, and enjoyed their good old pensioner used to
bestow upon them. Oh! God give us peace, peace on any terms! It may be
weak, but if so, Heaven forgive us! We have borne the strain so long. I took
down my prayer-book and read the service of Christmas Church, with our good
Bishop or Dr. Page officiating—-to recall the wreaths and emblems, to fill my
soul once more with the melodious flood of the organ—the grand Te Deum—
the exulting Gloria—ah! how vain! how vain! I could have wept but my tears
are few nowadays, and their springs lie deep, deep. I had the same feeling
today that I had when poor Capt. Spurlock was brought home dead from the
slopes of Stone River. It is a strange feeling—with a depth of sadness "too deep
for easing tears." Oh! Will this strife ever be ended, or will I never be able to
get out of it? Mollie came yesterday to spend her Christmas with us—I was
very glad she came. Tho it is not at all like the old days—yet I wanted to have
her with us. She has seen some merry Christmas days in the Forest [family]
Home—will she ever see another as gay? No! I cannot hope it. We did not hear
the news of Hood's retreat until this evening—when Malone came over and
told it. He has slept here every night since his fright by those bushwhackers. I
do not think him in any danger from them now, but his wife is ill, and insists
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 117
December 25, 1864
upon his not remaining at home at night, and I have told him he ought by all
means do as she wishes.
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French.
December 25, 1864 - Skirmish near White's Station and capture of Federal patrol
DECEMBER 25, 1864.-Skirmish near White's Station, Tenn.
Report of Col. John W. Noble, third Iowa Cavalry.
COL. NOBLE'S HDQRS., December 25, 1864.
My patrol of thirty men went out about White's Station this morning. There, to
the number of about 100, the advance guard drove in the picket, and were captured. A party of our flankers were also taken in. After skirmishing some time
with the rebel force, the officer and the balance of the patrol came to camp.
Loss, 17 men, 1 wounded, and horses, &c. Rebel loss unknown, if any. Have
150 men out to redeem the officer, if possible. I don't think [he is] to blame.
The result is that of being outnumbered and outwitted, without being surprised.
The rebels were seen, but not supposed to number as many as they proved.
NOBLE, Colonel.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 875.
December 25, 1864 - Skirmish at Richland Creek
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Journal of the 4th Army Corps:
TWO MILES AND A HALF SOUTH OF LYNNVILLE, TENN. (COLUMBIA AND PULASKI TURNPIKE. )
December 25.-7 a. m., directed division commanders to march as soon as the
cavalry moves and we can get the road, Gen. Beatty to one day's rations now in
the haversacks of the men. We have but one day's rations now in the haversacks of the men. Our supply train breaking. This fact was reported to Gen.
Thomas last night, and he was requested to allow our supply train to cross the
river and come forward as soon as possible. 8 a. m., received a note from Gen.
Thomas, saying that he will hurry up our train as fast as he can. 9.10 a. m., the
cavalry is now out of the way, and the head of our column starts for Pulaski. 1
p. m., head of column arrives at Pulaski, having marched eleven miles since
9.10 a. m. Gen. Wilson drove the enemy's rear guard through Pulaski very rapidly, and his advance arrived at Richland Creek (in the outskirts of the town)
just in time to save the bridge over the same on the Lamb's Ferry and Florence
road. The enemy had set it on fire and it was burning, and the enemy just leaving it, when his advanced regiment reached it. It was important that this bridge
should be saved, as the creek is not fordable, and we would have been delayed
a long time to bridge it. Citizens of Pulaski report that the enemy's pontoon
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 25, 1864
train passed through Pulaski on Friday last, and that Gen. Hood intends to
cross the Tennessee River at Lamb's Ferry or Florence. The Lamb's Ferry and
Florence roads are the same for eighteen miles out from Pulaski, then they separate. It will not be possible to tell which road the enemy has taken until we
reach the point where the roads separate. 1.15 p. m., Gen. Wilson has crossed
Richland Creek and is pushing on after the enemy before him. Our head of column is just beginning to cross the creek, and we will follow closely in support
of the cavalry. We leave the turnpike at Richland Creek. The road from here is
almost impassable for wagons and artillery. We will take with one battery for
each division and one reserve battery, three rifle batteries we will double
teams. We will also double teams for all wagons we take. Our rations are out
to-night, and when we go into camp we will halt until we can get up three day's
supplies. The road on the south side of Richland Creek is covered with broken
down wagons, abandoned artillery, ammunition, &c., left by the enemy. He
could not take them with him. Citizens say the mules were taken from these
wagons to put to the enemy's pontoon train. 3.30 p. m. (two miles from
Pulaski), received a dispatch from Gen. Wilson, stating that the enemy has
