Sunday, March 8, 2015

3.08.2015 Tennessee Civil War Notes

8, Honey and trouble
An Alderman in Trouble.—On Friday, Mr. P. Triplet was engaged in depositing in the kitchen of Madame Miller, some jars of honey she had ordered, when he was seen by one of the city aldermen, who gave information that he was engaged in peddling without a license. Mr. Triplet was examined on the charge yesterday morning before the recorder, but proving that the honey had been ordered, he was of course acquitted. He then entered a charge against the alderman to the effect that as he entered the kitchen of Madame Miller to deliver the honey, he found within it the alderman in question, who was in the act of hugging a Negro girl. An examination of the circumstances was set for to-morrow.
Memphis Daily Appeal, March 10, 1861.
        8, Occupation of Chattanooga by Confederate forces[1]
MARCH 8, 1862.-Occupation of Chattanooga, Tenn., by Confederate Forces.
Report of Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd, C. S. Army.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN., March 11, 1862.
SIR: In obedience to orders given me by Gen. A. S. Johnston, in which he directed that I should occupy this place and thereafter report directly to the War Department, I have the honor to state that I reached here safely with my command from Nashville, after a long but prosperous march, on the 8th day of this month. We succeeded in bringing away from Fort Donelson nearly the whole of the men belonging to my own brigade who were there; and although the fatigue and privations of a large number of them were unusually great, the men uttered no complaint, and are now, at the end of a march of 250 miles, in good health and excellent spirits.
This point is one of very considerable military importance, as it commands important passes into Georgia and Alabama, and would enable the enemy, if he held it, to cut off completely the communications between the eastern and western parts of this State.
Gen. Johnston authorized me to receive such troops as might be offered for the defense of this place and who would enlist for the war. It will require, I should think, a force of about 6,000 men to secure this point from attack, except by a very heavy force, and I do not see how this number of men can be raised by any influence I can bring to bear. I would like to have instructions from the Department for my government.
From the best information I have I am under the impression that the enemy have moved nearly all their forces to the Mississippi River, probably for the purpose of attacking the troops defending Memphis. I am pretty confident there will be no attack here, or even at Knoxville, for some considerable time to come.
From the same sources of information I think the force against Cumberland Gap is neither numerous nor efficient. If these opinions be correct, it gives time for organization to meet their advance upon both points, which will no doubt be made by the enemy in great numbers as soon as the heats of summer drive them from the farther south.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. FLOYD, Brig.-Gen., C. S. Army.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 10, pt. I, p. 4.
        8, Morgan's operations near Nashville suburbs[2]
MARCH 8, 1862.-Morgan's operations near Nashville, Tenn.
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Col. John Kennett, Fourth Ohio Cavalry.
No. 2.-Capt. John H. Morgan, Kentucky Cavalry (Confederate).
No. 1.
Report of Col. John Kennett, Fourth Ohio Cavalry.
HDQRS. FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEERS CAVALRY, Camp Jackson, Tenn., March 8, 1862.
DEAR SIR: On receipt of your order to go in pursuit of Morgan and his men we were in our saddles in ten or fifteen minutes. I took charge of the right wing, and sent the left wing under the charge of the two majors, instructing them to head off Morgan at Stone River, where I understood the bridge was destroyed, while the right wing would follow their trail and the left cut them off. We pursued them, and kept their trail through the woods, thickets, rocky ways, and swamps, with twists and turns and fences let down, until we reached the pike. There, misled by a white man, we went one mile and a half back, making 3 miles out of our way, but we found the trail again and continued it on the jump all the way. Whenever the gait was slackened on account of the rocks the command was hurried onward, and the boys resumed the rapid gait with a will. The right wing finally came up to Maj. Dresbach, who was in charge of our teamsters and horses and a number of your body guard. Finding Morgan's men were dispersed, and Maj. Pugh was still in pursuit of 5 remaining men, I halted the right and ordered the Rifles (Capt. Mathews' company, C) to push on to join Maj. Pugh. They went on, but never reached Pugh, but returned separately. Maj. Pugh pursued the enemy to Stone River. Five of Morgan's men plunged into the river and swam over. Seeing none of our men in their charge, and not knowing what ambush might be laid, the pursuit was ended. Three picket men taken prisoners and all others were dropped on the way. Charles P. Sweet, orderly sergeant of Company H, shot at two of the rebels. He killed one, and the other is in the hospital badly wounded, and will die; his name is Love.
Lieut. W. W. Shoemaker, of Company H, led the charge; shot three times with a pistol. He was shot at with a gun. His first shot killed one of the enemy. His second shot the enemy ran, and he struck him with his saber across the mouth, cutting it in two. The horses of one of the rebels fell, and John Shanks struck him with the saber. Shanks' horse fell over him; jumping upon his enemy, he seized him a prisoner. His name is E. W. Pratt; sent to you last night.
Private Fogger, Company H, ran on a rebel and shot him in the back. He kept up close to Lieut. Shoemaker, who led the advance. Fogger's horse fell dead under him. Lieut. Shoemaker, Private Fogger, both of Company H, and George W. Wakefield, Company G, took Garrett a prisoner. Said Garrett had run down a bank and hid himself when he was arrested.
We have to report 4 of the enemy killed, 2 wounded. Their names are Love and Warfield, the latter a son of Sallie Carneal. He says if he gets away he will join the Southern Army again. Two prisoners sent to you. We captured a negro [sic] man and boy, whose team the rebels had impressed and was carrying them off; they were sent home. Our teamsters and horses were recaptured.
We have some men missing, but as the force pursued dwindled down to five, who were run to Stone River, which they swam, we hope they escaped and will turn up. Maj. Pugh was in command of the pursuing force. Morgan left his men and put out for himself; he was fired at, but missed.
Our pursuit was a hot one when we struck into the woods at full tilt, through thick underbrush, cedar thickets, and swamps, meandering into rocky spots, evidently done to obliterate the trail by the enemy. We began to see lost harness, caps, hats, blankets, horses hitched and left on the way. On we went until we overtook the teamsters and Gen. Dumont's aide, and prisoners left on the way, liberated by the onslaught of the advance. Harper, of your body guard, escaped after being shot at twice and feigning to be shot by falling. Never was joy more portrayed in the countenances of men when liberated. One of our teamsters (Crow) is, we fear, mortally wounded. We have taken some guns and horses.
Many thrilling incidents took place that would make my report too long. The white people are treacherous and unreliable, all lying to deceive us. We can only depend on the statements of negroes [sic]. No doubt many of our horses will be broken down and worthless by the chase.
I have to report my entire command being eager to meet the enemy, although a very small portion-15 or 20 men in advance-did most of the execution, as we had to move by files through the woods, and that with great difficulty. But for the fact that the enemy placed our teamsters and prisoners between us and themselves we would have done great execution; as it was, we think Morgan got the worst of the attack. Had we ammunition, or our riflemen been in the advance, the list of the killed and wounded would have been very heavy.
Company C had been out all night near La Vergne and 3 miles beyond; the men and horses tired, but they jumped to their guns and saddles when ordered.
