Monday, May 12, 2014

5.11-.12.14 Tennessee Civil War Notes

Tennessee Civil War Notes, 5.11-.12, 2014
1861
        11, Report of murder committed by Negroes in the Bull's Gap environs
We learn from the Chattanooga Gazette that a horrible murder is reported to have been committed near Bull's Gap, East Tennessee, a few days since, by the negroes of a Mr. Bright.  They were five in number and killed Bright, his wife and daughter and a sister of Mrs. Bright.  It is thought the negroes were induced to commit the terrible deed by two white men passing as Methodist preachers. Four of the negroes were said to have been burned on Monday.
Louisville Daily Journal, May 11, 1861

        12, Major General Gideon J. Pillow commends the ladies of Memphis
To the Ladies.
Headquarters of Prov. Army of Tenn.,}
Memphis, May 12, 1861.}
Major-General Gid. J. Pillow, commanding the Provisional Army of Tennessee, tenders his compliments to the ladies of the city of Memphis engaged in the patriotic duty of providing the gallant sons of Tennessee with necessary clothing for the field, and requests that they cause him to be furnished with information of the number and character of uniforms and other articles of clothing on hand for distribution; and for what different corps they are designed. This information is necessary, to enable the Major-General commanding to understand the extent of preparation by the Quartermaster's Department, for the brave men who have and are about taking the field to protect the rights, honor and persons of the fair daughters of Tennessee.
By order of Major General Gid. J. Pillow,
Jas. D. Porter, Jr.,   Assistant Adjutant-General.
Memphis Daily Appeal, May 14, 1861.

1861
        11, Report of murder committed by Negroes in the Bull's Gap environs
We learn from the Chattanooga Gazette that a horrible murder is reported to have been committed near Bull's Gap, East Tennessee, a few days since, by the negroes of a Mr. Bright.  They were five in number and killed Bright, his wife and daughter and a sister of Mrs. Bright.  It is thought the negroes were induced to commit the terrible deed by two white men passing as Methodist preachers. Four of the negroes were said to have been burned on Monday.
Louisville Daily Journal, May 11, 1861

        12, Major General Gideon J. Pillow commends the ladies of Memphis
To the Ladies.
Headquarters of Prov. Army of Tenn.,}
Memphis, May 12, 1861.}
Major-General Gid. J. Pillow, commanding the Provisional Army of Tennessee, tenders his compliments to the ladies of the city of Memphis engaged in the patriotic duty of providing the gallant sons of Tennessee with necessary clothing for the field, and requests that they cause him to be furnished with information of the number and character of uniforms and other articles of clothing on hand for distribution; and for what different corps they are designed. This information is necessary, to enable the Major-General commanding to understand the extent of preparation by the Quartermaster's Department, for the brave men who have and are about taking the field to protect the rights, honor and persons of the fair daughters of Tennessee.
By order of Major General Gid. J. Pillow,
Jas. D. Porter, Jr.,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Memphis Daily Appeal, May 14, 1861.

1862
11-12, Josiah Feagle's letters home to his parents from Camp Shiloh
Camp Shiloh
May 11/1862
Dear Parents,
I have a few more moments of spare time and I will try and crowd in this one all I have to say. I expect and every one else here expects there will be a terrible battle will be fought here before the rebels will give up and even now the work of death is going on between pickets and skirmishes. The county between Corinth and savannah [sic] is very messy where ever there is any water and there is a good many swamps and the roads all need to be built. There is a regiment of engineers and mechanics and they have a good deal of work to do. There is a front to our army here of thirty miles. The report is that General Segal landed here today with 20,000 men which will make our army here over 200,000 men which is more than I ever expected to see but a man's life is not counted of but little consequence. Oh how I wish this war was at an end. Whether this battle decides our fate time alone will show but you nor me cannot tell.
Camp Shilo [sic]
May 12 /62
Dear Mother and Father and brother and sister and Minnie
Well dear Mother I received your dear letter this morning written April 27th and was glad very glad to hear you was all well. I am bullie tough as ever and our (illegible) has got most anything a man wants. Canned fruit of all kinds but they are a good price but we are in the army and what money we earn is to spend. I have drew [sic] in all $83 dollars and sent home $65 dollars. 40 by Jake and 25 by the preacher home and now Pa put it out at interest the best you can and when I come home I will have something to start on. At any rate I will have more that I ever had at one time before. Now dear folks at home I would like to have some postage stamps for I cannot get them here at any price. And when I could get them I had not the money. I will send $5 dollars in this letter and that will add a little more to my file. Get me some postage stamps. Do not send more than 10 at a time until you send me $1 dollar worth. I made $5 buying and selling a pistol and $3 dollars in tobacco. See you.
Feagle Correspondence.[1]

