Monday, August 3, 2015

8.3.2015 Tennessee Civil War Notes

August 3, 1861-1865

 

1861

 

          3, Breaking up Social Relations

Some people have become so offended at families who still adhere to "the old rotten Union" that they threaten to break up all social relations with such. This is a good idea, and we insist upon all Secession bigots [sic] carrying out their threats. We know one Union family who will try to live without the visits, smiles, or prayers of such, and who will pursue the even tenor of their way despite their threats, frowns, proscriptions, and insulting arrogance, even coupled with the pretensions that neither their origin, raising, or positions in life entitle them to. There are a great many Union families in the country, who have some how taken it into their heads, that they can live without the aid, countenance, or friendship, of these recently puffed up [sic], and most gloriously elevated [sic] characters, since their introductions into the pure, elevated, pious, and wealthy society, of the Southern Confederacy! They may be mistaken; but like the new Government of the Confederacy, it is an experiment, and they are willing to test it.

Brownlow's Knoxville Whig, August 3, 1861.

          3, The Parable of the Patriotic, Self-sacrificing Tennessee Plantation Mistress

A Noble Woman.

We overheard a conversation some few weeks since, which threw light upon the character of our fair countrywomen. A lady, young and beautiful, a graduate of one of our most popular Female Colleges, married the choice of her heart. They have a large plantation and a strong force to work it. He felt it to be his duty to lead a company of his neighbors and friends to the field of war to meet the invaders of our homes. But she was in such a condition that he hesitated to go from home, and for a time she was not quite willing that he should leave her.

After some deliberation and consultation with friends, however, she said she earnestly desired him to go. ["]But who will take care of the plantation?"

"I can do it myself."

"You will need at least an overseer?"

"No, I can manage better than any overseer we are likely to procure."

"You must not be left alone."

"No, I will get some sensible woman for a companion. That is all I need or wish."

"What if you are disturbed or insulted?"

"I can shoot as well as my husband."

"What if your servants rebel against your authority?"

"There is no danger. They love me too well, and if need be I can make them fear me."

"Then you really wish your husband to go?"

"I do not like to be separated from him. It is a terrible trial, but some must go. And between submission to the North and the short separation from my husband it is easy to choose. I can't go and fight but I can stay and take his place on the plantation while he is gone. Let him go and do his duty. I will stay and do mine."

Tennessee and all the South is full of just such women. They can and will, to a great extent, take upon themselves the cares and labors of the loved ones who have gone to the camp, so far at least as business is concerned. Why will not our sisters in the churches do the same, so far as practicable, in the labors of the church and the Sabbath School? Much or most that is to be done in the school they can do as well or better than anybody else. Try it sisters. Try it at once. Don't let your school disband or if it has done so, don't let another Sabbath pass till you gather it again. Don't wait for some one else to begin. Begin yourself, by going at once to the others who will help you, and secure the hearty co-operation of all. These times of trouble and distress are no time to neglect the duties of religion. When the dampness of death broods over the land the light of religion is more needful than ever. Take your places, then, at once, my sisters in the Lord. Fill up, at once, the ranks left vacant by our brethren who have gone to defend you and the "other loved ones at home" from horrors worse than death. Don't let the cause of God, at home, suffer from their absence any more than the good lady referred to above intends to let the interest of her noble husband suffer in his absence.

A. C. D.

Tennessee Baptist, August 3, 1861.[1]

          3, Mary Sharp Normal School Initiated, Winchester, Tennessee

Normal School for Female Teachers.

There will be hundreds of female teachers needed to take the places of those who have left for the North to return no more. Hundreds of our schools must stop unless the daughters of the South will step forward and prepare themselves for this noble branch of science. Teaching is a science that can be studied and taught. Well qualified teachers will command fine salaries.

A Normal School Department will be opened at the Mary Sharp College, Winchester, Tenn., for all those young ladies wishing to prepare themselves for teachers, and especial instruction and training given them in the art of successful teaching.

A young lady who will prepare herself for a teacher, can readily command a salary of $500 to $800 per annum.

This should encourage a large class to prepare themselves to serve their country in this her day of need.

Tennessee Baptist, August 3, 1861.[2]

 

1862

 

          3, Skirmish at Nonconah [sic] Creek

No circumstantial reports filed.

          3, Reconnaissance to Big Springs Gap [see August 2-6, 1862, Operations about and against Cumberland Gap, above]

          3, Action at Medon

Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.

          3, Reconnaissance from Tazewell to Big Springs [see August 2-6, 1862, Operations against and about Cumberland Gap above]

          3, Military Governor Andrew Johnson to Brigadier-General James S. Negley relative to procuring horses and dispersing guerrillas in Maury County

Genl. Negley

Columbia, Tenn.

