December 7 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

7, “Some puked and heaved at an awful rate.” Sick wheat flour in the 10^th Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the Madisonville environs

Dec. 7^th 1863, 5 ms [sic] South of Madisonville, Monday 7^thMunrow [sic] Co. Maddisonville [sic] Co Seat

A little after day light orders came for our company to report to our regt and be ready to march at 9 o'clock  A. M. when ariveing [sic] at camp we found that some wheat flour has been issued but our company had no time to cook it so we had to carry it along all day with the exceptions of a pint of rather thin mush we have not eat [sic] any thing [sic] today the other companys [sic] of our regt cooked and eat brackfast [sic] off the flower they drawed [sic] and all that eat of it was less or more sick some puked and heaved at an awful rate [sic] the thought at first [was] that it was poisoned but afterwards found out that it was what they call sick wheat the officers advised us not to use ours but throw it away, but we could be advised we were bound to eat it if we died in 10 minutes. So after getting into camp I devided [sic] it out to each man his share some made it in little cakes, placed them on a peice [sic] of board or rail, and sort of dried or tosted [sic] it by the fiar [sic] and some mixted [sic] it up in tin cups and scratched out a little hole in the ashes, poured it in and covered it up with hot ashes and let it cook after the manner of rosting [sic] pitatos [sic] Brother James had a tin plate which him [sic] and myself [sic] used to bake our on some of the boys became very sick and more then heaved but I was not effected [sic] so bad although I felt sick of the stomic [sic]

We marched 15 miles today and camped 5 miles South of Maddisinville [sic] a little town better looken [sic] then most of towns [sic] of the same size. Some 300 rebs cleared out as we advanced.

John Hill Fergusson Diary, Book 3.

7, Shortages, literary dreams and prospects for the future in Warren County, an excerpt from the War Journal of Lucy Virginia French “…and it will be as hard a task as Charlotte Bronte ever undertook--yet I want to make an effort.”

* * * *

The bareness to which we are reduced would have seemed to me two years ago as incredible. We live on wheat coffee, pork, or goat meat, bread--(both corn and wheat,) and we have a few potatoes and turnips, and one cow. When that is said “voila tout,” butter is 1.00 per lb. and eggs 1.50 per dozen. No sugar[,] no molasses, a little dried fruit, and some in cans, but nothing to sweeten it with. Understood Mrs. Julia Argo had gotten in some way two barrels of sugar,--I sent her an offering of 5 to 10 dollars for as many lbs., but she could not let anybody have a pound! Sent me word if she let anybody have it, it would be me, but she would not sell a bit of it. “Well,” I thought, “had I two barrels of sugar, I could not deny a neighbor who wanted a few pounds.” During the past week I have been busy sewing, knitting, etc., it being my wish to get all such work of that kind of[f] my hands by the New Year, when, “if we have any luck,” I would like to commence my study and book-writing. Small advantages have I for this it is true--and it will be as hard a task as Charlotte Bronte ever undertook--yet I want to make an effort. I may fail, or the book may fail (which is more than probable.) yet I must try for two reasons. Darlin’ will never be satisfied unless I do try, and as our circumstances may be poor indeed by the time this infernal war is over, I could not have an easy conscience unless I at least tried to do whatever is in my power to mend them. We have no pleasures to look forward to now--but only duties--henceforth we are not to enjoy, but to labor, and endure. We shall belong to that class of the world’s drudges, who “work that they may eat and eat that they may be enabled to work.” It is a cold and gloomy future--how different from that my imagination pictured two years ago!--yet it must be met, and met with stout hearts too, or we shall faint and fall by the wayside. May heaven help us and out children!

War Journal of Lucy Virginia French.

7, “Recruits Wanted for the McCann Zouaves.”

Thirty or forty Recruits are wanted to complete this company. The company is to be attached to Col. Anglade’s Zouave Regiment, to be armed with the latest and most improved rifles, and will be drilled in the regular Zouave drill; to go into camp immediately.

Person wishing to enlist in this Company may do so by calling on the undersigned, on College street, two doors north of Broad street.

M. O. Brooks, Captain

Formerly of Col. Raines Reg. Tenn.

Nashville Daily Gazette, December 7, 1861.

7, A Union recruiter’s tale of capture and escape in Middle Tennessee [all spelling is original]

Bethel Station Tennessee
December 7th, 1862

Gov Andrew Johnson

Sir I have Been in the Recruiting Service ever since I left Nashville or at best the most of the Time[.] The Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers have fallen and the CeCesh gurellas having got in middle Tennesse it was Impossable for me to reach Nashvill so I was advised by Col Adams of Hamburgh Tenn to Recruit for Col Hurst Reg at Berthel who was making up a Reg by your orders[.] so good many of my recruits are in his Regment[.] I have nearly a company formed now and will have the company completed by christmast if I can but at the present time my hands are tied. During the time I was Recruiting I captured some negroes who had been throwing up breast works for the CeCesh and had been working on a cecesh gun-boat[.] I captured them and turned them over to the government authoraties And a good many Horses a large amount of salt &c which enraged the cecesh against me Trememdeously so They put out Rewards for me from $500 to $1,000[.] So on 2nd day of Nov. while alone on a reconnorting expedtions I was captured by a band of Guerellas on the Tenessee River[.] I then without mercy or Humanity was drged in irons to Columbia Jail where I was striped of my Clothing and hung up three times by the neck, Thence I was Draged to Murphyesborough in Thirty miles of Nashvill and thurst in a cell without any thing to protect myself from the severity of the weather[.] in that dismal cell I had to walk the floor all the times of nights to or I should have chilled to death[.] I thought my time was come[.] stripped naked of my warm clothing and shoes and had to die at last in Jail by the severity of wether Awful indeed[.] Inability seized my mortal frame[.] I was taken out of Jail and Brought before the provost martial to have the sentence of death pronounced against me[.] I was hailed by soldiers as [I] entered the court houst as Thief a rober and Scoundrel[.] Shoot the damed Rascal says one, get out of the way many voices cries[.] Ile shoot Ile shoot[.] god dam his soul hes tured traitor to country and joined the yankees[.] Kill, Kill him[.] They were tumultuous[.] The Excite was quelled by the officers but with great Difficulty[.] I was brough in the court house[.] The charges against me were mad out by one Mr. Cox guerella Captain formerly of Lindon Tennessee a pettifogger lawyer; the charges were as follows. Dr.W. T. Belisle guilty Negro [sic] steeling Horse steeling and infact a great enemy to the southren confederacy a[nd] verry Dangerous to the confedratee cause[.] therfore you will keep him well secured for he is as slick as an eel. but owing to my disablitly I was ordered back in Jail for Three days to be kept by the fire in warm room unitl I would Recruit a litle under a strong guard which was done. I bein Released from cell in prison I soon got accquainted with one Mr. Johnson also a prisoner for aiding you (he so informed me) to organize a Union Meeting in that vicinity. we had Joyful time of it[.] Ile assure you I was glad to see him[.] we conversed nearly all day[.] I found him to be a good union man and a verry enteligent [sic!] one; one that loved his country and appeared to sempathize with me verry much but they seeing such an intimacy existing Between us he was moved to Chattanooga and I was left alone to deplore my awful condition[.] But god would have it on the Second Night I was guared by some North Carolinians who were good Union men Conscriped in service who were Careless about me and who petted [pitied?] me very much and told me they Thought I would [be] Shot or hanged[.] I then Thought it was once or never for me to make my Escape so about 2’O Clock before day when Slumber had taken deep possession of all the guards but one I Broke out two nail above a window sash, Raised the sash and made my escape between the Camp fires into the cedar woods. Though I was barefoot and nearly Naked and the rain was pouring down on me I was happy to Happy to thinke I had escaped a mighty foe; one that sought to take my life because I loved my Country[.] Shivering with cold surrounded with an unfeeling enemy a dark and gloomy night I set out to try to find Nashvill; I traveled till day and found my self in side and surrounded by the CeCesh pickets so I was compelled to lay up all day and being unaquainted with the couintry I traveled three nights trying to pass the picketts and get in to Nashvill[.] Hunger and cold had nearly appointed my end so one morning early I found my self surrounded by the pickets who took me and brought me before Gen. Wheeler at lavern [.] I knew then I would have to do quick work or go up for ninety days so I told Gen. Wheeler that I belonged to that company I came to Nashville with[.] I told him I belonged to Comp C 1st Tennessee Cav and he believed me and perolled but would not let me report at Nashvill but put out of the lines withe orders if I was in his lines any more I was to be shot[.] This please me very much And Skedaddled for Bethel Knowing when they found out the trick the perole woul do me no good[.] so got out of the way[.] So I have stated My Condition to you as it really is[.] I had to tell them that belonged to the army or else death would have been my portion[.] I soon found out Being in the Recruiting service would not release me[.] So you know I was only in the recruiting service as I received the authority from you on the 4th day of June last. So You see my condition at this time. And I wish you to write to me what to do so soon as this comes to hand and you will oblige your obediant Servent

