Wednesday, November 26, 2014

11.26.2014 Tennessee Civil War Notes

        26, News Summary from East Tennessee

The Union Movement in Tennessee-Prospects in East Tennessee-Knoxville Under Martial Law-Excitement in Chattanooga.

[From the Memphis Avalanche, November 14.]

It is reported that Parson Brownlow had left Knoxville with thirteen guns, and was sympathizer in the Union movement in that quarter. The town of Knoxville is under martial law. On the night of the insurrection-last Friday-it is said that signal rockets were fired all over the mountains, and about the same time an effort was made to burn all the bridges. Six of the men engaged in the attempt to burn the bridge at Strawberry Plains bridge, and who afterwards attempted to murder its watchman, have been arrested, brought to Knoxville, and identified by that Gentleman.

The Union men at Chattanooga have threatened to burn the bank, the tannery and the foundry-a large establishment which is engaged in making powder mills for Augusta, Ga., and Manchester, Tenn., The threat created considerable excitement about Chattanooga and on Tuesday three companies were made up to guard the town every night. An old man named Cleft, at Harrison, Hamilton County, about fifteen miles from Chattanooga, was reported to have a company of five hundred Lincolnites around him, but it is thought exaggerated. A strict watch is kept upon his movements, and he will be prevented from doing harm.

The Union movement is not thought to be as formidable as we had supposed. The Union men seem to regard the late insurrectionary movement as a malignant ebullition which can be easily managed and will soon be over.

New York Herald, November 26, 1861. [1]

        26, Tales of Brave Spouses in Knoxville

The Noble Wives of Knoxville.

The Chicago Journal says that after Parson's [sic] Brownlow's paper was suppressed by the rebels, he still persisted in defending the flag of the Union, until at length it became apparent to his friends that it could no longer be of any service to keep it flying. They also saw that he was jeopardizing the life of all his family, and finally prevailed on him to take it down. His wife, on perceiving what he was about to do, forbade him. "No," said Mrs. Brownlow, "your hand shall never strike the American flag. If it must come down, I will take it down myself. That act shall never be written of Parson Brownlow-and she then reluctantly drew down the flag.

When Parson Brownlow's Stars and  Striped no longer tossed the folds to the breeze, there still waved another American flag at Knoxville. It was that of Mr. Williams. He was a bold, brave, true man-and had quietly but firmly attached and defended the flag on its standard at his house-top. His premises were closely watched by the rebels. They saw him depart one day for a far two or three miles distant, and immediately prepared for their work. Some horsemen were detailed to take the flag down. Mrs. Williams saw them coming and stepped to the door with a loaded rifle in her hand. When within hearing, "Halt" she exclaimed with the firm voice of a sentry" Halt!" and pointed the rifle into their midst. They all halted a moment and conversed together. Non dare advance. One by one they turned and rode away. Up to a late date that flag remained unfurled.[2]

The Scioto Gazette, (Chillicothe, OH) November 26, 1861. [3]

        26, Skirmish near Somerville

NOVEMBER 26, 1862.-Skirmish near Somerville, Tenn.

Report of Lieut. Col. Edward Prince, Seventh Illinois Cavalry.

HDQRS. SEVENTH REGT. ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Moscow, Tenn., November 27, 1862.

SIR: I report that in pursuance of the orders of the general commanding I proceeded (with the armed portion of this regiment which could be spared from camp, consisting of parts of Companies A, B, D, E, F, G, H, I, and K, 300 men) on the evening of the 25th to Macon; thence on the morning of the 26th to Montague's Bridge, leaving Companies D and I at Macon; that from Montague's Bridge we proceeded to Cannon's Mill, 25 miles from camp, at which point we struck a fresh trail of rebels, being the fourth battalion, guerrilla Richardson's regiment, 100 strong, Lieut.-Col. Dawson commanding. Company E and a portion of Company I having been left at the bridge I picketed the crossing with Company G and pursued with Companies A, B, F, H, and K. We drove in the rebel pickets at charging step about 2 ½ miles from the crossing, when I found it necessary to detach Company A to protect the rear, by sending them on a road leading to our right rear; Company B, under command of Lieut. McCausland, was in the advance, and formed well and rapidly under fire; Company H, under command of Capt. Webster, was thrown far to the right, and afterward turned the enemy's left flank; Companies F and K formed rapidly, under a heavy fire from dismounted rebels. Observing that there was an apparently dry slough in our advance, and knowing the rebels would not dismount, except under good cover, I dismounted Companies K, F, and B, and they charged handsomely on foot, which together with the advance of Company H, on the extreme right, routed the enemy, intrenched in a very deep and steep-banked slough. The enemy fled in confusion, throwing away arms, blankets, and everything. Those most lucky in mounting horses and fleet of foot escaped; the rest we caught. We could not have had more than 80 men engaged. Maj.'s Nelson and Koehler were in the fight, who, together with the line officers, deserve honorable mention.