There are a large number of fine horses owned by secessionists of Maury Co. Press them into the service, giving certificates of value to be paid by the Govt. [sic] when the party proves that he is loyal and acknowledges allegiance to the Govt. Put Infantry [sic] on these horses & give them the best arms you have got. Rout & drive the Guerrillas from the State or put them to death.

* * * *

Andrew Johnson, Military Governor

Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, p. 593.

          3, Letter from Confederate soldier Moses Joseph Nichols to his father David H. Nichols in Cookeville, expressing contempt for Yankees and desire to do battle

Camp Chattanooga,

Aug. 3, 1862

I again avail myself of an opportunity which I am always glad of. Happy am I to inform you that I have the consoling privilege of sitting beneath the shade of Tennessee Oaks while I endeavor to communicate with my friendship [sic] to you with quick steps and glad hearts, we put our feet to Tennessee soil on the 27th ult. [sic] All glad to find enough uninvaded ground to strike camp on, also to find water pure and cool. We find the weather to be much more pleasant here than in Miss. The weather, water and people seem so delightful that we feel like we have emerged from a land of despair to a land of felicity.

A great change has taken place among the Tenn. troops, they were thought to be the bravest species in Virginia, South Carolina and Miss., but since the moved they all seem to frown with madness and bravery [at?] the thought of enemy being among our friends and relatives is sufficient to prompt every country loving man to action amediately [sic]. Here we are within one hundred miles of home, but for fear of being troubled by the cannon [of the] invaders of our state we dare not visit home and friends. They are wickedly infesting our vicinities, destroying privet [sic] property and like roaring lions they are traversing Tennessee, seeking whom they may devour. They even rob poor helpless women and children of their provisions and leave crying infants reaching their weak hands for bread. What is to be done with the Murders [sic] of women and children? It recurs [sic] to all at once that they should be treated likewise. This is a thing hard for us to endure without vigorously rushing forward and snatching them from their positions, as an eagle does her prey. We are expecting to have Gens. Buel [sic] and Mitchels [sic] supplies cut off in a short time, when it will be that we will liberate Tennessee. [sic] After we get them cut off from their beef and crackers, they will fail to get backers and we will drive them off as a shepherd drives his herd, only we will be a little rougher than they usually are. We will generally order them out of our premises and if they fail to respond fairly we will slightly [sic] put our bayonets to them and push them Northward until they strike their own soil. And when they are convinced that we are getting in good killing spirits they surely will get cold in their cause as some has already gotten. [sic] Before we get done with them we will make them men of consideration and cause them to think seriously on the subject of war. The whole Northern army consists of poor deluted [sic] scoundrels, who cares [sic] for nothing but money and something to eat. Lincoln has made another call for troops, but finds them slow to act. They have found out the grilling shame by which the hirelings were dragged into the field. If he gets them at all he will have to raise their wages. All that we have to do now to achieve liberty is a general forward movement with sabers in front pointing at the hearts of those Godforgetting [sic] invaders, who so much hate us and who curl the lips of derision at Southern rebellion, let us be co-workers in this struggle and add golden feathers to our gleaming laurels which we have so vigorously won on gory fields of battle. If the victories we have gained heretofore is [sic] not sufficient to prove our intentions, the beholders is hard to convince, it ought to prove [to] all at once that we will die fighting for freedom, rather than be conquered by so unworthy cohorts. Independence is a thing worth working for, and we must work with the whole heart and have spirits. [sic] If we accomplish our design and unless consolidated forces ______________, [sic] it will take years to effect peace. The thing has to be settled some way in a short time, or we will have a debt hanging over us for ages, but the debt is nothing compared with the object of our design. We had rather have a debt hanging over us through life than be brought under the tyranical [sic] laws of the North. We will take death before subjugation, and debt before Northern laws. There cause [sic] must be an unjust one and they can never complete there [sic] boasted determination, which they so clamorously difused [sic] among nations. In the outset they boated of things they cannot stand up to, and are this day sorry that they bragged so strenuously of their power and ability. A few more good overthrows such as those at Manassa, [sic] Shiloh, and Elkhorn and Richmon [sic] and many other points will [weaken] their line so much that it will be hard for them to form a line of battle. After we get our conscriptions in the Field [sic] they had better make their wills, for they must surely die, or flee from our soil with celerity. They have already been running from their post at several points, which fulfills our passage from the Scripture, (the guilty fleeith when no one persueth) [sic]. They have no human regard for civility, but go in for a wicked contest entirely, and one thing is certainly true, if they do not change their notions they will undoubtedly fall into oblivion without mercy. At their downfall we will endeavor to thrive and enjoy freedom. The Glittering Moments [sic] of Southern liberty is [sic] fast building[,] the day is near at hand for us to reap our reward on earth, which will be pure satisfaction through life, and cause has proven to the world to be truly just. Nations abroad looks [sic] on us as soldiers laboring for our just deserts. England and France are expecting us to be successful in the outcome not long from this day. We will be free from the North and Northern oppression. There is enough at stake to call forth all friends of liberty to working for their country and firesides. The soldiers all seem to be on the right side of the question. While there is [sic] some men in the dungeon of unionism, in a few days we will complete the work in Tenn. [sic] and free the people, as well as those portly [sic] fellow who could not muster up courage to take their own part in the National struggle. Good for Nashville in a short time. [sic]