W. T. Belisle MD

Direct you letter to Bethel Tennessee in Care of Provo Martial

Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, pp. 89-90.

7, “Merchants' Home Guard.”

The soldierly bearing and correct execution of evolutions, in obedience to orders, by the “Merchants’ Home Guards,” on the occasion of their mustering in, on Monday the 7th instant, in the presence of General Veatch, was deserving of much praise. When the order was given, “Prepare to open Ranks”--”To the Rear--Open Order”--“Front,” the promptness and precision of compliance to the word of command elicited the warm approval and admiration of all who were present. Much credit is due the commissioned officers, Captain Harvey S. De Young, First Lieutenant, J. C. Cohen, Second Lieutenant, David C. Loewenstine. Their first dress parade will take place on New Year’s day.

Memphis Bulletin, December 9, 1864.

7, “Fire Plugs Needed.”

The fire on Wednesday night [7th] proved conclusively that absolute necessity of more fire plugs in that neighbored. The government engine Donelson had out more than two thousand feet of hose, before she could reach the fire from the nearest plug. The recommendation of Chief Engineer Freeman, made some months ago, to have cisterns cut on the high parts of the city, ought to be attended to an once, before a terrible conflagration teaches our city fathers the evils of procrastination.

Nashville Dispatch, December 9, 1864

7-January 15, 1865, Operations of U.S.C.T.

Report of Col. Charles R. Thompson, Twelfth U. S. Colored Troops, commanding Second Colored Brigade, of operations December 7, 1864--January 15, 1865.

HDQRS. TROOPS ON NASHVILLE AND NORTHWESTERN R. R., Kingston Springs, Tenn., February 24, 1865.

MAJ.: I have the honor to transmit the following report of the action of my command during the past campaign:

On the 7th day of December I reported to Maj.-Gen. Steedman, in accordance with verbal orders received from department headquarters, and by his directions placed my brigade in line near the City graveyard, the right resting on College street, and the left on the right of Col. Harrison's brigade, where we threw up two lines of rifle-pits. On the 11th of December made a reconnaissance, by order of the general commanding, to see if the enemy were still in our front. Two hundred men, under command of Col. John. A. Hottenstein, pressed the enemy's picket-line and reserve to their main line of works, where they were found to be in force. The object of the reconnaissance having been accomplished we retired to our position in line by the direction of the major-general commanding. This was the first time that any of my troops had skirmished with an enemy, and their conduct was entirely satisfactory. On the 13th of December, by order of the general commanding, I reported to Col. Malloy, commanding brigade, Provisional Division, District of the Etowah, to make a reconnaissance on the east side of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, to see if the enemy was still in force in that vicinity. The Thirteenth Regt. U. S. Colored Infantry was deployed as skirmishers, and the Twelfth and One hundred Regt.'s U. S. Colored Infantry were held in reserve in line. We advanced from the Murfreesborough pike, with the skirmishers of Col. Malloy's brigade connecting with my left, and drove the enemy's picket and reserves to their main line, after a somewhat stubborn resistance, on the grounds of Mr. Rains. The enemy were there in full force, and sharp firing was kept up as long as we remained there, which was until nearly dark. We retired to our position in line, but not without loss. Capt. Robert Headen, of Company E, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, was mortally wounded while on the skirmish line pushing his company forward under a heavy fire from the enemy's earth-works; several men, also, were killed and wounded.

On the 15th; of December, by directions received from the major-general commanding, I moved my command at 6 a. m. to assault the enemy's works between the railroad and the Nolensville pike. So that movement might be made more rapidly I moved the two regiments, which were to be in the first line (the Thirteenth and One hundredth U. S. Colored Infantry), under cover of the railroad bank, and placed them in column of company, side by side, and awaited the opening of the battle, which was to be done by Col. Morgan, on the left. As soon as his guns were heard I moved across the railroad, the reserve regiment (the Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry) passing in the rear through a culvert and wheeling into line charged and took the works in our front. The enemy were evidently expecting us to move to the left of the railroad, as their artillery was moved to meet us there and was not opened on us until we had gained the works and were comparatively well protected. My orders being to await there the orders of the general commanding, my command was kept in the same position during the day, except making slight changes in the direction of the line to protect the men from an enfilading fire. Sharp firing was kept up between the skirmishers, and considerable artillery ammunition expended. The section of the Twentieth Indiana Battery, commanded by Lieut. York, who was wounded, and afterward by Lieut. Stevenson, did excellent execution, and drove the enemy's battery opposing it from their positions which it took to operate against us. During the night we strengthened our rifle-pits and threw up an earth-works for the protection of the artillery, which had been much exposed during the day to the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters.

