Tuesday, June 9, 2015

6.8-9.2015 Tennessee Civil War Notes

June 8-9.

 

 

1861

 

 

          8, Tennessee voters select secession over union

Tennessee voted 102,172 to 47,238 (69% to 31%) to ratify the "Declaration of Independence" adopted by the General Assembly, and so to secede from the union.

The official totals for the three grand divisions were as follows:

                              For Secession                            Against Secession

West Tennessee              29, 625                                                7, 168

Middle Tennessee           57,767                                                 7, 147

East Tennessee                 14,780                                                32,923

TOTALS                         102,172                                              47, 238

Messages of the Governors, Vol. 5, pp. 304-306.

 

Many East Tennesseans, however, were not satisfied with the count. One such man, T.A.R. Nelson, a Whig, recalled that only three months earlier the vote was overwhelmingly the other way. Nelson believed force and fraud had been used to get a secessionist vote. According to his analysis, fifteen counties which were both predominantly Whig and had showed overwhelming support for the Union in February, showed a dramatic and unbelievable drop in that vote in April. His reckoning follows:

County         Approx. Whig Vote         Union votes in February  Union votes in June

 

Lincoln                  450                                  815                          0

Humphreys            250                                  327                          0

Franklin                 300                                  206                          0

Hickman                175                                  298                          3

Shelby                   1,800                               197                          5

Giles                      1,200                               550                        11

Warren                  350                                  452                        12

Tipton                    375                                  147                        16

Robertson              1,200                               332                        17

Coffee                    300                                  698                        26

Williamson            1,600                               1,684                     28

Obion                              500                                  328                        64

Sumner                  775                                  770                        69

Dickson                 375                                  490                        72

Rutherford             1,475                               1,529                       3

TOTALS               11,125                             8,823                     386[1]

Thomas A. R. Nelson of East Tennessee, pp. 83-84. [2]

          8, Secession

... The state [sic] of Tennessee voted out of the Union today....

Diary of Myra Adelaide Inman, p. 99.

          8, Voting for secession in Jackson

I rode into town and voted for Tennessee being separated from the United States & to be represented in the Congress of the Confederate States. Tennessee now makes 11 states now seceded. It matters not how the future historians [emphasis added] may record events now transpiring, & I don't [think] there can be any doubt as to how the impartial historians will record it. I feel that I have done right [sic]. If the majority have the right to violate the constitution & encroach upon the rights of the minority, then the South is clearly in the wrong [sic]….

Robert H. Cartmell Diary.

8, Flag presentation in Memphis

Military—Woman.—Beauty is ever ready to pay her compliments to valor, as the brave are ever ready to pay homage to the fair. The first of these propositions has been abundantly proven since the current in the great river of events has drifted us into revolution, by the numerous testimonials which woman has given of her appreciation of the gallant spirit which impels the southern soldier to the camp, burning for another Waterloo, which is to shape the destiny of nations. The second wants no confirmation. If to the first, however, additional evidence were wanting, we have not only the motive for reiterating the proposition which the Hibernian had for protesting the gigantic proportion of his quadruped, but numerous and overwhelming testimony in the alacrity with which she come forward to aid, by her smiling presence and active exertions, is every work which is even incidentally connected with the common cause. Not content with forming sewing societies all through the south, at which the uniforms of the soldiers are made by sympathetic hands, she has established hospitals for the sick and wounded, and in numerous cases tendered her services as Simiras[3] and Florence Nightingales for the field and camp. Scarcely a military company has been formed in the South which has not received from her hands banners which had been consecrated by her prayers, and accompanied in the giving by burning words, expressive of her undying devotion to the cause of her country. The Bluff City Guards, Capt. Jackson, were yesterday presented by a number of the patriotic ladies of Memphis with a handsome banner, at Court Square, on the occasion of the battalion parade of Col. Dickason's brigade. It was a handsome memento of the sympathy of woman, handsomely presented and handsomely received. After the presentation the brigade marched through our principal streets to the sound of martial music, and made a most imposing appearance. If the myrmidons of the Kangaroo King, out of sympathy for that race which is next above them in the scale of animal life, shall attempt to subdue the descendants of the men of the revolution on this side of the Potomac and Ohio, they will be driven back to their native jungles in consternation, at meeting with a race of men and women whose equals in moral—which is the essence of physical—courage they have hitherto had no conception of.

Memphis Daily Appeal, June 8, 1861.

          8, Prices and the Memphis Vigilance Committee

The Memphis papers are calling the attention of the Vigilance Committee to the high prices for provisions charged by the dealers there. [4]

Philadelphia Inquirer, June 8, 1861.

          8, "Vote for Separation!" Pro-Secession Broadside in Memphis

VOTE FOR SEPARATION!

It is the boundless duty of every freeman in Tennessee to go to the polls to-day, and give expression to his sentiments through the ballot box upon the most momentous issue that has ever demanded attention in the history of the country.

We would say to every citizen entitled to the right of suffrage: if you desire to cut loose from the vilest and most tyrannical despotism that was ever established over a free people,

Vote for Separation!

If you desire to preserve and perpetuate the principle of self-government, for which our fathers fought in the trying days of the American revolution,

Vote for Separation!

If you desire to manifest your disapprobation of the illegal, unconstitutional and infamous war of subjugation waged upon the South by a despot who abhors and displaces her,

Vote for Separation!

If you desire that Tennessee shall never become the miserable victim of debasement, tyranny and oppression, and be compelled to tolerate the quartering of a hostile soldiery upon her soil,

Vote for Separation!

If you desire that the gallant soldiers who have taken the field to protect your liberties and firesides, shall not be branded as traitors and be subjected to the traitor's doom,

Vote for Separation!

If you desire to keep civil war and the shedding of fraternal blood from the soil of Tennessee,

Vote for Separation!

If you desire not to be stigmatized in history as a tory and a traitor to the cause of your country and of her independence,

Vote for Separation!

If you desire to vindicate the great and glorious cause of southern freedom, and hand your name down to posterity to be thrice blessed by future generations,

Vote for Separation!

If you desire, in fine, to perform the proudest act of your life, and at the same time save your State from the infamy, disgrace and degradation of political vassalage,

Vote for Separation!

Memphis Daily Appeal, June 8, 1861. [5]

          8, Separation Vote Notice

The Election To-Day

It is scarcely necessary, we trust, to dwell upon the necessity of every one's going to the polls to-day and voting for the Declaration of Southern Independence. The man who fails to vote, without good reason, must justly be an object of suspicion in the community. He who neglects this great duty-we could better say privileged-will have cause to regret it to the last of day of his life. Let every freeman to the ballot box and perform the proudest act of his life in voting to sustain the cause of his newly adopted country.

Memphis Daily Appeal June 8, 1861. [6]

 

1862

 

          8, GENERAL ORDERS, No. 19, Memphis, relative to "contraband" slaves

All negroes [sic], except those who came with the command to this place, and of whom descriptive lists are filed at this headquarters, will be excluded from the lines and boats.

Any officer or soldier violating or conniving at a violation of this order will be severely and promptly punished

G.N. Fitch, Colonel Commanding Brigade

Memphis Union Appeal, July 4, 1862

          8, Report of attempted smuggling to Dekalb county

Arrest for Smuggling.