The only fault to be found with the command was a too great eagerness to get at the enemy. The officers and men betrayed no symptoms of fear nor sought any protection from trees. The firing of the rebels was very spirited, but wild. Casualties, 4 wounded. The rebel casualties, as far as names are known, are Capt. Moore, confusion of cranium, induced by head colliding with a white-oak tree in too precipitate a flight; wound dangerous; prisoner paroled. Private George Reynolds, thigh shattered; prisoner paroled. Some wounded escaped; others, more or less severe, names not known. Number of prisoners taken on expedition 37, including 2 captains (one of whom is the noted guerrilla Marshall) and 1 lieutenant.

* * * *

We captured two very handsome colors, one of them the colors of the rebel battalion engaged.

I am, with respect, your obedient servant,

EDWARD PRINCE, Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Regt. [sic]

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, pp. 526-528.

        26, Scouts in reaction to C. S. A. cavalry crossing Cumberland River on 25th

HDQRS., Nashville, Tenn., November 26, 1862.

Col. W. W. LOWE, Cmdg. Officer, Fort Donelson, Tenn.;

Twelve hundred rebel cavalry crossed the Cumberland at Harpeth Shoals yesterday. Be alert. Send out scouts and try to waylay and cut them [off] upon their return. Two infantry [regiments] go from here in wagons tonight in direction of Clarksville, and a brigade from Tyree Springs in direction of Springfield for the same purpose.

By order of major-general Rosecrans:

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 100.

        26, Orders relative to small pox vaccination and policy on carrying side-arms in the Army of Tennessee

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 3. HDQRS. ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Murfreesborough, November 26, 1862.

* * * *

III. Corps commanders will, without delay, cause all persons within their respective commands to be vaccinated who have not previously been. Medical officers will report to the commanders when they have executed this order, which report will be forwarded to these headquarters.

* * * *

I. Hereafter the rank and file of the Army will not be permitted to carry other side-arms than those issued by the Government, or such as are appropriate to their arms of service. All side-arms now worn by dismounted troops will be turned into the Ordnance Department, for which a fair value will be paid.

By order of Gen. Bragg

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, pp. 425-426.

        26, "BY THE GRAPE-VINE AND OTHERWISE" by "Mint Julep"

From Middle Tennessee, Camp Near Murfreesboro, Nov. 20, 1862.

You will, perhaps recollect the promise I made, when you gave the last farewell grip, to drop in on you now and then, with a word from the camp, or if at leisure some wet gloomy evening, to "call" and whilst chasing the weary hours with fits of gossip and scandal, draw a fragrant cork, and mingle hopes and memories over the pure juice of the grain. This evening is surely wet enough and as gloomy as a raven could have heart to wish. The cork is drawn, and the juice sparkles as brightly as of old! Here's at you!

Rumors for a moment's chit-chat fly as thickly around me as leaves from the raven old oak, whose bare brawny limbs afford a breakwind to my sheeted wigwarm [sic], but they are all from the mysterious old grape-vine. For several weeks our camp has presented the same treadmill routine, without a single new feature to break its lifeless monotony.

