12, Report of negative reactions to the Confederate draft in Nashville ca. December 6, 1861
The Louisville Correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette writes, under date of the twelfth of December, 1861, the following facts relative to the attempt of the Tennessee authorities to draft soldiers:
"I have news from Nashville to the sixth [Dec. 6th]. Indignation of Gov. Harris' orders to raise troops by draft from the militia was intense, even among the secessionists. The Daily Gazette denounced it in unmeasured terms, declaring that it was worse than Lincoln's call for men to 'subdue the South.' In the fourth ward of Nashville, Capt. Patterson refused to obey orders for conscription, but was afterward forced to obedience by a threat of court-martial. In South-Nashville, on the second inst., a mob of more than one hundred men rushed upon the Governor's officers, and broke up the boxes used in drafting. A fight ensued between the Confederate officers and the people, in which two persons were killed and ten or twelve wounded.
"Gov. Harris was compelled to keep his room at the St. Cloud up to the time my informant left, under strong guard, for fear of assassination by the incensed people. He had received many anonymous letters threatening his life. Col. Henry Calibourne, of the militia, was also afraid to show his head on the streets.
"The writer further states that J. O. Griffith, financial proprietor of the Nashville Union and American, original secessionist, and Hugh McCrea, an Irish original secessionist, were among those drawn for militi[a] service. There wholesale dry goods merchants, Alfred Adams, Tom Fife, and W. S. Akin, had also been selected to shoulder the musket. Some wealthy persons offered as high as two thousand dollars for substitutes."
Cincinnati Gazette, December 12, 1861.[1]
12, East Tennessee News
Latest news from East Tennessee-Arrest of Brownlow-Knoxville, Dec. 6th.-Dr. W.G. Brownlow, late Editor of the Knoxville Whig, was arrested today by order of Brigadier General Carroll, and committed to jail to await his trial on the charge of treason. Gen. Carroll is pursuing a determined and rigorous policy which is exercising a salutary effect upon the traitors in this section. The arrest of Brownlow will do much to quell their insurrectionary spirit.
There has been some little skirmishing between straggling squads of Lincolnites and our troops above this place, but no outbreak of importance his occurred.
The rebellion in East Tennessee may now be regarded as completely quelled.
Memphis Appeal.
Macon Daily Telegraph, December 12, 1861.
12, Newspaper report on Parson Brownlow's timidity and the exodus of Unionists from West Tennessee
The Federal victory reported through rebel sources in East Tennessee, is probably incorrect, so far as Parson Brownlow is concerned. On the 2nd of Dec. Mr. Brownlow was at Knoxville, when he published a card, saying that he still adhered to his engagement not to engage in hostility against the state authority.
It is reported that large numbers of Union men are fleeing portions of West Tennessee to escape from impressments into the rebel service. They wish to take up arms for the Union, and represent that a like Union feeling is fast growing in their section of the state.
New Hampshire Sentinel, December 12, 1861.
12, Newspaper Report on Continued Unionist Insurgent Opposition to the Confederacy in East Tennessee
EAST TENNESSEE.
The movements of the gallant Union men of East Tennessee continue to afford a matter of unfeigned alarm as well as of daily chronicle to the Secession press. It is a most mortifying consideration that we should derive from secession sources all our intelligence respecting these indications of unabated loyalty to the National Government-a loyalty which has not only refused to blench in the presence of revolutionary violence, but has even survived the apparent desertions of a Government which boast of an army reaching to the number of 660,000. It is greatly to be regretted that of this large force no portion can be diverted to the rescue and defence of the intrepid Unionist of East Tennessee, who have deserved something better than a halter as a rewarded for their persistent fidelity to the national flag. We append from recent Southern journals some very painful intimations under this head:
From the Lynchburg Republican of December 5.
A letter from one of our subscribers, a Colonel in the Confederate service, dated Russellville, Tennessee, December 3 [Tuesday] says that the tories and bridge burned have not all left East Tennessee yet. Since we drove them from the Chimney Top mountains they have collected in Cocke and Hancock counties, where our citizen soldiers have made two unsuccessful attempts upon them. I hope, however, to get them today with my command, and will avail myself of the earliest moment to advise you as to the re. We hung two of the leading bridge burners in Greenville on Saturday [Dec. 1] evening.