Some days ago a Mr. Morris Lusky got a permit from Provost Marshal, Col. Matthews, to take $500 worth of Dry Goods to DeKalb county on taking the oath and giving bond. His teams were so heavily loaded that it excited the suspicions of the picket, who overhauled the load and found double the quantity of goods for which the permit was granted, together with a considerable quantity of drugs, amounting perhaps to $800 or more. The contraband dealer will suffer for his conduct.

Nashville Daily Union, June 8, 1862.

          8-16, Operations in East Tennessee

Report of Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter, U. S. Army, commanding Twenty-fourth Brigade, Army of the Ohio, of operations June 8-16.

HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH BRIGADE, Camp Cotterell, East Tenn., June 23, 1862.

CAPT.: I embrace this the earliest opportunity of submitting the following report of the movement of the Twenty-fourth Brigade from the 8th of June until our junction with the remaining brigades of the Seventh Division at Rogers' Gap on the afternoon of the 16th instant:

In pursuance with Gen. Orders, No. 39, of the 5th instant, I moved my command of the 8th, consisting of the First, Second, and Fourth East Tennessee Regt. [sic]'s (which last was temporarily attached to my brigade), Lanphere's battery, and a detachment of Lieut.-Col. Munday's cavalry, under command of Capt. Roper, from Cumberland Ford, and took up the position at the Moss house (2 miles on the Cumberland Gap road), indicated in said order. By order of the commanding general the Nineteenth Kentucky Volunteers, Col. Landram, was temporarily detached from the Twenty-seventh Brigade and placed under my command. It remained encamped on the Clear Creek road, some 2 miles from the Moss house. As the rebels were known to have a very considerable force at Cumberland Gap it was necessary to use the utmost care to guard against an attack from greatly superior numbers. Capt. Roper, with his company of cavalry, was constantly employed upon the Gap road, and performed the duty assigned him in the most creditable manner. I would take this opportunity of expressing my high commendation of the captain for his untiring energy and zeal.

Owing to delay in obtaining transportation I was unable to take up the line of march in the direction of Lambdin's until the 11th instant, on the morning of which day the column was put in motion. According to your orders Capt. S. S. Lyon, acting topographical engineer, had the road blockaded in our rear as we advanced. We bivouacked on the first night on Poplar Creek, some 12 miles from our starting point, having experienced no little difficulty in getting the artillery and long train over the Pine Mountain.

At 2 p. m. on the 12th instant we reached Lambdin's, and encamped with the forces (except the Nineteenth Kentucky, which proceeded on to Boston). At Lambdin's I was met by a courier from the commanding general with orders to march my force to Williamsburg, Whitley County. During the afternoon I was joined by the balance of my brigade, consisting of the Third Kentucky, Col. Garrard, and Forty-ninth Indiana, Lieut.-Col. Keigwin.

On the morning of the 13th instant I was directed by the commanding general to proceed with my whole command to Big Creek Gap via Boston, and from thence to join him and the remainder of the brigades at Rogers' Gap, Powell's Valley, East Tennessee. My force now consisted of the following troops: First East Tennessee, Col. Byrd; Second East Tennessee, Col. Carter; Third Kentucky, Col. Garrard; Forty-ninth Indiana, Lieut.-Col. Keigwin; Nineteenth Kentucky, Col. Landram; Fourth East Tennessee, Col. Johnson, and Lanphere's battery. Encamped that evening at Boston, and on the morning of the 14th instant left for Big Creek Gap. During the day I was again joined by Capt. Roper's company of cavalry, which I had ordered up from Williamsburg, whither it had gone by your orders. The head of the column arrived at the foot of Pine Mountain about 9 a.m. and commenced the ascent. By the united exertion of all the troops, and the most untiring industry during the day and night, all the artillery and trains made the ascent and descent of the mountain by 9 a.m. of the 15th instant. To one who has not passed over the route it would be hard to imagine the difficulties to be overcome in transporting artillery and a heavy baggage train over it. But officers and men, eager to meet their rebel enemies and to gain an entrance into long-looked-for East Tennessee, went to work with the greatest energy, and by main strength carried wagons and artillery over a road which many would pronounce impassable to either.

On the following morning (15th) I received a dispatch from Brig.-Gen. Spears, dated Big Creek Gap, sunrise, stating that his pickets were then engaging the enemy, and requesting me to come up rapidly to his support. The order was given to advance, and so eager were the men to get in front of the enemy that, notwithstanding the fatigues and hardships of the preceding day and night, a portion of the force crossed Little Cumberland Mountain, and before meridian had made a junction with Brig.-Gen. Spears at Big Creek Gap, a distance of 10 miles from their camping ground of that morning. The Fourth Tennessee, Col. Johnson, was ordered to join Gen. Spears, to whose brigade he belonged.

On the morning of the 16th instant I left Big Creek Gap with my command and moved up Powell's Valley through Fincastle, and in the afternoon of same day reported the arrival of my force to the commanding general. On my way up the valley we found a quantity of rebel stores, belonging to the Thirtieth Alabama Regt. [sic], at the house of a Mrs. A. Kincaid, which I had destroyed.

In closing this report I must express my admiration, not only for the zeal and perseverance of the officers and men under my command, but for their uncomplaining, orderly, and soldierly deportment during the whole march. Notwithstanding the fears which have been felt by some that, owing to the great wrongs and barbarities to which the Tennessee soldiers and their families have been subjected by the rebel troops and their sympathizers, there would be much trouble in restraining them from wreaking vengeance on their enemies, I do not know of a single instance in which they failed to conduct themselves as soldiers of the Union should, from the day we reached Big Creek Gap until we joined the other forces at Rogers' Gap.

Respectfully, &c.,

S. P. Carter,

Brig.-Gen., Cmdg. Twenty-fourth Brigade.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 10, pt, I, pp, 67-69.

          9, Memphis Appeal presents its regrets

The occupation of Memphis by the Federal forces, has convinced us of the necessity of removing our office to Grenada [MS]

Memphis Appeal, June 9, 1862.

          9, Effects of the war upon a Southern aristocratic woman's emotions and her children in Warren County

Yesterday I was not well enough to write. I was quite unwell on Thursday--and have been so ever since until this morning--I now feel somewhat better. In addition to my headache and its concomitants, I have been troubled with a diarrhea similar to that I suffered so much from last fall--arising I suppose from the cold, I have taken in some way. I am not worth a picayune--everything upsets me. I have managed to keep up however, and have not missed the children's lessons. Puss is "ailing" too, and has been for three months--I think if we both were sent to Bersheba [sic] for a month or two, we would be benefited. I have done but little during the past week, but read, when I could do so for my head,--Thursday was dear little Tingie's birthday--5 years old. The comical little creature knows her letter-and that is all she knows in the book line. Bun how funny and "cunnin" and knowing she is in a hundred other things. And she asked so many outlandish questions. The other day she asked "Mamma if Pap was to go away to the war and get shoot--what would you do? Would you get you some other husband to take care wid you?" Just now her "ruling passion" is a kitten given her by Mrs. Lou Spurlock--without which, sleeping or waking, she is never seen. I keep the children under my own eye now all the time, and I must confess that having charge of them always [is] in no way [a] very easy task. But it is better for them, and it must be done.

* * * *

War Journal of Lucy Virginia French.

          9, Report on the Union Convention in Nashville[7] contrasting peace and war in Tennessee and calls for return of the Volunteer State to the Union

PEACE AND WAR CONTRASTED.

