1862
16, Concern in Memphis over continued presence of Confederate conspirators and pro-Confederate clergy
THE CONSPIRATORS
The infamous tribe of rebel sympathizers encouragers, aiders, abettors, contributors-the real actors [sic] and participants in the inglorious cause of the rebellion-the sugar and molasses stealers, cotton bale thieves, gunboat and cotton-bale burners-the mob craze, press-gangers [sic], commissioned and non-commissioned officials in the rebel militia, their police assistants and detectives who remain in Memphis, maintaining an ominous silence since the occupation of the city by the Union army, are daily conspiring against the Government which they have heretofore opposed and outraged, and would to-day do publicly what they are doing privately and clandestinely, were it not for this presence of an armed legitimate power, which rebels of every grade hate and fear, but which the advocates of law, order, and peace respect and love. Squads of these sneaking, undermining creatures of animated nature-the lowflung, plying tools and bribed emissaries of one KING JEFFERSON, whose throne is his country's ruin, and whose crown is a stigma of perpetual infamy-may be seen on our street corners and side walks any day, or at night huddled within narrow walls which echo the fiendish utterances of tongues steeped in venom and lips beslimes with all the blackness of accursed treason.
There is another class of the followers and fawning sycophants of the Confederate king, to which I have not particularly alluded, a portion of which remain here to lead the intrigues in the operations and maneuvers of the conspiracy. While our city was under the mobocratic rule of the Jeff. Davis despotism, those foul-mouthed blasphemous minions of the traitor Jeff. violated the sanctity of their clerical robes by being first, foremost and most clamorous in the rebellious cause, desecrated the pulpit, the sanctuary of business, by preaching and inculcating falsehood, calumny, and open and avowed treason, where they, as ministers of God, should have held forth the sublimity and impurity of religious sentiment; but instead of adorning their sacred sphere by teachings of loving kindness, by the holy instruction of Gospel truth, they ordained misters of the Gospel of Christ, [sic] covered themselves with public disgrace, and dishonored their holy profession, by beseeching, on bended knees, the God of the universe to dam [sic] the souls of the thousands of patriots who are risking all for a common cause, ALL [sic] for the perpetuity of the government found upon the principles of civil and religious liberty-by praying [sic] that all who were for the Union should be consigned by the power of the Almighty to the fiery torments of an unending hell, thus changing the holy temple of God to a den of treason against government, law, and peace.
Some of these traitor-preachers and their aforesaid conspiring associates in intrigue and crime are here now, exercising a villainous deception in carrying on a continual communication with their fellow traitors in the interior, and with the prowling bands of rebel desperadoes who are disgracing humanity with their depredations which have no parallel except among the most barbarous tribes of uncivilized men. There are various channels of underhand means [sic] of communication between person reside in the city and the bands of Confederate soldiers in the country. Information may reach the enemy by carrying of letters by individuals who are careless of consequences, or who have no conscientious scruples regarding a violation of the oath of allegiance, or a parole of honor; and I am informed by persons of undoubted veracity that rebel soldiers come in the city attired in citizens clothes taking the oath, and return to their rebel bands. I think it is absolutely essential that our authorities should be more rigid. The covert treason in our midst must be eradicated. Rebels must be treated as rebels, and traitors punished as traitors. Let the conspirators and spies be ferreted out and dealt with as the scoundrels deserve to be.
Memphis Union Appeal, July 16, 1862.
16, Andrew Johnson's request for the arrest of Rev. Jesse R. Ferguson in Ohio for "preaching treason of the most odious character."
Nashville, July 16th, 1862
Gov. Tod[1],
Columbus, Ohio
Will you please [have] Rev Jesse R. Ferguson arrested and held in custody until you hear further from me. He is a traitor and, as I am advised, has been preaching treason of the most odious character. You have been expecting, perhaps, to hear of the fall of Nashville.[2] You need have no fears on that score. The policy has been bad in withdrawing almost the entire military force from this place, but we are determined to defend it to the last extremity. Tennessee must be redeemed. God willing, she shall be.
Andrew Johnson
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 562.
16, Freedom of the press according to the Memphis Bulletin
"CENSORSHIP OF THE PRESS."
A free press is one of the conditions of a free government. Not only must every man have full and entire liberty to express his opinions to any one that he can prevail upon to read them, but the public has a right to know the truth, and the whole truth, in regard to matters of public concern. It is the people that govern this country, not a class. It is the average of public sentiment that regulates our public policy-not the peculiar views of any one man or set of men. The people, then, should be correctly informed of the actual facts in order that they may be able to act intelligently. Who would think of submitting a cause to a jury on a portion only of the evidence, unless he desired to accomplish some fraudulent object? Certainly no honest man. Neither will any honest man undertake to submit the consideration of his public conduct to his constituents on a portion of the facts. When a man has something to conceal, it is clear that he has done something wrong.
It is useless to say that public policy requires the suppression of disastrous news. If the American people are a set of children, who are to be flattered into good humor, and cajoled out of their money, it is well enough to amuse them, as Napoleon does the French, in order to distract their attention from what is actually going on. But they are not babes; they are men, and are able to take care of their own affairs; and they deserve at least the poor privilege of knowing what those affairs are. [emphasis added]Being men, and having confidence in themselves, they do not propose to act at the beck or nod of any man, nor to accept any man's construction of the facts. They claim to see and know for themselves what the truth is, and to judge for themselves what the times demand. In regard to various occurrences of importance, during the present rebellion, the Government has taken the grave responsibility either of concealing or denying the facts, and so systematically has this deception been carried on under the low pretence of withholding from the newspaper matters which might afford important information, that the public have come to disbelieve, on general principles, anything which they get from the War Department or the commanders of departments. They never know whether to rejoice at a victory or to sorrow over a defeat-whether to hope for a speedy termination of the war, or nerve themselves for greater sacrifices of blood and treasures-whether to praise or blame those to whose honor they have committed their fate. All this disingenuous quibbling, this childish dissembling of facts, besides the harassing anxiety it occasions, weakens our confidence in our leaders, and makes us reluctant to bear new burdens for reasons that we know nothing about, and for purposes of which we have no means of judging. No man, in his senses, takes a leap in the dark when he can help it.