At daylight on the morning of December 16, indications that the enemy had left our front being apparent, I sent my skirmishers forward, and found the rifle-pits occupied by the enemy's sharpshooters vacant. By direction of the general commanding I then sent the skirmish line to the hill south and about one mile from the one we had taken the day previous. Finding no enemy there the whole command was ordered forward. We marched about one mile and a half toward the south, and then moved in a westerly direction, my left connecting with the right of Col. Morgan's brigade. We halted on the hill east of the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad until the general commanding could communicate with the right of the army. When this was done I was ordered to move to the east of the Franklin pike and connect with the left of Gen. Wood's (Fourth) corps. This was done without material damage, though the enemy opened on us from two batteries on Overton Hill. Immediately upon getting my command into position I reported the fact to Gen. Wood, who said he was about to make a charge, and desired me to support his left. At about 3 p.m. his command started, and after they had proceeded about forty yards I moved. The left regiment (the Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry) was obliged to move about eighty yards in column, as there was a dense briar thicket on the left, which it could not penetrate. After passing this thicket it was my intention to halt the command until I could see what was on Gen. Wood's left and how it would be best to charge the works. The deploying of the Twelfth Regt. at double-quick caused the other regiments to think that a charge had been ordered, and they immediately started at double-quick. Being under a heavy fire at the time, I thought it would cause much confusion to rectify this, so I ordered the whole line to charge. The One hundredth Regt. was somewhat broken by trees, which had been felled. The Twelfth Regt. U. S. Colored Infantry and the left wing of the One hundredth Regt. U. S. Colored Infantry passed to the left of the enemy's works, they making a sharp angle there. This gave the enemy an enfilading and rear fire on this portion of the command. It being impossible to change front under the withering fire, and there being no works in front of them, I gave orders for that portion of the command to move by the left flank to the shelter of a small hill a short distance off, there to reorganize. The right wing of the One hundredth Regt. moved forward with the left of the Fourth Corps, and was repulsed with them. The Thirteenth U. S. Colored Infantry, which was the second line of my command, pushed forward of the whole line, and some of the men mounted the parapet, but, having no support on the right, were forced to retire. These troops were here for the first time under such a fire as veterans dread, and yet, side by side with the veterans of Stone's River, Missionary Ridge, and Atlanta, they assaulted probably the strongest works on the entire line, and though not successful, they vied with the old warriors in bravery, tenacity, and deeds of noble daring. The loss in the brigade was over twenty-five per cent. of the number engaged, and the loss was sustained in less than thirty minutes. While reorganizing my command the troops on the right had broken the enemy's line, which caused them to retreat from Overton Hill. The enemy on Overton Hill was considerably re-enforced during the attack, on account of the firmness of the assault, and which naturally weakened the enemy's left and made it easier for our troops to break their line at that point. Under orders from the general commanding we moved down the Franklin pike, and bivouacked on the left of the army.

December 17, we marched to the north bank of the Harpeth River, opposite Franklin, in pursuit of the enemy. December 18, marched about three miles south of Franklin, where orders reached us to return to Franklin and from there to move to Murfreesborough. We arrived in Murfreesborough on the 20th of December, at about noon, the men completely worn down, having accomplished by far the hardest march that I ever experienced. The rain had fallen almost constantly, and every brook had overflown [sic] its banks and assumed the proportions of a river. The mud was ankle deep, and when we arrived at Murfreesborough over fifty per cent. of the command were in need of shoes. On the 23d of December, 1864, moved from Murfreesborough by rail, and on the 26th of December disembarked from the cars about nine miles east of Decatur, Ala., and moved within a mile of the Tennessee River, near the mouth of Flint River.

* * * * 

On the 5th [January] moved to within four miles of Decatur, where I received orders to move the my old command (the Second Brigade Colored Troops) to Nashville, Tenn. On the 6th of January moved of the terminus of the railroad opposite Decatur and waited transportation. On the 7th sent the Twelfth Regt. off, on the 8th started, for Nashville with the Thirteenth and One hundredth Regt.'s. On arriving at Larkinsville found that the rebel Gen. Lyon had cut the road, and was sent in pursuit of him by Gen. Cruft, who was at Larkinsville. Moved to Scottsborough on the morning of the 9th, and found that Lyon had gone toward the Tennessee River. In conjunction with Col. Malloy's brigade started in pursuit on the Guntersville road. On the 10th overtook Mitchell's brigade and marched to Law's Landing, where, by order of Gen. Cruft, I took post. On the 11th I received orders to return to Larkinsville, as Lyon had escaped across the Tennessee River. Arrived at Larkinsville on the evening of the 12th, and loaded troops the next evening (13th) and started for Nashville, at which place we arrived at 4 p.m. on the 15th day of January, 1865.

The conduct of the troops during the whole campaign was most soldierly and praiseworthy. Before making the assault on the enemy's works the knapsacks of the troops comprising the Second Brigade were laid aside, and after the works were taken, being ordered to go in pursuit, these were left, and without blankets or any extra clothing, and more than one-half the time without fifty good shoes in the whole brigade, this whole campaign was made with a most cheerful spirit existing. For six days rations were not issued, yet vigorous pursuit was made after the rebel Gen. Lyon.

* * * * 

Of the officers of my staff-Capt. Henry A. Norton, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, acting assistant inspector general; Lieut. George W. Fitch, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, acting assistant quartermaster, wounded by the enemy after having been taken prisoner while taking stores to the command; Lieut. William H. Wildey, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, ordnance officer; Lieut. John D. Reily, Thirteenth U. S. Colored Infantry, acting aide-de-camp; Lieut. Thomas L. Sexton, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. D. A. Grosvenor, One hundredth U. S. Colored Infantry, acting aide-de-camp, who, after having been wounded in three places, took the colors of his regiment from close to the enemy's earth-works, the color-bearer having been killed; and Lieut. R. G. Sylvester, Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, commissary of subsistence of the brigade-I cannot speak too highly; uniting in the performance of their several duties, and on the field anxious to do the cause service in the most dangerous places, they richly deserve the thanks of the country.

To the glorious dead we drop a tear, and while we cannot but deeply regret the great loss, not only we, their companions, but the country has sustained, we could not wish them more honorable graves. The conscientious, brave, and high-minded Capt. Robert Headen, the gallant Lieut. Dennis Dease, the gentle, but firm and untiring Lieut. D. Grant Cooke, of the Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, the two former receiving their death wounds while leading their men against their country's and freedom's foe, the latter butchered by the savage enemy while performing his duties as regimental quartermaster taking supplies to his command, we can never forget as friends, and their positions can hardly be refilled.

In the deaths of Lieut. John M. Wooddruff, Lieut. George Taylor, Lieut. L. L. Parks, and Lieut. James A. Isom, of the Thirteenth U. S. Colored Infantry, the service has lost brave and efficient officers, the country patriots, and humanity friends; they all fell close to the enemy's works, leading their brave men.
The loss of the brigade is as follows:

                 Officers.     Enlisted men.       Aggregate.

Killed..............   7             73                      80
Wounded.........12           376                    388
Missing           1                                            1
Total...............19            450                    469

All of which is respectfully submitted.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. R. THOMPSON, Col. Twelfth U. S. Colored Infantry, Cmdg. Brigade.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45,, pt. I, pp. 543-546.