given him a check; that he is strongly posted, with his front covered with rail
barricades; that Forrest's cavalry and eight brigades of infantry are in his front,
and he wishes the assistance of our infantry. We push forward as rapidly as
possible as possible to Gen. Wilson's assistance. 5.30 p. m., our head of column
reaches the point where Gen. Wilson was checked by the enemy, but he (the
enemy) has fled, and Gen. Wilson is now pushing on. Gen. Wilson was pushing the enemy too fast, when he (the enemy) made a counter charge and captured one gun, which now remains in his possession. We are now six miles
from Pulaski, and halt for the night. Gen. Wilson is informed that we can go no
farther until we can get rations. 7 p. m., a train with three day's rations for us is
now at Pulaski, and officers are sent forward to hurry it up as fast as possible. It
cannot be up with the troops before 11 a. m. to-morrow, so bad is the condition
of the roads. 10.15 p. m., received of a note from Gen. Thomas, directing us to
issue three days' rations, and then push forward in support of the cavalry; that
the cavalry train. (This refers to a train of three day's rations that will be in
Pulaski to-morrow morning for us, and our baggage train.) It has been raining
since 1 p. m. to-day, and this will make the roads even worse.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 163-164.
December 25, 1864 - Action at King's (or Anthony's) Hill, [a.k.a. Devil's Gap], near Pulaski
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Major-General Nathan Bedford Forrest on operations November 16, 1864-January 23, 1865.
~~~
On the morning of the 25th, after destroying all the ammunition which could
not be removed from Pulaski by Gen. Hood and two trains of cars, I ordered
Gen. Jackson to remain in town as long as possible and to destroy the bridge at
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 119
December 25, 1864
Richland Creek after everything had passed over. The enemy soon pressed
Gen. Jackson, but he held him in check for some time, killing and wounding
several before retiring. Seven miles from Pulaski I took position on King's Hill,
and awaiting the advance of the enemy, repulsed him, with a loss of 150 killed
and wounded, besides capturing many prisoners and one piece of artillery. The
enemy made no further demonstrations during the day. I halted my command
at Sugar Creek, where it encamped during the night.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 758.
December 25, 1864 - Christmas 1864, a letter from Indiana
Dec 25th. '64
to Capt. Dunn
Co. E 57th Indiana
Dear Sir, I have heard that my son, David Ward, (a drafted man in your company) was killed while doing picket duty in front of Nashville on the night of
the 14th instant and I wish to know where he was buried and if there was a
headboard placed at his grave or any other means whereby it can be recognized
so that I can obtain the body by going to Nashville. Please answer at your earliest convenience and oblige a bereaved father.
John Ward
Terre Haute, Vigo Co., Ind.
John Ward Correspondence.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.franklin-stfb.org.
December 25, 1864 - January 2, 1865 - The Army of Tennessee retreats successfully to Alabama
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Journal of the Army of Tennessee provides a decent summation of the activities of the successful retreat from Tennessee:
December 25.-Army headquarters at Bainbridge, on the Tennessee River. The
pontoon was being laid across the river as rapidly as the arrival of the boats
would allow. General Cheatham came into the main road this morning, and in
rear of Stevenson's corps moved to the river, where a line covering the bridge
was formed, Cheatham occupying the right and Stevenson the left. General
Stewart's corps came into the main road, was put into position so as to protect
both roads.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 25, 1864
December 26 to January 2, 1865, inclusive.-The pontoon was completed by
daylight on the 26th instant, and the army was occupied two days in crossing—
Lee's and Cheatham's corps on the 26th, and Stewart's and the cavalry on the
27th. On the 28th the pontoon was withdrawn. The march was resumed, upon
striking the Memphis and Charleston railroad, immediately down the road, in
the order of crossing the river, to Burnsville, Miss., where, on the 31st, a circular was issued to corps commanders, directing further movements, as follows:
"Lee's corps to move to Rienzi, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, Cheatham's
corps to move to Corinth, and Stewart's corps to remain at Burnsville until further orders." Cheatham's corps arrived and established camps at Corinth on
January 1, and Lee's and Stewart's corps at their respective destinations on January 2, 1865. Army headquarters were at Tuscumbia from the 26th to the 28th
of December, inclusive. On the 29th Gen. Hood, with Col. Mason and his personal staff, remained during the day at the terminus of the railroad near Tuscumbia, awaiting the train, which did not arrive until late at night. He reached
Burnsville on the evening of the 30th, remained there until the morning of the
2d of January, and from thence came by cars to Corinth.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 674.