Messrs. Russell Houston, E. H. East, Allen A. Hall, H. H. Harrison, W.B. Campbell, John Lellyet, John Stokes, and Edmund Cooper, the Committee appointed by the late Union Convention in Nashville to prepare an Address to the people of Tennessee, have ably discharged that duty. It is the most conclusive of documents against Secession and in favor of an immediate return of the State to the Union, and we do not see how any citizen of Tennessee in arms against the United States can read it and longer remain in rebellion against the most paternal of Goverments.

In Ohio we have so long enjoyed the blessings of peace that our citizens hardly know how to prize them. We really as yet know comparatively nothing of the horrors of war; much less of civil war which is not desolating the rebellious South. To all our people we commend the following faithful pictures of the past and the present in Tennessee, copied from the address referred to. The contrast is painful-is sickening-is terrible.

["]Tennessee In Peace.

For a period of sixty-five years the State of Tennessee occupied her legitimate position as one of the States of the Union, in friendly relation with all of her sister States; and during all that period , no people were ever better satisfied with their government. In all the elements of prosperity no people were ever more blessed. We had peace at home and honor among our neighbors. Tennessee has been honored above most States of the Union. Two of her citizens had been elevated to the highest office in the gift of the nation, and for statesmanship in the National Legislature, few States had excelled her. During the time she claimed membership in the Federal Union, her population increased more than four-fold. Her free schools, Academies, Colleges, and Universities were multiplied in numbers and magnified in their benign influences. Her manufactories grew in extent and expanded in their good effects. Her industry was rewarded. Her agriculture prospered and her commerce extended. Her credit was respected and her currency honored. Her churches decorated every town, village and neighborhood within her borders, and as the natural result of all these blessings, our people were contented and happy.

Such is the brief but imperfect outline of the enviable condition of Tennessee in the middle of April in the year 1861.

A YEAR OF CIVIL WAR.

In contrast to this picture, let us look at Tennessee as we now find her. We are without representation in the National Legislature, and laws touching our most vital interests are enacted without our participation or consent. War in its most terrible form is at our doors – civil war, the scourge of nations and the human race; here it is with all its horrors. And look at its effects upon the interest of our people! Our Schools, Academies, Colleges and Universities as places of education and instruction are closed, and are only used as barracks for troops or as hospitals for sick and wounded soldiers. Our Common School Fund, for the education of the poor and helpless, has been abstracted and carried off by unauthorized and irresponsible persons beyond the control of the legitimate authorizes of the State of even their own control. The finds of our State Bank, our only financial agent and place for safe keeping of the money of the State, have been seized and carried within the control of men at war against the Government. Our State debt is increased by millions without a dollar consideration. Our credit is dishonored and our currency ruined. Our commerce is cut off and our manufactories shut up. Our fences are destroyed, bridges burned, private property taken, and crops consumed under the plea of military necessity.  Our fields are uncultivated and the hand of industry is still. Our cities, towns and country are crowded with troops, and our public highways and street corners blockaded with military guards. Our Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller and Treasurer, with the public Records of the State, are missing. – Our Courts are suspended, and we are without a regular government. Our sons and brothers, and our relatio0ns and friends are on the eve of battles, probably the most destructive to be recorded in history. And at a time when most needed, our churches are closed, our ministers of religion absent from their duties or in the army, and instead of 'peace on earth; good will to men,' it is war to extermination.

And in the legislation of the country, the first principles of justice are outraged by laws forbidding the payment of debts justly due – laws for the sequestration of debts honestly contracted -  laws ordering the dismissal of suits, and prohibiting the bringing of suits, because the plaintiffs oppose a most unholy rebellion-laws prohibiting the administration of the estate of dead men, because their 'distributees, legatees, or devisees are citizens of the Northern States' – and laws of conscription to compel men to commit treason by levying war against their government.

And in an age of civilization and progress, we have witnessed efforts to sustain the character of the currency of a country   by provost Marshals and through fears of the bayonet and the prison; and after the country has been flooded with hundreds of millions of the currency, in the shape of Treasure notes, and fallen into the hands of the common people all over the land; we have seen military edicts calling on these same people to burn the products of their own had earnings, upon which alone they could have relied as a means for the redemption of this worthless issue.

With the deepest regret, we have also witnessed demonstrations of delight, among the people professing love for free government, at the prospect of armed intervention by the Despotism of Europe, and for the overthrow of the only government on earth that secures equality of rights and privileges to all its citizens.["]

The Daily Cleveland Herald (Cleveland, OH) June 9, 1862.

 

 

1863

 

 

          8, Skirmish[8] at Triune

No circumstantial reports filed

          8, Care of the Insane in Memphis

"An Object of Pity."

There is a poor unfortunate crazy woman, who for the last month has frequented South Court street, that should be taken care of in some way – either by the Board of Aldermen of the city, or some other public authority. She is truly an object of pity, and it is a crying shame to the community at large that she should have been neglected this long. It is a wonder she has not died before this on the street. She is entirely destitute – without shoes and mostly bare of clothing, and has been known to go two and three days without eating. As for a place to sleep she has none, and has been exposed to the rain two weeks past, night and day, in consequence thereof. Apparently for protection she sits day and night on the steps near Mr. Henghol's eating house. Added to this she appears to be modest, retiring and virtuous, making it more necessary that she should be placed in a situation of protection from heartless scoundrels who have been seen frequently to annoy her. We were told the attention of some of the city aldermen have been called to this women, but they have been either callous to her suffering, or failed to report her case to the Board of Aldermen, who, if their attention were called to the matter, would be trifling, and there is not a business man in the city who would not give five dollars for such an object, if his attention was called to it – and the application was made by a responsible agent of the city, for the purpose of putting this person where she would be taken care of. For the truth of the above statement in regard to this poor crazy woman, we refer to Dr. Taylor, Dr. Wilcox, Mr. Henghold, and others on South Court Square.

Memphis Bulletin, June 8, 1863.

8, Letter from Joel Watters, 10th Volunteer Illinois Infantry Regiment, at Camp Nashville, to His Brother, Samuel T. Watters

Camp Nashville Tenn June 8th/63

Dear brother I take the present time to write you a few lines to inform you that I am well at the present and hope you may all be enjoying the same good blessing. I received your letter of 24 May which stated

That you had the hen flew enways or something similar to that I hope you have discarded it and may bee all right again  the health in the army is very good here. One of the 10 Michigan privates was charmed by some  copper head some time last winter and went up north he was caught and fetched back as a deserter our Division was taken out in the suburbs of the City and formed into a squar the poor souldier was put into the center of the squar siting on his coffin 12 men were detailed out of his regt and stationed 20 paces from him after the preachers prayd for him [paper torn] the men that was to shoot him [paper torn] at a signal from one of the off[icers] [paper torn] guns went off as one and 6 [paper torn] his body his death lays at the [paper torn] from the sines of the times there will be a general move soon there has been a good many troops come in from Ky and gone to the front within the last week we had marching orders yesterday morning at 8 oclock but they were countermanded Gen Morgan is about to take command of cavalry at the front he is trying his best to get his old regt 10th to be mounted and go with him we have been here so long we are attached to the place it will break into a good many fellows arrangements for some of them is desperately in love with the fair sex and there will be a good many crockadile tears shed for them they think a good deal of those blue coated Yankees old Charley Lewis of our Compy got married to a buxom wid[ow] last week he was an old batch of 50 used to belong to the regulars. Gen Grant has got Vicksburg invest mighty close unless Johnson gets an awful force in his rear the Gibralter is bound to fall the rebs is getting very uneasy in front [here paper torn. Opposite side or above portions]…some heavy riconoisances on our lines…days ago but the way hansomely repulsed…to the front I will write again soon…is in command in Nashville now…taken command of Cavelry at Franklin

Your affectionate brother

Joel Watters

Joel Watters Correspondence

          8, Skirmishing near Smithville and Liberty: letter of George Kryder

Camp near Murfreesboro Tenn.