The only orders of any particular interest that we have received are to cook two day's rations, which the boys fearing a scarcity of transportation, generally eat before the skillets are cold. I haven't heard a joke since the unfortunate rise of the whiskey item in the report of "Prices Current." Haunted with stray memories of the many old days, as the wind sings its llullably [sic] through the ragged tent cloth, I often peer through a hole into the moonlight, to see is some restless ghost of an old joke, is not paying solitary pilgrimage to its old haunts, but I turn in disappointment to the consolation of my blessed old pipe. I might if so disposed, very briefly and eloquently say it is profoundly sad. Now and then a bevy of pretty girls pay us a strolling visit, with a handsome friend at my elbow wreathed and glittering with gold lace, claims they have come to see him. At any rate, I can always tell when they are about, by his borrowing my white shirt. I never could persuade any of the dear creatures that I am handsome, and I don't know why. It is curious, very curious. Our Colonel, who is young, and thinks he is good looking, as cut loose from the Commissary Department altogether. Baskets and pretty notes are daily occurrences around his quarters. Byron says women are star gazers. [sic] I believe they are. They are perfectly voracious in their fighting propensities. And have no use for a fellow who survives the first fight. An ugly mess-mate of mine, says the reason they are so pugnacious is because they are all under conscript age, and the free who are not, rely upon their breast-works! [sic] The wicked fellows! God bless them. I love to see them anyhow-would be glad to see them all the time. (I never saw one all the time, but I imagine I would like it.)

The Conscript Fathers held a council of war at this place a few days ago. My invitations miscarried. Gen'l Remarks was there, and says they resolved to make a stand during the winter season, somewhere in this section, perhaps at this place, as a number of turnpikes from the North country concentrate upon the railroad at this point. The rumor has at any rate, dissipated much of the gloom that was gathering about the hearts of the desponding [sic] and kindled a happy feeling of gratification in every quarter of the country. The valleys nestling along the Harpeth and Cumberland are the granaries and larders of the State, and should be held if possible.

The news from about Nashville, is meagre [sic]. From the entire field I am unable to gather a single sheaf of interest. The place is besieged by guerillas [sic] and bush-whackers, rendering ingress and egress rather uncertain. Now and then an adventurer makes the trip, and brings the stereotyped tale of Yankee insult and oppression. Their hearts are in a continual struggle of hope and fear. Rumors of a retrograde move on the part of the Southern forces reach them, and the night of homelessness closes around them. Again the cracking of the guerillss' [sic] guns is heard, and they catch at a gleam of hope like the prisoners of Chillon at the struggling sunbeam that crept through a crevice of their dungeon. Carthago delenda est! [sic]

The number of butter-nut gentlemen and burr-tailed filleys [sic] that throng the road to McMinnville, revives many a memory torn from history, when a school-boy, of the faithful visiting Jerusalem. Their faces eclipse Webster and Cobb-Walker in their definition of devout and funeral.

A new grave-yard is the only simile at hand that furnishes any idea of the sorrow-steeped countenances. Weak-eyed, rheumatic, sickly-livered, government contractor, pueuralgic [sic],-O' niggers [sic] and the scald-head! [sic] A marching patent medicine advertisement! Now I appreciate John Wesley, when he "wonders that a harp of so many strings should keep in tune so long.

I met a discharged soldier this morning who had ingenuity enough to find his way through the labyrinthine technicalities and difficulties to the paymaster's office, and who had actually drawn his pay! If the poor fellow had health he deserves promotion. He was complaining that he was denied the bounty of fifty dollars. He vainly imagined that the Confederate Government spoke authoritatively when it promised the bounty to all soldiers who re-enlisted. He had not learned that General Bragg had repealed that provision of the law so far as concerns discharged soldiers. He was entitled to the bounty the moment he re-enlisted, and should have been paid then, but after serving eighteen months he ought not to have been wounded, and lost his health, and became unserviceable to the Government. I tried to convince him of this but he was incorrigible. The poor fellow, thin and pale from a wound received at Shiloh, maintained that a soldier who had given up his home and health, and everything, was cast off as utterly worthless and useless by the Government, was entitled to the county to support him in his helpless exile, and not condemned like a mule [sic] and turned out upon the highway to die. I reminded him that Gen. Bragg had repealed that provision of the law so few as discharged soldiers were concerned, and had so notified his paymasters and left him. Well, I have written enough. You can read this in broken doses. With many compliments and much respect.

Chattanooga Daily Rebel, November 26, 1862.

        26, Scout from Clarksville

No circumstantial reports filed.

RUSSELLVILLE, November 26, 1862.

Maj.-Gen. ROSECRANS:

From a scout I made to Clarksville I am satisfied there is a rebel force of Buckner's command near that point. Capt. James Burnman, of Buckner's staff, is now here, prisoner. He was captured only 5 miles above Clarksville, south of Cumberland River. They may intend to make their way into Southern Kentucky. It would be well to look into the facts.