We have reason to know we are surrounded with treachery. The prisoners examined lied when examined. Many who take the oath of allegiance only do it to betray us. I have sent out three scouting parties all over the country to recover whatever may be found-stray horses, harness, &c.
Respectfully submitted to you.
JNO. KENNETT, Col., Cmdg.
No. 2.
Report of Capt. John H. Morgan, Kentucky Cavalry (Confederate).
MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., March 10, 1862.
SIR: With a view of determining the enemy's position and his movements Lieut.-Col. Wood, myself, 10 Rangers, and 15 or my squadron left here on the 7th instant at 2 p. m. and proceeded in the direction of Nashville; marching 18 miles, and avoiding the pike, we encamped for the night.
Early on the morning of the 8th, having procured suitable guides, we resumed our march and entered the Federal lines. At about half a mile from a cavalry camp, which we were compelled to pass in full view, we captured 5 men, belonging to the Thirteenth Ohio, Col. Smith; their arms, Enfield rifles, were also secured. Passing the cavalry camp we continued our march in the direction of Nashville. Having obtained a suitable position in the woods opposite the Lunatic Asylum, where we had a good view of the pike, operations commenced. Seeing a train with its guard approaching, Col. Wood, myself, and 4 men, wearing United States overcoats, rode down to the pike, stopped the train, and made 23 prisoners. The horses and mules were cut from the wagons and the prisoners mounted and sent back to the party in the woods. This continued until we had accumulated 98 prisoners, among them Gen. Dumont's aide and several other officers. Returning in three parties, with the prisoners, one party, consisting of 60 prisoners and 10 guards, commanded by one of my lieutenants (Owens), was attacked and pursued by the Fourth Regt. [sic] Ohio Cavalry. After a pursuit of 15 miles, during which the prisoners were abandoned, the lieutenant succeeded in reaching the river with his party, and, plunging in from a steep bank, swam across, the river arresting the progress of the enemy. During the pursuit many shots were fired by the enemy, but without effect. Two of the prisoners who resisted (officers) were shot. Four of the lieutenant's men, who were in danger of being overtaken, turned off in the woods, and as yet have not made their appearance.
Col. Wood, with 14 men and 28 prisoners, succeeded in crossing the country and reaching our pickets near Murfreesborough the same night, having passed within a mile of the enemy's cavalry.
Returning alone in the direction of Murfreesborough I encountered a picket of 6 men, who surrendered to me on being summoned, and delivered up their arms. Being joined by a man of my command (Mr. Spalding), with 4 additional prisoners, the next morning we joined Col. Wood's party and returned to Murfreesborough. We have 38 prisoners, who have been sent forward.
We have a large number of horses and mules, sabers, pistols, saddles, harness, &c., which I shall distribute to the men of my command here who need them.
There are no indications of an advance on the part of the enemy. Their force in about 6,500. Their advance (a regiment of cavalry) is about 8 miles this side of Nashville, on the Murfreesborough pike. A sergeant among the prisoners, who seems to be an intelligent man, can give you some interesting details.
I shall report to you in person on Tuesday. Col. Wood desires me to say he will return this evening or to-morrow.
JOHN H. MORGAN, Capt., Cmdg. Post.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. Vol. 10, pt. I, pp. 5-7.
        8, Skirmish at Crump's Landing
No circumstantial reports filed.[3]
        8, Report of Attack on Confederate Sappers and Miners at Big Creek Gap
A portion of Capt. Winston's force of sappers and miners was attacked at Big Creek Gap, last week.[4] Three were killed and fifteen taken prisoners. The enemy were over one hundred strong, armed with Enfield rifles, while Capt. Winston's force numbered about forty, with few arms, except their picks and spades. Capt. Winston has fallen back to Clinton. The enemy however, are supposed to consist of one or two venturesome Lincoln soldiers, accompanied by East Tennessee tory bush-whackers. Knoxville Register.
Memphis Daily Appeal, March 8, 1862. [5]
        8, Converting Church Bells into Artillery; General Beauregard's Entreaty to Plantation Owners
HDQ'RS Army of the Mississippi
Jackson, Tenn., March 8, 1862
To the Planters of the Mississippi Valley:
More than once a people, fighting with an enemy far less ruthless than yours, for imperiled rights not more dear and sacred than yours; for homes and a land not more worthy of resolute and unconquerable men than yours; and for interest of far less magnitude than you have not at stake, have not hesitated to melt and mould into cannon the precious bells surrounding their houses of God, which had called generations to prayer. The priesthood have ever sanctioned and consecrated the conversion, in the hour of their nation's need, as one  (emphais added]
We want cannon as greatly as any people who ever-as history tells you-melted their church bells to supply them. And I, your General, intrusted with the command of the army embodied of your sons, your kinsmen, and your neighbors, do now call on your to send your plantation bells to the nearest railroad depot, subject to my order, to be melted into cannon for the defence of your plantations.
Who will not cheerfully and promptly send me his bells under such circumstances?
Be of good cheer, but time is precious
G. T. Beauregard, General Commanding
Daily Picayune, March 20, 1862.
        8, Confederate scout, College Grove, Murfreesborough, Salem, Overall Creek, Triune and Eagleville environs
CHAPEL HILL, March 9, 1863.
Gen. POLK, Shelbyville, Tenn.:
GEN.: Inclosed please find report from a reliable scouting party from my old company. Maj. [W. A.] Johnson returned from his scout toward College Grove. He reports a scouting party of the Federals out this evening; a small advance came in sight of our pickets; they returned immediately. A Mr. Ritchie, belonging to Gen. Morgan's cavalry, has returned from a scout back of College Grove, and reports a large force of cavalry between Jordan's Store and Mrs. Wilson's house, a distance of 1 mile, the road filled all the way, advancing this way late this evening. Mrs. Wilson's is about 8 miles from Chapel Hill, on the Nashville pike. If this be true, we will very likely mix to-morrow morning.
Very truly,
P. D. RODDEY, Col.
[Inclosure.]
MARCH 9, 1863--7 a. m. Col. [RODDEY:]
SIR: Yesterday we passed up the Murfreesborough pike, 8 miles from Murfreesborough; then we went north through the woods until we were northwest from Salem 3 or 4 miles. This morning we observed an encampment on Overall Creek, about 2 miles north of Salem. We saw Rosecrans' army, encamped in front of Murfreesborough. We came west from there, until we touched the Triune pike, in the rear of their pickets, too strong for us. Their outpost is 3 miles from Eagleville, their camp a mile or two back from the picket. From the best information we can gain, the camp nearest us consists of two regiments of infantry and one of cavalry. The citizens in their lines all speak of a general stir in the Federal camps.
Very respectfully, JAS. MHOON.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, pp. 675-676.
        8, Two skirmishes and patrol on Harpeth River near Triune
MARCH 8, 1863.-Skirmish on Harpeth River, near Triune, Tenn.
Report of Brig. Gen. James B. Steedman, U. S. Army.
HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Triune, Tenn., March 9, 1863.
