8, Domestic violence in Memphis
Domestic Felicity-Mike Moriorty and his better half, Mary, have been a source of annoyance to the police for a year or two past. Both exhibit an undue fondness of "Dean's Strychnine," and when under its influence, become imbued with a decidedly belligerent spirit. At one time Mike is arrested for whipping Mary, and at another, Mary is required to answer in police court for disfiguring the physiognomy of her pugnacious lord. Mary is a bruiser and generally gets the best of the little "mills" between herself and loving husband. Last night in a friendly set-to Mary was worsted. He will have his trial tomorrow.
Memphis Argus, April 9, 1861.
8, Morgan's operations near Nashville suburbs[1]
MARCH 8, 1862.-Morgan's operations near Nashville, Tenn.
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Col. John Kennett, Fourth Ohio Cavalry.
No. 2.-Capt. John H. Morgan, Kentucky Cavalry (Confederate).
No. 1.
Report of Col. John Kennett, Fourth Ohio Cavalry.
HDQRS. FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEERS CAVALRY, Camp Jackson, Tenn., March 8, 1862.
DEAR SIR: On receipt of your order to go in pursuit of Morgan and his men we were in our saddles in ten or fifteen minutes. I took charge of the right wing, and sent the left wing under the charge of the two majors, instructing them to head off Morgan at Stone River, where I understood the bridge was destroyed, while the right wing would follow their trail and the left cut them off. We pursued them, and kept their trail through the woods, thickets, rocky ways, and swamps, with twists and turns and fences let down, until we reached the pike. There, misled by a white man, we went one mile and a half back, making 3 miles out of our way, but we found the trail again and continued it on the jump all the way. Whenever the gait was slackened on account of the rocks the command was hurried onward, and the boys resumed the rapid gait with a will. The right wing finally came up to Maj. Dresbach, who was in charge of our teamsters and horses and a number of your body guard. Finding Morgan's men were dispersed, and Maj. Pugh was still in pursuit of 5 remaining men, I halted the right and ordered the Rifles (Capt. Mathews' company, C) to push on to join Maj. Pugh. They went on, but never reached Pugh, but returned separately. Maj. Pugh pursued the enemy to Stone River. Five of Morgan's men plunged into the river and swam over. Seeing none of our men in their charge, and not knowing what ambush might be laid, the pursuit was ended. Three picket men taken prisoners and all others were dropped on the way. Charles P. Sweet, orderly sergeant of Company H, shot at two of the rebels. He killed one, and the other is in the hospital badly wounded, and will die; his name is Love.
Lieut. W. W. Shoemaker, of Company H, led the charge; shot three times with a pistol. He was shot at with a gun. His first shot killed one of the enemy. His second shot the enemy ran, and he struck him with his saber across the mouth, cutting it in two. The horses of one of the rebels fell, and John Shanks struck him with the saber. Shanks' horse fell over him; jumping upon his enemy, he seized him a prisoner. His name is E. W. Pratt; sent to you last night.
Private Fogger, Company H, ran on a rebel and shot him in the back. He kept up close to Lieut. Shoemaker, who led the advance. Fogger's horse fell dead under him. Lieut. Shoemaker, Private Fogger, both of Company H, and George W. Wakefield, Company G, took Garrett a prisoner. Said Garrett had run down a bank and hid himself when he was arrested.
We have to report 4 of the enemy killed, 2 wounded. Their names are Love and Warfield, the latter a son of Sallie Carneal. He says if he gets away he will join the Southern Army again. Two prisoners sent to you. We captured a negro [sic] man and boy, whose team the rebels had impressed and was carrying them off; they were sent home. Our teamsters and horses were recaptured.
We have some men missing, but as the force pursued dwindled down to five, who were run to Stone River, which they swam, we hope they escaped and will turn up. Maj. Pugh was in command of the pursuing force. Morgan left his men and put out for himself; he was fired at, but missed.
Our pursuit was a hot one when we struck into the woods at full tilt, through thick underbrush, cedar thickets, and swamps, meandering into rocky spots, evidently done to obliterate the trail by the enemy. We began to see lost harness, caps, hats, blankets, horses hitched and left on the way. On we went until we overtook the teamsters and Gen. Dumont's aide, and prisoners left on the way, liberated by the onslaught of the advance. Harper, of your body guard, escaped after being shot at twice and feigning to be shot by falling. Never was joy more portrayed in the countenances of men when liberated. One of our teamsters (Crow) is, we fear, mortally wounded. We have taken some guns and horses.
Many thrilling incidents took place that would make my report too long. The white people are treacherous and unreliable, all lying to deceive us. We can only depend on the statements of negroes [sic]. No doubt many of our horses will be broken down and worthless by the chase.
I have to report my entire command being eager to meet the enemy, although a very small portion-15 or 20 men in advance-did most of the execution, as we had to move by files through the woods, and that with great difficulty. But for the fact that the enemy placed our teamsters and prisoners between us and themselves we would have done great execution; as it was, we think Morgan got the worst of the attack. Had we ammunition, or our riflemen been in the advance, the list of the killed and wounded would have been very heavy.