The Southern leaders are more consistent. This whole rebellion has been prosecuted on lies and misrepresentations. They never have dared to let the people see but one side of the case. No Northern journals, except those devoted especially to the service of the Secessionists, have been allowed to circulate at the South, and even the useful art of reading has been discouraged, for fear of accidents. When the war first broke out the unwavering were brought up to the scratch by systematic lying and by persecution of those who dared to tell the truth. The battle of Bull's [sic] Run was falsely represented, not only as a great victory, but a great strategical advantage; the ambassadors (?) [sic] to foreign powers falsely stated that France and England were disposed to intervene; the press teemed with ridiculously false stories of the barbarous and savage designs of the North; every retreat was magnified into a strategic advantage, and every evacuation rendered "the prospects of the Confederacy brighter than ever." Deception and falsification are an important and chief part of the means by which the spirit of the Southern people has been kept up to the prosecution of the rebellion, and the double spirits won over to the side of secession. It is a radical and indispensable part of the policy of the Rebels to lie -- it is one of the elements of their success. The very doctrine of secession is in itself a tissue of absurdities, and sophistries, and contradictions, and has, even in the apparent harmony of the Southern States, been productive of great trouble and perplexity in carrying on their card-house government. It is therefore not inconsistent for the Southern Confederacy to deceive the people by every means in their power. As to the press, they do not even pretend to exercise a censorship over it – they own it. The editors are the mouth pieces and organs of the government and say only what they are told to. They have no will but that of their masters, and of course there is nothing in their papers to censure. [emphasis added] Therefore, it is that we say that it is consistent and altogether the thing for the Southern officials land the Southern press to lie, but for the government of a great and free republic to resort to the contemptible devises of concealment and deception, for the purpose of keeping unwelcome truths from the people, is a very poor compliment either to their sense, their courage, or their patriotism.
Memphis Bulletin, July 16, 1862.
16, "The troops here have been lying on their arms for 2 or 3 nights expecting an attack." Anxiety among Federal troops in Nashville resulting from Forrest's raid on Murfreesboro, July 13, 1862.
Nashville, Tenn.
July 16th, 1862
Dear Wife,
I take my pen to hand to inform you that I am well at present and hope these few lines may find you all enjoying the same blessing. I came up here last Saturday after the mail and Sunday morning the rebels attacked the Federal troops at Murfreesboro and whipped them out and they have yet got possession of the place. It is on the road from here to Wartrace so I cannot get back until our men retakes Murfreesboro. The rebels were 4000 strong and all cavalry. I have not heard from our boys since Saturday as Wartrace is 23 miles the other side from Murfreesboro. The troops here have been lying on their arms for 2 or 3 nights expecting an attack. The rebels are attacking our troops at every point since the fight at Richmond. Jo & Hugh Patterson have a discharge signed by our Doctor, the Col. and the Captain and it only has to be signed by the Medical Director at this place which I think he will do whenever they are presented to him. They came very near starting home Saturday as I came up here. They will start as soon as I get back to camp. I see in the paper this morning that the rebels are playing the wild in Kentucky. I expect we will have to come back yet and clean them out. I am afraid they will ruin all the Union people if there is not some troops sent there. There is a report here that McClellan's army has been cut to pieces. And also that the rebels have retaken Baton Rouge again. I am thinking this war will last a long time yet and I don't know whether we will whip them at all or not. I have wrote one letter to you since I got back and I have been looking every day for an answer. You must write as often as you can. I would like to hear from you every day. These ----- times I would like to see you all but I don't know when I will get home again. So nothing more at present but remaining your affectionate husband until death.
A. A. Harrison
Since I closed my letter I have heard that the railroad bridge at Murfreesboro has been burned so I don't know when I will get back to the regiment. It is too dangerous a road to travel by myself. All our troops at Murfreesboro were taken prisoners that were not killed. And some folks here say they were all killed after they surrendered but I don't believe that. I will write again as soon as I hear from our camp. The boys were all well when I left but Jo & Patterson. The Doctor says they are not dangerous but he thinks it is best for them to go home where they can be taken care of. You must get along the best you can and try and be satisfied and write as often as you can and don't forget to kiss the children for me. Tell father & mother & the children I would to them all. We have not been paid as yet and I am afraid the paymaster will not come while the rebels are cutting up. So nothing more at present but remaining your affectionate husband until death.
A. A. Harrison
Absolom A. Harrison Correspondence
16, Federal reconnaissance in force, Tullahoma toward Murfreesboro
No circumstantial reports filed.
TULLAHOMA, July 16, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
A young man who deserted from the rebel forces at Corinth and has been at his home sick 6 miles north of this point has just come in, and gives information that two of Price's Indians have been seen in his neighborhood, and that a rebel division is on its way via Altamont to Murfreesborough and Nashville. I am just sending a strong reconnoitering party of cavalry toward Murfreesborough to ascertain what is going on in that neighborhood. I will report upon its return.
Various rumors reach me of the movements of large rebel forces through the mountains toward Nashville, but I find it impossible to get any reliable information on this subject. If I can satisfy myself that the movement on Murfreesborough is a mere raid I will throw my force to their rear and cut them off if possible. Pending such information I will hold my forces all in hand.
[Brig. Gen.] W. S. SMITH.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 16, pt. II, p. 163.
16, Letter of Col. William L. Sanderson, 23rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, from Bolivar to his wife in Indiana
HdQr, Reserve Brigade
Bolivar, Tenn., JULY 16, 62.
My dear wife,
Mr. Davis and party start home in the morning, the will be able to tell you all about matters and things here, Mrs. Brown seems a little better to day, and anxious to get home, I think Riding in these box cars, was to much for her, they will have some passenger cars on the road before long, so there will be some comfort in traveling. Genl McClernand telegraph[ed] to me from Jackson yesterday, to meet him at the cars when the[y] came down, wich [sic] I did, he wanted to see me about matters. I got in and rode up to town with him, on his way [to Grand] Junction. He is very pleasant he said that there would be some Important [sic] movements made before long, I had to [sic] much sense to ask him wat [sic] they where [sic], for I know that he would not tell me. This morning there was twoo [sic] Regts [sic]., passed here from the Junction, on their way to Jackson, I could not see who they where [sic], the cars did not stop with us, I think that we will probably be left here, and should this be so I will send for your and Carrie. the Adjutant will be home in a few days I think, this time shure [sic], the only letters that we get, are those we get by hand, we have not had a mail since we have arrived at Bolivar, and that is five weeks if we could get letters, and papers from home, we would be better content, but so it goes….God bless you all love to all
Coon [3]
my health thank God never was better
The Civil War Letters of Colonel William Lawrence Sanderson [4]
16, Altercation in Memphis
Street Encounter – An Exciting Scene. – An affair occurred on Main street, near the corner of Court, yesterday afternoon, which created considerable excitement among the spectators, and for some time threatened serious consequences.
It appears that two well known citizens of Memphis, Mr. Tutwilder, formerly a bank detective in the employ of the Union Bank, of this place, and Mr. Clemens, a well known cotton broker, had a disagreement in respect to the sale of some sugar.
Meeting yesterday afternoon near the above mentioned place, an altercation ensured in the course of which both parties became much excited, until Mr. Tutwilder, losing command of himself, suddenly drew a knife and made some violent threats against his antagonist.
