Tuesday, July 31, 2012

July 31 - Tennessee Civil War Notes


31, Report on the strength of the Provisional Army of Tennessee
MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Infantry at Camp Trousdale. -- Colonel Fulton’s regiment, 889 men, percussion muskets; Colonel Palmer’s regiment, 883 men, flint-lock muskets; Colonel Savage’s regiment, 952 men, flint-lock muskets; Colonel Newman’s regiment, 914 men, flint-lock muskets; Colonel Battle’s regiment, 880 men, flint-lock muskets.
Infantry at Camp Cheatham. -- Colonel Rains’ regiment, 880 men, 710 flint-locks, 175 minie rifles; Colonel Brown’s regiment, 885 men, percussion muskets. Considerable sickness in last named regiment, mostly measles; it might well take place of Colonel Maney’s regiment in East Tennessee, although not now in good condition for active, efficient services.
At Fort Henry. -- Colonel Heiman’s regiment, 720 men, flint-lock muskets. Erecting fortifications at mouth of Big Sandy.
Cavalry at Camp Cheatham.. -- One company, Captain Woodward, fully armed.
Camp Jackson. Battalion, five companies, Lieutenant-Colonel McNairy, fully armed.
Camp Lee. -- Battalion, five companies, fully armed. Our cavalry is armed with sabers, Colt navy pistols, and double-barrel shotguns, English twist.
FORCES IN EAST TENNESSEE
Infantry. - Col. George Maney, 944 men, rifle muskets; Colonel Hatton, 856 men, rifles; Colonel Forbes, 860 men, percussion muskets; Colonel Cummings, 877 men, flint-lock muskets. Field officers not chosen; ten companies strong.
Cavalry. -- Eight companies, about 653 men.
Artillery. -- Captain Rutledge’s company, 110 men, four 6-pounders, two howitzers.
FORCES IN WEST TENNESSEE.
Infantry at Union City. -- Colonel Travis’ regiment, 860 men, fling-lock muskets; Colonel Stephens’ regiment, 851 men, flint-lock muskets; Colonel Douglass’ regiment, 838 men, flint-lock muskets; Colonel Russel’s regiment, 737 men, flint-lock muskets; Colonel Pickett’s regiment, 744 men, flint-lock muskets.
At Fort Wright. -- Colonel Smith’s Regiment, 802 men, percussion muskets; Colonel Walker’s regiment, 541 men, flint-lock muskets.
Cavalry. -- Five hundred and fourteen men, flint-lock muskets.
Artillery. -- Colonel McCown, 140 men, flint lock muskets; Captain Polk, 67 men, flint-lock muskets; sappers and miners, Captain Pickett, 44 men, flint-lock muskets; riflemen, 493, flint-lock muskets.
The governor called for 2,000 riflemen, each man to bring his gun, to be taken by the State at valuation and converted into minie rifles, shooting sixty balls to pound. In response to this call ten companies are in camp at Murfreesborough, Middle Tennessee, and their guns are being converted into minie rifle[s] at the rate of 300 per week. Other companies more than sufficient to fill the call have tendered themselves and are marching or preparing to march into encampment. It is believed that from 4,000 to 5,000 men armed in this way can be raised in the State as twelve-months’ volunteers.
Total infantry, about 19,400; total cavalry, 2,079; total artillery, 558; sappers and miners, 44.
The State is making good sabers at the rate of thirty per day, casting cannon, making powder, and will soon be doing so on a considerable scale, as well as making guns in considerable numbers of superior quality; making caps in large quantities. 
OR, Ser 1, 52 pt. II, pp. 122-123.


31, “PITY THE POOR ORPHAN.”
The very faces and doleful appeals of some of our citizens, on taking the oath of allegiance, before the Provost, reminds us of the appeal which Patrick made to the Judge when standing up to receive the sentence of the court. Patrick had been arraigned for murdering his father and mother, and the evidence before the jury had shown the circumstances to be of the most revolting character. On being asked what he had to say why the sentence of death should not be passed against him, he said, with most doleful accents: “Nothing, your Honor, except that I am a lone orphan in the world, and mitigate the sentence accordingly.” Some of our citizens, who have most coolly stabbed the Government in every possible way, very plaintively plead that the Provost should bear in mind that they are poor orphans in this world, and should, therefore, be dealt with very tenderly.
Memphis Union Appeal, July 31, 1862.


31, Remarks by a private in the 15th Iowa Infantry relative to the greetings slaves made in Hardeman County, on the way to Bolivar
Hundreds of Negroes flock after us and don’t seem to be afraid of the soldiers. They yelled and shouted and said “day was glad to see Uncle Sams [sic] boys” With all their ignorance they seem to have pretty good ideas as to what is going on and I think it will not be many months until their influence will be felt in the scale.
About 10 oclock [sic] we came to Bolivar a beautiful town and surrounded by a splendid country. My feet were worn out when we halted and we were all very tired upon this our really first march. Dan and I put up our little tent and will sleep in it to-night. I think our tramp has been as useless as there is no enemy here in arms.
Boyd Diary.