GEN.: Sunday morning my scouts advised me of the approach of the enemy with a large cavalry force. After getting my command in readiness to fight, I moved out to the Harpeth, 3 miles in front of my entrenchments, with 400 cavalry, a regiment of infantry, and one section of artillery, and discovered the enemy posted in the woods on the south bank of the river. He made several efforts to draw us across the river, and, failing in this, disclosed the position of his artillery, which was posted to rake the pike and ford at the crossing of the pike. After firing 25 or 30 rounds, and menacing our front by exhibiting a considerable force in line, he attempted to cross at a ford 1 mile below the pike, where a sharp skirmish ensued with three companies of the First East Tennessee Cavalry, posted at that point to protect the crossing. Our cavalry repulsed the enemy, wounding 5 or 6, and having 2 of our men wounded. While the skirmish at the ford below the pike was going on, a slight skirmish occurred on the left, and my battery caused his artillery to retire.
For some reason, either because he was satisfied we were ready to fight, and strong enough to make a dangerous, if not successful, resistance, or apprehended trouble in his rear from the direction of Murfreesborough, he fell back at 2 p. m., and during the night retreated in the direction of Spring Hill.
I have ascertained to a certainty that the force was that of Van Dorn and Forrest, the same that repulsed and captured Col. Coburn and his command in front of Franklin. The enemy's force is variously estimated at from 6,000 to 8,000. I have, of course, no means of estimating it except to take the reports of those who saw it all, and from these I am satisfied it was between 5,000 and 6,000, all mounted, with six pieces of artillery.
I have patrolled the country in every direction south of Harpeth 5 miles, and can report positively no enemy within that circle, and nothing beyond that for 5 miles, except small squads of cavalry. I know positively that the enemy fell back in the direction of Spring Hill. I have established my camp three-quarters of a mile north of Triune, on the Nolensville pike; have a very strong position, with rifle-pits covering my front, and feel a perfect confidence in my ability to hold the position. All quiet in the direction of Franklin.
With esteem, yours, truly,
JAMES B. STEEDMAN, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg. Third Division.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, p. 141.
        8, Capture of forage train at Carthage
MARCH 8, 1863.-Capture of forage train near Carthage, Tenn.
Report of Brig. Gen. George Crook, U. S. Army, Carthage, March 15, 1863.
GEN.: I have awaited the return of the prisoners before making my detailed report of the capture of my forage train on the 8th instant, in order that I might get at the full particulars.
The forage train, consisting of 18 wagons, was guarded by two companies of the Eleventh Regt. [sic] Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Capt. George Johnson, of the same regiment. The escort numbered 55 men, making, with 18 teamsters, 73 men.
From the best information I can get, the circumstances of the capture were about these: The train was in a lane, near its destination, when the enemy's cavalry were first discovered. The captain got his men together, crossed over one of the fences into an open field, and drew them up in line. After the cavalry had surrounded him and commenced advancing, the captain gave the command to aim twice and then recover arms. The last time the enemy fired, and in return a few of his men fired without orders. The enemy then closed in and took them without further resistance.
Three of our men were slightly wounded, and 1 had his leg broken. There was a cover of woods a short distance in rear of our men, which they could have reached after they saw the enemy, and before the attack was made, from all accounts. The enemy were counted by several persons to be 140. The 3 commissioned officers and a few men were not paroled.
I have been in the habit of sending two companies as escort to my forage trains, and only two days previous one of my expeditions, from the direction of Rome and Alexandria, returned reporting no enemy. But, unfortunately, on the morning of the 8th, I was sick. Two companies from this regiment were ordered to escort this train. By some mistake two of the smallest companies in the regiment were sent, and, in addition, my quartermaster ordered the train some 1 ½ miles farther than it had been in the habit of foraging.
I would again report, for the information of the general commanding, my utter failure to accomplish any result here without cavalry. I have sent out several expeditions over this country without accomplishing anything. They could get reliable information of nothing only what they saw, and could only see a few scouts on distant hills.
All the suitable [stock] has been taken out of this country, so it is impossible to mount my men.
I have the honor to remain, your most obedient servant,
GEORGE CROOK, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, pp. 140-141.
CARTHAGE, March 10, 1863.
Col. C. GODDARD, Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Army of the Cumberland:
* * * *
Sunday morning [8th] I had 18 wagons, with a guard of two companies of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteers Infantry, captured by 140 guerrillas, cavalry, just outside of my pickets. The commander of the escort, from all accounts, offered no resistance. He was a good officer, but think he must have become flurried. Owing to the on-arrival of the cavalry and gunboats, and much sickness in my camp, I shall move across the Cumberland, at least for the present, for my better safety. I can do nothing on this side without cavalry.
Respectfully,
GEORGE CROOK, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, p. 130.
        8, Skirmish at Spring Hill [see March 8-12, 1863, Expedition from Franklin to Columbia, below]
        8, Skirmish near Auburn [see also March 3-8, 1863, Expedition from Murfreesborough to Woodbury, above]
        8, GENERAL ORDERS No. 43, relative to exiling Confederate sympathizers south of Federal lines in Middle Tennessee [see also March 30, 1863, Correspondence relative to enforcement of GENERAL ORDERS, No. 43 below]
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 43., HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, Tenn., March 8, 1863.
I. The general commanding finds within his lines many helpless and suffering families whose natural protectors and supporters are in arms against us. These people need food, clothing and protection which it is neither our duty nor in our power adequately to provide. Many others whose sympathies and connections are such as to surmount all the obligations that arise from their permission to remain within our lines, forbidding them to communicate with the enemy or act as spies against us. The residence of these persons within our lines not only continually endangers us be their own integrity and personal safety. It is therefore ordered that:
1. All those whose natural supporters are in the rebel service, and.
2. All whose sympathies and connection are such that they cannot give the assurance that they will conduct themselves as peaceable citizens shall hold themselves in readiness to go south of our lines within ten days from the date of notice.
II. They will be permitted to take with them all their personal effects not contraband of war. They will apply to the nearest provost-marshal or commanding officer for the requisite passes and will be required to give assurance that they have taken no contraband of war.
III. Persons thus going South who shall thereafter enter our lines without permission will be regarded and treated as spies.
IV. All who acknowledge their obligations as citizens of the United States; all who give by the non-combination's oath and bond or in any other satisfactory manner the requisite assurance that they will behave themselves as peaceable citizens may remain at home, following their usual avocations, subject to military orders and regulations.
By command of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans:
C. GODDARD, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, p. 339.
Thursday-March 12 [1863] General Rosecrans has issued an order notifying all persons in Murfreesboro or within his lines whose principles will not allow them to take the oath of allegiance, that they must prepare to be sent beyond his lines within the next ten days. The reason for this order is that many women and children are here whose natural supporters are in the Confederate Army and it is not considered good policy for these persons to be supplied from rations intended for our Army in place of being supplies by and thereby reducing the stock of provision possessed by the Confederates. Another consideration is the probability of news being conveyed to the enemy by sympathizers within out lines.
Diary of Lyman S. Widney
An Important Order—Rebel Sympathizers to be sent South.
A gentleman who came down from Murfreesboro' yesterday informs us that Gen. Rosecrans has issued an important order, which we find referred to in the Murfreesboro' dispatch of the 9th inst., to the Cincinnati Gazette as follows:  "All persons whose natural supporters are in the rebel service, and all whose sympathies are with rebellion, preventing them from giving sufficient assurance that they will conduct themselves as peaceable citizens within our lines, are ordered to hold themselves in readiness to go south within the next ten days. They are permitted to take all their personal effects except those contraband of war, and if after once leaving they are again found within our lines, they are to be treated as spies."