December 6 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

6, Report of a draft riot in Nashville

"A riot occurred at Nashville, Tenn., Occasioned by the authorities resorting to drafting soldiers to supply the rebel army. The boxes used for this purpose [i.e., "draft lottery"] were broken up, and during the excitement two persons were killed and several wounded. Governor Harris was forced to keep his room, and was protected by a strong guard."

New York Times, December 8, 1861

6, Affair near Fayetteville

DECEMBER 6, 1863.--Affair near Fayetteville, Tenn.
Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph F. Knipe U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, First Division, Twelfth Army Corps.

DECHERD, TENN., December 9, 1863.

COL.: I have the honor to submit the following report:

The detail furnished from this post, in obedience to orders from headquarters Army of the Cumberland, as guard to working party taking up railroad iron on Fayetteville railroad, was attacked on the 6th instant, in the neighborhood of Fayetteville, and 1 man wounded and 4 taken prisoners. A small bridge [at] Salem was destroyed on the night of the 6th instant. I have sent forward hands to rebuild this structure will have it completed by this time, I think. I apprehend some difficulty in the removal of these rails with the force employed.

I have just learned that the contractor uses the troops furnished as guard to secure contrabands in the neighborhood to do the work, and that while so employed the 4 men were captured by a party calling themselves First Tennessee Battalion. The men captured have returned to this post with inclosed parole paper. I have returned the men to duty, regarding the parole as of no account.

I would respectfully suggest that the company of mounted infantry under command of Capt. Brixey, stationed at Tracy City, could be advantageously used on this work and would ask permission to so use them.

JOS. F. KNIPE, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg. Post.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. I, p. 602.

December 6, 1864 - Changes in the Nashville environs as a consequence of the approach of Hood's army; an entry from the Journal of Maggie Lindsley's JournalDecember 6, 1864 - Changes in the Nashville environs as a consequence of the approach of Hood's army; an entry from the Journal of Maggie Lindsley. December 6, 1864 -  

The Forrest panic yesterday was unfounded it seems, but still the soldiers are here, and still destruction at least goes bravely. Barns, stables, fences all gone now, and the sound of the cutting and falling of our glorious forest trees heard from morn till night! Beautiful Edgefield no longer! Her beauty and her pride laid low in these her superb forest trees! For from the river to the Springside here is not a grove left! The bareness and the bleakness are simply intolerable, and make me sick. Whenever I go out o­n the balcony from my room, I just break down at seeing all those ugly stumps where were out beautiful "woods," with its wonderful sycamores, and its wealth of wild grape vine; where we swung, and climbed and played under a veritable bower of green until we reached the river banks! What shall we do without our "Woods" when the summer comes again? And the children! What a loss to the older, who have been accustomed to live the long summers there, and to the baby tots never to have know that Paradise! What will Springside be without its "Woods!" O! But I am tired of devastation, devastation and nothing but! It is difficult for me even now to recall Edgefield as it was four years ago – when I spent so much time cantering throughout the lanes and groves o­n horseback – where will I ever find shady roads now when the summer sun comes in all its intensity!

General Webster rode out this morning – in high spirits, and is sure of Hood's retreat or capture. Pray Heaven it may be the last, and we may be rid of this unsettled, horrible life. Colonel Mussey rode out, dined with us, and after dinner I rode with him – – down to Mr. Hobson's where we had a fine view of the whole (Union) army – our fortifications and the rebel lines. Nap was gentle, stood quite still - and behaved as if he were as inured to all his surroundings as they Colonel's horse, - while I viewed the whole scene leisurely through the Colonel's fine glasses. And what a grand sight it was! Forts Negley, Casino, and Camp Webster, great lines and masses of troops drawn up in battle array in every direction, flags flying, bands playing, bugles sounding, at intervals the cannon roaring, belching forth fire and smoke at every roar – very grand the scene! Colonel Stewart was at the head of his regiment, but I did not see Colonel Johnson. (Two years ago about, I saw General Rosecranz [sic] review 30,000 troops from this hill, and then in our enthusiasm and pride, we thought the war must surely be near it s close, and yet today we seem no nearer than then!) The Rebel works are just behind Mr. Rains's, in front of dear old Belmont, and they occupy Mr. Vauly's house. Mr. Edmundson's house is General Chatham's Headquarters – some other General is at Mrs. A. V. Brown's.

Dr. de Graw and Lieutenant Novel were here an hour this afternoon. They had learned that Mr. Gale's house had been burned.

7, "…and then began a scene which I shudder to recall:" depredations at the Washington tobacco plantation "Wessington," in the Springfield environs; Mrs. Jane Smith Washington's letter to her son, a student in Toronto, Canada
Springfield, December 18, 1864

My dear son,

I suppose you have received Mr. Anderson's letter containing an account of the occurrences at home last Wednesday and Thursday week. Friday morning (the 9th) was bitter cold and in coming up very early in the buggy with Dr. Dunn my fingers were frost bitten and I was not able to hold a pen or even dress myself for nearly a week, and so asked Mr. A. to write to you, which he very kindly did. I will try to give you a faithful history of a scent which God willing I hope never to witness again – But first to give a clear insight into the causes which prompted the act – I must review some occurrences which took place in our immediate neighborhood only two days previously.

On Monday the 5th, four men, dressed partly in federal uniform had robbed in open day [the] Troughles, Red burns, Squire Hyres, Jim Morrow and several others. Dr. Dun called by that afternoon and to us of it. The next day those same men robbed old Strous[?] Bucke Darden, and took Ian [?] Polk's horse.
That night about 9 o'clock, Dr. Dunn again stopped at the gate and told us to look out – that those men were in the neighborhood, and would pay us a visit.

The next morning [6th] old Dick reported that they had been seen in the Vanhhook field. All these things naturally put us on the qui-vive and we were looking every moment for the robbers.

We and not a neighbor in five miles had even hard that there was a hors presser in the country, we were all expecting robbers, but had no idea there was a federal in the country.

Your Father had been at the Tobacco barn all day and about half past three he came to the house with Joe and eat

his dinner. He had just risen from the table when Joe and Irene came rushing in saying two robbers were at the stable trying to steal Ball. Your Father seized his gun and rushed out – saw one of the men leading Ball off from the stable door and fired upon him instantly – so rapidly did this thing transpire that before I could run to the walk, the shot was fired and the mans [sic] companion was galloping with all his might down towards the mill – Your Father and Granville mounted to go in pursuit of the fellow, who had jumped the Orchard fences and was making rapidly for the Chestnut Colt. Granville went through the Peach Orchard your Pa started round by the pond, and at the granary came in sight of a squad who fired on him several times. He at once returned to the house, had Granville called in and prepared for defence expecting every moment to be attacked by the gang of robbers as we thought them to be. In the meantime the gang rode off in the direction of Cedar Hill. [They] were gone nearly an hour, when they returned[,] rode to the stable where had the man locked up, and then turned and again went towards Cedar Hill. I had the stable door locked when the man staggered into it, because I though he was only wounded and perhaps someone might be able to identify him and thus discover who composed the gang. He had on Federal pants his other clothes were those of a citizen. While the men were still around the place, I wrote to Dr. Dunn to get some friends, and come to our assistance and sent to Col [sic] Downey for a guard. In less than an hour after Foster returned from Turnersville [?], Dr. Dunn came over with a co [sic] from the 7th Ohio. Col Garrard, the whole command 160 men encamped there that night, and saw the man, and heard the circumstances, and the Col remarked that your Pa was doing good border service that he saw no evidence of the fellow having belonged to either army, and applauded your Father for his act. Col [sic] Downey sent down a squad but finding us amply guarded by Col Garrard's forces they returned to Springfield. 

