January 1, 1863
JANUARY 1863
January 1, 1863 - Skirmish near Clifton
Report of Lieut. Col. William K. M. Breckenridge, Sixth Tennessee Cavalry
(Union), of skirmish near Clifton, January 1, 1863.
SALTILLO, January 2, 1863.
SIR: I have just received your dispatch of the 1st instant. I sent you a dispatch
on the night of the 31st December, giving you the incidents of that day. On the
morning of the 1st, a very short time after sunrise, our pickets were driven in
by Forrest's advance. We first made an effort to form on a hill. . . but the timber was so thick that we could not get a line to do any execution. I then fell
back to the foot of the hill, leaving some men to skirmish with them until others were formed. About this time I received information that it was Forrest's
whole force. I then changed position, forming company in the rear of company
to get them all off without exposing our rear. It would have been all right had it
not been that one of the companies that was in the rear did not receive the order
to fall back until they were exposed very much to the enemy's fire. The first
orderly failing to reach them, from some cause that I do not know of, I sent
another order to fall back, which reached the commander of the company while
the enemy were demanding a surrender of the whole command; in the mean
time the enemy were making an attempt to surround the company, which being
perceived they galloped off, losing about 6 men as prisoners. We killed 6 and
wounded some others of the enemy. We made our retreat on the Decaturville
road, to the right of the enemy, getting in their rear to annoy him all we could.
We found that his rear was moving at a very rapid rate and followed them
within a short distance of the river, and found that they had been advised that
their rear was followed. I did not deem it prudent to follow farther. I propose to
reconnoiter the country in the vicinity of Clifton again, and will remain till I
hear from you. If you send the artillery we can use it to good advantage.
The above hasty report is respectfully submitted.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 1
January 1, 1863
W. K. M. BRECKENRIDGE, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 590.
CORINTH, January 3, 1863.
GENERAL: Forrest escaped across the river at Clifton at 7 a.m. January 1,
having traveled all the time since his fight, and immediately attacked my cavalry. They kept him from the river until night, when they found they were surrounded by a very heavy force and two pieces of artillery. They cut their way
out down river and got into his rear next morning. Forrest commenced crossing
that night, his men on rafts, his horses swam. The cavalry attacked again the
2d, and this morning he had everything across by 10 o'clock. I could not reach
him with my forces, but sent forward all the mounted men I could raise, with
one section of artillery. They will get to Clifton to-day. No gunboats in the
river. Heard nothing from Sullivan's forces. Our cavalry have lost considerable
in killed and wounded, but not many prisoners. They took several of Forrest's
men. I have just returned.
G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 551.
January 1, 1863 - Skirmish at La Vergne
Report of Lieut. Col. William H. Dickinson, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, including skirmish at La Vergne, January 1.
HDQRS. FOURTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY, Camp near Murfreesborough,
Tenn., January 8, 1863.
SIR: In compliance with an order of Col. Minty, commanding First Cavalry
Brigade, I submit the following report of the troops under my command since
my separation from the main body of my regiment at the cross-roads near
Stewart's Creek, on the Murfreesborough pike, December 31:
I remained there, by Col. Minty's order, with two pieces of artillery and four
companies of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, viz.,: Companies A, D, G, and L,
until the morning of January 1, when I was ordered by Col. Burke, of the Tenth
Ohio Infantry, to move with my command in the direction of La Vergne, to
engage the enemy who had attacked our baggage train. On arriving within
three-fourths of a mile of that place, we found the enemy attacking and burning
our train. I immediately ordered a part of my men to dismount and protect the
two pieces of artillery under my command and the other to attack the enemy
from the left. After a brisk fire of about half an hour, the enemy retired, leaving
15 killed and carrying off 15 wounded.
I was then ordered by Col. Innes to patrol the pike between Stewart's Creek and
La Vergne, both day and night, until January 4, when, by Gen. Stanley's command, I escorted Quartermaster Dudley's train to Nashville and back here,
where I arrived on the evening of the 7th instant.
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On January 2, two prisoners were brought in by our pickets, whom I turned
over to Capt. Ward, of the Tenth Ohio, commanding detachment at Stewart's
Creek. Inclosed you will find a report, made by Lieut. Eldridge, who was for a
few days in command of a separate detachment.
Yours,
W. H. DICKINSON, Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Fourth Michigan Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 628-629.
January 1, 1863 - Skirmish at Stewart's Creek
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Lieut. Col. Joseph W. Burke, Tenth Ohio Infantry,
of operations December 31-January 22, 1863, relative to the skirmish at Stewart's Creek, January 1, 1863.
HDQRS. TENTH OHIO VOLUNTEERS, Murfreesborough, Tenn., January
28, 1863.
~~~
On January 1, I was re-enforced by four companies of the Fourth Michigan
Cavalry, under Lieut.-Col. Dickinson, and a section of Company D, First Ohio
Battery, under Lieut. Newell.
Rebel cavalry threatened the post during the day, and their advance guard was
twice repulsed by my pickets and reserve. Concluding not to attack at Stewart's
Creek, this force, consisting of Wheeler's, Wharton's, Buford's, John H. Morgan's, and McCann's rebel cavalry, with two pieces of artillery, passed on
toward La Vergne, where they attacked Col. Innes, First Michigan Engineers,
at 1 o'clock. I apprised Col. Innes of the movements of this force at an early
hour.
About 1 o'clock a squadron of affrighted negroes came charging at full gallop
from Murfreesborough toward Stewart's Creek, and with such impetuosity and
recklessness that over 100 passed the bridge before I could check the progress
of the main cavalcade. They were dismounted and some of then ducked by my
men. This was the advance of what seemed to me to be the whole army-cavalrymen with jaded horses, artillery and infantry soldiers, breathless and holding
on to wagons, relating the most incredible defeats and annihilation of the army
and their respective regiments, came streaming down the road and pouring
through the woods on their way toward the bridge. In vain did my small guard
stationed on the road try to check this panic. Officers drew their revolvers, but
the fugitives heeded them not.
My regiment was in line of the hill-side, and I promptly fixed bayonet,
marched at double-quick to the bridge, and drew up a line before it, sending
out, at the same time, two companies, deployed as skirmishers, on the right and
left, to prevent the passing of the creek by fording. The fugitives crowded in
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January 1, 1863
thousands, and at one time pressed closely up to the bayonets of my men. I
ordered the battalion to load, and determined to fire if the crowd did not move
back; seeing which, many took flight back toward the front. At this critical
moment I was rendered most valuable assistance by Lieut. Rendelbrook,
Fourth U. S. Cavalry, and his men, who were stationed at the bridge with their
camp and train.
To him I assigned the duty of getting the stragglers into line, and nobly did his
men execute his orders. Riding through the panic-stricken crowds, the cavalrymen drove them into a field, where a good line was formed, and every straggler
taken and made dress up. When I had a regiment formed in this manner, I
assigned it officers and marched it across the bridge, stacked arms, and rested
it. In this manner I secured over 4,000 men. I must mention here the fact that
the prominent movers in the panic were the quartermasters in charge of trains.
There was only one who behaved with anything like courage and coolness-the
quartermaster of the Pioneer Brigade.
Later in the day I was notified by Col. Innes that he was attacked fiercely by
rebel cavalry; that a demand for surrender had been made twice, and asking to
be re-enforced. I promptly dispatched four companies of the Fourth Michigan
Cavalry and the section of artillery (Rodman guns) to his assistance, and
ordered them to move up at a trot, holding my own forces ready to support
them.
After the lapse of two hours, during which the cannonading of Col. Innes'
stockade was kept up by the rebels (hearing the report of each gun), Mr. Reily,
a citizen, made his escape through the rebel lines, bearing a dispatch from Col.
Innes requesting me to re-enforce him, and the astonishing information that the
troops I sent up under Lieut.-Col. Dickinson were on their way back to me
without having fired a shot, and the rebels were burning the trains.
I quickly decided to save the trains and leave the bridge to the protection of the
regiments of stragglers, and set out at a rapid pace for La Vergne with my own
command. I met the section of artillery returning, as well as part of the cavalry.
I ordered them to fall in behind me, and sent in a strong support of infantry to
the guns.
The scene on the road was indescribable. Teamsters had abandoned their wagons and came back mounted on their mules and horses; wagons were packed
across the road, and many capsized on the side of the pike; horses ran wild
through the woods, and, although men were allowed by me to pass as wagon
guards, there were none at their posts. They had left the road and were bivouacking in small parties in the woods, evidently careless of the fate of the
trains.
The woods toward La Vergne were filled with small bodies of rebel cavalry,
which were quickly dislodged by my skirmishers and driven off. I reached Col.
Innes at La Vergne at 7 o'clock, and assisted him in arranging the trains and
forwarding them to Nashville.
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I detached four companies of my regiment, and Lieut.-Col. Dickinson's command, and sent them back to Stewart's Creek at daylight next morning [January
2d], remaining myself at La Vergne, collecting supplies from the trains, gathering in cattle abandoned by our men, and sending them to the front.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 654-656.
January 1, 1863 - The 15th Iowa Infantry stops in Lafayette; impressions by a private
. . . We have established a few forts around the depot and water tank[.] Lafayette has but one citizen left and that is a widow woman. The town has had
about 150 inhabitants[.] There is but one good dwelling in the place[.] There is
a fine large brick depot and warehouse[.] Our Surgeon took the best house in
town for his headquarters[.] But had hardly got it warmed before Hugh T[.]
Reid came and dispossessed him and proceeded to fix himself init. But he had
scarcely become used to its comforts when Genl QuinbyNOTE 1came along and
notified Mr [.] Reid that he should want that “house” for his own use[.] So
Mr[.] Reid took an humble abode and “grated” his teeth[.] Guerrillas swarm all
through this country and last night one of the 93d Indiana was wounded on
Picket. We cannot forage here without a guard[.]
Boyd Diary
NOTE 1: Brigadier General Isaac F. Quinby, 13th Army Corps.
January 1, 1863 - New Year's Day meditations by Charles Alley, 5th Iowa Cavalry, in camp
near Paris
New Year's Day and fine warm weather. Another year has gone into eternity.
How many thousands of my fellow creatures have gone into eternity. How
many even of my own company and yet I am alive, healthy and strong. Surely
in these things God has been good to me. And what return have I made him
that of a Christian. Ah, how little do I differ from the other men. Too often do I
give way to evil thoughts, to angry words, to an evil disposition. Lord enable
me to dedicate myself more entirely to thy service. Make me to be more meek,
more forebearing patient, more contented, more kind and obliging to others,
less selfish, less censorious, less willing to give way to any evil. May I wage
constant and increasing warfare against the world [of] the flesh and the devil.
Enable me to dedicate myself, my soul and body entirely to thy service. Seeking first the kingdom of God and the righteousness; and trusting all my concerns entirely to him, knowing that he is able to care for me and will do it.
Alley Diary
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January 1, 1863
January 1, 1863 - “A few little incidents of this nature have served to keep us alive as it
were.” Excerpts from George F. Cram's letter to his mother
Camp of the 105th [Ohio], South Tunnel
~~~
The past week has been one of little interest and has dragged wearily away.
The boys have daily watched the coming of the regimental post master, but
alas, only to turn away disappointed. . . Occasionally during the week we have
had excepting rumors of an expected attack here, but a few night since our Col.
received a dispatch from Gallatin, that Breckinridge with a large army was trying to cross the Cumberland a few miles below Gallatin and that we might
expect an attack any moment. . . But the night passed away and morning
brought a dispatch that the rumor was false. A few little incidents of this nature
have served to keep us alive as it were.
They have had, however, quite exciting times at Gallatin, having been drawn
up in line of battle nearly every day in expectation of an immediate attack and
being started out of their sleep by the long roll in the still hour of night, only to
find that the alarm was false. Last Monday part of a rebel company fired up the
pickets there, the captain of the rebels had a splendid mansion about three
miles out from the town, and our enraged soldiers, wheeled out a cannon and
leveled it with the ground. I wish all rebel officers were served this; that the
war, already prolonged too much by the imbecility of our administration and
the cowardice of our officers, might end. The common soldiers of the south
have no longer any heart in the matter, as all who are taken by our men say. I
have myself talked with several of them and they say, to a man, that they would
gladly have the old union restored and live again in the enjoyment of peace.
Yesterday I was talking with a very aged man who was a soldier in 1812. He
said that when the excitement first broke out about this war the “big men” went
around the country telling the people that Lincoln's robbers were coming down
here for no other purpose than to set the Negroes free, incite insurrections, and
pillage the country. Is it a wonder that the poor ignorant commoners deluded
into this belief should rise and fight even without clothes, for the defense as
they thought of their liberty, poor ignorant wretches! How much have the rebel
chiefs to account for!
You cannot have the remotest idea of the sufferings of this part of rebeldom. I
never did when at home and never should had I not actually seen it. If the war
lasts a year longer, many of the inhabitants must actually starve and go entirely
naked. The government you are aware allows no trade with the land beyond
Nashville; no supplies from the southern sources can reach here. The young
men are mostly off to the war, and I have seen many an old couple just tottering
on the verge of the grave with a son in either army and no possible means of
support the coming years. Their clothes already covered with patches, no others to buy and no money to buy them. (One old man told me he had not seen
Page 6 — January 1863
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January 1, 1863
ten dollars since the war broke out.) Living in little log houses, the only thing
they can have plenty of is wood and that the country abounds in.
The health of the regiment is not so good as it has been. Four have died already
this week, one a day. The disease is principally diarrhea, which has so far
almost wholly baffled the surgeon's skill, owing to the villainous food they
give us. The hard crackers, when eaten dry, swell up in the stomach and when
previous to eat are heavy as lead entirely indigestible. Last week our quarter
master got us a lot of bacon that was so rotten you could smell it all over the
camp. If we could only get salt beef, a great many of the boys now sick would
be well. Another man has just died, while I was writing the above. He had been
sick for some time and suddenly dropped dead. My health continues pretty
good for I take care of myself and keep as far from the Dr. as possible.
~~~
This morning we received news of a federal success at Murfreesboro. It gives
the camp a cheerful aspect to hear good news. . .
Letters of George F. Cram
January 1, 1863 - An initial report on the battle of Stones River
Battle Near Murfreesboro'.
The city was considerably excited yesterday by rumors of a sanguinary battle
being in progress near Murfreesboro', between the armies of Rosecrans and
Bragg, but these rumors were of such a contradictory character, as to render it
impossible to arrive at anything certain in regard to the fight. It appears that the
skirmishing Tuesday was simply for the purpose of securing positions which
the contending parties desired to occupy. At an early hour yesterday morning,
by the time it was light, it is said the battle commenced by an attack upon the
Federal lines by Gen. Van Dorn, and the reports brought down represent the
fight that ensued as very obstinate and bloody; but we could learn nothing as to
the probable extent of the loss on either side. . .
Nashville Dispatch, January 1, 1863.
January 1, 1863 - Confederate prisoners and Federal wounded arrive in Nashville from the
battle of Stones River; an entry in the diary of John Hill Ferguson, 10th
Illinois Volunteer Infantry
January 1st Fort Negley Nashville Tennessee in 1863, Thursday 1st day fine
and plesent Last Night cold with frost at one occlock today we mustered for
pay, inspector Barret of Co. D rummers of all kinds a float today in regard to
the battle still raging at Murfreesboro: in the afternoon we seen what we supposed to be a body of rebel prisoners coming in. N. Fancher, Joseph Blacmon
and My Self went [a]cross to the Murfreesboro pike to see them and Learn
what new we could from the field of action in the advance a train of waggans
and ambulances came in with wounded men than a Squad of rebels prisoners
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January 2, 1863
Said to be 325 they ware guarded by about 4 companys of the 42nd Ills they
ware a miserable set of men they had no uniform they ware dressed in every
Stile imaginable yet they ware generly big raw boned Stout men Some Seemed
very well satisfied that they ware taken prisoners Some said we would get well
flaged this time: that Bragg would be in pusesion of Nashville by tomorrow
night that they would not have long to lay in prison Some said they did not
expect to spend new years in Nashville although they expected to be in it soon
afterwards I was more taken on with the actions of the citizens than any thing
els as I thought it was a good time to gudge from appearance the rail feelings
that existed in the people the men generally kept in groups by them selves,
when a soldier would step forward they would be silant or change there Subject: the wemen showed more clearly the party which they favored Some
young Ladies would say" they would have turkeys prepaired for bragg and his
army when he came to Nashville: while other young Ladys would crowd
around us whare we stod to get all the news they could in regard to the welfair
of the union Army Some would make the remark that the[y] ware a dirty
degraded Set of people but they could not expect anything better is the
believed they ware cursed for the cruel deeds they ware guilty[?] of: the road
was lined with wounded men coming in Some had there heads dun up with
there handkerchief; The Ladys who ware friends to the union Soldiers would
walk out and inquire into the nature of there wound and how the battle was
likle to go and would simpthise with the poor sufferers and would call them
cowards and trators and every thing but gentleman they would inquiar if they
ware hungery if the ware they would give them some thing to eat we lerned
that our Left wing was in Murfreesboro but could get no information in regard
to which army was most likely to be victories we ware informed that our army
was reinforced by 30,000 just arrived from Kentucky: we are also informed we
also hard it reported that Stanly went around in the rear of the enemy and
destroyed some rail road bridges which will sertenly be a great injury to the
rebels in recovering suplys and reainforcements ; if the report is true: our pickets captured a suspesious cittizen today going out to the rebels learning in his
pusession a draft of fort Negley and a letter to bregg saying if they drive the
yankies at Murfreesboro the cittizens can surprise and take fort Negley the man
was delivered up to General Mitchel there he was taken to the States prisen our
first guard was dubled and the regt fell in at 1/2 after 9 and stood 1/2 hour we
ware formed in Line again under arms at 3 in the morning we defy all the cittizens and all the rebel army combined to take Nashville are drive us from our
poseation in fort Negley I expect more favorable news tomorrow.
John Hill Fergusson Diary, Book 2.
January 2, 1863 - Forrest's command withdraws and recrosses the Tennessee River, Clifton
•See January 3, 1863--Skirmish near Clifton
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 2, 1863
January 2, 1863 - Skirmish near Fort Donelson
JANUARY 2, 1863.-Skirmish near Fort Donelson, Tenn.
Report of Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Davies, U. S. Army.
JANUARY 3, 1863.
Col. Lowe reports that a train going from Fort Donelson to Fort Henry was
attacked by Spaulding's band of guerrillas. A fight ensued. Spaulding was
killed and several other, with some prisoners, and routing the remainder.
Our loss, 3 killed and 3 taken prisoners.
THOS. A. DAVIES, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 698.
January 2, 1863 - One Federal officer's impressions at the end of the second day of the Battle of Stones River; an excerpt from the diary of Colonel John Beatty
~~~
The hungry soldiers cut steaks from the slain horses, and, with the scanty supplies which have come forward, gather around the fires to prepare supper, and
talk over the incidents of the day. The prospect seems brighter. We have held
the ground, and in this last encounter have whipped the enemy. There is more
cheerful conversation among the men. They discuss the battle, the officers, and
each other, and give us now and then a snatch of a song. Officers come over
from adjoining brigades, hoping to find a little whisky, but learn, with apparent
resignation and well-feigned composure, that the canteens have been long
empty; that even the private flasks, which officer carry with the photographs of
their sweethearts, in a side pocked next to their hearts, are destitute of even the
flavor of this article of prime necessity. My much-esteemed colleague of the
court martial, Colonel Hobart, stumbles up in the thick darkness to pay his
respects. The sentinel, mistaking him for a private, tells him, with an oath, that
this is not time nor place for stragglers, and orders him back to his regiment;
and so the night wears on, and fifty thousand men lay upon their guns again.
Beatty, Citizen Soldier, pp. 207-208.
January 2, 1863 - Federal activity in the Lafayette environs, an entry from the diary of
Cyrus F. Boyd, 15th Iowa Infantry
The great train of wagons from Memphis commenced unloading at the Depot
and Warehouse last night. There was so much noise no one could sleep[.] The
men detailed to unload the wagons had their regular rations of whiskey every
two hours and some of them got a little too lose before morning[.] The[y]
bursted open barrels and boxes all over the platform and tore thing up generally [.] The teamsters were about all tight and several of them let their teams
run away and such halooing and shouting and swearing I never heard.
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January 2, 1863
An Engine came up from Moscow and found the track clear to this point Genl
McArthur was on the Engine. Soon some cars came down with a lot of Engineers and workmen[.] They run west to repair a bridge about two miles[.] But
just as they got to work about 20 guerrillas attacked them[.] The guard a Company of Wis troops all ran back here without making a fight[.] Instantly there
was an alarm and the 'long roll” beat and we fell into line [.] The 13th [Iowa]
with our Regt was hurried northward and gone about half a day. We captured
75 head of hogs and 30 head cattle that would not take the oath of allegiance to
the United States [.]
A train of cars left this afternoon for Corinth loaded with provisions[.] Today 2
guerrillas were captured and brought in. One of them had 40 Negroes hid out
and they too came in and went into a little frame house. Such a lot of pagans I
never saw[.] They are almost naked and as ignorant as beasts from Old grand
mother down to suckling child[.] Their Master had them hid out with a lot of
mules[,] horses and hogs and our men drove them all in together [.] The aristocracy goes with the field hands[.] “The tail goes with the hide” in this new
order of things[.]
This evening our boys being on guard at the Depot discovered a barrel of white
sugar among a lot of barrels of salt and they rolled it under the Depot and after
dark brought it to camp and we shall have syrup and taffy for some time[.]
Boyd Diary.
January 2, 1863 - Report on the murder of “Poor Waggoner.”
•See April 14, 1863-April 17, 1863-The John Waggoner murder trial, an example of civil justice in Civil War Nashville
Office Chief Police [Nashville]
Jany. 2/63
To His Excellency
Gov. Johnson
Sir The case of SamuelsNOTE 1has not came into office[.] I understood He Had
been arrested charged with the Murder of Poor Waggoner[.] We Have arrested
a good many Persons on suspicion of being Parties to the murder[.] I have as
yet found but to Identified by Mrs Waggoner, as Parties to the Murder. Samuels
I understood from the Mayor, was suspected as one of the Parties. The Case is
in the Hands of the City Authorities.
Yours respectfully Wm. Truesdail
Chief Police
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 107.
NOTE 1: Not identified.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 3, 1863
January 2, 1863 - Negro servants decide not to leave employment situations in Nashville
We have heard of several negro women who had notified their mistresses that
they would have to supply their places by yesterday, as they intended on that
day to go to housekeeping themselves, and some of these negroes had gone so
far as to make preparations for the anticipated change in their relations. Some
few negro men had also expressed themselves in a similar manner. But the first
of January has come and gone and they have not yet got their freedom, and
appearances begin to indicate that they are not to be included in the proclamation of emancipation which it was expected the President would issue on that
day and this fact has caused a wonderful change in the manners of the comparatively few who have been looking forward to the first of January with a lively
anxiety. They now feel that the old regime is to continue, and are quietly going
to work as usual. That is sensible in them.
Nashville Dispatch, January 2, 1863.
January 3, 1863 - Skirmish at Lexington
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
January 3, 1863 - Skirmish near Clifton
Report of Col. Michael K. Lawler, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, of skirmish
near Clifton, January 3, 1863.
GENERAL: In obedience to orders received from General Sullivan on the 1st
instant, I proceeded with my command to the Tennessee River, opposite Clifton, in pursuit of the rebels under General Forrest. The first day marched 26
miles, to Mr. Sparks', 9 miles this side of Clifton, and on the 3d January
marched with our brigade to the river. The rebels had all crossed the river the
evening previous at Clifton and other points below. One regiment was ordered
to deploy in front of the town and shelter behind the timber and reply to the
battery on the other side, which they did in handsome style, driving the artillerists from their guns. Their batteries played upon us for two hours pretty vigorously, and, with intermission, for one and one-half hours more. The river
bank on the Clifton side being much higher than this side we could not use
artillery to advantage, and did not use it. There was no force of the enemy in
sight except those with the guns.
My adjutant-general, Joseph B. Thorp, was wounded in the leg by a rifle-ball.
This was the only casualty at the river.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. K. LAWLER, Colonel, Commanding.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 590-591.
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January 1863 — Page 11
January 3, 1863
January 3, 1863 - Action at Somerville
GERMANTOWN, TENN., March 5, 1863.
Capt. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.:
CAPT.: On the 3d day of January last, I arrived at Moscow, Tenn., from Holly
Springs, Miss., with my command, consisting of the Seventh Kansas Cavalry
and ten companies of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry. I had few rations, and subsisted on the country.
On the 5th of January, I was directed to move north of Wolf River, and
endeavor to clear that country of Richardson's (Confederate) cavalry.
At 10 a.m. of that day I moved, meeting with much delay in crossing Wolf
River.
Distant 7 miles from Moscow, I received the following telegram:
HDQRS. LEFT WING, LaGrange, January 2, 1863.
Col. LEE, Moscow:
The following just received:
HOLLY SPRINGS.
Let Lee collect horses, mules, saddles, and bridles, and mount as many infantry
as possible, to clean out guerrillas between Hatchie and Tallahatchee.
U. S. GRANT.
Take all serviceable animals you can find as well as saddles, and we will soon
fit up a force.
C. S. HAMILTON.
I immediately detached companies from my column, directing them to bring in
all horses, mules, saddles, and bridles fit for use.
At 7 p.m. I bivouacked at a plantation 6 miles from the town of Somerville. It
was rumored that the enemy was in small force at that place, and I gave orders
to move at 3 a. m. on the following morning, hoping to surprise and capture
any force there. We had marched some miles after dark, and I was satisfied that
no one in advance of us knew of our presence in the vicinity. No fires were
allowed, and the men were forced to lie down supperless. Soon a severe rainstorm commenced, and continued all night.
At 3 a. m. I moved my command on Somerville. We reached and surrounded
that town before day, finding no force of the enemy.
I immediately appointed Lieut.-Col. Herrick, of the Seventh Kansas, provostmarshal of the town, placed six companies at his disposal, and directed him to
examine and search the town for Confederate officers and soldiers; also to
gather all horses, mules, and equipments they could find.
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January 3, 1863
I here was informed that Richardson's force was camped about 12 miles north
of this point. I immediately sent a force in that direction to learn the accuracy
of the report.
I also dispatched companies on all roads leading from the town, directing them
to bring in all animals fit for service which they could find.
In town many citizens were arrested suspected of connection with the Southern
Army. These I personally examined and released.
The people of the town treated the soldiers well, and offered them in singular
profusion wines and liquors of all kinds. The town was literally full of intoxicating liquors. At one store-house I discovered fourteen barrels of whisky
which belonged to the Confederate Army.
As a result of this unfortunate profusion of strong drinks, many soldiers, who
had neither supper nor breakfast, and laid on the ground without shelter,
through a night of pelting storm, were induced to drink, and as a consequence I
suddenly discovered that many were intoxicated.
Here occurred a melancholy incident. At the southern border of the town,
Company B, of the Seventh Kansas, Capt. Fred. Swoyer, had been stationed as
a picket. The captain had discovered a quantity of commissary stores in a
building near, and stationed a guard at the entrance. The captain himself had
visited a house near by to obtain a breakfast, and there drank to such an extent
as to become somewhat exhilarated. During his absence, a couple of men of his
company persisted in an endeavor to pass into the store-house mentioned, but
were prevented by the guard. On his return to his company the case was
reported.
He directed the company to fall in, and the men alluded to deliver their arms
and go in arrest. His tone was harsh and peremptory in the extreme. One of the
men demurred, and attempted to explain. He commanded him to desist and
remove his arms, drawing his pistol, and telling him he would shoot him if he
said another word. The man again spoke, when the captain fired, the ball passing into the body of the man. Instantly one of the company fired at the captain,
but did not wound him. The captain rode toward him and the man ran. The captain soon overtook him, both riding rapidly, and shot him through the head,
killing him instantly. At the same moment the man fired, and his ball passed
through the body of the captain. The company was in confusion, and many
shots were fired at the captain, who rode rapidly into town. He was taken into a
house and died the following day.
During this occurrence I was at the court-house, a half mile from its scene. I
immediately dispatched the commanding officer of the regiment with a company to quell the mutiny. It was readily quieted, though the men remained
much excited.
The state of my command and the inclemency of the weather convinced me
that it would be unwise to continue a further search for the enemy, especially as
we were burdened with many led animals. I immediately withdrew the main
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January 1863 — Page 13
January 3, 1863
portion of my command from the town, leaving Lieut.-Col. Wallace, of the
Fourth Illinois Cavalry, in charge of a detachment of the Seventh Kansas, to
await the return of parties sent out. The main body proceeded some distance,
there fed their horses, halting till all came up.
That night we bivouacked south of Wolf River, near Moscow, and next morning reached our camp, bringing with us nearly 300 head of captured mules and
horses.
At Somerville two or three stores were opened and some plundering effected
by drunken men. From complaints made and proven to me, I have no doubt,
too, that robbery and outrages were committed by drunken men. No plunder of
goods, however, was made to any considerable extent, as nothing that could be
seen was carried by soldiers from town.
The officers of the command were sober, and did all in their power to enforce
order among the men. My personal staff especially risked their lives in quelling
insubordination of drunken men.
Arriving at camp, I directed regimental courts-martial, to try all men who had
become intoxicated. This was done, and the next day the command was
paraded, and sentences of the courts, depriving more than 200 of one month's
pay, and inflicting further punishments, were published.
At my request, a general court-martial was immediately called to try the graver
offenses, which has continued to session till a recent date. Regarding this
unfortunate expedition, I can only say, in mitigation of its excesses, for more
than a month immediately preceding these troops had been engaged in the
most arduous, dangerous, and fatiguing service, and during most of that time
had subsisted alone on what could be gleaned from the country. They were
almost worn out. The absence of two successive meals, and the suffering incident to the severe exposure of the night previous, induced them readily to
drink, and the liquor was necessarily speedy in its effects. Before any one
could suspect the possibility of such an event, numbers were drunk.
In our campaigns we have, with this single exception, never found in country
or town intoxicating drinks. Its present scarcity in the South is proverbial;
hence no special precautions suggested themselves to prevent inebriety.
I am, captain, your obedient servant,
A. L. LEE, Col., Cmdg. Second Brigade, Cavalry Division.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. III, pp. 142-143.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., January
20, 1863.
Brig. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON, Comdg. District of West Tennessee:
GEN.: Complaints have come in from Somerville from the few Union men of
the outrageous conduct of the Seventh Kansas, and in one case of Col. Lee's
conduct where he was informed of the status of the party. This was the case of
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 3, 1863
Mr. Rivers, who called on Col. Lee to try and get him to restrain his men, and
was replied to by being made to dismount and give up the animal he was
riding.
If there are any further complaints, well substantiated, I wish you to arrest Col.
Lee and have him tried for incompetency and his regiment dismounted and disarmed.
The conduct of this regiment at New Albany, in their pursuit of Van Dorn,
stopping to plunder the citizens instead of pursuing the enemy when they were
so near them, and again when after Richardson, about the 8th of this month,
they passed near where they knew or at least were informed he was and went
on to the town for the purpose of plunder-all the laurels won by the regiment
and their commander on the pursuit of the enemy from Holly Springs to Coffeeville have been more than counterbalanced by their bad conduct since.
Their present course may serve to frighten women and children and helpless
old men, but will never drive out an armed enemy.
I am, general, with great respect, yours, &c.
U. S. GRANT, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 575.
The account of a member of the 7th Kansas Cavalry
Near Moscow, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 3, 1863-We were called out at 3:00 A. M.
without the sound of bugle or loud orders and were not allowed any fires or
lights. It began raining about that time. We move out at 4.30 A. M. and reached
Sommerville, five mikes distant, soon after daylight. We surrounded it and
posted pickets on every road. The town was searched. 175 horses and mules
were found, and a large number of arms and several prisoners. A large amount
of liquor was also found, and as the men were cold and hungry, many of them
embibed more or less and became intoxicated. Company “B” became quite disorderly, and in trying to quell them, Capt. Sawyer killed one man and severely
wounded another, and then was fatally shot, himself, by his men. This compelled Col. Lee to retire from the place. We left town about noon. It rained hard
nearly all the forenoon. We marched twelve miles and are bivouacked in the
woods. It is raining hard and we have no shelter.
Pomeroy Diaries, January 3, 1863.
January 3, 1863 - Skirmish at Nashville
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 15
January 3, 1863
January 3, 1863 - Skirmish at Insane Asylum [a.k.a. Blood's, or Cox's Hill-Nashville environs]
Report of Col. Joseph A. Cooper, Sixth Tennessee Infantry, of skirmish at
Cox's Hill, January 3, 1863.
HDQRS. SIXTH EAST TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS, Camp near Murfreesborough, Tenn., January 9, 1863.
SIR: Permit me to submit this my Official report of the march of my regiment
from Nashville to Murfreesborough, in obedience to Special Orders, No. 8, as
follows:
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 8. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS, Nashville, Tenn., January 3, 1863.
Col. Cooper, with his entire command for duty, will at once take up the line of
march upon the Murfreesborough pike. They will take two days' rations. They
will report on said road to Col. Daniel McCook.
By command of Gen. Spears:
D. C. TREWHITT,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Complying with the above order, we took up the line of march at 8 o'clock. We
marched out to the junction of the pike, where we lay in the rain about three
hours, waiting for the commanding officer, Col. Daniel McCook. He arrived
about 12 o'clock, and gave the following order:
The two regiments in advance of you will march in front with the regiment of
regular cavalry, all except 50; the remaining 50 will act as near guard for the
whole. Your regiment, the Sixth East Tennessee, will march immediately in
rear of the train.
We then took up the line of march to Murfreesborough. We marched, without
halting, about 6 miles, arriving this side the lunatic asylum.
There we, together with a part of the Second East Tennessee Cavalry, which
had come up with us, met a body of the enemy. The cavalry, filling to the right,
engaged the enemy, who consisted of two or three regiments of cavalry, supported by a small piece of artillery. The cavalry fired one or two rounds and
fled in confusion, running through the trains.
Just previous to this occurrence, I received order from Col. McCook to move
my regiment forward, on the left, to the loss of the rise. I moved forward in
double-quick, gaining the point designated just in time to arrest the charge of
the enemy. I engaged the enemy in a smart skirmish for some ten or fifteen
minutes, killing some 6 or 8, wounding several, and capturing 10 prisoners. I
met the enemy and repulsed them without assistance from the front. Immediately after the skirmish a battalion of infantry came up on the left, and assisted
us in holding the position. We met the enemy and whipped them without the
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January 3, 1863
loss of a man, either in killed, wounded, or missing. My men acted with great
coolness and bravery.
The train was soon reorganized, and we were again on the march. We arrived at
La Vergne without interruption. At that point the two regiments in advance and
the battalion, which came up during the skirmish, were mounted on the train,
leaving my command on foot in rear of the train. I rode forward and asked Col.
McCook what I should do. He first said I had better encamp there with my
command. I then told him it was “most too far from shore for me to cast
anchor.” He then ordered me to march on as fast as I could on foot, so that if
they were attacked we could come up to their assistance, and said “he was
ordered to go through that night.” I obeyed said order, keeping in my rear the
100 cavalry first mentioned and a portion of the Second East Tennessee Cavalry until we arrived inside the lines. I then halted, let the cavalry pass, and
went into camp for the night.
Next morning at daylight I took the line of march and marched to headquarters
of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans, where I reported to Brig. Gen. James G. Spears.
I had in all when I went to the skirmish, and also when it ended, present, 12
commissioned officers and 213 enlisted men.
All of the above I respectfully submit.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH A. COOPER, Col. Sixth East Tennessee Infantry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 419-420.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: See also: Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Tennessee of the Military Forces of the State, From 1861 to 1866, (Nashville: 1866), p. 133.
[Hereinafter: Report of the Adjutant General.]
January 3, 1863 - Confederate disposition of free Negroes from Campbell County
OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL, Knoxville, Tenn., January 3, 1863.
Maj. H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
SIR: Below you will please find a list of free negroes confined in jail:
Moses Sliger, Knoxville, confined by order of Brig.-Gen. Davis, commanding
post, December 8, 1862; Jesse Malone, Campbell County, Tenn., committed
December 5, 1862; Simon Malone, Campbell County, Tenn., committed
December 5, 1862; Manuel Cox, Campbell County, Tenn., committed December 5, 1862.
The first-named negro was arrested by order of Brig.-Gen. Davis, commanding
post, on account of a riot at his house. The other three, from Campbell County,
Tenn., ran away to Powell's Valley some time since and perhaps have been to
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 17
January 3, 1863
Kentucky. They were captured by a scouting party from Big Creek Gap and
sent to this place by Col. Palmer, Fifty-eighth North Carolina Regt.
I respectfully recommend that the first-named negro be turned over to Messrs.
McGee & Co. What disposition shall be made of the others?
Respectfully,
JOHN E. TOOLE, Col. and Provost-Marshal.
[Indorsement.]
Turn them all over to McGee & Co.
By command of Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, pp. 803-804.
January 3, 1863 - “. . . I have done a very foolish thing.” A skirmish at Stones River; an
excerpt from the diary of Colonel Beatty
~~~
Rifle pits are being dug, and I am ordered to protect the workmen. The rebels
hold a strip of woods in our immediate front, and we get up a lively skirmish
with them. Our men, however, appear loth to advance far enough to afford the
necessary protection to the workers. Vexed at their unwillingness to venture
out, I ride forward and start over a line to which I desire the skirmishers to
advance, and discover, before I have gone twenty yards, that I have done a
foolish thing. A hundred muskets open on line from the woods; the eyes of my
own brigade and of other troops are on me, and I can’t back out. I quicken the
pace of my horse somewhat, and continue my perilous course. The bullets
whistle like bees about my head, but I ride the whole length of the proposed
skirmish line, and get back to the brigade in safety. Colonel Humphreys, of the
Eighty-eighth Indiana, comes up to me, and with a tremor in his voice, which
indicates much feeling, says: "My God, Colonel, never do that again!" The
caution is unnecessary. I had already made up my mind not to do it again. We
keep up a vigorous skirmish with the enemy for hours, losing now and then a
man; but later in the day we are relieved of this duty and retire to a quieter
place.
Beatty, Citizen Soldier, pp. 208-209.
January 3, 1863 - January 5, 1863 - Occupation of Murfreesborough by Union forces
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from correspondence from Brigadier-General J. T. Boyle to MajorGeneral Wright relative to taking of Murfreesborough
LOUISVILLE, January 3, 1863.
Maj.-Gen. WRIGHT:
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January 3, 1863
Gen. Rosecrans has Murfreesborough. . .
J. T. BOYLE, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, pp. 296-297.
Excerpt from the report of Brigadier-General James S. Negley, January 8, 1863
U. S. Army, on operations during the Stones River Campaign, relative to the
occupation of Murfreesboro by Union forces:
"Our army quietly marched into Murfreesborough [on January 5], the chosen
position of the enemy, which he was forced to abandon after a series of desperate engagements."NOTE 1
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, p. 409.
NOTE 1: It is unclear if the "series of desperate engagements" referred to the battle of
Stones River, or a number of actions in Murfreesborough itself.
Excerpt from correspondence between Major-General Rosecrans and MajorGeneral George H. Thomas, relative to the occupation of Murfreesboro by
Federal forces
HDQRS. CENTER, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, DEPARTMENT OF
THE CUMBERLAND,
Murfreesborough, January 5, 1863.
Maj.-Gen. ROSECRANS, Comdg. Fourteenth Army Corps, Dept. of the Cumberland:
GEN.: I occupy Murfreesborough with Gen.'s Negley and Rousseau's
divisions. . . I have placed the Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania in charge of the
town.
Very respectfully,
[GEO. H. THOMAS, ]
Maj.-Gen., U. S. Volunteers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, pp. 300-301.
Correspondence from Edwin M. Stanton to Major Generals Rosecrans, Wright,
Grant and Burnside relative to occupation of Murfreesboro by Federal forces.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, January 7, 1863.
Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Murfreesborough, Tenn.:
Maj. Gen. HORATIO G. WRIGHT, Cincinnati, Ohio:
Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Holly Springs, Miss.:
Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE, Falmouth, Va.:
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 19
ca. January 3, 1863
Richmond papers of the 6th say Gen. Rosecrans is in possession of Murfreesborough, and the rebel army has retreated 30 miles...
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 308.
ca. January 3, 1863 - January 6, 1863 - Scouting Expedition in Benton and Carroll County
environs.
Were out on a scouting expedition for three days in the beginning of the month,
nothing remarkable happened, except a terrible slaughter of the chickens, turkeys etc., of an old rebel, near whose house we camped one night.
Alley Diary, entry for January 19, 1863.
January 4, 1863 - Skirmish at Monterey
No circumstantial reports filed.
January 4, 1863 - Skirmish on Manchester Pike
The following is from Wheeler's report concerning his activities around Murfreesborough.
HDQRS. CAVALRY, Near Fosterville, Tenn., January 26, 1863.
COL.:
~~~
At daylight on Monday, the 4th. . . instant, we fell back to a point on the
Manchester pike about 3 miles from Murfreesborough. About 1 o'clock the
enemy advanced, and after a short skirmish we fell back half a mile a favorable
position. Here we formed line of battle in conjunction with Gen. Pegram's brigade, in a very favorable position, behind fences, entirely obscured from view.
About 3 o'clock the enemy advanced with a brigade of infantry and artillery in
line of battle, with heavy force of cavalry on their flanks. When they arrived
within about 250 yards, we opened on them a heavy fire of small-arms and
artillery with excellent effect, killing and wounding large numbers. After an
engagement of about thirty minutes they turned off and left the field, and have
not since advanced any farther from Murfreesborough on this road.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 959-960.
January 4, 1863 - Surgical operations after the Battle of Murfreesboro, excerpt from the
diary of John C. Spence
~~~
The surgeons were quite busy dressing the wounds of soldiers brought in from
the battle field. Their operations resembled a butchers stall-here and there a
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 4, 1863
soldier laid upon a table, under the influence of chloriform, undergoing amputation of arms and legs, which were thrown in a corner of the room-and, from
the manner that many of them worked at the business, it would seem that they
would be better employed working on the leg of a calf, than a man, scarcely
distinguishing a tendon from an artery.
Unfortunate for the poor soldiers who has to be the subject for these quacks
who are sent to the army or go to learn their business. This humanity?
The three college buildings were used as hospitals, all the churches, several of
the store rooms, and several large dwelling houses. The seats out of the
churches and shelving and counters out of the store rooms. Nearly all the families had one or two wounded men in care.
Spence, Diary.
January 4, 1863 - "Mr. Cap. Spurlock is killed and they are bringing his body up now." The
War Comes Home to McMinnville
. . . The news of a great victory at Murfreesboro gladdened our hearts--and we
counted over the spoils--as follows--6,000 prisoners, 3,000 mules, 40 cannon,
quantities of ordnance and ammunition--a good deal of coffee etc. for our sick,
burnt six hundred wagons--and killed Yankees in some places 10 to 1. Our loss
in killed and wounded 5,000.--Alas! How was this triumphed sullied with
blood. After supper we were all sitting in the back room when
CooperNOTE 1came to the door and said [:] "Mas' John, Mr. Spurlock has just
come from Murfreesboro en' he wants you to come up there. Mr. Cap. Spurlock
is killed and they are bringing his body up now." Great God! I felt as if stunned
by a thunder-bolt. "Cap" Spurlock killed! I could not believe it. I could not
realize it. Alas! Alas! It was too true. We all three, Mollie, Darlin', and myself
went up immediately. The corpse had arrived. Oh! How wretched--how very
wretched it made me feel and how I wept and sobbed. He was in the hottest
part of the fight--his company was stationed on both sides of the R. R. just
where it crossed the pike, near Cowan's. He was acting as Maj.--(Pat Coffee
being here at home on sick furlough, ) and had sprang on in advance of his
men, cheering him on when he was struck down. He fell and I suppose died
instantly. The ball entered just below the left nostril, and passed through his
head stopping just under the skin. This however, no one knew as the struggle
was so fierce and the firing so furious that they fought over him from 2 o'clock
until night and it was 11 o'clock at night before his body was recovered. His
father was there--he had gone down with a wagon to carry the boys Christmas
things--and he brought back the body of his son! We went into the parlor at
John's to see poor Cap, as soon as he was laid out. His uniform was very
bloody and had to be cut off him--they had dressed him in a fine suit of black
cloth such as he used to wear before the war began. How noble and handsome
he looked, and how natural! You could not notice the small place where the
ball entered, it was completely concealed by his mustache, and his face was
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January 1863 — Page 21
January 4, 1863
oh! So serene and calm and his mouth had a faint sweet smile upon it; he was
paler than usual, but otherwise looked just like himself in a calm, sweet slumber. But oh! How wretched I felt to know that he was dead! About 10 o'clock
they took him down to town to his mother. Darlin' went with the corpse, and
remained all night, -John Lucas Thompson came with us. It was moonlight and
there was a large and brilliant halo round the moon. It was just such a night as
we all met up at John's last winter--when Cap was home for a short time, and
he came home with Mollie. The next night I had supper here, and some friends
to meet him.--Oh! Little did I think when on Wednesday night last I lay down
in bed, and was thinking about the dead and wounded that then were lying out
in the cold-that our dear "Cap" was among them! That night one year ago he
was on the Carolina coast; and that night two years ago--he was here, amid a
merry throng at our "Union party!" God rest his soul--and I know it is in glory.
On Friday afternoon we attended the funeral, I made a beautiful wreath of
geranium leaves and Daphne--emblems of the loves and honors he had won
and it was laid on his breast. It should have been laid at his feet where all
earthly crowns must now lie. In his coffin--still and pale--he looked like the
Christian hero that he was. A garland of geranium and evergreen was laid all
around his head and shoulders--my wreath emblematic of the completeness of
his life--lay upon his breast. Few looked on him without tears--his family and
friends were overwhelmed. The frantic exclamations of his mother--the half
frightened and wild sobbing of poor FlorenceNOTE 2-and the still silent agony
of the aged father were terrible to me. As Miss Sophia Searcy stood for hours
beside his coffin, weeping, I wondered if she remembered the time when she
had said, -"Let the war come! I want it to come! I want these Tennesseans
roused--let it come--we are ready." Were any of us ready to part with "Cap"?