One reason for the issuing of this order is stated in the document, as we learn from our informant, to be that, owing to the fact that many of the women and children within the Federal lines, whose natural protectors are in the rebel service or within their lines, fine it almost impossible to obtain the necessaries of life, it is not the duty of the Government to take care of them. The order, he says, embraces, besides such women and children, all men who have in any way aided or been connected with the rebels. All sympathizers who do not come under this classification, and whom proper judges deem peaceably inclined, will be permitted to remain on taking the noncombatant's oath and giving bond.
Nashville Dispatch, March 12, 1863.
        8-12, Expedition from Franklin to Columbia
MARCH 8-12, 1863.-Expedition from Franklin to Columbia, Tenn., including skirmishes at Thompson's Station (9th) and Rutherford Creek (10th and 11th).
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, U. S. Army.
No. 2.-Brig. Gen. G. Clay Smith, U. S. Army.
No. 1.
Reports of Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, U. S. Army.
HDQRS., Spring Hill, March 9, 1863.
The rebels have scattered, most of them, in the direction of Nolensville and Chapel Hill pike. Our cavalry and Minty's made a dash on Thompson's Station, killing 4 and wounding 3. Shall I advance on to Columbia or return to look after Triune?
G. GRANGER, Maj.-Gen.
RUTHERFORD'S CROSSING, March 11, 1863.
GEN.: Succeeded in driving the enemy from one of the fords several miles above, after a sharp skirmish, and am now crossing the cavalry to turn their right flank. Creek still to high to cross either infantry or artillery. I fear most of Van Dorn's forces crossed Duck River last night; if so, I shall move back to Franklin to-morrow. Have heard nothing of rebel forces in the direction of Raleigh or Chapel Hill. The ground is so miry it is impossible to move artillery, except on the pike. Our men and animals suffered much from the terrible storm of yesterday and last night. Van Dorn greatly overestimates the strength of my force.
G. GRANGER, Maj.-Gen.
No. 2.
Report of Brig. Gen. G. Clay Smith, U. S. Army.
HDQRS. FOURTH CAVALRY BRIGADE, Franklin, Tenn., March 19, 1863.
I have the honor to report the part taken by the Fourth Cavalry Brigade in the late expedition to Columbia.
On Sunday, the 8th instant, Gen. Granger ordered me to take a portion of my force and move on the Columbia pike, and send a column on the Lewisburg road. The Second Michigan, Maj. Dickey commanding; Ninth Pennsylvania, Col. Jordan commanding, and Seventh Kentucky, Lieut.-Col. Faulkner commanding, were with me; total force, 750 men. The Sixth and Fourth Kentucky, under Col. Watkins, moved on the Lewisburg pike.
At about 3 ½ miles from Franklin both parties encountered the pickets of the enemy. Col. Watkins met with considerable opposition for 9 miles, when he was brought to a halt by the presence of a large force, on Monday afternoon, under Van Dorn, with artillery. He fell back, after a brisk skirmish, half or three-quarters of a mile; at the same time the enemy withdrew and moved toward Thompson's Station. On the same day about 1,000 rebels, with three pieces of artillery, appeared before me 1 mile north of Thompson's Station, where a heavy and spirited skirmish took place, in which the Second Michigan and Ninth Pennsylvania acted with great coolness, bravery, and promptness. The enemy were driven back, and about 800 of them moving to my right and toward my rear, compelled me to throw half of my force back and to their front, when the enemy were again repulsed. The entire number then fell back to Thompson's Station, and, I presume, the cause of no further resistance on their part was partly owing to the presence of Col. Minty, with his column and artillery, close to the station and moving toward their rear. Unfortunately I was not aware of the whereabouts of Col. Minty until he had entered the station, were he made a dash, as he told me, on about 300 or 400, losing 2 of his men killed and 2 mortally wounded.
From the station I proceeded to spring Hill, where the rebels were again driven out, Van Dorn, Forrest, and Starnes having left some three hours before with the greater portion of their commands. [emphasis added] Col. Minty came up pretty soon. Gen. Granger also came up with his command.
On the 10th, I proceeded to Rutherford Creek, driving about 400 rebel cavalry across the creek, which was high, rapid, and swelling; bridges all destroyed. Quite a lively skirmish was kept up for an hour or two along the creek by the sharpshooters of the rebels on the south side of the creek, and the Second Michigan and Ninth Pennsylvania on the north. They displayed their artillery on the opposite hills from me, and seemed determined to resist any farther progress of our forces. I informed Gen. Granger, who came up very soon with his forces, Gen. Sheridan, and Col. Minty.
On the morning of the 11th, Col. Minty and myself were directed to cross Rutherford Creek and feel the enemy on the right. Col. Minty, having two pieces of artillery with him, shelled a number of skirmishers and sharpshooters from a house and cotton-gin opposite the ford we intended to cross. After they were driven away and the crossing watched by some infantry, we crossed the creek without any resistance, Col. Minty in front some 600 yards beyond, and on the side of the hill about 500 or 600 yards from the rebels. Col. Minty formed his men in line of battle, ready for a charge. I deployed the Seventh Kentucky on the left and the Second Michigan on the right, and dismounted the Ninth Pennsylvania. The Sixth and Fourth Kentucky were formed in line on the left of Col. Minty, but the opportunity did not present itself for a charge, as the Seventh Kentucky, under Col. Faulkner, and the Second Michigan, under Maj. Dickey, drove the enemy entirely away, and followed them about 1 ½ miles. From this place, after feeding, we proceeded to the Columbia pike, and after going toward Columbia about 1 ½ or 2 miles, Col. Minty sent forward a portion of his men, who shortly returned with the news, "Nothing in front." The entire command returned across the creek and the next day to Franklin, the Fourth Brigade passing from Spring Hill over to the Lewisburg pike, and scouring the country some 15 or 20 miles.
My command lost 1 private killed and 4 wounded, slightly. The enemy, at the station, lost 2 killed and 5 wounded; at Spring Hill, 1 wounded. Several were said to be killed and wounded at Rutherford Creek. Twenty prisoners were taken, and 25 or 30 horses and mules.
I call your attention, with great pleasure, to the coolness, firmness, and promptness with which every officer obeyed my orders, and the bravery of the men in advancing steadily on the picked and daring sharpshooters of the rebels. They were driven every time from their hiding-places-trees, stones, fences, and houses-by our men, and but for their intimate knowledge of the country would at all times all a prey to the eagerness and courage of men who have forgotten what fear is. Col. Watkins displayed great courage and skill in his movements on the Lewisburg pike before twice his number, and only joined me by order on the night of the 10th at Rutherford Creek.
You must permit me to say I would have been much more successful, and the result much greater, if I had been blessed with some artillery. Nothing is more unpleasant to me than to be shot at half or three-quarters of a mile with a 6 or 12 pounder shell and only be able to respond with a rifle, thereby requiring two or three hours to do what probably might be done in less than half the time if I could return shell for shell. What Col. Minty did at Rutherford Creek in a short time and with safety to his men would have required much time, and probably several lives, on my part.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. CLAY SMITH, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 3, pt. I, pp. 142-144.