The next morning [7th], not fifteen minutes after Col G. left the house, about twenty men of the 8th Michigan under Lieut. Crowley came dashing up to the house like demons and in an instant were swarming all over it – calling for your Father with the most blasphemous oaths and abusive epithets threatening to shoot him on sight. I took Lieut. Crowley to the room where your Father was, he accused him for everything under the sun, but your Father never answered him a word except that he was not conscious of having done wrong but that before a proper tribunal he would answer any questions. His calmness only enraged them more. I was afraid they would murder him if they took him from the house, and I and your Grandmother in tears and on our knees besought that man to send him under guard to Springfield, he scoffed at our prayers and drove us from him with oaths. They finally took your Father and started off with him but had not got to the top of Jimney's [?] Hill before they were overtaken by a squad of the 14th Illinois under Lieut Evans and your Father was brought back again, Crowley's command returned also, and then began a scene which I shudder to recall. I stood by your Father all the time, feeling that his safety was even for a moment depended on me. The officers insited [sic] the men to greater fury than even then possessed them, and after talking in a way to rouse their bad passions even higher, left them without control to rent their fury at will. Four two mortal hours, threats, curses, jeers and taunts as to his fate were heaped upon him and I. Pistols were snapped in his face, and shaken over his head, my prayers and tears were made a scoff and jest -–a band of Indians could not have taken more devilish delight in tormenting a prisoner. Your Father stood confronting them calmly and fearlessly, steadily looking into their eyes, and they quailed before the steady gaze of an unarmed prisoner like cowards as they were.

I felt the end was drawing near, and taking my arms from around him, I started to seek an officer having the three little girls standing round his feet. I had not left him a second when I heard a shot and turning saw your Father staggering from the shock, but in one instant he recovered himself and was grappling with the fellow's pistol with both hands. I rushed in between them and clasping my darling round the neck placed my body between him and the man, who cocking his pistol would have shot again through me had not a comrade caught his hand with the remark "you have done enough." I shrieked ["]murder[!"] with all my power, your Father stood as calmly defiant as ever, the children screaming round our knees, and those demons gloating over our misery. In twenty minutes of longer, Lieut Doyle of [the] 8th Michigan came to us and through his influence we were allowed to go to the house, where he helped me bind up the wound until the arrival of Dr. Dunn. One of the men who had most strongly threatened your Father's life, came with us to the house, our self-appointed guard and remained in the room with his gunk all the time. While this had been transpiring the house had been pillaged from garrat [sic] to cellar, trunks broken, open[ed] & rifled, furniture chopped to pieces with axes, doors burst down, and your Grandma cursed and told if she did not give them 500 dollars they would burn the house over her d__n old head. They robbed Granville of everything he had.

Now let me tell you how wonderfully God worked for our salvation, while those scenes were being enacted here, a man who had gone to Springfield to get a receipt for his horse, overheard the threats of those men, and going to Col Downey told him to go down and see us if he could. Boyd heard the same rumors, Col Shirley [?] Woodard also heard them & reported them to the Col who at their suggestion and from the noble instincts of his own heart, jumped into the saddle and with Boyd and an escort of 12 men, came under his whip and spur through the near way to our rescue. Not one moment too early did he come, their plundering almost done, the next act would have been murder and fire as was proved by their firing the straw in the cellar just after Col Downey came.

We saw the Lieut. And I do not know how he accomplished it, but by asserting his authority as commandant of this post, to hold prisoners charged with any crime he got your Father out of their hands and into his, then I felt his life was measurably safe but Col Downey had but 12 men while they were 50 strong, and we feared that after night they might over power his guard and still work their will.

To guard against any difficulty the Col sent back to Springfield for reinforcements and after their arrival left us a guard of fifteen men and with the others brought your Father here. While Col Downey was waiting for his reinforcements, the men of Crowley's & Evans' command began to burn the outbuildings. Col D had only men enough to guard the house and we had to let them burn. The Woods barn with the whole Tobacco crop was first consumed, then the shuck pens and corn cribs then the large barn where the hay was kept. (You remember the barn and stable below the house) that set some of the negro cabins on fire but they were extinguished, then they burned the Rocky barn in which was stored wagons, farming implements, threshing machine, shingles enough to cover the hose [sic] and many other valuable things. The fencing caught from this fire and but for the prompt exertions of Sergeant Jackson (a negro) the whole place would have been consumed.

I can never forget Col Downey and His men, all from the kind and noble Col himself, to the privates in the ranks, deserve our warmest gratitude, you are indebted to them, through God's good providence for your Father's life. My children shall remember Col Downey as their greatest benefactor.

The case has been laid before Gen Rousseau, and Gen Thomas, and they approve Col D's conduct throughout. We are staying with Gen Garner and his excellent wife and all his family vie each with each other in kindness.

Your Father is held subject further orders, non of our friends anticipate any trouble, most probably when the excitement subsides about Nashville his case will receive attention.
The bullet passed entirely through his arms above the elbow but missed the bone, it is healing as well as we could desire.
Boyd remained with your Grandma until day before yesterday, he will return there again. When our future movements have been determined on I will write you fully for the next few weeks we remain in Springfield either her or at Aunt Susan's. Grandma and the children are well. I hear from them every day, I wonder she did not die under this great distress, but God has upheld her as He has done us all. Blessed be the His name for evermore, my heart says Amen, in the feelings of gratitude to Him and the instruments he used to show his power.

Your devoted mother,

Jane Washington

[P.S.] Do not think of coming home, unless I write for you, you could do us no good here, your presence would only add to our cares. All our friends are as kind as they can be and I hope in a few weeks to be able to tell you that everything is satisfactorily arranged. Till them be hopeful and cheerful and study as hard as you can. Your letters of the 5th and 10th have been received.

Good bye, God bless you, my dear boy. 

TSLA, Civil War Collection 

Address on envelope: Wm. L. Washington, Box 185, Toronto, Canada. Often the wealthy would send their children out of the country to continue their schooling and to protect them from having to serve in either of the armies. General William Carroll, after being forced to resign rather than face charges of alcohol abuse, also went to Canada. The less wealthy didn't have these or similar options.