The artillery firing at Murfreesboro was tremendous that evening heavier and
faster than we ever heard it-and it was heard as Mr. McMurray prayed, and
voiced tremulous with tears raised the hymn around the soldier's coffin. All the
way to the grave yard--and while we laid him down to his last rest--and as we
returned--it came rolling up from the northwest--a fitting requiem for the gallant dead. About dark we came home in John's carriage--I had cried so much
and been so excited I was sick all night and all next. It rained all day Saturday,
and rained and blew furiously last night.--About 8 o'clock last night Henderson
came to the door and said "Mas. John the telegraph operator says for you to
come in there, he's got a dispatch for you." Boisterous and stormy as it was
Darlin' jumped on his horse and rode in. I was confident Brooks Trezevant was
killed--or wounded. Mollie land I sat here in the greatest suspense until Darlin'
returned."What is it?" we asked breathlessly."Go South immediately" he
replied! were the ominous words. Our army was then retreating! Brooks was
safe--and I thanked God for that. He had told me he was fearful it would be
another Shiloh or Perryville affair--we would whip them but they would reinforce, and we would be obliged to fall back. And so it was proved. Many citizens returned from Murfreesboro today--indeed the road has been full of citizens returned from Murfreesboro today--Gov. Harris, Andrew Ewing, Judge
Humphrey and many others have come in. The report or victory decided--the
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January 4, 1863
Yankees re-inforced, and our men having got off all the prisoners and things
captures, were retreating in good order to Wartrace and Shelbyville. They say
this--but they will retreat to Chattanooga, as sure as you live-and we will be
left here at the mercy of those savages, the Yankees. What is to become of us
God only knows. I wish we could go to Georgia--yet how to get something to
eat there--that is the question. And if the Yankees come in here -as they assuredly will--how are we to live here. I feel as though it no use to try to save anything--for we are ruined let us go or stay. We may as well give it up.--I do--and
if we save our lives it is all that I expect. God help us in our need. I wrote today
a tribute to the memory of Cap and Cicero Spurlock and will try to send it to
Henry Watterson of the Chattanooga [Daily Rebel] for Publication. I want to
go to Church today but it was so muddy and windy I could not--Darlin' seems
to have some idea of leaving here and moving to town. I look for the Yankees
here very soon--sooner than we are ready for them. I expect nothing else but
that they will come in and finish us right here . . . .
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French.
NOTE 1: A slave-boy belonging to the Smith family.
NOTE 2: Evidently "Cap's" widow.
January 4, 1863 - Questioning police sting operations in Nashville
The Military and Civic Police.
. . . However faithful and honest men may be in the public service, there can
be no harm in watching them, and it often becomes the painful duty of the
Press to call public attention to matters relating to their peculiar interests. We
are not made acquainted with the precise arrangement entered into between
Gen. Rosecrans and Mayor Smith, but have been told that it was substantially
the same as recommended by us, the main points of which are given in the
above extracts. If such be the fact, by what authority do these men, detailed as
a night patrol, go about the streets during the day, while off duty, unaccompanied by a policeman, forcibly enter private houses, search them, seize and carry
away what liquor they may find, and subject the occupants to prosecution without a shadow of legal proof against them?
Again, is it conducive to the public good that this night patrol should spend
their days hunting up whisky as spies, hiring negroes to obtain whisky for
them, and then appear against the parties in the morning, charging them with
selling whisky to soldiers? Private dwellings have been invaded, and liquor
seized, which has been kept solely, according to evidence, for private use. During these unlawful and in come cases uncalled for searches, much rudeness has
been exercised toward females, and in some cases property has been
abstracted. These are facts which have come out in evidence before the
Recorder, and can be substantiated.
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January 1863 — Page 23
January 4, 1863
To remedy this evil, we respectfully ask the Mayor to inaugurate a plan somewhat as follows: When a search becomes necessary, let it be done by one of the
Deputy Marshals, or by a Policeman, accompanied by a guard, when necessary, sufficiently strong to protect him and to secure a thorough search of the
suspected premises. Everything should be done decently, and neither personal
injury or insult should be offered to the occupant or occupants of the suspected
premises. A proper return should be made of the amount and supposed value of
the liquor seized, and the property handed over to the person authorized by the
Commander of the Post to receive it, and take his receipt therefor.
In what we have said we do not mean to attach any blame to the principal officers--we know they would regret that such things should occur as much as we;
but we call their attention to these facts, knowing that they will turn their attention to remedying the evil as soon as the matter comes under their observation.
Some inconvenience we must all necessarily suffer, but we desire that private
citizens shall have as little cause as possible to complain, and particularly the
poor and friendless.
Nashville Dispatch, January 4, 1862.
January 4, 1863 - January 5, 1863 - "I was one of those anxious to go over the field of our
retreat and see the damage done to us and theirs. . . " Sergeant George G.
Sinclair's visit to the Stones River battlefield, January 4 and 5, 1863; an
excerpt from his letter home, January 6, 1863
. . . In the morning [January 4] early when we found that the rebels had gone,
there was a detail of men from each company of each regiment to go out and
look up their dead and wounded, if any could be found. I was one of those anxious to go over the field of our retreat and see the damage done to us also
theirs, if possible, but theirs had been taken care of and they had three days
position of that part of the field to bury dead in which of course they did some
but after all I could and did count three rebs for every Union soldier on that
ground. There was some awful sights and every one of our men was stripped of
their clothing and shoes more or less and those of their own that had anything
of any worth taking. I must say and I am glad to do so, that they treated our
wounded men and prisoners with every attention possible under the circumstances not taunting them with hard names or anything of the kind, but treating
them as welcome guests. And in our case that I heard of, two rebels went out
and built a fire and laid down by one of our wounded men that couldn't be
moved until his wounds were dressed, stopping with him two nights in succession adjusting his head covering, covering him with blankets, fixing his drink
and food. This I have from some for our men who was taken prisoners and sent
to the hospitals to take care of the wounded. By the way every house was converted into a hospital for miles around. . . Coming across a field where we
[89th Regiment Illinois Volunteers] made one of our rallies and the ground was
literly covered in rows with dead men. We never thought that we did such execution, but the work was inevitably ours as no other part of the army was near
Page 24 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 5, 1863
that spot and to make it look far worse, the hogs of which there are a great
number running about, had eat some of the bodies half up. I found quite a prize
on that field, beside the body of a young man that was mutilated horribly,
you’d be surprised when I tell you what my prize was, well it was no more or
less than a corn dodger, a little dirty to be sure, but that did not matter to me as
I had not had any bread for nearly three days. . . The next morning, January
5th, the search was continued and a squad sent out to bury the dead. I had seen
enough the day before so I did not go there, but went out and killed a hog as
did some other boys, then we had plenty again, such as it was. . . The day was
taken up burying and removing the wounded to some permanent hospitals. At
night it rained giving us a good drenching but we are used to that now and
make the best of it. . . When we came into Murfreesboro, everything was shut
closed except where the boys had opened on their own before. Nearly every
inhabitant has left, in fact the whole country is deserted. We are now encamped
about four miles from Murfreesboro toward Shelbyville, Tenn., where we are
to stop a week or so to rest and recruit. On our way from Murfreesboro to this
place, we saw some encampments of the rebs, who left in more of a hurry than
ever we did on the Wednesday [December 31] before. They left camps and
everything else standing and got off in a hurry. The most of the leaving their
arms and equipment, that did me good, I tell you. . .
Sinclair Correspondence
January 5, 1863 - Construction of abatis ordered in Gallatin environs
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, January 5, 1863.
Brig. Gen. E. A. PAINE, Gallatin:
The general commanding directs that you cause abatis to be constructed along
your lines at Gallatin, and so protect them as to be able to hold the place
against any force that may be brought against it.
Have the ground for some distance in front of your abatis cleared, so as to give
sufficient range for your fire. If attacked, let the enemy come close before firing.
Instruct the commanding officers along the railroad, at the various stations, to
follow the instructions given you above, and to be constantly upon the alert to
guard against surprise.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. GODDARD, Maj. and Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, pp. 301-302.
January 5, 1863 - Skirmish at Lytle Creek
No circumstantial reports filed.NOTE 1
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 25
January 5, 1863
HDQRS. CAVALRY, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, DEPARTMENT OF
THE CUMBERLAND, Near Murfreesborough, Tenn., January 9, 1863.
MAJ.: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the general commanding the army, the following statement of the part taken by the cavalry under my
command in the advance upon and battle of Murfreesborough:
On December 26 I divided the cavalry into three columns, putting the First Brigade, commanded by Col. Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, upon the Murfreesborough pike, in advance of Gen. Crittenden's corps. The Second Brigade,
commanded by Col. Zahm, Third Ohio Cavalry, was ordered to move on Franklin, dislodge the enemy's cavalry, and move parallel to Gen. McCook's corps,
protecting his right flank. The reserve cavalry, consisting of the new regiments,
viz., : Anderson Troop, or Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, First Middle Tennessee, Second East Tennessee Cavalry, and four companies of the Third Indiana, I commanded in person, and preceded Gen. McCook's corps on the
Nolensville pike. Col. John Kennett, commanding cavalry division, commanded the cavalry on the Murfreesborough pike. For the operations of this
column, and also the movements of Col. Zahm up to December 31, I would
refer you to the inclosed reports of Col.'s Kennett, Zahm, and Minty.
On the morning of the 27th our cavalry first encountered the enemy on the
Nolensville pike, 1 mile in advance of Bole Jack Pass. Their cavalry was in
large force and accompanied by a battery of artillery. Fighting continued from
10 o'clock until evening, during which time we had driven the enemy 2 miles
beyond La Vergne.
The Third Indiana and Anderson Troop behaved very gallantly, charging the
enemy twice and bringing them to hand-to-hand encounters. The conduct of
Maj.'s Rosengarten and Ward, the former now deceased, was most heroic.
On the 28th we made a reconnaissance to College Grove, and found that
Hardee's rebel corps had marched to Murfreesborough.
On the 29th Col. Zahm's brigade, having joined, was directed to march upon
Murfreesborough by the Franklin road, the reserve cavalry moving on the Bole
Jack road, the columns communicating at the crossing of Stewart's Creek.
We encountered the enemy's cavalry, and found them in strong force at Wilkinson's Cross-Roads. Our cavalry drove them rapidly across Overall's Creek, and
within one-half mile of the enemy's line of battle. The Anderson Cavalry
behaved most gallantly this day, pushing at full charge upon the enemy for 6
miles. Unfortunately their advance proved too reckless. Having dispersed their
cavalry, the Troop fell upon two regiments of rebel infantry in ambush, and
after a gallant struggle were compelled to retire, with the loss of Maj. Rosengarten and 6 men killed, and the brave Maj. Ward and 5 men desperately
wounded. With the loss of these two most gallant officers the spirit of the
Anderson Troop, which gave such fine promise, seems to have died out, and I
have not been able to get any duty out of them since.
Page 26 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 5, 1863
On the 30th the entire cavalry force was engaged in guarding the flanks of the
army, in position. Some small cavalry skirmishing occurred, but nothing of
importance.
At 11 p. m., the 30th, I marched for La Vergne with the First Tennessee and the
Anderson Cavalry. Near that place I was joined by detachments of the Fourth
Michigan and Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. At 9.30 o'clock on the 31st I
received an order from the general commanding, directing me to hasten to the
right. I made all possible speed, leaving a strong detachment to protect the
trains crowding the road at Stewartsborough and to pick up straggles. Upon
arriving upon the right flank of the army, I found order restored, and took position on Gen. McCook's right, my right extending toward Wilkinson's CrossRoads, occupying the woods about the meeting-house on Overall's Creek.
In this position we were attacked about 4 p. m. by a long line of foot skirmishers. My first impression was that these covered infantry, but I learned soon that
they were only dismounted cavalry. We successfully held them at bay for onehalf an hour with the Fourth Michigan and Seventh Pennsylvania, dismounted,
when, being outflanked, I ordered our line to mount and fall back to the open
field. The enemy followed here, and being re-enforced by detachments of the
Anderson and Third Kentucky Cavalry, and the First Tennessee, we charged
the enemy and put him to rout. The cavalry held the same position this night
they had taken upon my arrival upon the field.
About 9 o'clock New Year's morning the enemy showed a line of skirmishers
in the woods to our front, and soon after brought a six-gun battery to bear upon
my cavalry. As we could not reach the enemy's skirmishers, nor reply to his
artillery, I ordered my cavalry to fall back. A part of Zahm's brigade marched
this day to Nashville to protect our train. Col. Zahm's report is inclosed. January 2 and 3 the cavalry was engaged in watching the flanks of our position.
Upon the 4th it became evident that the enemy had fled. The cavalry was collected and moved to the fords of Stone's River. Upon the 5th we entered Murfreesborough. Zahm's brigade marched in pursuit of the enemy on the
Shelbyville pike-marched 6 miles, finding no opposition. With the remainder
of the cavalry I marched on the Manchester pike and encountered the enemy in
heavy force at Lytle's Creek, 3 1/2 miles from town. We fought with this force
till near sundown, pushing them from one cedar-brake to another, when, being
re-enforced by Gen. Spears' brigade of East Tennesseans, we drove the enemy
out of his last stand in disorder. We returned after dark and encamped on
Lytle's Creek. Our troops all behaved well. The skirmishing was of a very
severe character. The Fourth U. S. Cavalry, which was this day first under my
control, behaved very handsomely. Inclosed please find reports of division, brigade, and regimental commanders. Capt. Otis' command acted independently
until the 5th instant, when they came under my orders.
~~~
Respectfully submitted.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 27
January 5, 1863
D. S. STANLEY, Brig.-Gen. and Chief of Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 617-619.
NOTE 1: The Reports of Brig. Gen. David S. Stanley, U. S. Army, Chief of Cavalry,
including skirmishes near La Vergne, December 27, at Wilkinson's CrossRoads, December 29, Overall's Creek, December 31, and Lytle's Creek, January 5 help validate this entry.
January 5, 1863 - Skirmish at Shelbyville Pike
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Colonel Lewis Zahm, Commanding Second Ohio
Volunteer Cavalry, January 6, 1863, relative to skirmish on the Shelbyville
Pike, January 5, 1863.
~~~
On the 5th, marched to the front, some 4 1/2 miles beyond Murfreesborough,
on the Shelbyville road, on a reconnaissance, capturing quite a number of rebel
stragglers; pushed a squadron of the Fourth some 3 miles farther, to a point
where they could overlook the pike for 5 miles ahead, when they discovered
that the enemy had entirely disappeared. The skirmishers of the Fourth had
some skirmishing with some of the rebel cavalry. By 7 o'clock was back to
camp again. You will observe that my command had fought nearly every day
from the time we left Nashville up to this time. They worked very hard, and
deserve a great deal of credit for what they have done, as both officers and men
fought bravely.
~~~
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, p. 638.
January 5, 1863 - Confederate report on retreat from battle of Murfreesborough
No circumstantial reports filed.
CHATTANOOGA, January 5, 1863.
General COOPER:
Retreated from Murfreesborough in perfect order. All the stores saved.
About 4,000 Federal prisoners, 5,000 stand small-arms, and 24 cannon, brass
and steel, have already been delivered here.
BENJ. S. EWELL, Assistant-Adjutant Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 484.
Page 28 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 5, 1863
January 5, 1863 - A ride over the Stones River battlefield; an excerpt from Colonel Beatty's
diary
I ride over the battlefield. In one place a caisson and five horses are lying, the
latter killed in harness, and all fallen together. Nationals and Confederates,
young, middle-aged, and old, are scattered over the woods and fields for miles.
Poor Wright, of my old company, lay at the barricade in the woods which we
stormed on the night of the last day. Many others lay about him. Further on we
find men with their legs shot off; one with brains scooped out with a cannon
ball; another with half a face gone; another with entrails protruding; young
Winnegard, of the Third, has one foot off and both legs pieced by grape at the
thighs; another boy lies with his hands clasped above his head, indicating that
his last words were a prayer. Many Confederate sharpshooters lay behind
stumps, rails, and logs, shot in the head. A young boy, dressed in the Confederate uniform lies with his face turned to the sky, and looks as if he mighty be
sleeping. Poor boy! What thoughts of home, mother, death, and eternity, commingled in his brain as the life-blood ebbed away! Many wounded horses are
limping over the field. One mule, I heard of, had a leg blown off on the first
day's battle; next morning it was on the spot where first wounded; at night it
was still standing there, not having moved an inch all day, patiently suffering,
it knew not why nor for what. How many poor men moaned through the cold
nights in the thick woods, where the first day's battle occurred, calling in vain
to man for help, and finally making their last solemn petition God!
Beatty, Citizen Soldier, pp. 210-211.
An East Tennesseans description of the Stones River battlefield.
On the 5th the regiment [Third Tennessee Cavalry] was ordered to Murfreesboro', and arrived just after that sanguinary conflict had ended. Dead men and
horses were piled in heaps over the field, while here and there could be seen
detachments of men burying the dead. The air was foul with the stench, notwithstanding the cold weather. In the cotton field, along the fences where
shrubbery had been standing and other bushes and trees, the limbs were made
white almost like shreds of cotton from being splintered and torn by the balls.
It appeared as if it had been impossible for anything living to survive through
the hail of deadly missiles which had been passing over the field. To the right,
in the woods, great trees where cut down, splintered and torn by connon balls,
while their trunks, near the ground, were left bare and bored into holes by rifle
balls.
Knoxville Daily Chronicle, May 10, 1879.
January 5, 1863 - January 6, 1863 - Correspondence relative to prisoner-of-war issues raised
by R. V. Richardson
•See March 6, 1863--General Joseph E. Johnston's opinion of R. V. Richardson's activities
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 29
January 5, 1863
HDQRS. FIRST TENNESSEE PARTISAN RANGERS, January 5, 1863.
COMMANDER OF THE POST, Bolivar, Tenn.
SIR: About ten days ago the U. S. forces stationed at Bolivar captured John B.
Scarborough, assistant surgeon, and Thomas W. Bass, forage master, of my
regiment of Partisan Rangers. They have not yet been paroled, in violation of
the cartel. In the case of the assistant surgeon, in retaliation I have captured two
surgeons of the U. S. Army, one of whom, Ezekiel O. Buell, surgeon of the
Eightieth Ohio Regt. of Volunteers, I propose to exchange for John B. Scarborough, assistant surgeon. I also propose to exchange Second Lieut. Thomas L.
Patton, of Company A, Eightieth Ohio Regt. Volunteers, for Thomas W. Bass,
forage master. In this exchange I give you advantages in giving officers of
superior rank for others of inferior rank, and in the instance of the forage master a commissioned officer for a private detailed to act as forage master, but I
can afford to be generous to an enemy who violates the usages of civilized war
and solemn compact between belligerents.
I have now in my possession Second Lieut. Robert Hill, Company D, and Adjt.
James E. Philpott, of Eighth Ohio Regt. Volunteers, also Surg. Joseph S. Martin, of Seventeenth Kansas Regt. U. S. Volunteers, whom I intend to hold as
hostages for the violations of civilized usages of war and the cartel already
committed and threatened against my command. If my surgeon and forage
master are exchanged I will parole the other officers named. Capt. A. W. Cushman and Privates John A. Hill, Henry B. Bullard, Thomas Bates, William
Johnson, Henry S. Dancey, Spencer B. Shelton, John M. Lewis, Marcus Lott
and Cullin McCray, as an escort, are bearers of flag of truce and this dispatch.
Very respectfully,
R. V. RICHARDSON, Col., Cmdg. Regt. of Partisan Rangers, C. S. Army.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, p. 156.
HDQRS. FIRST TENNESSEE PARTISAN RANGERS, January 6, 1863.
COMMANDER OF THE POST, Bolivar, Tenn.
SIR: I am informed that Forage Master Thomas W. Bass and Asst. Surg. John
B. Scarborough, of my regiment, First Tennessee Partisan Rangers, C. S.
Army, who have been captured as prisoners of war by the U. S. forces at Bolivar, are now in trial before a military commission upon charges of murder,
arson, robbing and I suppose all the black crimes that are customarily committed by your Government. This proceeding is most savage and brutal and a
gross violation of every usage and law of civilized war.
I wish to state simply that these men are duly mustered into the military service
of the Confederate States by myself acting under the authority and commission
duly issued by the Secretary of War under special order of the President of the
Confederate States. Thomas W. Bass has been appointed by me forage master
and Dr. J. B. Scarborough has been appointed assistant surgeon of the First
Tennessee Regt. of Partisan Rangers, C. S. Army. The Partisan Ranger service
Page 30 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 5, 1863
is a legally organized branch of the C. S. Army under an act of the Congress of
the Confederate States. In my operations I have not violated the laws of war;
your army has done it time and again. This pretended trial of Bass and Scarborough is one of the many gross and wanton violations of the military law of
nations. If this proceeding is not immediately stopped and these men treated as
prisoners of war or if they are punished capitally or cruelly treated as prisoners
of war I will retaliate tenfold, and that you may know I have the means to execute my threat of retaliation I refer you to my note of the 5th instant sent to you
under flag of truce.
U. S. officers and soldiers have been stealing negroes, horses, mules, money,
&c.; they have plundered houses, broken open bureau drawers, searched the
person of ladies and insulted women; they have burnt houses and assassinated
unoffending men, women and children all over the land, and yet when they
have been captured although we had every reason to avenge these injuries they
have been promptly paroled except when necessary to retaliate. No unusual trials have been resorted to scare prisoners and extort from them the oath of allegiance to a belligerent government. Your command has pillaged my own
premises and grossly insulted my wife and very nearly shot one of my children
and have threatened to burn my houses. I wish to notify you and your command that if I can get hold of the demons who have perpetrated these acts or
who shall perpetrate them again, or who shall order or execute these threats, I
will not threat them as prisoners of war but as outlaws and enemies of mankind. Further if any non-combatant citizen of the confederate States and of
West Tennessee shall be captured or their houses burned or other property
destroyed I will retaliate by capturing two Union citizens for each Confederate
citizen and will take or destroy from Union men and U. S. soldiers and Government twice the amount of property taken or destroyed. My family resides
near your army and those also of my relations and friends; for every depredation and insult committed against them I will retaliate upon Union men, Union
soldiers and property.
Capt. Albert W. Cushman and escort will bear this note and flag of truce.
Yours, &c.,
R. V. RICHARDSON, Col., Cmdg. First Tennessee Regt. Partisan Rangers, C.
S. Army
P. S. -Capt. J. Slaughter Caruthers with escort composed of John Ford, Henry
McCain, T. T. Bennet and F. W. Hughes will bear this dispatch under flag of
truce.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, pp. 159-160.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 31
January 5, 1863
January 5, 1863 - January 10, 1863 - Sergeant-Major Lyman Widney's account of activities
in and around Murfreesboro
Monday--Jany--5 Our brigade was ordered to move at noon. We crossed Stone
River on the Railroad Bridge which had been partially destroyed by the enemy
making the passage difficult and tedious. Entering Murfreesboro so recently
General Braggs Headquarters we found it like one vast Hospital being occupied by the wounded of both Armies perhaps ten thousand in number, as the
aggregate loss during the battle was 18,000 killed and wounded. The Confederate left behind only those who were very seriously wounded. We marched
through the town and encamped four miles south of it.
Tuesday--Jany - 6--Contrary to our expectations we remained in camp all day.
We pitched our tent and once against enjoyed comfortable quarters after eleven
days of exposure. I was kept busy in the Adjutants Office making out reporters
and lists of the killed [and] wounded and missing which were required to be
sent in as soon as possible to the different Army Departments as well as to the
State of Illinois.
Wednesday--Jany - 7--Arrangements have been made for laying out a new
camping ground a short distance from our present location. For this purpose a
number have been detailed and at work all day under charge of Captain Parrott.
Wednesday [Thursday] Jany 8--our Regiment went out with a forage train this
morning and returned every man with his ration of fresh meat. Our supply of
Government rations is very short, particularly in meat, so we do not let any
opportunity pass for supplying our deficiency.
Friday-Jany-9- The Company Officers are busily engaged in making out payrolls ready for the Paymaster who is expected. James Askey and August Hickman supposed to have been captured, returned to the Company today.
Saturday--Jany--10 The Regiment was ordered out on Picket duty at 7 a. m.
The line is only one half mile in advance of our camp. None of the enemy have
so far been discovered near our picket line. No further work has been done at
the new camp ground we having received notice that our Division will be
moved further to the real.
Diary of Lyman S. Widney.
January 5, 1863 - January 31, 1863 - Life in the Second Tennessee [U. S. ] Cavalry camp in
Murfreesboro, as told by John W. Andes, "Reminiscences of the Second
Tennessee Cavalry."
On Monday, January 5th, the entire army marched into Murfreesboro, ' with
colors flying, bands playing and drums beating. We found the city almost
deserted, the [Confederate] citizens having fled with Gen. Bragg, who, with his
army, had retreated across [the] Duck river. During the progress of the battle,
he had his headquarters in the court house, from which he could have a good
Page 32 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 5, 1863
view of the surrounding country, the main battlefield being perhaps one mile
away. General Rosecrans' forces were distributed around Murfreesboro' and
went into winter quarters. The surrounding country was rich and presented a
find field for foraging. Foraging [wagon] trains were sent out daily, and an
abundance of corn was procured; but the close proximity of Bragg's forces,
especially his cavalry, rendered it necessary to send a heavy squad with each
foraging train. The railroad to Nashville, our base of supplies, had been torn
up, and we were compelled to live for the most part, on what could be secured
in the locality where we were quartered. The troops were living on half rations.
The Second Cavalry was peculiarly unfortunate. . . our camp equipage had
been captured early in the battle of Stone River. The weather continued cold
and disagreeable, and we were without tents. The men suffered greatly. Many
of them sickened and died. We had no little picket duty to perform. On the 11th
of January we went on a scout to Nolensville, Triune and Eaglesville. At the
latter place we ran on a squad of Confederate soldiers, who were enjoying a
fine dinner, and captured them. We then after being off three days, returned to
camps in Murfreesboro.' It had turned very cold, and the men having got their
clothing wet, their clothes were frozen stiff, and the men were frozen almost to
death. The entire month [of January 1863] was a rough one. We were on foraging expeditions and doing picket duty almost constantly, and when in camps
were very uncomfortably situated. Our sick list became a large one and our
men were dying almost daily. In addition to our other duties, a considerable
camp guard was kept up every day. Our camp was upon low ground and we
were living in mud and water. The water stood on the ground in our tents, and
we had to raise our beds to keep out of it. It was not unusual to find men dead
in their tents in the morning. Harvy Karns a member of Company K, was found
laying on his bed in his tent, dead. He had been complaining for a few days, but
continued able to go about. This was a very cold and disagreeable night, and he
lay upon a single blanket on the ground. He was taken violently ill during the
night and soon died. But it is impossible to describe the sufferings of our soldiers about this time. Hard fare, scanty supplies of clothing and food and
exceedingly cold, inclement weather.
Knoxville Daily Chronicle, January 18, 1879.
January 5, 1863 - ca. June 24, 1863 - General reminiscences of a member of the 33rd Ohio
Volunteer Infantry of garrison duty in Murfreesboro, after the battle of
Stones River and the beginning of the Tullahoma campaign
The life of a soldier has its lights and shadows. The campaign just ended
[Stones River], though a short one, was attended with many hardships and with
the bloody scenes of the battle which closed it, might well be called among the
shadows. The lights were to follow. For nearly six long months we may be said
to have enjoyed all the comfort which can fall to a soldier's lot. Our camps,
located in and about Murfreesboro, were well chosen and soon became things
of beauty. The cedar which grew so lavishly about the town was largely used in
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 33
January 5, 1863
their adornment, and the streets, on each side of which were planted stately
evergreens, gave them the appearance of well laid out villages. Wagon loads of
branches were hauled to furnish shade for our tents and in the hot sun of that
climate we reposed in our bunks entirely smelted from its rays, while the cool
breezes blew through the tents opened wide for their passage. At General
Rousseau's headquarters, a large building capable of seating sever hundred persons was built entirely of cedar branches and used as a chapel, where nightly
meetings were held for such as chose to attend. The commissary departments
well stocked with supplies of every description, while well filled boxes from
home occasionally added their welcome presence and gave variety to the mess
chests. The daily drills, with camp guard and picket duty, were just sufficient to
relieve the ennui and give zest to camp life and in the evening the dress parades
were given with as much attention to detail as though there were thousands of
spectators. Reviews by the commanding general were of frequent occurrence
and on two or three occasions we had corps drills under the immediate command of General Thomas. The infantry and artillery of his command made a
very considerable army of itself and it was indeed a sight worth seeing when
this able soldier took it in hand and, with assistance of his staff, handled it with
perfect ease.
It was on one of these occasions that I saw him urge his horse to a gallop and
evidently enraged at the stupidity of a captain of artillery, dash up to him and
enquire, "d__n you, Captain, why don't you come into battery?" It was such an
unusual thing to see him betray any emotion that it attracted general attention
in the immediate neighborhood and added much to the captain's embarrassment. Both the officers and soldiers found pleasure in social intercourse and
much time was spent in visiting friends in other regiments. Among the latter, I
remember noticing one day a large crowd of soldiers congregating together and
from curiosity joined them in time to witness a double execution. Two citizens
of the neighborhood taking advantage of the unsettled state of the country had
been committing depredations on their neighbors, both robbing and murdering,
for the little property which the war had left. As the civil law was not in operation, they were tried by military commission, found guilty as charged and their
sentence of death approved by the authorities. They stood upon the scaffold
protesting against the manner of their condemnation, but it was of no use and
together they were swung off under the direction of the provost marshal and
there were two guerrillas less amongst us.
A much sadder spectacle was that of a young man who had deserted from our
ranks and was taken prisoner by a band of our cavalry in a skirmish with the
enemy. He was found fighting against his old comrades and a trial by courtmartial fully established his guilt. As he belonged to a batter in Rousseau's
division it devolved upon us to witness the execution of his sentence. On the
appointed day were all under arms and being marched to an open field were
formed in three sides of an open square, around which the condemned man,
seated in a cart upon a plain wooden coffin, was drawn preceded by a band
playing slow music. The coffin was then placed upon the ground in full view
Page 34 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 6, 1863
and seated upon it blindfolded, was the unfortunate man. A file of six men,
placed a short distance off, at a signal from the officer in command fired a volley and without a groan or movement of any kind he sank upon his coffin, a
dead man--a warning to all of the fate of deserters.
Waddle, Three Years, pp. 46-47.
January 6, 1863 - Action near Dandridge
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
January 6, 1863 - Murfreesboro in the aftermath of battle, an excerpt from the diary of
John C. Spence
. . . As we left a preparation going on for the purpose of getting the wounded
in a better condition. The hospital were all being fitted with the soldiers of both
armys. Surgeons still very busy, amputating arms and legs and bandaging shot
wounds of soldiers.
A great number of families had taken one and two of the confederate soldiers
to nurse. It was now getting quite cold. Wood was scarce and hard to procure.
Garden fences now came in requisition, more pulled down for fuel. The confederate soldiers fared badly, at first. There was great suffering among them.
Their physicians did all they could under the circumstance. The Federal soldiers were cared for before the other could be looked after. At first great numbers of the Confederate died-in fact, so fast that coffins could not be procured
for them.
A long ditch would have to be made, soldiers rolled up in their blankets [as a
substitute for coffins]. In this way, laid in closed to each other and covered up.
There was about one hundred buried in the garden of the Soule Female College. This building was used for the confederate hospital, was called No. 1862,
Confederate. They di[e]d several every day at each hospital for some time. The
whole town appeared to be one general hospital.
Articles of provisions of every sort. . . was getting scarce and difficult to procure at any price. Citizens could scarcely obtain any thing in the way of eatibles.
A system of foraging now commenced. Large trains of wagons with guards
were sent out every day and hauled in from the Farmers their corn, fodder, and
hay, and many times scarcely leaving any thing behind for the familys to subsist on. Take their bacon and, generally, all the poltry. Some times they would
pretend to give a receipt for not more than one third [of the market price]-contended they were authorized to subsist on the rebels. Go to a farm yard, deliberately knock off the fence plank, load up, and bring it to town-though a large
portion of this kind of lumber was used for making bunks for the wounded soldiers.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 35
January 6, 1863
Cedar fences began to disappear at a rapid rate. Wagons on the go all the time,
hauling rails to town but little use to make any complaint. Had to stand and
look at the destruction of property that was going on. . .
It did appear that the federal army had come with redoubled determinations to
destroy every thing before them. They shewed more ill nature in everything
they did than the year before. More disposed to tack on everybody as Sesesh
whether they were or not. This may have been an excuse to do the depredation
they did. Not half the liberty was allowed the people that was previously. They
were not so social, did not take the liberty of walking into a mans premises or
house. Can't say whether this was from fear or hatred of the people. This last
trate was not regretted by any one....
Spence, Diary.
January 6, 1863 - Memphis' "shinplaster" ordinance declared null and void
"Council Proceedings.
~~~
Resolutions, introduced by Ald. Morgan, were adopted to, declaring the late
shinplaster ordinance void; forbidding the city's officers to pay out or receive
such notes for city purposes, and declaring that the Council will not pay for
printing any such notes. Only Ald. Merrill spoke against the resolutions, and
only Merrill, Hall and Odgen voted against them.
Memphis Bulletin, January 7, 1863.
January 6, 1863 - Report on Tennessee's failure to collect the Confederate war tax
WAR-TAX BUREAU, TREASURY DEPARTMENT, January 6, 1863.
Hon. C. G. MEMMINGER, Secretary of the Treasury:
In obedience to your directions I have the honor to submit the following report
in reference to the operations and results of the war tax:
~~~
8. Tennessee.--In this State a chief collector was duly appointed as in the other
States; but the appointee, from severe illness, was prevented from immediately
qualifying. His recovery was patiently awaited for some time; but finally, continued indisposition rendered it necessary to make a second appointment. This
all produced delay, and before the second appointee could qualify and district
the State and appoint sub-officers the same was invaded, the capital fell into
the hands of the enemy, and such a state of general confusion followed as to
render it utterly impracticable to do so, and all further efforts were abandoned.
The Legislature, however, passed an act authorizing the Governor to agree
with the authorities of the Confederate States upon the amount to be paid by
the State of Tennessee as her quota of the war tax, and another act appropriating $2,000,000 for that purpose. Every possible effort has been made through
Page 36 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ca. January 6, 1863
the chief collector to obtain reliable data for estimating the amount due, and
from the most reliable information as to the taxable property of the State,
derived from State returns and other sources, the Department estimated that the
net tax would exceed the sum appropriated by over $200,000. The amount estimated is $2,450,000, less 10 per cent., making the sun of $2,205,000 net tax.
This amount was long since proposed to the Governor. The Governor proposes
a sum so much smaller than your estimate, to wit, about $1,500,000, that it is
not likely to be agreed to. It will, therefore, devolve upon Congress and the
Legislature of Tennessee to settle the amount to be paid, or to prescribe some
mode of settlement. The Governor has paid into the Treasury $1, 030, 069.25,
and the chief collector, Doctor Ramsey, has informed you that the Governor
has ordered and additional payment to be made of $400,000, making in the
aggregate $1, 430, 069.25.
~~~
T. ALLAN, Chief Clerk of War Tax
OR, Ser. IV, Vol. 2, pp. 326-327.
January 6, 1863 - Appropriation of buildings to serve as military hospitals in Nashville
Military Hospitals.--A large number of buildings have been selected to be fitted up as hospitals for the reception of the wounded, among which we hear of
the First Presbyterian Church, corner of Spring and summer streets; the First
Baptist Church, north Summer street; Cumberland Presbyterian Church; McKendree Church, Spring street, and the large residence of Mr. Alexander Wheless on Spruce street.
Nashville Dispatch, January 6, 1863.
ca. January 6, 1863 - January 15, 1863 - Difficulties faced by Federal soldiers after the battle
of Stones River according to William A. McTeer
Now began a hard and a sad time for us [Third Tennessee Cavalry]. Most of
our men were fresh from home, unaccustomed to a soldier's life, and did not
know how to take care of themselves. The mud in camps was about knee deepa "loblolly." The weather severe, brigaded within and commanded by regulars,
stationed in front and placed on hard duty, our men died in their tents too fast to
be removed to hospitals. The ground being so full of water it was necessary to
have beds of some kind, so, not knowing the effects, or men gathered cornstalks and a sedge grass, piling them down on the bare ground in the tents, then
sleeping on them from night to night. This material took up the moisture and
soon began to rot, rendering the air foul. Whereas rails or board would have
made preferable beds and perfectly health. The whole atmosphere was foul
too, from horse killed in battle, then being buried, and the rotting flesh given
away the stench was thrown out with increased force. The reader can at once
understand that much evil must result from these combined causes. In the Second and Third ambulances were daily driving through camps hauling off the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 37
January 7, 1863
dead. The writer as acting as Sergeant-Major then, and he well remembers that
James McClanahan of Company "B, " an old neighbor whom he had known
from earliest childhood, died in his tent, and it was three days before men
could be got to bury him. All who were able were on duty, while the sick could
not. All the hardships and privations, as well as dangers, had been passed
through with muster.
Knoxville Daily Chronicle, May 16, 1879.
January 7, 1863 - U. S. N. gunboat expedition on Cumberland River, Nashville to Carthage
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, January 7, 1863.
Gen. R. B. MITCHELL, Cmdg. Post, Nashville:
The general commanding directs you to send a gunboat up the Cumberland,
with orders to destroy every ferry-boat, barge, or other means of crossing as
high up as Carthage.
C. GODDARD, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen. and Chief of Staff.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 308.
January 7, 1863 - "I will give you a smawl sketch of our scout from the time I wrote you
before untill the present time." Lieutenant A. J. Lacy, 8th Tennessee Cavalry, writes to his parents in Jackson County about his experiences during
Forrest's raid into West Tennessee, December 15, 1862-January 3, 1863
Mount Pleasant Maury Co Ten
Jan the 7th 63
Dear Father and Mother:
I am again permitted by a kind providence to seat my self to let you all know
that my health is not as good as I would wish it to be but still I am able for duty.
Father wee have had a verry hard time for the last month. Wee have marched
day and night, wet and dry cold and hot. I will give you a smawl sketch of our
scout from the time I wrote you before untill the present time. I have not time
to date the time that wee was at different places.
Wee left Collumbia the day that Mr[.] Steven Davis started from Columbia.
Wee come to Mt Pleasant they to Henrysville then to Waynesboro in Wayn Co
Then to Clifton on the Tennessee River 25 mi below the Shilow Battle Ground.
Then wee went to Lexington in Henderson Co. There we run the Yankees and
captured 2 pieces of artillery and a good many prisoners.
Wee followed them in 8 mi of Jackson in Madison Co. Wee then stopped and
fed our horsees. Then wee marched all night next morning just at day break
wee fired on 88 Yankees in a stockade 7 mi to the right of Jackson on the rail-
Page 38 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 7, 1863
road. They surrendered to us. Wee went to Humbolt at the junction of the railroad. Wee taken a good many [prisoners] there.
Then wee went to Trenten. Wee captured 500 Yankkes there and 200,000 dollars worth of property and a good many arms. Wee went to Rutherford Station
and captured 150 Federals there. The wee went to Dresden in Weakley Co. The
Yankees had left there. Wee then started in the direction of Huntingdon in Carrel Co. Wee had a fight with the Yankees 3 mil from Huntingdon. James
Stamps was killed. He belonged to our Co. He was a brave young man. A fine
fellow in camps. Then wee started to Lexington. Wee got in 15 mi of Lexington. We camped next morning about sunrise. The pickets [illegible] fighting.
Wee was marched out and commense a regular engagement. Our regt fought
bravely. Wee fought them about 2 hours in an open field. Wee was in about 100
yds of them. Our regt was fiting 3 regt. Wee had one cannon and they had 21.
At last they give way. Wee followed them. They reinforced with 2 brigades.
They come in on our rear. Wee saw that we was over powered and had to
retreat. When wee come off of the field the whole Yankee force was a firing on
us. I never herd bullets whistle like they did that day. My horse was shot. He
was hit with a grape shot. I lost bridal saddal and all.
So give my best respects to evry boddy. I will write to Elisabeth if I have the
Chance. I send this by Hamp More. There was sixteen men missing out of our
co. Capt Woolsy was captured. I wish to be remembered by you all. SO I must
close for the present but I will still remain your most affectionate son untill
death.
A J Lacy to Wm Lacy 1863
My health is bad. I weigh 173 lbs.
There is a talk of disbanding for thirty days.
Lacy Correspondence.
January 7, 1863 - January 31, 1863 - "I will go to my corn fodder bed wich is waiting for me,
with the major already there, wich his loud snoring fully testifies."
Excerpts from the letter of Col. William L. Sanderson, 23rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with reference to activities in the LaGrange, Collierville
and Memphis environs from January 7 to January 31, 1863
Tennessee
In Camp at Collierville
January 13NOTE 1, 1863
I will commence my jottings down from the first of January 1863 and will jot
up to the time that hunt leaves us for home.
~~~
Jan. 7th
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 39
January 7, 1863
left our camp at Cold Water [Mississippi] this morning at 7 o'clock, marched
18 miles to day, and arrived at Lagrange Just after dark, sun shone clear and
bright all day, crossed the line that divides the states of Miss. & Tenn., Just as
the sun was setting wich is Wolf river quite a classic stream, tired and sleepy,
going to my bed, Good Night
Jan. 8. this is the glorious Anniversary of the battle of New Orleans I wish the
hero of that battle was still living in the place of Abraham Lincoln, and this
war would never of been, we are still in camp here Lagrange though we expect
to move to morrow this day rain, rain, cold and very unpleasant the way we
make ourbed, level down the cotton rows, throw the surplus dirt to the head,
round it up, and it makes our bolster, and a good one wemake our bed on the
ground and Sleep like tops. etc., etc.
Jan. 9th
this morning cold, cloudy last night very hard has been raining all the evening I
had orders to be ready to move in a moments notice, took down our tents
loaded up our waggons and was ready about 2 o'clock P. M. the order was
countermanded, we unloaded our waggons put up our tents, and now wate for
further orders, Now 10' o'clock P. M. Just now rec'd. orders to move to morrow
morning at 6 o'clock--.
Jan. 10th
left Lagrange this morning at 7 o'clock, road very muddy, upset some of our
waggons ours of course one of them broke twoo chairs for us, all to pieces
Marched 15" miles to day, now in camp in a large cotton field, close along side
the road, some of the soldiers, to the number of twenty was fined one months
pay for pilfering along the road, and in the neighborhood of camp, the blame
belonged to the different Regiments of this command served them just right,
was glad to see it the day over head was beautifull, sun shone bright and warm
all day--spilt some ink must cut this of. . .
Jan. 11th
this has been a lovely day, warm and pleasant, left our camp this morning at 7
o'clock and arrived here at 1' o'clock P. M. Collierville, distance from our last
camp 11, miles, and from Memphis 24"--this is a small village, with some very
excellent Plantations, our camp is in the woods along side this Railroad wich
leads to Memphis, in times that are past I have not doubt there was a great deal
business done here, the quite a nice little brick building wich the use for depot
and Storage-Jan. 12th
Still in our camp of yesterday, this has been a beautiful day, clear, warm and in
every way more like one of our May days' of home, than of January Rumors of
an attack from Jackson's Cavalry, estimated at from four to five thousand, we
are ready for them, let them come say I. so we say all-Jan. 13th
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 7, 1863
Still in our camp of Colliersville this has been another of those may like days,
Jackson's, cavalry have not made there appearance as yet. Now 9 o'clock P. M.
Nothing of interest do day. . .
Jan. 14th
This has been a very disagreeable day, rain all day steady, mud ankle deep,
many of the men without shoes, stockings, tents etc., but such is war.