Forrest's February 26, 1865 address to his troops:
SOLDIERS: The old campaign is ended, and your commanding general deems
this an appropriate occasion to speak of the steadiness, self-denial, and patriotism with which you have borne the hardships of the past year. The marches
and labors you have performed during that period will find no parallel in the
history of this war.
On the 24th day of December there were 3,000 of you, unorganized and undisciplined, at Jackson, Tenn., only 400 of whom were armed. You were surrounded by 15,000 of the enemy, who were congratulating themselves on your
certain capture. You started out with your artillery, wagon trains, and a large
number of cattle, which you succeeded in bringing through, since which time
you have fought and won the following battles-battles which will enshrine
your names in the hearts of your countrymen, and live in history an imperishable monument to your prowess: Jacks' Creek, Estenaula, Somerville,
Okolona, Union City, Paducah, Fort Pillow, Bolivar, Tishomingo Creek, Harrisburg, Hurricane Creek, Memphis, Athens, Sulphur Springs, Pulaski, Carter's
Creek, Columbia, and Johnsonville are the fields upon which you have won
fadeless immortality. In the recent campaign in Middle Tennessee you sustained the reputation so nobly won. For twenty-six days, from the time you left
Florence, on the 21st of November to the 26th of December you were constantly engaged with the enemy, and endured the hunger, cold, and labor incident to that arduous campaign without murmur. To sum up, in brief, your
triumphs during the past year, you have fought fifty battles, killed and captured
16,000 of the enemy, captured 2,000 horses and mules, 67 pieces of artillery, 4
gun-boats, 14 transports, 20 barges, 300 wagons, 50 ambulances, 10,000 stand
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 121
December 26, 1864
of small-arms, 40 block-houses, destroyed 36 railroad bridges, 200 miles of
railroad, 6 engines, 100 cars, and $15,000,000 worth of property.
In the accomplishment of this great work you were occasionally sustained by
other troops, who joined you in the fight, but your regular number never
exceeded 5,000, 2,000 of whom have been killed or wounded, while in prisoners you have lost about 200.
If your course has been marked by the graves of patriotic heroes who have
fallen by your side, it has, at the same time, been more plainly marked by the
blood of the invader. While you sympathize with the friend of the fallen, your
sorrows should be appeased by the knowledge that they fell as brave men battling for all that make life worth living for.
Soldiers! you now rest for a short time from your labors. During the respite
prepare for future action. Your commanding general is ready to lead you again
to the defense of the common cause, and he appeals to you, by a remembrance
of the glories of your past career; your desolated homes; your insulted women
and suffering children; and, above all, by the memory of your dead comrades,
to yield a ready obedience to discipline, and to buckle on your armor anew for
the fight. Bring with you the soldier's safest armor-a determination to fight
while the enemy pollutes your soil; to fight as long as he denies your rights; to
fight until independence shall have been achieved; to fight for home, children,
liberty, and all you hold dear. Show to the world the superhuman and sublime
spirit with which a people may be inspired when fighting for the inestimable
boon of liberty. Be not allured by the sire song of peace, for there can be no
peace save upon your separate independent nationality. You can never again
unite with those who have murdered you sons, outraged your helpless families,
and with demoniac malice wantonly destroyed your property and to subjugate
or annihilate the freemen of the South would stamp with infamy the names of
your gallant dead and the living heroes of this war. Be patient, obedient, and
earnest, and the day is not fair distant when you can return to your homes and
live in the full fruition of freemen around the old family altar.
N. B. FORREST, Maj.-Gen., Cmdg. District of Mississippi and East Louisiana.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 759-760.
December 26, 1864 - Action at Sugar CreekNOTE 1
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report Bvt. Brigadier-General John H. Hammond, commanding First Brigade, 7th Division, U. S. Army, on operations from December 15-27, 1864, relative to skirmish at Sugar Creek, December 26, 1864.
~~~
The next morning [26th], moving in pursuit at a rapid pace, the Second Tennessee, Lieut.-Col. Cook commanding, in advance, we drove the enemy out of his
position five miles from Anthony's Hill, and pushed the rear guard back on the
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 26, 1864
main body, posted in a strong position on the south bank of Sugar Creek. A
spirited action followed, in which the Second Tennessee, supported by the
Fourth, drove the enemy into his works. A charge was made in turn by two columns of infantry, with cavalry in the center, driving us back about 300 yards
across the creek, where we rallied and drove them back to their works, holding
the position until the afternoon, when the Fourteenth Ohio Battery shelled their
rear guard out of log-work commanding the road, and pursuit was continued to
this place.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 608.