        12, Working on the construction of Fortress Rosecrans; an entry from the Diary of Lyman S. Widney
It does not appear to us that we are helping much to put down the Rebellion. Here we are digging away in one spot apparently with the purpose of remaining here in security until the end of the war as though we expected the Confederates to come to us voluntarily and surrender. We have the idea that it will be necessary for us to go out and bring them in by force of arms and we also believe that the Confederates will wait for us to come out of these works before they will venture to attack us. This war business is becoming entirely too deliberate for us.
Diary of Lyman S. Widney

1863
        11, A visit to the Stones River battlefield; an excerpt from the diary of John Hill Fergusson, 10th Illinois Volunteer Infantry
Monday 11th
N. Fancer and MySelf went out to Murfreesboro. Left Nashvill [sic] at 12 o'clock and arrived at Murfreesboro at sundown. We had an opertunity [sic] of vewing [sic] the battle field near Murfreesboro it is mostly a fine open level country the enemy had decidetly [sic] the advantage as they occupide [sic] the timber on the South side of the field where they could conceal there [sic] forces they also had the advantage of Stones river, our forces had to advance across a large space of open country exposing there [sic] intior [sic] ran to the concealed enemy the field [sic] are yet laying thick with dead horses and buirring grounds are thick on all sides both of our dead and the rebels each party is buirred seperatly [sic] our dead is fenced around whare [sic] the grave of the enemy are laying open to the curious the smell of the country around that neighborhood is very offencive [sic] there is no incampments any way [sic] close as it would not be helthy [sic] or agreeable at this season of the year….
John Hill Fergusson Diary, Book 3.

        12, Descent on Linden, razing courthouse and dispersal of conscripts[2]
Report of Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, U. S. Navy, commanding Tennessee Division on combined expedition to Linden, Tenn., May 12, 1863.
U. S. Gunboat Champion
Tennessee River, May 14, 1863
Sir:
On the 5th instant I left Paducah with the Covington, Queen City, Argosy, Silver Cloud and this vessel (Champion) and proceeded up this river, destroying on the way every kind of boat that could serve the rebels to cross the river. On the 11th we were at Cerro Gordo, and I then sent the Covington, Argosy, and Silver Cloud to Eastport, the highest navigable point at this stage of water, and myself dropped down a few miles to communicate, by previous appointment, with Lieutenant-Colonel W.K.M. Breckenridge. Along the river I heard of detachments of rebel cavalry at various points, whose occupation chiefly consisted in plundering, in carrying off Union men, and in taking conscripts. At Linden, in Perry County, Tenn., there was a rebel force of this kind posted. I arranged with Colonel Breckenridge to cross his small force and cover different points with the gunboats, places to which he could retreat if need be, while he should attempt to surprise Linden. The boats above rejoined me on the 12th, having found all quiet above, and at night I dropped down the river to the landing for Decaturville, where I found the colonel with but 55 men of his regiment, all he had with him. Some from a Michigan regiment that were to join had failed to come in. We at once took the cavalry on board, crossed it over with little noise, and the boats took their positions at intervals along the river some miles above and below. Colonel Breckenridge's movements were timed so that his arrival at Linden-12 miles from the river-should be just at daybreak, and he completely surprised the place. The rebel pickets fired upon him and dispersed. Only some 20 of the 118 rebels at muster the evening before had time to reach the rendezvous at the court-house before it was surrounded. The little party returned with Lieutenant -Colonel [W.] Frierson, 1 captain, 4 lieutenants, 1 surgeon 30 regular rebel soldiers, 10 conscripts, 50 horses, 2 transportation wagons, arms, etc. With the court-house were burned a lot of arms and supplies. Three of the enemy were killed. Our loss none; only 1 horse killed.
Colonel Breckenridge's men are Tennesseeans [sic] (First West Tennessee Cavalry Regiment), are perfectly familiar with the people and country, and are admirably calculated for this kind of service, while the colonel himself is just the man. I should be glad if General Grant would direct that he, with a battalion of his regiment, say 300 men, should operate on the Tennessee. I can easily provide for his transportation when necessary, at no cost, using flatboats, and can cooperate with him effectually for the good of the service on these waters. I have brought the prisoners to deliver at Cairo. The conscripts took the oath and went home.
* * * *
From the best information I can gather, the rebels are concentrating their forces about Rosecrans. Van Dorn's force is reported at Spring Hill and Columbia, and the general [i.e., Van Dorn] is said to have been assassinated by a jealous surgeon on his staff. The force that was about Duck River has gone to Spring Hill. The captured colonel reports that he should have left Linden for the same destination one hour later. The rebels are concentrating, it would seem, every available man about General Rosecrans.
I left three gunboats below Duck River to watch that stream, and I have come down to take up a new boat with her some flats and light barges, in which we can transport coal over the shoals for our use. None of the boats carry coal for such voyages. What General Rosecrans is doing I have not been able to learn. Van Dorn's division lies between him and the Tennessee, cutting off communication. Till a battle has decided the fate of Middle Tennessee, I apprehend there will be no rebel movement upon this river. If the enemy is successful, he is not doubt prepared to move for the immediate possession of the river. Secessionists report that the plan is to recapture Fort Henry, and to fortify also Carollville.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant.
S.L. Phelps, Lieutenant Commander.
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pp. 669-670.