June 8th, 1863

Dear Wife

I am now seated to write to you to let you know that I am well and hope this letter may find you as it leaves me. I rec'd. your letter of the 31st yesterday which was welcomed very much. I am sorry that you have such mean scoundrels there to molest you there alone, but I would advise you to get the gun loaded and keep it ready for such mean low-lived villains, if you only had my revolver there, that would be the thing to cure them. Try and get a boy to stay with you, if you can. If anyone comes around your house at night in a sneaking way, just shoot him, or if you do not hit him, perhaps it will scare him. If I was there, they might come I think it would be to their sorrow. Only be patient and 17 months more will find us together again if it is the Lord's will. But I still hope this war will close before that time. I am glad you have a good garden for it is nearly half the living. I hope that I can come and eat some of your cabbage.

You say your garden is the place where you can throw off the blues. I think if I was there I would keep you from having the blues, but only keep up courage and hope for a better time to come.

You say you was just having a feast with walnuts and apples. The apples I would like to have had a share of but as for the walnuts, we have any amount of them here and mulberries are ripe, and I get all I want of them and then I wish our little girls had some of them and you the balance to bake into pies. I think we would have a nice feast. You say you have about 20 lbs. butter which I wish I had a few pounds of. I could make use of it when I go on picket. I got milk for the sugar that I do not use. If you can get you and the children's likeness taken without too much trouble, I would like to have them. If you have them taken try and get them on paste board for they do not soil so easy. If you send it, do not send a case for I have no way to carry it.

You think that it is curious that I send stockings home. It is not curious at all, for I do not wear any this summer and when I want some I can draw them. They charge us 32 cts a pair for them.