Mr. Clemens immediately withdrew, but in a few minutes returned with a pistol, and approaches [sic] Tutwilder who was waiting for him.
By this time a considerable crowd had gathered about, attracted by the loud tones of the contending parties.
As Mr. Clemens approached with his pistol in his hand and evidently meaning danger, the crowd suddenly broke and scattered in every direction, some of them running up Jefferson street, and giving the alarm to a portion of the Provost guard stationed there, who immediately came down on a double quick, in time to prevent what might otherwise have been a serious affray, but at once arresting both parties and taking them to the military prison.
An examination of the affair will probably be had before the civil authorities this morning.
Memphis Bulletin, July 17, 1862.
16, Nashville's rabble: hatred of the working class.
"There go the rabble," said a rebel dressed in slick broadcloth, yesterday morning, and the long procession of citizen volunteers passed along the streets with the Stars and Stripes floating at their head. Rabble, indeed! And what have the working men and mechanics of this city done to these new made noblemen of ours that they should be reproached as a rabble? Have they not made these very purse-proud creatures rich, and ministered continually to their comfort? Have not the poor laboring men been the benefactors of this and all other countries? Ah, men whose hardened hands have never counted the gains of extortion and heartless oppression, hold up your heads like true men, and be not abashed by the insulting jeers of those who are living witnesses that wealth and principle do not always go together. "There go the rabble!" Rabble! Rabble masons, rabble carpenters, rabble smiths, rabble printers and rabble tailors. We think we saw some rabble lawyers, doctors and merchants also in the procession; men whose hearts are open to all honest men, and who have brains and principle as well as wealth, and who scorn to affiliate with traitors. Loyal men of Nashville, tell your brainless villifiers that you have weapons for the defence of your wives and children, and that while you scorn to bandy words with a would be aristocrat, you have strength to put twice your number to inglorious flight, if they are of such material as your former masters, or those who claimed to be your masters. [emphasis added] If you are "rabble," so was Patrick Henry, the penniless grocer; so was Henry Clay, the mill boy of the Slashes; so was S. S. Prentiss, the poor school teacher; so was Franklin, the humble printer; so was Andrew Jackson, the orphan and a child of poverty. All that the world cares of the useful, the sublime and the beautiful in human intellect has been the offspring of the "rabble." And aristocracy is the chattering jackdaw which struts in borrowed feathers. Jackdaws, beware, lest you be stripped of your plumage?
Nashville Daily Union, July 16, 1862
16, Pilfering in Murfreesboro
Stores Robbed by Guerrillas in Murfreesborough.
Mr. W. B. Hornbeck, of the firm of Hornbeck & Forsythe, Murfreesboro, called on us yesterday and gave us the particulars of the robbery of his store by some marauders on Wednesday last [16th]. About twenty-five guerrillas, under a Captain Bond, called at his house and ordered him to follow them. They then went to his store and helped themselves to $200 worth of goods, and a horse worth $200. Some few of the lower class of citizens seemed to encourage them in their rascally work, but the better class of the citizens remonstrated, [emphasis added] though ineffectually with the guerrillas, who ordered them to mind their business. At the request of these citizens Mr. Hornbeck was handed over to a Lieutenant of Forrest's command, who treated him kindly, and paroled him, on condition that he would not take up arms against the Confederacy. Bond's men told him they were the persons who shot several pickets on the Lebanon Pike, some ten days ago, near Pierce's Mill. Mr. Hornbeck expresses himself as very grateful to the respectable citizens of Murfreesboro' for their exertions in his behalf. How long shall these disgraceful robberies go on within the lines of the Federal army?
Nashville Daily Union, July 19, 1862.
16, "Raising the Flag over the Navy Yard."
On Wednesday last [16th] the old stars and stripes were raised over the Memphis Navy Yard by Lieut. Rowe. As we saw it floating there in its pride of place, and looked around upon the solid masonry, the McAdamized roads, the reclaimed courts and valuable estate, which the general government, in its munificence, bestowed upon the city of Memphis, we thought of the ingratitude of those who, sharing in the gift, raised the parricidal hands to smite the giver; and returning, we looked, and looked in vain, for the gift that secession had left to Memphis. In lieu of riches, poverty, in lieu of employment, a conscription act; in lieu of protection, spoliation; in lieu of the chorus of anvils, the wail of want the low muttered curses of oppressed industry. The idle foundry and the stilled machinery seemed to enter a mute protest against the suicidal wickedness of rebellion; and the raising of the flag seemed as the forming of the rainbow, which brings hope; and like the rainbow, the flag will be found true to every augury of good which it verified in the past and promised in the present. [emphasis added]
Memphis Union Appeal, July 18, 1862.
16,"The Murfreesborough Fight."
Several prisoners who were captured by the guerrillas at Murfreesboro', and subsequently paroled, have arrived in the city. We conversed with one, a private in Col. Winkoop's cavalry. He said that the Michigan Regiment, in which he was taken completely by surprise, and were in the hands of the enemy almost before they had time to fire a gun. The camp of the Third Minnesota was a mile or a mile and a half from the Michigan camp. Our killed amounted to 80 or 199 in all, with a good many wounded. Hewitt's battery fought gallantly until all their ammunition was expended. Our officers were taken South, probably to Chattanooga, and the privates were paroled. Col. Duffield is lying, mortally wounded, it is feared, at the house of a citizen. The more we consider this unfortunate affair the more incomprehensible it appears to us. Here were twelve hundred good men, hale, hearty and brave, no doubt, who were surprised by a troop of guerrillas, almost before they had time to make any resistance. There is no doubt that had they been encamped together and well guarded, they could have repelled the enemy with terrible slaughter. Instead of uniting, however, they were far apart, and thus were cut up in detail. Why were they not in a position to support each other? The officers certainly knew that they were in an hostile region, and liable to a raid at any moment, and it is a mystery to us why they were not in a condition to assist and support each other. If such military tactics are to be followed in Tennessee, Gen. Buell's whole army can be destroyed in two weeks by three thousand guerillas. Remember the fable of the old man and the bundle of sticks, which while tied together, could not be broken, but when separated could be snapped with ease. Some of our officers seem to take a price in being careless of danger. They think it shows a generous confidence in the rebels to put themselves at their mercy, and it generally ends in the utter demolition of the confiding officer. The rebels never expose themselves in this manner; they are always on the alert, and are rarely caught napping. The reason is that the rebel leaders intended to fight when they began the rebellion, while ours generally hope to conciliate the rebels by being confiding and careless, and catching their runaway negroes. We say this with no disposition to cast reproach on our unfortunate soldiers. Doubtless they were true and brave men, and would have fought well. The difficulty or misfortune was that they did not realize their situation or the people they had to deal with. For Heaven's sake let there be no more such mistakes!