Monday, July 30, 2012

July 29 - Tennessee Civil War Notes


29, “The Shadows of Coming Events.”
It might have saved many of us a thousand ills, both in public and private life, had we been more observing of the times so as to have hidden from foreseen evils. Coming events do cast their shadow before them, and a proper regard for the warning they are intended to vive, would have found many of us quite differently situated to-day.
What do the shadows of coming events now clearly indicate? We have published Mr. Stanton’s order under the Confiscation Act of the late Congress. Our readers cannot have tried to see that whether wisely or unwisely, the border slave States, Tennessee included, are exempt from its sweeping provisions. We are not at a loss to divine whys this exemption was made. Like the forbearance of the All Father [sic] towards his rebellious children, it was intended to lead those States to repentance and obedience. In part of those states, the most sanguinary battles have been fought, and hitherto, except by unscrupulous individuals, the most sacred regard to private rights has been maintained by the Federal army. Guards have protected fences and families and property of all kinds, slaves especially, and most severe punishment has been meted [sic] out against the lawless ones who have disobeyed orders, until the complaining of fathers and brothers at home, have extorted from Congress the Confiscation Act, which Mr. Lincoln hesitates to enforce against our State and other semi-loyal States.
When we regard Mr. Lincoln’s policy in these exceptions, as wise or otherwise, we are compelled to accord him the best of motives. He desires that the latent unionism of the States shall have time and occasion to develope [sic], and that whatever may be the future necessities of the war, or the future calamites which it may entail upon us, he has given us timely warning, and abundant opportunity to escape them.
Our readers cannot suppose that under every; possible contingency, this order of things will continue. If within these States, guerrilla bands are organized and fostered; if the navigation of the river and the use of the railroads shall continue to be impeded, by the open consent and co-operation of our own citizens; if information to our enemies be systemically conveyed; if, in short, such shall be the developments of the future as to clearly prove that a considerable portion of our citizens yet adhere to the fortunes of the rebels, then will this forbearance cease, and the inevitable consequences be the more sweeping and devastating because of the continued long suffering and forbearance of the Federal authorities.
That this is a “coming event” the unmistakable “shadows” around us declare. We do not draw out conclusions from the tone of the Tribunes and Independents of the North, alone, but from the tone no less of the hitherto conservative papers, and the conservative citizens whom business has called to our city, and last, but not least, from men in the army who have spent a life time at home, in battling as they call it, for southern rights and southern institutions, and who entered the army a year ago or less, with the most settled purpose to leave it whenever the war should assume what they would pronounce a vindictive or unconstitutional policy against their “southern brethren.”
These are now the most clamorous for what they denominate a “war policy.” The speech of Major Gen. Wallace at Washington himself a life-long Democrat, and violent opposer of the party in power, is tame compared with the sentiments. More privately uttered by men of like home antecedents, now occupying high position in the army. The campaignings of a year, and personal intercourse with rebels, and with psuedo-Union men have educated [sic] them to a point of desperation, from which they would have shrunk a year ago, as the self-complacent Assyrian King did, when he indignantly said: Is thy servant a dog that he should do this great thing?” We could give names familiar to our citizens, but we need not.
The sufferers from the presence of the army complain, and not unjustly, that lawless gangs of soldiers pillage their gardens hereabouts, and that now and then a negro comes up missing, and that the satisfaction received from the authorizer is not commensurate with the loss sustained. That is undoubtedly true. Neither did they, in the piping times of peace, get compensation for such things lost at the hands of lawless men. These losses are of the same character, though probably more numerous now than then. But our losses are insignificant compared with those incurred over the river under the act of Congress. There everything is swept away -- and it is all due according to the law within our own State, by giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the government: Or shall we by inaction ever and by that neutrality which is itself the vilest treason, court it?
As one of those instructive shadows of coming events, we clip the following from the Louisville Journal of the 25th. It will be seen that this influential paper does not merely acquiesce in the more vigorous war policy, but demands it. It says:
We have not struck this rebellion as we should save struck. We have not put a quarter of our strength into our blows. Henceforth we must put the whole. What’s the use of being a giant if we don’t act like one?
Comment is unnecessary. We ask citizens to consider the best line of policy to be adopted. Can we not by an unbroken front of loyalty to the Federal government, meet the policy of the administration in the spirit which has dictated the leniency above referred to, or shall we provoke the rigors of the law until confiscation and its consequent devastation shall leave our vicinity the dreadful waste it is making elsewhere. As yet we have realized but a few horrors of war. Let the shadows of coming events warn us that the substance may yet be averted.
Memphis Union Appeal, July 29, 1862.
29, “Take a Drink”Among the many excellent drinking saloons now flourishing in our midst, ”The Cumberland,” opposite the Adams Express Office, is not to be “snubbed.” The proprietors, Messrs. Gettel & Fulgham, are both young gentlemen of the finest business qualifications, and withal genteel, polite and attentive to all who extend their custom. Their stock of Wines, Liquors, Cigars, Tobacco, etc., is not to be excelled by any; house in the city, and those who are partial to a pure drink or a genuine smoke, will hardly fail to call at the Cumberland. That superb beverage, “Walker’s Cream Ale.” should of itself attract a large patronage. A fresh cask always on hand.
Nashville Daily Press, July 29, 1863
29, Report on Feminine Retribution at Martin’s Creek
A Woman's Revenge.
The Nashville Times publishes a letter from a young woman, who tells how she pursued and shot a rebel to avenge the murder of her lover.  The scene of the tragedy was Martin's Creek, Tenn.  The woman's lover was a Dr. Sadler, whose Union principles had rendered him obnoxious to the rebel inhabitants, three of whom hunted him down, and killed him.  The manner of his death is thus narrated by the young woman.
I had met Peteet, Gordenhire, and Turner on the road, and told my brother there that they were searching for Dr. Sadler to kill him.  Sure enough they went to the house where he was; and strange to me, after his warning, he permitted them to come in.  They met him apparently perfectly friendly, and said they had come to get some brandy from Mr. Yelton, which they obtained; and, immediately after drinking, they all three drew their pistols and commenced firing at Sadler.
He drew his, but it was snatched away from him; he then drew his knife, which was also taken from him.  He then ran round the house and up a stairway, escaping out of their sight.  They followed, however, and searched till they found him, and brought him down and laid him o­n a bed, mortally wounded.  He requested some of his people to send for Dr. Dillin to dress his wounds.  It is strange to me why, but Sadler's friends had all left the room, when Turner went up and put his pistol against his temple, and shot him through the head.  They all rejoiced like demons, and stood by till he made his last struggle.  They then pulled his eyes open, and asked him in a loud voice if he were dead.  They then took his horse and saddle and pistols, and robbed him of all his money, and otherwise insulted and abused his remains.
 The young woman (whose initials "L. J. W." are only given) determined o­n revenge, but kept her resolution to herself lest she should be prevented; and on a subsequent day proceeded to a house where she learned Turner (against whom she seems to have especially directed her revenge) was stopping, and deliberately shot him dead.  She thus tells the story:
I asked Mrs. Christian if Turner was gone.  She pointed to him at the gate, just leaving.  I looked at the clock, and it was just 4 ½ o'clock, P.M.  I then walked out into the yard, and as Turner was starting called to him to stop.  He turned, and saw I was preparing to shoot him.  He started to run.  I fired at a distance of about twelve paces, and missed him.  I fired again as quickly as possible, and hit him in the back of the head, and he fell on his face and knees.  I fired again and hit him in the back, and he fell on his right side.  I fired twice more, only one of these shots taking effect.  By this time I was within five steps of him, and stood and watched him until he was dead.  I then turned round and walked toward the house, and met Mrs. Christian, and her sister, his wife, coming out.
They asked me what I did it for.  My response was, "You know what that man did the 13th of December last—murdered a dear friend of mine.  I have been determined to do this deed ever since, and I shall never regret it."  They said no more to me, but commenced hallooing and blowing a horn.  I got my horse and started home, where I shall stay or leave as I choose, going where I please, and saying what I please." 
New Orleans Daily Picayune, July 29, 1864.  

Saturday, July 28, 2012

July 28 - Tennessee Civil War Notes


28, Skirmish near Humboldt
JULY 28, 1862.--Skirmish near Humboldt, Tenn.