Jan. 15th
Nine o'clock P. M. this has been a hard day on the poor soldiers" commenced
Snowing this morning about 2' o'clock, and Still snowing, the ground is now
covered with snow to the depth of six inches, and very cold, the men have built
huts out of boards, shingles, limbs of trees, grass, mud and every thing to keep
them from freezing, many of them being barefooted, one thing is in our favour,
we are in camp in the woods, and the men are chopping down trees and building large fires in front of their tents, huts etc. wich makes them tolerable comfortable. Strange as it may seem they will have there fun, whilst I am writing I
can hear the violin banjo, and the songs, wich makes the old woods sing withtheir cheerfull and merry voices, the seem to take all this like philosophers, for
it is well known that it cant be helped at present the division quartermaster has
gone to Memphis, to procure such things as we most need. How he will succeed time alone will develop, we look for him back in the morning pray God
he may come with all that we need-- should our men get shoes and socks, they
will be all right
Jan. 16th
Snow, snow, still it comes ground now covered to the depth of 8 inches this
evening clear and cold, no change for the better since yesterday, very cold and
still no shoes--Rec'd.orders to be ready to move the sick to Memphis, on the
cars" at a moments notice. This indicates a forward move, wich I hope will
soon take place, any where but here under the present circumstances,
Jan. 17th
this has been another cold wintry day the sun did not melt the snow much, I
had forgot to mention that our poor horses where a beautiful sight yesterday
morning, the snow that fell on them during the night melted from the heat of
their bodies, as it run down there sides it froze in Icicles wich hung down from
6' inches to one foot long the whole length of them, and their manes, and tails.
the same way, poor Culbertson trembled like an aspen leaf with cold. I turned
him loose, he had a fine run all to himself, head and tail up as though he was a
colt, I had hard work to catch him, he has seen some hard times as well as his
Master and stands all the roughs, equaly with him, and like him improves on itJan. 18th Sunday
We this morning rec'd. 55 pairs of shoes for the whole Regt., and the same
number of socks, no Pants, and thus it works. Rec'd. letter from home this
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 41
January 7, 1863
morning, one from Carrie of the first, and one from Tellon of the 7th of January Soldiers, expedients for getting something to eat, the way they do it. in the
first place there is allways detailed from each command a certain number of
guards as Patroles, whose duty it is to move around the vicinity of the camp, to
pick up all straglers that may be found outside the Picket lines the boys, about
four of them start out and by some means slip through the lines, and separate,
twoo of them with Guns, and the others without. They will kill a hog, or calf
and start to camp, should it happen that any of the mounted Paroles comes
across them the order them to hault, when the leader of the pilfering party, talks
very loud, and gives his commands in a very Imperative manner the word halt,
and steps up to the guards and says to them, we have been after these fellows
for twoo hours, and last caught them in the act of killing this hog, the will
catch it, we are now takeing them up to the Col., quarters and I, expect the will
buck & gag them for at least a week, that's right take them along and tell the
Col., that you met us, certainly we will, and away they go. and when the get in
to camp the divide the Spoils of course, and then laugh at the patroles, and tell
the rest of the boys how the played it of on the boys of the Cavalry--As I do not
feel sleepy I will give you another Item. I was sitting in Col. Sla[?] tent a few
mornings ago, when an officer brought in a Soldier for punishment, after hearing all the charges against said soldier, the Col., in a very pompous manner,
orders the officer who had him in charge to take him back to his company quarters, and buck and Gag him, for six hours. the Soldier replied to the Col. you
may buck me but there is no use to Gag me, why not said the Col. because said
the Soldier I can look at you and that will gag me, or any other man to his
hearts content, I must say the soldier was nearly right, for the said Col. is a very
homely man. the fellow was taken away, and your humble servant was takeing
with a leaving, I, could hear the Col. swearing until I got out of ear shot--there
are many scenes to be witnessed daily, that makes the heart feel sad, and again
many pleasant little incidents that all most make you forget that there are so
many mean people in the world true, yes true it is, this war makes men selfish
or rather the circumstances wich surround them perhaps has it influences" to
bring about, or rather to make man selfish about most matters, as for instance
you will observe that provisions are scarce, and some men have a food supply
on hand, you ask them to lend you or sell you part, well say the, I --am afraid I
will get out, and then wat will I do, when at the same time the have more than
they can consume for a long time to come. there are some honorable exceptions, though like angels visits few and far between, --this war brings out the
character of men; more fully than any other pursuits in life, one thing I feel
glad off. my twoo boys have had a good School, wich I hope will do them both
good through life it will, should the try and profit by wat the have seen, heard,
and felt, --my fingers are getting cold. I must go to bed good night, -Jan. 19th"
This has been another hard day on the soldiers, waked up this morning, and
found it raining very hard and so continued most of the day, and still raining
now bed time this is certainly the worst camp that ever we was in, mud, mud, -
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 7, 1863
-I have just rec'd. orders to be ready to march to morrow morning at Seven
o'clock, wat a terrible march we will have to Memphis, through the mud, and
from present prospects Rain, I shall have to leave 170 one hundred and seventy
men behind, under charge of an officer from the 23rd for the reasons that the
have no shoes, and some of them scarcely any pants, it all most makes my
heart bleed for the poor fellows, but the dont think or feel half as bad as I do
about it, the will come to Memphis on the cars, and will be there before us, I
must say, and tell the truth, that I am heartly sick and tired of the way matters
are managed, by the powers that be, wat a terrible account some of them will
have to render for their neglect of the well, and much more for the sick, there
are many men in this army, who have the care, and responsibility of these
things who it does appear to me, care for nothing after self, but whiskey, I dont
like to say so, but its true, as holy writ Good night, hunt has just left to go to
bed.
Jan. 20th
Camp in the woods ten miles from [Memphis] ten o'clock at night, waked up
this morning twoo hours before day light had the boys aroused, and Jones to
get breakfast, packed up, and started at 7' o'clock, raining slightly and so continued most of the day, the roads were very muddy, and the waggon train had a
hard struggle to get through the mud etc. the soldiers walked on the Railroad
track nearly all the way wich runs parallel with the waggon Road, and my
horse acted the fool completely, there was twoo trains of cars, passed up, on
our way down and Culbertson tried very hard to Jump through himself, but I
held him too it, Gave him a little taste of the rowels wich made him squirm
awful, I think I shall send him home with hunt, if I don't change my mind.
I--stopped by the road side, were the troops filed in to the woods to camp, in
order to see the waggon train Pass in, I had some interest in the matter wich
you will perceive presently. Hunt was left in charge of Coles' things, stores,
mules, horses, and wagon, Cole and Rarery, the horse tamer alias Chaplain
Rodgers went to Memphis some four or five days ago, Cole expected to be
back the next day, but it is fair to presume, that he could not get back, consequently hunt had to do the best he could wich was first rate, I was very anxious
about him, but here come along old hunt, perchedup on a high seat, in his sutlers' waggon driving three mules, and one horse stage fashion, with cheek
lines, said I when he came up, with his face all beaming with smiles, well my
boy how did you get along, oh says he first rate, the teamsters told me that he
can beat Cole, driving four in hand all to smash, well he came in to camp I
showed him were to drive, wich is close to my wagon, down he gets, and out
comes the old coffee boiler, with a nose [?] as spout, makes his fire, and cooks
his supper like an old body, this may not interest any body outside of our family neither did I, intend it should, though I know it will amuse, if not interest
home, wat a world ofthought in that word home, home, as I am tired and have
written more than I intended to night, I will go to my corn fodder bed wichis
waiting for me, with the major already there, wich his loud snoring fully testifies--
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 43
January 7, 1863
Jan. 21st"
We left our camp this morning at 7 o'clock and arrived here about 12" P. M.
twoo miles from Memphis in the woods, were we will likely remain long
enough to be paid of, our destination' from all I can learn is Vicksburg, and so
soon as the transports comes back, wich started with Genl McArthurs Division,
day before yesterday down the river, we will go down, that is Logan[']s division wich will be in four or five days at the most
Jan. 22d
All quiet to day nothing of any interest save that of preparing the Pay rolls for
twoo months pay, wich causes sad disappointment, to the soldiers, the has been
fine warm sun shiny day. all though very damp in the woods, owing to late
rains and heavy snow that fell in and around this vicinity should the snow melt
suddenly, up through your part of the country we must have a very high river
here wich is rising to day quite rapidly, and we may expect floods of water all
through this country-January 23rd
When I awoke this morning I--heard the rain patering on my tent, the sun
shone at intervals today, but much like angels visits, few and far between, raining again to night with the prospect of its continuance if we may Judge from all
outside Indications--this night twoo months ago. I left home and all that's dear
to me, and it does seem to me that the time has been longer than all the time
that I have served previous to that time, all though we have been moving from
place to place, ever since that time, and for wat, Echo, answers for wat, they
say we have accomplished all that was intended, by our marches, its very likely
we have, but I never could find wat that object was no nor never expect to, so
we will just say Good night, and let it rest there, perhaps it will all come right,
in good time-January 24th
Nothing of interest to day many of the officers and men gone in to the City, and
I am truly sorry to say a number of them, had better staid in camp for their
credit sake, but the have been so long denied any thing that looks like civilization, that the run over with exuberance of there feelings, hence their noise etc.
January 25th, Sunday
This has been a gloomy day Rain, rain, and dark clouds, hanging over us, this
has been dull and quiet day, oh how I, longed to be home this day, surrounded
by those who will allways take an interest, in having the family circle complete-Jan. 26th
The usual routine of camp to day, all wondering how soon we will move, and
when, I for my part have made up my mind never to ask any questions, but take
it all patiently and wait for orders, for there is no use to ask any questions,
Page 44 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 7, 1863
every thing in the army, appears to be a great mystery, and I have no doubts its,
just right-Jan. 27th
This has been a sunshiny day though cold, the adjutants' arrival created some
sensation, he had many letters, and other things for the Soldiers but all soon
settled down, to there usual business--Lt. Col. Davis tendered his Resignation
to day, I, approved and sent it forward. I was relieved to day by Genl. Haine to
take command of the 1st Brigade and am now in command of my old Pet, the
23rd there are so many new brigadiers, that they must find places for them, and
of course those Cols, who are in command of brigades are relieved and
returned to there Regt, of wich number, your humble servant is one our new
Genl appears to be very much the Gentleman, and I think Will prove a popular
officer. Judging from all that I can see, upon short acquaintince he is from Illinois of course, you are aware that everything here, is Illinois but so we go.--the
adjutant brought me letters from the loved ones at home wich made me feel
happy, though sad, happy to hear from them and Sad to hear of their afflictions,
oh, that this war could be settled in the Right spirit, and all could return to their
homes, and peacefull pursuits Is the prayer of all, to this your hearts all
responds, Amen,
Jan. 28th
This day has been a beautiful day though Cold for the sunny south. The Regt.,
has been paid twoo months, to day and to day after to morrow, the will have
five months more coming to them this is to bad, now is that time that All the
Soldiers familys needs all that's coming to them, from wat I--can learn the calculate to pay them four months more, very soon pray God the may, Rodgers
the chaplain of the 23rd Ind. Regt. I suppose this same Chaplain, will take
such moneys" home as the Soldiers can spare he will start to morrow probably,
Hunt will be home on the first Boat, I will send my horse with him, and wat
money I can spare the have reduced the officers pay very much, Mine amounts
to about thirty five dollars a month, this is tolerable steep, when the money is
going down and everything else going up, but so we go, to tell you the truth I
am becoming disgusted with the whole thing, you need not be surprised should
I resign at any time, you have no Idea of how things wok here, Great God, the
thought of being led or ordered in to battle, under some of these leaders is terrible to me to tell me, those that have been in Memphis, that its" a very rare
thing to see an officer, or Private Soldier Sober, I, have no doubt that this is
true, Judging from wat I see myself, in the name of all that's Patriotic, how can
such things prosper Hunt, will draw you a picture, wichI think he will be able
to do, for he is a very close observer, he is perfectly disgusted, I am so glad that
he has been in the army so long, for I think it has been a good school for him, I
may be partial to my own, wich seems natural enough, but from all I can see,
he has escaped the "contaminations" of the Camp,
Jan. 29th
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 45
January 8, 1863
This has been another beautifull day, A few days more like this and the Roads
will be good again, for I discover that the soil in this country is of that Sandy,
loamy, kind, it soon dries up Mr. Tufft[']s is doing business in Memphis he is in
the livery business, I have not seen him though he has sent me several Pressing
Invitations to call and see him, I must tell you a little Incident that happened on
our way here, when about three miles from the city, I halted the Column, and
sent back an orderly, to see, how the artillery and waggon train was getting
along, for it was very muddy, --I see a pretty place, about twoo hundred yards
from the Road, said I, major let us go up to that house and get a drink of water,
there some ladies standing at the Gate, and the will certainly not refuse, when
we rode up Judge of our surprise in seeing Mrs. Philler, Miss Philler and Miss
Hadlock, of course nothing would do, but we must go in, wich of course we
did, covered with mud from head to boot, I certainly never would of known
Mrs. Philler, she is as fat as a china pig, I did not know Philler's Daughter, she
has grown tall, but the Hadlock, is the same little quiet body as ever, --on Sunday last the major, and myself had an Invitation to dine there, I told the major
to go, but I had not the time, we did not go, I have not seen nor heard anything
from them since, and suppose will not, so be it, -Jan. 31st
Another of these beautifull days mud drying up rapidly, for the future we will
have a traveling artist with us. Mr. Fetch, of New Albany, asked permission to
travel with the 23rd which I, granted he has set up his tent in the wilderness
amongst us, taking pictures by the wholesale, and making money fast, he says
he is going to take a large picture of the Col. 23rd Regt., if I will let him I, told
him I would see about it-~~~
Sanderson Letters.
NOTE 1: Most likely this was meant to read "31."
January 8, 1863 - Skirmish at Knob Creek, near Ripley, Tennessee
No circumstantial reports filed.
January 8, 1863 - Federal soldiers ordered to cease depredations against civilian property
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 9. HDQRS. SECOND DIV., LEFT WING,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Murfreesborough, January
8, 1863.
The general commanding takes occasion to express his disapprobation of the
conduct of officers who permit their men to kill stock, burn rails, and seize forage, either on or at the end of a march, or while the troops are in camp. Such
conduct is disgraceful and demoralizing, and must cease; and officers who permit it will be severely punished. At the end of a march, and each day while in
Page 46 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 8, 1863
camp, wood parties will be sent out under the command of an officer, unless
wood can be found on the ground occupied by the troops. The general commanding the division expects to be with his command in camp and on the
march, and to give his attention to their comfort; and will be ready always to
take the responsibility of all seizures of property necessary, and will allow
none to be taken under other circumstances.
By order of Brig.-Gen. [John M. ] Palmer:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 309.
January 8, 1863 - Tow-boat Wild Cat set afire at by guerrillas above MemphisNOTE 1
Important from Above.
A Steamboat Captured and Burned.
Movements of Guerrillas.
The city was much excited last evening over a report that a steamboat had been
captured and burned only a short distance above the city. Various conjectures
were indulged as to the name of the boat captured and the circumstances under
which it transpired. As near as we can get the facts they are as follows:
About noon yesterday, the tow-boat Wild Cat, with empty barges, started for
Cairo. On reaching a point above the island, about sixteen miles above town,
where the channel runs close to shore, and near Bradley's landing, it was discovered that a steamboat had been run into a bend or mouth of a creek, and
burned to the water's edge. On the Arkansas bank, in the immediate vicinity,
about forty or fifty Confederate cavalry were observed, already mounted, and
the circumstance were of such a dubious character, that the captain of the Wild
Cat concluded to stoop and prospect the land. While thus occupied, the Confederate cavalry started down the river bank toward the boat at full speed, and
as the object was clearly to be divined, the captain concluded to take the backtrack, and accordingly made his way to Memphis, where the report spread like
wild-fire! Nothing was known as to the boat burned, except that it was a small
stern-wheeler, and that it had the appearance of having been run ashore and
then set on fire. Whether it was a cotton-grading boat captured by the guerrillas
which prowl between Hopefield and White river, or whether it was some of our
regular passenger packets is entirely a matter of conjecture, as the Wild Cat did
not get nearer than six hundred yards of her.
We learn that at a late hour last night, an order was issued from the proper
authorities, detaining all the steamers then in port till this morning. When further orders would be given. Whether this unusual order was issued in consequence of the above detailed affair, or to meet some other contingency, remains
to be seen.
Memphis Bulletin, January 9, 1863.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 47
January 8, 1863
NOTE 1: Not referenced in the OR or the NOR.
January 8, 1863 - January 9, 1863 - "I am not dead, wounded, or sick, but, on the contrary,
never felt better in my life." Albert Potter's letters home after the Battle of
Stones River.
Camp Stanley
Near Murfreesboro
January 8th 1863
Dear Father, Mother, and Amelia
I am not dead, wounded, or sick, but, on the contrary, never felt better in my
life. Have since I left Nashville. I can say that I have had an active part in as
hard a battle as has been fought during the war.
A general move of the army was made on the 26th Ult. The fighting commenced about 10 miles from Nashville the same day and lasted nine days.
When the rebels were driven from Murfreesboro. The 4th Michigan has won at
least a name and place. On Saturday 27th four companies under Captain Mix
were sent out and came upon a strong body of rebel cavalry. There was about
150 of us we charged upon 200 of them, drove them about 2 miles shot 5 of
their men, a no. of horses and took 8 prisoners. One of our corporals was
wounded in the side.
January 9th
We have been busy today arranging our tent. We have got a sesesh stove, Table
and Bunk, taken from one of their camps.
Our Company was engaged in Wednesday's fight. We made two charges upon
rebel cavalry. Capt Mix had a splendid horse shot from under him, our quartermaster Sgt was wounded. I have had 3 or 4 narrow escapes, have been where
the cannon ball and shells were flying close around me and I must be lucky. I
did not think of getting killed at all but I expected to be wounded. We entered
Murfreesboro on Monday. The rebs left Saturday night. Out right was driven
back on Wednesday with great slaughter on both sides. I passed over the field
Monday. The rebels had carried nearly all of their dead, ours were lying in
rows as they had been carried to bury. Horses dead and guns and artillery filled
the ground. I can't tell you anything of the sight.
The rebels captured and burnt a part of our [wagon] train and among the rest
our company wagon were stolen excepting what I had on. The likenesses and
the books are gone. The captains and lieutenants clothes were all gone. Such
are the fortunes of war. John Gilbert was not with us thru the fighting was not
very tough and had a fractious horse he staid with the train. Charley Smith is
without doubt dead, he died with the black jaundice as we were informed. Herman Lounsbury is very sick. I am afraid he will have a hard time of it if he ever
gets well. Charley Starkweather is isolated with a lame back. Alf Shepard and
Page 48 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 9, 1863
Norman Smith are well. We shall be very busy for a week now making out our
payrolls. . . I am liking soldiering as well as ever, if only I keep well and I
never felt better-Albert
Potter Correspondence.
January 8, 1863 - January 14, 1863 - Wheeler's Raid, including affairs at Mill Creek, Harpeth Shoals, and Ashland. Including affairs at Mill Creek, Harpeth Shoals
and the destruction of two fully-laden hospital ships (U. S. S. Hastings and
Porthenia onthe 13th), and affair at Ashland.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: Not listed in Dyer’s Battle Index for Tennessee. Including affairs at Mill
Creek, Harpeth Shoals and the destruction of two fully-laden hospital ships
(U. S. S. Hastings and Porthenia on the 13th), and affair at Ashland.
January 9, 1863 - Bragg issues General Orders No. 2 relative to depredations against civilians
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 2. HDQRS. ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Winchester,
January 9, 1863.
The general commanding has perceived with surprise and pain that some of the
troops of this army have been engaged in the indiscriminate destruction of
fences and houses, devastating a fair and fruitful country, on the productions of
which salvation depends. Fields of growing wheat have been left without
fences, and property, which even a rapacious enemy had respected, has been
needlessly destroyed.
Such wanton acts of waste are unworthy the character of Confederate soldiers,
injurious to the holy cause they defend, and are alike destructive of personal
honor and military discipline.
This growing evil must be checked, and commanders and inspectors are
enjoined to take all proper precautions in future to prevent such disgrace to our
fair name. Inspectors will, in all cases, report to these headquarters by what
troops such injuries have been inflicted. They will cause a rigid scrutiny into
all such acts, and bring to punishment all offenders.
Citizens are invited to bring in their accounts for such injuries, when they
audited and paid, and the amount charged against the responsible commander.
By command of Gen. Bragg:
GEORGE WM. BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 492.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 49
January 9, 1863
January 9, 1863 - Federal medical care for Confederate casualties consequent to the battle
of Stones River
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, No. 6. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, Tenn., January 9, 1863.
~~~
XIII. To insure proper care of the Confederate sick and wounded within our
lines, Surgeon Avent, C. S. Army, is appointed medical director for them.
All Confederate and other surgeons employed in care of their sick in hospitals
and private houses, and all citizens having Confederate sick or wounded, in
either case will promptly report their location, names, number, and condition to
Surgeon Avent, and will be held responsible for their care, and conformity to
his orders of our military authorities. No medical men, nurses, or invalids will
leave their hospitals or places without his permission, and none will be
removed without written application, sanctioned by him and approved by the
medical director of our army. All nurses or patients leaving without such permission will be treated as deserters, and medical officers violating these orders
will be severely punished. Needful supplies will be issued on requisitions sanctioned or submitted by Surgeon Avent, and approved by authority of the medical director of this army.
Surgeon Avent will furnish, with the least possible delay, lists of the Confederate sick and wounded within our lines, and morning reports of the nurses and
sick, certified to on honor, as the basis on which he makes his requisitions. He
will promptly report for negligence or disobedience of orders all delinquent
medical officers and others under his control.
These regulations being for the good of those whom it concerns, the general
commanding trusts they will be fully and cheerfully complied with.
~~~
By command of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, pp. 311-312.
January 9, 1863 - Editorial on Memphis shinplaster ordinance
"The Shinplaster Business;" Ald. Morgan introduced a resolution-which we
published in the official report of the Council report, and which everybody
should read-that gives the shinplaster scheme, which we have taken some pains
to expose and show up, its quietus. It is a perfect "sockdolger."NOTE 1It takes
the question in hand squarely, and prostrates the iniquity horizontally. It
declares that the shinplaster ordinance adopted some time ago, on the threat of
having General Sherman "down on them, was not the expression of the convictions of the Board [of Aldermen]; that the anticipated deficiency of the revenue, pleased as a reason for its passage, had never occurred; that the military
authority which had been invoked in favor of the measure, protected against its
Page 50 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 9, 1863
infliction; that the Mayor did not sign it, and therefore it never became a law.
For these reasons be it Resolved, that the shinplaster ordinance being a violation of law, passed on the presumption of a necessity did not exist, is void; that
no city officer shall put our or receive, in city payments, any such shinplasters;
not lastly, will the Council ever pay for printing any such shinplasters. As we
expected, the $3,000 or $4,000 worth of this stuff that has been printed, will
not pay even its own printing bill. Great are the shinplasters of Memphis!
Ald. Morgan observed, that in passing the ordinance in question, Council had
been influenced by threats that were based on no authority. The military
authority had condemned it, the Mayor had withheld his sanction. He was with
the Mayor when he received Gen. Sherman's note in condemnation of the measure, and the Mayor said he would proceed no further init. Ald. Merrill was
opposed to the resolutions; he though them extraordinary. The ordinance they
speak of was either a law or not a law. If the former, the right course was to
repeal it; if the latter, it was a nullity, and dead of itself. The resolutions of Ald.
Morgan were elaborate, but unnecessary. He saw no reason for such long,
"whereases" to express the ideas of Council on the subject, inviting public
attention to its doings. He did not see whether the ordinance was a law or not,
very likely it was not. But he would point out that an ordinance could not be
repealed by a resolution.
Alderman Morgan, in reply, called the attention of the Board to the circumstances under which the ordinance was passes, and which has excited the
objections of Gen. Sherman. He read from the Ordinance Book the clauses
containing the requirements that musty be complied with before an ordinance
could become operative, and stated that they had not been complied with in
this case. The city charter mistakes it the duty of the Mayor to either sign an
ordinance when passed by the Board, or to return it, with his reasons for not
doing so. In this case the Mayor had violated the obligations laid upon him by
the charter, as he had done neither the one nor the other. In such cases the ordinance was not worthy of a repeal. The resolutions were intended to let the community know that if the shinplasters should be struck off and attempted to be
circulated, the act was without the sanction of the Board.
On a vote, only Aldermen Merrill, Hall, and Ogden opposed the resolutions.
There could be no doubt as to the sentiments of the Board, being like those citizens of Memphis generally, opposed to the shinplaster business.
So ends the third attempt made to curse Memphis with shinplasters. The first
attempt received the disapproval of the merchants of the city, by a resolution
passed by the Chamber of Commerce.
Memphis Bulletin, January 9, 1863.
NOTE 1: Slang, meaning something decisive, as a heavy blow or coup de grace.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 51
January 9, 1863
January 9, 1863 - Conditions in the Army of Tennessee in early winter retreat after the battle of Stones River, a letter from Fayette McDowell in Tullahoma to his sister, Amanda, in White County
Dear Sister:
I did not have time to write when Bob went away nor was able. The last battle
was a hard one. I could hardly sit up when I got through. We were in line ten
days living on cold bread and beef and without shelter. I had just been vaccinated, and the cold or something else caused my arm to swell from elbow to
shoulder. I am in only tolerable health at the present. I should feel very well if
we had anything to eat but our only chance is bread without any grease and
beef that can climb a tree.NOTE 1Enough to kill any man. I wish those in favor
of carrying on this war had to eat a whole cow, hoofs and all, every day one
each. I mean, until they are ready to quit.
I have just taken down a peck of sole leather bread. Nothing to eat with it. I
have the promise of some pork to eat tomorrow. I recd. a letter from you since
I commenced, dated 25th Dec. You desire to know how I spent my Christmas.
Well, I spent it cooking rations for that ball which came off at Murfreesboro on
the 31st Dec. ult. Of all the Christmases that ever I saw in my life this beats all.
I suppose on New Year's eve I saw 5,000 dead men, about 4,000 of them Yankees. Everybody says we killed four to one; I say we killed and wounded 20 to
one. I saw all the field because I was detailed the day after the fight to collect
stragglers. After we got them started to run, they did not stop to shoot at us
much. We gave them a tremendous whipping. Gen. Bragg took away from
them in four days after the battle, but he had no occasion for doing so as the
Yanks left the same night. The bad weather wore out both armies until the Gen.
thought they were beaten and both sides retreated the same night. The Yanks a
few of them went into Murfreesboro, but Gen. Wheeler drove them out day
before yesterday. The Yankees’ army is now at Nashville, ours at Tullahoma
and Shelbyville.
You need not be afraid you have made my pants too short, but if like the rest
you sent they are too small in the legs. Most too little all over, but they will do
if I can get in them. If not I can change them of. Do not sell them or the cloth
for my coat, you can make my coat but wait until I come home or send word
for it to be made. I have a good new jeans coat, very nice; it cost me 37 dollars,
but the buttons cost 12 dollars of the money and will do me with military buttons and in fashion. I have a new suit at Uncle Peter's, but don't know what it
will cost me nor when I will get it. I will need all if the war don't end or end
me. If I don't come home in ten days, send my pants and vest, no matter about
the buttons, by the first safe one passing. I don't care about coming home on
the business I shall be sent on if I come, therefore shall try to get off. I am
going to quit the war at my first opportunity. If I get out, I can go into some
post duty or resume my old occupation. I send fifty dollars by Mr. Shugart. I
can send no more. I want you to buy pork immediately.
Page 52 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 9, 1863
L. L. McDowell
Diary of Amanda McDowell.
NOTE 1: Perhaps a joke or an allusion to opossum or raccoon.
January 9, 1863 - "We were expecting an attack every moment as there was a large force of
Rebels. . . "Frank M. Guernsey's letter home
Camp at Jackson, Tenn., Jan. 9th 63
Dear Fanny,
I suppose you are fully assured by this time that I am numbered with the victims of this war, as you have probably received no letter from me in a long
time, but through the kindness of an overruling Providence, I am yet spared
and enjoying good health.
Since you heard from me last we have been on a long and tedious expedition,
one of the hardest that has been made in the west since the war began. We
received orders while we were near Oxford Miss, and began our march. We
marched nearly through Tenn. to within a few miles of the Kentucky line, then
taking another road marched back as far as this place [Jackson, Tennessee]. We
have marched every day through rain and shine camping at night without a tent
to cover us and living on what we could confiscate from the enemy. It was a
rough way of living, I tell you but I have passed through it and am all right I
guess. Our Regmt. Marched some twenty miles alone through the enemy[']s
country. We were expecting an attack every moment as there was a large force
of Rebels Caverly hovering around us all the while but dare not interfere with
our araignments. We were at one time on the march for forty-eight hours during which time we stoped about three hours for rest and sleep. The enemy were
then about two miles from us and as often as advanced they would retreat so
that we could not fight them if we wished.NOTE 1
There is now a strong probability of our going into winter quarters and I hope
we shall for we have been marched almost to death. It has been about seven
weeks since we left Memphis during which time we were in camp about one
week. The balance of the time we have been marching all over the country and
as yet have found no fight. That appears to be what our Colonel is hunting for.
Fanny I have got a splendid horse which you may have if you will come after
him. I captured him from Secesh on our march. He is a splendid riding horse
and as pretty as a picture. I mean to keep him and bring him north if he can
stand the hardships of camp life such as his master does. This is the third one I
have had since I have been in the army. One I wore out and the other was stolen
from me. This I think I shall keep until you come for him.
It has been about seven weeks since I have heard a word from you or any of my
friends North. Our communication North has been entirely cut off by the
Rebels in our rear. They tore up the track and burned several bridges so that
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 53
January 9, 1863
trains could not run. I suppose my Mother thinks that I am captured or killed by
this time as she has not heard from me in so long a time. There is a large mail
for us at La Grang and our Col. has gone down to day to have it forwarded to
us so that tomorrow or next day I expect we shall get some letters from home.
They will probably be about a month old, but will be new to us. Fanny I would
have given my old boots (the last pair I have got) if I could onley have received
a letter from you once in a while.
It was the hardest part of our tramp to be deprived of our communication with
our loved ones north, but we hope for better times in the future.
We are expecting marching orders again every hour or two to go to the Lord
onley knows where. I have got so that I dont care much what the do with us or
where they send us. I go like a machine when I am set in motion, but Fanny it
is getting late and I must close for this time. I shall write to you again in a day
oar two if we stay here that length of time. Please give my regards to all you
people and accept much love for yourself.
Yours affectionately,
Frank M. G.
Frank M. Guernsey Collection, Mississippi Valley Collection, University of
Memphis LibraryNOTE 1
NOTE 1: These were probably part of Forrest's expeditionary force into West Tennessee. As such their mission would have been to monitor Union troop movements, not to engage them.
NOTE 1: Hereinafter cited as Guernsey Correspondence.
January 9, 1863 - Pollution prevention in Breckenridge's Division, excerpt from Special
Order No. 60
Head Quarters Breckenridge's Div.
Tullahoma, January 9th 1863
Special Order No. 60
I. Brigade Commanders will take immediate steps to prevent the pollution of
the stream of water near which the Division is camped. No slaughter houses or
butcher pens will be allowed to be erected near it. All offal of any kind whatever must be burned or buried, and must not be thrown into the stream.
It will be the duty of the inspector Genl of Division and Brigade to report
promptly to these Head Quarters the violation of any part of the above order.
~~~
By command of Maj Genl Breckinridge.
William B. Bate collection
Page 54 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 10, 1863
January 9, 1863 - Report on the federal and rebel wounded at Murfreesboro and the burning of LaVergne
From the Battle-field of Murfreesboro', or Stone's River.
A gentleman connected with our office on last Tuesday visited the field of the
late bloody battle of Murfreesboro', or Stone's River, as we learn it will be designated in the report of General Rosecrans, and returned to the city on
Wednesday. . .
Murfreesboro is one vast hospital, nearly every house having more or less
wounded in it, the farm-houses for miles along the various roads are also used
for the same purpose. The town was not harmed during the fight, except V. D.
Cowan's residence which was burned by the rebels, being filled with their
stores. Nearly all the citizens of the town had left, and fled South, or to what
they deem safer retreats in the country. Every residence almost has been surrendered to the unrelenting Genius of War, who spares nothing in his relentless
career. The federal and rebel wounded are placed promiscuously together and
doubtless it would be not only curious, but instructive to listen to the conversations of the soldiers who in an evil hour, were persuaded to attempt the destruction of this Government. May a kind Providence quickly inspire them with a
better feeling. The miserably little village of Lavergne, between here and Murfreesboro, which lately contained some thirty dwellings has suffered the righteous penalty of its treason, and villainy, and now is a heap of smouldering
ashes.
Nashville Daily Union, January 9, 1863.
ca. January 9, 1863 - January 11, 1863 - Federal scouts in Gallatin environs
No circumstantial reports filed.
GALLATIN, TENN., January 11, 1863.
Maj.-Gen. ROSECRANS:
My scouts have returned from up country, and report Morgan's men there,
gathering horses, hogs, sheep, &c. I also learn from reliable source that they
are still running Allinson's mill, gathering up and grinding all the wheat in the
country. I think the mill should be disabled or destroyed. Shall I send a brigade
and have it done?
SPEED S. FRY, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, p. II, p. 319.
January 10, 1863 - Skirmish at Clifton
No circumstantial reports filed.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 55
January 10, 1863
January 10, 1863 - Certification of Congressional Election in Gibson County
Trenton, January 10, 1863
I, Calvin S. Ezell, coroner of Gibson County, Tennessee, do hereby certify that
I opened and held an election in said county on the 29th day of December,
1862, for the purpose of electing a representative to the Congress of the United
States from the 9th congressional district, and that at said election Alvin
HawkinsNOTE 1 received four hundred and ninety-six (496) voted, and W. W.
Freeman 5. I further certify that many more votes would have been polled but
for the fact that the recent raid of Brigadier-General Forrest threw the people
into confusion, and the stringent, though necessary, picket regulations at Trenton, the county seat of said county, and other points along the railroad, prevented many persons from voting who were anxious to do so. I am satisfied
that more than three-fourths of the voting population would have gone to the
polls and voted but for the raid of General Forrest. I also certify that I received
the vote from one district in Dyer county, as follows: Hawkins, 58; Freeman,
16; Johnson, 1. The balance of Dyer county was so infested with guerrillas as
to render the opening and holding of an election by the people dangerous.
An election would have been held in this county on the 20th of January, 1863,
but General Hurlburt's order appointing that day was construed not to embrace
the 9th Congressional district, but only some portion of the 10th.
Calvin S. Ezell, Coroner of Gibson County
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 112.
NOTE 1: Because so many voters were intimidated by Forrest's raiders the election of
Hawkins was declared invalid by the House of Representatives. See House
Report No. 46, 37 Cong., 3 Sess., 2, as cited in Papers of Andrew Johnson,
Vol. 6, p. 112.
January 10, 1863 - Confederate forces occupy Shelbyville
No circumstantial reports filed.
NASHVILLE, January 12, 1863.
Maj.-Gen. ROSECRANS:
I have information from Shelbyville to the night of the 10th instant. Gen. Polk's
corps occupy the town of Shelbyville. I have a pass signed by Cheatham.
ROBT. B. MITCHELL, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg. Post.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p.321.
Page 56 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 10, 1863
January 10, 1863 - One Confederate Officer's Opinion of General Braxton Bragg's Performance at the Battle of Murfreesboro
THE BATTLE AT MURFREESBORO
An Intercepted Letter from one of Bragg's Officers
From the Nashville UnionNOTE 1 We have been permitted to copy portions of a
very amusing letter, written by Maj. B___, of Bragg's army, to his dear friend
M___, in this city, which shows that the great skedaddler of Stone's River is
not regarded as a NAPOLEON by all his officers. The letter is as follows:
Wartrace, Tenn., Jan. 10, (Saturday) 1863.
Dear M_____: My young friend, G. H. M., wrote you yesterday morning, sent
the letter and a number of late papers by Mrs. H. * * * * * Hope you received
them. I have been here one week. Left Murfreesboro Sunday (4th) morning
last, at daylight, on the last train leaving there. Did not know until 10 o'clock at
night that we intended to retreat the following morning, or rather the same
night. Do not believe the retreat was necessary. Do not believe Gen. Bragg
knew what he was doing; in other words, that he is not a man competent to
command on the field. Every Tennesseean is bitter beyond expression. Some
swear he is a fool. I think myself he has been blessed with very little sense, and
no genius; and you know I have no cause to think badly of him. He has recently
had me promoted. Our official intercourse has been exceeding pleasant, and
this is more than many of his officers can say, for several of them have been
under arrest since the army left Mississippi.
But it is useless to disguise the fact that BRAGG'S career, as a Commanding
General, has eventuated in a disaster and disgraceful failure. Added to this, he
is not popular. I may go further, and say he is almost universally hated by all
our troops, especially by the Tennesseeans. At the same time I think him a soldier-a man who has a sense of duty, and will perform his duty to the best of his
ability; that he is a fine disciplinarian and an officer of splendid administrative
ability. But it is sheer folly to call him a General.
I am of opinion that history will relate that all the battles around Murfreesboro
were fought well, contested with desperate valor, but that they were fought
without generalship. Gen. BRAGG attacked and drove back their left wing on
Wednesday, (December 31st ) because he had massed his heaviest forces on
their right wing, believing from demonstrations made by the Yankees, that
their heaviest force was there. Our attack on the left extended gradually toward
the right, hoping to move first one division after another until the whole army
would be forced to retreat. But having weakened ourselves on the right and
centre, in order to enable us to drive back their right, we found on attacking
their whole line that we were too weak to pierce his centre or drive back his
right. So Wednesday's battle closed without a decisive result. We had captured,
it is true, thirty-one pieces of artillery, upwards of three thousand prisoners,
and held the battle-field, which we continued to hold until we evacuated our
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January 1863 — Page 57
January 10, 1863
entire defences. But we had gained, you perceive, no decisive advantage
except on their right. They maintained their original position everywhere else,
having repulsed the several attempts made to carry their position on the centre
and right. On Thursday (January 1st) we were inactive except in taking care of
the dead and wounded. We secured the trophies of the fight on the left, and
shipped all the prisoners captured, ordnance, &c., safely to Chattanooga. On
Friday (January 2nd) evening BRAGG foolishly (I can't conscientiously use a
more expressive term) ordered BRECKINRIDGE'S Division to charge their
centre again. We took the first front battery of the enemy, but after capturing it,
discovered we were immediately under the fire of numerous other batteries
that had up to that time remained silent. The inevitable consequence was a
hasty retreat, leaving the captured battery on the field, to fall again into the
enemy's hands; nor was this all-we lost many of our bravest and most gallant
officers and men. Gen. HANSON was wounded, and has since died. Col. PRESTON CUNNINGHAM was killed. Capts. WOMACK, SAVAGE and SPURLOCK, of Warren County, were all dangerously wounded. Defeated in our
design, repulsed with heavy loss, we retired to our former position.
~~~
Early Saturday night the entire army commenced moving. I started seven long
trains off crowded to overflowing with the sick and wounded.
~~~
BRAGG discovered his mistake, and prepared for an evacuation, after having
declared he would win that battle or die on the field. Our next line of defence
will be immediately south of Duck River. Our headquarters will be next to Tallahoma.
New York Times, February 5, 1863
NOTE 1: This issue of the Union does not survive.
January 10, 1863 - Nathan Bedford Forrest and Confederate guerrillas stifle elections in U.
S. Congressional Districts in Gibson and Dyer Counties
[Trenton] January 10, 1863
I, Calvin S. Ezell, coroner of Gibson County, Tennessee, do herby certify that I
opened and held an election in said county on the 29th day of December, 1862,
for the purpose of electing a representative to the Congress of the United States
from the 9th congressional district, and that at said election Alvin Hawkins
received four hundred and ninety-six (496) votes, and W. W. Freeman 5.NOTE 1
I further certify that many, more would have been polled but for the fact that
the recent raid of Brigadier General Forrest threw the people into confusion,
and the stringent, though necessary, picket regulations at Trenton, the county
seat of said county, and other points along the railroad, prevented many persons from voting who were anxious so to do. I am satisfied that more than
three-fourths of the voting population would have gone to the polls and voted
Page 58 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 10, 1863
but for the raid of General Forrest. I also certify that I received the vote from
one district in Dyer county, as follows: Hawkins, 58; Freeman, 16; Johnson, 1.
The balance of Dyer county was so infested with guerrillas as to render the
opening and holding of an election by the people dangerous.
An election would have been held in this county on the 20th of January, 1863,
but General Hurlbut's orderNOTE 2 appointing that day was construed not to
embrace the 9th congressional district, but only some portion of the 10th.
Calvin S. Ezell
Coroner of Gibson County
Governor Andrew Johnson
Nashville, Tennessee
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 112.
NOTE 1: Becauseof the presence of contending military forces, the election was declared void by the House of Representatives. See: House Report No. 46, 37
Cong., 3 Sess, 2, as cited by the editors of The Papers of Andrew Johnson,
Vol. 6, p. 112, fn 1.
NOTE 2: General Stephen A. Hurlbut's December 24 proclamation listed Madison,
Haywood, Fayette, Shelby, and Hardeman counties as areas in which a fair
vote could not be obtained. His order, however, did not specify that a postponement would be limited to that portion of the tenth district but was so
ambiguously worded that it allowed for differing interpretations. See Memphis Bulletin, December 27, 1862, as cited by the editors of The Papers of
Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 113, fn 7.
January 10, 1863 - "The negro was condemned to receive thirty-nine lashes, and to remain
in the work house until the property unlawfully taken be restored to its
owner."
Recorder's Court.
A negro named Washington, a slave of Mrs. Chickering, was arraigned for disorderly conduct in abusing and cursing Mrs. Garrett, and taking from her house
property belonging to Mrs. G. without authority. Mrs. Garrett was the principal
witness, and testified that she owned the girl whom Washington claims for his
wife, and that in consequence of his very bad conduct she had frequently forbidden him to enter her house. At length he demanded Mrs. Garrett's servant
and all the clothing and furniture which he was pleased to call hers, and, after
much cursing and calling Mrs. Garret a damned liar, he left and returned soon
after with a wagon, a white man in Federal uniform, and a teamster, and took
from the house beds, bedstead, chairs, clothing, bedding, and other property,
notwithstanding Mrs. G. 's protestations. Mrs. Garrett's mother and Mrs. Thomas corroborated her statement in the main particulars. A witness, who
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 59
January 11, 1863
belonged to Hospital No. 7, said he had charge of the hospital wagon, and that
the negro had told Dr. Fletcher that he had been turned out of his house, and
that his furniture was in the street, and asked permission to use the hospital
wagon to have it taken away. The Doctor told witness to accompany the negro
for that purpose, and he did so, but does not know where the furniture was
taken to. The Recorder lectured the last witness on the impropriety of his conduct, but excused him from positive blame, as he acted only according to his
orders. The negro was condemned to receive thirty-nine lashes, and to remain
in the work house until the property unlawfully taken be restored to its owner.
Mr. Mr. Brien, Esq., for prosecution. . .
Nashville Dispatch, January10, 1863.
January 11, 1863 - Skirmish at Lowry's Ferry, Hatchie River, defeat of R. V. Richardson's
Confederate Partisan Rangers
JANUARY 11, 1863.-Skirmish at Lowry's Ferry, Tenn.
Report of Col. R. V. Richardson, First Tennessee Partisan Rangers.
FAYETTE COUNTY, TENN., March 13, 1863.
DEAR SIR: On September 6, 1863 [1862], I received authority from the Secretary of War to organize a regiment of Partisan Rangers in Tennessee, subject to
your approval or that of Gen. [Sterling] Price. The latter approved, and I immediately came to West Tennessee and began the work. I established a camp and
rendezvous in this county, at Galloway's Switch. The enemy at that time held
posts at Fort Pillow, Trenton, Humboldt, Jackson, Corinth, Bolivar, and Memphis. The field of my operations for recruiting purposes was necessarily circumscribed by this cordon of military posts, and it has been by fighting and
skirmishing with the forces of these places continually that I have been able to
hold all of Tipton and Fayette Counties and parts of Haywood, Hardeman, and
Shelby Counties. It has required about four months to recruit and organize my
regiment. . . the First Tennessee Regt. of Partisan Rangers, C. S. Army. I have
ten companies organized and five more in process of organization. . . My
efforts to raise a regiment have been attended with much peril and many skirmishes. I have steadily increased, armed, and equipped my force within the
enemy's lines. . . cut off from all. . . superior officers. . . I had to meet the
enemy in overwhelming force the next day after I went into camp in October
last, and since that time up to this day some portion or all of my forces have
had nearly daily conflicts with him. We have fought two general engagements
and have had innumerable skirmishes.
On January 11 last, with a force of 200 men, we fought the Third Michigan
Cavalry [numbering 600 men, armed with Colt's repeating rifles], from 12 m.
to 5 p. m., at Lowry's Ferry, in Haywood County, across Hatchie River. Our
loss was 1 man severely and 1 slightly wounded. The enemy admitted a loss of
13 killed and 20 wounded. The enemy retired from and we held the battlefield.
Page 60 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 11, 1863
~~~
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. V. RICHARDSON,
Col., Comdg. First Tennessee Partisan Rangers.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 797-798.
JACKSON, January 12, 1863.
Maj.-Gen. GRANT:
I have driven Richardson across the Hatchie, taking a number of prisoners. A
regiment of cavalry sent toward Somerville can head him off.
HER. C. SULLIVAN, Brig.-Gen.
JACKSON, January 12, 1863.
Gen. DODGE:
~~~
I whipped Richardson yesterday, destroyed his ferry, and have a number of
prisoners. I can hear of no band of guerrillas in my district. . .
JER. C. Sullivan, Brigadier-General
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 555.
January 11, 1863 - Major-General Rosecrans seeks special authority to try and execute
spies, murderers, arsonists, rapists and deserters
MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., January 11, 1863.
Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:
The crimes of spying, murder, arson, rape, and others, as well as desertion, are
increasing, and the power to check them by inflicting the penalty of death is a
nullity, for [with] the delays necessary to get them a regular trial by general
court-martial, and then holding them until the matter is reviewed and approved
by the President, such a time elapses that the troops are relieved and the culprit
escapes. This ought to be remedied.
W. S. ROSECRANS, Maj.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 318.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: Repeated in OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, p. 170. It is not known if Rosecrans received
the authority he sought.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 61
January 11, 1863
January 11, 1863 - Capture and burning of Jacob Musselman and Grampus No. 2 by Arkansas guerrillas in Tennessee
Excerpt from the Report of Lieutenant-Commander Thomas O. Selfridge
U. S. GUNBOAT CONESTOGA
Memphis, January 13, 1863
A party of guerrillas from Arkansas, led by Captain J. H. McGehee... crossed
to the Tennessee side and surprised the steamboat Jacob Musselman, took her
to Bradley's Landing, some 15 miles north of Memphis, where they captured a
flatboat loaded with stock. The guerrillas made prisoners of all on board and
succeeded in getting the steamer over the river, when they set fire to her. Since
river traffic was so heavy the movement of the rebel steamer attracted no attention after being plundered they were burned. On the 11th Grampus No. 2, just
off the wharf at Memphis was captured by McGehee's guerrilla band and taken
to Mound City, five miles from Memphis The five coal barges the Grampus
No. 2 was hauling were cut loose and set adrift. The Grampus No. 2 was then
burned. On the 12th Lieutenant Joshua Bishop was ordered to proceed in the
light gunboat Linden, with a force of three companies of troops to where the
Grampus No. 2 had been burned and to retaliate by destroying the houses in the
neighborhood.
