Monday, December 9, 2013

12/9/2013 Tennessee Civil War Notes

9, "Soldier's Relief."

A most interesting debate transpired in the Senate yesterday, upon a motion of re-consideration to the vote of a few days ago, rejecting a most necessary and humane measure, that for the clothing and comfort of our volunteers. Mr. Barrow delivered a long and eloquent speech in advocacy of the motion to re-consider, during which he took a general survey of the original bill, its suggestive points and useful features. He took a full length portrait of the soldier, of all times and ages, his hardships and heroism; drew many apropos illustrations from history commented upon the merits of the bill ins dispute, and closed with an eloquent allusion to Keelan, of Strawberry bridge the details of whose gallant defence, he presented with great force. Mr. Barrow's Speech was lengthy, and one of the most able of the session.-He was followed by Mr. Lane, who opposed, upon prudential reasons, the measure, with much precision. Mr. Bumpass closed the afternoon session with an amendment, and a few pointed remarks. As the bill is one of great importance, we may either notice it, editorially, hereafter, or-since they agree with our own opinion-may present some abstract to Mr. Barrow's argument.

Banner

Nashville Daily Gazette, December 9, 1861.

 

 

9, A Robertson County farmer robbed by Confederate guerrillas

Headquarters Camp Dec 9th, 1862

Gov Johnston [sic]

About the first of September the Guerrillas came to my house and took forceable [sic] possession of one Bay Horse valued by my neighbors at Onehundred [sic] and Seventy five Dollars—and about the fifteenth of October they took one fine mule from me valued at $200-00 Two hundred Dollars [.] Also the Same [sic] lawless band took from me 2 other mules – valued at 4100-00 Each [sic] (One hundred Dollars each) - $200.00[.] they [sic] also took from me three Rifle Guns-that cost me $75-Dollars and [a] Shot Gun [sic] [that cost me] $20-Dollars[.] They also took one shot Gun [sic] and one Rifle from my son Wm Fallis [sic] worth $20-Dollars each=$40---Dollars[.] they [sic] also took two Guns from James Fallis-worth Ea $20= $40[.] they took my Overcoat worth $15—

[E. P. Follis][1]

Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 93

 

 

9, 1863 - The 10th Illinois Volunteer Infantry in camp near Columbus,[2] Polk County

Today we have every reason to be thankfull [sic] that we are purmited [sic] to remain in camp. As a good days rest will help us all a great deal. I understand from Cap Watters now on J. G. Davises [sic] stafe [sic] that we were ordered to this place and we had to remain here and awate [sic] further orders.

The boys are aloud [sic] to run all over the country and bie [sic] themselves something to eat N. Fancher, Brian Anderson and Myself went out and called in a few houses we wanted to get a little ink but as there is few that uses this article in this Southern country it is hard to find

We came to [a] house where there was an old lady and 4 daughters all grown they were all tolerably good looking expacely [sic] the two youngest. And by there [sic] conversation the two youngest were a little better scooled [sic]. They were willing to bake and do all they could for the soldiers but like all others, knew as well how to charge we set and passed the time away for about an hour dureing [sic] that time a soldier belonging to the 21st Kintucky [sic] came along with his gun in his hand and passed down from the house into the corn field he was hunting a hog or sheep but the provost martal [sic] came rideing [sic] along and called him up he refused to come the provost martal [sic] jumped the fence with his hors [sic], the fellow comenced [sic] to load his gun to shoot him but the provo [sic] gallaped up to him with him revolver cocked and took him prisoner he will be cort [sic] marteled [sic] we drawed some meal tonight two mills are pressed for our use.

John Hill Fergusson Diary, Book 3.

 

 

9, "Howe's & Norton's Champion Circus."

We are happy to state for the information of the lovers of exhibitions of muscular energy and daring feats of horsemanship, that the interruption to their gratification has been removed; the famous trick horses having been returned, all in good order. The mammoth circus is again in full blast. Little Alice, the fairy equestrienne, is the wonder of the circle; no one so young can accomplish so many daring feats with such evident coolness is the astonishment of all beholders; Madame Agnes'' performances on the slack wire is always well received; Master Charles Fish and James Madigan are unsurpassed as graceful and daring riders. Messrs. Lawlow, Aymar, and Davenport, keep the immense throng convulsed with laughter by their grotesque posturing and witty saying, and their jokes are not the stale abortions we were accustomed to hear, but entirely original, and show that they are not only humorous, but educated and refined. Mr. T. R. O. Howe, by his wonderful success in the training of that intelligent quadruped, Gen Grant, has proven himself to be the prince of trainers, and almost convinces us that horses have reason. But what shall we say of Lester, the contortionist, "are you man or demon?" We sincerely doubt whether it is possible for him to be burthened with the calcareous substance denominated bones; whalebone has been suggested, but even whalebone cannot be vent to a right angle without cracking; and comes the right single, isosceles, and all other angles triangle, circles, ovals, oblongs-well, to Trotter's geometry for the balance of his shapes. Trick horse, comic and acting mules, are additional features. We cannot conclude without writing a few words in praise of the splendid cornet band, led by Prof. Peters, that adds so much to the magnificence of the entertainment. In short, if you want to study, go to the Circus; if you want to be astonished, got to the Circus; if you want to laugh, go to the Circus; if you want to-well, go the Circus by all means.

Nashville Dispatch, December 9, 1864.

 

 

9 "The Situation."

The cold weather yesterday, or something else, caused more than the usual quiet which has prevailed along the line for several days past. There was some skirmishing in front of the fourth corps, on the Granny White pike, growing out of an order to dislodge some Rebel pickets who had taken position nearer to the Federal line than was agreeable. The Rebel pickets were in larger force than was supposed, and repulsed the squad sent to dislodge them. The Union force was re-enforced and, after a brisk little skirmish, drove the Rebels from their position they had occupied, capturing two of them, who belonged to an Alabama regiment. We could hear of no other firing on any portion of the line.

It was reported that several dwelling houses on the "neutral ground" were destroyed by fire, some by each army. The citizens who resided on the territory between the two armies have suffered immensely from taking and destruction of their property.

Three rebel deserters came into the lines Wednesday and one yesterday, and gave themselves up.

Maj. Gen. Couch, who was recently ordered to report to Gen. Thomas has been assigned to the command of the second division of the twenty-third corps.

Nashville Dispatch, December 9, 1864.



[1] The editors of the Papers of Andrew Johnson concluded that he signed his name "Follis" but spelled it "Fallis" in the body of the letter.

[2] Columbus was located in the northwest corner of Polk County. According to The History of Polk County, Tennessee 1839-1999 by Roy G. Lillard, the town was located due south of Athens, Tennessee, on the north bank of the Hiwassee river. It was already an incorporated town when Polk County was created in 1840. Thus, it became the first county seat until, through an election, the town of Benton was chosen.

It was a prosperous trading center, being near the grist mill that was built by treaty in the "Cherokee county for the use of the Nation."  With the loss of the Indian trade after the Removal of 1838 and the move of the county seat to Benton, Columbus began its decline, and was "unincorporated" by the General Assembly in 1855. It is said that the Union troops stationed there during the Civil War tore down the last store and built a pontoon bridge across the Hiwassee river. 


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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