Reports of Brig. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army.
HDQRS., Trenton, Tenn., July 28, 1862.
The attack was made early this morning about 8 miles south of Humboldt on two companies of my cavalry. They attacked in front and rear, and I have no doubt but our cavalry behaved badly, scattered and ran. Bryant immediately made preparation for them, and is now pushing through to connect with the Jackson forces. There is no doubt of there being a large body of the enemy south of the Hatchie, and that these attacks are made by parties from that force. They took Brownsville two or three days ago and are destroying immense quantities of cotton. I am posted on all their movements so far, but I cannot get a satisfactory account of the strength of the band north of the Hatchie. All my cavalry are under Bryant, and have gone with instructions to open the road to Jackson at all hazards. Loss this morning 10.
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen.
HDQRS. CENTRAL DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Trenton, Tenn., July 29, 1862.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements of troops in my division for the past few days:
After the attack on my forces near Humboldt and their dispersion of the enemy I ascertained that a force had been sent from Jackson to attack the enemy near Ripley, Lauderdale County; also that a force of the enemy was threatening Bolivar. I ordered Col. Bryant to take all the cavalry, with a force of infantry, to follow up the enemy's forces north of the Hatchie River and toward Brownsville, at the same time starting a force from here toward Dyersburg.
Last night Col. Bryant encamped in rear of the enemy's forces at Poplar Corners and is still following them. I trust, in connection with the Jackson forces, he will cut off their retreat across the Hatchie and thereby bag them. The enemy's forces are on the increase both north and south of the Hatchie. Those north I believe I shall be able to attend to, but they are so slippery and dodge through such small holes that they may evade me.
As I have taken charge of the bridge south of Humboldt I shall endeavor to so guard it that no small band of the enemy can take or destroy it. I have in process of erection there a strong block-house, which when finished will add greatly to the strength of the position. The bridge burned I have had rebuilt, and one hour after we obtained possession of the road had telegraphic communication south.
I must say that the strain upon my health and nerves lately has not added much to the state of my health, though I have full faith I shall weather it and get through safe. I would be glad to visit Columbus, as the general suggests, but it is not best just at this time.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 26-27.


28, Re-election of Rev. Mr. Hines as Memphis School Superintendent
Quite a keen election was held among school visitors yesterday for School Superintendent. Rev. Mr. Hines, the late Superintendent, Mr. Scott, and Mr. Moffet, were put in election. A number of ballots were taken, and at last, the Rev. Mr. Hines was declared Superintendent. We are well pleased with the result, for Mr. Hines has made an excellent, careful, and efficient officer, and such he will remain.
Memphis Daily Bulletin, July 29, 1863.



28, “Tennessee Colored Men in the Regular Army.”
Tennessee has furnished five hundred recruits for the colored regiments of the regular army during the past six months. About three hundred of these were enrolled for the 41st Infantry, by Lieut. L. Johnson, who closed his recruiting office in this city yesterday, having been ordered to Detroit, Michigan. The 41st is now full, and there will be no more recruiting of colored troops here.
Nashville Union and Dispatch, July 28, 1864.

Friday, July 27, 2012

July 27 - Tennessee Civil War Notes


27, Skirmish near Manchester*
MANCHESTER, July 27, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
* * * * 
Forrest appeared before me this morning and made a successful dash upon one of my reconnoitering parties, killing 3 and capturing 15 men. He was apparently withdrawn in the direction of McMinnville. I sent out a strong detachment a short distance to the front to ascertain his whereabouts. We must concentrate a cavalry force sufficient to chase him down before we can get rid of him. Will I be relieved by Gen. Wood? If so, when? I have the flour all safely stored in the depot.
W. S. SMITH, Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 218.
*Ed. note - This event is not listed in the Official Records General Index and is referenced only in passing in the following report. The event was called a “dash,” which here will be determined to be a skirmish.



   27, Federal scout Purdy to Lexington* - capture of Confederate forces 
Monday, July 27, 1863 -- We moved out at 5:30 A. M. to Jacks [sic] Creek 5 miles distant which is a very small town o­n a little creek. There we took the road to Lexington, Tenn., 18 miles distant. During the forenoon the 15th Ill. Cav. was sent off o­n the left flank and came suddenly upon the rebels under Col. Newsome 300 strong who fled without offering resistance. We reached Lexington at 3.00 P. M. It is the capitol of Henderson County. The courthouse was burned. [Emphasis added.] Soon after our arrival the rebel Col. Campbell of Brag’s [sic] army with two commissioned officers and five soldiers approached our picket post thinking it was their own men. They were all captured. The citizens do not seem to like our presence in their town.[sic
Pomerory Diaries, July 27, 1863.
* Ed. note - This event is found neither in Dyer's Battle Indexfor Tennessee nor the OR.


27, “Excitement on the Square.”
Last evening, about 8 1/2 o'clock, as the Provost Guard were conveying a number of offending soldier to the guard house, one of them attempted to escape by running off down College street, starting from near the market house, on the Square. The guard fired one shot at the fellow thus attempting to escape, which did no damage any way, and only had the effect to call together a very large and curious crowd.
Our friend Fred. Clark, however, happened to be passing near, and seizing the soldier by the throat demanded he should stop, which he was not inclined to do, but Fred., always ready for an emergency, thrust a cigar near his throat, which he made the soldier believe was a knife, and said [“]if you don’t stop I’ll cut your throat[“], when he halted, and was delivered back to the guard.
Nashville Daily Press, July 28, 1863


27, “Facts for the Military Far [sic];” effects of occupation on Nashville streets
For the sake of our good city, and in justice to its officials and people, we desire to say a few words. Our City authorities have been condemned and our people censured, for the deplorable condition of our streets. After stating a few facts, we will leave the public to judge as to where the blame lies. Our City Laws [sic] authorize the employment of persons committed to the workhouse for misdemeanors, on the public streets; hence upon the labor of this class of persons, the city has mainly depended for keeping the streets in repair. In former times, the labor thus obtained was found to be abundant; since the occupation of Nashville by the Federal troops, however, the wear and tear of the streets has been a thousand per cent greater, while the means at command of the City authorities has been much less, mainly because the recruiting officer is, and has ever been, ready to pounce upon every inmate of the workhouse as soon as he becomes lodged there. Some few men thus obtained probably became good soldiers; but the large majority of those recruited from the workhouse are merely furnished with greater facilities for carrying out their vicious and wicked purposes, and thus become a disgrace to the army to which they belong, and a curse to society. Their whole time is devoted to robbery, pillage, and murder, and no portion of it given to the service of the country in whose pay they are. We therefore ask that the civic authorities be permitted to remain in their custody all vicious characters and persons guilty of felony, that may be put to profitable employment upon the streets. We may also state that more hands have been under the pay of the corporation since the Federals have occupied Nashville, than ever before, and still the proper officers are unable to procure sufficient to meet the wants of the Street Overseer.
Nashville Dispatch, July 27, 1864.