~~~
Thos. O. Selfridge, Lieutenant-Commander
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pp. 134-135.
Excerpt from the Report of Capt. J. H. McGehee, Arkansas Cavalry, including
destruction of the Steamers Jacob Musselman and Grampus No. 2.
CAMP OF UNATTACHED COMPANY, ARKANSAS CAVALRY, Marion,
Ark., March 2, 1863.
COL.: In obedience to orders received from the major-general commanding
the Trans-Mississippi District, to proceed to the county of Crittenden, Arkansas, for the purpose of scouting and burning cotton in that country, and annoying the enemy on the Mississippi River.
~~~
On the 11th day of January, I captured the steamboat Grampus No. 2, just off
the wharf at Memphis; run her to Mound City, 5 miles above Memphis, and
burned her. There were with the Grampus 5 coal boats, which were turned
loose in the river when she was captured, and floated down and sunk.
~~~
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
J. H. McGEHEE, Capt., Cmdg. Company.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 22, pt. I, pp. 232-233.
Page 62 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 11, 1863
January 11, 1863 - John M. Routt, Company B, 44th Tennessee Infantry, C. S. A., describes
the Confederate withdrawal and combat at the Battle of Stones River in
his letter to his wife, Lou J., in Kelso, Tennessee
Camp near Tullahoma, Tenn., Jan. 11, 1863
Mrs. Lou. J. Routt-My dear wife, received your letter last night by George
Martin. I knew well the unpleasant anxiety you experience while the dreadful
battle near Murfreesboro was progressing, and afterwards till you heard from
your husband and brother were safe. Josh left the battle field Tuesday morning.
The heavy infantry fighting on our wing (The Left) was done on Wednesday.
We told Josh what took place that day, but we couldn't tell what would occur
afterwards. I wrote to you by Bud Smith, from Manchester and hope you have
received my letter, before now. I hope I shall be able to be at home some time
this week. I spoke to Col. Fulton this morning to know how long it would probably be before I could start and he said he though by Tuesday. Adding it might
be sooner than later. I am coming to collect the absentees from our Company.
Keep this a secret for they might escape.NOTE 1 We remained at Estil Spring
only one day. We came from there here. I do not know how long we will
remain here. I cannot learn anything reliable about the movements of the Yankees. I am satisfied they will not advance soon against us, for I hear evadince
of the fact that they were dreadfully cut up. I had after heard that in battle our
troops killed two or three and some times five to one but had always disbelieved it. I was over the battle field on the left wing, and I declare there were
ten Yankees killed to one of our men, and all the other boys say the same. Fully
three fourth of the dead Yankees were shot through the head. This circumstance arises from the fact that they all get behind trees or rocks and in shooting they have to put their heads from behind the trees or raise them above the
rocks and in the act or often shot. They wound many of our men in the feet and
legs. . .
~~~
My dear, I depend on the intercessions I knew you were making for me. The
fact made me easy. I did not expect to be hurt. I felt that I was safe. You must
continue to pray for me my sweet wife and for the cause and everyone in it.
General and I have talked about our escape and both of us attribute it to prays
sent up for us by our dear friends at home. Oh! if you could of seen men
engaged in deadly conflict and heard the sharp cracking of small arms and the
dreadful booming of cannon and the loud bursting of shells and the rattling of
the fragments as they went tearing and whizing the whizzing through the air
and timber. What an awful scene you would have witnessed. I will not continue
the sketch. Oh! pray for the whole world for peace. General is Lieut. of the
guard today, and may not get to write. This will go by Dr. Jenkins. Kiss Willie
& Johnnie for me.
Yours affectionate husband,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 63
January 11, 1863
John M. Routt.
W. P. A. Civil War Records, Vol. 3, pp. 97-99.NOTE 2
NOTE 1: Not only were these men absent, that is, a.w.o.l., but if they knew someone
was coming to return them to the army they would run and hide. This along
with Brigadier-General Gideon J. Pillow's orders regarding conscription of
boys in Bedford County seems to indicate the possibility that there was
some anti-Confederate opposition among the Southern population to the
war.
NOTE 2: See also: MSCC/CWRC.
January 11, 1863 - Scout to Nolensville, Triune and Eagleville and capture of Confederate
soldiers by the 2nd Tennessee Cavalry
•See January 5, 1863-January 31, 1863-Life in the Second Tennessee [U. S.
] Cavalry camp in Murfreesboro, as told by John W. Andes, "Reminiscences of the Second Tennessee Cavalry."
January 11, 1863 - Bragg Bashing in McMinnville; excerpts from the War Journal of Lucy
Virginia French
. . . Our army has fallen back to the hills--they are at Normandy, Winchester,
and all the R. Road is guarded. There among the hills it is said, they intend to
make a stand, and Bragg says he will fight Rosencrantz again--whether he will
or not, there is no telling. Bragg seems to be very unpopular with both soldiers
and people. Old Mr. Spurlock gave free utterance to his feelings in regard to
him as a general. He says that many others have said, that our position at Murfreesboro was badly chosen and blames Bragg in that he did not renew the
fight on Thursday [January 1] before the enemy was reorganized. He says he
doubts if Bragg knew what was going on in his front that day, as he always saw
him a half mile back of his rear line. While the battle was going on, and men
were beginning to see how it was managed--Mr. S. [purlock] said that Col.
Savage remarked to him--"This may be good Generalship, but if it is, I can't
see it." Bragg has asked, it is rumored, to be transferred to some other regiment--and I am sure that the people would be glad for a change. Some say that
he would have been to Chattanooga ere this had it not been for the Tennessee
troops who have sworn to his face that they will not leave the homes to the
invaders. Bragg is then controlled [by] the army instead of controlling his soldiers. We had a Northern telegram from the Memphis Bulletin in the Rebel of
yesterday to the effect that Vicksburg had "surrendered." We do not credit it,
because we have intelligence from Jackson that they Yankees were 7 times
repulsed from Vicksburg and had all taken to their boats in great haste and left
there on the 5th. I do not think the little city would "surrender"--yet it may have
Page 64 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 11, 1863
been taken, there is no knowing. The terrible cannonading which we heard
here on Friday evening a week ago (the 3rd) while poor Cap. Spurlock was
being buried was a contest between Breckenridge's corps, and the enemy in
front of Murfreesboro. Our men drove the Yankees before them for some time-but the latter being heavily reinforced, our army retreated. I have prayed earnestly that we might be directed in judging what is best for us to did in case the
Yankees come in here again. For myself I am of the opinion that they will
come in, and that ere very long too, for I have no idea that Bragg intends to
hold Tennessee--though in a speech at Winchester a few days ago he declared
that such was his intention. . .
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French.
January 11, 1863 - Hunting Confederate conscripts in Polk and Bradley Counties
Our duties for the past two weeks have not been worth recording. We all spent
the larger part of the holidays at home with our friends, and we might as well
have spent all our time there, so far as any good we have done is concerned. I
have been with a small party on a scouting trip through the mountains of Polk
County for three days, and have just come out of the mountains and stopped at
home for the night. Our trip was of no value except to start some absentees
back to their commands who were prolonging their visits beyond the limit of
their furloughs.
We have been scouting over Bradley County for nearly one month on [a] hunt
for conscripts, and have captured a few and sent them on to Knoxville, but we
have run twice as many out of the country as we have captured. I am to sure but
that our best service is in running them out, for I believe that those we capture
will never make soldiers worth their rations,
Diary of William E. Sloan.
January 11, 1863 - Orders to cease confiscating mules and horses from private citizens and
policy towards a.w.o.l. Confederate cavalry
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 3. HDQRS. ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Tullahoma,
Tenn., January 11, 1863.
The practice of seizing the private property of citizens, especially horses and
mules, under pretense that they are required for the public, has become an
intolerable nuisance, and must cease. Commanders are earnestly requested to
institute a rigid scrutiny, and use all means in their power to suppress the evil.
All members of the cavalry found absent from their commands without proper
written authority will be dismounted and deprived of their horses and equipments, which will be turned over to the chief of cavalry, to be assigned to useful and efficient men. The thus dismounted will be immediately assigned to the
nearest regiments of infantry from their respective States.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 65
January 11, 1863
By command of Gen. Bragg:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 494.
January 11, 1863 - Elections for officers in the Army of Tennessee suspended by General
Bragg
CIRCULAR. HDQRS. ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Tullahoma, January 11,
1863.
The general commanding earnestly desires and requests the commanders of
regiments to suspend elections for vacancies in the office of second lieutenant,
in order that recommendations may be made for promotion of non-commissioned officers and privates to that position, in cases of extraordinary valor and
skill, as provided in General Orders, No. 52, as this is the only mode in which
those who have distinguished themselves on the field of battle can be
rewarded.
By command of Gen. Bragg:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 494.
January 12, 1863 - Affair at Ashland
•See January 13, 1863--Affair on Harpeth Shoals
No circumstantial reports filed.NOTE 1.
NOTE 1: Long, Almanac places this event on the 8th. In this event, Middle Tennessee
guerrilla leader Dick McCann captured and burned the U. S. supply ship
Charter.
January 12, 1863 - Letter to Mrs. U. G. Owen
Shelbyville Tenn.
January the 12th 1863
To Mrs. Dr. U. G. Owen
My beloved wife
This a warm & beautiful Monday evening & I will write you a few facts from
the battle field. You no doubt have heard of the great battle at Murfreesboro
Dec. 31st & for several days duration. Our loss was about 8000 killed &
wounded. Enemy's lost near 20,000 killed & wounded, 5062 prisoners, 42 cannons. Our Reg[iment]'t lost 7 killed dead on the field, 49 wounded, several of
whom have died & several more will die. For three days the Surgeons were
very busy. We could not care for one-half as they were wounded so fast. 2[00]
or 300 crying ["] doctor, doctor [!"] at the same time. Some dying, others
groaning &c &c. All made a horrible scence I rode over the field & in places
Page 66 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 12, 1863
the ground was covered with dead. I saw 10 dead Yankees to 1 dead Southerner
on the field and horses lying thick. I saw some horses all dead in [a] pile & 100
men dead near where our men charged a battery killing every day horse &
nearly all the men. Surgeons were all ordered to remain away from danger with
the wounded, two or three miles off. I stayed on or near danger with the
wounded, two or three miles off. I stayed on or near [the battle field] the first
day then went to the Hospital in town. We whipped them badly killing ten to
one, but on the following Saturday night General Bragg ordered us to fall back
to Shelbyville where we are yet & will stay for some time. Brother Bob had
brought all his tobacco here & sold it. people are very much distressed in our
neighborhood Yankees have been back there. I don't think they are there now
though. I think of trying to go home in a few days. . .
~~~
Our wounded were left with the Yankees at Murfreesboro. . .
Your devoted husband U. G. Owen
Dr. U. G. Owen to Laura, January 12, 1863.
January 12, 1863 - ". . . we have marched nearly three hundred and fifty miles. . . " Frank
M. Guernsey's letter home
Camp at Jackson, Tenn.
January 12th/63
I am very comfortably situated in my tent this evening with the front of my tent
thrown open to admit the warmth of a good fire which I have burning here.
I seemes more homelike to night that it has for some time, our baggage train
(which we left at Grand Junction when we started on our last march) containing all our tents came up to day, so that tonight for the first time in nearly three
weeks I shall enjoy the luxury of a tent to sleep in, we have had to sleep out
doors rain or shine with no covering save our blanket and the broad blue sky
above us, yet for all the hardships, we have to endure, this mood of life is not
without its pleasures.
Fannie I had a rare treat yesterday, what do you think it was? It cam in the
shape of letters to the round number of ten, five of which five were from your
own deal little self, also a paper. I knew that all the time I was waiting so
patiently to hear from you, you were writing me regularly, and that the fault lay
in Uncle Sam's trains which have been badly broken up of late. I tell you Fanny
it was a treat to read you letters for I had not heard from you since I left Memphis. It was dark and I was sitting by the fire reading and was interested that I
did not notice that the fire as getting to warm for comfort until I got through
when I went to take off my cap I found that the front piece has been burned to a
crisp while on my head, and I knew nothing about it. I received a letter from
Sister Teen with the rest and it was a good one I tell you such as she always
writes.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 67
January 12, 1863
I guess that hereafter we shall get out mail more regular as the prospects are
that we shall stay in our present place of abode for some time perhaps all winter as there appears to be little use of chasing the Rebel Cavelry with Infantry
troops, since leaving Memphis we have marched nearly three hundred and fifty
miles and have not had a sight of them yet, but it is late so I will bid you good
night and pleasant dreams.
Wednesday eve. It is rather late in the evening but I do not when I shall be able
to finish this if I do not do it this evening, they keep me so busy most of the
time that I don't have time to write many letters so that those I do write of
course has to be my most intimate friends. We have been very much since we
came into camp, our tents had to be pitched with a great deal of ___________,
the grounds cleared of and everything fixed in good order for (as I think) a permanent stay. I am rather afraid that it will make us sick if we are allowed to
stay here long as we are used to marching and when there is any of that to do
the 32nd has to do it as a matter of course. Fanny you spoke of the hollidays. I
hope you enjoyed them. I should liked to have spent time with you right well I
assure you, Christmas I spent at Grand Junction in the rain by the side of a poor
fire whose every effort to burn and give comfort seemed its last. I had to dispense with the roast turkey this year, and make my Christmas dinner of hard
bread and bacon. New Years we were on the march until late so that my hollidays were spent with a very small degree of pleasure.
~~~
Fanny you gave me some good advice in some of your letters for which I am
much obliged you need never fear giving offence from any such cause as that
for if there ever was a place under heaven that a man needs good advice it is in
the army and than he must be a saint to escape untainted, the temptation are so
great and in many instances the associations so corrupt that a person becomes
influenced before he is aware. Our Chaplain who is now setting beside me has
just returned from Oskosh, Wis., he says that the public sentiment at the north
is so strong for peace that some terms will be entered into before long or there
will he a counter rebellion. I do not want any dishonorable terms submitted to
by the North. I had rather stay and my three years and endure the privations of
a campaign than to consent to such a thing, but I do want these troubles settled
if it is a possible thing. I tell you Fanny some of our leading officers will have
an awful account to settle if there is a place in this world or the next where justice is meeted out. I am afraid dear Fanny you would make a poor hand to
change places with me and let me rest. After about three days I am afraid I
should have no Fanny to love and I guess if you could see me you would think
that might stand it. I believe I never enjoyed better health in my life. Mrs. Richmond in her letter inquired very particularly after you. She is a good sister if
there ever was one. I intend to make her a visit as soon as I get through soldiering and fanny I want you to go with me. I guess you would enjoy the visit. I
will assure you of a warm reception and a sisters love. I presume you will hear
from her before long, but I see that I must close am my sheet is nearly filled. G.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 12, 1863
says give my very best respects to Fanny and tell Nelly that I am well. Good
by. My love to all
Yours affectionately Frank M. G.
P. S. Tell Sarah that our ducks will have to get fat for next New Years as I intent
to be home by that time sure.
Guernsey Collection
January 12, 1863 - Mustering out procedures for officers in the Army of Tennessee
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 4. HDQRS. ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Tullahoma,
Tenn., January 12, 1863.
Hereafter, before any resignations will be acted upon at these headquarters, the
officer offering his resignation will be required to certify that he is not indebted
to the Confederate States; that he has no Government property in his possession; that he has not been absent with out leave, and that there are no charges
against him which can affect his pay.
~~~
By command of Gen. Bragg:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 494.
January 12, 1863 - Egalitarian embalming
Embalming the Dead--A Process Practicable to All.
The modern processes by which the bodies of officers and soldiers of the army
have been embalmed and restored to their friends is not the least of the blessings which science has bestowed upon the world since the beginning of the
war. The expense of this process, in most cases, places its advantages beyond
the reach of people of moderate means. Those who have adopted the business
as a profession, are in some cases, extortionous in their charges, particularly
where officers are the subjects; and the whole matter is surrounded by professional secrecy impenetrable to persons of unscientific tastes.
A matter of so great general utility and importance should not be monopolized
or turned wholly to individual emolument. It may not be out of place to give, in
this connection, a simple recipe by which any physician or surgeon of ordinary
capacity can embalm the dead, and preserve them from decomposition or
putrefaction for a length of time to answer all practical requirements. The following was handed to me shortly after the battle of Antietam, by the Medical
Director of the Ninth Army Corps:
The liquid chloride of zinc injected into the cerebral or femoral artery, will preserve bodies from decomposition or putrefaction for a great length of time.
The mode of obtaining this liquid is to take (say) one quart of hydrochloric
acid to an earthen vessel, and add small pieces of zinc until reaction ceases
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 69
January 13, 1863
The liquid may be diluted in the proportion of one part to four of water. From
one quart to three pints of this dilution chloride of zinc will be sufficient to
effect the purpose desired.
H. W. Rivers, Surgeon of Volunteers, and Medical Director
Ninth Army Corps.
Nashville Daily Union, January 12, 1863.
January 13, 1863 - Skirmish at Chambers Creek, near Hamburg
No circumstantial reports filed.
January 13, 1863 - Affair on Harpeth Shoals
Destruction of fully laden U. S. hospital ships (U. S. S. Trio, Parthenia ) and
one gunboat ( Sidell ) by Wheeler's cavalry at Harpeth Shoals on the Cumberland River.
Report of Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans, U. S. Army.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough,
Tenn., February 15, 1863.
GEN.: Supposing it well to furnish the Department evidence of the inhuman
violations of the rules of civilized warfare by the rebel authorities, I inclose of
the lists of our medical officers who were robbed of their private and personal
property at the late battle, and statement of Chaplin Gaddis, who was on a hospital boat that was fired on and robbed at Harpeth Shoals by Wheeler's cavalry.
I can multiply documentary evidence on these outrages and many others, fully
revealing the barbarism of these rebel leaders, and will do so, if you think
desirable.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. S. ROSECRANS, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I,.Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 979-980.
Report of Brig. Gen. Robert B. Mitchell, U. S. Army.
HDQRS., Nashville, January 13, 1863.
MAJ.: The steamer Charter was burned last night about 8 o'clock, with her
cargo. But two regiments have arrived from Gallatin yet; two locomotives have
given out. Stanley went on the Hillsborough pike, as you directed. I think our
force should have been sent nearer the train. Damn the railroad, say I!
ROBT. B. MITCHELL, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, p. 982.
Report of Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army,
Page 70 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 13, 1863
TULLAHOMA, January 17, 1863.
Gen. [Joseph] Wheeler, with a portion of his cavalry brigade, after burning the
railroad bridges in the enemy's rear, pushed for the Cumberland River, where
he intercepted and captured four large transports; destroyed three, with all the
supplies, and bonded one to carry off the 400 paroled prisoners. He was hotly
pursued by a gunboat, which he attacked and captured, and destroyed her with
her whole armament. I ask his promotion as a just reward to distinguished
merit.
BRAXTON BRAGG.
OR, Ser. I,.Vol. 20, pt. I, p. 982.
Excerpt from the report of Reverend Maxwell P. Gaddis, on board the U. S. S.
Hastings at the time of the attack:
. . . I beg to state that I was one of the passengers aboard the steamer Hastings
. . . on the 13th. . . the day she was fired into by a party of rebel guerrillas of
General Wheeler's cavalry brigade, under command of Colonel [William B. ]
Wade. The Hastings had on board 212 wounded soldiers under charge of Surgeon Waterman, with instructions to report the same at Louisville. The Hastings left Nashville without any convoy. On nearing Harpeth Shoals we saw the
burning hull of the steamer Charter, opposite a group of some half dozen of
more small houses that had also been burned. A short distance below a fleet of
six steamers were engaged in loading and unloading Government stores under
the protection of the gun-boat Sidell commanded by Lieutenant [William] Van
Dorn. Suspicious of some danger below I hailed Van Dorn and inquired as to
who burned the boat and boat and houses. He replied that the guerrillas had
burned the steamer and that he had retaliated by burning the houses."Is there
any danger below?" "No;" said he, "you can pass on safely. I have cleaned
them out." The steamer Trio also laden with wounded was in advance of us
some four or five miles. Believing all safe below we passed on. On reaching
the head of Harpeth Shoals we saw the Trio lying to in a cove on the south
bank of the Cumberland River, thirty five miles from Nashville, and thirty
miles from Clarksville. Having heard the caption of the Trio say that he was
nearly out of fuel I presumed that he was taking on wood. On a nearer
approach to her I discovered a company of cavalry drawn up in a line on the
bank just above the Trio. Two of the company took off their hats, waved them
at us and ordered us to come to. I inquired "Why, and what do you want? We
are loaded with wounded and have no time to stop." "Come to, or we will fire
into you." And at that instant the whole line came to a ready. Being the only
commissioned officer of board (not wounded) with the exception of Surgeon
[Luther D. ] Waterman I immediately assumed command ordered the captain
of the Hastings to land. The boat in the meantime had moved past the designated landing point, and the guerrilla commander gave the order to fire and
three volleys of musketry were fired all taking effect upon the upper and forward portion of the steamer. The volleys were followed by one discharge of
cannon, the ball passing through the clerk's office on the starboard side and out
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 71
January 13, 1863
on the opposite side of the cabin. I told them to cease firing as we were landing
as rapidly as possible. On landing they boarded the steamer and ordered the
men to leave the boat as they must burn her. In connection with Doctor Waterman I urged the claims of humanity upon them, and finally through a personal
acquaintance with Captain [Spruel E. ] Burford, General Wheeler's assistant
adjutant general, we extracted from them a promise to spare the boat on condition of the captain entering into bonds that she should carry no more supplies
for the Army of the United States. I pass by a description of the horrible scenes
enacted by Wades' men. They plundered the boat, even to the knives, forks,
spoons, &c. Rifled passengers' baggage; robbed wounded soldiers of their
rations, and money from their pockets; took the officers' side arms, overcoats,
hats, &c. I reasoned with their officer to no purpose, save Captain Burford,
who was utterly unable to control the men. I then took on board the wounded
of the Trio and her crew and asked permission to leave. This was granted and
the colonel ordered his men off. On his leaving he noticed several bales of cotton on which our wounded men were lying; he instantly became furious and
ordered us to remove the same ashore and burn it, a task almost impossible.
Many of the men were badly wounded; night was coming on; no rations nor
medicines and thirty miles distant from any military post. Seeing all this I
asked for other terms. He then agreed if I would burn the cotton on my arrival
at Louisville he would spare the boat and allow us to go on unmolested, and in
the event of my failing to comply with the order I must return to the line of the
Confederate States as a prisoner of war. These terms were harsh, but in view of
the suffering men I instantly complied, brought to, her crew and passengers
transferred to us, and preparation was them made to burn the Trio and Parthenia. In order to save the Hastings from coming in contact with the steamers. . .
I again asked to leave. This they would not grant, but through the entreaties of
Captain Burford, we were allowed to cross to the other side of the river under
range of their cannon. We hardly landed when the gun-boat Sidell hove in
sight. On her appearance the enemy mounted their horses and awaited her
action. She came on under a full head of steam, carrying her when the engine
had ceased within 150 yards of our boat, on the same side of the river. I hailed
Van Dorn; told him to take the middle of the stream and not endanger the lives
of the wounded during the engagement, for we had no other idea but that he
would fight. To our utter astonishment he ignominiously surrendered, without
firing a single shot. He then crossed her over to the steamers and ordered us
across the river again. I took on what was left of the crew and soldiers and after
waiting one hours and a half, according to their orders I started with the Hastings for Clarksville, reaching there at 8 p. m. and reporting to Colonel Bruce.
He acted promptly and soon furnished us with supplies. I telegraphed the facts
to General Rosecrans at Nashville.
Maxwell P. Gaddis, Chaplain Second Ohio
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 980-981.
The late raid of Wheeler and Forrest on the Cumberland below Nashville is the
talk now--cavalry capturing 5 transports and a gun boat is as good as Forrest's
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January13, 1863
men taking a battery at Murfreesboro last summer with shot guns! Wheeler and
Forrest burned the boats and stores and took 300 prisoners. The raids and feats
of Stuart's cavalry in Va. are being thrown entirely in the shade by the daring
deeds of the mounted men of the West. Forrest, Morgan, Wheeler and Van
Dorn are beating the Virginian cavalry to death. Long may they wave!
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French, entry for January 25, 1863.
January13, 1863 - Federal reconnaissance ordered, Murfreesborough to Salem, to Middleton, to Shelbyville Pike, Wilkinson Pike and Eagleville
•See January 13, 1863-January 15, 1863-Reconnaissance, Murfreesborough
to Nolensville and Versailles
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, January 13, 1863.
Maj.-Gen. THOMAS, Cmdg. Center:
GEN.: The general commanding directs that you send out two brigades on a
reconnaissance, and to halt at Salem, and send a regiment from it to reconnoiter down toward Middleton; the other to proceed to Versailles, and send a regiment to reconnoiter its front by the shortest road as far as the Shelbyville pike.
They had better remain over to-morrow night in their position, keeping a good
lookout, in hopes that the cavalry may come down in their retreat, returning tomorrow afternoon. It will be necessary to send some of Rousseau's cavalry
with them, to keep open communication. Have them report frequently. These
brigades will effect the triple purpose of reconnoitering and observing in southerly direction, covering the flank of Wagner's movement, and catching any
cavalry that may chance to pass toward them. Order the brigade commanders
to note well the roads and the forage, and bring all the intelligence they can of
the position of the enemy's cavalry. The men should take three days' rations on
their person, and should [march] by 6 in the morning. They should carry with
them their axes and hatchets and a few spades. It may prove advantageous for
the brigades to unite and move to Eagleville. The brigade commanders will be
advised of that, and directed to judge of its advantage and to act accordingly,
endeavoring to threaten an advance on Shelbyville and intercept the retreat on
that road.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. GODDARD, Adjutant-Gen. and Chief of Staff.
MURFREESBOROUGH, January 13, 1863.
Col. WAGNER:
Send two of your regiments from Nolensville across, scouring the thickets, to
the Wilkinson pike. March with the other six to Eagleville, thence to Versailles.
Join Beatty's command there, and move with it to cut up the rebels.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 73
January 13, 1863
By order of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 325.
January 13, 1863 - "Some were wallowing in the streets dead drunk others were being
loaded on drays and into wagons and tied hand and foot and taken to the
Calabose. . . " Private Cyrus F. Boyd's first day in Memphis
We started at daylight this morning and made a march of 9 miles and came to
the suburbs of Memphis. Here we were brought into line and notified to sign
Pay Rolls We put up our tents and signed Rolls--then I took a ramble thro'
Memphis It was 2 miles to the River from camp Saw a camp of Contrabands
containing old and young 1500, and they were packed into a building about
200 X 150 feet[.] They were a mass of filthy and abandoned creatures[.] Down
at the wharf there was a long line of steamers lying along the bank[.] Saw one
gun boat anchored in the stream[.] There is a view up the River of about five
miles and ten or twelve miles down the stream Memphis is situated on high
bluffs and has a beautiful location[.] The business portion is built of brick
Lafayette Square is the center of the city and is a beautiful Park full of Evergreens and tame squirrels are numerous among the trees and follow strangers
all around.
Whiskey O Whiskey! Drunk men staggered on all the streets In every store The
saloons were full of drunk men The men who had fought their way from
Donelson to Corinth and who had met no enemy able to whip them now surrendered to Genl Intoxication[.] Some were on the side walks and both hands
full of brick bats and swearing that the side walks were made for soldiers and
not for any d_____d niggers[.] Some were wallowing in the streets dead drunk
others were being loaded on drays and into wagons and tied hand and foot and
taken to the Calabose or guardhouse or to Camp[.] Several of Co "G" are down
this evening with the general complaint[.] The whiskey here seems to be very
effective at short range[.]
I found some wheat bread the first I have seen for months Sergt[.] Gray came
near getting shot this evening about dark[.] He was full and in camp[.] He saw
a mounted orderly coming past in hot haste and he halted him and made the
orderly give him the countersign. Afterwards the aid discovered that he had
been delayed without cause and he drew his revolver and if Gray had not run
and hid himself he would have got a bullet Gray gave him the dodge among the
tents and finally reached one where he lay down and the boys covered him up
and he was snoring away in 2 seconds[.]
Boyd Diary.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 13, 1863
January 13, 1863 - Tales of Security and Female Smuggling in the Middle Tennessee; an
excerpt from the War Journal of Lucy Virgnina French
. . . As the ladies were coming through the pickets this side of Murfreesboro-there seemed to them to be indications of a skirmish ahead, which they of
course did not desire to run into. They spoke to some for the men and asked if
there was danger ahead."My' said one, "what sort of men are you afraid of?
You isn't afraid of blue coats is ye?" "I'm afraid of all sorts of men when they're
shooting. One ball is as like to hit as another, " shrewdly replied Mrs. Scott.
The men were rather checkmated in their endeavor to find out which the ladies
preferred, blue or gray (butternut)--Very many amusing things they told us of
ladies trying to get out things from the city thru' the lines. One lady came out
with two pairs of boots under her hoops, which had unfortunately dropped
right before the guard as she descended from her carriage! They ripped open
the carriage cushions of one lady to see if they could not find something--but
did not. One lade came from Ky. With 5000 dollars worth of morphine in a
false bottom in her trunk. A female detective found it, and took the lady's diamonds, saying "I suppose you're carrying these south for a bridal present for
John Morgan. Well they're contraband." And she appropriated them to her own
use! The city is full of bad women, they are at hotels and in private houses living with the officers and passing for their wives.--The place too is full of
female spies and detectives--some of whom will go to the citizens and represent themselves as Southerners in exile and persecuted, ask for money as charity. If the citizen grant this they are arrested. They resort to all low means to get
men arrested. One draughtman they took in by desiring him secretly to prepare
a draught of their fortifications--then they went to a shoemaker, and employed
him to make a pair of boots with the toes double--between the leathers this
draught was to be inserted and worn out of the lines. After taking in these men
in this way they were arrested and imprisoned them. . .
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French.
January 13, 1863 - January 15, 1863 - Reconnaissance, Murfreesborough to Nolensville and
Versailles
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, January 12, 1863.
Col. G. D. WAGNER, Cmdg. Expedition:
COL.: The object of your expedition is to defeat the projects of the enemy's
cavalry upon our trains upon the Nashville and Murfreesborough road. A portion of Wheeler's cavalry is reported as having staid at Triune last night, having
three pieces of artillery. Gen. Mitchell reports that at sundown this evening
there was a cavalry force supposed to be from 3,000 to 4,000 some infantry
possibly accompanying it, 7 miles north of Franklin, between Franklin and
Hillsborough pikes, supposed to be aiming to attack, first, our river transportation. It may be that Wheeler's force has gone to join this. Gen. Mitchell is pre-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 75
January 13, 1863
paring to march on them with eight or ten regiments of infantry and Gen.
Stanley's cavalry brigade. Should you have reason to believe, on your arrival at
Triune, that their whole force is concentrated there, then you will move toward
Franklin, by the best road, to fall upon their flank and rear. If, on the contrary,
you have reason to believe that they have a considerable force toward Nolensville, between the Nolensville and Murfreesborough roads, you will move that
way, seek the enemy, endeavor to engage the enemy, and cut him to pieces. In
moving it is scarcely necessary to caution you to flank your column with a line
of skirmishers parallel with the road, with a good advance guard. Dispose of
the cavalry, ordered to report to you, so as to be on the lookout against surprise
and keep open communication, keeping the main body in hand to pursue small
parties of the enemy. You will take a few empty wagons with you. Your men
will carry their axes. Take with you three days' rations, 60 rounds of ammunition, and a few spades. Report as frequently as possible your movements, and
any information you deem important to these headquarters. The rest must be
left to your discretion. It may be well to remind you that the force you have to
deal with makes it necessary for you to attack with great vigor. Take their batteries, if possible, and never leave yours without support. Order the supports to
take position to the left and right of our artillery and never behind it.
By command of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans:
~~~
P. S. -When debouching before an enemy, deploy a heavy line of skirmishers,
at 5 paces intervals, and send them forward at double-quick, deploying into
line under cover of their advance. Manage to conceal your force from the
enemy, and, if possible, entrap him.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 322.
Report of Col. Benjamin F. Scribner, Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry, commanding brigade.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, January 16, 1863.
I have the honor to report that pursuant to orders I proceeded with two brigades
of the First Division, center, and the Second Kentucky Cavalry, Maj. Nicholas
commanding. The Second Brigade, Col. John Beatty commanding, with two
pieces of his artillery, took position at Salem, six miles from Murfreesborough,
and the First Brigade, in charge of myself, with four pieces of Col. Beatty's
artillery, continued on the road to Versailles. Having disposed my force according to the ground, I ordered at once a reconnaissance of the roads leading to the
place. A party of eight men were brought in, who proved to be fugitives from
the enemy's conscript law, who, with many others, were thus forced to elude
apprehension. From these men I learned much concerning the roads. One of
them afterward communicated with a friend at Middleton and reported the
enemy's cavalry near Old Fosterville, on the Shelbyville pike, with their outposts near Middleton. I was unable to learn their number. No one was permitted to pass out of their lines. I also sent one company of the Second Kentucky
Page 76 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 13, 1863
Cavalry down the road. They went in sight of the enemy's pickets, one mile
and a half this side of Middelton, and brought back a prisoner. I also learned
that a smaller party of their cavalry was encamped two or three miles farther
down the road, some eight miles from Shelbyville. This information was given
by a young man just from Chattanooga, who was sent to headquarters on my
arrival in camp. I am of the opinion that my command would have been adequate to have overcome them by moving Col. Beatty down the old Nashville
road to near Middleton, while I would have met him from Versailles, and by
the combined movements endeavored to take them in front and rear; but the
rain which fell on the afternoon of the 14th and continued all night rendered
the roads—at no time good—impassable. Being ordered to act in concert with
Col. Wagner on his arrival, and he having now arrived, it was, upon consultation, deemed best to return to Salem and await orders. From there by command
we returned to camp. Middelton is about six miles from Versailles. Old Fosterville is three miles east of Middelton, on the pike, and New Fosterville on mile
farther on the railroad. Forage became very scarce after leaving Salem. The
people say it has been hauled off. Col. Beatty reports that forage abounds near
Salem; that 500 wagons may be loaded within two miles. He also reports the
capture of 1 man and 12 muskets. He also sent a force to within a short distance
of Middelton, the information being about the same as reported. . .
I am, your obedient servant,
B. F. SCRIBNER, Col. 38th Indiana Vols., Cmdg. First Brig., First Div., Center.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. I, pp. 58-59.
Report of Capt. Elmer Otis, Fourth U. S. Cavalry, commanding brigade.
HDQRS. THIRD CAVALRY BRIGADE, January 17, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this brigade in the late scout, from the morning of the 13th to the evening of the 15th
of January, 1863:
We started from camp a little after 12 a. m., for the purpose of joining Col.
Wagner, who was in command of the expedition, and started from the railroad
depot (in Murfreesborough) about 4 o'clock. My force consisted of about 300
of the Fourth U. S. Cavalry and 350 of the Second East Tennessee Cavalry,
making an aggregate of some 650, rank and rifle. The first night we encamped
near Nolensville, making this point via Lizzard's and Lane's Store. We saw
nothing of the enemy, but gained some information of their whereabouts,
which was turned over to Col. Wagner. The second day we marched to
Eagleville. Hearing that some of Wheeler's couriers were at this place, I gave
orders for two of my companies to charge into town, which they did, capturing
some ten or twelve of the enemy. Lieut.-Col. Ray, who led the charge, had his
horse shot under him by one of the rebels, who was stationed in a house occupied by Squire Williams. We went from Eagleville to Versailles, where we
encamped for the night near Col. Beatty's command. The next morning Col.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 77
January 13, 1863
Wagner gave me instructions to act as rear guard as far as Salem, which I did,
and from that point came direct into camp, leaving infantry command in the
rear. During this scout I sent a company, by order of Col. Wagner, to destroy a
mill owned, I believe, by a Mr. Webb, who I ascertained had a large amount of
grain on hand of the use of the Confederate army and had been using his mill
supplying the wants of the rebels. My command also captured twenty-four
horses, which were principally turned over to me whose horses had given out.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ELMER OTIS, Cmdg. Third Cavalry Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. I, p. 59.
January 13, 1863 - January 19, 1863 - Reconnaissance, Nashville-Harpeth at Cumberland
River Shoals
No circumstantial reports filed.
January 14, 1863 - Skirmish at Eagleville
•See January 13, 1863-January 15, 1863-Reconnaissance, Murfreesborough
to Nolensville and Versailles
January14, 1863 - Burning of Webb's Mill, Salem environs
•See January 13, 1863-January 19, 1863-Reconnaissance, Nashville-Harpeth at Cumberland River Shoals
January14, 1863 - Skirmish at La Fayette
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
January 14, 1863 - "A detective police, properly organized, and conducted upon correct
principles, might do some good. . . " Military Governor Andrew Johnson
on the Army of the Cumberland's police operations
Nashville, January 14th 1864
Maj. Genl. Rosecrans,
Commanding Dep't of the Cumberland.
General:
I would respectfully call your attention to a matter which, I think, on the mere
suggestion, will receive your favorable action.
Page 78 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 14, 1863
I do not write in any spirit of fault-finding, not do I wish to be regarded as
objecting to any proceedings, on the part of any person or persons claiming to
act here by your authority, that have been in accordance with the requirements
of civil and military law; but, General, since you left Nashville, the proceedings has by the Detective Police & "Provost Court", connected with the army
(and who assume to act by your authority) have been of such character, I am
constrained to say, that, in my opinion, they not only fail in what I suppose to
have been the object had in view by their location at this Post, but have done
and are still doing great damage to our cause, and the effect of their operations
is most decidedly averse to a restoration of a correct public sentiment.
A detective police, properly organized, and conducted upon correct principles,
might do some good in connection with the interests & movements of the
army, but I am compelled to say that the Provost Court and Detective Police
here, by extensive jurisdiction assumed and the summary manner in which
they undertake to dispose of the persons & property of citizens, have not only
excited a feeling of indignation among the more conservative portion of the
community, but have greatly impaired the confidence of the loyal men, that
class to whom we look for active support, in the correct intentions of the Government, it being held responsible for the unjust acts of its reputed agents.
We have here a United States Court, a U S. Attorney, and a U. S. Marshal for
the District of Middle Tennessee--all the machinery necessary for the execution of the laws of the United States in the portion of this District restored to
Federal control. There are for the Government of this city a Mayor and Boards
of Aldermen and Council, a city Police, and Recorder's court, efficiently performing their respective functions; while the Commandant of the Post, and a
Provost Marshal are here to execute and carry out all proceedings by military
authority.
If, notwithstanding these facts, the necessity for the continuance of the "Provost Court" and Army detective police at this post still exists, I do sincerely
hope, General, that, for the single purpose of promoting the public good and
restoring, as far as we can, the law and the Constitution, they may be restricted,
in their operations, to that which pertains exclusively to military affairs and is
authorized by military law.
I believe that common justice to this community requires it, and in asking it, I
but express the sentiments of the union men of this city & vicinity. Without
undertaking to enumerate cases, I will state that the complaints against these
parties have become so loud and so numerous that justice to them as well as to
the public would seem to require that an examination into their proceedings
would be offered.
With great respect, Your Obt. Sert.
Andrew Johnson Mil. Gov'r.
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 118-119.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 79
ca. January 14, 1863
ca. January 14, 1863 - January 25, 1863 - Anecdotes about life in Confederate occupied
McMinnville; an entry from the war journal of Lucy Virginia French
. . . one night young Mr. K. Smith of Nashville (nephew of Mr. Hy.) staid with
us. He had been in Wheeler's cavalry, and was captured before the Murfreesboro fight and taken to Nashville. He made his escape--shoed me his forged
pass.--he was on his way to join the army, at Tulahoma. The same night he was
here I had a sick soldier--one of Morgan's men, and a comrade who attended
him. The name of the sick one was Rice--he was 15 years of age. I did the best
I could for him and next morning he was able to go on his way. Another staid
all night, Friday night, but we have been obliged to send off a great many
because we really do not have provisions to feed them. We have bread and
meat, wheat coffee and sassafras tea--a little millet and a very little butter. Oh!
It is so hard for me to send these follows off when they are polite and gentlemanly. When they are not I don't care. I was amused at the Col. one night when
one came who was rather rude. The Col. commenced telling him; he could not
stay and was going on to tell him why, when he said rather rudely that he didn't
want any explanations. "Yes sir" said the Col."but you shall listen to my explanations," and he made him do it and the fellow went off. Our situation here is
one of great anxiety and uncertainty. The Yankees we hear have advanced as
far as Readyville. I don't suppose their cavalry will come this way while Morgan is here--but there is no telling. Maj. Rowan had a dispatch from Harris yesterday which did not encourage us any. It was to the effect that we were not
now safe--as the Yankees might come to McMinnville attempting to flank
Bragg and if so, Bragg, unless reinforced would be compelled to fall back to
Chattanooga. I presume B will ultimately fall back--as according to Harris he
had no reinforcements as yet. Indeed, I don't see where the reinforcements are
to come. Our troops it is true are now resting on their laurels in Va.--and if we
were to have them moved from thence--the Yanks there might found the "on to
Richmond" again. However, there is no denying that few men could whip those
Yankees there than can whip those western Abolitionists here--therefore Bragg
needs the men most. A very sensible article appeared in a late Savannah paper
which said the Bragg was obliged to be reinforced anyhow, and he'd better be
so now while Rosecrans was weakened, for he is weaker now than he will ever
be again The late rains have had a bad effect on the Cumberland and Tenn. rivers--causing a rise over which the Feds are crowing lustily. There is a rumor
that Wheeler has been down on the Cumberland below Nashville and done
great damage to their transportation and a wooden gunboat--but how true it is
we cannot yet say.--A good story is told of Old Mrs. Livingston--Morgan drove
up to her house--(coming from Smithville.) on a buggy and inquired the way to
Dr. Armstrong's. She Knew it was Morgan from the circumstances--as he was
expected, -and was so "flustered" she couldn't point him the way. Seeing her
excited and finding that she was not likely to get a direction the Gen. bowed
and drove on. As soon as he departed the old lady "broke" over to Mrs. Poindexter's and told her--they hurried on their bonnets and off to Armstrong's to
see Morgan. On being introduced Morgan said to Mrs. Livingston "Madame
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ca. January 14, 1863
you are the lady I met a little while back on the road"--"Yes" exclaimed the old
lady throwing up her hands--"I'm the very one. But glory be to God! When I
saw John Morgan I was so glad I couldn't say a word. I beg your pardon for not
showing you the way to Dr. Armstrong's" They had quite a laugh over the old
lady's excitement. Rumor says that Mrs. Poindexter waited upon him at his
quarters an asked him for a button off his coat--and that he replied he had given
away all his buttons and had none by Yankee ones, now, and he didn't suppose
she wanted them. I don't believe the story to any alarming extent as I think and
hope we have few women among us who would be that silly or make themselves quite so ridiculous. . . .Last week. . . I. . . arranged all of my old letters-getting out those received at the beginning of the war, for really my feelings
since then have undergone such a change heart and soul. I was sincere then-and I am sincere still but oh! how changed in sentiment! I am glad I was a
Unionist then--tho ' glad I am not now, -though I am not a secessionist now nor
ever will be--This morning Mary Armstrong was here. She and one of John
Morgan's "staves" rode out on horseback although there was a very high wind
and threatening rain every minute. The stave we found out afterwards was a
volunteer aid to Morgan and his first sentences soon proclaimed him to be of
very small force. Mary introduced him as "cousin John Morgan's" chief of staff
which was only a specimen however of her inflated manner of conversation.
She came out here she said sent by her Ma to tell me that Mrs. Morgan was
coming in on the train that evening and would be at her house for several days.
Mrs. A. she averred had stated that she was 'Just crazy to see me, " and Gen.
Morgan had announced his intention of coming out to call on me himself--both
of which expressions I credited to Miss Mary's imagination, which in some
respects is exceedingly vivid. She announced that evening her intention of
leaving if the Yankees came in! at which we were all duly astonished!. . .
There was a fight at Woodbury yesterday [18th]NOTE 1 between a large force of
Yankees with both infantry and cavalry and a small band of Morgan's men. The
latter being so few that they were driven back of course and Col. Hutchinson is
reported killed. He was the officer who took prisoner a foraging party of 180
with 30 wagons and few days ago--and brought them to McMinnville. As soon
as they came they wanted to see Morgan--he went in among them at the Court
House and gave them a talk. In a day or two they were paroled and sent off
home. Last night a large body of cavalry passed--going in the direction of
Woodbury, and a battery was planted just above us on the hill at Col. Spurlock's. It is there this morning, what for I do not know, unless they expect the
Yankees. Two of the men came down last night quite late to get something to
eat--I gave them their super. . . . The children had just been up to the top of the
hill to see the battery planted there. They expressed themselves very well
pleased with their tour of examination. Ting says "oh! I got on top of it to ride!"
Jessie wanted to know how big the caps were they used on the cannon and she
said "Ma I couldn't see the trigger at all. I looked for them hut I couldn't' find
them."
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French, entries for January 19 and 25, 1863.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 81
January15, 1863
NOTE 1: French may have meant the fight that is listed in the OR as "JANUARY 19,
1863.-Skirmish near Woodbury, Tenn." See below.
January15, 1863 - Skirmish at Union
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
January 15, 1863 - Confederate depredations in Maury County
. . . I came home [by way of the] Pulasky turnpike & passing thru my woods
lott I find the southern soldiers had burned up my fence from my corner next
[to] Rankin to my gate & all got all our hickory cut. . . very much distroyed I
felt distressed to see it. (It must be borne.)
Diary of Nimrod Porter, January 15, 1863.