Father we are near enough for you to come to see us by land, and I want to see you so much as ever. I want to see you particularly at this time. Try to come soon and I think you will never regret the trip.

Stock is in fine demand at present, beef is worth 10 c[ents] per lb., horses are selling very high since the army came in. A drove of beef cattle would pay very well if you could get them cheap.

Mother I would love to see you and Grandmother, and all the children, but I rather you would not come to camp for this is no place for women. Wait a while [sic] and we will get a change to visit you.

This leaves us all in good helth [sic] and fine spirits. Give my best love and respects to all inquiring friends. Tell them all to write and be sure to write soon, giving the news in general.

I am dear Father, Mother and Grandmother, your dutiful son and will ever remain so.

Moses Joseph Nichols

W. P. A. Civil War Records, Vol. 3, pp. 121-123.

          3, Military Governor Andrew Johnson's policy on releasing Tennessee Confederate prisoners

NASHVILLE, August 3, 1862.

Hon. P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary:

In reply to your inquiry by telegraph I have to state, first, all Tennessee prisoners who are willing to take the oath of allegiance and enter into bond for its faithful observance should be released upon parole subject to notice. If they were released as suggested and permitted to return to Tennessee it would exert a powerful influence upon the State at this time. The oath when taken and the bond should be forwarded to the Governor of Tennessee and filed in secretary's office. If the power were conferred on me as intimated a short time since by the President--the power to prescribe the terms of release--I would at once appoint an agent competent to exercise proper judgment and send him to the various prisons where Tennesseeans [sic] are confined authorized to examine and release all who would take the oath and give bond. All those who were not willing to comply with foregoing conditions I would either exchange or retain in prison. If this course were adopted I feel well assured that much good would result from it. I repeat I hope none of those Tennessee prisoners will be exchanged and sent South who are willing to conform to the conditions herein set forth.

ANDREW JOHNSON, Military Governor.

OR, Ser. II, Vol. 4, p. 333.

          3, Knoxville newspaper comment on the condition of the Federal garrison at Cumberland Gap

The Federal Army at Cumberland Gap.

The Knoxville Register of the 3d instant says:

The miserable renegade East Tennessee tories, congregated at Cumberland Gap under the name and style of Federal troops, are about to starve out. From information reliable, and from a sight at the grim, woe-begone, hang dog faces of some prisoners lately brought in, they are verge of starvation. Hunger, that forces the wolf to prey upon the flocks of the valley, urged these self exiled Brownlowites to ravage the unprotected country in the vicinity of their uncomfortable camp. May they starve till there is no flesh on the treacherous bones for worms to eat.

For this their enviable condition let Morgan be praised. That gallant Captain cut short their ill-gotten supplies.

Daily Columbus Enquirer, August 7, 1862.

          3, Union forces compel Jeff. Thompson to retreat

Battle Near Memphis.

Jeff. Thompson Driven Back with Great Loss.

~ ~ ~

Cairo, August 6.- The Memphis Bulletin of the 3d inst. Reports a fight seven miles from town on Sunday [3rd], between a force of 4000 [sic] Federals and the Rebels under Jeff. Thompson. The latter was driven back with great loss.[3] No particulars are given. More fighting is anticipated.

~ ~ ~

Philadelphia Inquirer, August 7, 1862.

          3, A Minor Fight (Skirmish) near Memphis

Memphis, Aug. 4. A fight took place on Sunday afternoon [3rd], between a Federal reconnoitering party and a party of Rebels. It was a small affair. About 150 of the latter were surprised in the vicinity of Mooney Creek,[4] and fled at the first fire, with six or seven killed and wounded.

Philadelphia Inquirer, August 8, 1862.