July 26 - Tennessee Civil War Notes


26, Skirmish for the Pullet in Pinch
ALL ABOUT A HEN. - Yesterday afternoon, in the classic locality of Pinch, there took place a combat whose varying fortunes o­nly the pen of Homer could worthily trace. The canorous Greek alone affords a fit medium for it, and in Greek we would narrate its thrilling incidents, but that for convenience to our reader, we think it better to indite it in English.
From o­ne of Pinch's palatial halls there did issue, arrayed in beauty and clouded with ancient Bourbon fumes, a magnificent matron of majestic proportions, upon whose attractions mother earth played a wooing influence of 223 pounds and three ounces. We love to be accurate and had the ponderosity ascertained by scales of patented justness.  In breadth this Pinchine Juno might have measured about an inch less than she did in length. Had we dared to penetrate the vapory veil of odors that surrounded her, we would have measured her; as it was, we had her proportions estimated by a practiced architect, the artist Powers not being at hand.
In her hands the queenly and ponderous being held a timid, innocent chicken. The chicken did not seem to like it, but a youth of some twelve summers did like the chicken, and claimed it. The fair o­ne contested the claim, and in classic tone, strengthened by Amazonian anger, called the youth by a name that might evoke doubts as to the quadrupedal or bipedal formation of his maternal parent. The interesting child took offense at this and [took] pull at the chicken, the lady of Pinchine palace tool a pull at his hair, and in her general deportment rendered it evident that she had taken several pulls at something else before. Blows, scratches, kicks, shouts and screams, came thick and fast, while the shrill treble of the torn chicken lose above the all in a clear "tuck-tuck-tuckaw- tuck."
Varying were the fortunes of the day, as the gods favored each champion; but at last the worthy spouse of the fiery Amazon reeled forth from the inner vestibule of the Pinchine palace, and the youthful combatant fled with winged hell to the nearest brick pile, and commenced a bombardment, which for its steadiness, has been unequalled in the annals of the war. The youth's maternal parent came forth to aid him, and lo! She proved no quadruped, but a woman, shapes as other women, fighting as other women fight. The double fight continued steadily for some time; but the heavy matron 'gan [sic] to get warm, and the man [sic] did reel, and reeling they retreated to take up a new base of operations, which they did. The retreat was masterly; but this did I mark, the youth got the chicken, and a late courier informs us that the holds that chicken still. Juno is safe from attack - the Pinchine palace uninjured of course.
Memphis Union Appeal, July 27, 1862.Ed. note: A story unequalled in the annals of the war. Pinch was the sobriquet for the Irish neighborhood in Memphis.


26, Brigadier-General Grenville M. Dodge initiates property confiscation policy for Confederate guerrilla supporters in West Tennessee: General Orders No. 11
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 11. HDQRS. CENTRAL DIV. OF THE MISS., Trenton, Tenn., July 26, 1862.
I. The general commanding has undoubted knowledge that the sympathizers with this rebellion within the limits of this command are aiding in a spies of warfare unknown to the laws and customs of war, the suppression of which calls for more rigorous and decisive measures than have been heretofore adopted. The allowing of bands of guerrillas to encamp in the neighborhood without giving information of the fact, the firing upon pickets, the feeding fact, the firing upon pickets, the feeding of parties who are hiding from our forces and the carrying of information to and from the enemy have become matters of daily occurrence. It is therefore ordered-
II. That any neighborhood, town or village that allows marauding bands or guerrillas to remain or camp near them without immediately sending word to the nearest military post will be levied upon, and a certain portion of the property of all known sympathizers of this rebellion than can be used by the U. S. forces, to be determined by the commander of the division, will be taken, and the citizens will be held personally responsible for the acts of the band. Where pickets are fired into the sympathizers of the rebellion being near the place will be arrested and held until the guilty party is brought to fight, and when any injury is done the picket there will be assessed upon the disloyal citizens living near the place an amount not exceeding $10,000, as the commanding general may determine.
III. Citizens who encourage returned soldiers and deserters to hide in the woods and form bands to return to the rebel army will be arrested and held responsible for all depredations committed by these bands; and when it comes to the knowledge of any of the commanders of posts of this command that returned soldiers or deserters are lurking about, hiding and not coming forward as required they will arrest and hold for hostage the nearest disloyal relative to the soldier, such person to be held as hostage till the soldier delivers himself or is delivered up.
IV. Any person, white or black, free or slave, who brings reliable information of guerrilla bands, marauding parties and of citizens who are breaking any provisions of this order, which information proving to be of benefit to the U. S. forces, will receive a liberal reward. If a slave he will be guaranteed against receiving punishment for bringing such information.
By order of Brig. Gen. G. M. Dodge
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 4, pp. 290-291.

July 27 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

27, Skirmish near Manchester*
MANCHESTER, July 27, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
* * * * 
Forrest appeared before me this morning and made a successful dash upon one of my reconnoitering parties, killing 3 and capturing 15 men. He was apparently withdrawn in the direction of McMinnville. I sent out a strong detachment a short distance to the front to ascertain his whereabouts. We must concentrate a cavalry force sufficient to chase him down before we can get rid of him. Will I be relieved by Gen. Wood? If so, when? I have the flour all safely stored in the depot.
W. S. SMITH, Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 218.
*Ed. note - This event is not listed in the Official Records General Index and is referenced only in passing in the following report. The event was called a "dash," which here will be determined to be a skirmish.

 

 

 

   27, Federal scout Purdy to Lexington* - capture of Confederate forces 
Monday, July 27, 1863 -- We moved out at 5:30 A. M. to Jacks [sic] Creek 5 miles distant which is a very small town o­n a little creek. There we took the road to Lexington, Tenn., 18 miles distant. During the forenoon the 15th Ill. Cav. was sent off o­n the left flank and came suddenly upon the rebels under Col. Newsome 300 strong who fled without offering resistance. We reached Lexington at 3.00 P. M. It is the capitol of Henderson County. The courthouse was burned. [Emphasis added.] Soon after our arrival the rebel Col. Campbell of Brag's [sic] army with two commissioned officers and five soldiers approached our picket post thinking it was their own men. They were all captured. The citizens do not seem to like our presence in their town.[sic
Pomerory Diaries, July 27, 1863.
* Ed. note - This event is found neither in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee nor the OR.

 

 

27, "Excitement on the Square."
Last evening, about 8 1/2 o'clock, as the Provost Guard were conveying a number of offending soldier to the guard house, one of them attempted to escape by running off down College street, starting from near the market house, on the Square. The guard fired one shot at the fellow thus attempting to escape, which did no damage any way, and only had the effect to call together a very large and curious crowd.
Our friend Fred. Clark, however, happened to be passing near, and seizing the soldier by the throat demanded he should stop, which he was not inclined to do, but Fred., always ready for an emergency, thrust a cigar near his throat, which he made the soldier believe was a knife, and said ["]if you don't stop I'll cut your throat["], when he halted, and was delivered back to the guard.
Nashville Daily Press, July 28, 1863

 

 

27, "Facts for the Military Far [sic];" effects of occupation on Nashville streets
For the sake of our good city, and in justice to its officials and people, we desire to say a few words. Our City authorities have been condemned and our people censured, for the deplorable condition of our streets. After stating a few facts, we will leave the public to judge as to where the blame lies. Our City Laws [sic] authorize the employment of persons committed to the workhouse for misdemeanors, on the public streets; hence upon the labor of this class of persons, the city has mainly depended for keeping the streets in repair. In former times, the labor thus obtained was found to be abundant; since the occupation of Nashville by the Federal troops, however, the wear and tear of the streets has been a thousand per cent greater, while the means at command of the City authorities has been much less, mainly because the recruiting officer is, and has ever been, ready to pounce upon every inmate of the workhouse as soon as he becomes lodged there. Some few men thus obtained probably became good soldiers; but the large majority of those recruited from the workhouse are merely furnished with greater facilities for carrying out their vicious and wicked purposes, and thus become a disgrace to the army to which they belong, and a curse to society. Their whole time is devoted to robbery, pillage, and murder, and no portion of it given to the service of the country in whose pay they are. We therefore ask that the civic authorities be permitted to remain in their custody all vicious characters and persons guilty of felony, that may be put to profitable employment upon the streets. We may also state that more hands have been under the pay of the corporation since the Federals have occupied Nashville, than ever before, and still the proper officers are unable to procure sufficient to meet the wants of the Street Overseer.
Nashville Dispatch, July 27, 1864.