        8-12, Expedition from Collierville [see also March 9-10, 1863, Skirmish with R. V. Richardson's Partisan Rangers near Concordance and the capture of Confederate Brigadier General Robert H. Looney below]
MARCH 8-12, 1863.-Expedition from Collierville, Tenn.
Report of Lieut. Col. Martin R. M. Wallace, Fourth Illinois Cavalry.
COLLIERVILLE, TENN., March 12, 1863
SIR: I have the honor to report that at 9.30 a. m., March 9, 1863, in pursuance of orders from brigade headquarters, dated Hdqrs. Second Brigade, Cavalry Division, March 8, 1863. I took 210 men of the Seventh Kansas Cavalry and 170 of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and proceeded west from Little's Bridge, on Wolf River (about 3 miles west of this place), northeast through Fisherville to the Memphis and Somerville stage road, where we met 5 of the enemy's cavalry, who fled at our approach; thence along that road over the Cypress Levee to about 2 miles east of that place, then turned to the left and proceeded to a little village called Wythe Depot, and fed the command. While there, one of the troopers, who had been placed on picket, left his post and rode to a house near by, for the purpose of (he said) taking prisoner a couple of Richardson's men he had heard were there eating dinner; he was himself taken prisoner, and is now in camp with his parole. Several shots were fired at the guard in the road while at this place. From thence we proceeded in a northwesterly direction to Jackson's Mills, on the Loosahatchee [sic]; captured near the river 1 of Richardson's men. Here a very unfortunate circumstance occurred. A man by name of Forbes being near the road, and seeing my flankers coming through his field, armed himself, and on approach of two of the flankers to the house, and being ordered by them to come out, refused to do so, but immediately fired, cutting the carbine belt and riddling the overcoat of one of the soldiers; he then ran to another house and refused to come out. My men burst the door open, and rushed in, firing up stairs at him (he having gone there), and he in turn firing at them. One man of Company E, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, fell in the house, badly wounded, and one of Company B fell, mortally wounded, and since died. The soldiers immediately set the house on fire; this brought Forbes out. When I rode up it was hardly possible to save the house; it might probably have been done if we had nothing else to do. The first words spoken by Forbes were, "Oh, gentlemen, I am mistaken," and from that time protested he was a Union man. He was severely wounded in the right arm. We left him at his house (being unable to travel). The evidence is overwhelming that he is a genuine Union man.
After disposing of the dead and wounded, I proceeded with the command, to Galloway Station, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, about 25 miles from this place by the road we traveled, not being able to communicate with Col. Grierson as yet.
At daylight on the morning of the 10th instant, I proceeded on the road north to Concordia. Here I learned that Col. Grierson, of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, had, at about 10 o'clock on the day previous, surprised Richardson in his camp, and, after a fight of about twenty minutes, Richardson and his men fled, leaving their camp an easy prey, which he wholly destroyed. I immediately sent a party to communicate with him, and his reply was, he did not know I was out, and I might do what I thought proper. I also sent a party back to Jackson's Mills to pick up the wounded man and bring him to camp.
I proceeded with the balance of the command west on Fort Randolph road, and after traveling about 2 miles, and just entering the bottom of East Beaver Dam Creek, I ran on to a squad of Richardson's men. The advanced guard, under Lieut. [James] Smith, Company C, Seventh Kansas Cavalry, engaged them, and drove them rapidly along the road. I immediately ordered forward Company A, Seventh Kansas, to the support of Lieut. Smith, and they pursued the flying rebels, taking several prisoners. When I reached the edge of the bottom with the head of the column, I found the main body of the rebels had left the road, turning south. I then ordered back the advance, and took the trail of the main body, and followed them into the swamp of Beaver Dam Bottom until they had scattered to the four winds of heaven. From the best information I could gather, I think there were about 100 in the party when we first met them.
The rain came down in torrents all day, and made the bottoms and swamps very difficult to pass over. After becoming satisfied that Richardson's forces were well scattered, I turned back, and proceeded to near Galloway Station, the place where I encamped the night previous, thence to the Brownsville and Memphis road, thence southwest toward Memphis, Tenn., and crossed the Loosahatchee [sic] near the house of Capt. [J. H.] Murry (of Richardson's command), near Wythe Station, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad.
After passing Wythe about 1 ½ miles, the advance guard came upon a negro picket, who ran upon our approach to the house of Gen. Hayes, at present occupied by his son, A. J. Hayes. The advance promptly moved up and surrounded the buildings on the plantation, but some of the birds had flown Col. Robert F. Looney (called Brig.-Gen. Looney), formerly colonel of the Thirty-eight Tennessee Infantry; Maj. R. A. Sanford, formerly of said regiment, and Capt. David Bright, all fled, but were overtaken and captured by the promptness of the advance. After securing the prisoners, I encamped the command on the plantation.
At daylight on the morning of the 11th instant, I moved about 1 mile to the southwest, toward Memphis, crossing Clear Creek at that place, then in a southeasterly direction toward Morning Sun, on the Mississippi State road to Fisherville, thence to Little's Bridge, on Wolf River. Here I divided the command, sending the Seventh Kansas with the prisoners, under Maj. Merriman, of that regiment, to Germantown, with orders to report to Col. A. L. Lee, commanding brigade, and with the Fourth Illinois Cavalry came into camp at this place.
The following is a list of prisoners, with rank, taken on this expedition: Col. Robert F. Looney, Thirty-eight Tennessee Infantry, commanding Partisan Rangers; R. A. Sanford, first lieutenant and adjutant Thirty-eight Tennessee Infantry; Capt. David Bright, Company K, Eighteenth Mississippi Infantry.
* * * *
Col. Looney professes to have been sent here for the purpose of investigating the complaints of citizens against Richardson and his command. I have talked with several citizens, and they all say that he is here for the purpose of recruiting and organizing a cavalry brigade in Western Tennessee. I am not prepared to determine the truth of the statement.
Where all acted cheerfully and bravely, it would be invidious to discriminate.
Respectfully submitted,
M. R. M. WALLACE, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Detachment 2d Brigade, Cavalry Division.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. I, pp. 427-428.
        8-12, Expedition from LaGrange and skirmishes near Covington on the 9th and 10th
MARCH 8-12, 1863.-Expedition from LaGrange, and skirmishes (9th and 10th) near Covington, Tenn.
Report of Col. Benjamin H. Grierson, Sixth Illinois Cavalry, commanding First Cavalry Brigade, Sixteenth Army Corps.
LAGRANGE, TENN., March 16, 1863.
CAPT.: In accordance with verbal instructions from Gen. Hamilton, I left camp on the 8th instant, with 900 men of the Sixth and Seventh Illinois Cavalry, on an expedition against Richardson and his command. When within about 3 miles of Somerville, our advance came upon a party of rebels, who immediately fled. Encamping here for the night, I sent one company of the Seventh Illinois in pursuit of the enemy, and succeeded in wounding 4 and capturing 1 man and 2 horses. Here I received information of the removal of Richardson's camp, which was confirmed by a communication which I also received from scouts whom I had previously sent out to go into his camp.