          3-5, Federal reconnaissance from McMinnville to Sparta

THE BATTLE AT SPARTA, TENN.

Colonel Wynkoops' Report

Nashville, Tenn., August 11, 1862

I left McMinnsville [sic] with my command on Sunday, August third, for reconnoitering. leaving the army at McMinnsville [sic], under General Nelson, there were in the command sixty-three men of the Fourth Kentucky and one hundred and seven of the Seventh Indiana. We saw nothing of the rebels on Monday [4th]. We crossed the river for Sparta, and within a mile of the river we encountered their pickets. With our advance-guard drove them over the river, and pursued them a quarter of a mile from the bridge. The advance found the rebels too strong, and retired over the bridge. Our men then came up, and we had a skirmish for one hour. Finding the enemy too strong -- they numbering seven hundred men, and two pieces of artillery-the Colonel thought best to withdraw his men towards the main army, which lay encamped on the river ten miles from where we had the fight. Had they been up with us, we would have captured the whole party at Sparta. Our loss is one man missing, one wounded slightly, and three horses shot. According to the account from the enemy, they had thirty killed and ten wounded. We took one prisoner. We came back from the river seven miles, and encamped for the night. On the fifth [Tuesday], took up the march again for Sparta, and when within three miles of the town, received orders from Gen. Nelson to return to McMinnsville [sic], where we arrived on the sixth [Wednesday], at twelve o'clock M, all well. It was one of the hardest marches we ever experienced, as it was night and day, and we had to subsist on corn-fields, our wagons being in the rear of Gen. Nelson's army, which did not keep up with us. I can safely say that for seven days, while on the march, the sleep did not average more than three hours out twenty-four. The Seventh [cavalry] has been worked very hard, and men and horses are all nearly used up. I am in hopes they will give the Seventh a respite for a while, and let them recruit up.

Rebellion Record, Vol. 5, p. 570.

          3-8, Temporary occupation of McMinnville and depredations committed by Federal forces

TULLAHOMA, August 3, 1862.

Col. FRY:

A courier from Nelson brings me the information that he has occupied McMinnville and moved still farther forward to-day. This will quiet this whole region of country, and so long as we hold McMinnville there would seem to be no necessity for keeping any considerable force here.

I had ordered up a portion of Wagner's brigade from Wartrace, but this order I will now countermand.

SMITH, Brig.-Gen.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 256-257.

 

MURFREESBOROUGH, August 4, 1862.

Col. J. B. FRY;

Maj.-Gen. Nelson is at McMinnville...

* * * *

....the rebels do not intend to go to Battle Creek at all, but to come here (McMinnville) along the high road, which does not go by Battle Creek, but crosses in a direct line to the Sequatchie Valley, and thence in nearly a straight line to the headwaters of the Collins River and to McMinnville, the distance being about 65 miles. Gen. Nelson thinks this information reliable. He further states in a private note that the enemy have fallen back before him and will doubtless cross the mountains.

CHARLES CRUFT.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, pp. 259-260.

 

MURFREESBOROUGH, August 7, 1862.

Col. J. B. FRY:

Maj.-Gen. Nelson, after pursuing enemy to Sparta, returned to McMinnville on Tuesday night. The Twenty-second Brigade, Col. Hazen, moves from here to McMinnville to-day.

CHARLES CRUFT, Brig.-Gen.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 280.

 

McMINNVILLE (VIA MURFREESBOROUGH), August 8, 1862.

Maj.-Gen. BUELL:

Lieut.-Col. Stewart, Second Indiana Cavalry, has just returned from direction of Chattanooga. He has been within 12 miles of Chattanooga. Captured 12 rebels; killed 1. From the current testimony of all the rebels have not crossed the river. Col. Sprague, with 300 cavalry, crossed a few days since and passed up the Spencer road to join Forrest. Reports place Bragg's force at 30,000. I will send a copy of Col. Stewart's report by mail. Three of the prisoners were discharged soldiers, and left Tupelo 25th of July, where they report a very large force. Some of the prisoners are bushwhackers, belonging to no organization. Shall I try them by military commission?

W. NELSON, Gen.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 293.

HDQRS.,

Huntsville, August 8, 1862.

Gen. BOYLE, Louisville:

I have troops at McMinnville and I shall send an expedition to Sparta....