 


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

July 24 - 25 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

July 24 -25, 1861 - "A whisper was muttered that expanded into a rumor, and the rumor grew into a downright assertion that Dan, the polite, roguish, smart, industrious Dan, was a woman!"

The Livery Stable Clerk.—A livery stable in this city has, for a week or ten days, been under the management of a sprightly fellow, who told a good story, cracked his whip with a knowing jerk, and handled the ribbons with an off-hand skill that never failed to draw admiration from the profound students in horseflesh, who "know a thing or two." Dan Edson, for that was the young fellow's name, kept the books, fingered the money, managed the stable boys, let out horses and buggies, and discussed the points of a horse and the achievements of a racer as occasion called for, and all with the off-hand, decided style that he exhibited in everything he said or did. Dan, although not long in his new place, was becoming a favorite. The old frequenters of the place found it refreshing to rub up their slow ideas against Dan's rapid enunciation and trenchant vehemence. The young "bloods" about town—who love to drive to Fort Pickering at as near a 2:40 pace[1] as whip lash can procure and hired hacks achieve—were fond of dealing with Dan. In their eyes, Dan was knowing; he had a jaunty air and a saucy look about him; and he always contrived, he did not know how, to make them o­n better terms with themselves than usual. They never felt so pleased with the set of their hat, the cut of their coat, the ring of their boot heels o­n the pavement, the glisten of the brooch in their bosom, or the color of their ungloved hands, as when Dan unobtrusively but insinuatingly called their notice to excellencies and beauties, distingue results they had often sighed for, but seldom before dared to hope they had attained. Dan was not in a situation to come much into the company of ladies; yet sometimes a lady would get into, or leave a carriage near the stable; Dan was then a model of attention and politeness. His manner was demure, but yet full of archness. The lips and brow expressed gravity, but the very duce was dancing bold and riotous pranks beneath the two arched eyebrows. Of course the few ladies who had enjoyed the pleasure of Dan's ready aid, as they mounted or left the steps of their carriages, were admirers of his. His modest demeanor and rakish looks delighted them. They were sure he was "the very devil among the girls." In fact Dan was o­n the way to greatness. But a few days he had taken the stable in hand, yet already everything seemed going like a piece of clock work, of which Dan was the regulator. The stable was feeling the benefit of his popularity, and by day and by night the empty halls of the neighboring grand hotel echoed with the tread of horses, and the trundle of wheels from the stable over the way. We must now take a graver tone. Man is mortal, and mortality is changeable, and a change came over Dan's expanding fortunes, and envious fate dashed from his hands the flowing cup of sweet prosperity. A whisper was muttered that expanded into a rumor, and the rumor grew into a downright assertion that Dan, the polite, roguish, smart, industrious Dan, was a woman! The assertion became accusation, and accusation stamped the story with certainty, when, yesterday, the chief of police and officer Winters waited upon Dan with an invitation to accompany them to jail. But Dan was not disconcerted—nothing disconcerted Dan Edson; he laughed in the faces of his visitors, and told them he had not time just then to attend to their jokes. Capt. Garrett put o­n his gravest look and assured the young scapegrace that it was a very serious matter. "Can't attend to you now, gentlemen, that's flat," said Dan. "I let o­ne of our horses to a gentleman yesterday, and he's gone and killed it. Rail fences, and mud roads after a thunder storm, don't do for hurdle and race practice. The fellow has to pay us for our horse, and I expect him every minute. I'm fond of fun, gentlemen; but we'll settle the jail subject when you call again. We can then take a laugh and a sherry cobbler together. "Good day, gentlemen," and Dan was retiring into the abysses of the stable, with o­ne of his saucy, laughing nods, when a few more words from the police convinced her that the play was ended, and the part she had assumed must be abandoned. With a jail for a green room, this was not so pleasant; but it had to be done, and there Dan. Edson was placed o­n the charge of being, properly, a tenant not of pants but of petticoats, and entitled to the name of Mrs. Ray. It is said that behind this adventure of playing clerk in a livery stable lies a story, to move to tears, of an outraged wife, sorrowing and heart-broken, but we cannot touch o­n grief that is too sacred for public exposure. What may come to light, at the investigation that will take place before the recorder this morning, we cannot tell.

Memphis Daily Appeal, July 24, 1861.

 

The Livery Stable Clerk.—Daniel Edson, the livery clerk of whose arrest we have given an account, was before the recorder yesterday morning o­n the charge of being a woman, Mrs. Ray, in man's clothes. A large crowd filled the court o­n the occasion. The lady appeared to answer the charge in the manly garb which she has chosen instead of crinoline and accompaniments. She was fined ten dollars, which she paid.

Memphis Daily Appeal, July 25, 1861.

 

Can a Woman Legally Wear Pants?—This question was presented in the criminal court, Judge Swayne, presiding, o­n Tuesday, in the case of N. D. Wetmore, livery stable keeper, who was arrested o­n a charge of employing Mrs. Ray as his clerk, she being dressed in man's apparel. We are indebted to a legal friend for the following report of the case, the petitioner, Mr. Wetmore, applying for his discharge o­n habeas corpus: In the matter of Mr. N. D. Wetmore, petition for habeas corpus, the facts appeared as follows: That a person supposed to be a female was in the employ of the petitioner as a clerk, or hand, at his livery stable; but there was no direct proof that said person was in fact a female, or was so known to petitioner to be. The petitioner was in custody, as the return of the city jailer showed, by order of a policeman. The questions raised under the proof were, whether the petitioner was guilty of any offense in law, and whether he was detained by authority of law. The court allowed time for the examination of the law o­n these questions, which was done by H. Vollintine, Esq., at the instance of the court, o­n the part of the jailer. It was afterward, o­n reference to the law, agreed that a policeman could not imprison a party in the day time, without examination before the recorder. It also appeared to the court, from the authorities, that employing or retaining a female in man's attire in service, was not an offense known to the law, however liable the female might be herself for thus being in a man's attire. Hence, the petitioner was discharged as before announced, there being no law to detain him.

Memphis Daily Appeal, July 25, 1861.



[1] Considered the fastest pace a horse and buggy could run - a mile in two minutes and forty seconds.



