1861
15, A request for arms to fight a guerrilla[1] war against Confederate forces in Fentress County; a letter to U. S. Senator Andrew Johnson
Louisville, Ky
July 15, 1861
Hon. Andrew Johnson
Dear Sir
Dr [sic] Hale[2] is here from Fentress Co. E. Tenn-He says 400 Middle Ten[n] Troops came into that Co on last Monday evening-He represents that they are with out arms or Ammunitions-Not a pound of powder in the Co. The people, he says are determined to Expel them and he came here to try to get arms-- He wants Rifles of some sort. The Enfield—Hall or the Minnie Rifle. That his people know nothing of any gun by the rifle-- He requests me to write you to know within what time he can be furnished with a 1000 Rifles-- If they cant [sic] possibly get rifles they want the next best gun they can get.- Such an One as will be suited to a Guerilla [sic] warfare-- I would be very much pleased if you would write immediately-- Twenty Cos in the S.E. part of Ky are preparing to assist in E. Tenn [sic]
Allow me to suggest that the communication between Ky & E Tenn is greatly interrupted by the secession post masters in the South E Quarter of the State-- I have been in that quarter of the state recently and have seen a number of E. Tennesseans who tell me that they have not received a line from Ky, owing to this interruption. They should be removed at once[.]
Write, if you please, at once. The Guns can be sent to James Speed or the Surveyor of the port in this City and will be forwarded to them to Clinton Co Ky and deposited some-where [sic] near the line from whence they can be easily obtained by the Fentress Co. people. You will probably remember me-- I was five years ago a citizen of Sumner Co Tenn. Met you once at Col. Guild['s] when John K. Howard was present. I was the person who brought Howard the information of this father having been Killed [sic] in the East by a Collission [sic] of the Cars.
Yours Respectfully,
S. S. Bush
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 4, p. 580.
15, A Description of Chattanooga
Our Chattanooga Correspondence.
Chattanooga, Tenn., July 15.
Chattanooga as a Manufacturing Town-Extensive Tannery-Foundries-Scarcity of Pig Iron-Casting Rifled Ordnance-Troops en route for Virginia-Demand for the Charleston Mercury-The Spirit in Chattanooga, etc., etc.
During an unexpected stay of a few days in this city, I have devoted some attention, by several visits, to the various manufacturing establishments in and around the place. As a point favorable for sundry manufacturing enterprises, few places possess greater advantages than Chattanooga,
Your readers will be gratified, doubtless, to learn that there is in the vicinity of this town one of the largest tanneries in the South. It is now in active operation, and turning our fro 8000 to 10,000 sides of well tanned leather every four months, giving an aggregate of 30,000 sides of leather per annum. A New Orleans firm purchased her, a few days since, $20,000 worth of leather for their shoemaking establishment, and we were informed that more than $30,000 worth of stock was then in the yard, ready for market. The tannery is now owned by Col. G. C. Torbitt, of Nashville, and Col. Sam Tate, President of the M. and O. Railroad. It is the design of the new firm to go largely into the manufacture of shoes, at this point, at an early period.
The advantages of Chattanooga over other places for the tanning business are numerous. The abundance of the very best quality of tan bark, and the lowest prices; the facilities for procuring hides of every variety, and being located in the centre of our great Southern market, are some of the advantages. It is needless to say that the owners of this Chattanooga Tannery are receiving large dividends upon their investment. Two hundred thousand dollar invested by capitalists in additional tanneries at this place must yield handsome profits. There is ample room here for five or six similar establishments. Let our moneyed men look to it, and that without delay. Our citizens and soldiers must have shoes, and there is every means for making leather, and every inducement to engage in the tanning of leather and the manufacture of shoes.
The great scarcity of pig iron at the South, at this time, will certainly induce those competent to the work to look towards this point. We visited the large smelting furnace erected a few years ago, which we regretted to find entirely idle. Within a mile of all the depots of the roads converging at Chattanooga, stands the ample buildings and huge machines of this very important establishment, only needing a few dollars and a practiced mind to render it one of the best paying concerns in the South. Any competent gentleman could, with about $50,000, engaged in the important enterprise of converting the iron ore, of which there is here an abundance, and of the richest quality, into the best quality of pig iron. He would find coal, ore and the machinery all ready for active operation with a few weeks' repairs. The iron foundry of Messers. Webster & Mann, at this place, is worthy of attention. We were very politely shown through the extensive establishment by Mr. Webster who is a gentleman of large experience in his profession. We were shown a casting (a large weight of which is about 9000 pounds). Messrs. Webster & Mann are preparing the entire machinery for the new powder mill of Mr. W. S. Whiteman, to whom allusion has been made. They are also casting cannon and balls, and are fully prepared to fill large contracts for both. They are also prepared to rifle cannon, which they design doing, especially those of their own foundry. More beautiful pieces of cannon than those we saw in the foundry cannot be shown in any establishment, we venture to say. We all heartily wished that about ten 64-pounders were then planted opposite Cairo, and kept at work for a few hours, so the last man of Prentiss' force might have an early passage to his "right place," with Prentiss to lead the way.
During the few days which we have been anchored at this place, between 2500 and 3000 soldiers have arrived and departed for the seat of war. There are now (noon) at the depot about 600 soldiers from Camp Moore, Louisiana. These compose the left wing of Col. Taylor's Regiment, the right wing having passed here on the 13th. Col. Taylor is the son of Gen. Zachary Taylor, and brother-in-law to President Davis, you will recollect. About 2000 soldiers are expected to arrive here this afternoon and to-night, 1500 of whom are from Mississippi. About 200 Texans passed here yesterday.
More than 40,000 soldiers have passed through this city since the movement of troops commenced, I am informed. There is throughout the county such a stir and bustle among the people as was never witnessed before.
The eagerness of the people for news-"the latest news from the seat of war," is the cry. At every station, on any road you pass, squads of from 10 to 20 men may bee seen standing around while one reads the last paper procures of some newsboy or passenger. The Charleston Mercury is in great demand on the Georgia, Macon and Western and W. & A. Railroads. Hundreds of copies are sold, but there is seldom enough to supply the public want. At his place a brisk business is done twice a day. Citizens and soldiers, arriving here from the South and West, ask at once for news, and eagerly devour the Mercury when they can procure it.
Out of about 500 voters in this city, only 52 were for "no separation;' so you see that the Southern spirit is pretty high here. I wish that I were warranted in saying as much of every other town and county in this end of the State. We have strong hopes of an early reaction here, that Tennessee will be a unit for resistance to the bitter end. More anon.
Hope.
The Charleston Mercury, October 19, 1861. [3]
1862
15, Skirmish at Wallace's Cross Roads
JULY 15, 1862.-Skirmish at Wallace's Cross-Roads, Tenn.
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U. S. Army.
No. 2.-Maj. H. L. Clay, Assistant Adjutant-Gen., C. S. Army.
No. 1.
CUMBERLAND GAP, July 18, 1862.
Gen. Spears has returned. The enemy was routed at Wallace's Cross-Roads. The attack was a complete success. The enemy's loss was 10 killed, 18 prisoners, 30 horses, 30 sabers, and 100 fire-arms.
As I hope to be immediately relieved from command at post I deem it fair to ask instructions as to which brigade I shall send to guard the line between this place and Lexington.
GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brig.-Gen. Volunteers, Cmdg.
No. 2.
Reports of Maj. H. L. Clay, Assistant Adjutant-Gen., C. S. Army.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, Tenn., July 15, 1862.