January 15, 1863 - A female victim of Federal depredations petitions Military Governor
Andrew Johnson for aid
Fountain Head
Jan 15/63
Gov Johnson
Dr Sir--please find inclosed the bill of damageNOTE 1 sustained by me (Mary
Clendining) and I hope you will have the case investigated immediately for my
situation is an awful one[.] Col Case gave orders to all my neighbors not to
help me, consequently I am turned out of doors with eight helpless children
and not a neighbor darted to turn a hand for me so you can well imagine my situation and for God's sake act immediately and let me know my fate[.] My
neighbors are willing to do what they can in my case when they are permitted.
Yours truly Mary Clendining
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 119.
NOTE 1: Accordingto the editors of the Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 119,
fn2: "This included an eighteen by twenty-two foot frame dwelling house
$500; a sixteen by eighteen-foot log kitchen, $250; a twelve by fourteenfoot smokehouse; $75; three feather beds and clothing, $40; one bedstead,
$5.00; one looking glass, $2.50; books, $10; and $500 pounds of bacon,
$40; a total of $77.50." As cited from the Library of Congress Johnson Papers.
January 15, 1863 - A Kentucky woman asks Military Governor Andrew Johnson for assistance in finding some of her slaves living in Nashville
Scottville Ky January 15 [1863]
Page 82 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ca. January 15, 1863
Governor Johnson
Sir I have taken the liberty to write you a few lines in regard to my slaves that
are running at large about Nashville; as a gentleman of our Town was on his
way to the senate I got him to see General Boyle, for me, and he says you are
the gentleman to attend to that and you ought to do it, and as I am as loyal a
Lady as there is, and as strong for the constitution and union as any body in the
state of Kentucky I think you ought to take measures to return my slaves to me.
I never have uttered disloyal sentiments in my life, although I have two sons in
the rebel army, they were persuaded by others not by their Parents[.] nothing
left undone on our parts to prevent their going, there are seven there and if you
will be so kind as to send them to me or put them where I can get them, I will
give you their names, to wit Gerry, Ben Julia, Marie Bettie and two children all
of which have been gone a year, I called to see you before I left Nashville and
you did not give me any satisfaction and now I remind you of it again[.] The
reason that I am attending to this business myself is that my husband is in such
bad health he is not able to do, it now[.] if you please attend to this and I will
reward you in some way, yours with respect,
Fanny Drane
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 120.
ca. January 15, 1863 - Skirmish in Scott County near the New River settlement: the battle
for the baconNOTE 1
A SKIRMISH
From the Richmond Enquirer, Jan. 20 [1863]
Capt. Thomas Butler has been the hero of quite a gallant little achievement, on
the edge of Scott County, Tenn. It appeared that at the New River settlement
there had recently been stationed two companies of Federal soldiers, under
command of Capt. Noah Doherty, a Tennessee renegade from Anderson
County. Capt. Butler, on learning of their presence, at the head of thirty men,
started in search of them. On reaching the spot where they varmints were
encamped, Capt. B. demanded the surrender of the whole party, which was
responded to by a volley from ten or fifteen muskets. One ball grazed the Captain's lip, and trimmed his moustache in the most approved style of the tonsorial art. A brisk skirmish ensued, in which six of the Abolitionists were killed, a
number wounded and several captured. The remainder took to the woods.
The fruits of this little skirmish were the capture of some fifteen or twenty
horses, a like number of Belgian rifles, two or three thousand pounds of bacon,
and a like amount of flour, besides the capture of a Captain and eight or ten
men.
New York Times, January 25, 1863.
NOTE 1: Because this event is listed neither in the OR nor Dyer's Battle Index for
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 83
January 15, 1863
Tennessee it is identified as a skirmish.
January 15, 1863 - January 19, 1863 - Correspondence relative to charges and countercharges of inhumanity and violations of flags of truce
HDQRS. MORGAN'S DIVISION, McMinnville, January 15, 1863.
Col. G. W. BRENT, Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Army of Tennessee.
SIR: I forward you for the consideration of the general commanding the
inclosed communication from Capt. Thurston, additional aide-de-camp to
Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans, to Lieut. F. Brady, an officer of my command now in
confinement within the Federal lines, and beg leave to make the following
statements in regard to the matter:
1. On the morning of the 10th instant two ladies came to my headquarters at
Smithville and stated that they had received information that a brother of one
of the ladies was lying mortally wounded at Murfreesborough. They desired to
gain access to him as speedily as possible. In order to effect this it was decided
to send them under a flag of truce to the Federal lines and an order was issued
to Capt. Quirk, commanding a company stationed at Liberty, to furnish them
with a suitable escort. This escort is now held in confinement by Maj.-Gen.
Rosecrans.
2. The road pursued by the escort was the public turnpike road between Liberty
and Murfreesborough.
3. I was not aware of the agreement entered into between Gen. Bragg and Maj.Gen. Rosecrans, spoken of in Capt. Thruston's communication, and we have
never been informed either officially or privately of any such agreement.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JON. H. MORGAN, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, p. 813.
HDQRS. ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Tullahoma, Tenn., January 17, 1863.
Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Cmdg. U. S. Forces, Murfreesborough, Tenn.
GEN.: I inclose a copy of a letterNOTE 1 from Brig. Gen. John H. Morgan in
reference to the letter of Capt. Thruston which has been forwarded for my consideration and reply.
It is only necessary for me to protest with all solemnity against your action in
the matter as unsustained by any article of war or usage of civilization and as
not comprehended in the letter or spirit of my communication with you on the
subject. A flag of truce is always entitled to respect, and whenever its bearers
are treated as spies it can only be done by the abnegation of all intercourse. In
coming to an outpost it may be received or refused, but the bearer cannot be
charged with being a spy as until voluntarily within your lines he is not within
the limits which define him as such, the definition of a spy being one who is
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 15, 1863
found lurking in or about the camps or fortifications of an enemy. The accused
were not in your lines until forcibly carried there by you nor did they propose
to enter them.
The proposition by which I limited myself to a particular road while you were
in Nashville if strictly constructed now that you are in Murfreesborough would
render the bearer of the flag which covers this equally liable to the treatment
and charge preferred against the parties whom you hold. The omission to Gen.
Morgan of the arrangement is explained by the fact that his is of the nature of
an independent commanding, constantly detached and necessarily requiring to
be exempted from the operation of such a regulation. Since the communication
between us referred to both he and Gen. Forrest have sent and received flags to
which no objection has been raised. He respected your "white flag" at Hartsville and spared the lives of your prisoners. More recently in his Kentucky
expedition on several occasions he sent flags which were respected although
not covering communications from me and against which I have received no
remonstrance.
To these expressions of my views upon the injustice and inhumanity of the
position you have assumed in the premises I must add that I deem your action
unworthy of one occupying your high official position. These unfortunate men
are in your power and it is left entirely to your decision whether they shall be
the victims of your threats if it will gratify your vindictiveness to sacrifice
them without the shadow of cause or if you regard it necessary in order to protect the flag from abuse. Be your own judge, but I shall regret the unpleasant
duty which such a course will necessitate on my part.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG, Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, pp. 184-185.
NOTE 1: Not found.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, January 18, 1863.
Gen. JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, C. S. Army.
GEN.: It is with regret that I find myself compelled by a sense of duty to
humanity to decline communicate with Gen. Bragg by flag of truce until
redress has been made for a violation of the rights of a flag of truce committed
by a party of Confederate cavalry on the Murfreesborough pike between La
Vergne and Nashville.
The nature of this outrage is explained and the facts set forth in a copy of my
letter to Gen. Bragg herewith inclosedNOTE 1 marked A, to which I will add that
the mother of Lieut.-Col. Hawkins, who applied to go home assured me that
her son persistently stated the facts as they are represented, the same trick of
going behind a flag of truce and capturing three pickets having been practiced
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 85
January 15, 1863
upon us a day or two before, Gen. Bragg having acknowledged it to be wrong
and promised to repair it. I confidently expected such apology and reparation
of the second outrage, instead of which Gen. Bragg wrote a letter justifying it
on the ground of the ignorance of the scouting party of the post that the flag
was there and also on the ground that his flag was unlawfully detained, both of
which allegations were false, the truth being as will appear in the papers herewith inclosedNOTE 2 marked B, C, D and E. And as I must officially regard
Gen. Bragg as the responsible author of the statement which he indorsed it is
obviously inconsistent with military safety as well as with self-respect to continue an official intercourse with him.
I regret also to state it has been the habit of subordinate officers under your
command to degrade flags of truce by sending them on side roads and to
remote points on our lines accredited in no proper manner and obviously for
the purpose of spying. This is the purpose of spying. This is the common practice of Gen. Morgan. This abuse I appeal to you to stop, as I shall treat every
flag that comes in such a way as unlawful and its bearers as spies or as prisoners of war, as the evidence against them may indicate.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. S. ROSECRANS, Maj.-Gen., Cmdg.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, January 18, 1863.
Gen. BRAXTON BRAGG, Cmdg., &c.
GEN.: Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans directs me to return your communication directed
to him from Tullahoma, dated the 17th instant, in reference to the detention of
the bearer of a white flag accredited by Mr. John W. Green, acting assistant
adjutant-general, &c., for the following reasons:
When you are officially informed and acknowledged an outrage committed on
the rights of a flag of truce on the Murfreesborough pike you returned the three
captured without their overcoats and robbed of part of their equipments. When
on the very next day you coolly came behind your own flag, borne by Lieut.Col. Hawkins, and halted at our lines and captured some forty of our cavalrymen in his presence and against his protestations, you neglected promptly to
repair the outrage although in principle the same as the former one, but under
circumstances far more aggravating, and when your attention was subsequently called to this neglect and you were informed that such reparation
would be regarded as a sine qua non to further official intercourse you replied
by a communication justifying the outrage and moreover accusing the general's
authorities of twenty-four hours' detention of your flag of truce, the justification being a manifest contradiction of acknowledged principles and facts, and
the statement concerning the detention false, for which you made yourself
responsible by saving that had fully examined the case.
Page 86 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 15, 1863
The general will forward herewith the communication directed to your official
superior, trusting that more enlightened and just views will be taken by him
and that there may yet by preserved that respect for the sacred character of a
flag of truce which the interests of humanity require. All the general asks is
that a flag of truce shall not be used to cover tricks and spying but confined to
its legitimate objects--needful and honorable intercourse on great public matters between opposing armies. To prevent individual hardships he directs me to
suggest that due notice ought to be given that persons presenting themselves at
our line with white flags but without due authority from the superior officer of
your forces on any of these lines will be liable to be treated as spies for lurking
about our lines and for disgracing the sacred character of a flag of truce.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY STONE, Lieut. and Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, pp. 188-189.
NOTE 1: Not found.
NOTE 2: Not found.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, January 19, 1863.
Gen. JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, C. S. Army.
GEN.: I addressed you a letter yesterday in reference to abuses and outrages of
flags of truce and the consequent suspension of official intercourse with Gen.
Bragg until reparation should be made for a very great outrage by the return of
troops captured.
Sincerely desirous of conduction was according to the laws of humanity and
civilization and not doubting that my feelings are responded to by yourself,
who I have known through mutual friends and admirers in your earlier days, I
am induced to address you at some length on two or three other matters of
interest to humanity, premising that I have never practiced abuses nor allowed
them to be practiced under my command.
1. The cartel requires that the prisoners captured by either party shall be delivered at Aiken's Landing or Vicksburg, or at such other points as may be agreed
upon by the commanding generals of opposing armies. Gen. Bragg in violation
of this and without any previous notice to me on the subject marched the Hartsville prisoners, robbed of their overcoats and without rations, from Murfreesborough to our lines, they arriving at night in order to force the acceptance of
them, thereby cheating us of what is justly due by the provisions of the cartel.
2. The Confederate cavalry are in the constant habit of disembarrassing themselves of the prisoners which they capture by paroling and releasing them
whenever they find them, thereby forcing us to accept a delivery at any point
which suits their convenience and after a delivery made in violation of the car-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 87
January 16, 1863
tel to avoid recapture, in this way attempting to gain credit for prisoners which
they probably might not be able to hold and certainly have not properly delivered. By thus violating the agreement they forfeit their rights to the benefit of
the capture; were it otherwise they would be permitted to claim the benefit of
their own improper action.
3. No lists of these prisoners are ever furnished us. As I shall conformity
thereto from the Confederate authorities no such persons can be regarded as
prisoners of war, nor will credit be claimed or given for them in exchange, but
when prisoners are lawfully taken, assembled, listed and paroled I shall be
ready to select a convenient point at which to receive those you capture and
deliver to you those whom we capture.
I have also to call your attention to the fact that at the recent battle at Murfreesborough our surgeons who fell temporarily into your hands were in several or
all instances robbed of their horses and other private property and that some of
them were carried off.
I also regret to state that the bodies of our wounded offices and soldiers were
found stripped of their clothing--even the body of Gen. Sill was robbed of its
uniform.
The acts of injustice to our surgeons and inhumanity to the dead I am sure you
must condemn and in future will be able to prevent. I regret to inform you also
that the officers of the regular brigade report that some regiment of your troops
approached them on the field wearing our uniforms and bearing our flag.
This has been continually practiced by Gen. Morgan's men. Such conduct is
unworthy of a civilized people and I trust that you will promptly put a stop to is
as I shall give orders that Confederate troops meeting [us] in battle or lurking
about our lines wearing our uniform or bearing our colors shall not receive
quarters nor shall they be treated as prisoners of war.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. S. ROSECRANS, Maj.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, pp. 191-192.
January 16, 1863 - Expedition from Fort Henry to Waverly
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
January 16, 1863 - Bragg appoints Pillow as chief conscript officer of the Army of Tennessee
HDQRS. ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Tullahoma, Tenn., January 16, 1863.
Under the instructions of the War Department of the 8th instant, Brig. Gen. G.
J. Pillow has been directed to organize a volunteer and conscript recruiting
bureau for the army. For the execution of this important duty, commanders of
army corps and detached brigades and regiments will detail, upon his written
Page 88 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 16, 1863
application, as recruiting officers three field officers from each regiment, in
their respective command, who shall promptly report for instructions and duty
to Gen. Pillow. Maj. Cheatham, acting quartermaster, will report to him immediately. Maj. Guy, acting commissary of subsistence, will, as soon as he
arrives, report for same duty. Gen. Pillow will select from the other officers, to
report to him such as he may deem proper to serve on his staff or in his office.
He will be allowed to receive volunteer recruits for existing regiments from all
sections, who will be entitled to all allowances heretofore granted volunteers,
volunteer companies from sections of the country occupied by the enemy, or
from behind his lines or positions, and to enforce the conscript law in all sections of the country in our power, and from which we have, with the army
existing, regiments, battalions, or companies. He will order suitable localities
as rendezvous for volunteer recruits and conscripts, will observe as his guide
the conscript law with all exemptions, and will be furnished, upon application,
with surgeons for inspecting volunteers and conscripts. He will report his
orders, instructions, and wants to these headquarters. Such force of cavalry as
may be necessary will be placed at his disposal upon application. Commanders
of corps having cavalry with their corps, and commanders of bodies of cavalry
for local and temporary want, will furnish him with one or two companies of
cavalry for service in the vicinity of the headquarters of such corps, upon his
written application, who, when the temporary service is rendered, will return to
duty with their respective corps. As fast as volunteer recruits and conscripts are
in hand, and received, they will be reported to and turned over to commanders
of corps. He will keep a record of all his orders and instructions in a wellbound book, with which he will be furnished by [the] quartermaster of the
army, which book will be, when the service is performed, turned over to these
headquarters. He will be allowed to have printed his orders and instructions on
public account. He will cause to be apprehended and sent to their respective
commands, under guard, all stragglers and men absent from their commands
without proper orders, and, for the better execution of this, will invoke the aid
of the civil authorities. His orders for transportation of himself and staff,
recruiting officers, and recruits and conscripts upon railroads will be respected
and obey.
By command of Gen. Bragg:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, pp. 498-499.
January 16, 1863 - Notice concerning enforcement of Confederate Conscription in East Tennessee
Notice to all Subject to Conscription
Office Commandant of Conscription
Knoxville, Jan. 16th, 1863
I am authorized by the commanding General to say that as soon as all the conscripts in the different counties have been called to the rendezvous, the rail-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 89
January 16, 1863
road, provost and other guards, commanding officers of posts and
detachments, will receive orders to arrest all male white citizens of conscript
age, who cannot show a certificate of exemption from conscription, a discharge
from service by reason of having furnished substitute in the army, or a detailed
transcript of employment in the government service.
Hereafter all certificates of exemption granted by enrolling officers will be sent
to me for approval. All claims to exemption under the law must be made to the
enrolling officer of the district, who will refer the application with his endorsement, to me.
All persons who may be arrested after the call to rendezvous in the county to
which they may belong, will be tried for desertions.
Certificates of exemption on account of disability will be signed by the examining board.
E. D. Blake, Lt. Col., C. S. A., Commander of Conscripts
Chattanooga Daily Rebel, February 12, 1863.
January 16, 1863 - Special Orders, No. 16, establishing military commission in Memphis
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 16. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., January 16, 1863
~~~
I. A military commission, to be composed of three members, will assemble at
Memphis, Tenn., at 10 a. m., on Wednesday, the 21st instant, at such place as
may be assigned by the post quartermaster, to try all cases that may be laid
before them by the department, district, or post commanders, the provost-marshal-general, or district provost-marshals.
The commission may enter any jail or place of confinement, talk to prisoners,
examine their cases by taking oral or written testimony, and order the release of
any such prisoners. They may also inflict punishment by fine or imprisonment,
or both, or may sentence persons to be sent away North or South.
A correct record of each case will be made, and sent to the provost-marshalgeneral, and the judgment of said commission shall be subject to the approval
of the general commanding the department.
The following detail is made for such commission:
Col. W. H. H. Taylor, Fifth Regt. Ohio Cavalry Volunteers.
Lieut. Col. Charles H. Adams, First Regt. Illinois Artillery Volunteers.
Lieut.-Col. [F. M. ] Smith, Seventeenth Regt. Illinois Infantry Volunteers.
The senior officer of the commission will act as president, who will call for
such orderlies, clerks, and assistants as may be required.
Page 90 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 16, 1863
The commission will sit without regard to hours, and will make such rules and
regulations for their own government and the disposal of the business as they
may see fit, provided they do not conflict with department orders.
The commission has a right to summons and enforce the attendance of any person as witness within the department; also the right to enter premises and call
for papers.
The commission will sit daily (Sundays excepted) until further orders.
By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. III, p. 1067.
January 16, 1863 - Federal expedition, Fort Henry to Waverly
Report of Brig. Gen. Alexander Asboth, U. S. Army, commanding District of
Columbus.
JANUARY 17, 1863.
GEN.:
~~~
During the snow-storm yesterday Col. Lowe, commanding Fort Henry, sent
out an expedition to Waverly, which captured 1 major, 2 captains, 1 quartermaster, 1 sergeant, and 7 privates belonging to different regiments of the Confederate Army, together with horses, arms, &c.
ASBOTH, Brig.-Gen., Comdg. District.
Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee, Memphis,
Tenn.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 798.
COLUMBUS, January 18, 1863.
Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee:
. . . During the snow-storm yesterday Col. Lowe, commanding Fort Henry,
sent out an expedition to Waverly which captured 1 major, 2 captains, 1 quartermaster, 1 sergeant, and 7 privates, belonging to different regiments of the
Confederate Army, together with horses, arms, &c.
ASBOTH, Brig.-Gen., Comdg. District.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 573-574.
January 16, 1863 - Testimony of Col. E. M. McCook, relative to the sniping death of one
Federal soldier, in September 1862, given before a military commission at
Cincinnati, Ohio, November 27, 1862, to investigate and report upon the
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 91
January 16, 1863
operations of the army under the command of Maj. Gen. D. C. Buell, U. S.
Volunteers, in Kentucky and Tennessee
~~~
Question. At what place was it that you attempted to burn the corn fields and at
what time was it?
It was after we left Murfreesborough, at that place where one of the soldiers
had been shot in a field. He had unbuttoned his pantaloons and sat down to
relieve himself, when he was shot out of a house. I found his body lying there.
I tried to burn the fields. Every person ran away from there; there were none
but women left, no men.
I cannot fix the place, general; it was where we had to leave the pike. The
bridge had been burned down, so we had to go off the road, and I found the
man; he had not been shot more than five minutes. It was in September [1862].
Question. And was this man shot when you were encamped?
We were on the march; he was one of the soldiers who were in advance and
had left the column.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 328-329.
January 16, 1863 - Assessments for secret-service and hospital funds in Federally occupied
Memphis
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 5. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., January 16, 1863.
Hereafter there shall be collected by provost-marshals for secret-service and
hospital fund the following fees:
For each permit to buy cotton at any military post, whether as principal or
agent, $100.
For each permit to trade at any military post where trade is not regulated by the
civil authorities, $100.
The amount thus collected shall be reported and paid over by each local provost-marshal to the provost-marshal of his district at the time of making his
weekly report, and by district provost-marshals reported and paid over to the
provost-marshal-general at the time of making their semi-monthly report.
The provost-marshal-general will pay over said fine to the chief quartermaster
of the department who will hold the same subject to the order of the general
commanding the department.
Each local provost-marshal will keep a duplicate of all permits granted under
his order, and will state in his reports the name and residence of the party
obtaining the permit and the date thereof.
Page 92 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 17, 1863
All permits heretofore granted will be considered revoked and the parties
required to comply with the terms of this order.
This order is not to be construed to remove any restrictions imposed by previous orders.
By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 569.
January 17, 1863 - Major-General William S. Rosecrans defends the army's police system
Head-Quarters, Department of the Cumberland,
Murfreesboro, January 17, 1863
His Excellency Andrew Johnson
Military Governor &c Nashville, Tenn.
Governor: I have the honor, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th inst,
relating to the Police system of my Army, at Nashville. I am obliged to you for
the interest you express in the success of the cause in which I am engaged, and
your suggestion as to the proper conduct of affairs at Nashville. I am aware that
complaints have been made in regard to the Provost Court, but, so far as I am
aware, they have generally come from smugglers and unscrupulous Jews,
NOTE 1 who have been detected in contraband trade, and their property confiscated. If you will furnish me the names and circumstances in any case in which
wrong has been done, the matter will be thoroughly investigated, and justice
done.
Renewing the expression of my thanks for your suggestions, I am
Governor, very respectfully your obedient servant
W. S. Rosecrans Major Genl Comdg Depart.
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 123.
NOTE 1: This apparent aversion for Jews was shared by U. S. Grant. See January 18,
1863, "General Grant and the Jews" below.
January 17, 1863 - ca. January 30, 1863 - Confederate Conscript Sweeps in Middle
TennesseeNOTE 1
HDQRS. BUREAU OF VOLUNTEERS AND CONSCRIPTS
Fayetteville, January 17, 1863
~~~
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 93
January 17, 1863
I reached here this afternoon and immediately entered upon the duty preparatory to the organization.
I expected to get everything ready for a forward movement by Wednesday
morning. My purpose was first to rake Bedford County, in which there are
1,500 men liable to duty under the conscript law. I was anxious to clean out
that county by one movement, and doing it at once to avoid giving alarm.
A partial movement over one portion of the county will give the alarm, and
cause the conscripts to scatter and hide out.
~~~
I will rapidly sweep Middle Tennessee to the enemy's lines if the cavalry is
furnished. . .
I shall, with such force as can be armed and fitted for the field, leave on
Wednesday morning for the movement on Bedford.
There is no paper or books of any sort to be had in this place.
GID. J. PILLOW, Brig.-Gen., C. S. Army, Chief of Bureau of Volunteers and
Conscripts.
OR, Ser. IV, Vol. 2, pp. 361-362.
NOTE 1: Confederate conscript gathering, also known as recruiting missions have not
traditionally been thought of as military actions. This may be because they
did not involve combat, or because it was assumed young Tennesseans were
delighted and anxious to join the Confederate army. Yet these documents
indicate that "conscript sweeps," or "conscript rakes" were necessary because young men did not want to join the army.
As head of the Bureau of Volunteers and Conscripts, Brigadier-General
Gideon J. Pillow, a remarkably wealthy Tennessee planter, as well as a bombastic and incompetent officer, wrote to General Braxton Bragg from his
headquarters in Fayetteville on January 17, 1863. Portions of his letter reveal the methods and intrigue involved in the effort to obtain fresh soldiers
for the Army of Tennessee after the Battle of Stones River.
HDQRS. VOLUNTEER AND CONSCRIPT BUREAU, Fayetteville, January
18, 1863.
To the PEOPLE OF TENNESSEE AND THE CONFEDERATE STATES:
Having been directed by General Bragg to organize a volunteer and conscript
bureau for the purpose of recruiting and strengthening his army and making it
self-sustaining, I appeal to you to come promptly to its support.
Upon that army depends the safety of your homes and all that you hold dear.
We are no longer in doubt as to the character of the Lincoln despotism. The
ruin and desolation which is everywhere felt in the track of its Armies attest its
vandalism
Page 94 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 17, 1863
The late proclamation of the tyrant and usurper, proposing to free all our slaves
and taking them into his Army, and inciting the slaves to insurrection and massacre of their owners and their families, places him and his Government without the pale of civilization.NOTE 1 Men who will not resist such a despotism do
not deserve to be freemen. I will receive all who come to me as volunteers and
allow them to select the company and regiment which they will join; and they
will be entitled to the bounty and all the privileges of volunteers. Those who
will not join as volunteers will have to come as conscripts.
OR, Ser. IV. Vol. 2, p. 362.
NOTE 1: It appears here that Pillow "played the race card, " appealing to ethnic prejudice and racial fears. When taken with the January 17 letter above it must
seem clear that he did not expect to find many volunteers willing to protect
"all our slaves." There seems to be no other reason why he would declare it
necessary to "rake Bedford County. . . to clean out that county by one
movement, and doing it at once to avoid giving alarm. A partial movement
over one portion of the county will give the alarm, and cause the conscripts
to scatter and hide out." Had the Confederate cause been a popular one in
these areas it would not have been necessary to conduct such conscript
sweeps.
Shelbyville, Headquarters V&C Bureau, January 25, 1863.NOTE 1
General Bragg:
To-day I have worked through six brigades; will continue the work to-morrow.
Colonel Biffles's regiment has moved north in the field work, and will to-morrow rake this country from near the enemy's lines south. I have made provisions with General Wharton to cover the movement and protect the command.
General Forrest is present and informs me that Dibbrell's regiment is on the
way through Marshall County to Fayetteville. I have sent a courier for him and
will order him directly to the starting-ground to sweep the four corners of the
counties referred to in my dispatch yesterday. I will then sweep over Williamson and Maury. I applied to General Cheatham for an officer to carry forward
my instructions to Tullahoma and place the details from that corps under working orders, but he declines allowing me even for that temporary service any
officer that I think equal to the work. I cannot put that duty on one in whom I
have not full confidence. I see no alternative but to come forward myself, but it
would have greatly advance my work if he would have allowed me the use of a
satisfactory officer. If I had the corps of Lieutenant-General Hardee under
working orders I could see my work going on satisfactorily. The general may
rely on my doing all that it is possible to accomplish.
~~~
Gideon J. Pillow, Brigadier-General
OR, Ser. 4, Vol. 2, p. 371.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 95
January 18, 1863
NOTE 1: In this excerpt from another letter from the Headquarters of the Bureau of
Volunteers and Conscripts in Shelbyville, Pillow wrote to General Bragg on
January 25, 1863. Excerpts from this letter provide insight into scope and
the methods used to gather conscripts for the Army of Tennessee. It is also
demonstrates that efforts to gather conscripts can clearly be defined as a military action.
HDQRS. VOLUNTEER AND CONSCRIPT BUREAU, Shelbyville, January
26, 1863.
Col. CAMPBELL, Principal Assistant for Middle Tennessee:
Col. Avery has instructions to sweep the county of Lincoln, arresting stragglers, absentees, deserters, and all men liable to the operations of the conscript
law and bring them in to you. Having performed that duty, you will hold him in
hand and use his command as actively as possible in gathering up stragglers
and conscripts in the counties of Franklin, Lincoln, Giles, Lawrence, and in
that portion of North Alabama laying along the Tennessee line within the counties above indicated. I will put a working force in the other counties myself. I
inclose you a copy of General Orders, No.___.NOTE 1 You will furnish copies
of it to your surgeons. You will find also a copy of the instructions under which
this working force is placed in the field on this duty. You will give like instructions to Col. Avery on the duty to which you may assign him. For the present
leave that command under your orders for the service in the counties indicated
above. You will exercise your own judgment as to the best plan of operations,
but accomplish the work in the shortest possible time consistent with its proper
execution. In very bad weather it will be proper to suspend the work and avoid
exposing Avery's command too much. The roads will soon become so very bad
that small commands, barely enough to perform the duty assigned, should be
sent out.
I have applied to Gen. Bragg to provide you a surgeon. I shall proceed to
Columbia to-morrow to organize subdepartments below and direct the operations of two other regiments of cavalry I have in hand. From there I will proceed to Huntsville.
Respectfully,
GID. J. PILLOW, Brig.-Gen., C. S. Army, Chief of Bureau.
OR, Ser. IV, Vol. 2, p. 374.
NOTE 1: Not found as an inclosure and not otherwise identified.
January 18, 1863 - "General Grant and the Jews."
One of the deepest sensations of the war is that produced among the Israelites
of this country, by the recent order of Gen. Grant, excluding, as a class, from
his Military Department. The order, to be sure, was promptly set aside by the
President, but the affront to the Israelites, convey by its issue, was not so easily
Page 96 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 18, 1863
effaced. It continues to rankle, and is leading to sharp controversies and bitter
feuds in the ranks of the Faithful. It seems that a committee of Jews, in this
City, took it upon themselves to thank the authorities at Washington for so
promptly annulling the odious order of Grant. Against the conduct of this committee the bulk of the Jews vehemently protest. They say they have no thanks
for an act of simple and imperative-but grounds for deep and just complaint
against the Government, that Gen. Grant has not been dismissed from the service on account of his unrighteous act. The matter has been to assume an
importance that requires a mention of it in our columns, as constituting an
exciting chapter in our current history. We therefore present the order of Gen.
Grant, that the public judgment in the premise may rest on a clear perception of
the facts:
Headquarters Thirteenth Army Corps,
Department of the Tennessee
Oxford, Miss., Dec. 17, 1862.
General Orders, No. 11.-The Jews, as a class, violating every regulation of
trade established by the Treasury Department, also Department orders are here
expelled from the Department within twenty-our (24) hours from the receipt of
this order by Post Commander.
They will see that all this class of people are furnished with passes and
required to leave, and any one returning after such notification will be arrested
and held in confinement until an opportunity occurs of sending them out as
prisoners, unless furnished with permits from these headquarters.
No pass will be given these people to visit headquarters for the purpose of
making personal application for trade permits.
By order of
Maj.-Gen. Grant
John B. Rawlins, A. A. G.
Official-J. Lovell, Capt. And A. A. G.
It must be admitted that this order is open to severe criticism in more respects
than one. The first and mildest objection we see, is its atrocious disregard of
the simplest rules of English composition. To be dealt harshly with is bad
enough, but to be vilified in execrable English is cruel, if not unusual, punishment. But if the execrable English of the general excommunication from
Grant's attractive Department is very objectionable, the mockery of the allusion to special exemptions is utterly unworthy." Any one " (any Jew) "returning" after a notification to leave, they will be sent away as prisoners, "unless
furnished with permits from these headquarters." But "no pass will be given
these people to visit headquarters for the purpose of getting permits." Such is
the substantial and almost literal conclusion of Grant's order. It is mortifying to
know that such a jumble of bad writing and worse logic should emanate from
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 97
January 18, 1863
the headquarters of a Major-General commanding a Military Department of the
United States.
As to the odious principle of Gen. Grant's order, there can be no doubt whatever. To condemn any religious body, as a class, and by wholesale, is contrary
to common sense and common justice-contrary to Republicanism and Christianity. Gen. Grant may have been harmed by hangers-on of his army, who
were swindlers and extortionists. It was desirable that he should be rid of such.
But will he say that all the swindlers that best him are Jews? We are of [the]
opinion that there are degrees of rascality developed by the war that might put
the most accomplished Shylocks to the blush. We have native talent that can
literally "beat the Jews." Gen. Grant's order has the demerit of stigmatizing a
class, without signalizing the criminals. All swindlers are not Jews. All Jews
are not swindlers. Gen. Grant assumes that the reverse of this latter proposition
is true, and he expels the Jews, "as a class, " from the Department. That carries
women and children-women at home and children at the breast. A number of
Jewish families that had been quiet, orderly and loyal citizens of the town of
Paducah for years, hurriedly packed up their goods, and left their homes, under
this cruel order. They had had nothing whatever to do with Grant or his army,
but they belonged to the "Jews, "as a class, " and were denounced and expelled.
Their situation must have revived the history of their unfortunate people during
the twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, when England, France and
Austria successively followed each other in decrees against them of banishment and persecution. And it is a humiliating reflection that after the progress
of liberal ideas even in the most despotic countries has restored the Jews to
civil and social rights, as members of a common humanity, it remained for the
freest Government on earth to witness a momentary revival of a the spirit of
the medieval ages.
If we take a merely selfish view of Grant's treatment of the Jews, it will appear
in the highest degree impolitic. Persons "of this class" have come to hold high
positions in the leading Governments of Europe, whose good opinions we cannot afford to despise. M. Fould, of Louis Napoleon's Cabinet, is a Jew, and his
voice might, in the possibilities of things, go far to decide the fate of the American Union. The Rothschild's wield a power in the financial world that is well
nigh omnipotent to raise or destroy the credit of any nation. We may find it better to have their friendship than enmity.
But, rejecting all such considerations, we rely on the general principles of
republican right and justice for the utter reprobation of Grant's order. Men cannot be condemned and punished as a class, without gross violence to our free
institutions. The immediate and peremptory abrogation of Grant's order by the
President saved the Government from a blot, and redeemed us from the disgrace of a military assault upon a people whose equal rights and immunities
are as sacred under the Constitution as those of any other sect, class, or race.
New York Times, January 18, 1863.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 18, 1863
January 18, 1863 - A Farewell to Memphis; the inebriated exploits of the 15th and 16th Iowa
Infantry on board the troop transport Minnehaha
This morning at 8 o'clock we struck tents and marched to the Landing and
when we got to the bluff above we formed inline and had to stand in the slush
and mud until 4 o'clock in the evening when we got aboard the Steamer Minnehaha that same old boat that carried us to Pittsburgh Landing. We have a superstitious idea about this vessel and that she will again carry us into some trouble
Our Regt and the 16th Iowa are both crowded onto this boat Co "G" is located
on the boiler deck and here we and Co "B" and the entire baggage of the Regiment are all packed The place is as dark as Hades We cannot see in the day
time without candles The men climbed on top of the baggage and some into the
bunks of the crew and wherever they could until every space a square foot was
filled.
During the night--while still at the wharf--the men run the guards and made a
raid on a large lot of Sutlers goods on the shore They carried on board all kinds
of goods--especially cases of canned fruit and champagne and whiskey with
wine and brandy Hats, caps, boots and shoes Soon all this became badly mixed
and the roar commenced. Such a bedlam was never seen The men were soon
drunk and the whole command became demoralized--The most of the officers
were of course in the Cabin but their slumbers were soon disturbed by the
earthquake around the boiler deck and they came down and tried to quiet the
different drinks that had been taken but it was no use they could do nothing
with them. The men swore they were going to Vicksburgh and to hell and they
intended to have a good time now. One fellow fell overboard and was fished
out and laid out in the Cabin to dry. Co "A" were almost all drunk and were
fighting like dogs among themselves all night and several badly used noses
were visible in the flickering candlelight.
Boyd Diary.
January 18, 1863 - Negroes and the law
A Gross Outrage.
We published in Friday morning's DispatchNOTE 1 the testimony adduced from
two negroes in the Recorder's Court, concerning the occupancy of a barn by a
large number of negroes, said to be in the employ of the Government. The publication of their statements has brought to light facts which it is proper the public should know, and which will no doubt be promptly inquired into by the
proper authorities--civil and military. It is a melancholy fact that negroes think
themselves privileged to do almost as they please, at the present time, and few
indeed have sense enough to know that they are day by day, by their infamous
conduct, heaping coals of fire upon their heads. They are forfeiting the esteem
of their best friends, and drawing down upon themselves the vengeance of
every white man, whatever may have been his former professions of sympathy
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 99
January 18, 1863
for the African race. In this, many of the blacks are more deserving of pity than
of blame; but it is nevertheless the duty of good men to frown down attempts
on the part of the negroes to assume any position other than that in which they
are placed by law and nature. Many of them are taking privileges now for
which some day they will have to be severely punished, and humanity would
dictate that negroes should be made to understand that they must obey the laws.
While this was understood by them, none but the worst class were confirmed
law-breakers; lead them to believe that they are free, and they become a body
of law-breakers, for they define freedom to mean a license to do as they please.
To illustrate more clearly what we mean, we will cite the case referred to in our
Court proceedings on Friday. It appears from information obtained yesterday
morning, that the house alluded to by the negro Henry is that owned by the late
Gen. Heiman, and occupied at the present time by Capt. A. T. Julian, (of the
First Middle Tennessee Cavalry, ) his wife, and five small children. Henry had
been employed by Capt. Julian as a servant, but was discharged some time ago
for dishonesty; yet during the Captain's absence from home on duty the negro
frequently intruded himself into the house as slaves are accustomed to do,
although he had been repeatedly warned to keep away. It is a well known fact
that one bad negro will corrupt many, and the consequence in this case was that
not only the family of Captain Julian, but the neighbors generally, have repeatedly suffered from the depredations of Henry and his companions, notwithstanding complaints have been made to the proper authorities, as Capt. Julian
informs us.
On the morning of Thursday last Henry was again about the premises, when
the sixty or eighty negroes went there. They broke upon the stable and rocked
the house, and Henry, without authority from Mrs. Julian or any of the family,
ran into her room where she was lying sick, and took therefrom the Captain's
sword and double-barreled gun, which gun and sword were taken from him by
the guard, and have not yet been returned. All this took place while the Captain
was on duty with his regiment in the neighborhood of Harpeth. The Captain
also informed us that on some occasions when he was absent from home the
negroes have forcibly taken possession of the stable, built fires therein, stolen
his corn and other property, and committed other depredations.
This is truly a sad state of affairs, but it is much easier to speak of an evil than
to point out a remedy. One thing, however, must be done before anything like
order can be restored among the vagrant negro population among us, and that
is, to furnish the civil authorities with a place suitable for their confinement
during the night, and the means of working them during the day. Large numbers who are now leading a dishonest life about town could then be put to profitable employment, and the community relieved from an intolerably burden
and nuisance. The workhouse is the only place under the control of the Corporation, and that is occupied principally by the military authorities--leaving
room for only about twenty corporation prisoners.
Page 100 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 19, 1863
We have heard frequent complaints of a character similar to those of Captain
Julian, and we trust that he and others will represent these facts to the military
authorities, and exert their influence to induce the military to relinquish the
workhouse to its legitimate use, the only one calculated to remedy present
evils.
Nashville Dispatch, January 18, 1863.
NOTE 1: Not found.
January 19, 1863 - Skirmish near Woodbury
JANUARY 19, 1863.-Skirmish near Woodbury, Tenn.
Report of Capt. Thomas D. McCelland, Third Ohio Cavalry.
HDQRS. SECOND BATTALION, THIRD OHIO CAVALRY, Camp near
Readyville, Tenn., January 20, 1863.
SIR: In accordance with instructions, the Second Battalion, consisting of Companies E, F, A, and D, reported to Col. W. B. Hazen, commanding Second Brigade (January 10, 1863), and were marched to this place a distance of 12 miles.
Our time since has been fully occupied in patrolling and scouting, with and
occasional skirmish with the enemy's pickets and scouting parties until yesterday we had entire quite a brilliant little affair with a portion of Morgan's command, under Col. Hutcheson. About noon, picket firing was heard to the front.
The colonel commanding ordered me to send out and see what it meant. I made
a detail from Companies E, F, and A, consisting of 44 men, under command of
Lieut. Hansey, of Company F, and Lieut. Clark, of Company E. They found it
to be our vedettes firing on some rebel cavalry, who had come within range,
and upon receiving their fire retreated. Our party followed them, and, after proceeding within 2 miles of Woodbury, came upon the enemy's pickets, driving
them in. At this time they discovered a party of the enemy charging on them in
their rear. Lieut. Clark, who was in command of the rear, immediately wheeled
his men, and poured into them, from his carbines, a galling fire, and then drew
sabers and charged them in fine style, scattering them in all directions, killing
2, wounding 1, and taking 10 prisoners, with no loss on our side except 2
horses wounded. The enemy was not in force in front and on the flanks. A
retreat was ordered, the prisoners being sent forward under a guard; the party
was divided equally, each lieutenant taking command of a party. One formed a
line and held the enemy in check, while the other fell back, and vice versa, by
which means they succeeded in bringing their prisoners in without loss. The
enemy followed to the pickets, and quite a skirmish ensued, without loss on
our side.
Permit me to offer a suggestion. Morgan's brigade is scattered from McMinnville to Woodbury, one and two regiments in a place. Now, in my opinion,
with an adequate force of cavalry, and probably some artillery, his command
could be taken in detail and routed completely.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 101
January 19, 1863
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. D. McCLELLAND,Capt., Comdg. Second Battalion, Third Ohio Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 985-986.
January 19, 1863 - Army of Tennessee foraging guidelines
Hd. Qrs. Army of Tenn.
Off. Chf. Qu. Master,
January 19, 1863.
Quarter Masters of this Army are hereby prohibited from seizing Corn, Hay, or
Fodder from citizens living on the main route of travel, when such seizure will
deprive the citizen of the Forge necessary for the sustenance of his family and
stock.
Seizure must in no instance be resorted to except upon the authority of the
Commanding General, and will never be allowed except upon evidence that
parties have the Forage in excess over their wants, and refuse to sell what is
absolutely necessary for the support of the Army.
By order of Gen. Bragg.
M. B. McMecken, Maj. And Act'g. Chf. Q. M.
Fayetteville Observer, February 12, 1863.
January 19, 1863 - The whipping of a Negro in Nashville; an excerpt from the diary of John
Hill Ferguson, 10th Illinois Volunteer Infantry
. . . we had orders . . . to guard a large camp of about 2000 conterbands we
have to be on duty every other day. . . . I was sergeant [of the guard] taking in
the afternoon I chanced to go up into a Large hall: whare I beheld for the first
time in my life a oversear over the Neagares flogging a great big darkey. The
darky lay on [his] belley across a Mess chist with his head hanging over on the
side next to the whipper his coat was pulled up to his shoulders he Lay and
took upward of 100 lashes with a black snack whip the darkey never said a
word he would only rais his head once in a while and Look up the whipper
would turn the butt end of the whip and stack him on the head and dam him to
keep his head down I had no oppertunity [to see] his back after the flogging but
his head was cut in different places with the but of the whip I thought it rather
sevear after the darkies flying from bondage and coming to us for protection.
John Hill Fergusson Diary, Book 2.
January 19, 1863 - Assessment for secret-service fund at Henderson
JACKSON, January 19, 1863.
Page 102 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 20, 1863
JOHN A. RAWLINS, Lieut.-Col. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen.:
After the rebel raid, by which Henderson Station depot-buildings, &c., were
destroyed, I assessed the secession sympathizers living near the place a sum
sufficient to pay all damages. I have in my possession about $8,000. What shall
be done with it? I need money as secret-service fund, having employed several
citizens as scouts.
JER. C. SULLIVAN, Brig.-Gen., Comdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 574-575
January 20, 1863 - General Orders, No. 7 issued in Memphis relative to Mississippi River
traffic restrictions
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 7. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., January 20, 1863.
I. All trading, trafficking, or the landing of boats at points south of Memphis
other than at military posts, or points guarded by the navy, is positively prohibited.
II. All officers of boats violating this order will be arrested and placed in close
confinement. The boats and cargoes, unless the property of the Government,
will be turned over to the quartermaster's department for the benefit of the
Government.
III. All officers of the army passing up and down the river are directed to report
all violations of this order, together with the names of the boats, place, and
date, to the first military post on their route and to the commanding officer at
the end of their route.
IV. The navy is respectfully requested to co-operation in the enforcement of
this order.
By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. III, p. 3.
January 20, 1863 - Skirmish at Chewalla
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
January 20, 1863 - Recollections and reflections on the death of Zollicoffer and the course of
the warNOTE 1
[T]he anniversary of Zollicoffer's defeat and death, carried me back, a year, to
that memorable field of Fishing Creek [Ky]. The familiar faces of many who
passed from the earth, then, and since, rose up rapidly before me, and as rapidly vanished to give place to others. I shall always believe, that if Zollicoffer's
army had been 10,000 in force, instead of 4, 500 the foot of the Yankee-vandal
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 103
January 20, 1863
[would have] never pressed the soil of Tennessee. The want of men has been
the continued cause of disaster throughout the entire campaign of the West. It
has not been all together from a lack of military genius that the battles of the
West have generally resulted disastrously to our arms. From Fishing Creek to
[Fort] Donelson, to Shiloh, and Perryville, we have lost the moral effect of
great victories from having to yield our positions because of the exhausted
condition of our little armies.
Chattanooga Daily Rebel, January 20, 1863.
NOTE 1: Most likely this was written by the owner and editor of the Daily Rebel,
Franc M. Paul.
January 20, 1863 - Investigation into depredations committed by the Seventh Kansas Cavalry in Somerville
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., January
20, 1863.
Brig. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON, Comdg. District of West Tennessee:
GEN.: Complaints have come in from Somerville from the few Union men of
the outrageous conduct of the Seventh Kansas, and in one case of Col. Lee's
conduct where he was informed of the status of the party. This was the case of
Mr. Rivers, who called on Col. Lee to try and get him to restrain his men, and
was replied to by being made to dismount and give up the animal he was
riding.