D. C. BUELL.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 294.

 

* * * *

....They [Federal soldiers] went nearly to Sparta--and returned on Wednesday [6th] to town [i.e., McMinnville]. A regiment or two had been left here meanwhile, and large foraging parties sent out in all directions. They savaged the town and vicinity from one end to the other--broke into every store except Mr. Henderson's (which he had guarded,) took out everything they wanted; went into everybody's garden, poultry, dairy, etc. and helped themselves. Mrs. Rownn went out to expostulate with them about her garden, when they turned in to cursing her so that she left them and went into the house. They shot old Mrs. Harrison's cow, for pastime--the animal afterwards died--killed a beef she had and carried it off--and when she set Aunt Milly to digging potatoes they came back and took them from here as fast as she dug them. They dug up everybody's potatoes, took their green corn, tomatoes, etc.-they have got all ours--drank the milk in the spring house, stole nearly all our chickens--and you can't look out any time scarcely that you don't see some of them prowling round after something. They got into our apples and peaches, though not yet ripe, in a positively piggish [sic] manner. I abominate the very sight of the miserable wretches--they are so brutal looking--so impertinent--and so insufferable in every way. Two nights ago they robbed three negro boys who work in Ramsay's blacksmith's shop--Lee[5] was one of them. Three days ago [7th] 8 or 10 came here and waited dinner. The Col. had gone to town, and just such going on I never saw. They pulled off their shoes on the porch and ran thro' the house in their bare feet--went down into there orchard while their dinner was preparing and brought up hat-fulls [sic] of green fruit which they crunched, [sic] meanwhile spitting tobacco about the porch, whistling and singing, making out to catch the chickens, etc. I was sitting in my room reading--one came to the door and stood staring at me and taking an inventory of everything in the house for about 15 minutes:-- I never "let on" that I saw him at all--but seemed intent upon my reading all the while. They went in every place they dared....I let them eat in the kitchen for their elegant manners--some of them seemed quite dissatisfied with the arrangement and asked in astonishment if "they were to eat in the nigger-house?" I laughed quietly to myself thinking the pig-pen would have been more in consonance with their breeding.-One of the two who ate supper here on Saturday evening [9th] who gives his name as Sulser, his residence as Cincinnate [sic] --his business a lithographist [sic],--had paid us two visits since. He seems far more gentlemanly than any others I have seen, and is the only one who had ever knocked at the door before entering, or touched his hat when speaking with your. Great Caesar! what a difference between their manners and those of the Confederates who were here only 10 days ago--and whom may God prosper wherever they are, for they behave like men. [sic] We have heard of two or three little skirmishes out in the direction of Sparta and Bersheba [sic]--but they amount to little. One report reached us that Gen. Bragg was crossing Walden's Ridge with 100,000 men, but I do not believe it. To think that these insufferable Yankees will be driven from here is too good news for us. Here they will remain, harassing the citizens, stealing and gasconading until they eat the whole country up, and God knows how much longer. WE heard today (from them, however) that the Confederates are fortifying at Chattanooga--if so, God help us! for we are powerless here. Where our bread is to come from I do not know--as good luck would have it we got in two barrels of flour and two of meal, just before they came in. In fact the last barrel, with one of salt, (for which the Col. paid 35 dollars,) [sic] was rolled in after they came....[General] Nelson had the Fem. College for headquarters. Supposes they should get hold of this journal--and they may--who knows?....

War Journal of Lucy Virginia French, entry for August 10, 1862.

         

YANKEE DOINGS IN TENNESSEE.

Chattanooga, August 5. McMinnville, Tennessee, was occupied by about 7,000 Federal troops on Saturday last. A Detachment of General Forrest's cavalry was in place on Friday, but was smart enough to evade capture. A man who who [sic] succeeded  in running through the Yankee lines at McMinnville states that he heard the shrieks of women issuing from almost every house in the town.  He thinks the Yankee command must have been turned loose to pillage and outrage at will. He describes the shrieks to have been agonizing.

Charleston Mercury, August 6, 1862.

 

1863

 

          3, Scout from Fort Pillow [see August 3, 1863, Skirmish near Denmark[6] below]

          3, Skirmish near Denmark [see also July 8, 1863 Scout from Germantown above]

AUGUST 3, 1868.-Scout from Fort Pillow, Tenn., and skirmish near Denmark, Tenn.

Report of Brig. Gen. Alexander Asboth, U. S. Army, commanding Sixth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps.

COLUMBUS, KY., August 9, 1863.

COL.: I beg to give below an extract from the semi-weekly report of Col. E. H. Wolfe, Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, commanding at Fort Pillow, dated 6th instant, for the information of the general commanding corps:

The five companies of cavalry and three companies of mounted infantry returned last evening, [8th] bringing with them 6 prisoners, having met and dispersed the rebel forces under Col. [James U.] Green, numbering 250 men.