On the 9th, at 3 a. m., I proceeded northwest, making a forced march of 35 miles in seven hours, over roads almost impassable from the recent heavy rains. We came upon him on Big Creek, 3 miles southeast of Covington, attacked and completely routed him, killing 22, wounding and capturing over 70, among whom were Capt.'s Cobb and Cushman; also taking and destroying his camp and equipage, commissary and quartermaster's stores, his train, ammunition, and records. I find among the latter over two hundred paroles of Federal soldiers, all his muster-rolls, lists of conscripts, letters, and receipts, giving the names of a number of citizens who have been engaged in smuggling arms, ammunition, and equipments from Memphis and other points for the enemy; also some valuable maps of the country between the Memphis and Charleston Railroad and the Hatchie River. We scoured the country thoroughly in the vicinity of the Hatchie and Covington [Rivers]; also south toward Portersville.
On the 10th, I moved southeast to Mason's Depot, whence a detachment of the Second Brigade, under Lieut.-Col. Wallace, of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, reported to me, and whom I ordered to scout the country southwest toward Galloway, Smith's, and Wythe Depot. I encamped near Belmont on the night of the 10th, and 4 miles south of Somerville on the 11th, returning to this place on the 12th, about 2 p. m. I have the satisfaction to report the success of the expedition, having lost none killed or wounded, and 4 prisoners, who have since returned, paroled.
Respectfully,
B. H. GRIERSON
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. I, pp. 423-424.
Report of Lieut. Col. Reuben Loomis, Sixth Illinois Cavalry.
LAGRANGE, TENN., March 15, 1863.
COL.: In pursuance of your order of the 7th, I had my command, 500 in number, in the saddle at 9.30 o'clock of the 8th, and started on the Somerville road; camped 3 miles this side of Somerville. By your order we started at 3 a. m. for Richardson's camp, about 30 miles north of Somerville, which we reached about 12 o'clock of the same day. Found the enemy drawn up in line in a dense wood and swamp, ready to give us battle. We attacked them vigorously, by your order, broke their [line], which they in vain repeatedly tried to form. We drove them steadily forward for 5 or 6 miles, finally breaking them up and scattering them in every direction. We killed some 15 or 16, as I afterward ascertained, wounded a large number, captured their train with all their stores...15 or 16 prisoners, to the best of my recollection, among whom was Capt. Cobb and a lieutenant.
Officers and men behaved with great gallantry, without a single exception, not only risking the balls of the enemy, but in leaping fences, ditches, logs, and swamps of all depths of mud and water.
Col., hoping what we have done may meet your approbation, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. LOOMIS, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. I, p. 424.
Report of Col. Edward Prince, Seventh Illinois Cavalry.
LAGRANGE, TENN., March 12, 1863.
SIR: I report that, in pursuance of orders of the brigade commander commanding, I moved, in command of this regiment, the first day advance of the brigade, starting from LaGrange, Tenn., at 9.30 a. m., March 8, 1863. The rest of the time the regiment marched in rear of the Sixth Regt. [sic] Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, and consequently participated but little in the gallant engagement with the enemy. By order of the colonel commanding the brigade, Company H, of this regiment, destroyed the camp and garrison equipage of Col. Richardson, First Regt. [sic] Tennessee Guerrillas, consisting, in part, of fifty tents, ammunition, quartermaster's and commissary stores, and the entire regimental property at the camp near Covington, Tenn. On approaching Somerville, I sent forward Company A, of this regiment, to make a feint, and, meeting with a squad of rebel cavalry, they captured 1 in a charge upon the town.
In leaving the camp of Richardson, near Covington, Maj. Nelson, commanding the First Battalion, this regiment, detached a squad of men for the purpose of ascertaining the truth of a report that a Federal horse and saddle was some 2 miles from camp. They proceeded, and, 8 in number, encountered 26 of the rebels, under the command of Capt. Cushman, who had cut them off entirely from the main body. The gallant little squad charged the rebels, severely wounded the captain in the arm, killed 1 lieutenant ([Thos. J.] Ray), and captured and brought off a prisoner. I desire to mention the names of the party for their gallant conduct, as follows: Sergt. Charles C. Hays, Corpl. David B. Spencer, Privates [Peter S.] Traphagen, [Joseph D.] Brown, Neff, [Edward W.] Tift, [William P.] handily, and [William] Potter, all of Company K, this regiment.
On March 10, I detailed Company F, this regiment, to endeavor to ascertain where certain wagons had been secreted, the tracks of which had been followed from Richardson's camp. Capt. McDonald, Company F, this regiment, being at the head of his company, came near a house, and observed several men (some mounted and some of foot) fleeing from the house. Being well mounted, he gave chase, and, by the spirit and activity of his horse, had left behind him and had distanced his company some 300 yards. Having lost his fire-arms the preceding day, he was fired at five times at very close range by the rebel he engaged, who was armed with both revolver and musket. The captain pursued with his only weapon (the saber), and, with a blow, dismounted his enemy, but was at the same moment caught by a limb and himself dismounted. He, however, pursued on foot and captured his prisoner. He deserved great praise for his bravery and gallantry. At this time and place was captured Capt. Cushman and squad. The regiment captured some 20 prisoners, horses, and other property.
Respectfully yours,
EDWARD PRINCE, Col., Cmdg. Regt. [sic]
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. I, pp. 424-425.
HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Memphis, Tenn., March 14, 1863.
Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.:
SIR:
~~~~
…. Grierson started from La Grange, and, by forced march, surprised [R. V.] Richardson's camp, near Covington, killing 25 and capturing 68. The remainder took to the bushes. His camp and camp equipage were burned. Lieut.-Col. Wallace, moving from Germantown for the same purpose, captured Col. [R. F.] Looney, Thirty-eighth Tennessee, 3 officers, and several men. Among  the number is the notorious Cushman, who is wounded in the arm.
~~~~
Your obedient servant,
S. A. HURLBUT.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. III, p. 106.
Report of Col. R. V. Richardson, First Tennessee Partisan Rangers [C. S.].
FAYETTE COUNTY, TENNESSEE, March 13, 1863.
DEAR SIR: * * * On the 9th instant, the Sixth and Seventh Illinois Cavalry, with a six-gun battery, attacked my position in Tipton County, 2 miles from Covington, at the Lemmon woods; at the same time a heavy cavalry force was advancing on me from Collierville (but did not reach the scene of action); in all, about 2,000 men.
The action commenced at 12 m. [10th], and lasted for two hours, when we were forced to retire from the field. My men engaged did not exceed 150, while the enemy had actually engaged about 1,000 men and his battery of six pieces. We charged the enemy twice, and repelled one charge from him, when, finding ourselves about to be flanked on both sides, we yielded the field.
Our loss was 2 men killed and 5 wounded. The enemy admitted a loss of 7 killed, 6 wounded, and 20 prisoners. We lost 8 men taken as prisoners. Some small proportion of my men ingloriously fled the field, but generally my companies fought bravely and retired in good order.