Excerpt from the Report of Major-General Nathan Bedford Forrest on operations November 16, 1864-January 23, 1865.
~~~
On the morning of the 26th the enemy commenced advancing, driving back
Gen. Ross' pickets. Owing to the dense fog he could not see the temporary fortifications which the infantry had thrown up and behind which they were
secreted. The enemy therefore advanced to within fifty paces of these works,
when a volley was opened upon him, causing the wildest confusion. Two
mounted regiments of Ross' brigade and Ector's and Granbury's brigades of
infantry were ordered to charge upon the discomfited foe, which was done,
producing a complete rout. The enemy was pursued for two miles, but showing
no disposition to give battle my troops were ordered back. In this engagement
he sustained a loss of about 150 in killed and wounded; many prisoners and
horses were captured and about 400 horses killed. I held this position for two
hours, but the enemy showing no disposition to renew the attack, and fearing
he might attempt a flank movement in the dense fog, I resumed the march,
after leaving a picket with orders to remain until 4 o'clock. The enemy made no
further attack between Sugar Creek and Tennessee River, which stream I
crossed on the evening of the 27th of December. The infantry were ordered to
report back to their respective corps, and I moved with my cavalry to Corinth.
The campaign was full of trial and suffering, but the troops under my command, both cavalry and infantry, submitted to every hardship with an uncomplaining patriotism; with a single exception, they behaved with commendable
gallantry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 758.
NOTE 1: This was the last military action of Army of Tennessee in the Volunteer
State. A sober and critical study of the retreats made by the Army of Tennessee could prove a valuable contribution to American military history. For
a narrative of this action see: James Willis, Arkansas Confederates in the
Western Theater, (Dayton, OH: Morningside House, 1998), pp 623-628.
Willis has it that Forrest shot his own men who would not halt and form during the retreat from Nashville. Ibid., fn. 58, p. 623.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
December 1864 — Page 123
December 26, 1864
December 26, 1864 - "Prisoner Escape"
One of the prisoners in the workhouse escaped yesterday by forcing the bars in
the window looking on the river, and crawling down the tin pipe leading the
water from the roof. Having reached terra firma, he crawled along by the wall
until he reached the workhouse landing, when he put off for parts unknown at a
2:40 lick.
Nashville Dispatch, December 27, 1864
December 26, 1864 - "Wagon Upset"
Yesterday afternoon, while about one hundred wagons were waiting to cross
the railroad bridge, a government wagon was capsized on the platform on the
other side of the river, which damaged a load of Uncle Sam's crackers, and
detained the train nearly an hour.
Nashville Dispatch, December 27, 1864
December 26, 1864 - "Interesting Event."
Some interesting ceremonies took place yesterday, at the Episcopal church, of
which the Rev. Mr. Harlow is the "pastor." About one hundred and fifty children, members of the Sunday School, and fifteen teachers, met in the church
yesterday afternoon for the purpose of receiving their Christmas presents. The
church was handsomely decorated, a Christmas tree being in the center of the
church, ornamented with flowers, and illuminated with wax candles; Dr. Harlow addressed the children, and after signing a Christmas hymn and chorus,
Mr. George Hazlewood, the Superintendent, called out the names and distributed the premiums, consisting of toys, book-marks, candies, etc., the eyes of
the dear little ones sparkling with joy, and betraying a gratitude springing from
their very hearts. Mrs. F. B. Fogg, one of the oldest and most useful members
of the Sunday School, was present, and was highly delighted at what she witnessed; indeed she was almost a child again, for her charitable heart and the
child-like simplicity of her nature, compelled her to participate and sympathize
with the happy little ones. After the distribution premiums among the children,
one was presented by them to their benefactress, Mrs. Fogg, which she
received gratefully, and seemed much affected at being so kindly remembered
by the little ones. Mrs. Crawford was also present. It was intended to give an
illustration of the wonders of the Magic Lantern, but the teachers were disappointed, and were compelled to deter this until next Monday afternoon. In the
conduct of the Sunday School attached to this church much praise is due to Mr.
Hazlewood, who took the school in charge when only ten scholars were to be
found, and now fifteen teachers and about 150 scholars may be considered an
average attendance.