TSL&A, Civil War Collection, Correspondence by Jane Smith Washington, Letter, December 18, 1864

December 5 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

    December 4, 1861, Presidents of the ET&G and the ET&VA RRs threaten CSA with cessation of railroad service in East Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, EAST TENN., December 4, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN Secretary of War, Richmond:

DEAR SIR: With great respect for you individually, and an earnest desire to serve the Confederate States to the extent of our ability with our lives and our property, we notify you that unless certain unbearable evils are at o­nce corrected we shall cease to run any trains o­n the roads of which we are the presidents o­n and after the 15th instant. We are forced to this position from considerations entirely unavoidable o­n our part. The military, influenced by no more patriotism than ourselves, have for days past, and without the least necessity for so doing taken possession of the running of our trains, ordering them out in the face of incoming trains, thereby endangering the lives of all o­n board and hazarding the property of individuals and the company. Moreover, the Quartermaster-Gen. has assumed to dictate tariffs for Government freights at such ruinous rates as will in a short time break down every railroad company in the south. Without boring you with a detail of the multitude of good and sufficient reasons for the course we adopt, we will just say that while we are held responsible for the lives and property in our charge in the management of these roads, the movements of the trains and the control of the finances of the company are ordered by men incompetent, irresponsible, and reckless-maybe very good military men, but certainly very bad railroad managers. We are unwilling longer to assume such responsibilities or to sacrifice whatever reputation we may have by continuing identified with roads so controlled. For eight months now we have labored night and day (with the halter of the Lincolnites around our necks and our lives and property in jeopardy) as good, true, and loyal citizens for the Confederate States, and do not consider that we are any the less loyal now in placing these responsibilities in your hands. The burnt bridges are in a very forward state of rebuilding, and will give others you may send here to take our places but little trouble to complete. We also advise you to send here good engine runners and machinists. Our men cannot be kept here much longer in present condition of things, feeling that their lives are constantly in the hands of an inconsiderate and reckless soldiery.

Respectfully, yours,

C. WALLACE, President East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad Company.

JNO. R. BRANNER, President East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad Company.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pp. 227-228.

 

 

 

4, Skirmish on Franklin Pike near Holly Tree Gap

DECEMBER 4, 1862.--Skirmish on the Franklin pike, near Holly Tree Gap, Tenn.

Report of Col. Robert H. G. Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry.

HDQRS. FOURTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY, Camp Rosecrans, Tenn., December 4, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to hand you the following report of my scout on the Franklin pike this day:

At 7.30 a.m. I marched, with 302 officers and men. When 8 miles from Nashville, I met the enemy's pickets, which were driven, by Companies I and L, as far as the junction of the Wilson Creek and Franklin pikes (9 miles from Nashville), and then some 2 miles down the Wilson Creek pike. Here I recalled the two companies, and, leaving D company at the junction, moved forward on the Franklin pike. About 2 miles out, we again met the enemy's pickets (about 70 men), and drove them before us through Holly Tree Gap (6 miles from the junction), and to within about 1 mile from Franklin. No obstruction of any kind has been placed in the gap, which is naturally one of the strongest positions I have ever seen.

Two bridges have been destroyed on the road, one about 3 miles north of the gap, the other about 2 1/2 miles south. Wagons can pass both by taking the fields east.

One of the rebels was wounded by a carbine ball in left shoulder. We met with no loss. I returned to camp at 8 o'clock p.m., having ridden about 45 miles.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. H. G. MINTY, Col., Cmdg.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. 1, pp. 29-30.

 

 

4, Federal scouts in search of and skirmishing with Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry

HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tennessee, December 4, 1863.

COMDG. OFFICER, Moscow:

Be on the alert-scouts well out. Telegraph any information immediately to these headquarters, and if line is cut, communicate with Gen. Tuttle and Gen. Grierson at La Grange.

S. A. HURLBUT, Maj.-Gen.

(Same to commanding officers at Germantown and Collierville.)

LA GRANGE, December 4, 1863.

Maj.-Gen. HURLBUT:

There are five regiments, with artillery, in the column that threatened us this morning, and have gone west.

J. M. TUTTLE, Brig.-Gen.

HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tennessee,

December 4, 1863.

Brig.-Gen. TUTTLE, La Grange:

If you think it advisable to move infantry, send Morgan toward Moscow. I will notify the posts at Moscow, Collierville, and Germantown.

S. A. HURLBUT, Maj.-Gen.

HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tennessee, December 4, 1863.

COMDG. OFFICER, Collierville:

Five rebel regiments, with artillery, are moving west from vicinity of La Grange, our forces following.

S. A HURLBUT, Maj.-Gen.

(Same to commanding officers at Germantown and Moscow.)
MOSCOW, TENN, December 4, 1863--3.40 p.m.

Gen. TUTTLE, La Grange, Tennessee:

The enemy are falling back toward La Fayette, on State Line road. Our men are following sharply, still fighting. Have driven them 2 miles.

Col. Morgan has arrived. The enemy are destroying railroad and trestles. Gen. Lee is in command. Chalmers and Ferguson, with from 4,000 to 5,000, are with him; probably not more than 4,000. This information is gained from prisoners. They have four pieces of heavy artillery.

Col. Hatch is suffering intense pain, but the surgeon thinks his wound is not fatal.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. SCOTT BELDEN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade Cavalry.

LA GRANGE, Tennessee., December 4, 1863.

Gen. GRIERSON:

Result of scout north not satisfactory. Officer was no farther then Van Buren, 7 miles from Saulsbury. Says Forrest has three regiments and battalion, about 2,000 men, three cannon and thirty wagons. That he crossed at Bolivar on ferry. Says he is going to Jackson to stay all winter. Mizner at Saulsbury to-night, and will start for here at daylight. He will have to come on now, I suppose, and by the time he gets to Grand Junction you can be ready to give him such orders as may be thought best. You will know about affairs west by that time, unless there is a great necessity for him; then I think he ought to stay at the east end of road. Hurst, at Grand Junction, says his pickets have been fired on since dark. Don't know what he means. He is investigating it.

J. M. TUTTLE, Brig.-Gen.

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, December 4, 1863.

Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Columbus, Ky.:

GEN.: I send you the following just received from a sure hand.
It may be that the figures are exaggerated somewhat, but they are substantially correct.

As soon as I can get the front cleared I will turn on these brigands. Gen. Forrest has, I think, gone up there from Saulsbury with from 300 to 500 men.

Your obedient servant,

S. A. HURLBUT, Maj.-Gen

.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. III, pp. 335-336

 

 

4, "Sunday;" Nashville civilians pressed to work upon fortifications

In consequence of a rumor that soldiers were pressing citizens to work on fortifications, and of the desire to get within sight on hearing the guns, but few gentlemen attended church on Sunday. Those who remained at home perhaps did well, but those who neglected their religious duties to gratify their curiosity were furnished with spades and picks as fast as they arrived outside of town. We did not hear of a man being molested on his way to church, or from there to his home.

Nashville Dispatch, December 6, 1864.

 

 

4, Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. Navy, transmitting information of the capture of arms and ammunition which had been crossed over the Mississippi at mouth of Obion River

MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, Mound City, December 4, 1864.

SIR: Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Mitchell reported under date of 28th ultimo that 55 boxes of arms, etc., had been taken across the Mississippi on the night of the 25th ultimo from the mouth of the Obion or Forked Deer River for the use of the enemy, but that he had arrested the principals in the affair and would communicate further particulars.