I desire especially to mention Capt.'s [R.] Burrow, [J. H.] Hazlewood, [W. A.] Bell, [J. H.] Hicks, and [J. S.] Caruthers, who distinguished themselves for courage; also Lieut. Col. James U. Green and Maj. Berry [B.] Benson, for coolness and courage in the midst of all the circumstances.
The enemy captured a portion of our train, &c., valued at about $4,000. We are consoled, however, in this by the reflection that we had taken it in former conflicts from him. I retreated about 7 miles; encamped all night.
Next morning [11th] as I left my camp I came on the enemy, commanded by Col. [Albert L.] Lee, of the Seventh Kansas [Cavalry], and another regiment, who had been marching on me from Collierville, with a view to surround me and crush my command in the folds of a vastly superior force. A slight skirmish ensued,  which availed for all my purposes, when I escaped from the nearly completed circle designed for my destruction. Finding myself unable to meet the numbers pressing upon me on three sides, I ordered my companies upon detached service, and threw out squads, under efficient officers, to harass and annoy the enemy on every hand. He soon lost the track of my regiment, and found himself surrounded by small bands, annoying him in every possible way. He remained but three days, when he retired to his posts at LaGrange, Collierville, and Memphis.
*  *  *  *
R. V. RICHARDSON, Col. Comdg. First Tennessee Regt. [sic] Partisan Rangers, C. S. A.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. I., pp. 425-426.
"The Surprise and Rout of Guerrillas in West Tennessee"
We take the following account of the surprise and rout of Richardson's guerrillas, in West Tennessee, from the Memphis Bulletin of the 13th:
It appears that the attack was made from the south by Colonel Grierson, and Richardson's force attempted to make a vigorous fight. The attacking and opposing forces were about equal, and the fight was a warm one, lasting about six hours. Richardson's men were prepared to fight, but made the best use of their means, fighting as they retreated. The line of their retreat was toward the north. Twenty-two of their men were found killed on the field, and thirty one of the prisoners taken in the engagement are already in Irving Block.
Among them is the notorious guerrilla Cushman, who was recently captured near Fort Pillow, and subsequently escaped from Columbus, Kentucky, Cushman, it seems, had joined Richardson's band, and in the flight on Tuesday [10th] was wounded in the right arm, the ball entering above the wrist and coming out near the elbow. Cushman is hard looking Christian, and if there is anything in looks he is a bad man. Only a portion of the command of Colonel Grierson had returned, and they, with prisoners and there is reason to believe that the defeat and dispersal of Richardson was even worse than he first report made it. As already stated, the entire cap was broken up; twenty-two of them are known to have been killed, and thirty-one taken prisoners. The number of their wounded is unknown. In fact the full measure of success cannot be ascertained until the pursuit is given up. Only two men are known to have been killed on our side.
There was a report that General [Robert F.] Looney was among the prisoners brought in last night, but if he was we did not see him.-General Looney, it seems, was sent out to recruit in West Tennessee. He was opposed to Richardson's thieving operations, and reported him to General Pemberton, who at once ordered Richardson to report at Granada. This he refused to do, feeling that the Confederates could not send a force and take him, as he was hemmed in and protected by Union bayonets. Richardson is said to have done a big business in the conscripting line. He forced every one who was able to do so to pay him $1,000 for release from military duty, and divided, with some show liberality among his men. The consequence was, he managed to keep a goodly number of desperate men with him. All who could not pay $500 for exemption had to be conscripted.
Milwaukee Daily Sentinel, March 25, 1863.
        8, Federal forces occupy Decatur
DECATUR, March 8, 1864.
Brig. Gen. J. A. RAWLINS:
We occupied this place at daylight and we hold it.
G. M. DODGE, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. III, p. 38.
        8, Reconnaissance from Morristown to Bull's Gap [see March 8, 1864, Federal situation report, New Market below]
        8, Reconnaissance from Morristown to Mouth of the Chucky River [see March 9, 1864, Federal situation report, New Market Strawberry Plains, Mossy Creek, Morristown, Bulls' Gap, mouth of Chucky River Bend, below]
        8, Report on Federal army's aid to destitute citizens January-February 1864 in Chattanooga
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, OFFICE CHIEF COMMISSARY OF SUBSISTENCE, Chattanooga, Tenn., March 8, 1864.
Capt. S. C. KELLOGG, A. D. G., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Cumberland, Chattanooga:
CAPT.: In reply to your letter of to-day, I have the honor to inform you that the average daily issues of subsistence stores to destitute citizens for the month of January, 1864, was 686 13/41 [sic] rations, and for the month of February, 1864, the average daily issue was 2,944 7/29 [sic] rations.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. P. PORTER, Lieut. Col. and Chief C. S., Dept. of the Cumberland.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. I, p. 12.
        8, Report on Confederate prisoners of war and administration of oath of allegiance, January 1864, in Chattanooga
Report of prisoners of war and deserters received and disposed of, and oaths administered to citizens, during the month of January, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn.
Prisoners of war captured and disposed of:
 Officers................................................ 44
 Men....................................................591
 Aggregate.................................…......635
 Deserters received and disposed of:
 By provost-marshal-general.........................……………..594
 By Capt. Goodwin, assistant provost-marshal-general……414
 Aggregate.........................................………………….1,008
 Oaths administered to citizens:
 Allegiance..................................….......... 45
 Amnesty.................................................213
 Aggregate..................................….........258
Respectfully submitted.
J. G. PARKHURST, Col. Ninth Michigan Vol. Inf., Provost-Marshal-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. I, p. 13.
        8, Report of prisoners of war and deserters received and disposed of, oaths administered to citizens, and sales and issues of rations to citizens, during the month of February, 1864:
. Chattanooga Nashville   Total
 Prisoners of war:
 Captured:
 Officers........................…..21   38    59
 Men...........................……182  421   603
  Aggregate............……….203 459   662

 Disposed of:
 Officers...................…………. 59    59
 Men........................…………...603   603
  Aggregate........................ 662   662

 Deserters:
 Received.......................... 821   76   897
 Paroled on oath................ 821   76   897

 Oaths administered to citizens:
 Allegiance................….... 543      543
 Amnesty....................….... 263      263
  Aggregate........................ 806      806

 Rations:
 Sales:
 Families......................…..... 506      506
 Persons.....................….... 2,901     2,901
 Issues:
 Families.................................1,032    1,032
 Persons..................................5,809     5,809
 Total:
 Families...................…...... 1,538     1,538
 Persons..................…........ 8,710      8,710
Respectfully submitted.
J. B. PARKHURST, Col. Ninth Michigan Inf. Vols., Provost-Marshal-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. I, p. 13.

        8, "I am almost crazy with my spine, took a dose of Morphine, I am in so much pain it does not affect me." A page from the Confederate smuggler Belle Edmondson's diary

March, Tuesday 8, 1864

Cousin Mat, Frazor and Joanna went in town this morning. Joanna was to have returned this evening, did not come. We heard what the Yanks were after-old Frank the detective carried them to Felix Davis's and took him and his wife both to Memphis, they are now in the Irving Block, we did not hear the offence, only 'twas some old grudge he had against Mr. Davis. They stole a good deal from Widow Hildebrand's but she has taken the oath, and I don't care much. I pity poor Mr. & Mrs. Davis, they have been so kind to our Soldiers.