GEN.: It is proper that I communicate to you the fact that our cavalry at Wallace's Cross-Roads (four companies), under the command of Capt. Mims (Col. McLin's Second Tennessee Cavalry), was surprised by the enemy at 11 o'clock this morning. Capt. Mims reports from Mynatt's Cross-Roads that no scouts had been ordered out to-day, and when his pickets were driven in he advanced to meet, as he supposed, a small force, when he discovered two full regiments advancing upon his flank. He retreated with the loss of about 20 men (captured, killed, and wounded), all his baggage, &c. It is not stated in the report whether the enemy's force consisted of cavalry or infantry, but four fugitives of the command affirm that they saw infantry only. Capt. Mims sent information of the surprise to Col. McLin at Maynardville. I have no information from what quarter the enemy came.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, Tenn., July 16, 1862.
GEN.: Capt. Owen, First Tennessee Cavalry, was sent last evening from this place to ascertain the result of the engagement at Wallace's Cross-Roads yesterday, the number of the enemy, and their movements. He reports that our loss was 1 man wounded, with 4 or 5 taken prisoners. The force of the enemy consisted of three regiments (Houk's, Cooper's, and Shelley's), under command of Gen. [James G.] Spears. It left yesterday evening, going to Big Creek Gap.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Brig. Gen. C. L. STEVENSON,
Cmdg. First Division, Bean's Station, Tenn.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. I, pp. 812-813.
CUMBERLAND GAP, July 18, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
On Tuesday [15th] noon Gen. Spears, with a party of infantry, attacked 500 of the enemy's cavalry at Wallace's Cross-Roads, near Clinton. A citizen reports that at 2 p. m. of that day he met about 300 of the enemy flying toward Knoxville in the wildest disorder; some were on horses, but without coats or arms; others were bare-headed and no arms. It was a completed panic, and they had gone at full run for the distance of 9 miles and were still flying.
I expect Spears to return to-day. Col. Garrard has also returned from his expedition against the miscreants of Humphrey Marshall at Jonesville. The murderer Witcher and the greater portion of his band escaped, but Garrard brought in 20 prisoners and 10 horses.
GEORGE W. MORGAN, Brig.-Gen. Volunteers, Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 183.
15, Skirmish near Decatur
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
15, "ONE MAN STABS ANOTHER MAN'S WIFE."
A gentleman named John Maher, having a difficulty with a lady on whom marital ceremonies had bestowed the right to share his bed and board-in point of fact his wife, did strike her yesterday at their home of bliss on Jefferson street. The timid creature sought protection in one of the law's myrmidons, in short, a policeman. Ere proceeding on the seldom successful search, however, she called to condole with a sweet, sympathizing spirit known to mortals as Mrs. Conway. Together they started to do that which philosophers and men in anger have repeatedly asserted to be a sublunary impossibility-find a policeman when wanted. They didn't find the policeman, but Mr. John Maher found them, and mistaking Mrs. Conway for his wife, played a knife into her body, inflicting a wound that will probably for some day incapacitate her for a seat in the board of aldermen-or on any other board with serious and painful inconveniences.
We read in an evening issue an appeal to the benevolence of the community on behalf of Mrs. Conway, whose breath, our reporter says, there gently floated an aroma of the spirit of Bourbon whiskey. As the woman has children, however, we trust the good and charitable people appealed to will do something for them. [sic]
Maher was arrested by the Provost's guard, and is now detained in the Irving Block.
Also a note that the city council was to meet-"The meeting proposes to be one of the most interesting as it will certainly be of the most important." [?] follow this early occupation city council stuff.
Memphis Union Appeal, July 15 1862.
15, The Cincinnati Times on the aftermath of Forrest's Raid on Murfreesboro
The War in the Southwest.
The Guerrillas in Tennessee.
Correspondence of the Cincinnati Timand now I am asked tres.
Lavergne [sic], Tenn., July 15, 1862
The conciliatory milk-and-water policy of Don Carlos Buell, Commander-in-Chief of this Department, has been the cause of a greater misfortune to the troops and Union men of Tennessee and Alabama than all the guerrillas in the country; in fact it is giving them all the aid and comfort they need. If the most rampant sympathizer with the rebellion calls on Gen. Buell for protection, he is sure to find it; but should a good, poor Union man lay his wants before him, he is ordered to leave camp immediately, with the solemn warning that the "Commanding-General does not think that the people of Tennessee and Alabama are to be treated disrespectfully for their opinion-sake." Moreover, if a poor Union man, or poor Secessionist, who had probably been dragged into the rebellion, ask the General for a pass, they are ordered immediately from headquarters. Whereas, as their most fortunate neighbor, the rich Secesh, are treated as gentlemen, and receive every kindness that the "Commanding General can possibly bestow. If the "Commanding General's " army, while passing through the country, need provisions for themselves or forage for their animals, they are not supposed to touch, taste, or handle anything that may belong to a rich rebel, but can freely take and appropriate all that a poor man may have in his house or barn. How long will such gentlemen as Don Carlos Buell be suffered to trample on the feelings and property of the poor Union men of this country, with such impuality [sic], remains to be seen. If an honest Union man comes into camp with information as to the movements of the enemy, he is ordered to leave camp immediately, or else suffer the consequences of the displeasure of the "Commanding General." If a poor contraband comes in and gives information of the most vital importance to our troops, he is hunted from camp like a hare or rabbit, and, if found, is sent to his master, with a Corporal's guard with fixed bayonets. Such treatment as this only exasperates our Union men, and in ninety-nine cases out of one hundred they will eventually turn out to be our greatest persecutors. It was through policy of this sort we suffered so much at Murfreesboro' on Sunday last [July 13th]. The information which was received from contrabands was not credited, and, moreover, the orders were, that none would be allowed inside the lines. This, as a matter of course, left all the information with those whose only prayers are that we may all be annihilated, and the consequence is that all our troops at that point, together with all our artillery, tents, camp equipage and stores, were captured by the enemy. If Andy Johnson, Governor of Tennessee, had only his way, such a calamity would not have befallen us; he is as keen as a brier, and as wide awake as any man in the country, and would be sure to give the rebels a yard of their own measures; but, while he is acting in the subordinate capacity of Brigadier-General, he has nothing to do but obey orders from men who are altogether his inferiors in everything except rank,
The fight at Murfreesboro' has aroused the Union men of Nashville to a sense of their danger. Last evening (14th) speeches were delivered by Hon. Judson Stokes, Governor Johnson and Mayor Russell, at the Capitol. The Union men marched and countermarched through the different streets of the city during the day, headed by his Honor, Mayor John Hugh Smith, and other prominent citizens. Two hundred at least must have enrolled their names and pledged whenever and wherever needed. Indeed, there were more Union flags floating to the breeze yesterday, than on the 4th of July.