Now I will tell you about our duty. Last Tuesday we got orders for our company to go to Murfreesboro for Provost Guards to stay a week. Well, on Wednesday morning we went down and were there 24 hours when we got orders to go on an eight day scout and Wednesday morning we started with our Reg. the 14th and 10 Ohio. We went to Liberty and to Snow Hill. There we startled a small squad of rebels and we followed them on toward Smithville about 13 miles from Liberty and when about two miles this side of Smithville, skirmishing became quite brisk and they wounded one of Co. B's men quite serious and from there they fell back beyond the town where they made another stand and our men brought up their two pieces of artillery and threw about 10 or a dozen shells amongst them and they fell back to Liberty with about 5 or 6 prisoners and we layed there on Saturday and yesterday we came back to camp. There are some prospects that the Rebels will attack us here and if they will they will get the nicest little whipping they ever had, for Rosecrans is getting Murfreesboro very strongly fortified and the men all have full confidence in him as a commander. And I have seen him several times and he is a Noble looking man. Lieutenant Col. Murry has resigned and Major Howland has command of the regiment. I think I wrote to [you] that Henry had gone to General Turchin's [?] headquarters and this morning he came back to the Co. again. He is pretty rugged again. Those three men that were taken the time that I run such a narrow escape have been exchanged and are back here again. I expect we will get our pay before long again. Charley Benham says his money got home all right and mine must be there too for it was all in one envelope. Last Friday there was a man hung in Murfreesboro for deserting and murder. He deserted our army and went to bushwhacking and robbed a union man of his money and then shot him in the face and then cut the man's tongue out before he was dead. Horrible! Horrible!

~~~~

George Kryder Papers

          8-9, Expedition from Pocahontas, Tennessee to Ripley, Mississippi

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. II, p. 472.[9]

          8-9, Capture, trial and execution of Confederate spies at Franklin

FRANKLIN, June 8, 1863.

Brig.-Gen. GARFIELD, Chief of Staff:

Is there any such inspector-general as Lawrence Orton, colonel U. S. Army, and assistant, Maj. Dunlop? If so, please describe their personal appearance, and answer immediately.

J. P. BAIRD, Col., Cmdg. Post.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, June 8, [1863]-10.15 p. m.

Col. J. P. BAIRD, Franklin:

There are no such men as Insp. Gen. Lawrence Orton, colonel U. S. Army, and assistant, Maj. Dunlop, in this army, nor in any army, so far as we know. Why do you ask?

J. A. GARFIELD, Brig.-Gen. and Chief of Staff.

FRANKLIN, June 8, 1863--11.30 p. m.

[Brig.-Gen. GARFIELD:]

Two men came in camp about dark, dressed in our uniform, with horses and equipments to correspond, saying that they were Col. Orton, Inspector-general, and Maj. Dunlap, assistant, having an order from Adjutant-Gen. Townsend and your order to inspect all posts, but their conduct was so singular that we have arrested them, and they insisted that it was important to go to Nashville to-night. The one representing himself as Col. Orton [W. Orton Williams] is probably a regular officer of old army, but Col. Watkins, commanding cavalry here, in whom I have the utmost confidence, is of opinion that they are spies, who have either forged or captured their orders. They can give no consistent account of their conduct.

I want you to answer immediately my last dispatch. I take so long to get an answer immediately my last dispatch. It takes so long to get an answer from Gen. [Gordon] Granger, at Triune, by signal, that I telegraphed Gen. [R. S.] Granger, at Nashville, for information. I also signaled Gen. Gordon Granger. If these men are spies, it seems to me that it is important that I should know it, because Forrest must be awaiting their progress.

I am, general, your obedient servant,

J. P. BAIRD, Col., Cmdg. Post.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, June 8, [1863]-12 p. m.

Col. J. P. BAIRD, Franklin:

The two men are no doubt spies. Call a drum-head court-martial to-night, and if they are found to be spies, hang them before morning, without fail. No such men have been accredited from these headquarters.

J. A. GARFIELD, Brig.-Gen. and Chief of Staff.

FRANKLIN, June 8, 1863.

Gen. GARFIELD, Chief of Staff:

I had just sent you an explanation of my first dispatch when I received your dispatch. When your dispatch came, they owned up as being a rebel colonel and lieutenant in rebel army. Col. Orton, by name, but in fact Williams, first on Gen. Scott's staff, of Second Cavalry, Regular Army. Their ruse was nearly successful on me, as I did not know the handwriting of my commanding officer, and am much indebted to Col. Watkins, sixth Kentucky Cavalry, for their detention, and Lieut. Wharton, of Granger's staff, for the detection of forgery of papers. As these men don't deny their guilt, what shall I do with them? My bile is stirred, and some hanging would do me good.

I communicate with you, because I can get an answer so much sooner than by signal, but I will keep Gen. Granger posted. I will telegraph you again in short time, as we are trying to find out, and believe there is an attack contemplated in the morning. If Watkins gets anything out of Orton, I will let you know.

I am, general, your obedient servant,

J. P. BAIRD, Col., Cmdg.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, pp. 397-398.

 

FRANKLIN, June 9, 1863.

Gen. GARFIELD, Chief of Staff:

Col. Watkins says Col. Williams is a first cousin of Gen. Robert E. Lee, and he says so. He has been chief of artillery on Bragg's staff.

We are consulting. Must I hang him? If you can direct me to send him to hand somewhere else, I would like it; but, if not, or I do not hear from you, they will be executed. This dispatch is written at the request of Col. Watkins, who detained the prisoners. We are prepared for a fight.

J. P. BAIRD, Col., Cmdg.

FRANKLIN, June 9, 1863.

Gen. GARFIELD, Chief of Staff:

Will you not have any clemency for the son of Capt. Williams, who fell at Monterey, Mexico? As my dying speech, I protest our innocence as spies. Save also my friend.

LAWRENCE W. ORTON,

(Formerly W. Orton Williams.)

I send this as a dying request. The men are condemned, and we are preparing for execution. They also prefer to be shot. If you can answer before I get ready, do.

J. P. BAIRD.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, June 9, 1863--4.40 a. m.

Col. J. P. BAIRD, Franklin:

The general commanding directs that the two spies, if found guilty, be hung at once, thus placing it beyond the possibility of Forrest's profiting by the information they have gained.

FRANK S. BOND, Maj. and Aide-de-Camp.

FRANKLIN, June 9, 1863.

Gen. GARFIELD, Chief of Staff:

The men have been tried, found guilty, and executed, in compliance with your order. There is no appearance of the enemy yet.

I am, ever yours, &c.,

J. P. BAIRD, Col., Cmdg. Post.

FRANKLIN, June 9, 1863.

Brig.-Gen. GARFIELD:

Dispatch received of rebel account of fight. No truth in it. The officers I executed this morning, in my opinion, were not ordinary spies, and had some mission more important than finding out my situation. They came near dark, asked no questions about forces, and did not attempt to inspect works, and, after they confessed, insisted they were not spies in the ordinary sense, and that they wanted no information about this place. Said they were going to Canada and something about Europe; not clear. We found on them memorandum of commanding officers and their assistant adjutant-generals in Northern States. Though they admitted the justice of the sentence and died like soldiers, they would not disclose their true object. Their conduct was very singular, indeed; I can make nothing of it.

I am, general, &c.,

J. P. BAIRD, Col., Cmdg.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, p. 415-417.

 

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, June 12, 1863.

Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-Gen. U. S. Army:

GEN.: I have the honor to forward herewith the record of the proceedings held at Franklin, Tenn., in the cases of the two Confederate officers taken as spies at that place on the 9th instant; also the forged orders and other papers found upon their persons. I transmit also copies of the telegraphic correspondence between Col. Baird and myself in reference to the matter.

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

W. S. ROSECRANS, Maj.-Gen. Cmdg.

[Inclosure.]

RECORD OF THE MILITARY COMMISSION.

HDQRS. POST,

Franklin, June 9, 1863.

Before a Court of Commission assembled by virtue of the following order:

HDQRS. POST OF FRANKLIN, June 9-3 a. m.

A Course of Commission is hereby called, in pursuance of order from Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans, to try Col. Williams and Lieut. Peter of rebel forces, on charge of being spies, the court to sit immediately, at headquarters of the post.

Detail for Court.- Col. Jordan, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, president; Lieut.-Col. Van Vleck, Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry; Lieut.-Col. Hoblitzel, Fifth Kentucky Cavalry; Capt. Crawford, Eighty-fifth Indiana Infantry, and Lieut. Wharton, judge-advocate.

By order of J. P. Baird, colonel, commanding post.

The court and judge-advocate having been duly sworn according to military law, the prisoners were arraigned upon the following charges:

Charges and Specifications against Col. Lawrence Auton, alias Williams, and Lieut. Walter G. Peter, officers in rebel forces.

CHARGES.- Being spies.