Monday, July 23, 2012

July 23 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

23, "The Tennessee troops and those of the Confederate States are not organized alike in all respects, and, consequently, in the transfer the organization of the former may be in some respects interfered with." Governor Harris to L.P. Walker, Confederate Secretary of War relative to transfer of the Provisional Army of Tennessee to the Confederate States.
Richmond, July 23, 1861,
Hon. L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War:
I am requested by his excellency Isham G. Harris, governor, to ask at your hands full and specific instructions for the transfer of the Provisional Army of Tennessee to the Confederate States. The Tennessee troops and those of the Confederate States are not organized alike in all respects, and, consequently, in the transfer the organization of the former may be in some respects interfered with. The governor made such appointments in the general staff for the Tennessee Army (about 22,000 strong) as were deemed necessary for a force of that magnitude. These appointments embrace an adjutant-general, quartermaster-general, surgeon-general, inspector-general, and commissary-general, with suitable and proper number of assistants of each. In the transfer by regiments and battalions will those appointed be displaced or not? If displace, the governor expressed the hope that, as an act of justice to the State and to the appointees, in supplying the force with necessary officers in this branch of the service, they be taken from Tennessee and from his appointees, if it can be done without prejudice to the service. If shall be decided to be the general line of policy; of the appointing power, it will give great satisfaction to the State.
In order to prevent confusion, and to relive the governor from embarrassment and the officers of the general staff from uncertainty, please state the effect of the transfer and the general rule to be observed as to this branch of the service. A large quantity of stores were collected for the subsistence of the Provisional Army of Tennessee, and the same is now o­n hand. They have been paid for, and constitute part of the war expenditures of the State. The transfer of the army makes it necessary to determine what shall be done with these stores. If they are to be turned over with the army, it us respectfully suggested that arrangements should be made for the purpose. Be kind enough to furnish instructions o­n this point.
The governor desires that steps be taken to have the debt incurred by the State for the war purposes settled and provided for by the Confederate States, in accordance with the league between the two powers. I submit an aggregate of this debt, with the hope that measures will be instituted for its adjustment.
The extent of the force will make it necessary to appoint several generals in addition to those already appointed. It would be gratifying to the governor if in making the same the appointing power would select Generals Caswell, Sneed, and Foster, appointed by him as generals in the Tennessee forces. He would not make the request if he thought the service would suffer by it.
I am requested to invite your attention to the policy of establishing camps of instruction in East Tennessee. The healthfulness of the climate, cheapness of forage, and proximity to the field of operations all indicate this section of Tennessee as eminently appropriate for camps of instruction. In addition to which, the presence of an armed force will furnish a sense of security to our friends, and tend to suppress unlawful combinations and conspiracies against the Government.
Rifle regiments for twelve months, each man to provide his rifle, to be taken by the Government at value, and converted into minie rifles, are being raised in Tennessee, and it is believed that several thousand troops under this description could be raised if desire by the Confederate Government. The State is able to convert these rifles at the rate of 300 per week into Minie rifles. The State is engaged in the manufacture of guns, sabers, powder, and caps, and if encouraged by some expression of approbation from the Confederate Government would, it is believed, press forward with greater energy;.
Enclosed with this letter was the following financial statement showing how much Tennessee had shelled out for stuff for the Provisional Army. I take it then that it was understood by Governor Harris and etc. that the Confederate States was to reimburse Tenn..
G. Gannt
[Inclosure]
Military and Financial Board
Nashville, Tenn., July 18, 1861
His Excellency Gov. Isham G. Harris:

Sir: The expenditures of this board to date are as follows:
Quartermaster-general's department                $918,775.94
Commissary-general's department                      522,456.03
Paymaster-general's department                       399,600.00
Medical Department                                              8,500.00
Ordnance Department                                        362,045.91
Contingencies - special services,

expenses of board, & c                                         12,513.03

                                                                         2,223,890.91
Very respectfully,

F.G. ROCHE, Secretary 
OR, Ser. I Vol. 4, pp. 372-373.

 

 

 

23, Major-General W.T. Sherman refuses to rescind orders permitting draft age Confederates to remain in Memphis
HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, July 23, 1862.
Dr. E. S. PLUMMER AND OTHERS, Physicians in Memphis, Signers to a Petition:
GENTLEMEN: I have this moment received your communication , and assure you that it grieves my heart thus to be the instrument of adding to the seeming cruelty and hardship of this unnatural war.
On my arrival here I found my predecessor (Gen. Hovey) had issued an order permitting the departure South of all persons subject to the conscript law of the Southern Confederacy. Many applications have been made to me to modify this order, but I regarded it as a condition-precedent by which I was bound in honor, and therefore I have made no changes or modifications, nor shall I determine what action I shall adopt in relation to persons unfriendly to our cause who remain after the time limited by Gen. Hovey's order has expired. It is now sunset, and all who have not availed themselves of Gen. Hovey's authority and who remain in Memphis are supposed to be loyal and true men.
I will only say that I cannot allow the personal convenience of even a large class of ladies to influence me in my determination to make Memphis a safe place of operations for an army, and all people who are unfriendly should forthwith prepare to depart in such direction as I may hereafter indicate.
Surgeons are not liable to be made prisoners of war, but they should not reside within the lines of an army which they regard as hostile. The situation would be too delicate.
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
W. T. SHERMAN, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 114.

 

 

23, "The City Council -- Board of Education;" an editorial call to meet the needs of the public school system in Nashville
This evening the Common Council holds its regular semi-monthly meeting, and at half-past 3 o'clock the two Boards are to meet in convention for the purpose of electing a City Treasurer and a Board of Education. The present faithful incumbent of the offices of Treasurer will no be re-elected, and we therefore dismiss that part of the business. Of the Board of Education we wish t say a few words, however, as that is a subject which we deem of infinitely more importance than is usually attached to it by the unthinking. Upon the careful training of our children depends not only their future happiness, but the peace of mind of the parents and the well-being of society. In proportion as proper attention to the moral and intellectual culture of children diminished, in the same or a still greater ration will crime increase. We do not believe that secular education alone [sic] prevents crime, because long years of experience has taught us that the most solid piety and unflinching virtue is found among the unlettered and unlearned in the wisdom of the world, but we do maintain that the moral and religious culture ought to go hand in hand with those useful adornment of the human mind, when we all love to see in our children.

The distracted state of the country present the possibility of obtaining statistic which are always valuable in forming a basis on which to ground an argument, but in the present instance we think it will be taken for granted that large numbers of children have, for the past twelve months, been deprived of all mans of education, and that as a natural consequence their time has been spent I idleness or wickedness; the former being little better that the latter, for man or woman is scarcely able to avoid being in some kind of mischief, with the mind and body unoccupied by some useful employments, and how call we reasonably hope for anything better in the child?
These facts being conceded, what is our duty in the premises? It seems to us very plain that our first duty is to select as members of the Board of Education eight gentlemen whose minds are capable of appreciating the position in which our children are unfortunately placed, and who, appreciating, are able and willing to suggest and carry out a remedy. We want men who do not seek the office for the honor thereof, but men who feel that they are bound to look after the education of the hundreds of children in our midst, whose parent are absent from home, or who, being at home, are unable to pay for their education. We want men who feel that the city of Nashville needs their services, and has the right to ask of them the aid of their wisdom and experience. If such are elected, we have nothing to fear -- all will be well soon.
But some have asked, where are such to be found at the present time, who, in addition to their intellectual endowments, posses the requisite political qualifications for office? We answer -- We have such men herein abundance; we have Francis B. Fogg, J. B. Knowles, R. H. McEwen, sen'r, Russell Houston, Anson Nelson, J. S. Fowler, Isaac Paul, F. O. Hurt, J. W. Hoyt, J. B. Lindsley, M. H. Howard, in addition to others in the Board at present.
We do not expect the public schools to be re-opened, and the whole system to be again put in operation; even if it could be done, it is not necessary at present Let the new Board get one school-house , if they can, if not, hire a suitable building, or two or more large rooms, and have them temporarily fitted up of the present emergency. If that cannot be obtained see what can be done in the way of furnishing increased accommodation for the private schools not interspersed through the city, or hat arrangements can be made with them for receiving the children of the poor who are unable to pay. In short, we want men selected for members of the Board who are capable of appreciating our position and are willing to exert themselves to remedy, as far as possible, the evils under which we labor.
Nashville Dispatch, July 23, 1863.


