Tuesday, October 11, 2011

October 10 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

10, 1863,  "But they are suffering the fate they have brought upon themselves." A U. S. cavalry sergeant's thoughts on the end of Wheeler's raid and the destruction in Middle Tennessee between Shelbyville and Pulaski

Today the command rested near the Tennessee and I have no doubt buy the rebels are enjoying as welcome a one on the other side of the river. The great raid is over, Wheeler has marched around the army of the Cumberland; has captured some stores and burned a few bridges: but he has lost about one thousand men and 4 guns; so that – except the feat of circling around our army he has lost on the whole. The weather has been beautiful so far, days not too warn and nights only a tinge of frost, so they were none too cool for comfort. Our whole march has been through a beautiful country. Between Shelbyville and Pulaski is a beautiful rolling and in some places hilly country – having some fine scenery, some fine groves for forest trees and among them some giants. One stump measured eight feet across, three from the ground….This is truly a godly [sic] land. Pity its people were not wise enough to be content when well off, but like Jeshemen they "waxed fat and kicked" and like him also trouble and anguish are come upon them. Our whole command is out without rations. The rebels are provided for by their rebel friends and we provide for ourselves. A plantation near which we happen to stop is cleaned out about as effectually as an eastern field by a visitation of Locusts. The inhabitants look on with very long drawn faces, but of course say nothing as cattle, sheep and hogs, mules and horse are swept away. Some are stripped of everything – have not even enough meal to satisfy their hunger and their whole crop taken for our horses. But they are suffering the fate they have brought upon themselves.

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