Latest from Murfreesboro'.
Reliable persons from Murfreesboro' report that the guerrillas have fallen back towards McMinnville. There were not over 2,000 of them, consisting of the Fifth Georgia Cavalry, Texas Rangers, and Starns' and Morgan's old troops. Our loss is stated at 33 killed and 62 wounded. Guerrilla loss 50 killed and 100 wounded. The citizens treated the wounded humanely without distinction. The rebels went off without burying their dead, who were interred by the citizens.
Nashville Daily Union, July 16, 1862.
16, Praise for Nashville working men that aristocratic Nashvillians disdain
Loyal men of Nashville, the purse-proud rebels in your city sneer at you as a set of ignorant, vulgar mechanics, who are their inferiors, and say that you shall not control the place where you and your wives and little ones live. Who reared the homes and stately buildings of Nashville? Who built her churches, her banks, and palatial stores? Who paved her streets, erected her gas works, and her water works? Who have given Nashville all her prosperity and wealth? The working-men; the smiths, tailors, founders, shoemakers, printers, and laborers. [emphasis added] Then if you or the rebel aristocracy are to be driven out, who have the better right to remain? Who made the city and who in justice ought to control it?
Nashville Daily Union, July 16, 1862.
16, "Jackdaws, beware, lest you be stripped of your plumage?" Class consciousness expressed in the Nashville Daily Union
"There go the rabble," said a rebel dressed in slick broadcloth, yesterday morning, and the long procession of citizen volunteers passed along the streets with the Stars and Stripes floating at their head. Rabble, indeed! And what have the working men and mechanics of this city done to these new made noblemen of ours that they should be reproached as a rabble? Have they not made these very purse-proud creatures rich, and ministered continually to their comfort? Have not the poor laboring men been the benefactors of this and all other countries? Ah, men whose hardened hands have never counted the gains of extortion and heartless oppression, hold up your heads like true men, and be not abashed by the insulting jeers of those who are living witnesses that wealth and principle do not always go together. "There go the rabble!" Rabble! Rabble masons, rabble carpenters, rabble smiths, rabble printers and rabble tailors. We think we saw some rabble lawyers, doctors and merchants also in the procession; men whose hearts are open to all honest men, and who have brains and principle as well as wealth, and who scorn to affiliate with traitors. Loyal men of Nashville, tell your brainless villifiers that you have weapons for the defence of your wives and children, and that while you scorn to bandy words with a would be aristocrat, you have strength to put twice your number to inglorious flight, if they are of such material as your former masters, or those who claimed to be your masters. If you are "rabble," so was Patrick Henry, the penniless grocer; so was Henry Clay, the mill boy of the Slashes; so was S. S. Prentiss, the poor school teacher; so was Franklin, the humble printer; so was Andrew Jackson, the orphan and a child of poverty. All that the world cares of the useful, the sublime and the beautiful in human intellect has been the offspring of the "rabble." And aristocracy is the chattering jackdaw which struts in borrowed feathers. Jackdaws, beware, lest you be stripped of your plumage?
Nashville Daily Union, July 16, 1862.
16, "The spirit of Union is all benevolent and merciful…" Correspondence from New York
A young lady writes to us from New York as follows:
"Mr. S. C. Mercer:--I have been for some time very anxious to obtain a Nashville paper. You will not wonder at my desire when I inform you it is only a year and a half since I returned from Springfield, Tenn., where I had made my home for several years prior to the rebellion. I had many friends when I left there, the same as I have done, and respect them for their honest belief, let it be right or wrong, however much they may dislike me, because I happen to be a Yankee!—an important circumstance, I know. I cannot fail to be interested in them as a people, and shall always remember them kindly.
****
I trust you are a Union gentleman, and will confer a favor on a Northern girl who sorrows deeply for her country and the safety of her friends. You will oblige me by sending me your latest weekly upon the receipt of this."
We have quoted these extracts to show how much more magnanimity and affection the loyal women of the North cherish for the rebels than the rebel women do for the loyal people of the North. How different is the tender and kindly spirit of the Union girls' letter than the fierce and coarse epistles so often written by rebel women. The spirit of Union is all benevolent and merciful; the spirit of disunion is malignant and intolerant.
Nashville Daily Union, July 16, 1862.
1863
16, Prostitutes' progress, Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as Newport and Covington, Kentucky
"The 'Frail Sisters.'"-
The Cincinnati Gazette of the 17th says: "The Idahoe came up yesterday from Nashville, bringing a cargo of one hundred and fifty of the frail sisterhood of Nashville, who had been sent North under military orders. There does not seem to be much desire on the part of our authorities to welcome such a large addition to the already overflowing numbers engaged in their peculiar profession, and the remonstrances were so urgent against their being permitted to land that that boat was taken over to the Kentucky shore; but the authorities of Newport and Covington have no greater desire for their company, and the consequence is that the poor girls are still kept on board the boat. It is said (on what authority we are unable to discover) that the military order issued in Nashville has been revoked in Washington, and that they will all be returned to Nashville again."
Nashville Daily Union, July 19, 1863.
16, Action near Memphis
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
16, "Court-Martialed [sic]."
Corporal Geo. W. Mercer, of co. H, 1st Ohio Cavalry, was arraigned and tried by military commission, at Salem, Tenn., on the 11th day of July, on a charge of attempted arson, did "wilfully [sic] and maliciously setting a fire to a certain cotton factory, or to the cotton within said factory, the property of Mesrrs. Mann, Criddle & Bro., near Salem, Tenn., on or about the 11th day of July 1863." He was found guilty of the charge and specification, and sentenced to have his head shaved and drummed through the cavalry command (formed,) to be placed in close confinement for two years in any military prison the commanding General may direct, and to forfeit all pay and allowances that are or may become due him, except the allowance of nothing [?] to deserters, and to be dishonorably discharged from the service of the United States. Major-General Stanley, Chief of Cavalry, having approved the sentence of the Court, and the first parts of said sentence having been executed, the prisoner will be forwarded to Jeffersonville (Ind.) Penitentiary this morning.
Nashville Daily Press, July 16, 1863.
16, "…about the middle of April last there came a small band of men callin [sic] them selves southern soldiers…." Rebel guerrillas impoverish an impoverished Union loyalist in Dickson County. The Petition of F. M. Carter to Military Governor Andrew Johnson
[Nashville] July 16, 1863
To His Excellency Andrew Johnson
Govenor [sic] & c
Your petitioner, F M Carter, a resident of Dixon County Tennessee, a true Loyal union Citizen of the United States, and ever have been true & faithful. But is a man in quite Humble circumstance.