Nashville Dispatch, December 27, 1864.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
December 27, 1864
December 27, 1864 - Federal orders to shoot or arrest stragglers
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Pulaski, December 27,
1864.
COMDG. OFFICER FORTY-FIFTH MISSOURI, Spring Hill:
Shoot all the stragglers you can catch in the act of plundering trains, and such
as you do not shoot send back to Gen. Miller at Nashville.
WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brig.-Gen. and Chief of Staff.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 386.
December 27, 1864 - Observations of Middle Tennessee During the Pursuit of the Army of
Tennessee; Excerpts of Captain Gershom M. Barber's letter to his wife
Head Quarters O. V. S. S.
In the field
December 27, 1864
My Dear Wife
. . . We are now encamped at Pulaski but I suppose we start again tomorrow.
For the next 25 miles we shall have dirt roads which at this season are nearly
impassible. . .
Since my last we have crossed [the] duck river at Columbia. We were detained
there one day the enemy had burned the bridge and our pontoon was a miserable affair [it] had to be repaired every hour while repairing the bridge which
broke while our train were passing we fished up 3 pieces of artillery which the
rebs had thrown into the water.
Christmas! How did it pass at home? Was there a vacant seat for me? I thought
of it a good many times during the weary march of that day! Yes home and its
customs was the banter of many a weary soldiers thoughts on that day. My men
however have a good Christmas supper on Christmas which our caterer foraged from the country and I guess most of the men faired nearly as well. . . At
night we encamped in the woods at a place called Reynolds five miles south of
Lynnville. The town of Reynolds consists of a wood station on the railroad a
plantation about a mile away. . . most of the towns you will see on the map.
Pulaski is a pretty little town about like Beria. So is Columbia. Franklin is a
much larger place. The country in this part of Tennessee is the richest in the
world. Is the best cotton country I have seen. There are thousands of acres that
are unpicked for want of hands. An unpicked cotton field as this season of the
year is a beautiful sight to northern eyes. I do not know which direction we
take from this point. The rebs have divided into three columns on account of
the condition of the roads and I suppose we shall do the same. . . I think the
general intentions yesterday was to go towards Florence but I suspect he has
changed his mind and will go to Decatur or Huntsville. So far as eatables are
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December 1864 — Page 125
December 28, 1864
concerned we shall fair very well as we can forage for what we need. Which is
cheaper and better than to depend on the commissary.
The men have stood the march well so far a few only having given in and been
sent back. We had no mail for nearly a week and we get no papers we know little of what is going on in the world. We have a dispatch from the president that
Savannah is taken. Sherman said when Hood was making his splendid flank
movement to his rear "they may brag now but they will catch hell before
Christmas" He has made his promise good. . .
Barber Correspondence.
December 28, 1864 - Expedition from Nashville to Creelsborough, Kentucky
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
December 29, 1864 - Gillem's command reaches Knoxville
•See December 10, 1864-December 29, 1864-Expedition from East Tennessee
into Southwestern Virginia NOTE 1
December 29, 1864 - Adolescent War Games in Edgefield and at the Capitol
JUVENILE HEROES. -Since the battle before Nashville, some of our boys
have been practicing war in their own way. A few days ago, about a dozen of
them agreed for a fight in Edgefield. After deciding who should represent the
Federals and who the Rebels, the former took possession of the hill, and the
latter went below. After waiting sometime for Hood to attack the Federals,
Thomas ordered a charge upon the Rebel forces. Down the hill they rushed at
full speed, each armed with a stick, when the Johnnies dropped, and the Feds,
being unable to stop their headlong career, dashed into the Rebel lines, and by
the time they had recovered themselves, three of them were taken prisoners,
but the army being then too small to cope with the Rebel army, they were
allowed to fight again. Thus the fight went on, with success to one or the other,
until we were too far off to distinguish the position of the contending forces.
Yesterday some juveniles dug entrenchments near the Capitol, sent out scouts,
reconnoitered the neighborhood, were driven back, fired their arrows into the
advancing foe, rushed out again to rescue their lost ammunition, back again to
their breastworks, and thus continued, working like Trojans, for an hour or
more, until their mammas called them in.
Nashville Dispatch, December 29, 1864NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
Page 126 — December 1864
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December 29, 1864
December 29, 1864 - January 12, 1865 - Operations in East Tennessee and North Carolina
HDQRS. MOUNTAIN DISTRICT, NORTH CAROLINA, Ashville, January
12, 1865.