From the Knoxville Register of December 4.
Garret Hall, formerly of Morgan county, Tennessee, but who for some months has been with the East Tennessee Lincoln troops in Kentucky, was arrested in that county on Monday last and brought to this city by Confederate troops. We understand that when arrested he was acting in the capacity of a recruiting officer for Lincoln's army, in Kentucky. He is represented as a desperate man, and in making the arrest he was shot by one of the Confederate party, but, we learn, not severely wounded. Considerable curiosity was manifested by the citizens on his arrival, everybody wanting to get a peep at the "mule."[2] He was lodged in the city jail.
FROM EAST TENNESSEE.
A private dispatch from Knoxville received in Richmond brings information that several skirmishes between the Lincolnites and Confederates near Morristown, with what results not stated. Gen. Carroll, with one thousand of his command, left Knoxville for the infected district.
Daily National Intelligencer (Washington, D. C.), December 12, 1861[3]
7, Action and victory at Hartsville due to providential intervention
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 155. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT No. 2.
Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 12, 1862.
With pride and pleasure, mingled with gratitude to the Supreme source of all our victories, the general commanding has the satisfaction of announcing to his troops the signal triumph of our arms at Hartsville, Tenn., on the 7th instant. This brilliant exploit was achieved by a portion of Morgan's cavalry brigade, together with detachments from the Second and Ninth Kentucky Regiments of Infantry, under Col. Hurt, the whole under Brig.-Gen. Morgan. After a remarkable march of more than 40 miles, through snow and ice, they forded the Cumberland under cover of darkness, and at daylight precipitated themselves upon the enemy. Our success was complete. With a force of not more than 1,200 men in action, we inflicted a loss upon the enemy of 500 killed and wounded, and captured 1,800 prisoners, with all their arms, munitions, and other stores. Our own loss was small compared with the result, not exceeding 125 in killed and wounded. The memory of the gallant men who fell to rise no more will be revered by their comrades, and forever honored by their country. To Brig.-Gen. Morgan and to Col. Hunt the general tenders his thanks, and assures them of the admiration of his army. The intelligence, zeal, and gallantry displayed by them will serve as an example and an incentive to still more honorable deeds. To the other brave officers and men composing the expedition the general tenders his cordial thanks and congratulations. He is proud of them, and hails the success achieved by their valor in the action will in future bear upon its colors the name of the memorable field.[4]
By command of Gen. Bragg:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, p. 65.
12, A note on Confederate conscription near Memphis
~~~~
Rebel parties continue forcing poor white men in West Tennessee into the ranks. They have been particularly active in the vicinity of Memphis, expecting, no doubt, to get those tinctured with Unionism.
~~~~
Louisville Daily Journal, December 12, 1862
12, "Trouble in Camp;" a controversy about militia uniforms in Memphis
Very great injustice was done by a communication signed "A Member," which appeared in yesterday's Daily Journal. After giving the resolution adopted the other day by the officers of the enrolled militia, relative to memorializing Gen. Veatch about uniforming the companies, the writer veers captiously and unjustly adds the following unnecessary remarks:
"Quite a sensation was produced by one Capt. J. B. Synnott, commander of the Typographical Corps, who moved to substitute the rebel uniform instead of the United States style. We are happy to say, however, that the motion received no second, and consequently no action was taken upon it.
Straws show which way the wind blows, and this speaks rather badly for the society of the Typographical company of this city, who have chosen this man as their leader"--
Carrying the impression that the Typographical Guards are a disloyal company, or something to that effect. As to the matter of the election of Captain Synnott, we would say it was no indication of the sentiments or wishes of the company, as not more than fifteen or twenty of them were present at the time. In fact, the officers were appointed before any portion of the company was regularly enlisted. No opportunity has been given to the company, to our knowledge, to express a preference for any particular man as their commander.