If there are any further complaints, well substantiated, I wish you to arrest Col.
Lee and have him tried for incompetency and his regiment dismounted and disarmed.
~~~
Their present course may serve to frighten women and children and helpless
old men, but will never drive out an armed enemy.
I am, general, with great respect, yours, &c.,
U. S. GRANT, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17. pt. II, p. 575.
January 20, 1863 - "We started from Oskosh with 986 able men for duty... " Frank M.
Guernsey's letter home
Camp at Jackson, Tenn.
Jan. 20th, 1863
Dear Fanny,
Page 104 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 20, 1863
It is a wet unpleasant day and I am about half sick with a cold so that I am off
duty for the time being. For the last week or so we have had some very
unpleasant weather. It commenced storming on the night of the thirteenth and
has either rained or snowed almost every day since. On the fifteenth and sixteenth the snow laid on the ground about four inches deep and it was cold as
we could wish for. We all suffered more or less as we were so poorly prepared
for such weather. Our tents are only one thickness of canvass, and we have no
stoves so that we have to manage to keep war. My duties are such that I have to
be out in all kinds of weather and the exposure during those stormy days I suppose gave me this cold as I was wet through most of the time, but I shall be all
right again in a few days I guess. We have had the most snow here this winter
that they have had for several years, and I expect the next time I hear from you
will be all buried up if our storms here are any indication of what you are having there.
The health of our Regmt. Is not very good at present. We started from Oskosh
with 986 able men for duty and to day I dont believe we can muster over 475
men for duty. We have been in no fight nor have we lost by death so many, but
the men have been marched to death or in other words, all worn out with hard
fare and forced marches. If we had comfortable quarters and could lay still a
week or two I think our sick list would greatly dimmish but under the present
state of things there is about as many getting sick as the Surgeons are cureing
so that it keep their hands full all the time.
We have a report that we are going back to Memphis in the course of a week or
two, how true it may prove I cant say. I presume thought that if we do go to
Memphis we shall be ordered down the river to Vicksburg. I suppose they will
not be able to do anything until the 32nd gets there and leads the way. I don't
believe that the 32nd will ever bring a disgrace upon the State if they ever get
into a fight. for I know that a good many of our boys are as brave and true as
ever shouldered the musket and if they have half a chance they will make their
march.
I have a great mind to get mad at U. S. Mail arangments I have not received a
letter since those old ones which I wrote you about before but I guess that the
best way will be to keep patient for I may get a letter some time or other, but
Fanny the Post Master has called for the mail & I must close and make up for
this deficiency some other time. Please give my love to all you people and
accept with much yourself.
Yours affectionately,
Frank M. G.
P. S. Glen sends his best respects.
Guernsey Collection
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 105
January 21, 1863
January 21, 1863 - Correspondence between Major-General Charles A. Dana and U. S. Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, relative to illegal cotton trade involving
"Yankees and Jews"
MEMPHIS, January 21, 1863.
Mr. STANTON:
DEAR SIR: You will remember our conversations on the subject of excluding
cotton speculators from the regions occupied by our armies in the South. I now
write to urge the matter upon your attention as a measure of military necessity.
The mania for sudden fortunes made in cotton, raging in a vast population of
Jews and Yankees scattered throughout this whole country, and in this town
almost exceeding the numbers of the regular residents, has to an alarming
extent corrupted and demoralized the army. Every colonel, captain, or quartermaster is in secret partnership with some operator in cotton; every soldier
dreams of adding a bale of cotton to his monthly pay. I had no conception of
the extent of this evil until I came and saw for myself. Besides, the resources of
the rebels are inordinately increased from this source. Plenty of cotton is
brought in from beyond our lines, especially by the agency of Jewish traders,
who pay for it ostensibly in Treasury notes, but really in gold. What I propose
is that no private purchaser of cotton shall be allowed in any part of the occupied region. Let quartermasters buy the article at a fixed price, say 20 or 25
cents per pound, and forward it by army transportation to proper centers, say to
Helena, Memphis, or Cincinnati, to be sold at public auction on Government
account. Let the sales take place on regular, fixed days, so that all parties desirous of buying can be sure when to be present. But little capital will be required
for such an operation. The sales being frequent and for cash, will constantly
replace the amount employed for the purpose. I should say that $200,000
would be sufficient to conduct the movement. I have no doubt that this
$200,000 so employed would be more than equal to 30,000 men added to the
national armies. My pecuniary interest is in the continuance of the present state
of things, for while it lasts there are occasional opportunities of profit to be
made by a daring operator; but I should be false to my duty did I, on that
account, fail to implore you to put an end to an evil so enormous, so insidious,
and so full of peril to the country. My first impulse was to hurry to Washington
to represent these things to you in person; return East so speedily. I beg you,
however, to act without delay if possible. An excellent man to put at the head
of the business would be Gen. Strong. I make this suggestion without any idea
whether the employment would be agreeable to him.
Yours, faithfully,
CHARLES A. DANA.
P. S. -Since writing the above I have seen Gen. Grant, who fully agrees with all
my statements and suggestions, except that imputing corruption to every
officer, which, of course, I did not intend to be taken literally. I have also just
attended a public sale by the quartermaster here of 500 [sic.] bales of cotton
Page 106 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 21, 1863
confiscated by Gen. Grant at Oxford and Holly Springs. It belonged to Jacob
Thompson and other notorious rebels. This cotton brought to-day over $1,
500,000 cash. This sum alone would be five times enough to set on foot the
system I recommend, without drawing upon the Treasury at all. In fact, there
can be no question that by adopting this system the quartermaster's department
in this valley would become self-holders would no longer find that the rebellion had quadrupled the price of their great staple, but only doubled it.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. I, p. 331.
January 21, 1863 - Capture of forage train near MurfreesboroughNOTE 1
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Edward Potter, forage-master, U. S. service.
No. 2.-Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army.
No. 1.
Report of Edward Potter, forage-master, U. S. service.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIFTH DIVISION, CENTER, Murfreesborough, January 27, 1863.
COL.: I have the honor to make the following report to you of the capture of
the forage train from your command of the 21st instant: We left camp at your
quarters shortly after daylight of the morning of the 21st, with 34 wagons and
128 men, in charge of Capt. B. W. Canfield, of One hundred and fifth Regt.
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company E, the train in the advance, until formed on
the Liberty pike, about 1 1/2 miles from your quarters. Before forming on the
pike, I passed a large train forming from Gen. Wood's division, and formed our
train in the advance of them, in charge of Mr. Campbell, wagon-master of the
Eightieth Illinois Regt., with instruction to halt the train as soon as it would
give the large train room to form in our rear, while I returned to get two wagons
of ours which had become fastened in with the large train, and to see at what
time their train would be ready to move. The officer in charge told me it was
ready then, but the guard was not quite ready, but would be in a very few
moments. I then said I would move on our train to keep out of his way, as they
would shortly overtake me. To which he replied, "Very well."
On my reaching the train, I found it halted, and the men in the wagons. They
were placed there by order of Capt. Canfield. I said to him it was not in order
for the men to ride, and he replied that the men had a fast walk to get up, and he
would let them ride to the outpost pickets, and I ordered the drivers to move
on, taking the advance myself, with four orderlies, one wagon-master, and one
lieutenant from the Nineteenth Indiana Battery. We moved about one-fourth of
a mile in the advance of the teams, halting and making inquiries of all the pickets and vedettes until I arrived at the point where we were attacked, which I
was told was the last vedette post. At this point the wagon train was about onefourth of a mile in our rear, and a short distance in the advance of me were
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 107
January 21, 1863
some 30 men in our uniform, whom I supposed to be our pickets. As I was
under the captain, I dismounted to ask him to form his men in the order of
marching, and permitted the horsemen to advance within 40 feet of me, when
they demanded my surrender.
At this moment I discovered our surprise, and ordered a halt of the teams and
the men to form in line of the left of the wagons, and replied to the order to surrender by firing five shots, killing 3 men, and receiving two volleys from them,
when I engaged Col. [J. B. ] Hutcheson with my saber, disarming him, when I
was overpowered by numbers, and surrendered my saber to Col. Hutcheson.
While this was going on, the firing had commenced at the wagons, about 30
rods from me, in the rear, but how they were making of it I could not tell until I
saw the teams advancing on the road where I was held a prisoner, and was told
that every man was taken. We had 1 man slightly wounded in the hand. I saw 5
of Morgan's men taken from our wagon, dead, at Liberty, and 3 wounded men
on horseback. We made a forced march to Smithville, and halted for one hour,
and then started for McMinnville in the captured wagons. I made my escape
from capture, and arrived at your quarters on the evening of the 26th instant.
Our train was out for rough feed where I had previously found it, about 7 miles
from Murfreesborough, and 1 mile to the left of the pike where we were captured. About 80 rods from where our capture was made we passed 2 men, who
said they were patrols, and that everything was all right in front.
EDWARD POTTER.
No. 2.
Report of Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army.
TULLAHOMA, January 22, 1863.
(Received at Richmond, Va., January 23, 1863.)
Lieut.-Col. [J. B. ] Hutcheson, with 100 men, Morgan's cavalry, made a dash
yesterday upon the enemy's camp at Murfreesborough, and captured and
brought off safely 150 prisoners and 30 wagons. Maj. [D. W. ] Holman
(Wheeler's cavalry) since last report captured and destroyed another large
transport on Cumberland loaded with subsistence. The enemy has made no
show of an advance from Murfreesborough.
BRAXTON BRAGG,
Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, pp. 15-16.
NOTE 1: Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee lists this as an affair.
January 21, 1863 - Skirmish on Shelbyville Pike
No circumstantial reports filed.
Page 108 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 21, 1863
January 21, 1863 - Boiler plate opinion in Chattanooga
We have not heard as yet of a negro police in Nashville, but from all accounts,
that city is full of blackguards.
"By Lincoln we live, by Lincoln we move, and by Lincoln we have our being"
is the latest prayer of thanksgiving among the Yankee lick-spittles and nigger
thieves.
Chattanooga Daily Rebel, January 21, 1863.
January 21, 1863 - "Powder and Lead" a newspaper advertisement by W. D. Humphries,
Confederate Post Ordnance Officer in Chattanooga
We need all the lead we can obtain. I will pay a liberal price for it, delivered at
the Ordnance Depot, or give Powder at a fair pro rata of exchange. Bring it on
at once, and don't disdain small quantities.
Chattanooga Daily Rebel, January 21, 1863.
January 21, 1863 - The metropolitan gas works close in Nashville
The gas works will be closed up after to-day until a supply of coal can be
obtained. Our citizens have already had a foretaste of the deprivation they will
experience from the stoppage of the gas works in the fact that the streets have
not been lighted for five or six nights. But the greatest deprivation will fall
upon those whose business requires the use of gas lights. Candles were largely
in demand yesterday, and dealers advanced their prices very considerably.
Nashville Dispatch, January 21, 1863.
January 21, 1863 - January 22, 1863 - Reconnaissance, Murfreesborough to Auburn, Liberty, and Cainsville
Report of Capt. Elmer Otis, Fourth U. S. Cavalry, commanding brigade.
HDQRS. THIRD CAVALRY BRIGADE, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, January 22, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that yesterday at 12 m. I received orders to
move with a strong cavalry force on the Liberty pike, in order to recapture a
train. At 12.50 o'clock I was on the Liberty pike, 4 miles from Murfreesborough, with all the force that I could raise in the brigade, five companies being
absent on picket. The brigade train as also absent for forage, with a strong
escort. This left me with only about 350 men. With these I proceeded on the
Liberty pike as rapidly as possible, arriving at Auburn, a distance of 19 miles,
at 4.30. I found, from all reports, that the captured wagons had passed about 12
m. At Auburn I found 3 pickets, whom I caused to be captured, and some more
proceeding on the Woodbury road. I sent a small party after them; they killed 2,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 109
January 21, 1863
captured 3, and 2 escaped. From these prisoners I learned that a force of from
600 to 800 cavalry were about 3 miles from Auburn, on the Woodbury road,
mostly Basil [W. ] Duke's men. This information I had was corroborated from
several sources. There was also reported a brigade of cavalry at Woodbury, 10
miles from Auburn, numbers not reported. I proceeded on to Liberty, in hopes
that the wagon train captured would halt there, but found it passed Liberty at 2
p. m., and, when last heard from, was 5 miles from there, on the Smithville
pike, still going at a slow trot. It had become very dark some 3 or 4 miles from
Liberty, so dark that a man could not be distinguished a distance of five steps
and I had to feel my way very carefully. About half way from Auburn to Liberty, the advance guard, under Capt. [Joseph H. ] Blackburn, First [Middle]
Tennessee Cavalry, captured a picket of a company stationed about 1 1/2 miles
from the road, numbering 12 men; also a spy of the enemy, and some five or
six noted secessionists in the employ of the enemy. These men were all turned
over to the Second East Tennessee Cavalry, who were forming the rear guard,
and, although I gave the strictest orders, they allowed six or seven of the most
noted characters to escape. I am causing a strict investigation to be made in reference to it.
From Liberty I proceeded to within 11/2 miles of Statesville, arriving there at
12.30 a. m. on the 22d, where I fed and rested, and proceeded, at 5 a. m., to
Cainsville, NOTE 1 and thence to this camp, arriving at 12.30 p. m.
Yesterday I marched 40 miles, to-day 24, making, in twenty-four hours, 64
miles.
At Liberty I drove their pickets three different times, but it was so dark that a
foe could not be distinguished from a fiend, and I was therefore unable to capture them. It was so dark that I deemed it impossible to pursue farther, and,
with the heavy force near our rear, I deemed it prudent to return by Statesville
and Cainsville. Had I had a stronger force, I should have gone at least to Smithville, but, with my small force, it would have been hazarding the safety of the
whole command.
Eighteen prisoners were sent to the provost-marshal-general. Some horses
were captured, which were used to mount men with broken-down horse. As
soon as I obtain a full report of them they will be sent to the division quartermaster for disposal.
~~~
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ELMER OTIS, Cmdg. Third Cavalry Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, pp. 17-18.
NOTE 1: In southern Wilson County.
Page 110 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 21, 1863
January 21, 1863 - January 22, 1863 - Naval action on the Cumberland River at Betsy Town
Landing
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, regarding naval operations in the Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, August 23,
1862-October 21, 1863
~~~
On the 21st day of January, 1863, I got back from Madison and started up for
Nashville with a fleet of 31 steamers and 8 or 10 barges. Just below Palmyra I
met the St. Clair and Brilliant comingdown with a fleet from the foot of the
shoals.
I at once sent the transports bound down out of the river, as they were then
below all danger, and took the two gunboats back with me to help with the convoy. At Clarksville we anchored for the night, in consequence of the large convoy, and to get it more perfectly arranged. During the night LieutenantCommander S. L. Phelps came up with the Lexington and moved on up to
Beatstown [Betsy Town] Landing, where he burned a large warehouse used as
a shelter by the guerrillas.
On his return down he was attacked by two pieces of artillery, but soon drove
them off.
As soon as the fleet reached Nashville the Lexington returnedto Cairo. Coming
down we were greatly annoyed by rebel sharpshooters from behind the trees,
but soon dispersed them and got through safely.
~~~
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol., 23, p. 312.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 111
January 21, 1863
January 21, 1863 - August 9, 1863 - Operations in Middle and East Tennessee
OPERATIONS IN MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, January 21-August 9, 1863.
SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN TENNESSEE.
January 21, 1863.
-Capture of forage train near Murfreesborough, Tenn. Skirmish
on the Shelbyville Pike, Tenn.
21-22, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from Murfreesborough to Auburn, Liberty,
and Cainsville, Tenn.
23, 1863.
-Skirmish at Carthage, Tenn.
23, 1863.
-Skirmish on the Bradyville Pike, near Murfreesborough,
Tenn.
24, 1863.
-Skirmish at Woodbury, Tenn.
25, 1863.
-Skirmish near Mill Creek, Tenn.
25, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from Murfreesborough to Auburn, Tenn.
28, 1863.
-Skirmish near Nashville, Tenn.
31-Feb. 13, 1863.
-Expedition from Murfreesborough to Franklin, Tenn., etc.,
including skirmishes (January 31) at Unionville and Middleton, and (January 31 and February 13) at Rover.
31, 1863.
-Skirmish at Unionville
31, 1863.
-Skirmish at Middleton
31, 1863.
-Skirmish at Rover
February 1-2, 1863.
-Reconnaissance to Franklin and Brentwood, Tenn.
3, 1863.
-Attack on Fort Donelson, Tenn.
3, 1863.
-Skirmish at Cumberland Iron-Works, Tenn.
3-5, 1863.
-Expedition from Murfreesborough to Auburn, Liberty, and
Alexandria, Tenn.
4, 1863.
-Skirmish near Murfreesborough, Tenn.
7, 1863.
-Skirmish near Murfreesborough, Tenn.
13, 1863.
-Skirmish at Rover
15, 1863.
-Skirmishes near Auburn, Tenn.
15, 1863.
-Skirmish near Cainsville, Tenn.
Page 112 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 21, 1863
OPERATIONS IN MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, January 21-August 9, 1863.
SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN TENNESSEE.
15, 1863.
-Skirmish near Nolensville, Tenn.
16, 1863.
-Skirmish at Bradyville, Tenn.
17-20, 1863.
-Expedition from Murfreesborough to Liberty, Tenn.
19, 1863.
-Skirmish near Rover, Tenn.
20, 1863.
-Skirmish on the Shelbyville Pike, Tenn.
21, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from Franklin, on the Lewisburg, Columbia,
and Carter Creek Roads, Tenn.
March 1, 1863.
-Skirmish at Bradyville, Tenn.
1, 1863.
-Skirmish near Woodbury, Tenn.
2, 1863.
-Skirmish near Eagleville, Tenn.
2, 1863.
-Skirmish near Petersburg, Tenn.
3, 1863.
-Skirmish near Bear Creek, Tenn.
3-6, 1863.
-Expedition from Concord Church to Chapel Hill, Tenn.
3-8, 1863.
-Expedition from Murfreesborough to Woodbury, Tenn.
4, 1863.
-Skirmish at Unionville, Tenn.
4-5, 1863.
-Skirmish (4th) near Franklin, Tenn., and engagement (5th) at
Thompson's Station, or Spring Hill, Tenn.
4-14, 1863.
-Expedition from Murfreesborough toward Columbia, Tenn.,
including skirmishes (4th) at Rover and Unionville, (5th) at
Chapel Hill, (9th) at Thompson's Station, and (10th-11th) at
Rutherford Creek.
9-14, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from Salem to Versailles, Tenn.
10, 1863.
-Skirmish near Murfreesborough, Tenn.
12-20, 1863.
-Expedition from Columbus, Ky., to Perryville, Tenn.
13, 1863.
-Skirmish at Rover, Tenn.
13-14, 1863
-Capture of conscripts near Charlotte, Tenn.
14, 1863.
-Skirmish at Davis' Mill, Tenn.
15, 1863.
-Skirmish at Rover, Tenn.
19, 1863.
-Skirmish at Spring Hill, Tenn.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 113
January 21, 1863
OPERATIONS IN MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, January 21-August 9, 1863.
SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN TENNESSEE.
19, 1863.
-Skirmish at Liberty, Tenn.
19, 1863.
-Skirmish near College Grove, Tenn.
20, 1863.
-Action at Vaught's Hill, near Milton, Tenn.
21, 1863.
-Skirmish at Salem, Tenn.
21, 1863.
-Skirmish near Triune, Tenn.
22, 1863.
-Skirmish near Murfreesborough, Tenn.
22.-April 1, 1863.
-Pegram's expedition into Kentucky.
22, 1863-23, 1863.
-Skirmish near Thompson's Station, Tenn.
22, 1863-25, 1863.
-Actions at Brentwood and on the Little Harpeth River, Tenn.
22, 1863-26, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from Murfreesborough to Bradyville, Tenn.
22, 1863-27, 1863.
-Skirmish on the Woodbury Pike, Tenn.
22, 1863-31, 1863.
-Skirmish near Franklin, Tenn.
April 1, 1863.
-Skirmish on the Columbia Pike, Tenn.
1-8, 1863.
-Expedition from Murfreesborough to Lebanon, Carthage, and
Liberty, Tenn.
2, 1863.
-Expedition from Readyville to Woodbury, Tenn.
2, 1863.
-Skirmish on the Carter Creek Pike, Tenn.
2-6, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from near Murfreesborough to Auburn, Liberty, Snow Hill, Cherry Valley, Statesville, Cainsville, and
Lebanon, and skirmishes (April 3) at Snow Hill, or Smith's
Ford, and Liberty, Tenn.
4, 1863.
-Skirmish at Woodbury, Tenn.
4, 1863.
-Skirmish on the Lewisburg Pike, Tenn.
5, 1863.
-Skirmish at Davis' Mill, Tenn.
6, 1863.
- Skirmish near Green Hill, Tenn.
7, 1863.
-Skirmish at Liberty, Tenn.
7-11, 1863.
-Wheeler's raid on Louisville and Nashville and Nashville and
Chattanooga Railroads, including affair (April 10) at Antioch
Station, Tenn.
Page 114 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 21, 1863
OPERATIONS IN MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, January 21-August 9, 1863.
SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN TENNESSEE.
9, 1863.
-Skirmish at Franklin, Tenn.
10, 1863.
-Engagement at Franklin, Tenn.
12, 1863.
-Skirmish at Stewartsborough, Tenn.
13, 1863.
-Skirmish near Chapel Hill, Tenn.
16, 1863.
-Skirmish near Eagleville, Tenn.
18, 1863.
-Skirmish at Hartsville, Tenn.
20-30, 1863.
-Expedition from Murfreesborough to McMinnville, Tenn.
22, 1863.
-Skirmish at Hartsville, Tenn.
23, 1863.
-Skirmish on the Shelbyville Pike, Tenn.
26, 1863.
-Affair near College Grove, Tenn.
26, 1863.
-Engagement at Duck River Island, or Little Rock Landing,
Tenn.
27, 1863.
-Skirmish on Carter Creek Pike, Tenn.
29-May 2, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from Murfreesborough, on Manchester Pike,
Tenn.
May 1, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from Murfreesborough to Lizard, Tenn.
2, 1863.
-Skirmish near Thompson's Station, Tenn.
2-6, 1863.
-Expedition from Bowling Green, Ky., to Tennessee State
Line.
3, 1863.
-Scout from Triune to Eagleville, Tenn.
4, 1863.
-Affair near Nashville, Tenn.
5, 1863.
-Skirmish at Rover, Tenn.
May -, 1863.
-Affair at Obion Plank Road Crossing, Tenn.
9, 1863.
-Affair near Caney Fork, Tenn.
12, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from La Vergne, Tenn.
12, 1863.
-Skirmish at Linden, Tenn.
12-16, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from Murfreesborough toward Liberty and
Lebanon, Tenn.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 115
January 21, 1863
OPERATIONS IN MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, January 21-August 9, 1863.
SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN TENNESSEE.
13, 1863.
-Skirmishes near Woodburn and South Union, Tenn.
17, 1863.
-Skirmish on the Bradyville Pike, Tenn.
20-22, 1863.
-Scout from Clarksville, Tenn.
21-22, 1863.
-Expedition from Murfreesborough to Middleton, Tenn., and
skirmish.
22, 1863.
-Skirmish on Yellow Creek, Tenn.
24, 1863.
-Skirmish at Woodbury, Tenn.
25, 1863.
-Skirmish near Woodbury, Tenn.
29, 1863.
- (29th and 30th) at Hamburg Landing, Tenn.
27-28, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from Murfreesborough, on Manchester Pike,
Tenn.
30.
Skirmish at Hamburg Landing, Tenn.
30, 1863.
-Skirmish at Jordan's Store, Tenn.
June 3, 1863.
-Skirmish near Murfreesborough, Tenn.
4, 1863.
-Skirmish at Snow Hill, Tenn.
4, 1863.
-Engagement at Franklin, Tenn.
4, 1863.
-Operations on the Shelbyville Pike, near Murfreesborough,
Tenn.
4-5, 1863.
-Scout to Smithville, Tenn.
8, 1863.
-Skirmish at Triune, Tenn.
9, 1863.
-Skirmish near Triune, Tenn.
10, 1863.
-Scout on Middleton and Eagleville Pikes, Tenn.
11, 1863.
-Action at Triune, Tenn.
12, 1863.
-Scouts on Salem Pike, Tenn.
13, 1863.
-Scout on the Manchester Pike, Tenn.
14, 1863.
-Skirmish near Green Hill, Tenn.
14-24, 1863.
-Sanders' Raid in East Tennessee.
5-17, 1863.
-Expedition to and skirmish near, Lebanon, Tenn.
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January 22, 1863
OPERATIONS IN MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, January 21-August 9, 1863.
SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN TENNESSEE.
19, 1863.
-Skirmish at Triune, Tenn.
20, 1863.
-Skirmish at Dixon Springs, Tenn.
23-July 7, 1863.
-The Middle Tennessee, or Tullahoma, Campaign.
29, 1863.
-Skirmish near Lexington, Tenn.
July 5, 1863.
-Skirmish at Yellow Creek, Tenn.
10, 1863.
-Capture of outpost at Union City, Tenn.
11-14, 1863.
-Reconnaissance from Cowan to Anderson, Tenn.
15, 1863.
-Skirmish at Pulaski, Tenn.
July --, 1863.
-Expedition to Columbia and Centreville, Tenn.
17, 1863.
-Skirmish on Stone's River, Tenn.
July --, 1863.
-Scout in Sequatchie Valley, Tenn.
29, 1863.
-Skirmish near Fort Donelson, Tenn.
4-5, 1863.
-Reconnaissance to Rock Island Ferry, Tenn.
9, 1863.
-Skirmish at Sparta, Tenn.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, pp. 1-6.
January 22, 1863 - General J. E. Johnston ordered to inquire of General Braxton Bragg
about the Confederate defeat at the battle of Stones River
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., January 22, 1863.
Gen. JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Cmdg., &c., Chattanooga, Tenn.:
GEN.: As announced in my telegram, I address this letter to you, to explain the
purpose for which I desire that you will proceed promptly to the headquarters
of Gen. Bragg's army. The events connected with the late battle at Murfreesborough, and retreat from that place, have led to criticism upon the conduct of
Gen. Bragg, which induced him to call upon commanders of corps for an
expression of opinion, and for information as to the feeling in their commands
in regard to the conduct of Gen. Bragg, and also whether he had so far lost the
confidence of the army as to impair his usefulness in his present position. The
answers, I am informed, have been but partially given, but are so far indicative
of a want of confidence, such as is essential to success.NOTE 1 Why Gen. Bragg
should have selected that tribunal, and have invited its judgment upon him, is
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 117
January 22, 1863
to me unexplained; it manifests, however, a condition of things which seems to
me to require your presence.
The enemy is said to be preparing to advance, and though my confidence in
Gen. Bragg is unshaken, it cannot be doubted that if he is distrusted by his
officers and troops, a disaster may result which, but for that cause, would have
been avoided.
You will, I trust, be able, by conversation with Gen. Bragg and others of his
command, to decide what the best interests of the service require, and to give
me the advice which I need at this juncture. As that army is a part of your command, no order will be necessary to give you authority there, as, whether
present or absent, you have a right to direct its operations and do whatever else
belongs to the general commanding.
Very respectfully and truly, yours,
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, pp. 613-614.
NOTE 1: See OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 682-684, 699, 701, 702.
January 22, 1863 - Charity in Lincoln county
THE WORTHY POOR-Now is the time to think of the impoverished and afflicted. Now, indeed, amid
the January winds, is the season of their discontent, and all with whom Fortune
has dealt with a liberal hand should feel it incumbent upon them to enter the
lists graciously as a soldier in the ranks of humanity.
"What has the gray-haired prisoner done?
Has murder stained his hands with gore!
Not so: his crime's a fouler one-God made the old man poor!"
We deny the poet's assertion that God occasions any man's misfortunes on
earth; such evils are the result of man's inactivity, in-opportunity, or indiscretion. But, alas! Society does look on poverty as a crime, although society's lips
hypocritically repudiate the doctrine; and many a wretch, we all know, is
grasped warmly by the hand in the parlors of fashion, though every dollar he
possesses is the product of some outrage upon the widow and the fatherless,
while many a man of integrity is as "cat" upon the highway by those whom he
once lifted from destitution, because Fortune has capriciously shifted her wanton smiles, and he wears a well-worn suit and pays his debts, instead of dashing behind a 2.40 team requesting his creditors to await his elegant leisure for
attention.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 22, 1863
In sooth, the poor man has but an indifferent chance for appreciation in this
world, and the worthy poor who have too much self respect left to obtrude their
privations upon the public eye, are the worst sufferers of all. The clamorous
beggar who makes mendicancy a profession, ever secures the necessary aid.
We have nothing to say to him; but, let the most moderately wealthy of us
remember, at this inclement season, the hundreds who shiver beside comfortless hearths, who sit before comfortless tables, whose ears tingle with the low
wail of hungry babes, who eyes weep over the gaunt cheeks of foodless mothers and wives, yet whose decent pride (the last remnant of a better state) prefers
the slow death of starvation to the quicker anguish of published want. Think!
oh, think of them!
Fayetteville Observer, January 22, 1863.
January 22, 1863 - Fixing the blame for the capture of a federal wagon train on the Liberty
Pike on January 21, 1863
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, January 22, 1863.
Gen. JOSEPH J. REYNOLDS, Cmdg. Fifth Division, Center:
GEN.: The general commanding directs me to instruct you to notify Col. [A. S.
] Hall, commanding the brigade, whose train was yesterday captured on the
Liberty pike, that, until he has cleared himself of all responsibility in the case,
the general will hold him responsible for any suffering or hardship that may
ensue to the men in his command from loss of transportation; that through his
negligence or misconduct the Government, which he was sworn to protect, is
made to lose the services of the captured men, as well as the cost of their arms
and accouterments, and that of all the wagons and animals, amounting probably to more than $100,000, and for any diminution of confidence or military
spirit that may result from this most uncalled-for disaster.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY STONE, Lieut. and Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, p. 34.
January 22, 1863 - "The Government should banish all such visitors from every place where
rebel prisoners are confined." Editorial castigating rebel females in Nashville
We hear that some of the secession ladies complain bitterly of the restrictions
placed by the military authorities upon visiting rebel prisoners of war. They
appear to think that they should be allowed to converse with, and carry delicacies to these men who have been captured while waging war against their
country, whenever they see proper to do so. They arrogate it as a right, and not
a privilege, to visit the penitentiary, and encourage its inmates to persist in a
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 119
January 22, 1863
wicked and murderous rebellion--a rebellion which is atrocious abominable,
and detestable in all its aspects. When these prisoners were brought here the
Governor's office, the Headquarters of the commander of the Post, and the
office of the Provost Marshal, were crowded with secession ladies, eager to
administer encouragement to the consolation and rebel prisoners. Every one
else had to give way to these importunate visitors, who took possession for a
while of every office where a pass could be granted, or a recommendation
given. If this state of affairs had been tolerated the civil and military officers of
this place would have had to confine their attention exclusively to granting permission to these ladies to visit rebel prisoners.
Now we are for treating the sex with due gallantry and attention upon all occasions, but certainly courtesy does not require that a woman's unreasonable
demands should be granted; and experience and observation have convinced us
that there are some very reasonable women.
These female visitors, or nineteen-twentieths of them, have a heavy load of
responsibility resting upon their heads, for the existence of the present civil
war. Thoughtless and giddy women, whose ideas of war had been gathered
from books of poetry, and monthly magazines, persuaded, coaxed, entreated,
nay, even compelled their sons, brothers, friends, into the rebel army. All the
nameless, and to young men, irresistible artifices and blandishments of female
society were exercised in the fiendish work of beguiling the flower and hope of
the Southern States into the dark den of treason, robbery and murder. Ladies of
high position cast aside their proper garb and became the raving priestesses of
civil war, brandishing in their hands the torch of destruction, and thoughtlessly
invoking on the heads of their kindred and friends, and of themselves, a tempest of mingled fire and blood. We could mention instances of their monstrous
and unnatural work which occurred in this very city where noble young men
were wooed by the songs of these Syrens, into the rebellion, against their own
convictions of right, and their avowed protestations--but we forbear.
On this most painful theme we have only to say, may God have mercy upon the
dead, and pity upon their living destroyers! Ah, little did these women then
realize the horrors of actual warfare; the unutterable sufferings and agonies of a
civil war, where brother is arrayed against brother and where father and son are
mortal enemies. Woe to the State convulsed by so dire a conflict! And a double
woe to all its guilty originators. The Government should banish all such visitors from every place where rebel prisoners are confined.--These women who
are so clamorous to be permitted to preach treason to their unhappy victims,
would do a great deal better by going into their solitary chambers and asking
God to forgive their most grievous sin. Instead of besieging the rooms of the
authorities for the privilege of tending the dying lamp of rebellion, let them
hide their faces for very shame at the work which they have aided in doing--at
the thought of the widows they have made broken-hearted; of the orphans they
have turned loose upon the streets of Nashville; of the young men, who have
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January 23, 1863
either perished miserably in battle, or live to drag out a burdensome existence
in bodily disease and suffering.
Nashville Daily Union, January 22, 1863.
January 23, 1863 - Confederate official complains to Richmond about failure of conscription in East Tennessee
NEAR RUSSELVILLE, EAST TENN., January 23, 1863
Hon. Ben. Hill, C. S. Senate
DEAR SIR: As you were on your return home from Congress last September I
was so fortunate as to fall in with you and have a hasty conversation upon the
state of affairs in East Tennessee, and the proper course to be pursued in this
department. On that occasion I was pleased to find your mind open to the truth
and capable of comprehending our peculiar political and social condition. As I
was taking leave of you (as the train neared New Market, where I stopped) you
told me that you would address the President directly upon the subject, which I
have no doubt you did. I then hoped much from your action in the premises;
but other counsels prevailed. Effects have followed causes, and developments
have established the correctness of what I then told you was the condition of
East Tennessee. I would not now trouble you with the affairs of East Tennessee
if I did not feel constrained so to do by a sense of duty. It is to the calm, conservative patriots that the country must look, in this her darkest hour of trial, for
deliverance. As such I have ever looked upon and now address you.
That I may the more clearly present and enforce my present views, I beg to
recall to your remembrance the substance of the views expressed in the conversation referred to. On that occasion you will remember that I predicted disaster
from the proposed conscription of East Tennessee. I told you that the people of
East Tennessee were misrepresented and misunderstood, that there was but one
single legitimate argument in favor of conscription, and that was that the men
of East Tennessee were as much bound to fight for our independence as our
own volunteers or the men from any other section, and that in view of moral
obligation they were entitled to no peculiar exemption, and in that view the soldiers in the service had the right to feel that all should fare alike; but that being
said, all was said. The end and object of the war are to preserve American institutions in their purity, defend the principles of the American Constitution, and
as the only means of doing that, establish the independence of the Confederacy-whip Lincoln and his followers. To do this we must husband all our
resources and bring out all our available strength; that if we found within our
borders a section where the people were not politically with us, yet not our
open, active enemies, it was the duty of our rulers to rise to the exigencies and
importance of the occasion, take men as they were, and not as they should have
been, and use them for the furtherance of the great end to be attained-the gaining of our independence-in such spheres as they could be made useful, and not
with any narrow, contracted policy of political proscription decapitate or con-
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January 23, 1863
vert. I told you that East Tennesseeans, as you and I, had to be devoted to our
Government, created by our State and Federal Constitutions. In the opening of
the political struggle preceding the Revolution. . . all conservative men rallied
around their institutions of Government, adapting the one word Union as the
comprehensive indices by which was originally meant our constitutional Government as composed of our State sovereignties and Federal sovereignties as
created by our constitutions, and under the ruling cry of Union formed a party,
and as such party prepared to resist all political encroachments upon our institutions.
After Mr. Lincoln's first proclamation many of our best men, believing that the
call for troops was only to defend the Capital against attack as threatened in the
imprudent speech of Mr. Secretary Walker, again rallied to the cry of Union.
And the[n] began the separation of friends in East Tennessee. At the time the
separation was slight; on the stump the discussion became bitter. The breach
was widened and culminated in the proposition to dismember our State. That
passed away, and the great wrong to the people by the Union leaders was here
committed of again rallying as a party under the cry of Union for the purpose
of preventing men who had advocated the separation of the State from the Federal Union from being elected to office. Step by step (many steps taken in consequence of the rashness, not to say wickedness, of the men who claimed to
control South whole counsels in East Tennessee) the people were led on until
as a whole they took what they felt they had the right to take, the ground of
neutrality, so far as active hostilities were concerned. This I tell you was the
actual condition of East Tennessee when it was proposed to enforce the conscript law.
I told you that they would turn their strength against whichever Government
attempted to force them from their position; that if the effort was made to
enforce the conscript it would ruin us and greatly damage the Confederacy;
that we would get no soldiers; that it would cause a stampede to Kentucky in
part and a hiding out in the caves and mountains, and in the end the destruction
of our section; that where we would get one man as a recruit we would send
three to Kentucky and require the withdrawal of two soldiers from the army to
protect East Tennessee; that we would send 10,000 men to Kentucky to the
Federal lines clamoring for assistance to recover for them homes, from which
they claim to have been driven; and that in all probability another effort would
be made to invade East Tennessee. What I then predicted is now in part the history of this unhappy country. If you will require a report from the enrolling
officer at Knoxville you will find that he has not added to the strength of the
Army. He has not mustered into service as many men as have been taken from
the ranks to hunt up conscripts and guard exposed points, the guarding of
which has been rendered necessary by the excitement incident to this false
move.
In addition to this a raid has been made upon our railroad, and every day the
enemy receives full information of the state of our forces, and unless you can
get the President to interpose and arrest the evil every man of the old Union
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January 23, 1863
party will leave. The expenses of the department are very heavy, an officer for
every district in each county, any number of braided and brass-buttoned gentlemen who ought to be with their commands taking their ease as recruiting officers, besides the soldiers that are detailed to police the county and hunt up
conscripts. It is now apparent to all (except a special few whose notions of a
cleansing of the political sanctuary urge to seize upon the opportunity to drive
from the country all who are not active political friends) that the effort to conscript East Tennessee is not only a failure, but a disastrous calamity to our
cause. East Tennessee has been regarded as one of the most important sections
of the Confederacy, not only on account of her geographical position and her
connecting railroads, but on account of her stock and grain. Our Union men of
East Tennessee did more to further our cause in 1861 by the supplies furnished
than they could have done had they been zealous secessionists and in the
Army, and so in 1862, though greatly interfered with by the State draft. And so
now we need the labor of the farmers of East Tennessee upon their farms more
than we need their unwilling service in the field, could we even get them into
the Army. They are willing to work, and under the influence of Gen. Smith's
proclamation of last spring were beginning to become interested in the success
of our cause, as it gave to them so advantageous a market freed from the hitherto almost overpowering competition of Kentucky and the Northwestern
States. When Governor Harris attempted to enforce his draft in East Tennessee
last spring a fearful stampede commenced and was in steady progress. Gen.
Smith by his proclamation stopped the execution of the law and invited the
people to return. They did so by the thousands, not only those who had crossed
the lines as citizens, but some who had entered the Federal service, some of
whom are now in our Army as willing volunteers. Although the evil is in part
beyond our reach, much can yet be done. If the President will under the act of
Congress suspend the enforcement of the conscript law in East Tennessee and
by his proclamation invite all East Tennesseeans to return to their homes,
restoring them to citizenship and assuring them that during the present struggle
they should [not] be required to enter the Army against their will, upon condition that they devote themselves industriously to the cultivation of their farms,
all who have not yet left home will remain, all who are out in the caves, mountains, &c. (and their name is legion), will at once return, and so will every man
in Kentucky who is not in the Federal Army, and all in the Army who can get a
good chance to desert.
Nine-tenths of the producing labor of East Tennessee is white labor, hence,
when by conscription or stampeding the men subject to military duty leave, the
labor of East Tennessee is gone. There are within our borders at this time thousands of families left without any male members capable of labor. These helpless women and children are to become a charge upon the public, for whatever
may be the sins of their husbands and fathers the Southern people cannot deal
cruelly with them. Acts of vengeance to our women and children we must
leave to our enemies with which to blacken the pages of history.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 123
January 23, 1863
I commend to your consideration the views here so hastily and imperfectly
expressed, and beg of you to interest yourself in behalf of East Tennessee. I of
course do not expect my plan to be literally pursued. If any of my suggestions
are adopted, all I desire is, all I seek to do is, to get before the President the true
state of things in East Tennessee, relying upon his superior judgment to devise
the mode of relief. Please excuse my intrusion and the length of my letter. I am
not in the habit of inflicting such penance upon public men.
I am, sir, yours,
ROBT. M. BARTONNOTE 1
OR, Ser. IV, Vol. 2. 368-370.
NOTE 1: Robert McKinney Barton, 34th (Confederate) General Assembly representing Hancock, Hawkins, and Jefferson counties. His home, "High Oaks" was
in Hamblen County. During the war he served in Abingdon, VA, as head of
railroads.
January 23, 1863 - Skirmish at Carthage
No circumstantial reports filed.
January 23, 1863 - Skirmish on Bradyville Pike near Murfreesborough
No circumstantial reports filed.
January 23, 1863 - Procedures and nominations for honoring gallantry in the Army of Tennessee at the Battle of Stones River
•See April 8, 1863-April 10, 1863-Brigadier-General George Maney expresses
preferences for decorating gallantry in the Army of Tennessee at the Battle
of Stones River
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 10. HDQRS. ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Tullahoma, January 23, 1863.
I. Corps commanders are directed to authorize the several regiments, battalions, and independent companies engaged in the ever-memorable battle of
Murfreesborough to inscribe on their colors the name of that field. Such corps
as distinguished themselves in brilliant and gallant charges on the enemy,
resulting in the capture of his batteries, will be entitled also, in addition to the
names, to place the cross cannon, inverted. Such corps, entitled to this distinction, will be reported to these headquarters.
II. Cmdg. officers are hereby reminded that it is their duty to report to these
headquarters, as early as practicable, the names of such officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates who shall have displayed such "extraordinary skill
and valor" as will entitle them to promotion, agreeably to the provisions of an
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January 23, 1863
act of Congress approved April 21, 1862. Such reports must show the facts and
circumstances of "extraordinary skill and valor" displayed by officers and soldiers.
III. With a view to carry into effect the act of October 13, 1862, which provides
that the President may bestow medals with proper devices upon such officers
of the Confederate States as shall be conspicuous for courage and good conduct on the field of battle, and also to bestow a badge of distinction upon one
private or non-commissioned officer of each company after every signal victory it shall to achieve, the non-commissioned officers and privates of the company who may be present at dress parade may choose by a majority of their
votes the soldier best entitled to receive such distinction, whose name shall be
communicated to the President of the Confederate States; and if the award falls
upon a deceased soldier, the badge thus awarded him shall be delivered to his
widow; or if there be no widow, to any relative the President may adjudge entitled to receive it. It will be the duty of the several commanding officers herein
referred to furnish reports of the officers who were conspicuous for courage
and good conduct on the field of battle, and also to take immediate steps to
ascertain in each company the soldier best entitled to receive a badge of distinction, agreeably to the provisions of the act, and report the same.
These reports will be passed through the ascending channel of communication
to the commanding general, who will forward the same, with such remarks as
he may deem necessary, to the Adjutant and Inspector-Gen., for the action of
the President.
By command of Gen. Bragg:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, pp. 614-615.
January 23, 1863 - Federal anti-guerrilla expedition ordered from Murfreesborough
through Nolensville Hills
No circumstantial reports filed.
MURFREESBOROUGH, January 23, 1863.
Col. [J. M. ] HARLAN, La Vergne:
The general commanding directs me to say that now is the time to send, say
half a regiment, or even a regiment, if you think best, as skirmishers through
the Nolensville Hills, to clear out the guerrillas, many of whom will be found
disguised as farmers. Your men can look out for forage at the same time.
Very respectfully,
FRANK S. BOND, Aide-de-Camp.
P. S. -The general also directs that you pick up all of our horses that may be
found in that region.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, pp. 6-7.
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January 1863 — Page 125
January 23, 1863
January 23, 1863 - Daniel Ellis' account of the murders of James Taylor, Samuel Tatum,
Alfred Kite, Alexander Dugger, and David Shuffield, East Tennessee
Unionists seeking to escape Confederate East Tennessee.
. . . some of the men whom I had agreed to conduct through to Kentucky had
the misfortune of being captured and cruelly murdered by the rebels. The infamous men who perpetrated these murders belonged to Folk's regiment, accompanied by some of the home guards of Johnson County, who had been ranging
all over the country for conscripts, taking these home guards along with them
for guides. The names of the poor fellows who were killed at the time were
James Taylor, Samuel Tatum, Alfred Kite, Alexander Dugger, and David
Shuffield. They were all together when the rebels discovered them, they being
on one side of the Watauga River and the rebels on the other. When the first
observed these men, they at once dashed across the river on their horses and
surrounded them on a small ridge. Some of these men had arms, which, however, were nothing more than a pistol or a knife, which so enraged the rebel
demons that they rushed forward like blood-thirsty tigers, and butchered these
poor men in cold blood, without pity and without mercy. And if these blackhearted scoundrels had ever been unchained devils from the infernal regions,
they could not have imbrued their hands in the blood of their innocent victims
with more cool determination than they did upon this occasion.
When the rebels first fired, poor Taylor surrendered; they continued to shoot at
him, while he begged them to treat as a prisoner, but instead of this, one of
these incarnate devils ran up and soon silenced in, by shooting the top of his
head off with a musket. Two of them then caught him by his feet, and pitched
him violently over a large rock down a steep declivity, which bruised his body
and broke his limbs in a most shocking manner; and, not yet content with this
display of barbarity, they then threw great rocks upon him. They then took
from his mangled person a very fine watch and a considerable sum of money.