That about the middle [sic] of April last there came a small band of men calling them selves [sic] southern soldier, to his house and arrested petitioner, and carrid [sic] him a way [sic] from his little helpless family, and took and carrid [sic] away his only nag he had to make a crop with a mare worth about 125$. Carrid [sic] him to a place calld [sic] Kinderhook about 40 miles from hom [sic], where he suceded [sic] in making his escape, they kept his mare. He was arresd [sic] & carrid [sic] off & his mare taken for nothing only he was &caused to be arrestd [sic] & thus tried by some of his neighbors who are strong Secesh [sic] and been aiding & abetting the rebellion and those gurrellers [sic], towit [sic], Plumer Williams where they stayed the over night, before he was arrestd [sic] erly [sic] next morning, Ben Robinson Henry Steuart,[5] & prberly [sic] others. Robinson heped [sic] them one night & went with them to Williams.
In consequence of this treetment [sic] he lost his mare &crop & was therein greatly damege [sic]. Petitions is adv[i]s[e]d this come within your proclamation of May 9th, 1862.
Therefore, if it can be done, he prays to be remuneratd [sic], and such step had & may seem right. Williams Robinson & Steuart are not in the City.
as in duty bond &c. F M Carter
by M. M. Brien
Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 293-294.
16, The status of Federal soldiers in camp at Winchester, the letter of Jacob Bartmess
Camp at Winchester. Tenn. July 16th/63.
Dear Wife --.
Your kind letter of the 29th of June came to hand two day ago. You spoke of the frost hurting our wheat some. Amanda that is not as bad as some of the wheat is hurt here, for we go into fields that are cut and haul it all to camp and feed it to the horses. I hope that Morgan has served some of the butternuts so in Ind[iana]….The news is very encouraging here now. It is to be hoped that the war will end this summer. The health of the Soldiers here is generaly [sic] good except [sic] the diarrhoea [sic],which was caused by having to eat so much fresh meat. There is no end to blackbaries [sic] here. A part of our reg't [sic] goes out every day blackberrying [sic]. For the last week the weather has been very pleasant. but [sic] two weeks of the time since we left Murfreesboro was as wet as I ever saw. I come very near loosing all my postage stamps.
My pens, which were in my pocket book, got so wet that they rusted so as nearly to spoil them. we [sic] have a very pleasant camp. and [sic] since we have been here. we have had very good times except a little short of rations. we [sic] have had no duty to do scarcly [sic]. but [sic] then we need a little rest. Some of the horses look awful hard. their [sic] backs have been sore so long that great holes are eat in them….
Well Amanda paper is scarce here now and when we do get it we pay 5 cents for three sheets. Envellops is Still scarcer.
I will close by Subscribing myself.
Your Affectionate and unworthy Husband
J. W. Bartmess.
MSCC/CWRC
16, Confederate conscript sweeps at Morning Sun and Hickory Wythe.
LATEST FROM HICKORY WYTHE.
Citizens Fleeing from Their Homes.
Richardson Back Again.
A Memphis Editor Conscripted.
We learn from gentlemen who have just arrived from the neighborhood of Morning Sun and Hickory Wythe [Fayette County], that Richardson, the notorious guerrilla, has returned to West Tennessee, and is now engaged in committing all sorts of outrages on the citizens in that part of the country. More than thirty persons have been forced to leave their homes, and arrived in this city during the past three days. The citizens are fleeing in every direction from the high-handed, petty despotism of this infamous banditti.
Richardson has now a brigadier's commission, and has returned to conscript enough men to make up a brigade. He has already about two hundred men; with these he is doing a large business in conscripting, horse-thieving, and villainous outrages of every kind. The farmers are leaving their farms, the mechanic his work-bench, and the teacher his school room. Among those who have been favored with a notice to join his ranks within the next two days after serving of the notice, is Mr. H. L. Priddy, late publisher of the [Memphis] Argus. The last we heard from Mr. Priddy, he was making tracks for Memphis, at what the soldiers call "double quick." We suppose that he did not fancy a ride through the country with a prospect of being captured, and getting lodging furnished gratis at the Irving Block.
Memphis Bulletin, July 16, 1863.
16, One Army of Tennessee private's account of the retreat to Chattanooga
CAMP NEAR CHATTANOOGA, TENN., July 16, 1863
Mrs. Morgan: My kind and esteemed friend, it may seem ungrateful that I had not heretofore acknowledged the receipt of your very kind letter of the 22d of May. The only excuse I offer is simply this: We were then lying at Shelbyville, and one could write nothing of interest, and even now cannot do much better than to relate old and stale incidents. As for the particulars of the fate of Vicksburg, your are possibly better acquainted with than I.
The fall of Charleston is reported as truth, yet nothing to confirm the report. Therefore I still have hope that the South can yet boast one Gibraltar. On or about the 24th of June we were then in front in Shelbyville working on the fortifications. About that time Col. Morgan's "Regiment of Cavalry" move in near the works about one-half mile from our encampment, but from the pace of work I did not get a chance to go see him, as I would have like [sic] to have done. On the night of the 26th we got orders to cook rations. About sunrise on the 27th we were formed, not knowing where we were going, to the front or rear. We struck the pike, moved by the left flank, to the rear, in retreat. This day was a hot, sultry one. As we passed through Shelbyville we saw every indication of retreat. Union families were seen peeping through windows exuberant with glee; other families of Southern sympathy were in great distress and gloom. I then thought of yourself [sic] and family, feeling as if every foot we moved would prolong you're your banishment from your once pleasant and happy home. We marched all day in the rear of the army, and night found us seven or eight miles from Shelbyville, worn-out and sick. During the night the rain fell in torrents, and the only shelter was trees. On the 28th we arrived at Tullahoma, cooked four days' rations on the 29th, and moved to the front on pickets three miles from the line of fortifications – just our brigade – the enemy showing evidence of fight. We occasionally heard a bullet pass. It seemed they were advancing, but slow and cautious [sic]. On the 30th the First Kentucky Cavalry had drawn back to our line of skirmishers, and reported the enemy in force two hundred yards from us. We remained thus until after sunset, when a report from a rifle in our front, then a volley which we didn't answer, expecting the enemy wanted to advance his lines. At dark all was quiet as death. We laid [sic] down upon our arms with sad feelings, thinking that the day of July 1st would usher us on a field of death and carnage. About 10 o'clock we are aroused from sleep and move to the rear, it having been ascertained that Rosey had evaded us by the right flank, and was endeavoring to get to the mountains before we could. We marched all night and until noon of the 2d. We halted at Alizonia, nothing unusual but the heat, and a great many cases of sunstroke. The 3d, at daylight, we moved through Winchester, stopping within two miles of town to rest in the heat of the day. Before we got seated the cavalry were skirmishing in Winchester. We pushed on, got to Cowan Station at 3 or 4 o'clock, formed line of battle, and lay without any further molestation. The 4th day of July we made an early start over the mountains, the enemy's cavalry still pushing us closely until we crossed the mountain and the Tennessee River. We were then more secure, and all the wagons safe in camp at Shell Mound Springs, which is large enough to float a large boat, and very cold. On the 5th we crossed one mountain, climbed another, and camped on the mountain thirteen miles from this place. On the 6th we got on the railroad, arriving here to learn of the fall of Vicksburg. The troops do not seem so much affected by the intelligence as would be supposed. The consolation is: the gallant conduct of the heroic garrison, and the hardships they underwent before the place surrendered, and the loss the enemy sustained there. It has cost them more than it can be worth, as it does not insure them the free navigation of the Mississippi River. [emphasis added] Well, we are lying [sic] under the summit of old Lookout, but do not expect to remain, as we have got work to do, and the sooner the better for us. There is no doubt that the enemy will find it easier to recruit since our late reverses.