 


Friday, July 20, 2012

July 20 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

20, Federal forces take the Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis
On last Sunday [the 20th] the military authorities took possession of, and held divine services in the Second Presbyterian Church....We understand they ensconced themselves in genuine military style; marching in amid strains of martial music, and 're-occupying" the unresisting pews; the musical department 'retaking' the choir gallery, and the preacher 'repossessing' the pulpit. After these recoveries, a hymn being adapted to a 'national tune,' was performed to the immense satisfaction of the Unions savers. The reverend Yankee divine, we learn, read a profound essay on good manners to his soldier auditors, upon two-thirds of whom our informant tells us, it produced a peculiarly soporific effect, which was only dispelled by the sounding of fife and pealing drum' at the close of the services. None of our substantial [Confederate] citizens were present on this interesting occasion, and the respectable number of five forlorn, cadaverous looking females, evidently of the lower classes represented the Union feeling of the other sex!"

Memphis Daily Appeal, July 25, 1862.

 

 

20, Entry from the Diary of Kate Carney. "They ate everything up, and the cook had to get a fresh supply."

Sunday July 20th 1862
This morning the first thing I heard was many voices at o­nce, & in finding out who they were, learned it was 9 Yankees that had come & ordered their breakfast. o­nly 7 seven remained, the other two thought it would be too long preparing, said if we didn't give them something to eat they would take every horse o­n the place. Pa was the o­nly member of the family that went in where they were. They ate everything up, and the cook had to get a fresh supply. Most of the left without even thanking Pa for his kindness. Scarcely had they gone, when two more scamps said, they had orders to take every horse they saw. Pa & Ma went out [and] talked quite plain to them, said they should not have them until a written order was shown. o­ne of them told Ma if she were a man he would whip her, but they did not get the horses. Quite a number were here before dinner, & 5 more took that meal here. 4 more came, 2 remaining at the ice house, & the other two came to the house. o­ne little fellow had the bridle & was going to take him whether or not & when Pa pretended he had a guard here, he left in a hurry, made the remark o­n leaving they would have them yet even were they to have to get armed men to come with them. So Ma started up town after a guard, as the Provost Marshall said in the morning she might have o­ne, but when she went said so many had applied for guards he could not furnish o­ne, but if she would apply to the Col. of cavalry she could get o­ne. Ma thinking Gen. Nelson might give her o­ne, sent in her name, stated her business, & an officer was treating her very politely, just starting over after a guard, when old Ashburn slipped into the Gen.'s room, and I suppose he must have told the Gen. something, for he had him immediately recalled, sent Ma a very insulting message for she & Pa to go home & stay there,& not to show their faces any more, if they didn't want to be eaten out of house and home. Ma said she didn't care about their eating, for she had been feeding them all day. We didn't know what to do, but in a few moments a Yankee came out, enquired very particularly into the case, & sent Lt. H. H. Fisk to guard us accompanied by himself. Said they would stay tonight, didn't know whether or not they would stay longer. Bettie & I neither went into supper, I dislike very much to eat at the table with the Yankees.


Kate Carney Diary

April 15, 1861-July 31, 1862

http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/carney/carney.html

 

 

 

20, Billiards in Nashville
One of the institutions of the city, and in fact one of the handsomest billiard rooms in the country is kept by that clever gentleman Jo Loiseau, on Cedar street. He is now running thirteen tables, which are engaged nearly all the time, both day and night. Mr. Loiseau has lately secured the services of Frank Parker, of New York, one of the best billiard players in the country, as superintendent of his establishment. He has a world-wide reputation in the science, and amateurs will find it to their advantage to attend the saloon, and see with what ease he can make a run of several hundred points.
Nashville Daily Press, July 20 1864.



Thursday, July 19, 2012

July 19 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

19, Anti-guerrilla actions in Dyer, Obion counties, and Humboldt, Trenton, Kenton, and Union City
HDQRS., Trenton, July 19, 1862.
Brig. Gen. I. F. QUINBY, Columbus:
The guerrillas are pressing me, and I am using all my cavalry force against them. We have been without shoes for horses for a long time, and it renders one-half of the force unfit for service. Cannot you push through on to-morrow's train horseshoes for Second Illinois Cavalry? My cavalry are on the move from Humboldt, Trenton, Kenton, and Union City, with orders to wipe out guerrillas and cotton-burners, to disarm all known rebels in Dyer, Obion, and all the country bordering the Obion swamps. I have ordered increase of guards at bridges.
G. M. DODGE, Brig. Gen.
HDQRS., Trenton, July 19, 1862.
Col. GEORGE E. BRYANT, Humboldt:
I have ordered a battery to you and one company of cavalry. If the enemy have a camp within that distance, pitch into them as soon as forces arrive. In mean time send out your cavalry to get their position. Use them up before they get settled. Disarm all the known rebels in the country around you and in the line of march of your cavalry. Have the arms turned over to you. Look out that your forces do not meet the forces sent from here west and southwest.
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen., Comdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, pp. 104-105

 

 

19, "You are for us or against us, and a manly course is to choose your side." A lesson in the meaning of loyalty: Brigadier-General Alvin P. Hovey vs. the Memphis Typographical Union. 
Brig.-Gen Hovey, Commanding United States Forces:
GENERAL: Knowing you to be a valiant soldier and a gentleman of generous sentiments, I am requested by the members of the Memphis Typographical Union (a body of men who have remained neutral during the present civil war) to relieve them from the oath prescribed by you, as they desire to have no part on either side in the present conflict. They are working men and not politicians, and hope their names will not be mixed up in civil strive. Their occupation is to disseminate knowledge, and not to create ill will among the great family of a mighty country.
Yours respectfully,
J. B. Synott, Sec. Mem. Typo. Union.