Tatum was killed nearly at the same time that Taylor was, he being first
wounded in the shoulder, and then dispatched with great cruelty. The other
three men ran some distance, while the rebels were shooting at them as fast as
they could; at length they surrendered, and commenced imploring for mercy;
but they might as well have asked for mercy from a gang of blood-thirsty tigers
as to take it at the hands of these devils in human shape, for they were entirely
heedless of their piteous cries and lamentations. In vain these poor supplicating
prisoners told their reckless and infuriate[d] captors that they had done nothing
deserving death, and were only trying to keep out of the Southern army. All
their asseverations could not save them from the dreadful doom which their
inflexible tormentors at once proceeded to assign them. Their hands were tied
behind them, and they were taken to a bending sapling and hung. Some of the
rebel soldiers took the ropes which they carried with them for the purpose of
carrying forage on their horses, and tied them around the necks of their victims, while others would hold them up until the rope was tied to a limb, and
them let them go. In this way all three of these poor men were hung up to torture, and suffer a thousand pangs of death; for they were hung so as not to
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January 23, 1863
break their necks, but rather to be choked by degrees, which was the refined
and cruel mode of punishment which was resorted to by these inhuman murderers. Two of the poor fellow, before they were hung, begged hard for a time
to pray; but even this privilege was not allowed them. The other one had been
severely wounded in the beginning of the bloody affray, and was not able to
talk. While they were suspended by their necks, and before life was extinct,
they were treated with the greatest brutality, by their reckless murderers beating them with their guns. Captain Roby Brown, a citizen of Johnson County,
Tennessee, and one of the home guard in that county, enjoyed himself very
much at this miserable feast of blood. He had a complete frolic around them
while they were struggling in all the agonies of a terrible death. He knocked
them with his gun, and would then dance upon them, and turn them around
violently, telling them to "fact their partner." He would say to them that "he did
not like to dance with any person that would not face him;" while they, with
their tongues as black as ink protruding out of their mouths, and their eyes
bursting from their sockets, exhibited a spectacle of horror which was enough
to strike terror to the very soul of any person who was not perfectly hardened
in villainy and crime, and callous to the most wretched displays of human suffering, and steeped in the deepest depths of infamy. But I can not presume to
say that this most desperate and incorrigible scoundrel, Roby Brown, was in
the possession of a human heart; if he was, it was entirely impervious to human
feeling and to human sympathy, and was as cold and hard as the glacier rock of
Mount Jura's bleakest hill-top. He may rest assured that he will receive a just
recompense of reward for his terrible crimes, both in this world and in the
world to come, for an avenging Nemesis will pursue him with her terrible whip
of scorpions around the whole orb of his earthly existence; and when the Dim
Unknown shall unlock the casket which confines his guilty soul in its tenement
of clay, and hurries it to appear before the great Omnipotent in all its naked
deformity, there he will receive that just retribution which in iniquitous and
wicked life richly deserves, in the "everlasting fire prepared for the devil and
his angels."
The rebel soldiers remained where they hung these poor men until they thought
they were quite dead, and then left the place. Some kind citizens, who had been
watching the conduct of the rebels not far off, immediately hurried down to the
place where they were hanging and cut them down, hoping to find that the
spark of life had not fled from all of them; but they were all perfectly dead, and
presented a sight too shocking to behold. Some of their ribs were broken, and
their bodies were badly bruised, where the rebels had stuck them with their
guns. They were not taken up, and were taken a short distance from where they
were hung, and buried quite secretly and in a very rough manner, as the Union
citizens were afraid to make any noise or display when they were committing
them to their last resting-place. Taylor was a gentleman. He had been a recruiting-officer in the Federal army, and was captured by the rebels and put in
prison. He had escaped from the prison. . . and had come into Carter County,
on his way back to his command, and was waiting when he was captured... The
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 127
January 24, 1863
other men who were killed were nice young men, belonging to our own mountains, and would have made good soldiers in the Federal army.
The massacre which I have detailed in the forgoing pages occurred on the 23d
day of January, 1863.
Thrilling Adventures of Daniel Ellis, p.107-110.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: Daniel Ellis, Thrilling Adventures of Daniel Ellis, The Great Union Guide
of East Tennessee for a period of Nearly Four Years During the Great
Southern Rebellion. Written by Himself. Containing a Short Biography of
the Author, Will Illustrations; (NY: Harper & Brothers, 1867; rpt, Johnson
City, TN; The Overmountain Press, 1987), pp. 107-110.
January 24, 1863 - Skirmish at WoodburyNOTE 1
JANUARY 24, 1863.-Skirmish at Woodbury, Tenn.
No. 1.-Col. William Grose, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, commanding brigade.
No. 2.-Col. John T. Wilder, Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, commanding brigade.
No. 1.
Report of Col. William Grose, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, commanding brigade.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, LEFT WING, Murfreesborough, Tenn., January 28, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report the part this brigade took in the engagement at
Woodbury, this State, on the 24th instant.
According to orders, I left camp near Murfreesborough at 4 p. m. on the 23d,
with the Sixth Ohio, Col. [A. C] Christopher; Twenty-third Kentucky, Maj. [T.
H. ] Hamrick; Eighty-fourth Illinois, Maj. [C. H. ] Morton; Twenty-fourth
Ohio, Capt. [A. T. M. ] Cockerill, and Parsons' battery, Lieut.'s [H. C. ] Cushing and [H. A. ] Huntington (the Thirty-sixth Indiana absent, at Nashville, with
supply train).
We marched that night to Readyville, 10 miles, and bivouacked until 5 o'clock
next morning [24th], when, according to the general's order, we crossed the
river there and took position on the other side, on the Woodbury pike, our skirmishers feeling their way into the woodland in front, before daylight, where
the enemy was known to have been the evening before. The other forces that
were to have co-operated with us not being up, we there rested until 8 o'clock,
when the general arrived, and we moved forward on the pike toward Woodbury, yet 6 miles distant, where the enemy was supposed to be in force, variously estimated from 1,000 to 6,000. The Second Brigade, Col. [W. B. ] Hazen,
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 24, 1863
under the command of Col. [W. H. ] Blake, came up and moved forward close
in our rear, the Twenty-third Kentucky and Twenty-fourth Ohio, of my brigade,
taking the advance, with two companies from each thrown forward as skirmishers on either side of the road.
After advancing about 3 miles, we came to the enemy's outpost, and skirmishing commenced. We advanced, however, cautiously and steadily, driving the
enemy within 1 mile of the town, where we found him posted in considerable
numbers behind a double stone fence, with a deep ravine in his rear, forming
complete protection against our small-arms. My two front regiments, with the
skirmishers, gained the crest of some high ground on the road, which off to the
left raised to a high hill; the Twenty-third Kentucky on the left hand the
Twenty-fourth Ohio on the right of the pike, in line, about 550 yards distant
from the enemy behind the stone fences; the Sixth Ohio and the Eighty-fourth
Illinois in reserve in rear. Col. Blake now came up and put in position the
Forty-first Ohio and Sixth Kentucky to my left, on the high hill, driving the
enemy's skirmishers therefrom as he advanced. At this time a general heavy
firing was kept up on both sides all along the line, our men sheltered by the
crest of the hill, the enemy by the stone fences, so but little injury was being
sustained on either side. I then requested, and the general sent me, two pieces
of Capt. [D. T. ] Cockerill's battery, under command of Lieut. [N. ] Osburn,
who soon paid his compliments to the stone fences and those behind them,
causing the enemy to retire in confusion, double-quick. We pursued to the farther side of the town. The enemy being all cavalry, could easily move out of
our way. He was, perhaps, about 1,000 strong, with no artillery. My forces met
no serious injury.
We found that the enemy had lost Lieut.-Col. [J. B. ] Hutcheson, 1 captain, and
3 men killed open the field (the former in command of the forces at the place),
and heard of others being carried off killed or wounded. One we saw mortally
wounded left in the town. My men having had so much desperate fighting
recently with he enemy, we might well have doubted a desire to again engage
him, but I am proud to say every officer and man, with energy and alacrity,
moved to the discharge of his whole duty.
Capt. [William] Boden, Twenty-third Kentucky, and Lieut. [I. N. ] Dryden,
Twenty-fourth Ohio, I notice as prompt and efficient commanders of the front
skirmish lines, and, perhaps, to some one of their men belongs the credit of
killing Col. Hutcheson, as he was killed by a Minie ball at an early stage of the
skirmishing.
Allow me to call attention to the want of co-operation of the cavalry that was to
have acted with our forces, as the cause of our not capturing the enemy.
I am, your obedient servant,
WM. GROSE, Col., Cmdg. third Brigade.
No. 2.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 129
January 24, 1863
Report of Col. John T. Wilder, Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, commanding brigade.
HDQRS. 1ST Brig., 5TH DIV., CENTER, 14TH ARMY CORPS, Murfreesborough, January 25, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that at 3 p. m. (23d instant) I received order to
move my brigade out the Bradyville pike, to act in concert with Brig.-Gen.
Palmer in an attack on Woodbury. The Seventy-second Regt. Indiana Volunteers being absent escorting a forage train, the One hundred and twenty-third
Regt. Illinois Volunteers was ordered to accompany me.
In accordance with the orders, I moved out the Bradyville pike to Cedar Run, 8
miles distant, and bivouacked until 4 o'clock next morning, when I aroused the
men and moved forward as fast as possible, and used proper precaution against
surprise. I had learned the 700 of Buford's rebel cavalry had moved toward
Bradyville the day before on the same road. I reached there at 8 a. m., and
found that the rebels had gone to Beech Grove without stopping. I then sent the
cavalry (1,000 strong), under Col. [R. H. G. ] Minty, of the Fourth Michigan
Cavalry, from Bradyville, to strike the McMinnville road beyond Woodbury. I
found no road practicable for artillery leading to Woodbury, except one that
goes down a creek and strikes the Woodbury pike 2 1/2 miles from Readyville.
After crossing over some very rough hills in trying to reach Woodbury from
the south side, I was compelled to go back to the road leading direct from
Bradyville to the Woodbury pike, and arrived at the pike at 2 p. m. Having
learned 5 miles back that Gen. Palmer had driven the rebels from Woodbury in
the morning, and had moved back to Readyville, I then moved up within 3
miles of Woodbury and bivouacked, waiting for the cavalry, which came in at 9
o'clock, having marched 21 miles from Bradyville before reaching Woodbury.
They had captured 1 captain and 4 privates of [A. ] Buford's cavalry at Woodbury, and fired upon and chased a scouting party of rebels who were loitering
about the place.
This morning, having no further orders, I returned to camp at Murfreesborough, reaching here at 4 p. m. It was impossible to reach Woodbury sooner, as
there is no road, except a bridle-path for neighborhood convenience in going to
mill between Bradyville and Woodbury, entirely impracticable for my artillery.
The country is rough and hilly, the hills covered with timber and generally
rocky. Even the cavalry could not get across without going 21 miles. Inclosed
find a sketch of the country and roads by which I traveled.NOTE 2
The cavalry force had with them a topographical engineer, who will, doubtless,
give a sketch of the roads traveled by them. The distance from Bradyville to
Woodbury by any practicable route is 12 miles, and 8 miles to Readyville.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. T. WILDER, Col., Cmdg. 1st Brig., 5th Div., Center, 14th Army Corps.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, pp. 18-20.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 25, 1863
NOTE 1: Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee lists this as an action.
NOTE 2: Not found.
January 24, 1863 - Anti-guerrilla sweep ordered from Clarksville, between the Tennessee
River and Murfreesborough, and the Cumberland and Duck Rivers
MURFREESBOROUGH, January 24, 1863.
Maj.-Gen. WRIGHT, Cincinnati:
Send two strong brigades, two batteries of artillery, and all your cavalry, with
the pack animals and saddles, from Louisville, by steamer to Clarksville, there
to disembark, and, with ten days' rations, to sweep the whole country from the
Tennessee River to this place, between the Cumberland and Duck Rivers. The
command should carry 120 rounds of ammunition per man, and have the limber-boxes and caissons filled. Please send balance of Granger's command by
steamer to Nashville, to join me here as soon as possible.
W. S. ROSECRANS.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, p. 10.
January 24, 1863 - Report of murder of Negroes by Confederate forces at Harpeth Shoals
and the Murfreesboro road
Barbarity.
It is reported that the negroes employed as cooks, etc., on the steamboats
recently captured near the shoals by the guerrillas, were butchered in the most
brutal manner by their captors, who dragged them aside and cut their throats.
Our informant states that they "stuck them as if they had been hogs." And yet
these rebels talk of the horrors of negro insurrections, while they perpetrate
atrocities which wild Congoes or Fejee cannibals never exceeded. Why if anything could inflame the slaves to insurrection, it would be the cowardly and
barbarous murder of these fellows on the Murfreesboro road, and at Harpeth
Shoals.
Nashville Daily Union, January 24, 1863.
January 25, 1863 - Capture of wagon train, AntiochNOTE 1
No circumstantial reports filed.
HDQRS. CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT NO. 2, January 29, 1863.
COL.: I have the honor to state that the cavalry of Lieut.-Gen. Hardee's corps,
under my command, were engaged as they advanced upon the Nashville and
Murfreesborough pike, and on the adjoining approaches, from the morning of
the 26th ultimo to the evening of the 29th. At midnight on the night of the 29th
ultimo I proceeded with the command across the West Fork of Stone's River,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 131
January 25, 1863
by way of the Lebanon road, hence by a circuitous route to Jefferson, where, at
about 9 a. m. on the 30th [of December], we attacked, captured, and destroyed
and entire brigade train. We then proceeded toward La Vergne, capturing a
party sent our after horses and mules, and also a foraging party. We attacked La
Vergne about 1 p. m., capturing about 500 prisoners, 200 stand of arms, and the
reserve wagon trains of the enemy; the wagons were destroyed. We then proceeded to Rock Spring, capturing a brigade train, which we destroyed, with its
equipage. We then proceeded to Nolensville, capturing a train and about 200
prisoners and 200 stand of arms.
We then made a circuit around Triune, and the next morning attacked the
enemy, stationed on the Nashville and Murfreesborough pike north of Overall's
Creek. We then moved down toward Murfreesborough and again attacked
them south of Overall's Creek, driving the enemy for a distance of 2 miles from
the Wilkinson pike to the Nashville pike, engaging their infantry and cavalry
until dark. We then withdrew to our position on the left of our wing. At daylight we proceeded again to La Vergne, in the enemy's rear, attacked a large
train, burned several wagons, and captured many prisoners. We then received
orders to return to the army we arrived at about 2 o'clock the next morning, and
placed our pickets out to the front. We remained in this position until dark,
when we moved again to Antioch, capturing a few wagons, and at about 3 p.
m. attacked a large train on Cox's Hill. After capturing the train, and injuring
some of the wagons, four regiments of infantry attacked us, and we were
obliged to retire. I then received orders to return, and arrived at my old stand,
on the left of our wing, at about 4 o'clock on Sunday morning, January 3 [4].
As our army had retired, I moved over the river and remained in Murfreesborough that day. Toward evening I skirmished with the enemy and withdrew my
pickets 3 miles at daylight the next morning.
At 3 p. m. Monday, the enemy advanced and engaged us warmly. The enemy
did not advance any farther.
On January 8, I moved over to the Cumberland, and a detachment, under Capt.
[Richard] McCann, destroyed the railroad bridge over Mill Creek and a construction train.
On the 12th we drove in a large foraging party of Nashville, and on the 13th
and 14th we captured a gunboat and four transports. We also destroyed a large
amount of stores at Ashland, which the enemy had left under guard, but the
guard ran off as we approached. Many other transports threw off a great part of
their cargo to avoid capture. On the 25th, we captured.a constructions train
near Antioch.
A detachment, under Maj. [D. W. ] Holman, captured another transport on the
17th.
Respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant,
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 25, 1863
JOS. WHEELER, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, pp. 960-961.
NOTE 1: Listed as an affair in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
Federal authorities took measures to prevent such future occurrences
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 5. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Murfreesborough, Tenn., January 27, 1863.
The general commanding has learned that a train has been lost and its guard
captured [25th] because they allowed themselves to be surprised without arms
in their hands, or with their arms unloaded; and that train guards are in the
habit of taking off their accouterments and placing their arms in the wagons.
Such disgraceful conduct on the part of both officers and men, instructed with
duties so important, renders them both morally and legally responsible for the
loss of life and public property which so frequently ensues.
It is, therefore, ordered that any officer in command of troops acting as train
guards who shall permit his men to take off their accouterments or lay aside
their arms, in our outside of the wagons, or whose troops shall be found with
their arms unloaded, shall forfeit all pay and allowances that may be due him,
and be dishonorably dismissed the service for gross misbehavior on guard
duty. Any non-commissioned officer or private on such duty, who shall be
found with his musket unloaded or out of his hands, or with his side arms off,
without the order or permission of his commanding officer, shall, for each
offense, forfeit one month's pay, and moreover be punished on the spot,
according to the nature and necessity of the offense. Any officer sending out
trains in contravention of orders, or without due notice to, and leave from, his
superior officer, or without adequate guards, shall be held pecuniarily responsible for any injury such trains may, sustain, and, moreover, be punished as for
misbehavior in the face of the enemy.
No picket guard will allow forage or other trains to pass its lines without written orders from the commanding officer of the division or independent brigade
to which such trains belong, nor without such guards as are reasonable and
have been customary on the road.
This order will be read at the head of each regiment and detached company in
this army, and it shall be the special duty of all division and brigade inspectors
to see that it is carried into immediate effect.
By command of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, p. 17.
January 25, 1863 - Skirmish near Mill Creek, near Murfreesborough
JANUARY 25, 1863.-Skirmish near Mill Creek, Tenn.
REPORTS.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 133
January 25, 1863
No. 1.-Col. John M. Harlan, Tenth Kentucky Infantry, commanding brigade.
No. 2.-Lieut. Col. Christopher J. Dickerson, Tenth Michigan Infantry.
No. 3.-Sergt. Thomas Branch, Company I, Tenth Michigan Infantry.
No. 1.
Reports of Col. John M. Harlan, Tenth Kentucky Infantry, commanding brigade.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, La Vergne, Tenn., January 25, 1863.
MAJ.: I hereby submit a copy of the report of Capt. [V. ] Cupp, First Ohio Cavalry, commanding detachment of cavalry at this point, containing all the information gained by his scouts with regard to the enemy in this vicinity:
LA VERGNE, January 25, 1863.
A train of cars were attacked one-half mile this side of Antioch this morning.
Two cars were burned; 55 prisoners captured and paroled by the enemy-a cavalry force under command of Forrest. The force at Mill Creek Bridge came to
relieve the train, and succeeded in saving the locomotive and several cars. This
force is estimated at about 2,000, and it is supposed that they have returned
toward Franklin.
[V. ] CUPP, Capt. First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry.
As soon as I heard that the enemy were in this vicinity I ordered all the trains
on the road to Nashville to halt here until I had ascertained the facts in the case.
Brig.-Gen. Stanley came here about 12 o'clock m., and, on consultation with
him, permitted the trains to proceed on their way to Nashville, first, however,
causing the men who were riding in the wagons to get out and form in the
front, rear, and center of the trains. In addition to this guard, I sent one regiment and one piece of artillery from my command to escort them 4 or 5 miles,
and return to-night. Everything indicates that the enemy have gone in the direction of Franklin.
I am, major, very respectfully, yours,
JOHN M. HARLAN, Col., Cmdg. Second Brigade.
LA VERGNE, January 26, 1863.
SIR: At daylight this morning I left here with three regiments of infantry
(Fourth Kentucky, Tenth Kentucky, and Seventy-fourth Indiana), a section of
Southwick's battery, and the cavalry detachments sent from Murfreesborough
last night, increased by Capt. Cupp's company, First Ohio Cavalry, on duty
here, and marched toward Concord enemy was found. I halted the infantry at
the church, and sent the cavalry down the pike to Nolensville. No enemy was
found there, and I do not believe that there is any enemy at this time within
reach.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 25, 1863
Upon their trip of to-day I ascertained the following facts, upon which, I think,
you may place reliance, viz.,: Saturday night two brigades of rebel cavalry,
numbering between 3,000 and 4,000 men, with eight pieces of artillery, came
from the direction of Franklin, and halted at Concord Church. The force was
Wheeler's old brigade and Forrest's old brigade, temporarily under the command of [James W. ] Starnes. I saw where the whole force encamped. During
the night a force was detached from the main body of the enemy, not exceeding
1,000 and not less than 500, and sent to Antioch, near the railroad, where a
small construction train was attacked and about 25 prisoners taken; but little
damage done to the train; the locomotive and the main body of the cars were
not hurt. The remainder of the force at Mill Creek Bridge, No. 3, came out of
their stockade and went to the assistance of the small party with the train. The
enemy retired in some haste.
It so happened that on yesterday [25th] I ordered the small cavalry squad here
to be divided, and sent at daylight on all the different roads leading to the
Nolensville [pike]. Those patrols came upon the flankers of the force going to
Antioch at several points, fired upon them, and this probably induced the
enemy to believe that a force was getting into their rear, and hence their sudden
exit. The rebels who attacked the train returned to Concord Church by 9.30 or
10 o'clock in the day, and the entire force here immediately left, went to
Nolensville, and from that point, it is believed, went in the direction of Shelbyville. They had all left Concord Church by 11 or 12 o'clock in the day.
The train attacked seems to be a train which stays this side of Mill Creek
Bridge, No. 3; was cut off from Nashville by the destruction of that bridge,
which is not yet rebuilt.
The force which came out from Nashville last night returned early this morning. I do not return to camp until late this afternoon.
Some of the rebel officers and men were heard to say upon heir arrival at Concord Church that they were en route to attack La Vergne. If they entertained
such a purpose it was abandoned from some cause; probably because they
learned that we were to some extent entrenched here.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
JOHN M. HARLAN, Col., Cmdg. Second Brigade, Third Division, Center.
No. 2.
Report of Lieut. Col. Christopher J. Dickerson, Tenth Michigan Infantry.
HDQRS. TENTH REGT. MICHIGAN VOL. INFANTRY, Nashville, January
30, 1863.
COL.: In accordance with order previously received, there have been detailed
from this regiment 25 privates, 2 corporals, and 1 sergeant, who are stationed
at Bridge No. 3, on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, about 9 miles distant from this City. On the 25th instant, about 10 a. m., an engine, with a number of cars attached, was started from Bridge No. 3., in the direction of La
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 135
January 25, 1863
Vergne, having on board the train between 25 and 30 men, acting as a train
guard. After moving out about 1 1/2 miles, the cars were suddenly thrown from
the track, in consequence of one of the rails having been slightly removed from
its place.
An attack was immediately made upon the train by a band of guerrillas, numbering from 100 to 150, said to be a part of Dick McCann's force. The train
guard was captured and an effort made to burn the cars and engine. Sergt. Thomas Branch, with his squad of men detailed from this regiment, hearing firing
in the direction of the train, quickly started with his men to relieve the train, if
possible. Upon arriving in sight of the train, about 40 rebels were observed in
the act of setting the cars and engine on fire with some rails which they had
collected for that purpose. Sergeant Branch, getting his men into position,
moved up near the train and fired a volley at the car-burners, who immediately
broke and ran for their horses, which were hitched to a fence a short distance
off. After recapturing the train and driving the enemy for some distance, the
engine and cars were run back to Bridge No. 3.
Sergeant Branch and the men under his command are entitled to much credit
for the manner in which they behaved on this occasion.
They accomplished what a much larger force have often failed to accomplish
under more favorable circumstances. Inclosed I forward a copy of a report
made to me by Sergeant Branch.
Respectfully submitted.
C. J. DICKERSON, Lieut. Col., Cmdg. Tenth Regt. Michigan Infantry.
No. 3.
Reports of Sergt. Thomas Branch, Company I, Tenth Michigan Infantry.
MILL CREEK, NASHVILLE AND CHATTANOOGA RAILROAD, January
27, 1863.
COL.: In accordance with your order, which I received this day, I will proceed
to write a statement of facts relating to the skirmish which took place near here
on the 25th instant.
The engine, with a number of cars, started in the direction of La Vergne. There
were from 25 to 30 men on the cars, acting as a train guard. In a short time after
the train moved, I heard firing up the track supposing it to be an attack on the
train, I ordered my men to fall in. In three minutes we were moving on a double-quick up the track.
We soon came upon a rebel mounted picket, who ordered us to halt. We replied
by sending a number of shots after him. He ran, and we saw no more of him.
I now ordered 12 men to move forward as skirmishers until they came opposite
the train, the rally and move toward the road. The balance of my men moved
up toward the track on the right of the skirmishers. When we came within a
few yards of the train we could distinctly hear the rebels at work burning the
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 25, 1863
train. Some one hallowed, "Tom, hurry up; the devils are burning the train!"
We were now opposite the train, and I gave the command, "Rally on the right
file." We soon got into line and moved up within range, when we gave them a
volley. They jumped from the cars and ran for the their horses, which were tied
to a fence about 60 rods from the train. We gave one yell and charged on them,
or I should say after them, for they had got quite the start of us. We drove them
into the woods, until we saw at least two companies of cavalry in line waiting
for the car-burners, who were about 40 in number. They retreated over a hill
and we left them.
We now devoted our attention to putting out the fires which they had kindled
on the train with rails. Some of the fires had got pretty well to going, and one
car was partly burned up. After putting out the fires, we ran the train into our
camp.
We captured two horses, with equipments, and several guns. How many we
killed I know not. The paroled prisoners who were captured on the train say
they know we killed 2 and wounded a number. These are the facts, as near as I
can state them.
THOMAS BRANCH, Sergeant Company I, Tenth Michigan Infantry,
Cmdg. Guard to Construction Train on Nash. and Chat. R. R.
[Indorsements.]
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, February 4, 1863.
Respectfully forwarded.
Sergeant Branch acquitted himself with a great deal of credit in this spirited
affair he so modestly details. Many officers of a much higher grade would not
have done as well. By his courage and coolness he not only drove away the
enemy, but saved to the Government valuable property. He ought to be promoted.
JAMES D. MORGAN, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
HDQRS. UNITED STATES FORCES, Nashville, Tenn., February 4, 1863.
Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters.
All reports concur in attributing officer like qualities to this soldier. I respectfully recommend his promotion.NOTE 1
ROBT. B. MITCHELL, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, 23, pt. I, pp. 20-24.
NOTE 1: There is no information in the OR to indicate that Sergt. Thomas Branch was
promoted. He was, at least, the first on the Army of the Cumberland's "Roll
of Honor, " by command of Major-General Rosecrans:
SPECIAL FIELD OFFICERS, No. 33.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 137
January 25, 1863
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, Tenn., February 5, 1863.
~~~
XVII. The general commanding feels great pleasure in announcing as first
of his company upon the Roll of Honor of this army, Sergt. Thomas Branch,
Company 1, Tenth Michigan Volunteers. In command of a squad of 25 men,
Sergeant Branch, on the 25th of January, hearing the firing of the rebel guerrillas on the construction train on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad,
disposed his men in an admirable manner, moved them at double-quick to
the front of attack, and charged upon a force more than double his own numbers, and supported by still larger reserves, put them to flight at the point of
the bayonet, and then recovered and brought back with him the engine and
cars, which had been thrown from the track and set on fire. It is such conduct
as this that makes men soldiers, and that the general commanding is proud
to honor.
By command of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, p. 48.
January 25, 1863 - Reconnaissance from Murfreesborough to Auburn
No circumstantial reports filed.
January 25, 1863 - West Tennessee Rebel guerrilla chief, R. V. Richardson, announces retaliatory policy
HDQRS. RICHARDSON'S PARTISAN RANGERS, C. S. ARMY, January
25, 1863.
Whereas Col. J. K. Mizner, commanding U. S. forces at Brownsville, Tenn.,
has issued a proclamation addressed to James Whitelaw, H. W. Colter, James
Bond, Dr. E. A. Taylor, Wiley Mann, Robert Wilson, Dr. E. Davis, Charles F.
Read, T. P. Livingston, R. Y. Longley, George T. Taylor, F. Maclin, Dr. J. S.
Peete, C. P. TaliaferroNOTE 1and all indefinitely alleging that the persons and
property of many Union citizens having been threatened by guerrillas and persons claiming allegiance to or sympathy with the so-called Confederate States,
and notifying all persons in Haywood and Tipton Counties that in case of
molestation of the person or property of all loyal citizens living within the military district of Jackson, Tenn., the above-mentioned persons to be held responsible in person and property for all acts of violence; that in case of the arrest of
any loyal citizen double the number will be arrested and held as hostages and
twice the amount of property taken or injured will be levied from citizens
therein named: Now therefore in reply to this paper bullet fired across the
Hatchie River by the brave Col. Mizner at unoffending non-combatants be it
known that for each man named and every other good and loyal citizen of the
Confederate States living in Haywood and Tipton Counties, Tenn., who may be
arrested under the aforesaid proclamation I will have shot twice the number of
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 25, 1863
Yankee soldiers taken in battle or on duty, and for each dollar's worth of property taken under said proclamation I will take or destroy twice the amount from
the United States, their soldiers and Union men. It may be as well to proclaim
hereby also that for every house burned by the U. S. soldiers I will shoot five
U. S. soldiers on duty or taken in battle. The impudence of the aforesaid
brave's proclamation consists in the fact that while he, his officers and men are
stealing from all Southern men horses and mule, negroes and chickens and
arresting unoffending men, women and children he threatens to do these things
if "loyal citizens" as he calls them are molested in person and property. From
such men and infamous Government to which they render such disgraceful service Southern men have nothing to hope except what their arms can secure.
To all soldiers in the Army of the United States who have become tired of a
war waged to free negroes and enslave white men I extend an invitation to lay
down their arms and seek my command for protection; all such shall be treated
as friends and brothers.
R. V. RICHARDSON, Col., Cmdg. First Tennessee Regt. of Partisan Rangers,
C. S. Army.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, pp. 821-822.
NOTE 1: There is no reference in the OR, or the OR General Index to these individuals.
January 25, 1863 - ". . . I can have the fun of shooting at Yankees. . . " a Texas Ranger's letter home from Middle Tennessee
Mr. Polk Childress, who in Capt. Houston's Company, Terry's Texas Rangers,
wrote to his mother, Jan. 25th, from near Shelbyville, from which we take the
following:
"I went all through the Murfreesboro fight and never received a scratch. One
Regiment lost sixty four killed and wounded; our company three; Ellis and
Burns supposed to be badly wounded, and Blair shot through the arm. Our
company has only fifty men, officers and all; it is next to the smallest company
in the Regiment.
I have been in the war sixteen months, and can stay that much longer if necessary, but I would like to have peace and go home; but I have never regretted
coming to Tennessee, where I can have the fun of shooting at Yankees, occasionally. It would have killed me to have been compelled to lay in one of the
forts on the frontier, doing nothing; here I have something to keep me alive and
stirring; and I consider the good health I have had owing to the constant exercise. I have plenty of money, a good horse, six-shooter and sharp-shooter."
San Antonio Semi-Weekly News, March 16, 1863.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 139
January 25, 1863
January 25, 1863 - Confederate prisoners of war and female visitors in Nashville
Is it not a little singular that a great many ladies, living not a thousand miles
from Nashville, who were eager to force their husbands, sons and brothers into
the rebel army two years ago, to be absent for three years, or during the war,
are importunate in asking permission to visit them every day or two, after they
are brought in as prisoners of war, and fed far better than they were in the rebel
army? Why should these ladies profess to be so solicitous about the comfort of
their friends who are held as prisoners, by humane Federal authority, when
they compelled these very friends not long ago to endure every kind of want
and suffering, by forcing them into the rebel service? Where were their sympathies and tender affections then, that they did not entreat their very dear friends
not to engage in the rebellion? We do not understand why it is that some of
these ladies run after rebel prisoners, particularly if they are officers, striped
with tawdy tinsel, with the most extravagant demonstrations of affection, when
they coolly dismissed those whom nature taught them to love more dearly into
the very midst of imminent dangers and great suffering, to risk their lives in
support of wicked rebellion. Perhaps the secret of all this is that some people
delight in sensations and outward demonstrations. Some nations demand continual excitement. We have known people who witness the most appalling
scenes of suffering on the streets, without the slightest emotion and retire to
their rooms to weep over the impossible sorrows of the last novel.
Nashville Daily Union, January 25, 1863.
January 25, 1863 - January 26, 1863 - Brigadier-General Gideon J. Pillow's report on Confederate conscript sweeps in Lincoln, Bedford and Marshall, Franklin,
Williams, Maury, and Giles counties
HDQRS. VOLUNTEER AND CONSCRIPT BUREAU, Shelbyville, January
25, 1863.
Col. BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.:
To-day I have worked through six brigades; will continue the work to-morrow.
Col. Biffle's regiment has moved north in the field work, and will to-morrow
rake this county from near the enemy's lines south. I have made provisions
with Gen. Wharton to cover the movement and protect the command. Gen.
Forrest is present and informs me that Dibrell's regiment is on the way through
Marshall County to Fayetteville. I have sent a courier for him and will order
him directly to the starting-ground to sweep the four corners of the counties
referred to in my dispatch yesterday. I will then sweep over Williams and
Maury. I applied to Gen. Cheatham for an officer to carry forward my instructions to Tullahoma and place the details from that corps under working orders,
but he declines allowing even for that temporary service any officer that I think
equal to the work. I cannot put that duty on one in whom I have not full confidence. I see no alternative but to come forward myself, but it would have
greatly advanced my work if he would have allowed me the use of a satisfac-
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January 25, 1863
tory officer. If I had the corps of Lieut.-Gen. Hardee under working orders I
could see my work going on satisfactory. The general may rely on my doing all
that it is possible to accomplish.
Respectfully,
GID. J. PILLOW, Brig.-Gen., C. S. Army, and Chief of Bureau.
OR, Ser. IV, Vol. 2, p. 371.
HDQRS. VOLUNTEER AND CONSCRIPT BUREAU, Shelbyville, January
26, 1863.
Col. CAMPBELL, Principal Assistant for Middle Tennessee:
Col. Avery has instructions to sweep the county of Lincoln, arresting stragglers, absentees, deserters, and all men liable to the operations of the conscript
law and bring them in to you. Having performed that duty, you will hold him in
hand and use his command as actively as possible in gathering up stragglers
and conscripts in the counties of Franklin, Lincoln, Giles, Lawrence, and in
that portion of North Alabama laying along the Tennessee line within the counties above indicated. I will put a working force in the other counties myself...
~~~
Respectfully,
GID. J. PILLOW, Brig.-Gen., C. S. Army, Chief of Bureau.
OR, Ser. IV, Vol. 2, p. 374.
January 25, 1863 - January 28, 1863 - Counter-insurgency scout between Bolivar and Ripley
Mississippi
JANUARY 25, 1863.-Scout between Bolivar, Tenn., and Ripley, Miss.
Report of Maj. Daniel M. Emerson, First West Tennessee Cavalry.
HDQRS. FIRST WEST TENNESSEE CAVALRY, Bolivar, Tenn., January 28,
1863.
SIR: On the 25th day of January, 1863, in pursuance of Special Orders, No. 17,
post headquarters, with a detachment of First West Tennessee Cavalry and the
independent companies of the Tippah and Mississippi Rangers, I proceeded to
scout the country between Bolivar, Tenn., and Ripley, Miss., to break up the
guerrilla bands infesting that neighborhood.
About 4 p. m., after I had proceeded about 18 miles, my rear guard was
attacked by 15 men, who fired a volley, disabling a horse belonging to Private
John Rose, of the First West Tennessee Cavalry; he, being thrown to the
ground, was captured by them. As soon as the firing was heard, I immediately
faced the column about, and pursued them about 2 miles into a piece of woods,
when they scattered in different directions, making farther pursuit useless.
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January 1863 — Page 141
January 26, 1863
They were dressed partly in Federal uniform, and were a portion of the noted
Sol. [G. ] Street's company of guerrillas, who infest that section of the country.
January 26.-I scouted the woods and by-paths supposed to be frequented by the
enemy, but was unsuccessful in meeting him; learned that he camped a short
distance from me the night before, his force not being sufficient to attack me.
January 27.-On the march to-day captured the following Confederates, viz., : F.
M. Stewart, lieutenant-colonel Twenty-second Tennessee Infantry; F. Stith,
lieutenant and adjutant Twenty-second Tennessee Infantry; N. Crouch, private
Twenty-third Mississippi Infantry, and J. C. Jackson, Thirty-seventh Mississippi Infantry. In conversing with these officers, I found their intentions were
to pass our lines during the night between Bolivar and Grand Junction, and
make their way to Shelby County, Tennessee. They undoubtedly were going to
recruit for their regiment. The privates were found at their houses, being at
home on furlough. My intentions were to proceed to Ripley, Miss., but having
received reliable information that a regiment of rebel cavalry was there, I
thought it prudent not to venture farther, so I commenced my march toward
Bolivar, bringing my prisoners with me. Camped about 30 miles from Bolivar,
the enemy following near.
January 28.-Resumed march toward Bolivar, and arrived here about 4 p. m.,
and turned the prisoners over to the provost-marshal for disposal.
The independent rangers were of great service to me as guides, they being residents of the country I passed through. My whole command behaved themselves on the march well. Nothing has been done, to my knowledge, contrary
to existing orders.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
DANIEL M. EMERSON, Maj., Cmdg. First West Tennessee Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. I, pp. 331-332.
January 26, 1863 - General Orders, No. 10 issued, Memphis, relative to spies, punishment,
contraband
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 10., HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE,
Memphis, Tenn., January 26, 1863.
I. It being a violation of the provisions of the Dix-Hill cartel to parole prisoners
at any other points than those designated in said cartel except by agreement
between the generals commanding the opposing forces no paroles hereafter
given to Federal soldiers in violation of such provisions of said cartel will be
respected.
II. Officers or soldiers who by straggling from their commands are captured
and paroled will at once be arrested and brought to trial before a court-martial.
III. Guerrillas or Southern soldiers caught in the uniforms of Federal soldiers
will not be treated as organized bodies of the enemy but will be closely con-
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 26, 1863
fined and held for the action of the War Department. Those caught within the
lines of the Federal Army in such uniforms or in citizen's dress will be treated
as spies.
IV. Officers, soldiers and citizens are prohibited from purchasing horses, mules
or military clothing from anyone connected with the Army without special
authority. In order that improper and dishonest appropriation of captured property may be prevented commanding officers will exercise vigilance in enforcing this order and report every violation of it, to the end that offenders may be
summarily punished.
V. Steam-boats are prohibited from carrying stock of any description North
without permits granted by division or army corps commanders or the provostmarshal-general, and violations of this restriction will be punished at the discretion of a military commission.
By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, p. 216.
January 26, 1863 - Special Orders, No. 26, relative to prohibition of alcoholic beverages and
gambling by U. S. soldiers in Memphis
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 26. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., January 26, 1863.
The bars on all boats in Government service in this department will be closed,
and no spirituous, vinous, or malt liquors will be allowed to be sold on boats or
in the camps. Card-playing and gaming is also strictly prohibited.
It is made the special duty of provost-marshals and of all commissioned officers, guards, and patrols to see that this order is enforced, and to arrest all parties
found violating the same and deliver them over to the nearest commanding
officer, by whom they will be punished at the discretion of court-martial or
military commission. Boats violating this order will have their bar stores and
turned over to the medical purveyor for the use of the army.
~~~
By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24 pt. III, p. 15.
January 26, 1863 - Confederate Engineer's plans for the fortification of Chattanooga
ENGINEER'S OFFICE, Chattanooga, January 26, 1863.
Gen. J. E. JOHNSON, Cmdg. Department No. 2, Chattanooga, Tenn.:
GEN.: According go your instructions I have the honor to submitting to you a
small sketch in order to fortify Chattanooga.NOTE 1I shall not undertake to
demonstrate the utility of fortifying that place. Every one can see at once in
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January 1863 — Page 143
January 26, 1863
looking at the map of the country that it is one of the most strategical points of
this department. Consequently I will proceed at once the explanation of the
system of fortifications I respectfully propose to your approval. My first object
in locating these fortifications has been to study the probable approaches by
which the enemy can attack this point. I am arrived to the conclusion that Chattanooga can be approached only from three different points: First, by the
Walden's Ridge road north of the river; second, by crossing the river some distance above and coming by the way of Harrison or Cleveland; third, by crossing the river below at Battle Creek, or at Kelley's Ferry, and coming through
Lookout Mountain. I propose to defend the first approach (north of the river)
with the works Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each of them is located on a commanding
position, and are combined together in order to concentrate their fires on any
points the enemy might take on the opposite bank of the river. A more efficient
defense can be made by occupying the two points marked 13 and 14, and
building a pontoon bridge over the river for communication. Such bridge might
be very useful, too, for other purpose. The second approach (by crossing the
river below) is to be defended by the works Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, all of
which are located on commanding positions and arranged together in order to
cross their fires. The third approach (through Lookout Mountain) is to be
defended by the works Nos. 11 and 12, on the flank of Lookout Mountain, and
in case of necessity assisted by the works Nos. 8, 9, and 10. All the works are
to be provided with a magazine. Besides, I propose a central magazine the for
depot, to be put in the work No. 1. I shall speak of the armament of these works
in a few days.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. NOCQUET, Maj. and Chief Engineer, Department, No. 2.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. II, p. 417.
NOTE 1: Not found.
January 26, 1863 - Description of Germantown
Monday, 26th. . . This town is fifteen miles east of Memphis on the Memphis
& Charleston Railway, and but a short distance from the Mississippi and Tennessee State Line. Like most southern towns it has suffered much from the
War. Some houses have been burned, and others are deserted and are used as
soldiers' barracks. The country around is the best I have seen in the south.
Pomeroy Diaries, January 26, 1863.
January 27, 1863 - Affair near GermantownNOTE 1
JANUARY 27, 1863.-Affair near Germantown, Tenn.
Report of Col. Ephraim R. Eckley, Eightieth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, Seventh Division, Sixteenth Army Corps.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 27, 1863
CAMP NEAR GERMANTOWN, January 28, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on yesterday a forage train from this brigade was attacked by a force of rebel cavalry of about 75. The escort covered
the train, and brought it off in safety without any loss to this brigade. But a
party of 24, of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, being in the same vicinity, were
drawn into ambush and fired on by the whole party. Three were killed, 3
wounded (2 seriously), and 16 missing.
I sent re-enforcements immediately, but they retreated hastily across the Coldwater. I immediately placed a force of infantry at the bridge across the Nonconnah, and informed Col. Lee, of the Seventh Kansas, who sent a force of cavalry
this morning at daylight down the Hernando road and another to Miller's
Bridge, who are pressing them hard Their force south of the Coldwater and
west if Byhalia is represented to be at least 500 strong. They have annoyed us
almost every day by sending small parties to attack and harass our trains and
pickets. As yet we have, by caution, prevented any [loss] to my command,
except 1 private was slightly [wounded] in the leg while on picket.
I am still confident that no one has been permitted to cross the railroad without
permission.
The almost impassable condition of the roads has, I think, saved us from a general attack from the south. Citizens who communicate with me confidentially
inform me that it is [G. L. ] Blythe's force that is in our front. [R. V. ] Richardson's force is badly cut up, and is no longer formidable for mischief.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. R. ECKLEY, Col., Cmdg. Second Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. I, pp. 332-333.
NOTE 1: Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee lists this as a skirmish.
January 27, 1863 - A Methodist circuit rider's encounter with a Confederate picket on the
road to Woodbury
Tuesday, Jan. 27th: Owing to the inclemency of the weather, from snow, I have
not attended my appointment today. We are having another considerable snow,
to-day.
In my travels this afternoon, I met with several picket guards, as there are Confederate troops in the country. The first guard I came to, was an Irishman on
the Woodbury road some two and a-half miles from Alexandria. On coming to
him, I asked him if he was standing picket there. In the tone peculiar to his
race, he answered in the affirmative, saying also, in a rather feverish manner,
that no man could pass there without a "pass." I told him I had no pass, and
enquired of him where I should get one. He said he did not know, but that no
man could pass there without a pass. This he would often repeat, as I would
talk to him. At length I thought I would enter into a rather social conversation
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January 1863 — Page 145
January27, 1863
with him, remarking that he had a rite cold spell of weather (ground then covered with snow) on him, when he replied he could not help it, and that no man
could pass there with a "pass." I could not approach him, it seemed, by any
means. At length a fellow-soldier of his, who was in a house, nearby, came out
and told him to let me pass in, that citizens should go in, but not out, without a
"pass." Then he passed me. From that point about two miles I passed six picket
posts, the first and last being filled by Irish men. I found it not difficult to pass
any post except those filled by Irish Men. And by neither of these could I pass
without assistance by others.
I learned this fact, from experience, this evening: that there was a vast difference between the native American and the Irish in the consideration of circumstances. With but little difficulty I could reason my natives into a permission to
pass, and even those who were not on picket duty would volunteer their services and assist me at any point; but by no post filled by an Irish Man, could I
pass, without assistance, and even then, 'twas done hesitatingly. And I am satisfied that an Irish man makes a good picket guard, provided they are all like this
two. . .
Private Journal of Joseph J. Pitts, 1862-1864, entry for January 27, 1863.NOTE 1
NOTE 1: As cited in John M. Martin, ed., "A Methodist Circuit Rider Between the
Lines: The Private Journal of Joseph J. Pitts, 1862-1864, " Tennessee Historical Quarterly, No. 3 (September 1960), p. 255.
January27, 1863 - Federal man power shortages to be alleviated by GENERAL ORDERS,
No. 6, allowing the hire of citizens and slaves as teamsters, laborers and
hospital attendants in Murfreesborough
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 6. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Murfreesborough, Tenn., January 27, 1863.