The Secesh were in ecstasies, and everything prepared to meet their friends [on the 13th], but this morning they are wofully [sic] disappointed, and look like motherless calves. The Secesh women are all in smiles, and full of vim, and whenever they would meet an officer or soldier, they would cock up their pretty little noses and cry out, "Now ain't you going to skedaddle, you horrid Yankees?" I am glad to have to state that our men only laughed at them, and pursued their course; but, alas, their period of rejoicing was but of short duration, for about nine o'clock last evening some eight or ten thousand soldiers marched into town, with bands playing and colors streaming, and ready for any emergency. This display of troops fell a camper [?] on the Secesh [sic], and they felt terribly mortified. The Seventy-fourth Ohio, immediately after the hearty reception given Col. Moody, received orders from Gen. Buell to march to Murfreesboro'. Immediately the camp was astir, the baggage in the wagons, and everything ready for the word "forward," when, true to military uncertain ties and exigencies, the order was countermanded, and the regiment ordered to leave, without baggage, to cut off the retreat of Morgan, who was expected at Gallatin. The regiment was marched through the streets of Nashville to the depot, and too the cars, reaching Gallatin at 10 o'clock P.M. In conference with Col. Boone, Col. Moody learned that Morgan would make an attack on Bowling Green – a dispatch to that effect being received from Col. Bruce, urging Col Moody to move immediately toward Bowling Green next morning, where they remained until 10 o'clock P.M., when Morgan was heard from at Scottsville. When about thirteen miles from Scottsville, they were met by a courier, who reported Morgan at some other place. Back again to Bowling Green was the word. After reaching Bowling Green, the order was to start on cars immediately for Louisville, which, which place they reached about 7 o'clock Sunday night, worn out, and very much fatigued.
The officers return their heart-felt thanks to the gentlemanly proprietors of the Louisville Hotel, Messrs. Keene, Steele & Judge, for the kindness and liberality extended them during their stay at Louisville. We left there at 12:30 yesterday morning to the tune of "Yankee Doodle." I am thus precise with reference to the movements of the Forth-seventh, to show the friends at homer what the boys are doing, and moreover to show how certain Generals will make men run about for actually nothing. Gen. Dumont is expected at Nashville to-night-the boys are all in ecstasies to hear it, for they say if he had been here Murfreesboro' would not have been taken. He is one of those wide-awake customers who cannot be caught asleep.
Col. John F. Miller, of the Twenty-Ninth [sic] Indiana, has had command of the post ever since Gen. Dumont left. The rebels took a large amount of goods from Boss & Co., suttlers [sic] of the third division. The loss must not fall short of $5,000. The weather is excessively hot, but the Tennessee Volunteers of yesterday are marching out to the country to-day, for the purpose of recruiting. The officers taken at Murfreesboro' are not to be paroled-but have to start in a few days for Dixie.
The greater party of the rebel cavalry have left Murfreesboro' for McMinnville. There must have been at least 5,000 of them, well armed, well mounted and equipped. Your correspondent was in town as they arrived, but fortunately escaped. There was no damage to any property…..Gen. Duffield, I think, will not recover, Gen. Crittenden, of Indiana, is unhurt, but a prisoner. Capt. Blair of Gen Dumont's Staff, is also a prisoner; he was Post Quartermaster.
New York Times, July 27, 1862.
15, Guerrillas burn cotton near Hickory Wythe depot
More Cotton Burning in Tennessee.
We learn that about sixty bales of cotton were burnt on Wednesday night near Hickory Wythe depot, about twenty-five miles from this city, under the following circumstances.
It appears that Mr. Gager, of this city, had a lot of cotton at Concorda [sic],[4] about thirty-five miles from Memphis, and left here on Wednesday [15th] with about twenty-five drays to bring it here to market. While on the way out to Concorda [sic], the draymen were informed by the planters along the road, that if they brought the cotton that way, en route for Memphis, they would burn it. Nevertheless, the draymen went on to Concorda [sic]. Loaded with cotton and started back.
On getting near Wythe Depot, the dray cavalcade was arrested by about twenty-five citizens, all armed, who ordered that the drivers should throw the cotton off the drays. Some of the draymen readily complies the order, while others ran to the woods and escaped. The cotton thrown off, the draws was [sic] fired into by the arresting party, and in that way set on fire and consumed. The cotton left on the drays by the fugitive owners was likewise burned, and on the drays on which had been loaded. The draymen who obeyed the order to unload the cotton, were permitted to retake possession of their teams.
The arrest and conflagration were made about eight o'clock on Wednesday night, and before the great rain which afterwards extinguished all fires and put down the dust.
It seems to be generally understood that the Confederate cavalry are still hovering around the neighborhood of Wythe Depot, and we should not be surprised to hear any day of the capture of the whole concern.
Memphis Bulletin, July 18, 1862.
15, Letter of John A. Ritter, 49th Indiana Volunteers from Camp Cortrell, Tenn.[5]
July 15, 1862
Camp Cortrell, Tenesee [sic]
Dear Margarett [sic],
I take my seat to write you a few lines. The mails are so iregular [sic] that I do not here from you often. I have recd. but two letters from you since we came to this place. The 18 June one from Harriett. I think it is all the fault of the mails, and if the Letters are as tardy from here you must be verry [sic] much annoyed. I have nothing to new to write. I am well and I know that that will be good news to you. I was on picket Sunday and Sunday night. I spent the day lonsome [sic] my thoughts was fare a way. The weather was fine. I slept but little Sunday night all that I did sleep was rapt in my overcoat sitting or learning against a tree. In that short & broken naps I dreamed of home the loved ones fare away strange as it may seame [sic] for the first time since I have been in the service, but I awoke to find it but a dream. The time passed of slowly till I got in to camp about 10 o'clock Monday morning where I took a good nap on my cot for three or 4 hours after which I felt all right a gain [sic]. I have had good health for some time past with the excepting I have had frequent spells of head ache.
Lout. [sic] Charles & Benj. R. Smith arived [sic] a[t] camp do day they look better than I expected to see them. The other boys are expected in this evening, John W. Buskirk & others. The Lout. [sic] tells me that he has some drawers for me in his trunk that has not come up yet. The Box that I sent home to you was left at Crab Orchard. The card got torn off so that they did not Know where to direct it. Mr. Gill out sutter [?] started to Jeffersonville Sunday. He sayed [sic] that he would remarke [sic] it & send it on by Express to you. I sent you my likeness by R. Higgins which I learned that you have received by your Letter. I have this much to say it is a verry [sic] poor picture. The Artist could not take a picture. There is a good artist here now & if I knew the size of the frame I would have an other taken & send to you, but if I do not I have it taken at some future time if opportunity affords. I was _____? when I saw the picture. I had it taken a number of times. We have had a dry time here. The corn blades are twisting. It has some appearance of rain. A good shower would be a great help. At present, we have one company from each Rej. [sic] to work on the gap every day. It looks like there had been enough work done their already but it was to resist a force from the Kentucky side but it would be difficult to get into it in any direction. I want you to continue to write. I expect that your letters will come along after a while.
16 Liut [sic] Charles trunk has arrived with the drawers you sent. They are the verry [sic] article that I wanted. Charles brought me a pr of gloves. They are not what I wanted. They were a good glove. Faucett took them. I have a pr of the Kind that he brought me. I wanted a Kid glove or a thin neat Leather glove that I could carry in my pocket. The gloves that I have comes nearly to my elbow. They are so much bulk about them that they are unhandy to Carry. The Taylor at New Albany did not send the pant to Lexington according to arrangements he was to make them and send them to Lexington by express. Charles staid at Lexington two day waiting for them. They did not come up. He made arrangement for them to be sent on by governet [sic] Wagons. It is likely that we may get them but they may be lost. It is sayed [sic] that the Rebble [sic] Morgan is in the neighborhood of Lexington. He may capture them. John Buskirk & several of the boys got in to camp yesterday. They generaly [sic] look well. I have no news. We are in Telegraphic communication with the world but we have not got any dispatches for some time at least they have not been made publick [sic]. My subscription to the papers are out so I am [quite?] scarce. I must close for the present as the mail is about starting. My gound [sic] that you sent me is admired by every body. I have been asked often where I got it from, they would like to get one.
Yours,
John A. Ritter
Ritter Correspondence
15, Confederates burn railroad bridge near Tantalon
No circumstantial reports filed.