The enemy's loss, besides the above prisoners, was 2 men killed; wounded unknown. Our loss was 1 man slightly wounded and 9 men taken prisoners.

The rebel Col. Cheatham, with a supposed force of 700 men, mostly unarmed, was reported to be in the vicinity of Denmark, near Jackson, where the fight occurred [on the 3d.]. The prisoners I forward to Columbus, Ky., under guard.

Col. Richardson, with his force, crossed the Hatchie on Saturday last [2nd], supposed to be making his way into Mississippi, for the purpose of obtaining arms for his command.

The country back of Brownsville and south of Hatchie abounds with guerrillas.

Capt. Hencke, Fourth Missouri Cavalry, scouting southward from Union City, with 60 men, fell also, upon a guerrilla party on the Obion Middle Fork, 12 miles north of Trenton, but was unable to follow and capture the marauders.

I directed the commanders at Fort Pillow and Union City to operate continually with their cavalry, in concert, in order to entirely destroy Richardson's forces, now under organization, before they get their arms, and I have to regret that Companies B, C, D, L, and M, Second Illinois Cavalry, lately returned to my command, are ordered by Special Orders, No. 181 from Headquarters Sixteenth Army Corps, to Vicksburg, thus considerably reducing my hopes for success regarding the above combined cavalry operations.

It will take longer time for any other cavalry to be so efficient, as those companies are thoroughly acquainted with the country and people between the Hatchie and Obion Rivers.

Very respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant,

ASBOTH, Brig.-Gen.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. II, p. 687.

          3, Skirmish at Swallow Bluff, Tennessee River, Hardin County [See August 2-7, Scout from Lagrange to Hardin and Chester Counties above.]

          3, Coffee County Claims

August the 3d 1863

Manchester Coffee County Tenn.

To his Excellency – Governor Andrew Johnson of Tenn.

Dear Sir if it will not be too great a trespass upon your time I desire you to inform me of the proper mode of getting Duplicates against the united States Government for private property taken for public uses by unauthorized person in the 'Service of the united States from peaceable Citizens[.] there is quite a number of Such cases in Coffee County[.] the people has [sic] been Severely robed [sic] in my neighborhood of their Stock and provision and in a majority of cases of unauthorized persons that could not give receipts without criminating themselves[.] the people of this Country is generally poor there being but few Slave holders in it and they are generally all loyal to the old government[.] I can Speak with certainty in regard to my own district[.] there [sic] is 45 voters in it and 44 of them is union men and as Sutch [sic] they expected and ask the federal they expect and ask the federal Authorities for the benefit of that paragraph in the Constitution of the united States that expressly Says that private property Shall not be taken for public use without Just Compensation[.] [sic] I will Say to you that my Neighbors and fellow Citizens has put Several thousand Dollars of Sutch [sic] claims in to my hands for collection and I want to know how to proceed to get them adjusted and the Commanding General at Manchester though & excellent Man Cannot [sic] give me the desired information as to who will be entitled to pay nor what kind of a tribunal will adjust Sutch [sic] claims but Sent Some of my papers up to General Rosencrantz [sic] but they have not returned and I concluded you General Rosencrantz [sic] but they have not returned and I concluded you could inform me on this Subject[.] I will inform you that the people is [sic] all willing to give the government a Set [sic] off their war tax when they have been robed [sic] of their property[.] I petition you excellence to write to me what Certificates of Indebtedness against the united [sic] States Government [sic] can be negotiated at in current funds groceries or provisions in Nashville[.] As early & answer [sic] as practicable is desired from your excellency[.] by Complying with the above requests by you will confer a great favor upon the under Signed [sic] and many good loyal Citazens [sic] of Coffee County who will ever feel grateful to your Excellency for So [sic] kind a favor[.]

I remain your most Obedient and humble Servant

John H. Townsend esqr

Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 310

          3, Cracking down on Confederate soldiers in Knoxville

Post Headquarters,

General Order No. 2

By virtue of the following "Special Order No. 91, Headquarters, Department of East Tennessee, (Knoxville, August 1st, 1863)" to-wit:

"VII. The Commandant of the Post will take such steps as he may deem necessary to keep the city clear of officers and soldiers improperly away from their commands, and to prevent drunkenness among both officers and men, and keep so far as possible, detailed men in the city from strolling the streets.

VIII. All orders from the Commandant of the Post relating to the city or its police, shall be respected, and he will be responsible for the general good of the city."

The following are ordered:

I All officers and soldier coming to Knoxville, are required to report at Post Headquarters immediately on their arrival, register and have their leaves furloughed or orders [re]vised.