Mrs. Morgan, I expected Mr. Pettit or Walker to bring me some clothes that my friend, Mrs. Glover, has made for me, but I was disappointed. John Walker certainly forgot it. If you will have them at the hotel at your room, a friend of mine, Mr. Pratt, will bring them to me. He is this morning for Atlanta. Will return Saturday, when he will step off the train to get the package. He would not have time to find Mrs. Glover's house. If you will attend to this request, it will greatly oblige me. Mr. Lowe is driving around camp in good health; Brooks "ditto." I see Lowe occasionally; he is on some detail duty. There is not much sickness at present among the troops, though a great deal of playing off. I have a notion of playing rheumatism for a few days' leave of absence. Bragg says a man is not a good soldier unless he can play off. Tell Fannie I have waited patiently for an answer to a letter written last winter. I am afraid the good people of Marietta are forgetting the situation of their beloved country. I learn they have balls often, and are enjoying the gay frivolities of times of peace. Well, I guess it may be all right, as the first night I was home in Kentucky I passed at a ball for a few hours, forgetting we were at war, and enjoyed myself beyond description. Give friends, one and all, my kindest regards, and write soon. Remember me to yourself and family.
Your true friend,
J. H. Lynn, Company E, 154th Tennessee Regiment, T. V.
How it Was, pp. 181-186.
16 (?)-18, Expedition, Columbia and Centreville to Tullahoma
JULY [16-18][6] 1863.-Expedition to Columbia and Centreville, Tenn.
Report of Capt. Henry Thrall, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
TULLAHOMA, July 18, 1863.
GEN.: Col. Wilder reports expedition under Col. Monroe returned from Columbia and Centreville. He captured 50 prisoners, including 5 commissioned officers, 700 head of horses and mules, and 250 negroes [sic]. Killed 10 guerrillas. Our loss 1 man (Private [Andres J.] Stewart, Seventeenth Indiana) killed. Col. Great [?] (rebel) was too severely wounded to move, and was paroled.
H. THRALL, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
16, "Mammoth Sea Turtle"
Major Gunklen [?], the enterprising proprietor of the St. Nicholas, introduced into his establishment, on Saturday last [16th], a large green sea turtle, weighing three hundred and twenty-five pounds. The "animal" was alive and kicking and during the day received numerous visitors. We heard a stranger remark as he was surveying the monster, that he "didn't think a craft of that size would ever get over the shoals at the present state of water." We couldn't see it, ourselves, as we discovered that the sea-fowl, while promenading across the floor, was drawing four feet large! [sic]-in fact, feet of elephantine proportions. Turtle-to thee we smile, when you are slaughtered and made into soup.
Nashville Daily Press, July 18, 1864.
16, "Depredations on Railroads;" Major-General Milroy authorizes retaliatory actions to quell guerrilla attacks in the Tullahoma area [see July 15, 1864, "The Suppression of Guerillas [sic] and Bushwhackers;" Major-General R. H. Milroy takes a hard line-General Orders, No. 35 above]
Gen. Milroy has issued an order to the following effect:-"All citizens residing in the vicinity of railroads and telegraph lines within this district, will be held responsible for their safety unless, in the event of a breach upon either, it is known to have been made by a Rebel force from outside of the District. In case of any breach or injury to a railroad or telegraph lines the District, by lawless persons, except as aforesaid, the commanding officer of the nearest United States forces to the breach or injury, will cause the immediate arrest of all male persons capable of committing such breach or injury, residing within six mile thereof, and have them brought to his headquarters, when he will release all men of known genuine loyalty; but shall retain for examination all disaffected and disloyal persons, and shall asses upon them a sufficient ad valorem tax to pay the damage done the railroad or telegraph line, and cause said tax to be immediately paid or secured In case any of the persons so arrested are ascertained to have been engaged in breaching or injuring the railroad or telegraph line, such persons shall be retained for trial by military commission, and to that end shall be turned over to the nearest Provost Marshal, with copy of charges and names of witnesses."
Nashville Dispatch, July 16, 1864.
16, I have made a very considerable change in the administration of affairs here." The problem of creating loyalty to the Union. An excerpt from General R. H. Milroy to his wife
Headquarters District of Tennessee
Nashville, Tenn July 16th 1864
My Dear Mary,
....I had to go down to Tullahoma....and took [my] Comd [sic] here on Monday morning last. The duties here are very laborious and confining….I have made a very considerable change in the administration of affairs here. I am trying to make the loyal feel that it is good for them that they have been loyal, and the disloyal feel "wo [sic] is me!" that I have been "Disloyal"[sic]. I found that a great many of the rich rebels had [Federal] soldiers assigned to them as permanent guards, and were using our soldiers as servants and waiters instead of their negroes [sic] who had run off and left them. I issued an order and published it in the papers calling these guards all in at once--a great many of these fine ladies have been begging for guards for their fine property. But I allow no guards to go except to loyal citizens and only allow invalid soldiers to go then, who are unfit for duty in the field. I have been out and reviewed two fine negro Regts [sic] here. I also recd through contraband Camp a short distance out of the City. I found thousands of negro woman and children in a wretched fix. Crowded in old ragged tents on the ground--with out any shade,--many sick.
* * * *
….The gurillas [sic] are getting very troublesome in some parts of my District and it is rumored that forrest [sic] with a large force is approaching here.
Love to the Children.
Your Own R. H. Milroy
Papers of General Milroy, pp. 364-366.