Nannie Perkins came home this morning. Joe Clayton-Memphis Light Dragoons-came on short furlough. Tate & I are going after Mrs. Clayton & Hal tomorrow. We all spent the evening in the Parlor, singing and playing. I am almost crazy with my spine, took a dose of Morphine, I am in so much pain it does not affect me-All spent day in my room sewing-Laura and Beulah in, Tip not arrived. Oh! I am so lonely, and suffering so much.

Diary of Belle Edmondson

        8, Humble White  Refugee Transients in Nashville
Yesterday afternoon, we noticed a family of humble refugees from rebel tyranny, "stowed away" in one of the piles of cross ties on Broad Street, near the wharf. They had stretched canvass over it to ward off the rain, and, with their household plunder, had gone in for comfort. A parcel of children were abed asleep, a couple of half grown girls sat diligently arranging their sable locks, while a youth of about fifteen looked on without concern. Two men stood by, a mother sat in a chair with a youngster in her lap, whilst "grand ma" and her "specs" and pipe, looked the very picture of don't-care-a-copper comfort. Thus far on their journey north, they take a resting spell, awaiting transportation to the land of milk and honey, where "yankee soldiers" grow. With all their humility, these poor people love freedom too well to live willingly under the rule of the Jeff Davis despotism.
Nashville Daily Union, March 8, 1864.[6]
        8, Summary execution authorized for all Confederates caught wearing Federal uniforms in Knoxville environs
Headq'rs Dep't of the [Army] of the Ohio
Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 8. 1864.
General Orders, No.7[7]
Our outposts and pickets, posted in isolated places, having in many instances been surprised and captured by the enemy's troops, disguised as Union soldiers, the Commanding General orders for the protection of his command, and to prevent a continuance of this violation of the rules of civilized warfare:
Corps commanders are here by directed to cause to be shot dead all rebel officers and soldiers wearing the uniform of the United States captured in the future within our lines.
By command of Major General [J. G.] Foster.
Houston Daily Telegraph, March 11, 1864.
        8, A Tale of Confederate Courageous Audacity
A Gallant Feat.
Our readers will remember that some weeks ago a large lot of cattle that were being driven from Yankeedom to provision the forces at Knoxville, was captured by some of Gen. Long street's men, and the whole, about 1,200 in number, turned over to the Confederate commissary. We have just learned the particulars connected with this capture, and as they have never been published, deem it not too late yet to place upon record the manner in which the Yankee starving at Knoxville were cheated out of such a vast quantity of meat.
The drove had reached a point about nine miles from Knoxville, and was under the escort of three companies of the Indiana six months' men. A party of Gen. Longstreet's scouts, eleven in number, discovered the prize, and, notwithstanding the disparity of numbers, at once determined to secure it, if possible. Placing themselves in ambush at a favorable point, at the proper moment they delivered a fire from their carbines, which disables some eight or ten of the Yankees. Immediately drawing their revolvers, they made a charge, firing as they ran. So dismayed were the Yanks that all broke and fled, except one captain and forty-three privates, who surrendered without resistance. The captors speedily started for Gen. Martin's camp, twelve miles distant, which they succeeded in reaching with all their prisoners, and nine hundred and eighty of the cattle. Not satisfied with this, the procured aid from Gen. Martin, and returning on the road, picket up over two hundred more of the cattle that had escaped from them on the route.
We regret our inability to give the names of the daring actors in this affair. They deserved, as they received, a public acknowledgement of their services, which was made by Gen. Longstreet, in a genera order, and they were also granted a furlough of sixty days. Seven of the number were members of Terry's Texas rangers, and four of the 3d Arkansas cavalry. We should like to record their names, if possible
Memphis Daily Appeal, March 8, 1864. [8]
        8, Skirmish at Jackson County
No circumstantial reports filed.
        8, "…she had left there some time before, I suppose for Yankeedom." A house servant's taste for freedom results in former masters doing housework in Bolivar
Nothing from Lettie [a house slave] yet. Yesterday morning Sister Mary sent her to Mrs. Grey's, and upon finding at the expiration of three of four hours, she failed to return, sent for her, but she had left there some time before, I suppose for Yankeedom. Joy go with her. Sister and myself cleaned up our rooms this morning alone and before the negroes [sic] had risen. (So much for Southern cruelty). [sic] She made the fire. I made up my bed and did various other things as cheerfully as any one. Had the rooms cleaned, breakfast over and baby washed and dressed before nine. When Lettie was here the rooms were generally done about eleven. Ha! Ha! Ha! I'm very glad she's gone. The rest [of the slaves] will follow her example. The nuisances! Two women, one man and four children, all save one able to work, can't get ready for business until ten or eleven o'clock in the morning. Isn't it perfectly ridiculous! O Yankees, Yankees, what mistakes you have made in your attempt at sympathy and kindness....
Diary of Sally Wendel Fentress.
        8, Brief report on election results in Memphis
Election in Tennessee….
Cairo, March 7, The election at Memphis for Governor of the legislature, resulted in Brownlow receiving for Governor 1,156, and 110 scattering
~ ~ ~
The Baltimore Sun, March 8, 1865.
        8, Ennui brought about by reports about guerrilla activity in West Tennessee
According to the Memphis Bulletin, there appears to be no end of guerrilla outrages coming under the purview of the local editor. We are tired of copying them.
New Orleans Times, March 8, 1865.




[1] Not listed in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
[2] Listed in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee as "Operations Near Nashville."
[3] This event is referenced neither in the OR, nor in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee. It is referenced in Charles R. Cooper, Chronological and Alphabetical Record of the Engagement's of the Civil War....(Milwaukee, WS: The Caxton Press, Publishers, 1904), p. 14. [Hereinafter: CAR] This work is incomplete in comparison to the OR and Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee. The accuracy of the work seems questionable inasmuch as it lists no sources, a characteristic shared with Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee. It is cited, however, in an effort to be as comprehensive as possible. Another similar work, closer to the events listed, is Fred Phisterer, Statistical Record of the Armies of the United States, (NY: Charles Scribner's Sons 1883; rpt 1989, Wilmington, NC: Broadfoot Publishing Co.). This work, however, is still lacking in its breadth. For example, it lists a total of 2,261 battles, engagements, affairs, skirmishes, etc., for all theaters of war, 1861-1865, while this study documents over 2,900 for the same period in Tennessee alone.
[4] This combat event is not listed in the OR. There were skirmishes there on March 14, 1862.
[5] As cited in PQCW.
[6] As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
[7] There is no copy of General Orders No. 7 in the OR, although in there is reference to it in correspondence with Lieutenant J. Longstreet, dated January 17, 1864, Foster tells his enemy: "I also inclose a copy of an order which I have found it necessary to issue, in regard to the wearing of the U. S. uniform by Confederate soldiers." OR, Ser. III, Vol. 4, p. 53.
[8] Valley of the Shadow.

James B. Jones, Jr.
Public Historian
Tennessee Historical Commission
2941 Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN  37214
(615)-770-1090 ext. 115
(615)-532-1549  FAX

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