II. To prevent trouble and confusion, all officers on duty at this Post are requested to call at Headquarters and procure passes for themselves and those under their command.

III. The officers in charge of the Police Guards are instructed to arrest all officers found drunk in the city.

By order

John B. Major, Capt. comd'g Post.

Knoxville Daily Southern Chronicle, August 4, 1863.

          3, Civilian employees of the Confederate Quartermaster Corps liable to conscription in East Tennessee

Headquarters Department East Tenn.,

Knoxville, Aug. 3 1863

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 98.

The laws of Congress having forbidden the employment of persons from civil life and liable to military duty, by officers of the Quartermaster and commissary Departments, it is hereby ordered that officers of the command in charge of such persons will immediate submit their names to Lt. Col. E. D. Blake for enrollment, after which a short furlough will be granted them.

The chief quartermaster and commissary for this Department are charged with the promulgation, and will report to these headquarters the execution of said order.

By Command of Maj. Gen. Buckner

Knoxville Daily Southern Chronicle, August 12, 1863.

 

1864

 

          3, Skirmish at Triune

No circumstantial reports filed.

          3, "…I talked a few minutes when him and six of his men came to the door with pistols cocked, and asked me where I was from and what was my business there." Dispersal of guerrillas in, Spencer, Van Buren County

Liberty Tennessee Augt. 5th/1864

Governor Johnson,

Sir I hereby Send [sic] you a report of what I have done Since [sic] I last reported. On the 3d of this Month I received news of Capt. Carter and Champ Ferguson Combining forces and moving in the direction of Tracty [sic] city with the intention of attacking it. I immediately Started [sic] with fifteen men in pursuit of him[.] after traveling Some [sic] Sixty [sic] miles I reached Spencer. I there arrested a man who Seemed [sic] to know where Carter was, and informed me that he had returned from his attack on Tracy City. He informed me that Carter and his men was [sic] then at Hemlock Hollow, which is Twelve miles from Spencer on the Chattanooga Road. I then set my plan to get him. My self and Vannatta[7] disguised ourselves and Started [sic] in the advance. Some [sic] four miles from Spencer where I stopt [sic] to enquaire [sic] after talking a few minutes telling them I was a Southern Soldier and wanted to find Capt Carter, I talked a few minutes when him and Six [sic] of his men came to the door with pistols cocked, and asked me where I was from and what was my business there. I told him that I was from Lebanon and then gave him an introduction to Mr. Smith was Vannatta and told him we wished to Join [sic] him. He then remarked to me to go to the Stable and feed our horses and have dinner[.] As I was unsaddling expecting to have a good time my men came in view of the house[.] Carters [sic] men discovered them, and it was not more than twenty steps to a Swampy thicket where it was impossible or a horst to go throug. [sic] I dismounted my men and pushed through but Succeeded only in hitting one, I captured all their horses and equipment also a large amount of goods that he had captured at Tracy City. I then searched the house [sic] and premises where I found about five wagon loads of arms and ammunition which I had piled and burned [sic] for want of transportation[.] The arms was principally Enfield Rifles, unserviceable and all loaded which made it dangerous when they were burnd [sic] [.] If you will permit those fifteen men to remain with me I will insure that Carter will never mount himself or make another raid[.]

Your Obedient Servt Joseph H. Blackburn,[8] Comdg. Detchmt

Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 7, pp. 76-77.

          3, Confederate guerrillas reported in Sevier County

HDQRS. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GEN. EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, Tenn., August 3, 1864.

Brig. Gen. J. AMMEN, Cmdg. Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps:

GEN.: I am directed by the provost-marshal-general of East Tennessee to tell you that information has been received at this office that two companies of rebel soldiers, well mounted and known as Osborne's and Henry's companies, are in Sevier County, Tenn., and were last night within two miles and a half of Sevierville, Tenn. There are apprehensions that these men will do a great deal of damage to the growing crops and other property, unless driven out or otherwise stopped. Would it not be well to send a small force, say forty cavalry, to Sevier County, who, combined with our troops already there, may be able to capture or destroy the whole crowd?

I am, sir, with great respect, &c.

L. A. GRATZ, Maj. and Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 220.

          3-5, Scout, Knoxville to Sevierville

HDQRS. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GEN. EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, Tenn., August 3, 1864.

Brig. Gen. J. AMMEN, Cmdg. Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps:

GEN.: I am directed by the provost-marshal-general of East Tennessee to tell you that information has been received at this office that two companies of rebel soldiers, well mounted and known as Osborne's and Henry's companies, are in Sevier County, Tenn., and were last night within two miles and a half of Sevierville, Tenn. There are apprehensions that these men will do a great deal of damage to the growing crops and other property, unless driven out or otherwise stopped. Would it not be well to send a small force, say forty cavalry, to Sevier County, who, combined with our troops already there, may be able to capture or destroy the whole crowd?

