Wednesday, June 19, 2013

6/18/2013 Tennessee Civil War Notes

26, 1862 - Skirmish at Atkins' Mill

No circumstantial reports filed.

Excerpt from the Report of Brig. Gen. Gordon Granger, U. S. Army, commanding cavalry division, of operations from April 23 to June 10, 1862, relative to the skirmish at Atkin's Mill, April 24, 1862.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Near Corinth, June 19, 1862.

GEN.: The division which I have the honor to command is composed of four regiments of cavalry, of twelve companies each, comprising the First Brigade, under Col. J. K. Mizner, consisting of the Third Michigan and Seventh Illinois, and the Second Brigade, consisting of the Second Iowa and Second Michigan, under Col. Elliott.

* * * *

April 24.-Col. Elliott, commanding Second Brigade, with a battalion each of Second and Third Michigan, Second Iowa, and Seventh Illinois, proceeded to Greer's Ford. On the 26th Capt. Fowler, Second Michigan, while on escort duty with his company, was fired upon by the enemy's pickets, severely wounding Private John Foster, Company G. The enemy retreated, and the nature of the ground forbade much pursuit. Four companies, same regiment, under Maj. Shaw, drove in the enemy's pickets at Atkins' Mill. Had 1 man wounded. Col. Elliott's force for several days were continually scouring the country toward Monterey.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 10, pt. I, p. 727.

       

 

 

 

26, 1862 -  Confederate imprisonment order for unionist W. H. Malone and release of John Patterson

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, April 26, 1862.

COMDG. OFFICER OF PRISON, Atlanta, Ga.

SIR: By direction of Maj. Gen. E. Kirby Smith, commanding this military department, I have to request that you will admit into the prison in which the Union men of Tennessee are confined Mr. W. H. Malone, a gentleman who bears this communication and whose loyalty is indorsed by some of the best and most patriotic citizens of the State. Mr. M. proposes to enlist into the army of the Confederacy such of the prisoners as may be disposed and whom he may deem reliable for service without the limits of this department. The major-general commanding heartily approves the motive which influences Mr. M., and trusts that the object he would attain will as far as possible be advanced by the authorities who have the prisoners in charge. You will release John Patterson, one of the prisoners who was by mistake sent among the number.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

OR, Ser. II, Vol. I, p. 885.

 

 

 

19, Amphibious engagement at Cerro Gordo, U. S. N.

Report of Acting Ensign Hanford, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Robb, regarding an engagement at Cerro Gordo, Tenn., June 19, 1863.

U. S. GUNBOAT ROBB, Fort Hindman [sic], Ky., June 24, 1863.

SIR: I send you a report of the action that took place on the morning of the 19th instant at Cerro Gordo, resulting in the loss of 1 of my men and 2 severely wounded:

On the afternoon of the 18th I suggested to Captain Hurd the possibility of catching some of [Colonel] Biffle's men if I placed a couple of pieces of artillery at Cerro Gordo, opposite to where they came, and fired across the river during the departure of gunboats from that place. It met Captain Hurd's approval. In the evening I got a horse and rode down to Cerro Gordo, in order to pick out a good situation for the battery. Having found one to suit me, I returned and got my guns mounted on field carriages, and at 10 p. m. started down, and had everything fixed ready, taking particular care to double-picket all the roads to guard against surprise. I sent to man the battery 16 of my best men. It was my instruction in the morning to run down to Saltillo, 5 miles, in order to give the rebs [sic] a good chance to come in.

On the morning of the 19th, about 4:30, I heard my guns firing. The Silver Cloud and myself started down, where we found that Biffle had made a charge on the battery with 400 men, but my men were prepared for them and opened their ranks well. I have learned since, but it is only a picked-up report, that Biffle lost 50 killed and wounded. I believe that their loss was about that, as they charged four abreast (dismounted) and came to within 20 yards of the cannon's mouth, while canister was being fired into them like rain. 1 lost, killed, Cranford I. Hill (fireman), and buried him at Craven's landing: Madison M. Hill (second gunner), and John N. Matthews (quartermaster), severely wounded. These I have sent to Smith's and to their homes.

Too much credit can not be awarded to the men who manned the battery. They did their duty faithfully.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. C. HANFORD, Commanding Robb.

Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 25, pp. 188-189.

       

 

 

 

19,  1863 - Lieutenant A. J. Lacy's letter to his wife, Margaret E. Lacy in Jackson County

Springhill Tenn [sic] June the 19th 1863

Dear and Affectionate Companion

Again this beautiful Friday morning [I] seat my self [sic] to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am still able to go about. Hopeing [sic] when these few lines come to hand they will find you enjoying good health.

I have nothing to write that would interest you a present. Were [sic] are drawing 2 days rashens [sic] not. I don't [sic] know what it is for. There is five [sic] companies of our regt [sic] on picket. My co is one of them. It is the first time that I ever failed going when the co [sic] went. I expect that our co [sic] will draw 4 months wages today. I have had to by [sic] me another horse or rather a pony. I give 225 dollars for him. This is 5 different horses that I have owned since I left home. I have 2 horses now and I wouldent [sic] take less than 600 dollars and I have 540 dollars due me for my service that I have not been paid for and I have 159 dollars oweing [sic] me here in camps.

I sent these lines by my friend Joseph Bullington of Capt Swearengans Co, Co F 8th Tenn. cav commanded at present by F F Daughity Lt Col [sic]. Tell Paralee Byers that I would write to her if I [had] paper and time. She said that she would like to hear me tell a few of my big yarns. When I come home I will tell a few of the most choise [sic] ones for you all, for I am well posted [sic]. I haveing [sic] been going to school 11 months learning new more or less evry [sic] day. It is a dear school to a man tho [sic] the 11 [sic] of this month in our fight at Triune I got a hole shot in my coattail [sic]. The news came here the other day that Col Hambleton had a fight with the Yankees and was cut to pieces very badly.

Give my best respects to Father and Mother also to Margaret and Worth and also give my respect [sic] to evry [sic] boddy [sic] and tell them to write to me quickly for I am in a hurry to hear from them.

Wheat is verry [sic] promising here. I never saw such wheat crops in my life before I came here [it] is up to shoulder high and was black as a cloud. I must close for the present so no more but still remain you most affectionate and obedient husband and friend.

Lacy Correspondence.

       

 

 

 

19, 1863 - The value of digging holes, according to Sergeant Major Widney

We have been drilling so assiduously since we stopped working on the fortification [Rosecrans near Murfreesboro] that we are not sure the change has been much to our advantage except that it is more in keeping with our idea of military duty much as we dislike anything like drudgery it may become necessary for us to dig many a hole in the ground for self protection before we get through with this war. No doubt such work would be greatly stimulated by the "zip" of bullets about our ears. Now often have we regretted our neglect to dig rifle pits during the night before the battle of Stone[s] River. When we laid flat in the open field the nest morning with a hail of bullets about us we realized to late how desirable it is to have holes in the ground when you need them.

Diary of Lyman S. Widney

 

 

James B. Jones, Jr.

Public Historian

Tennessee Historical Commission

2941 Lebanon Road

Nashville, TN  37214

(615)-532-1550  x115

(615)-532-1549  FAX

 

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