S. D. BRUCE, Col., Cmdg.

HDQRS. FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Nashville, November 26, 1862-9.50 p. m.

Col. BRUCE, Cmdg. Officer, Russellville:

You can retain the Fourth Kentucky till the rebel cavalry, reported by you, are captured or run back. Telegraph this to general Boyle. Every effort [is] being made to head off these rascals.

By order of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans:

J. P. GARESCHE, Assistant Adjutant-Gen. and Chief of Staff.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 99-100.

        26, Union families and resistance to the Confederate draft in Lincoln County

Sparta Illinois

Nov--26--1862

Hon. Andrew Johnson:--

Sir: I wish hereby to pay before you the condition of my Union friends in Middle Tennessee, hoping that you will be able and disposed to something for them. They live in Lincoln Co. 8 to 10 miles west and north--west of Fayetteville, on the waters of Swan Creek. I have some friends too in Marshall & Bedford Counties. About 3 months ago a young brother of mine came from there,--run away by gangs of Guerrillas that infested their neighborhood,--and enlisted in 111th Illinois, raised at Salem, Ill. & is now in the army. A few days ago an older brother came-with a rebel conscript officer after him; but he made good his escape-reaching the Union lines in West Tennessee &coming north, via Columbus, Ky. He states that there were many union men-mostly young men, who were in great trouble, the rebel officers having conscripted them & told them they would send a guard or company of armed men after them. Some talked of hiding, others of resisting. He thought his only choice to escape being pressed into the rebel service, was to flee. He left his family, property--all.

Now I wish to say that I & your other Tennessee friends in this place & in Salem, Ill. hope you will use your power, as our army advances, to look after the safety of these and other union citizens. William Wyatt is one of the leading union men-a man of property & influence. Tates, Cakrey's, Blair's Taylor's & others are union. I have an Aunt Hamilton living two miles west of Fayetteville, who, with all her sons are rebels [sic]. My mother & brothers[4] live ten miles west of Fayetteville, on the waters of swan [sic] Creek. Mention names & places, that the authorities may retaliate on their the union citizens rebel neighbors [sic] if they have committed outrages on the peaceful union citizens of those localities[.] Thomas Montgomery & brothers in Marshall & Bedford Counties are personal friends & will use it [sic] to protect all union citizens in Middle Tennessee, I remain yours for the Union, the Constitution & the Enforcement of laws

John Hamilton

P.S. I hope in the name of heaven, you will run all rebels south out of Tennessee. Many of our friends there have lost property by the rebels -- they should be paid out of rebel--property.

Respectfully J.A.H.

Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. 6, pp. 73-74.

        26, War weariness in White County

Mary and I have got some of our gray thread spun. I went up to Mrs. weaver's this morning. Mr. Eller happened in and said he was going to start into Ky. for salt. I came home and told Father and he went up and sent for some salt and some cotton cards. It has come to that. There can be neither cloth nor thread got. We thought it odd when we had to spin wool, but it will be something extra indeed when we have to spin cotton. There seems to be no prospect for peace. A great many of the people are badly dissatisfied.

Diary of Amanda McDowell.

        26, Major-General U. S. Grant's GENERAL ORDERS, No. 10, relative to appointment, powers, responsibilities and duties of district provost-marshals

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 10. HDQRS. 13TH A. C., DEPT. OF THE TENN.

LaGrange, Tenn., November 26, 1862.

I. A district provost-marshal will be appointed from these headquarters from each district in this department, who will have general supervision of all local provost-marshals in his respective district, and to whom they will make weekly reports of all arrests, seizures, and dispositions of all persons arrested and property seized.

II. District provost-marshals will receive their instructions from the provost-marshal general, to whom they will make semi-monthly reports of all arrests in their respective districts, stating the name, offense, officer by whom arrested, and the disposition made of the arrested party; also all property seized, by whom, and why seized, and the disposition made of the same, accompanying said report with a receipt from the quartermaster to whom the property has been turned over.

III. Local provost-marshals are prohibited from selling or disposing of confiscated property. They will turn all such property over to the nearest post quartermaster, and if there is no post quartermaster convenient then to a division, brigade, or regimental quartermaster, taking triplicate receipts therefor, two to be forwarded with report to the district provost-marshal. If property seized is such as is properly embraced in the commissary or ordnance departments the provost-marshal may turn it over to the proper officers of these departments instead of to quartermasters, taking receipts therefor, as provided in cases of quartermasters.