Specifications.- In this, that said Col. Lawrence Auton, alias Williams, and Lieut. Walter G. Peter, officer in the so-called Confederate States of America, did, on the 8th day of June, 1863, come inside the lines of the Army of the United States, at Franklin, Tenn., wearing the uniform of Federal officers, with a pass purporting to be signed by Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans, commanding Department of the Cumberland, and represented to Col. J. P. Baird, commanding post of Franklin, that they were in the service of the United States; all this for the purpose of getting information of the strength of the United States forces and convening it to the enemies of the United States now in arms against the United States Government.

E. C. DAVIS, Capt. Company G, Eighth-fifth Indiana infantry.

Some evidence having been heard in support of the charge and specifications, the prisoners made the following statement:

That they came inside of the lines of the United States Army, at Franklin, Tenn., about dark on the June, 1863, wearing the uniform they then had on their persons, which was that of Federal officers; that they went to the headquarters of Col. J. P. Baird, commanding forces at Franklin, and represented to him that they were Col. Auton, inspector, just sent from Washington City to overlook the inspection of the several departments of the West, and Maj. Dunlop, his assistant, and exhibited to him an order from Adjutant-Gen. Townsend assigning him to that duty, an order from Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans, countersigned by Brig.-Gen. Garfield, chief of staff, asking him to inspect his outposts, and a pass through all lines from Gen. Rosecrans; that he hold Col. Baird he had missed the road from Murfreesborough to this point, got too near Eagleville, and run into rebel pickets, had his orderly shot, and lost his coat containing his money; that he wanted some money and a pass to Nashville; that, when arrested by Col. Watkins, Sixth Kentucky Cavalry, after examination they admitted that they were in the rebel army, and that his (the colonel's) true name was Lawrence Orton Williams; that he had been in the Second Regular Cavalry, Army of the United States, once on Gen. Scott's staff in Mexico, and was now a colonel in the rebel army, and Lieut. Peter was his adjutant; that he came in our lines knowing his fate, if taken, but asking mercy for his adjutant.

The court having maturely considered the case, after hearing all the evidence, together with the statements of the prisoners, do find them, viz.,: Col. Lawrence Auton Williams and Lieut. [Walter G.] Peter, officers of the Confederate Army, guilty of the charge of being spies found within the lines of the United States Army at Franklin, Tenn., on the 8th day of June, 1863.

THOS. J. JORDAN, Col. Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, President of the Commission.

HENRY C. WHARTON, Lieut. of Engineers, Judge Advocate.

[Indorsement No. 1.]

The finding is approved, and, by order of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans, the prisoners will be executed immediately by hanging by the neck till they are dead.

Capt. Alexander, provost-marshal, will carry the sentence into execution.

J. P. BAIRD, Col., Cmdg. Post.

[Indorsement No. 2.]

HDQRS. POST, Franklin, Tenn., June 9, 1863.

Capt. J. H. Alexander, Seventh Kentucky Regt. [sic] Cavalry, provost-marshal of Franklin, Tenn., by virtue of above proceedings and order, carried the sentence into execution by hanging prisoners by the neck until they were dead.

J. H. ALEXANDER, Capt. and Provost-Marshal.

His name in the United States service was William Orton Williams;

[Indorsement No. 3.]

The above report was made out by the provost-marshal, and returned to me as the report of his proceedings in executing the sentence of the court, and I order the same to be attached to the record of said court.

J. P. BAIRD, Col., Cmdg. Post.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, pp. 424-426.

 

MURFREESBOROUGH, June 9, 1863.

Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS:

Last evening a dispatch from Col. J. P. Baird, commanding post at Franklin, Tenn., was received as follows:

Two men came in camp about dark dressed in our uniforms, with horse equipments to correspond, saying that they were Col. Auton, inspector-general, and Maj. Dunlap, assistant, having an order from Adjutant-Gen. Townsend and your order to inspect outposts, but their conduct was so singular that we arrested them, and they insisted that it was very important to go to Nashville to-night.

Col. Baird asked if there were any such persons in the army and if so their description. I replied at once that they were probably spies and directed him to order a court, and if they proved to be spies to execute them immediately, which was done, and they were tried, condemned to be hung and the sentence was carried into execution before 10 o'clock this morning. On being discovered they confessed that they were officers in the Confederate Army, one a colonel named Lawrence W. Orton, formerly W. Orton Williams. One claims [to be] first cousin to Robert E. Lee [and] to have been chief of artillery on Gen. Bragg's staff, and formerly to have been on Gen. Scott's staff, of Second Regular Cavalry. A full history of the case will be forwarded you by mail.

W. S. ROSECRANS, Maj.-Gen.

OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, p. 763.

          9, Skirmish near Triune

No circumstantial reports filed.

          9, Assault and battery on a Memphis housewife

Wretched. – Yesterday morning a man by the name of Cordes went to the house of Mr. W. H. Davis, during his absence, and abused his wife in a wretched manner by striking her with an umbrella over the head several times. It seems the difficulty occurred by Cordes leaving a note with Mrs. Davis for her husband. Mrs. Davis told him he had better wait until he could see Mr. Davis. He became incensed at this, and a difficulty ensued, by his grasping Mrs. Davis by the throat and striking her three times with an umbrella. A man who would forget himself, so far as to assault a woman deserves to be kicked out of the society of all decent men. It matters not what the offense may be, a gentleman would never so far debase his manliness as to strike a woman. We say pass him around.

Memphis Bulletin, June 10, 1863.

          9, Complaints Relative to Order No. 65 in Memphis

Memphis, June 9, 1863.

Major-General Hurlbut:

Sir – Unless a better opportunity is offered to the Union citizens of Memphis to comply with your order No. 65, by the opening of two or more offices for that purpose, one-thirds of the people in this city cannot get through within the time prescribed. Many have attempted, for days in succession, and failed.

Yours respectfully,

A UNION MAN

Memphis Bulletin, June 10, 1863.

9, A Confederate newspaper account concerning the Army of Tennessee prior to the initiation of the Tullahoma Campaign

REBEL ACCOUNTS FROM TENNESSEE

Situation of Bragg's Army

(Correspondence of the Mobile Advertiser and Register.)

Wartrace. Tenn., June 9, 1863

Remarks Climatic and Topographical – Crops – A Pop Call on Rosecrans – A Little Fight –Hard Marching- Condition of the Army – The Meteor General, Cleburne-Items Cavalry – Personal Annoyances.

It was our fortune to happen on Tennessee at a most diabolical time, "the rainy season." Most persistently has it rained, giving us a deluge of water, mud and slosh, making us as uncomfortable as a "wet hen," and unnamable as a "sore-headed bear." When the weather is dry and mild a tent is comfortable, but in wet weather is close and stifling.  Just think of sixteen soldiers in one tent, their things included, the ground wet, blankets ditto, with sixteen musket and accompanying traps scattered around it, and you have a picture of comfort delightful to contemplate. Officers are a little better off, being allowed one tent to four officers, into which, of course, they have to take their niggers, or leave them out in the wet. But the natives say the rainy season is nearly over. I hope so. The climate is delightful and healthful to those who live in houses. This is really one of the loveliest regions on this green earth. Pure, bracing atmosphere; cool, gushing springs of crystal water; fine forests; fields of luxuriant grains and grasses; meadows of red clover, fragrant and beautiful as a flower garden; fat, sleek, happy cattle, feeding lazily on the rich herbage; farm houses all comfortable, and many showing taste and culture. Such are the excellencies of this heaven favored country. It is rapture to me merely to look upon and breathe the air of such a country. All is green, and all is beautiful.

The crops are splendid. Nothing more could be asked. The wheat crop is enormous, and in a fortnight will be ready for the reapers. The only thing wanting is labor to cut and save it. The farmers say that they cannot save their wheat without help. General Bragg would do well to let his army help the farmers and take part of the crop for pay. Wheat must be saved, and, where necessary, the army should help to save it. The crop garnered and placed in safe depots, there will be no scarcity again during this war.

On last Wednesday, 3d inst., some of us made a "pop call" on Mynheer [sic] Rosecrans, at Murfreesboro.  On Tuesday night we received the order to march at daylight. A rain set in, and continued all night. The road was horrible-what children call a "loblolly." In many places it was foot deep in mud. The streams were swollen and we had to cross them continually by wading. But we hurried on and on, like an avalanche. Only once were we halted for rest, and then only for a few minutes. A little after one o'clock we were in sight of the Yankee pickets. Take it all in all; it was one of the hardest marches made during this war. Without waiting a moment the advance went to attack the enemy, and a heavy force of pickets were thrown out to guard all the approaches. I was with the pickets, and had occasion to be near the fight. By three o'clock our advance engaged the Yankee pickets, and a sharp skirmish followed. About five o'clock the artillery went in and fired thirty-two times. I could hear the missiles screeching and hissing through the air. Our advance rushed through Stone river, and went within about three miles of Murfreesboro. About sundown they were recalled, and there was again "quiet along the front." Both armies slept that night in cannon shot of each other, and doubtless both expected an attack before morning. We did, certainly, for so the pickets were warned. My individual loss in the affair was an umbrella and a pair of waterproof legs.