We belong to this company ourself, and have some interest in this matter. A couple of years service in the Federal army should be considered sufficient voucher for our loyalty. Can "A Member" say as much for himself? We know full a score whose antecedents are as clear on the same subject, in the company. Can any other company in the city show a greater proportion of element that has always been loyal to the old flag?
One word with regard to Capt. Synott's remarks: He said nothing about substituting "the rebel uniform," but offered to amend a resolution by substituting gray overcoats in the place of blue. "A Member" is not a member of the Typographical Guards.
Memphis Bulletin, December 12, 1863.
12, "A Scene."
We paddled up on Second street, then splashed along on Main, and waded down on Jefferson, all through the mud and rain. The roads, they were awful, and in outrageous plight, especially at the corner of Washington and White. 'Twas there we saw a lady of portly form and broad, in company with a little gent; both wished to cross the road. He went ahead exploring while she looked on from shore; he sank down to the bottom some half leg deep or more. 'Twas plain it was impossible for a lady of her weight to cross with clean pediments, or that hog to navigate. They stood sometime in confab, discussing what to do; she couldn't get over it, nor go 'round it, and never would go through. Imperatively, however, she must be on to her side; there was no way left to fix it, but somehow to get a ride. They gazed both up and down street, and waited for a dray, but neither cart or omnibus was seen by them that day. They then again consulted, in animated talk, but the upshot of the matter was she couldn't, wouldn't walk.
They gazed again up and down the street, and saw the coast was clear; to their utmost satisfaction, not a soul was near; then straightway on the curbstone stepped this woman dressed in black when stopping down before her, he took her on his back. Remember, he was a small man, and she somewhat weighty-some over a hundred and seventy five pound, many would say eighty. Truly it was amusing to see the comic sight of the big and portly woman, and the little staggering weight. He halted and he hobbled beneath the awkward load, while her feet dangled down behind him, a trailing in the road. He reached the very deepest place in the middle of the street, when the load proved too much for him, he tripped with both his feet. With a monstrous scream and spatter, they both came tumbling down; the mud completely hid the man and plastered o'er her gown. A more used up community we ne'er before did see, than this diluvian couple then appeared to be. We laughed most consumedly at the floundering pair-laughed at her stout understandings[5] a kicking in the air-then retired in good order.
Memphis Bulletin, December 12, 1863
12, Reports of Surgeon J. Theodore Heard, Medical Director, Fourth Army Corps, relative to the Middle Tennessee Campaign of November-December 1865
Reports of Surg. J. Theodore Heard, Medical Director, Fourth Army Corps, of operations November 29-30 and December 15-26, 1864.
HDQRS. FOURTH ARMY CORPS, MEDICAL DIRECTOR'S OFFICE, Nashville, Tenn., December 12, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the medical department of the Fourth Army Corps at the battle of Spring Hill and Franklin, November 29 and 30, respectively:
On the morning of the 29th of November the Fourth Corps (three divisions) and the Twenty-third Corps (two divisions) were in position on the north bank of Duck River, opposite Columbia, Tenn. The enemy, or the larger portion of the rebel army, was upon the south bank and confronting our lines. At 9 a. m. the Second Division, Fourth Corps, marched for Spring Hill, accompanied by and guarding all the trains of the army, with the exception of twenty ambulances left with the First and Third Divisions, Fourth Corps, which divisions were ordered to remain with the Twenty-third Corps until dark and then withdraw with the rest of the army. About 2 p. m., the head of column being within one mile of Spring Hill, the general commanding was informed that the cavalry of the enemy was pushing back our cavalry and rapidly approaching the town. The troops were at once pushed forward at double-quick, passed through the town, charged the enemy, checked him, and finally caused him to retire. The division was then placed in position to protect the pike on which the trains were moving. About 4 p. m. the right brigade(Third Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Bradley) was furiously attacked by what afterward proved to be two brigades of rebel infantry. The attack was continued until nearly dark, when our right gave way toward the pike, followed by the enemy. Fortunately, however, all trains had then passed and were parked north of the town, where also division hospitals were temporarily established and the wounded rapidly cared for. A few wounded were unavoidably lost when the right gave way. One hundred and fifteen wounded were brought to hospital. Shortly after dark orders were given to break up hospitals, load ambulances, and be ready to move with the other trains at a moment's notice. The rest of the army reached Spring Hill about 10 p. m., and continued their march through the town toward Franklin. The hospital and ambulance trains moved at the same time, reaching Franklin at 10 a. m. November 30, without loss, although several times attacked by the enemy's cavalry. The wounded and sick were shipped by rail to Nashville early in the afternoon. The two divisions of the Twenty-third Corps, with the First and Second Divisions of the Fourth Corps, remained south of Harpeth River and entrenched themselves; the Third Division, Fourth Corps, crossed to the north side of the river, and was not engaged in the battle of Franklin.