By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant:

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 363.

        26, "But the most sickening effects of the war are visible among the poorer classes of the people." News from Nashville and environs on the threshold of the battle of Stones River

The melancholy appearances presented on all sides in the thoroughly rebellious City of Nashville, are enough to convince any one of the terrible consequences which a people can bring upon themselves by plunging into treason against their lawful Government. Palatial residences, once the abodes of those whose voices were most blatant in the general howl of "Southern rights are converted into hospitals for our sick and wounded, or occupied as headquarters by our officers, busily engaged in meting out rigorous justice to the people's oppressors. The churches, from whose desecrated pulpits a traitorous ministry used to send up blasphemous prayers to heaven for success of the rebel arms, are filled with sick soldiers. The commodious stores and warehouses, where wealthy rebels massed their ungodly gains, by carrying on a wholesale contraband trade with the South, are turned into depots for the storage of provisions, &c., for Gen. Rosecran's [sic] grand army. The extensive printing establishments, whence emanated such fulsome eulogiums upon the "Cavaliers" of the South, and such vindictive anathemas against the "Yankee hordes," are locked up, knocked into "pi," subject to the confiscation act. The wires of the once magnificent suspension-bridges that spanned the Cumberland, which were cut last Winter by Pillow's order, drag sluggishly in the bed of the river. School houses, asylums, manufacturing establishments, colleges and hotels are converted into military uses. The grand and stately Capitol building, of the purest Tennessee marble, from whose high lifted dome so long floated the rebel flag, bears strong marks of the effects of war. There, in the spacious room of the building, Isham G. Harris issued his infamous edicts; and there the rebel Legislature fulminated its decrees. Now, our cannon point from around the building. Gov. Johnson occupies one part of it, and words day and night to restore the civil laws of his State. The halls and vestibules of the tremendous edifice resound to the tramp of the sentinel on duty. Within, the building presents a scene of rare by sad interest. Sick soldiers are here, arms are piled there, knapsacks are jumbled yonder; soiled uniforms, torn garments, rusty weapons, bayonets, ram-rods, hats, caps, swords, and every article in a military line, are piled about in indiscriminate confusion.

But the most sickening effects of the war are visible among the poorer classes of the people. Their sufferings, particularly since Winter has set in, is extreme and acute. The commonest comforts of life cannot be procured at the enormous prices demanded. In fact, the necessary restraints which Gen Rosecrans has placed upon trade, to prevent contraband article from getting to the rebels, virtually stops traffic altogether. So wedded those of the city who have controlled the business of the place to the rebel cause, that the shipment of provisions has to be prohibited. Lest they be conveyed to the rebels. Among the poor, utter destitution prevails. There is a famine in the articles of food and fuel. Gov. Johnson has wisely levied contributions upon the rich rebels to relieve the poor. Prominent among those who have to pay the penalty of their treason, is W. G. Overton, to whose name is annexed the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars. One year and a-half ago Overton was reputed to have been worth five million of dollars. He authorized Isham G. Harris to draw on his estate to the full amount for the benefit of the rebel cause. His entire estate as well as those of his co-workers in treason, should not be seized and appropriated. Notwithstanding, however, the straits to which the people are reduced, there prevails scarcely any Union feeling. The people of the once fast city circled, moved and had their being intoxicated so long with the delirium of treason, that they still cherish a lingering hope that the eddying tide of events will yet bring them to the haven of their enjoyments.

OPERATIONS OF OUR TROOPS.