Company C had been out all night near La Vergne and 3 miles beyond; the men and horses tired, but they jumped to their guns and saddles when ordered.
We have reason to know we are surrounded with treachery. The prisoners examined lied when examined. Many who take the oath of allegiance only do it to betray us. I have sent out three scouting parties all over the country to recover whatever may be found-stray horses, harness, &c.
Respectfully submitted to you.
JNO. KENNETT, Col., Cmdg.
No. 2.
Report of Capt. John H. Morgan, Kentucky Cavalry (Confederate).
MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., March 10, 1862.
SIR: With a view of determining the enemy's position and his movements Lieut.-Col. Wood, myself, 10 Rangers, and 15 or my squadron left here on the 7th instant at 2 p. m. and proceeded in the direction of Nashville; marching 18 miles, and avoiding the pike, we encamped for the night.
Early on the morning of the 8th, having procured suitable guides, we resumed our march and entered the Federal lines. At about half a mile from a cavalry camp, which we were compelled to pass in full view, we captured 5 men, belonging to the Thirteenth Ohio, Col. Smith; their arms, Enfield rifles, were also secured. Passing the cavalry camp we continued our march in the direction of Nashville. Having obtained a suitable position in the woods opposite the Lunatic Asylum, where we had a good view of the pike, operations commenced. Seeing a train with its guard approaching, Col. Wood, myself, and 4 men, wearing United States overcoats, rode down to the pike, stopped the train, and made 23 prisoners. The horses and mules were cut from the wagons and the prisoners mounted and sent back to the party in the woods. This continued until we had accumulated 98 prisoners, among them Gen. Dumont's aide and several other officers. Returning in three parties, with the prisoners, one party, consisting of 60 prisoners and 10 guards, commanded by one of my lieutenants (Owens), was attacked and pursued by the Fourth Regt. [sic] Ohio Cavalry. After a pursuit of 15 miles, during which the prisoners were abandoned, the lieutenant succeeded in reaching the river with his party, and, plunging in from a steep bank, swam across, the river arresting the progress of the enemy. During the pursuit many shots were fired by the enemy, but without effect. Two of the prisoners who resisted (officers) were shot. Four of the lieutenant's men, who were in danger of being overtaken, turned off in the woods, and as yet have not made their appearance.
Col. Wood, with 14 men and 28 prisoners, succeeded in crossing the country and reaching our pickets near Murfreesborough the same night, having passed within a mile of the enemy's cavalry.
Returning alone in the direction of Murfreesborough I encountered a picket of 6 men, who surrendered to me on being summoned, and delivered up their arms. Being joined by a man of my command (Mr. Spalding), with 4 additional prisoners, the next morning we joined Col. Wood's party and returned to Murfreesborough. We have 38 prisoners, who have been sent forward.
We have a large number of horses and mules, sabers, pistols, saddles, harness, &c., which I shall distribute to the men of my command here who need them.
There are no indications of an advance on the part of the enemy. Their force in about 6,500. Their advance (a regiment of cavalry) is about 8 miles this side of Nashville, on the Murfreesborough pike. A sergeant among the prisoners, who seems to be an intelligent man, can give you some interesting details.
I shall report to you in person on Tuesday. Col. Wood desires me to say he will return this evening or to-morrow.
JOHN H. MORGAN, Capt., Cmdg. Post.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. Vol. 10, pt. I, pp. 5-7.
8, GENERAL ORDERS No. 43, relative to exiling Confederate sympathizers south of Federal lines in Middle Tennessee
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 43., HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, Tenn., March 8, 1863.
I. The general commanding finds within his lines many helpless and suffering families whose natural protectors and supporters are in arms against us. These people need food, clothing and protection which it is neither our duty nor in our power adequately to provide. Many others whose sympathies and connections are such as to surmount all the obligations that arise from their permission to remain within our lines, forbidding them to communicate with the enemy or act as spies against us. The residence of these persons within our lines not only continually endangers us be their own integrity and personal safety. It is therefore ordered that:
1. All those whose natural supporters are in the rebel service, and.
2. All whose sympathies and connection are such that they cannot given the assurance that they will conduct themselves as peaceable citizens shall hold themselves in readiness to go south of our lines within ten days from the date of notice.
II. They will be permitted to take with them all their personal effects not contraband of war. They will apply to the nearest provost-marshal or commanding officer for the requisite passes and will be required to give assurance that they have taken no contraband of war.
III. Persons thus going South who shall thereafter enter our lines without permission will be regarded and treated as spies.
IV. All who acknowledge their obligations as citizens of the United States; all who give by the non-combination's oath and bond or in any other satisfactory manner the requisite assurance that they will behave themselves as peaceable citizens may remain at home, following their usual avocations, subject to military orders and regulations.