On the 29th ultimo he reported that Brigadier-General Shaler, commanding at Columbus, had informed him on the 26th ultimo of the intended crossing of these arms, 13 wagonloads, which the enemy designed transporting from Dyersburg, in Gibson County [Lauderdale or Dyer County], Tenn., on flatboats down the Obion River, and that 16 more wagonloads were on the way, which would be brought up if the first attempt was successful.
Lieutenant-Commander Mitchell immediately requested General Washburn to dispatch a party of cavalry to cooperate with him.
I enclose a telegram from Lieutenant-Commander Mitchell, dated 2d instant, reporting capture and destruction of the arms (except 50 revolvers) which the enemy succeeded in crossing, as reported above, by the cavalry force. With the arrangements made with General Washburn and the additional precautions taken in guarding the river at the point designated, he expects to be able to prevent the crossing of the additional 16 wagonloads.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

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

Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. 

P. S.--I require an active patrol of the river, not to be defeated by known previous arrangements, to cover landings of steamboats by gunboats, which would give facilities for crossing at other points.

S. P. LEE, Acting Rear-Admiral. 

[Enclosure--Telegram.]

U. S. S. SIBYL, Off New Madrid, December 2, 1864.

With the exception of 50 revolvers, all the arms (850 stands) the ammunition, and medicine that crossed the Mississippi at mouth of Obion River on Friday night last have been captured by a cavalry force under the command of Colonel [P. J.] Yorke, sent by General Washburn, at my request, to cooperate with me. Unfortunately, the arms were destroyed, the roads being so bad they could not be brought in.

J. G. MITCHELL, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Eighth District.

 
Rear-Admiral LEE, Mound City. 

NOR, Ser. I, Vol. 26, pp. 757-758.

December 3 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

3, Militia companies in Palmyra and the fight at Cousin Sally Dillard's.

Last Tuesday [3rd], we made a flying trip to Palmyra, under the care of Capt. John Cain, and in company with Hon. J. M. Quarles, Robt. Johnson, Esq., and other of our acquaintance. When we arrived, the militia were congregated in large numbers, and the volunteers were being sworn into service under the supervision of Lieut.-Col. John Minor, and Major S. A. Caldwell. Several volunteer companies were being formed. Capt. Young has a company nearly full, Capt Peacher is getting on finely with his, and both will soon be complete. Some people are disposed to doubt the courage of the militia, but that doubt would have been removed could they have seen the fight we saw -- a real fisty-cuff -- between a small militiaman and one nearly double his size. Big militiamen cried -- Hold! enough! " and little militiaman was pulled off, and so ended the fight "at Cousin Sally Dillard's."

Clarksville Chronicle, December 6, 1861

3, "Volunteering;" complaints about Governor Harris' draft in Giles County

The last call of the Governor for volunteers has been nobly responded to in this county -- more than half the militia stepped forward as volunteers, and are now organizing themselves into companies, ready for marching orders.

This county was entitled to a credit for four companies, viz.: Capt. Winstead's, Capt. Hanna's, Capt. Hundicutt's, and Capt. Worley's which recently went into camp from this county: but it seems the Militia officers were ignorant of this fact, and have therefore required half the remaining militia to go into the field. This does gross injustice to the liberal and patriotic people of Giles, and leaves her women and children almost defenseless. We call upon the proper authorities to have this matter investigated and corrected immediately.

Pulaski Citizen, as cited in the Nashville Daily Gazette, December 3, 1861. 

3, "GOV. HARRIS AND THE MILITIA;" criticism of Governor Harris' draft

In the entire absence of the facts upon which the action of an Executive based, and especially in times of rapidly changing and singular exigencies, like the present, it would be unreasonable to suppose that the popular understanding would clearly comprehend the propriety of all that is done. Much must go before the public in a manner that will invite criticism, a privilege in which but few of us are sparing or considerate and when fairly tested, those criticisms will not unfrequently prove unfounded and absurd, even to our own minds. Great forbearance should, therefore, be exercised by the public towards those whom we have selected to discharge for us the most grave and difficult duties connected with our present struggle for national independence.

Fortunately, in the case of our distinguished Governor, the wisdom of his counsels have been so frequently verified, and his impartial patriotism is fully tested, that we have found comparatively, little disposition with our people to question his motives or criticise his policy. And yet, the confusion and seeming contradiction, attending the call for soldiers within the last few months, warrant a word of explanation, injustice to Gov. Harris as well as to the public.

In doing this we, we will first suggest, what many seem totally to ignore, that the action of the Governor has been and must be secondary and responsive to the representations and demands of our military chieftains in the field. These authorities presumed to understand the necessities that surround them, and may rightfully expect that their opinions will be respected and their requests complied with.

Some six weeks since, an urgent demand was made by Gen. Johnston, for thirty thousand additional troops from Tennessee. Gov. Harris may have thot' it wise to lessen the call in view of the scarcity of army and similar requisitions that were being made for troops from other States; General Johnston, for special reasons, believed it better to put the troops into camp and let them be preparing for efficient service, than to await the anticipated procurement of arms, and then be delayed in the raising of troops and in preparing them for the field. But a small proportion of the force had been placed in camp until the War Department at Richmond -- for reason which it is not our province to enquire into -- issued orders to Gen. Johnston for their disbandment, which orders were suspended at the urgent request of Governor Harris, until, at last report, an effort might be made for the procurement of such domestic arms as would save our gallant volunteers from the mortification of having to abandon the service and return to their homes -- Hence the issue to his proclamation, to that effect, the necessity of which could not by many be misunderstood -- It thus became apparent to the public that the government could not be looked to for the arming of such a body of troops, and the natural effect was to disband the companies is course of formation and discourage volunteering. And yet, surely no one, with his insight into the facts, can see aught to critcise in the action in the action of the Governor; and it would certainly be illiberal even to bestow censure upon any other authority. No one who has even a faint conception of the innumerable obstacles and disappointments under which our Government and State official are compelled to act, should be so unreasonable as to require a satisfactory public explanation of every thing that puzzles the understanding and disappoints our hopes.

More recently and in the face of this discouragement to volunteering, new developments were made to our Generals in command at Columbus and Bowling Green, threatening a speedy invasion of our State by a superior force of the enemy; requiring, in the opinion of those Generals, such a reinforcement of our troops for the immediate exigency as could be hoped for by a call upon the militia of the State, and an impressment of domestic arms to be placed in their hands. An increase of the volunteer force was preferable, but there were strong probabilities that the reinforcements would be needed before the requisite number could be raised. Hence the propriety of such an order as would meet the emergency, and at the same time furnish such of our citizens [as who] preferred enlisting in the volunteer service an opportunity of doing so.