Through the public prints, and especially through hasty and inconsiderate telegraphic dispatches, much has been said of late of a "battle imminent" near Nashville. At no time since our army have returned to Tennessee, and since Gen. Rosecrans established himself in Nashville, have there existed probabilities of a general battle near that city. There are but two contingencies that could happen, whereby the rebels could assail or forces near Nashville with any show of success, and both of those contingencies, I regard as impossible. The entire army of Gen. Grant would have to be defeated, and the rebels assigned to the defence of the Mississippi relieved to cooperate with Johnston and Bragg or Burnside will have to be so cripple that offensive operations will have to be abandoned by the Army of the Potomac, giving Lee a chance to reinforce the rebels at Murfreesboro. If either of these events happen, the rebels will assail Nashville. Otherwise, they will not. The immense army of Gen. Rosecrans is for the most part in the vicinity of Nashville, recuperated, and so consolidated as to guard all the approaches to the city, and prevent surprise from the southward. The several corps extend, in supporting distance, from the Lebanon road, on the east, across the Nolinsville [sic], the Murfreesboro, the Chattanooga, and the Franklin roads. Strong and heavy picket forces are thrown forward, and active cavalry squads scout the country. The Louisville and Nashville Railroad is better and more thoroughly guarded than it has ever before been. Every bridge, trestle, switch and tunnel is most vigilantly guarded. At many points, as the Green River Bridge, earthworks and stockades are constructed so that a small force can protect itself against a superior one. The road is strained to its utmost running capacity to furnish supplies for Gen. Rosecrans' army. The amount of shipments by the road is truly enormous. Gen. Rosecrans is getting everything ready, even to the minutest detail, for a vigorous and overpowering movement against the enemy. Nothing is now so much desired as a rise in the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, which would afford unlimited facilities of steamboat and river transportation. You must be aware, that as we advance into the enemy's country, we have to rely upon transportation for everything – provisions, clothing, ammunition and forage. The Louisville and Nashville road, even though no accident should occur, cannot supply an army so vast, in a country where nothing in left. When these rivers rise, then look for a movement by this army that will overthrow the rebel power in the Southwest. Until then no great result or general battle is likely to take place. The several corps of the army have been reviewed by Gen. Rosecrans in person. He expressed the highest admiration at the evolutions and general appearance of his troops. The lamentable affair at Hartsville is a source of regret to all.[5] The moral effect of the business has, however, been much magnified. Hartsville is an isolated point. It has long been one of Morgan's favorite resorts, and used as a place for him to drill recruits. He knows the place and the whole country familiarly. The brigade sent there was not acquainted with the country. It was isolated in an insignificant town, surrounded by high hills not in supporting distance of any other troops. They were surrounded, surprised by near three times their number of the best rebel cavalry and infantry the have in the service. They were whipped, and surrendered. Without desiring to be their apologist, we will venture a doubt of the propriety of sending detachments to such points as Hartsville, and a still stronger doubt as to the propriety of branding all soldiers as cowards who may be overcome by twice and thrice their numbers. The pain of the Hartsville affair was somewhat relieved by the brilliant dash of Col. Stanley Matthews of the Twenty-third Brigade, Gen. Van Cleve's Division, upon Lavergne [sic], in which several of the enemy were killed or captured, and a quantity for forage secured with scarcely any loss to the brigade. The loss of the fifty-three Michigan troops some days ago was the results of sheer carelessness, and a gross ignorance of the rules governing bearers of flags of truce. Admitting the perfidy of the rebels in pouncing upon a body of men while awaiting the result of the interview of flag-bearers, a truce flag only protects the bearer and his immediate escort.

POSITIONS, OPERATION AND PROBABL DESIGNS OF THE REBELS.

The rebels, though by a series of manoeuvres and cavalry dashes, they have created the impression on many that they have assumed the offensive, really have no designs of assailing Nashville with their present forces. Situated as we now are, awaiting preparations for a combined advance, they will aim to annoy us much in front but just as soon as we advance in force they will fall back to their main lines; nor will they give or accept the gauge of battle till their lines of communication are immediately threatened, at Tullahoma, Murfreesboro or Chattanooga. Their whole force may be estimated at near sixty-five thousand. Of these, from the best information I have been able to procure, Buckner and Cheatham has fifteen thousand at Tullahoma, the junction of the McMinnville with the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad; Hardee and Bragg have about the same number in the vicinity of Nolinsville [sic]; Polk and Breckinridge has twenty thousand around Murfreesboro, while there are ten thousand more at Chattanooga, and operating between the two points; Morgan has about five thousand, and operates on the rebel front. It is now thought that he is indeavoring [sic] to make his way into Kentucky eastward of this point, for the purpose of again destroying the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, again cutting off our communications. Besides these, there are smaller, but active cavalry forces, under the rebels Wheeler, Forrest and Scott. Wheeler figures on the Franklin road for the purpose of cutting off our foraging parties and capturing our wagon trains. Forrest is reported as having crossed the Cumberland, between Clarksville and Nashville, to operate with Woodard, Garth and Johnson along the Memphis and Clarksville road, and forage in the southwestern counties of Kentucky. The whole rebel force is under command of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, within Bragg second in command.