By command of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans:
C. GODDARD, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. II, Vol. 5, p. 339.
Thursday-March 12 [1863] General Rosecrans has issued an order notifying all persons in Murfreesboro or within his lines whose principles will not allow them to take the oath of allegiance, that they must prepare to be sent beyond his lines within the next ten days. The reason for this order is that many women and children are here whose natural supporters are in the Confederate Army and it is not considered good policy for these persons to be supplied from rations intended for our Army in place of being supplies by and thereby reducing the stock of provision possessed by the Confederates. Another consideration is the probability of news being conveyed to the enemy by sympathizers within out lines.
Diary of Lyman S. Widney
An Important Order—Rebel Sympathizers to be sent South.
A gentleman who came down from Murfreesboro' yesterday informs us that Gen. Rosecrans has issued an important order, which we find referred to in the Murfreesboro' dispatch of the 9th inst., to the Cincinnati Gazette as follows: "All persons whose natural supporters are in the rebel service, and all whose sympathies are with rebellion, preventing them from giving sufficient assurance that they will conduct themselves as peaceable citizens within our lines, are ordered to hold themselves in readiness to go south within the next ten days. They are permitted to take all their personal effects except those contraband of war, and if after once leaving they are again found within our lines, they are to be treated as spies."
One reason for the issuing of this order is stated in the document, as we learn from our informant, to be that, owing to the fact that many of the women and children within the Federal lines, whose natural protectors are in the rebel service or within their lines, fine it almost impossible to obtain the necessaries of life, it is not the duty of the Government to take care of them. The order, he says, embraces, besides such women and children, all men who have in any way aided or been connected with the rebels. All sympathizers who do not come under this classification, and whom proper judges deem peaceably inclined, will be permitted to remain on taking the noncombatant's oath and giving bond.
Nashville Dispatch, March 12, 1863.
8, A Tale of Confederate Courageous Audacity
A Gallant Feat.
Our readers will remember that some weeks ago a large lot of cattle that were being driven from Yankeedom to provision the forces at Knoxville, was captured by some of Gen. Long street's men, and the whole, about 1,200 in number, turned over to the Confederate commissary. We have just learned the particulars connected with this capture, and as they have never been published, deem it not too late yet to place upon record the manner in which the Yankee starving at Knoxville were cheated out of such a vast quantity of meat.
The drove had reached a point abut nine miles from Knoxville, and was under the escort of three companies of the Indiana six months' men. A party of Gen. Longstreet's scouts, eleven in number, discovered the prize, and, notwithstanding the disparity of numbers, at once determined to secure it, if possible. Placing themselves in ambush at a favorable point, at the proper moment they delivered a fire from their carbines, which disables some eight or ten of the Yankees. Immediately drawing their revolvers, they made a charge, firing as they ran. So dismayed were the Yanks that all broke and fled, except one captain and forty-three privates, who surrendered without resistance. The captors speedily started for Gen. Martin's camp, twelve miles distant, which they succeeded in reaching with all their prisoners, and nine hundred and eighty of the cattle. Not satisfied with this, the procured aid from Gen. Martin, and returning on the road, picket up over two hundred more of the cattle that had escaped from them on the route.
We regret our inability to give the names of the daring actors in this affair. They deserved, as they received, a public acknowledgement of their services, which was made by Gen. Longstreet, in a genera order, and they were also granted a furlough of sixty days. Seven of the number were members of Terry's Texas rangers, and four of the 3d Arkansas cavalry. We should like to record their names, if possible
Memphis Daily Appeal, March 8, 1864. [2]
8, "…she had left there some time before, I suppose for Yankeedom." A house servant's taste for freedom results in former masters doing housework in Bolivar
Nothing from Lettie [a house slave] yet. Yesterday morning Sister Mary sent her to Mrs. Grey's, and upon finding at the expiration of three of four hours, she failed to return, sent for her, but she had left there some time before, I suppose for Yankeedom. Joy go with her. Sister and myself cleaned up our rooms this morning alone and before the negroes [sic] had risen. (So much for Southern cruelty). She made the fire. I made up my bed and did various other things as cheerfully as any one. Had the rooms cleaned, breakfast over and baby washed and dressed before nine. When Lettie was here the rooms were generally done about eleven. Ha! Ha! Ha! I'm very glad she's gone. The rest [of the slaves] will follow her example. The nuisances! Two women, one man and four children, all save one able to work, can't get ready for business until ten or eleven o'clock in the morning. Isn't it perfectly ridiculous! O Yankees, Yankees, what mistakes you have made in your attempt at sympathy and kindness....
Diary of Sally Wendel Fentress.
[1] Listed in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee as "Operations Near Nashville."
[2] Valley of the Shadow.
James B. Jones, Jr.
Public Historian
Tennessee Historical Commission
2941 Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN 37214
(615)-532-1550 x115
(615)-532-1549 FAX
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