TANTALON, July 15, 1862.
Gen. D. C. BUELL:
An engine has just returned to this place. It left Tullahoma at 4 o'clock p. m. Gen. Smith at Tullahoma. The enemy have burnt a small bridge this side of Murfreesborough. This news I got from the engineer. The operator will be at Elk River to-morrow as soon as we can have him carried.
H. M. BUCKLEY,Col.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 151.
15, Notice of Forrest's attack on Murfreesboro
The news of the last forty-eight hours has been of an exciting nature. A Confederate force consisting, it is reported, of the First, Second, and Third Georgia Regiments, First Kentucky Regiment and a Regiment of Texan Rangers, under Cols. Forrest and Warner, attacked Murfreesboro on Sunday morning before daybreak, surprising the Ninth Michigan Regiment and capturing them after several hours of hard fighting. Col. Duffield was shot through the body and mortally wounded. The Third Minnesota, commanded by Col. Lester, were strongly entrenched with Hewett's Kentucky Battery, and fought desperately until their ammunition was expended, when they surrendered, having lost one-third of their men, it is rumored, though this is doubtless greatly exaggerated. General T. T. Crittenden, of Indiana, was taken prisoner. Col. Forrest sent in a flag of truce to the Third Minnesota, demanding their surrender, which was declined. After some hard fighting, the Minnesota sent out a flag of truce and surrendered. Preparations are making here in anticipation of an attack, and reinforcements are coming in from various directions. It is to be desired that the city be spared a renewal of the horrors of war, but if it must needs be, the hearts and hands of our gallant officers and soldiers are ready and eager for the contest.
Nashville Daily Union, July 15, 1862.
1863
15, Skirmish at Pulaski
No circumstantial reports filed.
15, Skirmish on Forked Deer Creek[6]
JULY 15: 1863.-Skirmish on Forked Deer Creek, Tenn.
Report of Col. Fielding Hurst, First West Tennessee Cavalry.
LAGRANGE, TENN., July 20, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor of submitting the following report:
In compliance with your order bearing date Jackson, Tenn., July 15, 1863, I proceeded with the regiment to Montezuma; thence to Purdy and Camden, where I ascertained the bridge across Big Hatchie River, near Bolivar, was destroyed. I then moved to this place, by way of Pocahontas. On leaving Jackson I marched up the Forked Deer 8 miles, and found the trail of 1,500 to 1,800 rebels, under Biffle, Forrest, and Newsom. They fled before us in great haste, destroying all the bridges they crossed on, giving me such difficulty in crossing streams in 40 miles travel that I found myself 10 or 12 miles in their rear without any hope of overtaking them this side of our lines.
We took about 20 prisoners; paroled 8 and brought in 7. Some 5 or 6 fell back and made their escape, my rear guard being worn out with fatigue from hard marching and crossing streams by fording, swimming, &c.
I beg leave to state it as my belief that the entire rebel force which we met at Jackson fled by way of Shiloh in a badly torn up and demoralized condition, and could have been easily captured by a small force if thrown out from Corinth.
The prisoners all concur in stating that they were out of ammunition and low-spirited.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant,
FIELDING HURST, Col., Commanding Regiment.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. II, p. 682.
15, "REBEL OUTRAGES IN EAST TENNESSEE."
Union Men Shot and Thrown into a River.
Thirteen Men and Boys Shot and Buried in one Grave.
Women Whipped and hung by Rebel Officers.
From Col. Robt. A. Crawford, of Greene county, Tennessee, who is a refugee and was one of the vice-presidents of the late Convention at Nashville, we learn the following facts in reference to rebel rule in that beautiful "Switzerland of America," East Tennessee. Col. Crawford has a personal knowledge of some of these facts, having left the scene of their enactment quite recently, and vouches for the truth of all of them, as his information was obtained from trustworthy persons, and written down on the spot. Another evidence of their authenticity is the accuracy with which names, dates, places and particulars are detailed. There is scarcely a shadow of doubt that these infamous outrages, these damning acts of barbarism, were perpetrated by fiendish human for wearing the apparel of the Confederacy, and representing its authority. But, to proceed to the facts: last summer three young men, brothers, named Anderson, left their homes in Hawkins county, and attempted to make their way into Kentucky. They were arrested by a squad of Confederate cavalry on Clinch river, about seventy-five miles from Knoxville, shot, and thrown into the river. Their bodies were found floating in the stream, fifteen miles from their own forsaken homes. [7][emphasis added]
In the month of January, 1863, at Laurel, N.C., near the Tennessee border, all the salt was seized for distribution by Confederate Commissioners. Salt was selling at seventy five to one hundred dollars a sack. The Commissioners declared that the "Tories" should have none, and positively refused to give Union men their portion of the quantity to be distributed in that vicinity. This palpable injustice roused the Union men; they assembled together and determined to seize their proportion of the salt by force. They did so, taking at Marshal, N.C., what they deemed to be their just share, and which had been withheld from them, simply because the adhered with unconquerable devotion to the Government of their fathers.
Immediately afterward the 65th N. C. regiment, under command of Lieut. Col. James Keith, was ordered to Laurel, to arrest the offenders.
L. M. Allen was Colonel of the regiment, but had been suspended for six months for crime and drunkenness. Many of the men engaged in the salt seizure left their homes. Those who did not participate in it became the sufferers. Among those arrested were Joseph Wood, about sixty years of age; Dave Shelton, sixty; Jas. Shelton, fifty; Roddy Shelton, forty-five; Elison King, forty; Hales Moore, forty, Wade Moore, thirty-five; Isaiah Shelton, fifteen; Wm. Shelton, twelve; James Meetcalf, ten; Jasper Channel, fourteen; Saml. Shelton, nineteen, and his brother, ages seventeen, sons of Lifus Shelton; in all thirteen men and boys. Nearly all of them declared they were innocent, and had taken no part in appropriating the salt. They begged for a trial, asserting that they could prove their innocence.
Col. Allen, who was with his troops, but not in command, told them they should have a trial, but they would be taken to Tennessee for that purpose. They bid farewell to their wives, daughters, and sisters, directing them to procure the witnesses and bring them to the Court in Tennessee, where they supposed their trial would take place. Alas! How little they dreamed what a fate awaited them! The poor fellows had proceeded but a few miles when they were turned from the road into a gorge in the mountain,[8] and halted. Without any warning of what was to be done with them, five of them were ordered to kneel down. Then paces in front of these five a file of soldiers were placed with loaded muskets. The terrible reality flashed upon the minds of the doomed patriots. Old man Wood, (sixty years of age) cried out: "For God's sake, men, you are not going to shoot us? If you are going to murder us, give us at least time to pray." Col. Allen was reminded of his promise to give them a trial. There were informed that Allen had no authority; that Keith was in command, and that there was no time for praying. The order was given to fire; the old men and boys put their hands to their faces and rent the air with agonizing cries of despair; the soldiers wavered and hesitated to obey the command. Keith said, it they did not fire instantly, he would make then change places with the prisoners. The soldier raised their guns, the victims shuddered convulsively, the word was given to fire, and the five men fell, pierced with rebel bullets. Old men, Wood and Shelton were shot in the head, their brains scattered upon the ground, and they died without a struggle. The other three lived only a few minutes. Five others were ordered to kneel, among them little Billy Shelton, a mere child, only twelve years old. He implored the men not to shoot him in the face. "You have killed my father and brothers," said he, "you have shot my father in the face; do not shoot me in the face." He covered his face with his hands. The soldier received the order to fire, and five more fell. Poor little Billy was wounded in both arms. He ran to an officer, clasped him around the legs, and besought him to spare his life. "Your have killed my old father and my three brothers; you have shot me in both arms -- I will forgive you all this -- I can get well. Let me go home to my mother and sisters" What a heart of adamant the man must have who could disregard such an appeal. The little boy was dragged back to the place of execution; again the terrible word "fire!" was given, and he fell dead, eight balls having entered his body. The remaining three were murdered in the same manner. Those in whom life was not entirely extinct, the heartless officers dispatched with their pistols. A hole was then dug, and the thirteen bodies were pitched into it.