At about 1 p. m. November 30 the enemy appeared in force opposite our lines. At 3.30 p. m., as it was determined to withdraw at dark toward Nashville, orders were given to send all trains, except half the ambulances of each division, to Nashville. Soon after the trains were fairly on the road the enemy commenced a furious attack upon the entire lines. Six distinct assaults were made, and, by hard fighting, were repulsed, with great loss to the enemy. As soon as the firing commenced orders were sent for the hospital wagons to be parked in the nearest filed, and the tents to be temporarily pitched, all ambulances to return and cross the river. Efforts were then made to obtain a train of cars for the wounded; the commanding general, however, did not deem it best that one should be telegraphed for. Owing to the intense darkness and imperfect provision for crossing and recrossing the river, the movements of ambulances were necessarily retarded. The wounded were collected at hospital as rapidly as possible. The town was thoroughly searched for wounded. Orders were issued for the withdrawal of troops at 12 o'clock. The ambulances worked constantly until 11 p. m., and were then loaded to their utmost with wounded collected at hospitals. Such slight cases of disease as remained were loaded upon arm wagons. The hospitals and ambulance trains were the last to draw out, and were closely followed by the troops; 550 wounded were brought off. From all that can be ascertained it is probable that from 75 to 100 wounded of this corps were left in the hands of the enemy. Many rebel wounded fell into our hands, but were left for want of transportation. The ambulance train reached Nashville at 9 a. m. December 1, and the wounded were placed in general hospital. The following casualties occurred in the ambulance corps of Fourth Army Corps.[6]
List of wounded and tabular statements of wounded have already been forwarded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. THEO. HEARD, Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers.
Surg. GEORGE E. COOPER, U. S. ARMY, Medical Director, Department of the Cumberland.
HDQRS. FOURTH ARMY CORPS, MEDICAL DIRECTOR'S OFFICE, Huntsville, Ala., January -, 1865.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the medical department of this corps during the battles of December 15 and 16 near Nashville, Tenn.:
On the morning of December 14 orders were received to be ready at 6 a. m. December 15 to move upon the enemy's position. The hospitals of this corps, which, since the 2d of the month, had been located near the city on the Franklin pike, were ordered to be broken up and the hospital train to be parked on the Hill borough pike, there to remain until further developments; the sick were transferred to general hospital. At 7 a. m. December 15 the troops of this corps moved out by the Hillsborough pike in front of the line of works occupied by them during the two weeks previous, and formed as follows: First Division on the right, connecting with the left of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith's command; Second Division on the left of the First; and the Third Division on the left of the Second and somewhat retired. The hospitals of the corps were at once established directly on the Hillsborough pike, and about a quarter of a mile in rear of the line of works. The site selected was the lawn in front of a large brick house; water was abundant and good. Detachments from each division ambulance train were close in rear of the troops; the remaining ambulances were parked in rear of the works and ready to move out when required; the stretcher men were with their respective regiments. During the fighting of the 15th ultimo the line of this corps was advanced nearly two miles. The loss in wounded was not severe, being only 203 men. The wounded were promptly removed the field and cared for at division hospitals. After dark, the fighting having ceased and all operations and dressing having been attended to, the wounded were transferred to general hospital. As the position of the corps had now changed from the Hillsborough pike to the Franklin pike, the hospital trains was ordered to be loaded and ready to move at daylight on the 16th ultimo.