I am, sir, with great respect, &c.

L. A. GRATZ, Maj. and Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 220

 

HDQRS. DETACHMENT TENTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY, Knoxville, Tenn., August 5, 1864.

Brig.-Gen. TILLSON, Cmdg. Second Brig., Fourth Div., 23d Army Corps:

GEN.; I have the honor to report that, in compliance with instructions issued from your headquarters on the 3d instant, Capt. Sears, with forty-two men of this command, went to Sevierville, arriving thereon the 4th at 7 a. m. On arriving there they were informed that the rebels had left, upon which the command halted and sent out a scout, who returned in the afternoon, stating that the rebels had retreated by way of Newport and Sweet Water, and from there into the mountains. There had been about twenty-five rebels roaming through the country (a part of Osborne's former command), their object being to steal horses, quite a number of which they had taken with them. They had also taken two prisoners, but on an attempt of some citizens to bushwhack them (the rebels) they abandoned their prisoners. The command returned to camp this morning.

I am, sir, very respectfully, yours,

H. E. LIGHT, Capt., Cmdg.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. II, p. 224.

          3-6, Scout from Cumberland Gap, into Lee County VA and to Tazewell

AUGUST 3-6, 1864.-Scout from Cumberland Gap, Tenn., into Lee County, Va., and to Tazewell, Tenn., and skirmish (4th) near Jonesville, Va.

Report of Col. William Y. Dillard, Thirty-fourth Kentucky Infantry, commanding First Brigade, Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps.

HDQRS. FIRST Brig., FOURTH DIV., 23d ARMY CORPS, Cumberland Gap, August 7, 1864.

CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the scout which left this place on the 3d instant, myself in command:

On the morning of the 4th instant, at 9 o'clock, I entered Jonesville; two companies of rebels (I suppose Morgan's men) had left a half hour before I arrived and had gone toward Abingdon. Pursuing them a few shots were fired on both sides and I succeeded in capturing 5 prisoners and 7 horses. The preacher White was among the prisoners. Leaving Jonesville in the afternoon, I went to Mulberry Gap, and on the 5th to Tazewell and remained there that night, and returned here on the 6th at 10 a. m. Gen. Morgan is without doubt concentrating his forces; in fact, I read the order myself calling his forces in; he has, it is said, 1,500 men. The citizens of Lee County are expecting him. On my way to Jonesville I found but two Union citizens. I think Lee County will produce 200,000 bushels of corn this year. I noticed on my way that hay, corn, and oats had been stored near the road. The crops were in fine condition, and I feel confident that Morgan intends to occupy the county.

Hoping that the above will meet with your approval, I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. Y DILLARD, Col., Cmdg. Brigade.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, p. 457.

 

1865

 

          3, "I suppose it is because I will not sneeze when he snuffs." Post Civil War elections in West Tennessee

Election today for members to the Federal Congress. Every voter has to get a certificate from the county court clerk to make him a qualified voter he has to come within the several articles and sections of what is known as the franchise act of the bogus Legislature under Wm. G. Brownlow's administrator of the government of Tenn. The voters at Trezevant, Carroll Co., were as condemned looking assembly of men as I ever saw. They looked as if their conscience condemned them. I think when things get right they will acknowledge their conscience did hurt them. I have no more use for some of them. I have seen his foot. I can vouch for a red-hot secessionist of the fire-eating order but not for me. I suppose it is because I will not sneeze when he snuffs. I have done them all the favours [sic] I could in person & property. The Confederate soldiers, perhaps, have done the same for me. If so, I thank them. But I do not thank them for their disfranchising course, especially their partialities.

"Younger Diary."

 



[1] As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.

[2] As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.

[3] This event is not referenced in the OR.

[4] Not identified.

[5] One of the French family slaves.

[6] At one point the OR mistakenly places the scout from Fort Pillow and the skirmish near Denmark at August 20-21, 1863. See OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. I, p. 5.

[7] According to fn. 3, p.77, Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol.7, John Vanatta was a DeKalb County farmer and sergeant, Co. L, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry.

[8] According to fn 1, p. 77, Papers of Andrew Johnson Vol. 7, Blackburn was a cavalry officer who had recently resigned from the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry as Captain and was raising his own regiment. At this point in time he commanded a detachment which would constitute the core of a fully organized cavalry unit by September 1864.

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