16, Special Orders, No. 81, relative to the newly appointed city council in Memphis
EXTRACT
Hdqrs. Dist. of West Tennessee
Memphis, Tenn., July 16, 1864
I. Paragraph No. 1 of Special Orders no. 70 from these Headquarters, drafted July 2d, 1864, is hereby so modified as to constituted the persons hereafter named a Council, to discharge the duties heretofore devolving upon the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Memphis; and the, with the acting Mayor, are hereby invested with all the powers to be exercised by said Board of Mayor and Aldermen and shall receive the usual compensations and be known as the Provisional Board of Mayor and Council of the City of Memphis:
First Ward-J. P. Foster, Andrew Benkert [?]
Second Ward-F. G. S. Johnson, S. T. Morgan
Third Ward-R. F. C. Brooks, A. J. Miller
Fourth Ward-J.M. Hill[?], J. G. Owen
Fifth Ward-Wm. S.[?] Bruce, Wm. W. Jones
Sixth Ward-J.E. Merriman, C.C. Smith
Seventh Ward-G. E [?] Ware [?] Joseph Tagg.
Eighth Ward-Patrick Cherry, Henry T. Hurlbut
By command of Major General C. C. Washburn
Memphis Bulletin, August 9, 1864.
16, Margaret M. Faulkner's Plea to Military Governor Johnson for the Release of Her Husband, James T., Prisoner of War
Nashville, Tenn. July 16, 1864
Brig. Gen Andrew Johnson
Military Governor &c. Nashville Ten.
Governor: My husband James T. Faulkner was conscripted into the rebel army about the 22d of Feby 1863, and taken off South, while he was preparing to leave home and come to the city of Nashville to avoid conscription. He has since been captured and is now in prison at Fort Delaware. My husband was a quite, peaceable citizen, and a Union man. Since he has been confined in prison he has endeavored to obtain his release by making a full statement of the facts showing the he was always a Union man, had no sympathy with, nor ever aided the rebellion in any shape or form; and that he was pressed into the rebel army against is will and while he was preparing to come into Federal lines for protections. In support of which, I beg leave to refer to the paper now on file in the office at Col Wm. Hoffman, Commissary Genl of prisoner, Washington City.
I received a letter from Hoffman stating Mr. Faulkner would not be exchanged but be held for further consideration.
I am a cripple, have the use of only one hand-have a large family to support, and no means to make this support except what I am able to do in decrepid condition. Both Mr. Faulkner and myself are unknown to Col. Hoffman, or the Authorities at Washington they do not therefore know whether the statements made by Mr. F. and myself are true. I am lofe [loathe] to ask you to interfere in my behalf, and procure the release of my husband.
The keeping of Mr. F. in prison can be of no benefit to the Government of the United States, but is a punishment upon him, and myself and our children-and this without any wrong done by either of us. Under the Presidents proclamation I can but feel that great injustice is done him in keeping him in prison.[7]
Very respectfully, Governor,
Your Obt Servt
Margaret M. Faulkner
PAJ, Vol. 7, p. 33.
16-20, Scout from Germantown
JULY 16-20, 1863, Scout from Germantown, Tenn.
Report of Col. La Fayette McCrillis, Third Illinois Cavalry, commanding First Brigade, Cavalry Division.
GERMANTOWN, July 20, 1863.
COL.: I have the honor to report that I left Germantown on the morning of the 16th instant with 250 men and two howitzers of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and marched to Collierville. Taking with me 150 men of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, I crossed Wolf River, and marched to Hickory Withe, and thence north toward Quinn's Mills, on the Loosahatchee [sic]. About 2 miles north of Hickory Withe [sic], I captured a person just conscripted by Richardson, and who was then going to Galloway Switch [Memphis and Ohio Railroad], where he was ordered to report that day. I immediately forded the Loosahatchee [sic] at Quinn's Mills, and pushed on to Galloway Switch, where I captured 4 or 5 prisoners, conscripts, but could learn nothing of Richardson or any part of his force. Parties of his men, numbering from 5 to 20, had been seen within two or three days, but I could get not the least information from any one as to where any of Richardson's could be found; and I will here state that of all the men who have taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, and to whom protection papers have been given, I could find none to give me any information whatever.
I camped for the night 1 ½ miles west of Galloway's Switch, near Lieut. [F. M.] Griffin's (of Richardson's) command. I took two mules, a light wagon, and a two-wheeled cart from him. Lieut. Griffin was out in command of a conscripting party.
At daylight on the morning of the 17th, I divided my command, and sent a battalion up Beaver Creek Bottom to meet me at Concordia, whither I proceeded with the balance of the command. I there learned from negroes [sic] that about 100 had passed toward Covington two days before, but could hear of none in the neighborhood any later. I thence crossed to Beaver Dam, and turned south toward Shelby Depot, but at a cross-road about 5 miles from Beaver Dam I struck a cavalry trail, leading up into Beaver Bottom, and was informed by negroes [sic] that about 150 of Richardson's men had passed in the night previous. I immediately turned up the creek again, but lost the trail completely in the bottom before I had gone 2 miles, but I pushed on to within 8 miles of Covington; thence I proceeded to near Mason Depot, and camped near the plantation of a Mr. Sherrod.
Early on the morning of the 18th, I sent Maj. Wemple, of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, with eight companies, toward Covington. He went within 4 miles of Whitley's Ferry, north of Covington, and learned that Richardson's command had been crossing the Big Hatchie in squads for two or three days, and that they said that I was after them with twenty-five pieces of artillery and 3,000 or 4,000 men. About 400 men had gone north into Lauderdale County with Richardson. About 100 were armed, and were said to be short of ammunition. With the remainder of my command I proceeded east to Belmont, thence returned to Quinn's Mills, and camped about one-half way between the mills and Hickory Withe [sic], where Maj. Wemple rejoined me.
On the morning of the 19th, I sent out two companies in different directions to hunt guerrillas, and marched direct to Collierville with the main portion of my command. My scouts heard of a few scattering guerrillas, but could find none. Arrived at Germantown on the evening of the 19th.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. MCCRILLIS, Col., Commanding.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pt. II, pp. 682-683.
1864
16, "Mammoth Sea Turtle"
Major Gunklen [?], the enterprising proprietor of the St. Nicholas, introduced into his establishment, on Saturday last [16th], a large green sea turtle, weighing three hundred and twenty-five pounds. The "animal" was alive and kicking and during the day received numerous visitors. We heard a stranger remark as he was surveying the monster, that he "didn't think a craft of that size would ever get over the shoals at the present state of water." We couldn't see it, ourselves, as we discovered that the sea-fowl, while promenading across the floor, was drawing four feet large! [sic]-in fact, feet of elephantine proportions. Turtle-to thee we smile, when you are slaughtered and made into soup.
Nashville Daily Press, July 18, 1864.
