May 11 - Tennessee Civil War Notes

11, Pacification measures ordered in Murfreesboro by Military Governor Andrew Johnson
Nashville May 11 [1862]
Col Parkhurst
Commanding officer,
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
I have just had consultation with E. L. Jordon, G. W. Ashburn and E. D. Wheeler prominent citizens of Murfreesboro in regard to the shooting which took place last night. There was some statement made to them just on starting which induced the belief that some development would be made throwing more light upon the affair. Has any thing of the kind transpired since the left. [sic] If not and no steps be taken satisfactory to you will at once arrest as many persons as you in your judgment may believe will have proper effect upon spirit of insubordination [which] seems to prevail in that community. Transactions of this kind must be met and dealt with as the public interest requires. Act our you judgment & you shall be sustained[.]
I omitted to send back [a] list of names for arrest leaving it to you to consult with [the] mayor.
If you desire a list of names telegraph back immediately.
Teach them a lesson they will not forget.
Andrew Johnson
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 5, p. 377.

 

11, Public health inspection reminder
HEADQUARTERS UNITES STATAE FORCES, INSPECOR GENERAL'S OFFICE}
Nashville, Tenn., April 26, 1863
The owners and occupants of businesses and dwelling-houses within the limits of this city, are hereby reminded of the Order published March 16th, 1863, requiring them to have the streets, alleys, and backyards adjoining their respective houses thoroughly cleaned.
A thorough inspection of the city by proper authorized persons will be had in a few days, and anyone found to have neglected to obey the Order will be severely punished.
By Order of Brig. Gen. J. D. Morgan,
Nashville Daily Press, May 11, 1863.

 

 

11, "Sale of Condemned Horses." HEADQUARTERS There occurred a sale of condemned horses during the past week, which afforded the citizens of the town and country opportunities to replenish their exhausted stock. Th efficient A. A. Q. M., Lieut. C. Harvin, selected the eccentric Capt. Hammer as the auctioneer for the occasion, and, as the result proved, he was the right man in the right place. The total amount of sale of 250 horses – and sorry looking beasts they were – amounted to over $6000, at an average of more than $27 each, a result the Government may well feel proud of. A stand was erected at the horse-yards of Lieut. Irvin, and the animals to be sold were led out singly to be disposed of. The captain starts the sale: "Well, gentlemen, how much am I offered for this fine blooded horse, known through the army, was sire by imported Lexington, and damned by everybody who ever rode him – start the bid – how much? Five dollars I am offered, who'll give ten? Ten, ten, who'll give fifteen? Fifteen is offered by two of you, now twenty. Twenty-five – who'll give thirty?" Thirty is offered, and the horse disappears and another led forward. "Now, gentlemen, here is a jay-bird – observe his gait – a little foundered, but that don't hurt him, though he'd be a good deal better without it – all ready; to put right before a plow and work to-morrow – start him up young man, every time he trots he increases five dollars in value" This animal ultimately sells for fifty dollars.  "Now Gentlemen, how much for this fine bay mare –sound-kind – good under saddle or in harness. Cars not afraid of her, will tie without standing. Start her gentlemen – how much? Nothing in the world aids her except the distemper – would be just as good without it – start her, how much?" Bidding runs up to $50 and the distempered mare is destined to graze in Williamson County, until she doubles in value. Men of all nationalities and occupations are present, butchers, bakers, farmers, merchants, sporting men, and officers, all desirous of investing in a broken down, good horse. One genius from Green Erin who had purchased two horses at the extravagant price of $1 each, mourned to see his property, elongated in the muddy ground with no ultimate prospect of their ever arising again, and if horses could be said to on a man's hands, the two one dollar animals perished on the palms of the unfortunate Hibernian. Many of the horses brought high prices and but few sold for less than ten dollars. Occasionally an animal would appear on whom no bid could possibly be had. This drawback on the sale was promptly remedied by the Auctioneer who would immediately call for another horse and then sell the pair. We have every reason to believe that the results of the sale meets the approbation of the authorities. Visitors to the yards were charmed with the neatness of the fences, the shops and store-houses, and the admirable arrangements for feeding and watering the large number of horses and mules under Lieut. Irvin's charge. He has, indeed, succeeded in creating a system and order, where before all was delay and confusion, and, therefore, merits the praises freely bestowed on him by both officers and citizens of being one of the mot efficient Quartermasters ever in this Department. Nashville Daily Press, May 11, 1863.