 
Gov. Harris, as the Chief Executive of the State, has had to act in accordance with the information and requisitions of the military authorities of the [Confederate] Government. The demands of the military authorities have been shaped, modified and controlled by the movements and uncertain information obtained of the common enemy. The circumstance of today may not suit the necessities of tomorrow. More or less uncertainty, difficulty and doubt will necessarily attend and influence our actions. We are far from a condition of having things as we would wish them. It would be the height of folly for the indiscriminate public to expect to understand the propriety of every movement, for the reason that manly of the acts; upon which these movements are based are of such a character that, in view of the enemy, it would be highly improper to place before them. We would have supposed that a reason so palpable in itself would have readily occurred to the mind of everyone.
In an emergency like the present, intelligent patriotism would suggest that we should cultivate an abiding faith in the wisdom and integrity of the men whom we have elected to lead us through the perils of the hour. While it would be unreasonable to suppose that they will not, in many instances, find themselves in error, it would be equally unreasonable to suppose that our common cause can be profited by the indulgence of a spirit of ungenerous fault-finding, distracting our counsels, impairing the general confidence so essential to success, and paralyzing the arms of those brave men, both in the cabinet and the field, who are taxing every energy and making every sacrifice for the success of our cause and the preservation of our rights.

Nashville Daily Gazette, December 3, 1861.

3, James A. McCord's letter to his brother describing the battle at Franklin

Franklin Tenn 

Decr. 3rd 1864 

Dear Brother 

After a long and very hard march, we arrived at this place, the 30th day of Novr. about 4 oclk when we went immediately into a fight and every one says that it was the hardest fought battle that has been fought during the war. There is no telling what our loss is. We lost ten Genls killed & wounded. Genls Cleburne Granburry, Gist, Adams, Strahl, & one more I forgotten were killed and four that were wounded. Granbury's celebrated brigade left this place yesterday morning with 137 Guns all told. Hall & Jno Tom Gillispie was both killed dead on the field, and nearly every one of the company fared the same fate. The larger portion of Genl Bates Div acted very cowardly in the first of the fight. Tyler's & Finley's and Jackson's left would not charge the works. 

I was skirmishing in front of Tyler & Finley and they run three times and left me on the hill begging them to come back when one of old Abes boys plugged me in the right foot, making it a severe wound, tho not a serious one I hope. I am well cared for. I do not know any place where I could fare as I do here. The people are the kindest in the world especially the Ladies. The world does not know their superior and I doubt that their equal can be found. 

Lt McKibbin wounded in left fore arm. Troy Saunders slightly in arm (gone back to Co.) Mo Mays & Ben Deason were wounded but not dangerous I believe. I do not know how your company suffered (but little I believe). No Country knows a braver man than Genl Bates. I am proud to say that there was no one between me and the Yankees when I was wounded. You will have to excuse this short letter as my foot pains me a great deal & I do not know when I will get a chance to send off though I believe I will put it in the P.O. Give my love to all.

Truly yours 

Jas A McCord 

P.S. This fight lasted eleven hours. 

http://www.franklin-stfb.org/letters.htm

  3, First Action at Bell's Mill -U.S.N. -- capture and recapture of U.S.S. Prairie State & Prima Donna, and dispersal Rebel artillery

Excerpt from the Report of LCDR Le Roy Fitch's report made from the U.S.S. Moose off Nashville o­n December 4, 1864:

* * * *

....about 9 p.m.[December 3], I received intelligence that the enemy's left wing had struck the river and had batteries planted at Bell's Mills, about 4 miles below Nashville by land but 18 by river, and that they had captured two steamers. [I ordered the tin clads and gunboats: Neosho,(1) Carondolet, Moose, Brilliant, Fairplay, Reindeer, and Silver Lake to the bend.]

* * * *

I directed Acting Master Miller [of the Carondolet] to run below the lower batteries, giving them grape and canister, then round to and come back and fight them upstream

* * * *

The boats moved down perfectly quiet, with no lights visible, and were not seen by the enemy until theCarondelet opened fire o­n their lower battery and encampment.

* * * *

As soon as the Carondelet opened fire the enemy poured a heavy volley of musketry into the boats along the entire line, and also opened o­n us with their upper battery of four guns. About this time the Fairplay had stopped to keep from running into the Carondelet, and the smoke from the guns and smokestacks, combined with our steam, settled around us so very thick in this bend that I could see nothing nor could the pilots see where we were running; so, finding myself nearly in contact with the Fairplay, I was also forced to stop, and after the Carondelet and Fairplay had passed below the bend I found myself still in the smoke and in a rather bad position, as the batteries were then firing directly into me and so far o­n my port quarter that we could not bring our guns to bear. I therefore directed the pilots to back up, as it was clear above and below it was intensely thick. I was afraid by this time the Carondelet and Fairplay had passed the lower battery, rounded to, and were again moving up, which would make our chances for colliding very great. I therefore decided to back up again, about the upper battery, as I could not remain where I was long enough for the smoke to lift; and, as the rebels were now giving this boat their entire attention, made it also dangerous to attempt to round to. In backing up above the batteries, I necessarily moved slowly, but the pilots....handled the vessel so magnificently that we were able to keep our guns working o­n them so rapidly that in a great measure they were kept silent.

When I got above the battery; where I could use the port broadside and bow guns, they soon ceased firing,, as the Reindeer had by this time got above their guns, rounded to, and was in a good position to assist this vessel in case she was disabled....I concluded to wait till daylight, knowing that the Carondelet and Fairplay, which were below the lower battery, would keep everything quiet and take care of the captured steamers.

The musketry along the bank and o­n the hillside was for a time very annoying, but we soon drove them off. The firing from their battery for a time was very rapid, but their guns were not well aimed; most of their shell and all their grape passed entirely; over ;us; this, I presume, was owing to our being so close to them. The river at this point is not over 75 or 80 yards wide, and part of the time we were directly under their guns.. Two percussion shells struck this boat in the hull a little above the water line, and o­ne struck in the wheel, but none of them did much damage. o­ne of them came quartering from the battery above us and lodged in the bread room, close to the magazine, but did not explode. Another struck us fair and would have passed o­n through the bottom, but was turned from it course by striking o­ne of the deck beams; it also did not explode, but lodged in the rake. The Silver Lake was not quite close enough to engage the batteries, but kept the musketry silent along the bank above.

In the morning, very early, we again moved down, the Neosho having [by] this time joined us, but saw nothing of the enemy; the batteries were removed the night before we left them. Between 8 and 9 a.m. I met the Carondelet and Fairplay, with the transports just below where the lower battery stood during the night. Learning that all was clear below, I returned to Nashville with the gunboats and transports.

Not withstanding the darkness and haziness of the night, all of the boats were well maneuvered....

* * * *

The numbers of rounds fired were as follows: Carondelet, 26; Fairplay, 37; Moose, 59; Reindeer, 19; Silver Lake, 6.

I am not able to say what execution we did, as darkness covered all, but we drove them from their guns and back from the river, recapturing the steamers they had captured in the early part of the evening before they had time to destroy them, made them abandon most of the forage they were taking from the vessels, and cause them to let may of their prisoners escape.

Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 26, pp. 640-643.

 (1) The Neosho was a turreted ship, similar to the Monitor in design.