The grave was scarcely large enough; some of the bodies lay above the ground. A wretch named Sergeant N. B. D. Jay, a Virginian, but attached to a Tennessee company of the 65th North Carolina regiment, jumped upon the bleeding bodies, and said to some of the men: "Pat Juba for me, while I dance the damned scoundrels down and through hell." The grave was covered lightly with earth and the next day when the wives and families of the murdered men heard of their fate, searched for and found their grave, the hogs had rooted up one man's body, and eaten his head off. Oh heavens! What must have been the agony of their wives and children on beholding that sight? When the awful reality burst upon the, what great drops of affliction must have oozed from their bleeding hearts. Yet, all this was done in the cause of freedom! "O liberty! What crimes are committed in thy name?"
Captain Moorley, in charge of a cavalry force, and Col Thomas, in command of a number of Indians, accompanied Kieth's men. These proceeded to Tennessee; Keith's men turned to Laurel, and were instructed to say that the cavalry had taken the prisoner with them to be tried, in accordance with the pledge of Col. Allen. In their progress through the country, many Union men were known to have been killed and scalped by the Indians. Upon the return of Keith and his men to Laurel they began systematically to torture the women of loyal men to force them to tell where their fathers and husband could be found and what part each had taken in the salt raid. The women refused to divulge anything. They were then whipped with hickory switches, many of them till the blood coursed in streams down their persons to the ground; and the men who did this were called soldiers! [emphasis added] Mrs. Sarah Shelton, wife of Esau Shelton, who escaped from the town, and Mrs. Mary Shelton, wife of Lifus Shelton, were whipped and hung by the neck till they were almost dead; but would give no information. Martha White, an idiotic girl, was beaten, and tied by the neck all day to a tree. Old Mrs. Unus Reddle, aged eighty-five [sic] years, was whipped, hung, and robbed of a considerable amount of money. Many others were treated with the same barbarity. And the men who did this were called soldiers! The daughters of William Shelton, a man of wealth and highly respectable, were requested by some of the officers to play and sing for them. They played and sang of a few National airs. Keith learned of it, and ordered that the ladies be placed under arrest and sent to the guardhouse, where they remained all night.
Old Mrs. Sallie Moore, seventy years of age, was whipped with hickory rods thrill the blood ran in streams down her back to the ground; and the perpetrators of this were clothed in the habiliments of rebellion, and bore the name of soldiers!
One woman, who had an infant, five or six weeks old, was tied in the snow to a tree, her child placed in the doorway in her sight, and she was informed if she did not tell all she knew about the seizure of the salt, both herself and the child would be allowed to perish. Sergeant, N. B. D. Jay, of Capt. Reynold's company, and Lieut. R. M. Deever, assisted their men in the execution of these hellish outrages. Houses were burned and town down. All kinds of property was destroyed or carried off. All the women and children of the Union men who were shot, and of those who escaped, were ordered by General Alfred E. Jackson, headquarters at Jonesboro, to be sent through the lines by way of Knoxville. When the first of them arrived at this place, the officer in charge applied to Gen. Donelson (formerly Speaker of the House of Representatives at Nashville) to know by which route they should be sent from there, whether by Cumberland Gap or Nashville. Gen. Donelson immediately directed them to be released and sent home, saying that such a thing was unknown in civilized countries. They were then sent home, and all the refugees met on the road were also turned back.
On the 13th of February, 1863, a squad of soldiers were sent to conscript James McCullum, of Greene county, Tennessee, a very respectable, industrious man, thirty or thirty-five years of age. They found him feeding his cattle. When he saw some of them he ran to back of his barn; others were posted behind the barn, and without hailing or attempting to arrest him, one of them shot him through the neck, killing him instantly. His three little children, who saw it, ran to the house and told their mother, she came out wringing her hands in anguish, and screaming with terror and dismay.
The soldiers were sitting upon the fence. They laughed at her agony, and said they had only killed "a damned Tory." The murdered man was highly esteemed by his neighbors, and was a firm Union man.
In April last, two rebel soldiers name Wood and Ingole, went to the house of Mrs. Ruth Ann Rhea, living on the waters of Lick Creek, Green[e] county, to conscript her son. The old lady was partially deranged; she commanded the soldier to leave her house and raised a stick to strike one of them. He told her if she struck him he would run her through with his bayonet; she gave the blow, and he shot her through the breast.
In the same month, Jesse Price, an old men sixty years of age, two sons and two nephews, were arrested in Johnson county, Tennessee, bordering on Virginia, by Col. Fouke's cavalry, composed of Tennessee and North Carolina men. They were taken to Ash County, to be tried for disloyalty to Jefferson Davis & Co. The old men had been previously arrested, taken to Knoxville, tried and acquitted.
When the five prisoners arrived in Ash county, a groggery keeper proposed to treat Fouke's men to eight gallons of brandy; if they would hand over the old man, his sons and nephews, without a trial. The bargain was struck and the five unfortunate men were hanged without further ceremony. The brandy was furnished, and some if it drank before the tragedy, the rest afterward.
And is it upon the graves of such martyrs upon the bases of such damning acts of barbarity that the independence of a Southern Confederacy is to be established? The blood of these murdered men, women and children, appeal to heaven against such a consummation. Read this bloody record of inhuman, fiendish slaughter, ye sniveling sympathizers [sic] and ask yourselves if the vengeance of a just God must not sooner or later blast the hopes and schemes of such enemies of their race? Is it possible that an inexorable idol demanding such rivers of innocent blood, can be long worshiped in their light of the nineteenth century! [sic] Forbid it, God! Forbid it, all ye mighty hosts of Heaven! Christianity cries out against it. American honor demands that the monstrosity be case into the flames and destroyed forever.
All the blessed memories of the past; all the glorious anticipations of the future, call upon the noble patriots of the Union to avenge the blood of these martyrs to the cause of freedom and nationality. Eight thousand East Tennesseans and six thousand Middle and West Tennesseeans [sic] have already enrolled their names in the army of the Union, to avenge the wrongs of their kindred.
Memphis Bulletin, July 15, 1863.[9]
15, Unsuccessful Pursuit of Guerrillas near Murfreesboro by Company C, 5th Iowa Cavalry
Last night we were roused at midnight to go in pursuit of a band of Gurrillas [sic] said to be four miles out. Started soon and wandered about looking for some by road or something else that we did not find – and just at daylight got started on the Lebanon Pike. After crossing Stone River which was nearly swimming deep for the horses – we struck off to the left and continued for a few miles farther crossing Stone River again. Then halted and fed our horses. I had not been well for some days but had been getting better and felt well enough to induce me to start, but had to ride a horse my own not being fit to ride – that would trot all the time and I was soon sick enough. I had to take off my arms and strap them on my saddle and thought I would have to stop, changed horses however with one of the men and kept on. After we stopped while I got better and came home in better plight. We started across the river again and went across to the Nashville Pike and returned to Murfreesboro not being able to find any rebels.