This was the boldest kind of a dash at the enemy, which bearded him in his very den, and which doubtless effected "a big scare" among his Dutchmen. Rosy may be perplexed to know the object of our visit. Let the Yankees "guess" it.

Our loss was slight, not exceeding a dozen. We do not know theirs, but the artillerists declare that they killed a Yankee colonel. During the night I could see the flames of burning houses, to which the Yankees set fire near the scene of the fight. Early next morning we faced about and returned to camp. Thus ended one of the most daring dashes of the war. I should like to see Rosecrans and his Dutchmen return our call.

The country between this place and Murfreesboro is a splendid one.  A stranger would never imagine passing through it that war had ever touched it with its ravages. Indeed, from the Normandy Hills, ten miles behind us, to Murfreesboro, the whole country is unsurpassed for richness, abundance and beauty. There will be a splendid crop of blackberries in about two weeks. They will be a great help to the army.

Our army is well conditional, except in the matter of shoes. Many are barefooted and utterly unfit for a march, or indeed any duty. This is without excuse. The government could get shoes if it would. There are plenty in Europe, and a half dozen steamers that run the blockade at Charleston could in one cargo bring enough to supply the entire army for a year. The Confederate States have ample credit in Europe and can buy them. If the government would only furnish the leather, each regiment could and would make its own shoes. The thing is too bad as it stands. We have quartermasterial promises of the arrival of twelve thousand pairs, which are to be here to-morrow; but

To-morrow and to-morrow and to-morrow

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,

And yet no shoes.

The notable man of army in General Cleburne, who has risen with a rapidity of a Claude Melnotte or a meteor. He began the war as a private, and in eighteen months was a major general. And this without going through West Point and without political influences. He fought his way up by hard knocks. Such success argues both extraordinary merit and extraordinary luck. No man, however inherently great, can get along without luck, and as the adage goes, "a fool for luck." They generally having a monopoly of the article, but occasionally Claude Melnotte or Cleburne. General Henningsen is one of the truly great commanders; but luck is against him, and he has quit the army in disgust.

I have a copy of the Louisville Journal of the 28th of May, and from it I take some items.  It is frightened about an expected advance of the Confederates into Kentucky this summer, and demands that Louisville be fortified. It publishes a long list of resignations of officers in Rosecrans' army, and the cause of the resignations. About a dozen are stated to be "for the good of the service." What does it mean for an officer to resign "for the good of the service??" Patriotic officers! Perhaps they are like the man who "left his country for his country's good."

The Journal contains a minute account of the surprise upon our cavalry at Middleton, just above here-the First Alabama and Eighth Confederate. They were surprised and attacked before the day by two brigades of Yankee cavalry. The surprise was effected by coming through the woods and fields, and avoiding the pickets, who guarded only the road. I have often wondered why some military man did not have sense enough to march through the woods and fields and catch some enemy napping. At last a man of sense has come to do it. That man in General Stanley, Rosecrans' cavalry chief. The old way, taught at West Point, is to picket the roads; but that won't do when an enemy has enough sense and energy to come through woods and fields.

There is a talk of Rosecrans advancing, and some believe it; but I regard it as "bush" Rosecrans is one of the timidest generals, and never made but one attack in his life, which was at Murfreesboro. But certainly our time must soon come. It is nearly six months since the large armies in Tennessee have measured strength, though they have confronted each other all the time, in easy striking distance. Twelve hours march by either army will bring it within the lines of the other. It is now June, "the month of battles," and surely the precious season is not destined to be wasted. If the fighting is not done desperately, and the Yankee armies annihilated or driven, beyond the border during the summer, both will take up winter quarters again, and sleep away another half year. Surely this will be avoided by our government. Surely an effort will be made to recover our lost territory.

Captain John J. Winston, of the Thirty-eighth, has accepted the appointment of adjutant in the Eighteenth Alabama. His reasons are, I suppose, the superior comforts and bandbox arrangements enjoyed by "the staff," and faith in the rising star of Holtzelaw. As matter now stand, Holtzelaw has a fine promise of the next appointment of brigadier.

I could write a jeremiad upon the personal vexations which worry us here. There is all manner of personal comfort, and that is enough to make a philosopher or an angel unhappy. We are short of clothes; short of shoes; short of what we want to eat. The paymasters are out of funds and can't pay us, and if we have a bushel of Confederate money we cannot get the Lincolnites around us to take it. It is a great annoyance to find things to sell, and yet cannot buy them, although we have money. An old man here has quantities of honey to sell, at two bits a pound, but will take nothing but "Chattanooga money."

This not an uncommon case. But these are not all, or the worst of our annoyances. We can get no letters from home; can get nothing by express and nothing by telegraph.

New York Herald, July 2, 1863.

          9 – 5 July, Activities of the Second Tennessee Cavalry, prior to and during the Tullahoma Campaign

On the 9th of June our Brigade of cavalry [2nd Tennessee (U. S.)] was sent to Triune, where we remained until the 23d, when the entire Army of the Cumberland, under General Rosecranz [sic] made a general movement South. Our Brigade went out on the Shelbyville road. We encountered the enemy in a short time. On the 20th of June we drove the Confederate before us by way of Salem and Middleton, where we met considerable opposition; but a few shots from our battery caused them to scatter and retreat, and we occupied the town without further opposition. On entering, we found that a cannon ball from our battery had passed through a private dwell house, just below the upper joist, through two partitions and out a window on the other side of the house. A lady and a group of children were in the house at the time, but fortunately escaped unhurt.

For a few days were in the saddle, first one place and then another, scouting, skirmishing and guarding supply trains. On the 27th of June we took Shelbyville with but little resistance and small loss. We charged the enemy, when he stampeded and fled. We went from there to Manchester by way of Fairfield, arriving there on the 30th of June. During several days previous to this time, rain had fallen almost constantly. It was harvest time, and our progress was marked by wheat fields laid waste, especially where the Confederates resisted our progress, which was nearly all the way. Fences were thrown down, and the cavalry rode through fields in line of battle, leaving standing crops as flat as if a log had rolled over them. The rain had so moistened the earth that our horses often sunk knee deep in the mud. On the second of July we crossed Elk River and went to Decherd. Here we remained and celebrated the Fourth of July. Salvos of artillery could be heard in every direction, as the batteries fired a National salute. On the fifth we went over to Winchester, where we remained until the eight, when news reached us of Gen. Palmerton's surrender to Grant at Vicksburg, which was received with shouts everywhere, intermingled with artillery salutes. On the ninth the Second Cavalry was ordered across the Cumberland Mountain in Alabama.

* * * *

Knoxville Daily Chronicle, February 18 1879.

 

 

1864

 

8-9, "…a class of woman of more than doubtful character." Temporary housing dilemma in occupied Nashville

Nashville, Tenn., June 8th 1864.

The parties purposing [sic] to take the property now in possession of the bearers hereof will please furnish this office with information as to the authority under which it is required.

Andrew Johnson Mil Gov'r

 

Post Qr. Mr's Office

Nashville Ten

June 9th 1864

Respectfully returned to Gov Johnson. This building for more than a year has been used as Hospital # 11. At one time Surg Chambers in charge thought it could be permanently released and reported it vacated – In a few days after he applied for the use of it, as his patients had largely increased, it was therefore reassigned to him by an Order from this Office –

Very Respctly [sic] Jno F Isom

Capt. a. a. Q. M. Post

 

Executive Office

Nashville, Tenn., June 9 1864

Respectfully referred to Brig Gen'l Miller, Comdt of the Post.

I am reliably advised that this house is not in the occupancy of eleven families of U. S. Soldiers, and that they are to be dispossessed for the benefit of a class of woman of more than doubtful character. [sic].

I hope that Gen'l Miller will investigate the matter, and act in the premises as his good judgment may dictate.

Andrew Johnson, Mil. Gov.

 