On the morning of the 16th ultimo the position of the troops of this corps was as follows: The Third Division on the left of the Franklin pike, connecting with the right of Maj.-Gen. Steedman's command; Second Division in center; and the First Division on the right, connecting with the command of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith. The hospitals were located on the right and left of the Franklin pike at "The Springs," about two miles in advance of the old line of works; the ambulances were near the troops. The fighting of to-day was much more severe than that of yesterday, although the casualties were wonderfully slight. Four hundred and ninety-five men of this corps were wounded and taken to hospital. Shell wounds were of more frequent occurrence than on the previous day. At night the wounded, after being attended to, were ordered to be transferred to general hospital and the hospital trains to be leaded and ready to move at early day, either for the establishment of the hospitals near the troops in the event of another battle, or to be ready to follow the corps in case, as was probable, the enemy should retreat.
The medical and ambulance officers of the corps deserve great praise for the faithful and efficient manner in which they performed their arduous duties. With little or no rest for fifty hours, they yet cheerfully and fearlessly continued at their posts. I can truly say that I have never seen wounded more promptly removed from the field or better carried for in division hospitals.
Medical and hospital supplies were abundant and rations plenty. There were no casualties in the ambulance corps or among medical officers.
The following number of wounded of other commands was received into hospitals of this corps, viz.,: Rebels, 15; Twelfth U. S. Colored Troops, 2; Thirteenth U. S. Colored Troops, 40; Fourteenth U. S. Colored Troops, 1; One hundredth U. S. Colored Troops, 3; total of other command, 61.
Inclosed are lists of rebels wounded received into hospitals of this command.
The battle reports of division hospitals have been forwarded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. THEO. HEARD, Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, Medical Director.
Surg. GEORGE E. COOPER, U. S. Army, Medical Director, Department of the Cumberland.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 174-177.
12, "Two More Soldiers Shot."
Two Indiana soldiers were shot, and one of them killed, at a house of ill fame on College street, yesterday afternoon. The two women occupying the apartment where the men received their wounds, were arrested and taken before Capt. Moshier the Chief of Military Police. The statement of one of these women, Emily Elizabeth Clinton, is to the effect that her man's name is John Moore; that she was born in Missouri and raised in Hamilton county, Tennessee, that the two men who were shot entered the house yesterday afternoon, and sat by the fire about fifteen minutes when a soldier rode up and threw rocks at the door, or knocked with his pistol or gun; that one of the men went to the door and asked "What you want, friend?" when the soldier on horseback asked if there was any one in the house belonging to the Tenth cavalry. The man at the door replied "No; there are only two Indianians [sic] here." when the soldier fired and the man fell; he fired again, and shot the other man in the cheek. Witness ran out, and seeing the soldier stopped her as she was running around the house; jerked the pistol from him, pulled off the caps, and threw the pistol away; does not know where the pistol is; it was a six-shooter; the man had on an overcoat and hat, with sabre, sword and pistol; they were all sitting before the fire when the soldier rode up to the door; the man who was shot through the cheek was named Sam; witness had seen him only before; had never seen either of the other two before. Mary Kelly, the other woman arrested, denied all knowledge of the men, and related about the same tale as to the shooting. Capt Moshier made a searching examination, and believing the woman knew more than they were willing to tell, he committed them both to jail. The body of the dead soldier was removed, and the wounded man was removed to Hospital No. 3
Nashville Dispatch, December 13, 1864
[1] As cited in Rebellion Record, Vol. 4. p. 25.
[2] Most likely a stubborn, intractable person, as in "stubborn as a mule."
[3] TSL&A, 19th CN.
[4] The colors of the One hundred and fourth Illinois were captured by Private William H. Carson, Second Kentucky (Confederate) Infantry, and the regimental colors by Corp. Augustus Reynand, Ninth Kentucky (Confederate) Infantry.
[5] That is, her legs.
[6] Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 killed, 3 wounded, and 1 missing.
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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