* * * *
Alley Diary
1864
15, Skirmish near Moscow
No circumstantial reports filed.
15, Entry from Alice Williamson's Diary, Sumner County
In all the doings of the Yanks their fiendish acts today will ballance [sic] them all. They brought a man in today and hung him up by the thumbs to make him tell where he came from: he told them but they would not believe him. He fainted three times. They took him down at three o'clock to shoot him I have not heard whether they did so or not. They would neither give him food or water though he begged for the latter often. This was done by order of "the Nicklen."
Williamson Diary
ca. 15, Rout of Confederates at Broylesville
No circumstantial reports filed.
Report of Capt. Robert Morrow, Assistant Adjutant-Gen., U. S. Army.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, Tenn., July 15, 1864.
GEN.: Capt. G. W. Kirk, Third North Carolina Volunteer Infantry, has just returned from a highly successful expedition into Western North Carolina. The following is a correct summary of the results of the expedition: He marched with about 130 men from Morristown on the 13th of June, and proceeded, via Bull's Gap. Greeneville, Tenn., and Crab Orchard, to Camp Vance, within six miles of Morganton, N. C. At Broylesville, Tenn., he met the enemy, routing them, with a loss of 1 commissioned officer and 10 men killed; number of wounded unknown.
* * * *
R. MORROW,
Capt. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, p. 234.
15 – September 11, Military activity in the District of Etowah
Report of Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman, & S. Army, commanding District of the Etowah, of operations June 15--September 11.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF THE ETOWAH, Chattanooga, Tenn., September 11, 1864.
SIR: Pursuant to instructions of the 4th instant from the major-general commanding Department of the Cumberland, received the 11th instant, I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders from the major-general commanding Military Division of the Mississippi, I assumed command of the district of the Etowah on the 15th of June last. A roster of the troops of my command at that time, and stations where posted, is herewith respectfully submitted.[10] The main duty of my command was to keep open railroad communication with the army in the front. On the 18th of June I directed Col. Watkins, commanding Third Brigade, First Cavalry Division, then stationed at Wauhatchie, to proceed with his mounted force to La Fayette, Ga., and patrol the country in that vicinity, then much infested by guerrillas who were annoying our communications to the front. On the 24th, at daylight, Col. Watkins was attacked at La Fayette by rebel cavalry, some 2,000 strong, under Gen. Pillow, who, after having been refused a surrender of the place and forces, attempted to surround and capture them. Our forces, numbering about 400, immediately took refuge in the court-house and adjacent buildings, from which they kept up a well-directed fire, and were enabled to repel every assault of the enemy. After five hours' severe fighting, in which the enemy lost heavily without having gained any material advantage, Col. Croxton, commanding Fourth Kentucky Mounted Infantry, whom I had ordered the day previous to proceed to the front by way of Ship's Gap, arrived, and immediately attacking the enemy caused him to make a hasty retreat in the direction of Alpine, leaving his dead and many of his wounded in our hands. Our forces pursued a short distance. The enemy's loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners is estimated at 300, about 80 of whom were prisoners, among them several officers. Our loss does not exceed 60. The conduct of all is reported as being highly commendable. So soon as I could learn the results of the affairs at La Fayette I ordered pursuit, but owing to the condition of Col. Watkins' horses, and Col. Croxton having started for the front before the order could reach him, it could not be executed with any hope of overtaking the enemy. Had an immediate pursuit been made, I have no doubt but that it would have been attended with good results. I respectfully transmit herewith the official reports of Col.'s Watkins and Croxton.
On the 28th of June my force was increased by Brig.-Gen. Smith's command, the Third Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, headquarters at Kingston, Ga., and occupying the railroad from Tilton to Cartersville, and soon after to Allatoona, the forces at that station and Etowah being ordered out of my district. With the exception of the capturing and partly burning of a train near Tilton on the 6th, and a temporary break of track at that place, no raid or military demonstration of importance was made within the district by the enemy until about the 14th of August, when, early in the morning of that day, the enemy's cavalry, in considerable numbers, attacked a herd of cattle near Calhoun, Ga., dispersing a portion of the guard and driving off a large number of cattle, some portion of which were recaptured by Col. Faulkner, who pursued the attacking party on the first receipt of the news. At 3 p. m. that day I received information that rebel Gen. Wheeler, with a strong force, was moving toward Dalton. I immediately ordered such troops as I thought I could safely spare from the garrison at Chattanooga to be held in readiness to move on the receipt of orders. At the same time I ordered sufficient railroad transportation to be put in readiness to accommodate 2,000 men. At 6 p. m. I received the further intelligence that a demand had been made by Wheeler for the surrender of Dalton, which had been refused. I at once ordered the loading of the troops, but owing to several trains running in wild from Dalton, I did not reach the bridge north of that place until after midnight, when, being told by a cavalry officer direct from near Dalton that our forces had been overpowered and captured, I awaited daylight before proceeding farther. At daylight I advanced my command; soon became engaged with the enemy's skirmishers. About this time I heard firing in Dalton, and learning that the garrison was still holding out, I moved forward rapidly and soon cleared the town of the enemy, but being without cavalry I could not pursue. I remained at Dalton until the following day, when learning that the enemy had no further design on the place, and fearing that he would attempt to destroy the bridges over the Chickamauga, I started for Chattanooga, where I arrived on the 17th instant. The enemy's loss at Dalton could not have been less than 200. He left 33 dead and 57 badly wounded on the field. My loss was 1 officer and 8 men killed, 1 officer and 29 men wounded, 1 officer and 23 men missing total, 63. The troops engaged were Second Missouri, Twenty-ninth, Fifty-first, and Sixty-eighth Indiana, One hundred and eighth Ohio, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania, and Fourteenth U. S. Colored Troops; in all, 1,800 effective. I was much pleased with the conduct of my entire command. Col. Laiboldt, Second Missouri Volunteers, commanding Dalton, is entitled to especial credit for his stubborn and spirited defense of the place previous to being re-enforced. For more detailed accounts I beg to refer to the accompanying sub-reports. The same day, Angust 14, the enemy caused the surrender of a small garrison (detachment Seventeenth Iowa) at a block-house between Dalton and Tilton, and destroyed some railroad track between those stations. I have ordered, through Gen. Smith, to whose command the Seventeenth Iowa belongs, an investigation and report of the facts attending the surrender, but have not yet received the report. I am inclined to the belief that the surrender was made without a pretext for its necessity.