Post Hd. Qs Nashville

June 9, 1864

Respectfully returned to Gov. Johnson. Attention is called to the endorsement of Surgeon Chambers who it seems upon investigation had some time prepared the house in question for Hospital purposes and a portion of the building for some people who had been disposed by the Military in order to obtain their houses for Military purposes. The people now claiming to hold the house as soldiers [sic] families it seems took possession of the house without authority, & have been in possession for some time. Chambers now requires half or more of the house for hospital and the balance [sic] for the people disposed by Military authority as stated. The Hospitals in charge of Surgeons [sic] Chambers are authorized by Department Orders the same as other hospitals notwithstanding the inmates are of disreputable character, and this building is teems is necessary for his purposes. The soldiers [sic] families would not probably desire a joint occupancy with this class of hospital patients and if a part of the house is taken for a hospital according to original orders & design it would in my judgment be better for families of the soldiers to have other quarters. I am ready to assist them in any way I can. Chambers proposes to give some of the people other places[.]

Jno. F Miller Brig Genl

Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, pp. 716-717.

          9, Skirmish at La Fayette

No circumstantial reports filed.

          9, "Refugee Aid Association."

A meeting of this association was held in the Senate Chamber yesterday afternoon, Mr. E. Root, Vice President, in the chair. After some remarks on this subject, it was, on motion, resolved to appoint a committee to draft a Constitution and Rules for the association. The committee consists of Messrs. Carey, Cochran, and Root. The Chairman suggested that a committee be appointed to inquire into and report upon all facts connected with the association, and all the refugees whom it has aided, commencing with the origin and continuing to the present time, etc., etc. The Chairman appointed Mr. Ingraham, and requested Mesdames Maginness, Scovel, and Shankland to aid him by imparting to him all the information possessed by them. The chairman stated that several boxes of dry good had been sent here by the Western Sanitary Commission for the relief of suffering East Tennesseeans [sic], and that the agent had handed them over to the Association. On motion, a committee of five, to include Dr. and Mrs. Thomas, was appointed to superintend the distribution of the dry-goods in question. Gen. Milligan, Mrs. Maginness, and Mrs. Scovel were appointed. The following ladies and gentlemen were elected members of the Association: Gen. Milligan, Dr. Backe and lady, Mrs. Capt. Townsend, Judge Carey, Mr. Cochran, Capt. Wm. Driver, Capt. S. F. Allen, and Mrs. Stokes. The Secretary stated that there were about $1400 in the Treasury. Mr. G. M. Jones was appointed Assistant Secretary, when the meeting adjourned to Wednesday next, at 4 P. M.

Nashville Dispatch, June 9, 1864.

 

 

1865

 

          9, Explosion of ordnance building at Chattanooga

JUNE 9, 1865--Explosion of ordnance building at Chattanooga, Tenn.

Report of Bvt. Brig. Gen. Charles H. Grosvenor, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry.

CHATTANOOGA, June 9, 1865.

A disastrous explosion took place here to day at about 1.30 p. m. The old brick ordnance building blew up by fire from a locomotive on the track adjoining. The fire spread and burned the two lower warehouses filled with forage. We saved the third warehouse filled with commissary, but had to remove nearly all the stores. At one time over 100 feet of the house was burning at once, and the military bridge was in momentary danger, but was saved. The loss to Government will reach $150,000 and at least ten men killed and wounded of the One hundred and eighty-sixth Ohio. One warehouse had 8,000 bales of hay. The murderous charge of gross neglect of duty made by officers and men against Capt. Hogan, ordnance officer, as also the fact that he was not to be found after the first explosion, has induced me to arrest him. If half the report is true, he is a great criminal. The whole matter should be thoroughly investigated. I will make a more full report by mail to-morrow.

C. H. GROSVENOR, Brevet Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 49, pt. I, pp. 572-573.

          9, Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, suggesting that the ironclads be laid up in Wolf River, Tennessee

MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Flagship Tempest, Mound City, June 9, 1865.

SIR: I transmit enclosed a copy of a letter from Commander Thomas Pattison, commanding naval station Memphis, dated June 7, and received to-day, in reply to enquiries I addressed to him on receipt of the Department's communication of 29th May. I have ordered him here, and expect him in a few days. If, on further enquiry, I learn from him nothing unfavorable to the arrangement, I suggest that the ironclads of this squadron be laid up in Wolf River, and I request conditional authority from the Department by telegraph to make this disposition of all of them except the Tennessee, which can not come there on account of her draft, the Lafayette and Choctaw already ordered to New Orleans, the Pittsburg and Carondelet now here, and the Tuscumbia and Indianola dismantled at the Mound City Naval Station.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. P. LEE, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosure.]

U. S. NAVAL STATION, Memphis, Tenn., June 7, 1865.

SIR: Your communication of the 2d instant, asking for information in reference to laying up ironclads at this point, has just been received. In reply I will state that I know of no other point on the Mississippi River where the ironclads could be laid up with greater safety than here. I can moor 10 of the ironclads in Wolf River, where they will be entirely out of danger of being run into or damaged by water craft. After heavy rains the water runs out of Wolf River with great force, and heretofore I have not been able to prevent the fine mortar boats moored in Wolf River from dragging out into the Mississippi, owing to the light ground tackle these boats were provided with.

There are two first-class frigate anchors, weighing 7,000 pounds each, that were taken from the Norfolk Navy Yard by the rebels and sent to Columbus, Ky., for the purpose of securing a chain across the river at that point. These anchors were afterwards sent to this place · and after the taking of this city were taken possession of by the Army. The quartermaster who had charge of them informed me a short time since that I could have them. I accepted the offer and they are now at my disposal. I think one of these anchors planted in Wolf River will defy the heaviest freshet I have witnessed during the last two years. I have no chains at this station of sufficient strength to hold 10 vessels. A third-class sloop chain would be required; a larger one would be better still. During the summer months we occasionally have tornadoes here, but they seldom last over half an hour, and during these blows the vessels in Wolf River would be liable to be blown over against the right or left bank of the river. I would respectfully suggest (in case you selected this point to lay up the vessels) the propriety of keeping a small tug, with a large siphon pump attached, for the purpose of daily pumping out all vessels and keeping them afloat after heavy blows.

I have large siphon pumps here, but no hose. The Essex would require pumping twice a day, with the assistance of a tug, but few men would be required to look after the vessels.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. PATTISON, Commander, Commanding Naval Station.

Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. LEE, Commanding Mississippi Squadron.

Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 27, pp. 261-263.

 



[1] Thus, according to this analysis, the pro-Unionist vote in February of over 8,800 shrank to less than four hundred by June. This was either due to fraud or a very dramatic change of heart in those counties. Nelson found it difficult to believe that of 11,000 Whig and Unionist votes only 3.5 percent of them were against the Union. Also, in Nashville and surrounding Davidson County, more than 3,000 former Whig/Unionist votes in February contrasted sharply with the four hundred and two Union votes in February. Nelson concluded the secret ballot had been denied Middle and West Tennessee voters. Keeping in mind the secrecy of the General Legislature as it formulated the Declaration of Independence for Tennessee behind closed doors, and the extent to which proto-Confederate officials lobbied behind the scenes with well-placed and influential politicians, Nelson's argument may have some validity. Moreover, the Committees of Public Safety that appeared prior to the vote used intimidation, incarceration, appeals to racist hysteria, physical abuse as well as lynching to diminish the pro-Union vote.

[2] Thomas B. Alexander, Thomas A.R. Nelson of East Tennessee, (Nashville: Tennessee Historical Commission 1956), pp. 83-84, as cited from The Tribune Almanac...1838 to 1868 (NY, 1868), no page numbers given.

[3] Meaning unknown.  Perhaps a misspelling of Samaritans.

[4] See also: The New York Herald, June 8, 1861.

[5] As cited in PQCW.

[6] As cited in PQCW.

[7] See above, May 24, 1862 "For them the tear trembled, but the rod was not raised." Military Governor Andrew Johnson at the Union meeting at Murfreesboro. 

[8] Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee calls this an action.

[9] All action took place in Mississippi, but the expedition originated and terminated in Tennessee

 

James B. Jones, Jr.

Public Historian

Tennessee Historical Commission

2941 Lebanon Road

Nashville, TN  37214

(615)-770-1090 

(615)-532-1549  FAX

 

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