COL.: I have the honor to state for the information of Maj.-Gen. Breckinridge
that, in accordance with instructions received from Gen. Lee, I moved to East
Tennessee on the 29th ultimo, for the purpose of operating, in conjunction with
Gen. Vaughn, upon the rear of Gen. Stoneman's command. A formidable force
of the enemy-the Fourth Tennessee and the Third north Carolina (Kirk's)-occupied Paint Rock, and it became necessary to dispose of that force before leaving my district. The enemy retreated as I advanced upon them. An unexpected
and severe storm so raised the streams that the troops sent to the rear of the
enemy did not reach three, and they escaped. Ascertaining from Col. Toole,
whom I found in Greeneville that the enemy had passed toward Kentucky, pursued by Maj.-Gen. Breckinridge, and that there was no force between
Wytheville and Strawberry Plains, and that, therefore, my instructions to fall
upon the rear of the enemy could not be complied with, I turned my attention to
Kirk's regiment, which had gone toward Greasy Cove, in Washington County,
and which I supposed intended moving against the Watauga and Holston brigades or into my district. But for positive disobedience of orders by one of my
subordinate officers, I would have surrounded and captured, or at least have
effectually routed, Kirk's command. As it was, I drove him in hasty retreat to
Knoxville. A portion of my command, temporarily detached in carrying out
my plans, returned shod when I entered East Tennessee, had become nearly
force presented itself. I therefore returned to my district, after an absence of
sixteen days. Want of promptness on the part of Thomas' Legion (only 200 of
whom joined me, and most of them not until the 26th) prevented an earlier
movement on my part. I am very anxious to do what I can to aid Gen. Breckinridge, but much cannot be expected of me unless I am given the control of Thomas' Legion.
Gen. Lee has instructed me to move to the assistance of Gen. Breckinridge
whenever required, provided my district in not threatened by the enemy, and he
also requests me to send such a force as I may see fit to the vicinity of Big
Creek, provided I can do so without risk or detriment to my command.
When I returned from Strawberry Plains I left the Sixty-second and Sixtyfourth Carolina at Big Creek. The retreat of Gen. Vaughn, from below Bull's
Gap, to Greeneville, without notice to my troops, endangered their safety, and
they only escaped being cut off by falling promptly back to the Warm Springs.
With the present disposition of force in East Tennessee, the force I can spare
could not remain in safety on Big Creek. I shall, however, station the Sixtysecond and Sixty-fourth, as soon as practicable, at flats of Spring Creek, which
instructions to keep scouting parties on Big Creek, twelve or fifteen miles distant; and have ordered four companies of Thomas' Legion to take position on
Jonathan's Creek prepared to support Col. Clayton, on Sporting Creek, or move
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December 1864 — Page 127
December 30, 1864
in to Tennessee as occasion may require. I presume this arrangement will be
satisfactory to Gen. Breckinridge. It is the best I can do at present. The enemy
are in some force, I learn, on French Broad and Pigeon in Cocke County. Their
object, I suppose, is to collect and take off the grain from that region.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. PALMER, Col., Cmdg. District.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 842-843.
December 30, 1864 - " . . . induce them to return to their allegiance to the United States. . . .
"
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Pulaski, December 30,
1864---9 p.m.
Brig. Gen. ANDREW JOHNSON, Military Governor of Tennessee, Nashville:
As the enemy is now entirely driven out of the State of Tennessee, I would
respectfully suggest that immediate measures be taken for the reorganization of
the civil government of the State, as it is desirable, it possible, to place as force
of the army beyond the borders of the State and as close to the enemy as we
can, and I should be very happy to be assured that I could leave the State in the
hands of the citizens. All should certainly now feel that the establishment of
rebel authority in the State of Tennessee is hopeless, and their own interests
should induce them to return to their allegiance to the United States, and
restore peace to their State without any further quibbling.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers, Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. II, p. 421.
ca. December 31, 1864 - Psychological effect of the war on a Bolivar school girl
If I am tired of life at seventeen what will I be at twenty seven! A perfect misanthrope. Yes, in a great deal less time to be the gayest in the crowd, but if any
one knew the insatiable longing of my soul they would pity me. But it may be
all my fault. I am so cold, inconstant and deceitful, no society is congenial to
me. Oh how I strive to show a cheerful countenance and be affectionate and
agreeable. I confess that I have no love of the world, Any but the few that I
love I find hypocritical, mean and selfish.
Diary of Sally Wendel Fentress, ca. December 31, 1864.
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