Headquarters, United States Forces,
District of West Tennessee,
Memphis, July 19, 1862
J. B. Synnot, Secretary Memphis Typographical Union:
The respectful tone of your letter, they body of men you represent, and the complimentary manner in which you have thought proper to mention my name, all demand a serious consideration and respectful answer to your request.
You ask me to modify Order No. 1 so as to relieve the members of you association from taking the oath of allegiance. Now, what is the substance of that order? Briefly answered—it gives you the right to leave the City without imposing any conditions, and take up arms against our country if you wish. It throws the gauntlet down and dares you to the conflict, or simply requires you to swear to support the Constitution your fathers made. Surely this no hard rule in times of war. Let us for one moment contrast it with the course adopted by the so-styled Southern Confederacy. Where they have power, men who have dared to whisper words in favor of the Union have by brutal (chivalric?) force been hung—decrepitude and years could not shield them. Even in sight of this city, an old gray-haired man of sixty, lone friendless, and helpless, was hung by a chivalric mob, because he dared to adhere to the Government that gave him birth [sic], and was the pride of his declining years. Aye, even in this city, (if report be true) the ball and chain in the "Vigilance Committee" room was used to intimidate the fearful, and shackle the limbs of freemen who would not bow down to the Southern idol. The barber shop, too, is hard by, where they administered a clean shave to all who would not shout for the "Chivalry" and Davis.
"You didn't do it?" Hundreds of your "high-toned gentlemen" didn't do it? No—but you stood by, raised not a hand to shield the helpless and dared not even whisper one kind word to console the victims of the mob. This was neutrality, and this was taking no part! [sic] Look to Missouri, Virginia, Maryland and East Tennessee, and the robberies perpetrated under the color of the Confederacy's act of confiscation, and humanity will shudder and blush. No one, with my permission, shall serve two masters. You are for us or against us, and a manly course is to choose your side. Ten secret foes and spies are worse than one hundred open enemies. If you ask the protection of the broad wings of our old eagle, you must help feed and support the bird. The day of kind words, good desires, much talk and no sincerity has passed. Officers will be compelled to pull off their long silken gauntlets and return the salutation of pretended friends with the stern grip of war.
The city is now filled with treason and traitors, and that officer is surely unnaturally kind who will permit them to remain and hatch their unholy schemes with his camp.
No class of men exercise such a vast influence over the public mind as the craft to which you belong, and you owe it to yourselves and posterity to advocate and aid the fight. The printer, philosopher and statesman Franklin is your pride. He was no neutral. Follow his example, support the cause that he supported, and uphold the Constitution that he labored to construct, and your children and children's children may be proud of you in future days.
I have spoken earnestly, freely, but with no intention of casting the least insinuation upon any member of your society. Believing Order No. 1.to be just as well as politic, it shall, as long as I have the honor to command, be strictly and rigidly enforced.
Respectfully yours,
Alvin O. Hovey, Brigadier-General Commanding
New York Times, July 28, 1862

 

 

19, Federal occupation of Lewisburg*
No circumstantial reports filed. 
The next day [19th], on getting within three miles of Lewisburg, the county seat of Marshall county, I took 50 men and started ahead at a gallop, with orders to dash in suddenly and surprise the place. The Spencers** were unslung and ready for action, pistols were drawn and forward we dashed at breakneck speed, right into the public square before the astonished citizens knew there was a Yankee within 40 miles of them. When they realized the astounding fact that they we were real live Yankees the women began to scream, and the merchants shut their doors, but I ordered the stores opened. We then went to the jail which they have used during the past two years as a prison for Union citizens, and in a few minutes the flames were bursting out of the roof and the jail was in ruins before we left the town. Union men had no rights which this town respected, and we handled them accordingly.
Three Years, p. 109.
*Listed neither in OR nor Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
**i.e., Spencer repeating rifles. 


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

July 18 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

18, Editorial anxieties in Memphis about food supply and clothing for Tennessee's soldiers
We desire to call the attention of planters to the importance of an early subscription in flour and corn-meal for the use of our army. The Confederate Government purchases in May last an immense quantity of flour, and stored it as this place, but the supply is now nearly exhausted. Unless the planters of West Tennessee, North Alabama, and Mississippi, come forward and subscribe flour and meal, taking Confederate bonds in payment, our brave boys in the field will soon be without read. Let each planter indicate to the Commissary Department at this place, by mail or through his commission merchant, what quantity he is willing to sell to the Government for their bonds, and let them send it forward immediately. There are five mills in operation here capable of grinding _____ [sic] bushels daily, to which the planters can send their bushels daily, to which the planters can send their wheat and have it ground and barreled, ready for transportation. The near approach of the autumnal season, and the almost certainty of the continuance of the war, suggest not only the propriety but the necessity of supplying our troops in the field with warm clothing and warm covering. It will not probably be within the power of the Government to do this, and much necessarily depends upon individual effort. On this subject the following suggestions of the West Tennessee Whig are the most feasible and practicable we have seen: -- 
The supply of blankets in store is exhausted, and the possibility of supply from the North is cut off by the rigid non-intercourse of the war, while the blockading of our seaports cuts us off from all hopes of a reasonable supply by importation. How, then, it may be asked, are the wants of our soldiers to be supplies: It can only be done by every family giving up a portion of the blankets they have for family use, to the soldiers, and supplying the deficiency thus created by making "comforts" out of cotton for their own use. These comforts do well enough for persons in comfortable houses at home when they are not exposed to the weather, and our people are expected to make use of them, and send their blankets to the soldiers. There is no time to be lost in doing it either. Before many are aware of it, the cool nights of early autumn will be upon them, and what they do for the comfort of the soldiers, they must do quickly.
Memphis Appeal, July 18, 1861

 

 

18, "Working Men's Union Meeting at Exchange Building To-Night."
A meeting will be held by the working men of Memphis, to-night, at Exchange Building, as advertised in our columns. It is believed to be high time that the laborer and the mechanic come forth and speak for that Union whose chief prosperity is due to the labor of his brawny arm, the sweat of his manly brow, the loss of which, even for a time, was to him the loss of liberty and dignity. The meeting should be a full one. It should be a clean protest against the unholy rebellion which sustained itself by dragging the laborer like a hound from his home, to work per force and without remuneration, a protest against the rebellion which subjected them to be dragged to encampments from the side of their dependent wives and families, which looked upon all labor as disgraceful, and the white laborer as less since than a negro, a protest against the rebellion which shot those who resisted the indignities it heaped upon them, whose leaders applied to for redress, remarked, "it is only an Irishman!" Come out, working men, mechanic and laborer; enter your protest against tyranny, manifest your love and gratitude for the flag that has ever protected you. Let those talk "nigger" [sic] who will, your interest and dignity are with the old United States, within whose protection alone the mechanic and the laborer have ever stood the proud and just equals in social and political rights to every other class of the community.
Come to the meeting and speak, Old Pinch, from the factory and the smithy. Come and come with those dear and near to you, ever protected beneath the old Constitution as much as they were disregarded by rebellion. Come out, one and all.
Memphis Union Appeal, July 18, 1862.

 

 

  18, A Maury County Confederate's confrontation with a Confederate guerrilla – a dispute about the oath of allegiance
After leaving Mooresville we was acosted [sic] by a southern soldier guerilla who stopt me & asked my name I give it to him & asked his name he refused at first letting it saying he understood I was persuading Pickens to take the oath of alegiance [sic] to get his property I denied it said I did not persuade him anyway but told him that others was doing so who had taken the oth [sic] that was then & had been good Southern men he made some threats about the Gurillas [sic] taking my property. I demanded his name I got out of my bugy [sic] & told him I would know it, he then told me his name was Lowrey & that he was glad that he had had an explanation that he would inform the gurillas [sic] which he had o­n doubt would be satisfactory to them & him we then parted I saw o­n the way [to] Overtons Fleming's son who also told me the gurillas [sic] were ensensed [sic] at me for telling Pickens that I did or what they way told I had said to Pickins & he appeared satisfyed & said he had to believed it. 
Diary of Nimrod Porter, July 18, 1863.