At 1 o'clock on the 16th the enemy, some 500 strong, attacked a small garrison at Graysville, but soon withdrew beyond the reach of musketry, and after tearing up some half a mile of track, retired by way of Parker's Gap. The enemy had now left our line of communication to the front and were moving toward Knoxville. They had not captured an engine or car. The entire damage to the road cut the evening of the 14th was repaired on Thursday, the 8th [18th], and to this date has hardly been interrupted for a moment. I am clearly of the opinion that Wheeler's command was not less than 6,000 strong, moving in detachments of from 1,000 to 3,000 men within supporting distance of each other. The force that attacked Dalton, I think numbered 3,000. On the 17th a detachment, several hundred strong, was diverted from the line of march taken by the enemy and menaced Cleveland, but did no damage other than destroy several hundred yards of railroad track. I inclose the official report of Col. H. G. Gibson, commanding at that place, and with him keenly regret the casualties in his command, inasmuch as I am informed that they were wholly the result of the premature explosion of one of our own shell, but whether from inexperience in handling or from defective construction of the shell I am unable to state. I think Col. Gibson has forgotten to mention this fact in his report. On the 22d, learning from scouts that Wheeler was between the Hiwassee and Little Tennessee Rivers, and that those streams were not fordable at that time, I determined to try and force him to an engagement or to flee to the mountains toward North Carolina. I therefore ordered the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, then at Dalton, together with a detachment of the Sixteenth Kentucky, then at Cleveland, to patrol the Hiwassee as far up as the base of the mountain, and guard all practicable fords, at the same time communicating a wish to Gen. Ammen that he should guard the Little Tennessee to the same purpose. The next day, August 23, I proceeded to Calhoun, Tenn., taking such troops as I could spare from the garrison at Chattanooga and Cleveland, with a detachment of Gen. Smith's command, some 1,500 strong, giving me a total of at least 3,600 men. I moved in the direction taken by Wheeler as far as Madisonville, when, learning that he had crossed the Little Tennessee, and that his advance was beyond the Holston, I returned to Chattanooga, where I arrived the evening of the 28th. The enemy had destroyed a large amount of railroad track between Calhoun and London; he had attacked and captured a portion of a gang of workmen employed by the quartermaster's department in getting out logs for the Government near Sale Creek, together with some 50 teams in use there, and had robbed the country generally; friends and foes seemed to suffer alike, but not an engine or car had yet been destroyed. After my arrival here, learning that Wheeler was moving toward Middle Tennessee, by way of Sparta and Pikeville, on the 31st of August I sent the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, some 600 strong, to the Sequatchie Valley, with instructions to pursue the enemy, and prevent small detachments from being diverted from the main body for the purpose of destroying the railroad; at the same time, at the request of Gen. Rousseau for assistance, I sent four regiments, 300 strong each, to occupy the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad from Bridgeport to Tullahoma. The regiment sent to Cowan barely had time to unload from the cars before it was engaged with the advance of 500 rebel cavalry, who, finding a force at Cowan and the tunnel, moved north and destroyed some railroad track near Decherd. On the 1st instant, having received reports that the enemy were demonstrating upon our lines of communication with Nashville with some prospect of success, I moved by rail to Murfreesborough, taking with me, including the four regiments placed on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad the day previous by me, 3,500 men and one section of artillery, making a total now from my command in the District of Tennessee nearly 4,200 strong. Of my operations in that district I will forward a report as soon as one can be made.
I am deeply indebted to the officers of my command for their prompt and energetic discharge of all duties required of them, and to the men for their readiness to respond to all orders and their uncomplaining endurance of the most excessive fatigue.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES B. STEEDMAN, Maj.-Gen.
ASST. ADJT. GEN., DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. II, pp. 494-497.
1864
15, Skirmish near Moscow
No circumstantial reports filed.
15, Entry from Alice Williamson's Diary, Sumner County
In all the doings of the Yanks their fiendish acts today will ballance [sic] them all. They brought a man in today and hung him up by the thumbs to make him tell where he came from: he told them but they would not believe him. He fainted three times. They took him down at three o'clock to shoot him I have not heard whether they did so or not. They would neither give him food or water though he begged for the latter often. This was done by order of "the Nicklen."
Williamson Diary
ca. 15, Rout of Confederates at Broylesville
No circumstantial reports filed.
Report of Capt. Robert Morrow, Assistant Adjutant-Gen., U. S. Army.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, Tenn., July 15, 1864.
GEN.: Capt. G. W. Kirk, Third North Carolina Volunteer Infantry, has just returned from a highly successful expedition into Western North Carolina. The following is a correct summary of the results of the expedition: He marched with about 130 men from Morristown on the 13th of June, and proceeded, via Bull's Gap. Greeneville, Tenn., and Crab Orchard, to Camp Vance, within six miles of Morganton, N. C. At Broylesville, Tenn., he met the enemy, routing them, with a loss of 1 commissioned officer and 10 men killed; number of wounded unknown.
* * * *
R. MORROW,
Capt. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 39, pt. I, p. 234.
15 – September 11, Military activity in the District of Etowah
Report of Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman, & S. Army, commanding District of the Etowah, of operations June 15--September 11.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF THE ETOWAH, Chattanooga, Tenn., September 11, 1864.
SIR: Pursuant to instructions of the 4th instant from the major-general commanding Department of the Cumberland, received the 11th instant, I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders from the major-general commanding Military Division of the Mississippi, I assumed command of the district of the Etowah on the 15th of June last. A roster of the troops of my command at that time, and stations where posted, is herewith respectfully submitted.[1] The main duty of my command was to keep open railroad communication with the army in the front. On the 18th of June I directed Col. Watkins, commanding Third Brigade, First Cavalry Division, then stationed at Wauhatchie, to proceed with his mounted force to La Fayette, Ga., and patrol the country in that vicinity, then much infested by guerrillas who were annoying our communications to the front. On the 24th, at daylight, Col. Watkins was attacked at La Fayette by rebel cavalry, some 2,000 strong, under Gen. Pillow, who, after having been refused a surrender of the place and forces, attempted to surround and capture them. Our forces, numbering about 400, immediately took refuge in the court-house and adjacent buildings, from which they kept up a well-directed fire, and were enabled to repel every assault of the enemy. After five hours' severe fighting, in which the enemy lost heavily without having gained any material advantage, Col. Croxton, commanding Fourth Kentucky Mounted Infantry, whom I had ordered the day previous to proceed to the front by way of Ship's Gap, arrived, and immediately attacking the enemy caused him to make a hasty retreat in the direction of Alpine, leaving his dead and many of his wounded in our hands. Our forces pursued a short distance. The enemy's loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners is estimated at 300, about 80 of whom were prisoners, among them several officers. Our loss does not exceed 60. The conduct of all is reported as being highly commendable. So soon as I could learn the results of the affairs at La Fayette I ordered pursuit, but owing to the condition of Col. Watkins' horses, and Col. Croxton having started for the front before the order could reach him, it could not be executed with any hope of overtaking the enemy. Had an immediate pursuit been made, I have no doubt but that it would have been attended with good results. I respectfully transmit herewith the official reports of Col.'s Watkins and Croxton.