Report of Lieut. Commander S. Ledyard Phelps, U. S. Navy.
CAIRO, ILL., May 15, 1863.
Following telegram just received from Paducah, May 14, 1863:
Capt. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Capt., Cmdg. Station, Cairo:
Am just down from Tennessee River. Have on board prisoners captured at Linden, Tenn., on the night of the 12th. Took on board gunboats 55 men and horses of First West Tennessee Cavalry, under command of Lieut. Col. William K. M. Breckenridge; landed them on the east side of the river. Sent gunboats to cover all landings above and below. Col. Breckenridge dashed across the country to Linden; surprised the rebel force more than twice his number, capturing Lieut.-Col. [W.] Frierson, 1 captain, 1 surgeon, 4 lieutenants, 30 rebel soldiers, 10 conscripts, 50 horses, 2 army wagons, arms, &c. The court-house, which was a rebel depot, was burned, with a quantity of arms and supplies. The enemy lost 3 killed. Our force, none; only 1 horse killed.
Col. Breckenridge, after his exploit, reached our vessels in safety and recrossed the river. Will send prisoners to Cairo.
S. L. PHELPS, Lieut., commanding Tennessee Division, Mississippi Squadron.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, p. 331.[3]

1864
        11--12, Morale on the home front; East Tennessee support for the Confederacy
11, A sad, gloomy and cloudy day. It is disagreeably cold this eve. They have been fighting ever since Saturday. It is still undecided. Oh! Our poor soldiers, how many are suffering. Give us the victory, our Father, if it is Thy will. Capt. Hending and his clerk dined here. Capt took breakfast and remained all night last night. We heard this eve that yesterday [10th] the Federals drove our forces back a great deal from them and Gen Johnston drove their left wing back four miles. But with our suffering soldiers, and raise up your friends and relatives to alleviate their pains and administer to their wants. If I could only be there to wait on them. I feel unusually sad this eve, and you, old journal, are the friend that I will confide in.
12, Rather cold this morn. The woods are green and beautiful; or roses are in bloom. I feel so sad when I think probably they will fade and none of our Confederates see them. I would be so happy if I could only see them or if I even thought I would have the pleasure of presenting my sweetheart with a bouquet. Julia, Jeanette Grant and Mag Shadden were here this eve. Report says that a raid of our Confederates is coming. Welcome brave heroes, to the land of your nativity! Thrice welcome stalwart sons of freedom! [sic]
Diary of Mary Adelaide Inman.

1865
11, Rumor of Forrest's death
PULASKI, May 11, 1865.
Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff:
Various persons coming from south of river report that Forrest recently had a man shot for desertion, and the brother of the murdered man shot and killed Forrest.
R. W. JOHNSON, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 49, pt. II, p. 722.

        12, Denying amnesty to guerrillas near Tullahoma
TULLAHOMA, May 12, 1865.
Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS:
A guerrilla who on the night of the 6th instant murdered two of my scouts, shot a number of loyal men, robbed them of everything they had, even women's and children's clothes, ravished one loyal lady, with fifteen of his gang, and made a similar attempt on an orphan girl sixteen years of age in the same room with the corpse of her cousin, whom they had killed, and who has taken the oath several times, has sent in to know if he comes under your orders. I consider him and his gang demons incarnate. Will forward testimony. Shall I allow them to come in on your terms? Please answer soon. The parties spoken of above had to borrow clothes to bury their dead, so destitute were they left.
R. H. MILROY, Maj.-Gen.
G. M. BASCOM, Maj. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Nashville, May 12, 1865.
Maj.-Gen. MILROY, Tullahoma:
Send word to the guerrilla you mention that he is an outlaw and will not be permitted to come in under the order of Gen. Thomas. Send a man to follow this messenger secretly to ascertain where he is, and let a party of sufficient strength to capture the gang follow the second man and try to capture the outlaws.
WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 49, pt. II, p. 737.




[1] As cited in http://home.att.net. [Hereinafter cited as Feagle Correspondence.]
[2] Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee refers to this event as "Skirmish, Linden."
[3] This exciting and novel Tennessee river amphibious operation is recognized in a Tennessee Historical Commission marker.

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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