The general commanding, desiring to increase as far as possible the effective
force of this army, by returning to their regiments able-bodied men, now on
detached service as teamsters, laborers, and hospital attendants, directs that
their places be supplied, as far as possible, by the substitution of men hired for
the purpose. To accomplish this, the following directions are given:
I. Citizens residing within or without the limits of this department may be
employed and paid by quartermasters, as teamsters, wagon masters, and laborers, and by the medical department as hospital attendants.
II. Negroes may be employed, and paid in conformity with the act of Congress,
as follows:
1st. As teamsters, on quartermaster's trains, provided a sufficient number of
white teamsters and wagon-masters are retained to preserve order.
2d. As laborers, in the quartermaster and engineer departments.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January27, 1863
3d. As cooks, nurses, and attendants in hospitals.
4th. As company cooks, two to a company.
5th. As officers' servants, according to the number allowed by law.
Commanders of corps, divisions, brigades, and independent posts are authorized to procure and employ negroes as above:
1st. From those found free and roaming at large.
2d. From those belonging to masters serving in the rebel army, or who have
been employed in any manner in the rebel service.
3d. From those belonging to persons who, though not now serving in the rebel
cause, are disloyal, or have children or other near relatives in the rebel army,
who are benefited or maintained by the labor of such slaves.
Lastly, when it becomes an absolute necessity, from among those belonging to
loyal men. In this case a copy of the order directing their employment, and a
descriptive list of persons so employed, shall be given to the owner, duly
authenticated by the commanding officer of the troops in whose service they
are employed.
The commanding general enjoins great caution in the employment of women
in any case where it might lead to immorality.NOTE 1
III. All persons so employed in each regiment, except those employed as officers' servants, will be entered on quartermasters' rolls as laborers or teamsters,
stating their age, sex, name of master or claimant, date of employment, and the
length of time employed; and in the column of "remarks" will be noted on what
duty and by whom employed. Those employed by the engineer, quartermaster,
or medical departments will be entered on their appropriate rolls. They will be
provided with clothing, to be deducted from their pay, the balance to be paid to
the person employed, unless he belong to a loyal master, in which case payment will be made to the master.
Every negro thus employed will receive a certificate from his employer, setting
forth the fact and nature of his employment, and no male or female negro will
remain in camp or be subsisted therein without such certificate.
IV. Cmdg. officers and medical directors of corps, divisions, brigades, and
posts are directed to substitute hired labor as far as practicable for that of
detailed men, and are ordered to return all soldiers now performing such duty
to their regiments as fast as their places can be supplied.
By command of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, pp. 17-18.
NOTE 1: This aspect of Civil War activity in Middle Tennessee, that is, interracial
sexual relations between white soldiers and negro women has not been carefully researched. There are few records that speak to the phenomenon. See,
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 147
January 27, 1863
however, July 6, 1863-August 4, 1863, "Battle of Smoky Row" below.
January 27, 1863 - Naval reconnaissance on the Cumberland River and skirmish between
Confederate cavalry and U. S. S. Lexington at Harpeth Shoals
Telegram [to Major-General Rosecrans]
Clarksville, January 27, 1863
Wheeler's and Forrest's forces are between Charlotte and the [Harpeth] Shoals.
The gunboat Lexington was up to Shoals today. Had three cannon balls strike
her. Rebels were shelled out. They are collecting such supplies as the country
affords. Fifth Iowa Cavalry captured a few of their wagons yesterday and carried them to Donelson.
S. D. Bruce, Commanding Post
Telegram [to Major Goddard]
Nashville, January 27, 1863
No gunboats arrived yet. The gunboat Lexington made a reconnaissance from
Clarksville to the [Harpeth] Shoals this morning. Was struck three times by
enemy's guns at B_____, NOTE 1without injury. We succeeded in driving the
rebels out. Twenty six transports and four gunboats are on their way to-night.
Will arrive some time to-morrow.
Robert B. Mitchell, Brigadier-General, Commanding
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, p. 15.
NOTE 1: Possibly Besthesda, Tenn.
January 27, 1863 - An 89th Illinois Volunteer Sergeant's thinking about the Emancipation
Proclamation; an excerpt from George G. Sinclair's letter home, from
camp in the Murfreesboro environs, January 27, 1863
. . . I am tempted to think a little differently for all or most of our generals have
gone to Washington and to us, we have it here, find out what we are fight for
whether it is altogether for the nigger or the Union and Constitution as it was.
If the nigger is the object and Abe Lincoln's Proclamation still to be the main
feature and guide for the prosecution of this unholy war against our own countrymen, then I am out of it forever and shall act conscientiously in leaving the
army. There are other news too that we have started some excitement and
hopes that it may be so, that was of the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana
and Ohio repudiating the President's Proclamation of September 22nd 1862,
their legislation refusing to raise another dollar or another man to carry on the
war with and farther to recall all the troops that each of the states have in the
field unless the President recalled his proclamation. I hope this may be so for
them, it will give the nigger loving quality a chance to fight for the freedom of
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 28, 1863
their homes having been deceived in the object of this war and swindled into
enlisting to preserve he Union when in fact it was only a cloak to raise men to
fight their abolition battles.
~~~
Sinclair Correspondence
January 27, 1863 - Nathan Bedford Forrest and Confederate conscription in Franklin
Conscription in Franklin.
The doughty Forrest in his recent visit to Franklin, the county seat of Williamson, had a lively time, in enforcing the Conscription Law. On arriving there
with his cavalry, he selected a spot, placed guards around it, and ordered all the
male citizens in the town to repair thither without a moment's delay. The order
was promulgated by dirty ruffians who galloped up and down the streets, with
menacing sabres. The citizens obeyed, and hurried to the rendezvous indicated
in great trepidation not knowing what dreadful event was about to happen.
Pell-mell they rushed along singly, and in squads, until they arrived at the
place, where the terrible ogre Forrest, the "rawhead and bloody bones" of guerrilla warfare was standing with his brigands. He ordered all who were within
the limits of the Conscription Law--except those who owned twenty negroes-to come along with him as soldiers in the Confederate Army, and threatened to
blow every traitor to the devil, who hesitated one moment. One of the unfortunate gentlemen, thus summarily mustered into service, the clerk of the Court,
named Robinson, approached Forrest, and asked to be allowed to go to his
room for a few minutes to make some necessary arrangements for this unexpected campaign. Forrest replied by drawing his pistol, and clubbing it, beat
the poor fellow several times over the head, gashing it frightfully. After this
exhibition of chivalry, the crowd walked off after Forrest, as meekly as the
negro-gangs which he used to lead to auction, when he plied his vocation of
slave-trader at Memphis.
Nashville Daily Union, January 27, 1863.
January 28, 1863 - Skirmish near Yorkville
JANUARY 28, 1863.-Skirmish near Yorkville, Tenn.
Report of Col. Oliver Wood, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry.
HDQRS. UNITED STATES FORCES, Trenton, Tenn., January 29, 1863
SIR: I have to report to you concerning the skirmish near Yorkville, Tenn. (15
miles northwest of Trenton), as follows, viz., :
Yesterday, 28th instant, about 9 a. m., the detachment of infantry, 110 men,
under command of Capt. Govette, Twenty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteers,
after having been divided into four parties for foraging, were attacked by [W.
A. ] Dawson and his band, 98 or 99 men (as the citizens report.) The party
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January 1863 — Page 149
January 28, 1863
which was attacked numbered 30 in all, under the immediate command of
Capt. Govette, who, with the assistance of Capt. Moffitt and 10 men of the
Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, soon repulsed Dawson, with no loss whatever on our side. Dawson lost 1 killed and 5 wounded; also 2 horses wounded.
Immediately after the skirmish, our forage party commenced gathering what
they had left when attacked, making in all 6 wagon loads of corn and 2,000
pounds of salted meats, which will be sent to Jackson to-night, excepting the
meat. The infantry detachment (Twenty-second Ohio) will return to Trenton tonight.
As soon as the cavalry which was sent for this morning arrives from Jackson, I
intend sending out every horse and man that can be mounted, for the purpose
of entirely clearing the county of Dawson.NOTE 1Last night I had occasion to
send Capt. Miner with 9 men, mounted, to South Gibson. On his way down he
reports that he passed the picket line at Humboldt without being halted, and
that the guard fired but once, and that, too, after the squad had passed.
Respectfully, yours,
O. WOOD, Col., Cmdg. Post.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. I, p. 333.
NOTE 1: There is no Dawson County in Tennessee or Kentucky. It is hard to know to
what Colonel Wood was referring.
January 28, 1863 - Skirmish near Collierville
JANUARY 28, 1863.-Skirmish near Collierville, Tenn.
Report of Col. Albert L. Lee, Seventh Kansas Cavalry, commanding Second
Brigade, Cavalry Division.
GERMANTOWN, January 29, 1863.
Had a skirmish with 200 guerrillas south of Collierville, and killed about a
dozen. Lost 1 man. All right on the road.
A. L. LEE, Col., Cmdg. Second Brigade, Cavalry Division.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. I, p. 334.
January 28, 1863 - Skirmish near Nashville
No circumstantial reports filed.
January 28, 1863 - Child killed playing with a pistol
Probable Fatal Accident.--We regret to learn, that a serious, if not fatal, accident occurred to a son of Mr. B. Clemons yesterday morning. It appears that a
playmate of his was amusing himself with a loaded pistol, when it exploded,
Page 150 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 28, 1863
the ball entering little Battle's groin, inflicting a dangerous wound, from which
it is feared he will not recover. Some persons must be to blame for allowing a
boy so young to have possession of a pistol, either loaded or otherwise. Such
things should be always kept out of reach of children.
Nashville Dispatch, January 28, 1863.
January 28, 1863 - Religious services for the fallen at Stones River
The Mass for the Dead.--The Cathedral was well filled yesterday morning with
the relatives and friends of deceased soldiers who fell in the battle of Stone's
River. Among mourning worshippers we noticed many representatives of our
most distinguished families--Protestant and Catholic--and a number of Federal
soldiers. The Right Rev. Bishop Whelan preached an eloquent sermon, appropriate for the occasion, which was listened to.
Nashville Dispatch, January 29, 1863.
January 28, 1863 - January 30, 1863 - Scout from LaGrange to Ripley Mississippi
JANUARY 28-30, 1863. Scout from LaGrange, Tenn., toward Ripley, Miss.
Report of Maj. William D. Blackburn, Seventh Illinois Cavalry.
LAGRANGE, TENN., January 30, 1863.
SIR: In pursuance of orders, I sent Maj. Blackburn, in command of the effective force of this regiment, 112 men and officers, on the 28th instant, on scouting, for the purpose indicated in said order. Maj. Blackburn has just returned,
and reports as follows:
COL.: In obedience to your order, I started on the morning of the 28th instant,
with 103 men and 9 officers, and proceeded to Ripley, leaving Salem a little to
the right, and calling on Capt. Street, of guerrilla notoriety. Found no force at
Ripley, except stragglers. Captured in Ripley Lieut.-Col. [L. B. ] Hovis, of
Seventh Mississippi Cavalry; Private Davis, of Seventh Mississippi Cavalry;
Private Patten, of Twenty-seventh Mississippi Cavalry, and a private of Street's
band; also recaptured Privates Henry [M. ] Jenkins, Fred. Miller, James Cornelison, William Going, William Cornelison, J. H. Eaton, William D. Harris,
S. A. Eaton, and Martin Smith, all of Company G, Sixty-sixth Indiana Infantry,
who were captured at Tuscumbia Bridge, 6 miles south of Corinth, on the 27th
instant; also captured a number of muskets, shot-guns, rifles, &c., which were
destroyed as not worth carrying.
We patrolled the roads 4 miles south and east of Ripley. Found nothing but
stragglers. Lost 1 man--taken prisoner, private Company E, while on that duty.
Returned by the way of Saulsbury, and crossed the trail of 60 Southern cavalry
within a mile of that place. They took the Holly Springs road, and gave out that
they were Forrest's men. We were within three hours of them.
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January 1863 — Page 151
January 29, 1863
Got reliable information from Pontotoc on the 28th. Pinson's First Mississippi
Cavalry was there, and Van Dorn, with his usual force, say 6,000, were then
moving from near Grenada toward Verona, on the Mississippi and Ohio Railroad. They gave out that they were going north, and had ten days' rations.
All the conscripts of that region are being organized and sent to Savannah, on
the Tennessee River, where they are said to be fortifying.
The roads, except near here and near Ripley, are good.
Respectfully,
EDWARD PRINCE, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Regt.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. I, p. 334.
January 29, 1863 - Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy, responding to the Department's enquiry regarding
the loss of the U. S. gunboat Sidell
No. 83.] U. S. Mississippi Squadron, January 29, 1863.
Sir: In answer to your communication, asking information about a gunboat
burned on the Cumberland River, I have the honor to state that the vessel mentioned did not belong to this squadron. She was called the Sidell, and was, I
believe, an old ferryboat, with a field-piece on her.
The army undertakes sometimes to get up an impromptu navy, which generally
ends by getting them in difficulty. There are five vessels of this squadron in the
Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, which are detailed for convoy, and under
the management of Lieutenant-Commander LeRoy Fitch, who has until the
late affair, kept the rivers open, and convoyed all vessels safely through.
I shall direct that no army vessels be allowed to ascend these rivers without a
convoy, and I have detailed the Lexington and two more light-draft gunboats
for the upper fleet. This will make 40 guns on the Cumberland and Tennessee
rivers. There are enough there now (20 guns) to take care of these rivers, but
the recklessness of the army quartermasters is beyond anything I ever saw, and
they employ persons who half the time are disloyal, and who throw these vessels purposely into the hands of the rebels. If the history of the army quartermaster's proceedings out here were published, the world would not believe that
there could be so much want of intelligence in the country.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
David D. Porter, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, p. 19.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 29, 1863
January 29, 1863 - "Memphis is a fine place to camp as we have more advantages there."
Frank M. Guernsey's Letter home
Camp Near Jackson, Tenn.
January 29th, 1863
My Dear Fanny,
Your letter of the 18th ultimo was received yesterday. I need not tell you of the
pleasure I enjoyed in once more hearing from you and of knowing that you
were all well and enjoying yourself so much. I heard of you through Glen a few
days before I received your letter. G. said that Nellie wrote "Tell Frank that
Fanny is well and as sweet as a pink and as good as ever. ["] it was welcome
news, I tell you. She also wrote that you with a number of others were there a
short time before and she thought enjoyed yourselves pretty well. When Glen.
gets a letter from home he generally comes up to my tent and rehearses the
principal points, if there is new, and I do the same with him, so that when we
receive our mail with any regularity, we hear from W quite often, so that we
keep our spirits up pretty well.
Then Mr. Consolus has been and gone and done it, has he? I wish them much
joy and a long life of happiness. Miss B I think was a very good as well as fine
lady. He may well be proud of her.
We are having beautiful weather to-day the sun shines warm and pleasant, and
one might well think that the approach of spring is near at hand, but in this climate the weather is very uncertain. Tomorrow may be as cold and blustering as
today is warm and pleasant. We have not a particle of snow, but the mud is up
to the second rail on the fences. Dont you think soldiering delightful business
under such circumstances. We have been expecting marching orders for some
time, but have not received them yet we are expecting to go to Memphis. I like
the idea very well. Memphis is a fine place to camp as we have more advantages there. We live much better and have things more to our liking than at any
other place we have been. We also have regular communication north, an item
which we prize very highly.
We hear through the papers which occasionally stray into our camp and
through other sources of the grumblings of the north and of the dissatisfaction
growing among the people. I think it is not to be wondered at with such an
army in the field and at such an enormus expense to the Government, it is
strange that no more can be accomplished than there has been. It is all though
the imbecility of our officers. It was hard for me to believe at first that we had
such consummate scoundrels in command of our forces as we have, but circumstances that have come under my personal knowledge have led me to
believe that such is the fact, although this will not do to talk very loud here as
long as we are under their immediate command. Our Regimental and Brigade
officers are fine men especially our Col. and have the welfare of our cause at
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 153
January 29, 1863
heart, but there are those who are higher in authority who I consider to be as
Treacherous to our cause as some of the enemy themselves.
Jany. 31st You will perceive that it has been two days since I commenced this
letter, but during the time I have been so busy that I have been unable to finish
it. We have finally received marching orders and part of our marching orders
for half of our Regmt last night and I suppose they are on their way to Memphis. We go by cars so that we shall not have a very hard time, I guess. I expect
that when we all get to Memphis we shall receive marching orders for Vicksburg. Our whole campaign has thus far proved an entire failure in my mind, but
how soon we shall be allowed to accomplish anything, the Lord only knows,
but I am willing to wait as patiently as possible and see what the end will be. It
is provoking Fanny to be moved around as we are sometimes. For instance, I
had just received a letter from you with a good prospect of receiving more
since you had found out where I was, when the order came to move, and now
probably I shall get no more for weeks, but I suppose when I return we will
enjoy ourselves enough better to pay for all this long separation and disappointments which we have to endure now without complaint. I suppose dear
Fanny that it is all for the best, and that there is just providence watching over
us and ruling all things for our good. Fanny you say you are no Christian. I
believe you are, I know your influence for good is greate, especially over one
who is very liable to go astray, especially when temptations are thrown around
him so thick as they are here, but dear Fanny I must close for this time as it is
now late so good by; and may the choicest blessings of our heavenly Father
rest on you is the prayer of
Your,
Frank M. G.
Guernsey Collection
January 29, 1863 - "God pity the poor in our southern cities." An excerpt from the diary of
Mary L. Pearre of Williamson County
~~~
The Federals were out yesterday foraging. I fear we will be left without the
means of subsistence. Most of our neighbors have lost all they can spare. Have
taken no corn or hay from us yet.
The weather is cold. God pity the poor of our southern cities. They are cut off
from all means of supplying themselves of fuel, depending entirely upon the
charity of their enemies. I am thankful that we live in the country as among the
hills. I once desired a splendid mansion upon a large farm near a city. This was
has banished such fancies.
Dreamed last night of seeing Mr. H., received the last letter from him this time
last year. Oh! that I knew his fate. If living he certainly could have found
means of sending at least one letter.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 29, 1863
Suspense how terrible all these weary months. Are most my constant companion and still art with me.
If it were not for dreams how extremely dull would be these weary winter
nights. Seldom any company of gentlemen. I soon grow weary of the incipid
chatter of most of our visitors.
Mag, Matt & Dots are more interested in their two babies and domestic affairs
than I can be. There fore time grows doubly tedious. Have no domestic cares.
Cannot be content to card and spin as many Southern girls do. Have but little
sewing on hand. No new books. Therefore retire to bed early and get up late.
Used to ride as an amusement. Now I am afraid to go too far on account of the
Federals. I know I could be more industrious yet have not the heart to labor
unless I had more assurance being benefited by industry. Have more bed clothing than I desire the Feds. to take as they have done in many instances. I have
frequently planned a course of study and reading as I am possessed of most of
the Poets, a number of histories and biographies, travel, science works etc. But
I can't confine my mind to any subject except the war.
Diary of Mary L. PearreNOTE 1
NOTE 1: A diary kept through 1863 and into 1864 by Mary L. Pearre (TSLA, Manuscripts Division). She lived in Williamson county. [Hereinafter cited as; Diary of Mary L. Pearre.]
January 29, 1863 - Loaning of passes forbidden
About Passes.--An order recently published by Gen. R. B. Mitchel, commanding this post, sets forth that--"It has been ascertained at these Headquarters that
persons receiving passes for their own private use, have been guilty of loaning
them to parties other than those to whom they are issued, for the purpose of
passing the picket lines of this post. All persons thus loaning or borrowing in
future, will be arrested and tried as spies; and if found guilty, shall pay the
extreme penalty of the military laws. If any person, male or female, black or
white, shall attempt to evade the picket line, or pass, or attempt to pass said line
without proper authority, they will be dealt with as spies; and upon any effort
on their part to escape arrest, they will be shot on the spot. All officers in command of grand guards at this post are hereby required each day to instruct the
guard in pursuance of this order."
Nashville Dispatch, January 29, 1863.
January 29, 1863 - Female education in war-time Knoxville
East Tennessee Female Institute
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 155
January 30, 1863
From an advertisement which appears in another column, it will be seen that
Professor R. L. Kirkpatrick has associated with him, in the future management
of this school, Rev. D. Sullins.
Mr. Sullins goes into the Institution with the prestige of a high order of talents,
a well-cultivated mind, extensive scholarship, and a gentleman of refined
accomplishments. His popular and winning manners, together with his great
energy, will make him a valuable acquisition to the school.
Professor Kirkpatrick is well known in this community as a profound scholar.
He is thoroughly educated, while he has had the experience of a number of
years as a teacher.
The lady teachers associated with them are, as we are informed, very competent to the discharge of the duties of their respective departments.
Please examine closely and carefully the advertisement alluded to. The principals have been forced, by the extraordinary price of everything, to raise
slightly the price of tuition. For this the cannot be complained of.
Holston Journal, January 29, 1863.
January 30, 1863 - Newspaper report on the condition of the Confederate Army at Tullahoma after the Battle of Stones River
OUR ARMY IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE.
Tullahoma is a melancholy place. It is a little wayside depot, with a few squalid
huts, a few framed housed and cottages, and a great many body lice-just now. It
was once a famous locality for maple sugar and gin cocktails. Devilish little of
both "at last advises." Camps, soldiers, and snow now predominate. The
ground is covered with snow. It flies through the crevices of this tent, even as I
write. A motley tent this, I tell you--made out of a Brussels carpet and a coffee
sack. Four of us occupy it and pass our time in martial meditations fancy free.
Lord, if the General could only hear us! However, we regard this situation as a
good one because it isn't likely to bring us into a fight shortly. Fighting, since
Murfreesboro, is at a discount. . .
That Murfreesboro business was bloody, you can yet see the traces of it. An
empty sleeve now and again, or two crutches, or a face with a big patch on the
side of its head. But the boys are in good spirits, never saw them better. I meet
many an old friend, "Well, how goes it old boy?" says he, "Sorry you were not
with us down there, but-better luck next time Jolly old fight!" For endurance,
personal daring and enthusiastic onset it has not been equaled since the time
the war began. Here's a health to its heroes!"
(signed) "BUSTEMENTE"
Chattanooga Daily Rebel January 30, 1863.
Page 156 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 30, 1863
January 30, 1863 - Skirmish with guerrillas at Dyersburg
JANUARY 30, 1863.-Skirmish at Dyersburg, Tenn.
Report of Col. Oliver Wood, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry.
HDQRS. UNITED STATES FORCES, Trenton, Tenn., February 4, 1863.
SIR: I respectfully send you the following report of the skirmish at Dyersburg,
of the forces under my command, with [W. A. ] Dawson's guerrilla band:
The expedition, consisting of 100 of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, under
Capt.'s Burbridge and Moffitt, and 38 of the Twenty-second Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, under Lieut. Whitehead, left this place at 2 p. m. January 30, in three
detachments--the right, under Capt. Burbridge, taking the Newbern road; the
center, Capt. Moffitt, the Dyersburg road; the left, Lieut. Whitehead, with
mounted infantry, taking the Chestnut Bluff road--with orders to concentrate at
Dyersburg as soon as possible.
Capt. Moffitt was the first to arrive at Dyersburg, and found the enemy posted
in a house at the west end of the bridge across the Forked Deer River. The
rebels had been in this position for some time during the day, skirmishing with
a detachment of the Third Michigan Cavalry, under Capt. Quackenbush, to prevent them from crossing the bridge. It was near midnight when Capt. Moffitt
arrived, and, finding where the enemy was posted, ordered his men to charge,
which they did in gallant style, Capt. Moffitt leading the advance, completely
routed them, killing 2, wounding 4, and capturing 17, when the rebels broke
and fled in every direction. Capt. Moffitt was severely wounded in the thigh.
This was the only casualty on our side. Capt.'s Bubridge and Quackenbush and
Lieut. Whitehead arrived soon after with their commands, and were sent in different directions in pursuit of the fugitives. The country was completely
scoured for several miles in every direction, and every ferry destroyed on the
Obion and Forked Deer Rivers that could be found. The search was kept up for
three days, when I ordered it discontinued, the men and horses being nearly
worn down from hard service and exposure. We captured in all 30 prisoners, 25
horses, and 28 guns, of all kinds, calibers, and descriptions.
Every officer and man did his duty faithfully and with alacrity. Were I to personate, duty would compel me to name every officer and man of the command.
One incident will illustrate the temper of the men. Lieut. Whitehead, commanding the mounted infantry, swam his command across a branch of the
Forked Deer rather than march 2 miles to a ford, fearing that he would be
behind time. Many of the horses failed on the march, and I allowed the men to
take the captured horses and remount. I have taken charge of the horses that
had given out on the march and brought them to this place.
I regret to state that Lieut. Neeley, Third Michigan Cavalry, was accidentally,
and, I fear, mortally, wounded in the thigh. The surgeon thinks there is but little
hope of his recovery.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 157
January 30, 1863
I left three companies of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, under the command of
Capt. Burbridge, at Dyersburg, to watch the movements of the rebels and
report to me. If Dawson shows himself, we will soon be on his track.
Respectfully, yours,
O. WOOD, Col., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I. Vol. 24, pt. I, p. 335.
January 30, 1863 - U. S. S. Lexington destroys storehouse used as a base by Confederates on
Cumberland River and intelligence report on strength of Confederates
near Harpeth Shoals
OFFICE MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Cairo, Ill., January 30, 1863.
SIR: In obedience to your order, I proceeded up the Cumberland River with the
gunboat Lexington to Nashville, Tenn., and returned to this place last night
[January 29]. Meeting with a transport that had been fired upon by artillery 20
miles above Clarksville, I at once went to that point and, landing, burned a
storehouse used by the rebels as a resort and cover. On leaving there to descend
to Clarksville, where I had passed a fleet of thirty-one steamers with numerous
barges in tow, convoyed by three light-draft gunboats under Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, the Lexington was fired upon by the enemy, who had two Parrott
guns, and struck three times, but the rebels were quickly dislodged and dispersed.
I then returned to Clarksville and, agreeable to the arrangement already made
by Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, left that place at midnight with the whole
fleet of boats, and reached Nashville the following night without so much as a
musket shot having been fired upon a single vessel of the fleet. Doubtless the
lesson of the previous day had effected this result.
From the best information to be had, it appears that the rebels have a number of
guns with a considerable covering force extending along Harpeth Shoals, a distance of some 8 or 10 miles. This force can readily operate upon both the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers. Besides these guns the enemy also has several
pieces about Savannah on the Tennessee. No steamer should be permitted to
run on either river above Forts Henry and Donelson without the convoy of a
gunboat.
Lieutenant-Commander Fitch has not at present an adequate force to protect
Government transports upon the two streams, and I would suggest the propriety of sending him the Lexington. Her heavy guns have great effect with the
rebels, and while they will fire upon vessels immediately under the howitzers
of the light-draft gunboats, they will not show themselves where the heavier
gunboats are. I have no doubt, with the aid of the Lexington, Captain Fitch will
be able effectually to protect all the Government vessels in those rivers. I am,
sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Page 158 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 30, 1863
S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant-Commander.
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pp. 21-22.
January 30, 1863 - William Lacy writes to his son, Lieutenant A. J. Lacy, 8th Tennessee Cavalry
State of Tenn Jackson County Jan 30th 1863
Dear and most affectionate son,
It is with pleasure that I seate my self to try to wright to you a fiew lines to let
you know that we are enjoying reasonable health at this time hopeing when
these fiew lines comes to your hand they may find you enjoying good health.
We received your kind letter dteed Jan the 7 which have us great pleasure to
hear from you _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____[illegible] I have been
trying to fix to come to see you but the weather has been so bad that it looks
like it is to bad to leave your mother and Elizabeth to make fires and feed the
stock I am not stout and bearing that was in the western district and then in
Kentucky first one plase and then a nother I thought that I had better [illegible]
coming to see you at this time unless you was stationed at one place so I would
be searton to see you but I would ride that distance mighty cheerful if I knowed
when I got to Columbia that I could meete you thare but it is so unsearten and
my health is not very good.
But I am still able to attend to our stock. We have nothing strang to wright but
we still have good news of our sucsess in Misouri and Missipi and also in Tenn
and Virginia. It chears me up to hear of your victorys you gained in scout in the
western district but sory to hear that you lost your horse and sadle but when I
look at the matter I want to be thankfull that it was your horse in sted of your
self.
Loften came home this evening while I am wrighting to you. He says he wants
to see you very bad. He says he would be glad you was up hear in their company to scout a long the border and be with him. G Gs hips hurts him a good
but he is still able to scout and gather up conscrips which they have been at for
some time. I want you to wright to us every chance and wright whether you got
a letter and a pair of gloves that your Mother knit and sent to you. I taken them
Mr John Bulingtons to get him to take them but declined going at that time and
sent them by Mr Steven Davis. We wanted to know whether you got them or
not. And I wrote by Mr Clinton and he turned back and you never got that letter. We have wrote every chance but we fear you never got all our letters.
My son my pen cant describe to you how bad we want to see you but we still
hope that you will get to come home and see us before long but the time seams
long to us.
Wright every chance and let us know whether your health is any better and
how you are getting along and whether you neede any clothing or not. Give my
respects to all the boys land reserve a full shear for your self. Little Wm W is a
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 159
January 31, 1863
pourful peart boy. Grows fine. We want you to write every chance so I ad no
more at present, but still remains your affectionate father and mother untill
death.
Wm and Kezia Lacy to A. J. Lacy
Lacy Correspondence.
January 31, 1863 - On the Death of Zollicoffer.
First in the fight, and first in the arms
Of the white winged angels of glory,
With the heart of the South at the feet of God,
And his wounds to tell the story!
The blood which flowed from this hero heart,
On the spot where he nobly perished,
Was drank by the earth as a sacrament,
In the holy cause he cherished.
In Heaven, a home with the brave and best,
And for his soul's sustaining,
The Apocalyptic eyes of Christ!
And nothing on earth remaining
But a handful of dust in the land of his choice,
A name in song and story,
And fame to shout, with her trumpet voice,
Died on the field of Glory!
Chattanooga Daily Rebel, January 31, 1863.
January 31, 1863 - Guerrilla raid on railroad in the Richland Woods
GALLATIN, February [1], 1863.
Col. C. GODDARD, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.:
At dusk last evening [January 31] an outlaw by the name of Peddicord, with 40
men, tore up four or five rails in the Richland Woods, about 14 miles from
here. They were attempting to burn a cattle guard on the road, when 15 men of
the One hundred and twenty-ninth Illinois approached. The rebels ran. They
were dressed in our overcoats. I have 350 men after them, and I expect to hear
that the rebels fell off their horses and broke their necks. Fifty or more citizens
collected at the place with the rebels, to look on, aid, and assist. I propose to
make an example of some of them. The trains are running.
E. A. PAINE, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, p. 33.
Page 160 — January 1863
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 31, 1863
January 31, 1863 - ca. February 3, 1863 - Cavalry expedition, Murfreesborough to Salem,
Versailles, Unionville, Rover, Eagleville
MURFREESBOROUGH, January 30, 1863.
Brig.-Gen. JOHNSON, Cmdg. Right Wing:
Send Brig.-Gen. Davis at daylight in the morning with his division on the Versailles pike to the forks of the road leading to Eagleville. They should take five
days' rations, their spades, and axes. On arriving at this point, select a good
position for security against attack and surprise. Send one brigade of infantry
and one of cavalry to surprise Unionville and Rover, and capture everything on
the road; another brigade of infantry and one of cavalry to Eagleville, to capture any force there. The Rover expedition should return to his [Davis'] camp.
The brigade at Eagleville, after whipping out everything it can find, should
take post on the road leading to the camp, if practicable, but near enough to
command the Nolensville and Eagleville pike, and prevent anything from passing. Part of the brigade of cavalry that returns to camp must watch the road
south and east, and keep open communication to the rear; the remaining can
join the brigade at Eagleville. This division thus posted will act as a corps of
observation, watching toward Shelbyville, and at the same time the movements
of the rebel cavalry, which latter it will cut to pieces the moment an opportunity offers. Of course, Gen. Davis will have discretion to act in this case, keeping us advised of everything. I think it would be prudent to protect his rear and
keep open communication with him by directing Gen. Sheridan to post a brigade at Salem to watch the Middleton road and keep all spying at a distance by
sharp daily patrols. You will instruct Gen. Davis accordingly.
W. S. ROSECRANS, Maj.-Gen.
MURFREESBOROUGH, January 30, 1863.
Brig.-Gen. STANLEY, Cmdg. Cavalry:
The general directs that you send two brigades of cavalry, to be reported to
Gen. Davis, who will start early to-morrow morning toward Salem and Versailles. The object of the movement is to intercept any detachments of cavalry
that may be found on the Nolensville or Shelbyville pikes, and also to capture
any of the enemy's forces that may be found in the vicinity of Eagleville or
Rover. Your brigades will be reported to Gen. Davis by daylight to-morrow
(Saturday) morning, and with three days' rations with them, or five days' would
be better.
Very respectfully,
FRANK S. BOND, Aide-de-Camp.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, p. 26.
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 161
January 31, 1863
January 31, 1863 - Skirmish at Unionville
•See January 31, 1863-February 13, 1863-Expedition from Murfreesborough
to Franklin
January 31, 1863 - Skirmish at Middleton
EAGLEVILLE, TENN., January 31, 1863.
I arrived here with my infantry at 3 p. m. The cavalry I sent through Versailles,
Middleton, Unionville, and Rover. After some skirmishing they succeeded in
taking about 100 prisoners, arms, equipments, &c. Among them are 1 major, 3
captains, and a proportion of lieutenants. These little skirmishes kept my cavalry back, and hence my infantry from advancing farther to day. I have had bad
success in finding out the enemy's exact whereabouts. I only know he left here,
3,000 or 4,000 strong, with six pieces of artillery, yesterday morning northward, all under command of Wheeler. The cavalry came in at 7.30, much jaded
on account of the horrible condition of the roads. I shall move in the direction
of Franklin to-morrow morning early, keeping my cavalry on my left flank,
and try to get control of the road leading from that place to Columbia. The road
are represented as being impassable, except on the pikes. If this be so I may not
be able to get to the Columbia pike, and this will give the enemy a chance to
escape that way, but I shall try and shove him up to-morrow. I think I shall
make Franklin by night to-morrow. I shall send the prisoners to Murfreesborough in the morning.
In haste, believe me, yours, truly,
JEFF. C. DAVIS, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, p. 25.
January 31, 1863 - Skirmish on the Rover and Versailles road
•See January 31, 1863-February 13, 1863-Expedition from Murfreesborough
to Franklin
CAPT.: About 2 p. m. on the 31st ultimo the enemy's cavalry in overwhelming
numbers made a dash upon my pickets on the Rover and Versailles road. So
sudden and rapid was the enemy's attack and pursuit, that I was not apprised of
his approach until almost upon me. The officer commanding the picket (Lieut.
[J. T. ] Stales) nobly and bravely discharged his whole duty. My men were
promptly mounted and moved forward to support the pickets and save the
camp. Couriers were also promptly dispatched to withdraw the other pickets.
The enemy dashed boldly forward under the best fire I could give them, and
pressed me back to Unionville, where they withdrew at sunset and took up
camp at Eagleville. Although everything was done in my power, I regret to
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ca. January 31, 1863
have to report the loss of quite a number, among whom were 7 commissioned
officers. The men captured were principally those who from some cause or
other lingered in camp, and others so badly mounted as to be unable to make
their escape.
One of my men was mortally wounded, and has since died. Several others
wounded, but not dangerously. My whole loss, from the best information I
have, is about 33.
My whole force did not exceed 150 men, some of whom were on picket; one
company, under Capt. [J. T. ] Wright, scouting, and others foraging, &c., thus,
you see, leaving me less than 100 men to fight the enemy. It was necessary to
make the resistance here in order to protect my pickets, who were being
pressed in, and also those on post. The attacking force of the enemy was
upward of 2,000 strong (cavalry), with four pieces of artillery. The enemy's
loss was 15 or 20 in killed and wounded. My pickets were well established and
the utmost vigilance exercised. The force that passed through Middleton (or
supposed to have passed through there) arrived at Unionville after we had
fallen back below that point.
The division of infantry, several thousand cavalry, with several batteries, the
whole under Gen. Jefferson C. Davis, camped at Eagleville night before last,
and moved of yesterday morning about 10 o'clock in the direction of Triune
and Franklin, with the avowed intention of pursuing Gen. Wheeler.
Respectfully submitted.
JOHN S. PRATHER, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Eighth Confederate Regt.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. 1, pp. 28-29.
January 31, 1863 - Skirmish at Rover
•See January 31, 1863-February 13, 1863-Expedition from Murfreesborough
to Franklin
ca. January 31, 1863 - February 1, 1863 - Planning an opera for the benefit of a hospital for
"Morgan's men" in McMinnville; one view from the upper rungs of the
Tennessee-Confederate domestic front, an excerpt from the War Journal
of Lucy Virginia French
•See February 7, 1863--A night at the McMinnville opera
Mollie has got neck deep into a concert and tableaux business for the benefit of
the Hospital here. Mrs. Nicholson has been much engaged in the hospital at
Bowling Green a long time and in Nashville made it her special business to
carry aid and comfort to all sick or imprisoned Confederates. The Concert, etc.
is to come off tomorrow evening--"Providence permitting and the creek don't
rise" which latter however, from the continuous rain of this morning, the said
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 163
January 31, 1863
stream seems very greatly inclined to do. The Hospital etc. is for the benefit of
Morgan men what are "around" just now, though [Brigadier-General] John
Hamilton himself is off on an expedition in some of the lower counties. His
wife and sister-in-law are still here at Dr. Armstrong's. I called to see the ladies
yesterday and found them pretty and pleasant, and exceedingly complimentary.
Mrs. Morgan is really quite an elegant lady--very graceful and insinuating---her manner is very much like that of Narcissa Saunders. Miss Ready talks well
but is not as elegant a woman as her sister. There was quite a "row" among the
girls about inviting Mary Armstrong [a Union supporter] to take part in the
concert but after a great fracas--it was decided that on Miss Reedy's account---she should be invited. Mrs. Nicholson will have her hands full with some of
the "raw material" of her "opera"---it is raw and turbulent besides. I believe
Mary was very much wounded by not being invited and will perform tho not
asked until the "eleventh hour" and then only on her cousin's account. She cannot forego an opportunity to "show off" at all hazards and "to take the last
extremity." I was quite amused at her mother yesterday, --she followed me to
the gate to whisper to me that Gen. Hardee and Gen. Browne would be up on
the cars that evening. Gen. H. to see Alive --which was a secret --and they did
say that Gen. Browne was very much take with Mary and was coming
expressly, etc. etc. etc."I tell you now it tickled ME. Gen Brown "taken" with
Marry Armstrong! He had seen her one day last week at Tulahoma --when
Miss Alice and Mary and Anne McMurry says "took Gen. Hardee home."--But I declare its too bad to be laughing at them thus when I was so cordially
[greeted] by all, and treated so "confectionarily" . . . by all, Mrs. John Hamilton especially!-----The "situations" seems to be at a stand still. I went to visit
Grandma Lyon yesterday--also Mrs. Harrison and Mrs. McMurry--(calling on
Mrs. Nicholson but found her from home) and in all my rounds I heard no
news of importance.
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French, entry for February 1, 1863.
January 31, 1863 - February 13, 1863 - Expedition from Murfreesborough to Franklin
HDQRS. FIRST CAVALRY BRIGADE, Camp near Murfreesborough, February 14, 1863.
CAPT.: At 7 a. m., January 31, I reported to Brig. Gen. Jeff. C. Davis with the
First and Third Brigades of Cavalry, consisting ofFirst Brigade:
Page 164 — January 1863
Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry
175
Fourth Michigan Cavalry
270
Third Kentucky Cavalry
143
Section Battery D, First Ohio Artillery
100
TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
January 31, 1863
---
688
Third Brigade:
Fourth U. S. Cavalry
400
Second Tennessee Cavalry
200
Third Tennessee Cavalry
40
---
640
Total
1,
328
Gen. Davis ordered me to proceed to Versailles, where he would on me with
his division as early as possible, and requested that I should in the mean time
scout the country toward Middleton and Unionville.
At Salem I detached the Second and Third Tennessee, under Col. [William R. ]
Cook, and directed him to proceed to Middleton, and, if possible, from there to
Unionville, where I would form a junction with him.
At Versailles I learned from citizens that a force of 400 cavalry was stationed at
Rover. After allowing sufficient time for Col. Cook to approach Unionville, I
moved on Rover, and about 11/2 miles from that place I struck the enemy's
pickets, which were driven in sharply by Maj. [L. ] Wolfley, Third Kentucky
Cavalry, commanding the advance guard. About one-half a mile from Rover I
discovered the enemy in line. I ordered the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry to
charge, which they did in most gallant style, led by Capt. [W. H. ] Jennings.
After a short, but sharp, conflict the enemy broke, and was driven 1 mile
beyond Rover. I captured 6 officers and 43 enlisted men, beside 49 wounded,
all of whom, except one, were wounded with sabers.
At this moment (3 p. m.) Lieut. Reynolds, of Gen. Davis' staff, rode up with
orders for me to move on Eagleville, as Gen.'s Wheeler and Forrest were both
at that place with their entire force. Lieut. Reynolds reported that when he left
Gen. Davis he was within 4 miles of Eagleville, and pushing on rapidly. Consequently Gen. Davis must have arrived at Eagleville before Lieut. Reynolds
gave me the order. I had not yet heard from Col. Cook's command, which I had
received, I was satisfied that there was no force at Eagleville. If Gen. Davis had
met with resistance, I should have heard cannonading. I was now only 2 miles
from Unionville and 7 from Eagleville. Under these circumstances, I deemed it
advisable to proceed to Unionville, and, if possible, form a junction with my
detached regiments.
I drove the enemy into and through Unionville, and held that place for about
one hour, when a courier arrived from Col. Cook, who had fallen back toward
Versailles, reporting that he had surprised a small force of rebels at Middleton,
and had captured Col. Clint. Douglas [De Witt C. Douglass], 1 captain, 1 lieu-
TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK
January 1863 — Page 165
January 31, 1863
tenant, and 41 men. The enemy had been re-enforcement, and, attacking him,
had driven him back. He asked for re-enforcements. I ordered Col. Cook to fall
back to Eagleville by the road leading through Versailles, called in my skirmishers, and marched to Eagleville, where I found Gen. Davis' division
encamped. They had arrived at 3 p. m., without meeting the enemy.
February 1, Gen. Davis ordered me to proceed to Peytonsville, cross the Harpeth, near that place, and form a junction with him at or near Boyce's Creek. I
found the road to Peytonsville almost impassable, in consequence of which I
did not arrive there until after 2 p. m., and then found that the rebels and burned
all the brigades across the Harpeth, and that there was no ford nearer than
within 3 miles of Franklin. My advance had captured 3 rebel cavalrymen, who
sated that Gen.'s Wheeler, Wharton, and Forrest were at Franklin with their
divisions. Considering it of importance that I should form a junction with Gen.
Davis as early as possible, I took the road to Poplar Grove or Harpeth, crossed
the river at the ford west of the pike, moved beyond the junction of the
Eagleville pike, and (my artillery and ambulance horses being completely tired
out) bivouacked for the night.
~~~
C. L. Dunham, Colonel Fiftieth Indiana
February 2, marched at daybreak, passed through Triune, and pushed rapidly
on Franklin, where I found Gen. Davis, who had taken peaceable possession of
the town. There being no forage in the immediate vicinity of Franklin, the general directed me to move out a few miles on the Carter's Creek pike. I camped
on the road leading from that pike to Hillsborough and 5 1/2 miles from Franklin, and threw pickets well out.
February 5, marched at 1 o'clock p. m., passed through Hillsborough, and took
the Natchez Trace road. Camped after dark a couple of miles west of the junction of the road leading through Boston.
February 6, Gen. Davis directed me to march to Kinderhook, a small town at
the junction of the Natchez Trace and Charlotte and Columbia roads, and there
wait for further orders. After some delay, I received orders to take the road
leading to Charlotte. I bivouacked after dark 1 mile south of the road leading
from Nashville to Centreville. I captured this day Col. Carroll and Maj. Rambaut, of Forrest's staff, and 2 lieutenant and 23 men of Forrest's and Wharton's
escorts, 1 of them a courier from Shelbyville with dispatches for Gen. Wharton. From information received from citizens and prisoners, I found that the
rebel cavalry had marched from Yellow Creek, and were crossing Duck River
at Centreville, 18 miles distant.
February 7, Gen. Davis ordered me to return to Franklin via Smith's Springs
and Hillsborough. I arrived at my old camp at dark.
February 10, camped on north side of the Harpeth, immediately east of the railroad.
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TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION
__, (January)
February 12, I sent the Seventh Pennsylvania and Second Tennessee across the
river to picket the woods and form the rear guard for Gen. Davis' division, and
with the remainder of my force marched for Triune, where I halted to feed
horses and to allow the infantry to close up, and then took possession of our old
ground at Eagleville.
February 13, Gen. Davis returned to Murfreesborough with his division.
Understanding that the Eight Confederate Cavalry was camped near Rover, I
took 500 men and moved forward about 3 miles, when I sent Col. [E. H. ] Murray with the Third Kentucky, with instructions to push through the woods and
secure a position in rear of the rebel camp, but the movement occupying more
time than I anticipated, I had driven the enemy out before Col. Murray had
gained the desired position.
I arrived in camp at Murfreesborough at 9 o'clock p. m. I captured during the
scout 2 colonels, 1 major, 4 captains, 7 lieutenants, and 168 enlisted men. My
casualties were 1 man severely and 1 dangerously wounded.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBT. H. G. MINTY, Col., Cmdg. First Cavalry Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, pp. 25-27.
__, (January) - Affair at Mill Creek [no date given]
No circumstantial reports filed.
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January 1863 — Page 167
__, (January)
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