On the 28th of June my force was increased by Brig.-Gen. Smith's command, the Third Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, headquarters at Kingston, Ga., and occupying the railroad from Tilton to Cartersville, and soon after to Allatoona, the forces at that station and Etowah being ordered out of my district. With the exception of the capturing and partly burning of a train near Tilton on the 6th, and a temporary break of track at that place, no raid or military demonstration of importance was made within the district by the enemy until about the 14th of August, when, early in the morning of that day, the enemy's cavalry, in considerable numbers, attacked a herd of cattle near Calhoun, Ga., dispersing a portion of the guard and driving off a large number of cattle, some portion of which were recaptured by Col. Faulkner, who pursued the attacking party on the first receipt of the news. At 3 p. m. that day I received information that rebel Gen. Wheeler, with a strong force, was moving toward Dalton. I immediately ordered such troops as I thought I could safely spare from the garrison at Chattanooga to be held in readiness to move on the receipt of orders. At the same time I ordered sufficient railroad transportation to be put in readiness to accommodate 2,000 men. At 6 p. m. I received the further intelligence that a demand had been made by Wheeler for the surrender of Dalton, which had been refused. I at once ordered the loading of the troops, but owing to several trains running in wild from Dalton, I did not reach the bridge north of that place until after midnight, when, being told by a cavalry officer direct from near Dalton that our forces had been overpowered and captured, I awaited daylight before proceeding farther. At daylight I advanced my command; soon became engaged with the enemy's skirmishers. About this time I heard firing in Dalton, and learning that the garrison was still holding out, I moved forward rapidly and soon cleared the town of the enemy, but being without cavalry I could not pursue. I remained at Dalton until the following day, when learning that the enemy had no further design on the place, and fearing that he would attempt to destroy the bridges over the Chickamauga, I started for Chattanooga, where I arrived on the 17th instant. The enemy's loss at Dalton could not have been less than 200. He left 33 dead and 57 badly wounded on the field. My loss was 1 officer and 8 men killed, 1 officer and 29 men wounded, 1 officer and 23 men missing total, 63. The troops engaged were Second Missouri, Twenty-ninth, Fifty-first, and Sixty-eighth Indiana, One hundred and eighth Ohio, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania, and Fourteenth U. S. Colored Troops; in all, 1,800 effective. I was much pleased with the conduct of my entire command. Col. Laiboldt, Second Missouri Volunteers, commanding Dalton, is entitled to especial credit for his stubborn and spirited defense of the place previous to being re-enforced. For more detailed accounts I beg to refer to the accompanying sub-reports. The same day, Angust 14, the enemy caused the surrender of a small garrison (detachment Seventeenth Iowa) at a block-house between Dalton and Tilton, and destroyed some railroad track between those stations. I have ordered, through Gen. Smith, to whose command the Seventeenth Iowa belongs, an investigation and report of the facts attending the surrender, but have not yet received the report. I am inclined to the belief that the surrender was made without a pretext for its necessity.
At 1 o'clock on the 16th the enemy, some 500 strong, attacked a small garrison at Graysville, but soon withdrew beyond the reach of musketry, and after tearing up some half a mile of track, retired by way of Parker's Gap. The enemy had now left our line of communication to the front and were moving toward Knoxville. They had not captured an engine or car. The entire damage to the road cut the evening of the 14th was repaired on Thursday, the 8th [18th], and to this date has hardly been interrupted for a moment. I am clearly of the opinion that Wheeler's command was not less than 6,000 strong, moving in detachments of from 1,000 to 3,000 men within supporting distance of each other. The force that attacked Dalton, I think numbered 3,000. On the 17th a detachment, several hundred strong, was diverted from the line of march taken by the enemy and menaced Cleveland, but did no damage other than destroy several hundred yards of railroad track. I inclose the official report of Col. H. G. Gibson, commanding at that place, and with him keenly regret the casualties in his command, inasmuch as I am informed that they were wholly the result of the premature explosion of one of our own shell, but whether from inexperience in handling or from defective construction of the shell I am unable to state. I think Col. Gibson has forgotten to mention this fact in his report. On the 22d, learning from scouts that Wheeler was between the Hiwassee and Little Tennessee Rivers, and that those streams were not fordable at that time, I determined to try and force him to an engagement or to flee to the mountains toward North Carolina. I therefore ordered the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, then at Dalton, together with a detachment of the Sixteenth Kentucky, then at Cleveland, to patrol the Hiwassee as far up as the base of the mountain, and guard all practicable fords, at the same time communicating a wish to Gen. Ammen that he should guard the Little Tennessee to the same purpose. The next day, August 23, I proceeded to Calhoun, Tenn., taking such troops as I could spare from the garrison at Chattanooga and Cleveland, with a detachment of Gen. Smith's command, some 1,500 strong, giving me a total of at least 3,600 men. I moved in the direction taken by Wheeler as far as Madisonville, when, learning that he had crossed the Little Tennessee, and that his advance was beyond the Holston, I returned to Chattanooga, where I arrived the evening of the 28th. The enemy had destroyed a large amount of railroad track between Calhoun and London; he had attacked and captured a portion of a gang of workmen employed by the quartermaster's department in getting out logs for the Government near Sale Creek, together with some 50 teams in use there, and had robbed the country generally; friends and foes seemed to suffer alike, but not an engine or car had yet been destroyed. After my arrival here, learning that Wheeler was moving toward Middle Tennessee, by way of Sparta and Pikeville, on the 31st of August I sent the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, some 600 strong, to the Sequatchie Valley, with instructions to pursue the enemy, and prevent small detachments from being diverted from the main body for the purpose of destroying the railroad; at the same time, at the request of Gen. Rousseau for assistance, I sent four regiments, 300 strong each, to occupy the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad from Bridgeport to Tullahoma. The regiment sent to Cowan barely had time to unload from the cars before it was engaged with the advance of 500 rebel cavalry, who, finding a force at Cowan and the tunnel, moved north and destroyed some railroad track near Decherd. On the 1st instant, having received reports that the enemy were demonstrating upon our lines of communication with Nashville with some prospect of success, I moved by rail to Murfreesborough, taking with me, including the four regiments placed on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad the day previous by me, 3,500 men and one section of artillery, making a total now from my command in the District of Tennessee nearly 4,200 strong. Of my operations in that district I will forward a report as soon as one can be made.
I am deeply indebted to the officers of my command for their prompt and energetic discharge of all duties required of them, and to the men for their readiness to respond to all orders and their uncomplaining endurance of the most excessive fatigue.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES B. STEEDMAN, Maj.-Gen.
ASST. ADJT. GEN., DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 38, pt. II, pp. 494-497.
[1] The following were Confederate guerrilla bands in Tennessee: Champ Ferguson's Tennessee Guerrilla Command; The Kirkland Tennessee Guerrilla Command; Bill Gibbs' Tennessee Guerrilla Command; Pomp Keirsey's Tennessee Guerrilla Command; William Dunbar's Tennessee Guerrilla Command; Capt. Clark's Tennessee Guerrilla Command; Colonel Murray's Tennessee Guerrilla Command; Colonel Hamilton's Tennessee Guerrilla Command; William S. Bledsoe's Tennessee Guerrilla Command; Daugherty's Tennessee Guerrilla Command; Richardson's Tennessee Guerrilla Command; McHenry's Tennessee Guerrilla Command; George Carter's Tennessee Guerrilla Command. As cited in:http://hem.passagen.se/csa01/
[2] A Fentress County physician. He was a staunch Unionist and by 1863 Major-General George H. Thomas referred to Hale as his "chief of scouts." See: The Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 4, p. 581, fn 2, as cited from: OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. II, p. 586.
[3] As cited in PQCW.
[4] Cordova.
[5] Blanks are inserted where words or phrases were totally illegible and underlining was used for words or phrases for which the correct interpretation was questionable.
[6] Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee refers to this as "Skirmish near Jackson."
[7] According to research in the 1860 Census conducted by Steven Rogers, Tennessee Historical Commission, the name Shelton appears in the returns for Madison, North Carolina. It appears most of the activity in this story took place in North Carolina very near the East Tennessee border. Nevertheless, the citation will be retained because of its interest, title and close proximity to East Tennessee. Moreover, the first paragraph tells of an atrocity in Hawkins County, Tennessee, near the Kentucky border. Additionally, Lick Creek, Greene County, Tennessee is identified as the scene of another violent incident
[8] It is not known if this "gorge in the mountain" is in North Carolina or Tennessee.
[9] Reprinted in the New York Times, July 24, 1863, the Philadelphia Inquirer, July 25, 1863, the Milwaukee Daily-Sentinel, July 28, 1863 and New Hampshire Sentinel, August 6, 1863.
[10] Not found as an inclosure.
James B. Jones, Jr.
Public Historian
Tennessee Historical Commission
2941 Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN 37214
(615)-770-1090
(615)-532-1549 FAX
No comments:
Post a Comment