16, "Depredations on Railroads;" Major-General Milroy authorizes retaliatory actions to quell guerrilla attacks in the Tullahoma area [see July 15, 1864, "The Suppression of Guerillas [sic] and Bushwhackers;" Major-General R. H. Milroy takes a hard line-General Orders, No. 35 above]
Gen. Milroy has issued an order to the following effect:-"All citizens residing in the vicinity of railroads and telegraph lines within this district, will be held responsible for their safety unless, in the event of a breach upon either, it is known to have been made by a Rebel force from outside of the District. In case of any breach or injury to a railroad or telegraph lines the District, by lawless persons, except as aforesaid, the commanding officer of the nearest United States forces to the breach or injury, will cause the immediate arrest of all male persons capable of committing such breach or injury, residing within six mile thereof, and have them brought to his headquarters, when he will release all men of known genuine loyalty; but shall retain for examination all disaffected and disloyal persons, and shall asses upon them a sufficient ad valorem tax to pay the damage done the railroad or telegraph line, and cause said tax to be immediately paid or secured In case any of the persons so arrested are ascertained to have been engaged in breaching or injuring the railroad or telegraph line, such persons shall be retained for trial by military commission, and to that end shall be turned over to the nearest Provost Marshal, with copy of charges and names of witnesses."
Nashville Dispatch, July 16, 1864.
16, I have made a very considerable change in the administration of affairs here." The problem of creating loyalty to the Union. An excerpt from General R. H. Milroy to his wife
Headquarters District of Tennessee
Nashville, Tenn July 16th 1864
My Dear Mary,
....I had to go down to Tullahoma....and took [my] Comd [sic] here on Monday morning last. The duties here are very laborious and confining….I have made a very considerable change in the administration of affairs here. I am trying to make the loyal feel that it is good for them that they have been loyal, and the disloyal feel "wo [sic] is me!" that I have been "Disloyal"[sic]. I found that a great many of the rich rebels had [Federal] soldiers assigned to them as permanent guards, and were using our soldiers as servants and waiters instead of their negroes [sic] who had run off and left them. I issued an order and published it in the papers calling these guards all in at once--a great many of these fine ladies have been begging for guards for their fine property. But I allow no guards to go except to loyal citizens and only allow invalid soldiers to go then, who are unfit for duty in the field. I have been out and reviewed two fine negro Regts [sic] here. I also recd through contraband Camp a short distance out of the City. I found thousands of negro woman and children in a wretched fix. Crowded in old ragged tents on the ground--with out any shade,--many sick. [emphasis added[
* * * *
….The gurillas [sic] are getting very troublesome in some parts of my District and it is rumored that forrest [sic] with a large force is approaching here.
Love to the Children.
Your Own R. H. Milroy
Papers of General Milroy, pp. 364-366.
16, Special Orders, No. 81, relative to the newly appointed city council in Memphis
EXTRACT
Hdqrs. Dist. of West Tennessee
Memphis, Tenn., July 16, 1864
I. Paragraph No. 1 of Special Orders no. 70 from these Headquarters, drafted July 2d, 1864, is hereby so modified as to constituted the persons hereafter named a Council, to discharge the duties heretofore devolving upon the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Memphis; and the, with the acting Mayor, are hereby invested with all the powers to be exercised by said Board of Mayor and Aldermen and shall receive the usual compensations and be known as the Provisional Board of Mayor and Council of the City of Memphis:
First Ward-J. P. Foster, Andrew Benkert [?]
Second Ward-F. G. S. Johnson, S. T. Morgan
Third Ward-R. F. C. Brooks, A. J. Miller
Fourth Ward-J.M. Hill[?], J. G. Owen
Fifth Ward-Wm. S.[?] Bruce, Wm. W. Jones
Sixth Ward-J.E. Merriman, C.C. Smith
Seventh Ward-G. E [?] Ware [?] Joseph Tagg.
Eighth Ward-Patrick Cherry, Henry T. Hurlbut
By command of Major General C. C. Washburn
Memphis Bulletin, August 9, 1864.
16, Margaret M. Faulkner's Plea to Military Governor Johnson for the Release of Her Husband, James T., Prisoner of War
Nashville, Tenn. July 16, 1864
Brig. Gen Andrew Johnson
Military Governor &c. Nashville Ten.
Governor: My husband James T. Faulkner was conscripted into the rebel army about the 22d of Feby 1863, and taken off South, while he was preparing to leave home and come to the city of Nashville to avoid conscription. He has since been captured and is now in prison at Fort Delaware. My husband was a quite, peaceable citizen, and a Union man. Since he has been confined in prison he has endeavored to obtain his release by making a full statement of the facts showing the he was always a Union man, had no sympathy with, nor ever aided the rebellion in any shape or form; and that he was pressed into the rebel army against is will and while he was preparing to come into Federal lines for protections. In support of which, I beg leave to refer to the paper now on file in the office at Col Wm. Hoffman, Commissary Genl of prisoner, Washington City.
I received a letter from Hoffman stating Mr. Faulkner would not be exchanged but be held for further consideration.
I am a cripple, have the use of only one hand-have a large family to support, and no means to make this support except what I am able to do in decrepid [sic] condition. Both Mr. Faulkner and myself are unknown to Col. Hoffman, or the Authorities at Washington they do not therefore know whether the statements made by Mr. F. and myself are true. I am lofe [loathe] to ask you to interfere in my behalf, and procure the release of my husband.
The keeping of Mr. F. in prison can be of no benefit to the Government of the United States, but is a punishment upon him, and myself and our children-and this without any wrong done by either of us. Under the Presidents proclamation I can but feel that great injustice is done him in keeping him in prison.[8]
Very respectfully, Governor,
Your Obt Servt
Margaret M. Faulkner
PAJ, Vol. 7, p. 33.
[1] David Tod, Governor of Ohio.
[2] These fears were a result of Forrest's raid at Murfreesboro on the 13th.
[3] Col. William L. Sanderson's sobriquet.
[4] As cited in: http://www.indianainthecivilwar.com/letters.htm, from William F. Sanderson, Jr, The Civil War Letters of Colonel William Lawrence Sanderson, (np: 1997). [Hereinafter: Sanderson Letters. Used with permission of Judge William F. Sanderson, Jr., Dallas, TX.]
[5] Henry Stewart, or Stuart, was arrested for aiding in the formation of guerrilla bands and subsequently convicted and sent to Johnson's Island. He died in Nashville in 1864. See Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, p. 293, fn 5.
[6] This event has no date in the OR, but the approximation 16th-18th seems proper.
[7] While Johnson favored Faulkner's release the commissioner of the exchange of war prisoners rejected the petition on August 3, 1864
[8] While Johnson favored Faulkner's release the commissioner of the exchange of war prisoners rejected the petition on August 3, 1864
James B. Jones, Jr.
Public Historian
Tennessee Historical Commission
2941 Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN 37214
(615)-770-1090
(615)-532-1549 FAX
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