* * * *

A WORD ABOUT CURRENCY.

It is wonderful with what rapidity Southern funds until lately had run up. The old Tennessee banks, and even Tennessee shinplasters, have been taken in Louisville at par. One year ago it was worth but 50 cents on the dollar; six months ago they were worth nothing. The value of Southern funds has been increased by cotton speculators, and not by any additional intrinsic value attaching to it.

****

CURTIUS

* * * *

FROM NASHVILLE

Correspondence of the Philadelphia Press.

* * * *

Father Brimwell, a German Catholic priest, was arrested on Thursday last and sent to prison. He had succeeded in obtaining a pass for the South, but his carriage was searched, and twenty pounds of morphine found secreted about it. Therefore, it was deemed advisable to send Father Brimwell to Rosecrans, and the General turned him over to the Provost Marshal, who sent him to prison.

* * * *

At a large Union Convention, at Trenton, in the Ninth District, at which every county of the district was fully represented, Alvan Hawkins, Esq., of Carroll County, was unanimously nominated for Congress. The nominee, being present, made a stirring speech, accepting the nomination, and expressing his determination to devote all his energies, if elected, to the maintenance of the Union and the preservation of the Constitution. He will be triumphantly elected. In the Tenth District there are numerous aspirants to Congressional honors – prominent among whom are Hon. B. D. Nabors, formerly Member of Congress from Mississippi, and now editor of the Memphis Bulletin – a thoroughgoing Union paper – Thomas G. Smith, Esq. of Haywood County, and J. M. Tominy, Esq. of Memphis.

In that portion of Middle Tennessee restored to Federal control, the most decided change of sentiment is taking place. The people are heartily sick of the war; even the leading Secessionists of this vicinity, wealthy merchants and planters, who were so prompt at the commencement of the rebellion to place there fortunes at the disposal of Gov. Harris, now cry out, "Give us peace – peace on any terms!" When the grand Army of the Cumberland moves forward, and loyal, but down-trodden, oppressed East Tennessee, is opened up to us, this State will be brought back into the Union by an overwhelming vote of her people. The Union sentiment in this State has been much stronger during the darkest days of the rebellion than is generally supposed. The large number of Tennesseeans [sic] who have left their homes, wandered across the mountains into Kentucky, enduring severest hardships, and now serving in the Union army, sufficiently attest the strong Union sentiment existing in this State.

* * * *

New York Times, December 26, 1862.

        26, "Substitute Wanted."

A substitute over forty-five years of age is wanted for three years or during the war. A liberal price will be paid. For further information apply at this office.

Chattanooga Daily Rebel, November 26, 1862.

        26, Intelligence from Murfreesboro

News and Rumors at Murfreesboro.

Cannonading in the direction of Lavergne yesterday indicated warm work in that region.

Thirteen Abolition prisoners, captured near Lavergne, were brought into the city yesterday.

Four Tennessee bushwhackers were brought in by a cavalry guard last evening. They deserve a short shrift and a long rope.

Maj. Gen. Butler reviewed the troops at Murfreesboro' on the 18th, in company with Gens. Breckinridge and Preston.

We had reports yesterday of heavy skirmishing towards Lavergne, and that our forces were falling back. Gen. S. B. Buckner went to the front yesterday. We may expect much from the counsel he will render our gallant friends who are leading the advance.

One by one the main avenues of railway and telegraphic communication which we enjoyed before the advent of Abolition rule are being reopened. The railroad line connecting this place and Huntsville, Ala., has been reopened, and trains are running daily.

Nashville Dispatch, November 26 1862.

        26-27, Reconnaissance and skirmish around La Vergne

NOVEMBER 26-27, 1862.-Reconnaissance to La Vergne, Tenn., and Skirmish.

REPORTS, ETC.

No. 1.-Brig. Gen. Joshua W. Sill, U. S. Army, commanding division.

No. 2.-Lieut., Col. Peter B. Housum, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry.

No. 3.-Capt. Thomas E. Rose, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry.

No. 4.-Congratulatory letter from Gen. Braxton Bragg to Brig. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, C. S. Army, commanding cavalry.

No. 1.

Report of Brig. Gen. Joshua W., U. S. Army, commanding division.

HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, November 27, 1862.

GEN.: Hearing some vague rumors yesterday concerning a heavy force of the enemy, reported to be at La Vergne, I dispatched Col. E. N. Kirk, Thirty-fourth Illinois, commanding Fifth Brigade, to make a reconnaissance in that direction. His report is herewith inclosed. Quite a heavy firing was kept up on both sides. There was also heavy firing on the Nolensville road, which occurred during a reconnaissance, made by a portion of Sheridan's command. Being averse to unnecessary expenditure of ammunition, and feeling sure that it might create alarm in the City, I particularly enjoined on Col. Kirk not to fire at all if he could avoid it. I think there was entirely too great a waste of ammunition. The reconnaissance [determined] the presence of cavalry at La Vergne, probably the same which has occupied that placer for some time under Wheeler. One of the prisoners states that on Stewart's Creek, some 5 miles beyond La Vergne, there has been an encampment of infantry; what force he does not know; thinks a brigade. Another prisoner states that, while the skirmish was going on, he saw a cavalryman of his company, who had just come from Stewart's Creek, and reported that their infantry was moving, and was within 2 miles of La Vergne. This is all I know of the approach of the enemy rumored in the City. The 3 prisoners will be sent you early the morning. One of the prisoners states that Wheeler commands six regiments, viz.,: the First and Third Alabama, Robertson's battalion, Faulkner's battalion, Douglass' battalion, Hagan's battalion.

In my letter of yesterday I referred to the great length of my picket line. It requires the best part of a day to make the circuit. My left is picketed quite close to camp; the front line extends to join Sheridan's line. Behind me, 1 ½ miles I understand that Crittenden's three division are posted, on Mill Creek, with another picket line. The total length of it does not, I suppose, equal that of my single division. I respectfully urge the location of this division to the right of the present position, nearer to Sheridan's; unless it be expected that we should meet the enemy on this road, when I would advise the selection of other ground farther to the front. I am not sufficiently conversant with the ground in front to venture an opinion as to where we could go with more advantage. It seems to me, however, that, in view of a certain contingency, some change ought to be made.

Before closing, I desire to be acquainted with the construction which I should place on that part of General Orders, No. 21, Hdqrs. Fourteenth Corps, limiting the supply train of a division to 50 wagons. My quartermaster seems to think that the 50 wagons include the ammunition train. Now, as my ammunition train numbers 35 wagons, I should have 15 wagons left for supply train. Is there not a mistake on his part?

In case a charge of location is to be made, I would like to know it early, so that the movement can be commenced by sunrise.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. SILL, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.

No. 2.

Report of Lieut. Col. Peter B. Housum, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry.

HDQRS. SEVENTY-SEVENTH REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLS., In Camp, November 27, 1862.

CAPT.: In reply to Special Orders, No.-, of this date, asking why the detachments sent out on the left of La Vergne did not move up rapidly and charge the rebel battery, as ordered, I give you a statement of the operations of the Twenty-ninth Indiana Regiment, Maj. Collins, and Seventy-seventh Regiment, both under my command, until the detachment under Col. Dodge, Thirtieth Indiana, joined me.

After receiving orders to join the Seventy-seventh to the Twenty-ninth and assume command, I proceeded, as ordered, to take and hold the grove on the left of the Murfreesborough road, and keep the right a specified distance from the road. When in the grove, and in line of battle, the skirmishers thrown in advance from the Twenty-ninth Indiana Regt. [sic] became engaged in front and on the left. I at once ordered Company B, of Seventy-seventh, Capt. Rose, forward on the left of the line already deployed, with orders to advance as rapidly as circumstances would permit. As soon as deployed, he became engaged with the enemy, when I ordered the whole line forward to the bed of the stream, and immediately crossed, when it became necessary to march the line by the left flank to get under cover of the woods, and also to cross a ravine which was in front. As soon as a sufficient distance had been taken to the left to cover the troops I ordered an advance, with the injunction from Capt. Wagner not to advance too rapidly on the woods, or too close on the line of skirmishers. After advancing some distance, I was ordered to again move by the left flank to what I thought would be a point opposite the battery, and advance on it. After marching by the flank what I supposed a sufficient distance, I again resumed the march by the front, advanced steadily, under a severe fire, when I observed the enemy moving to our left, and supposing the object might be to outflank us on our left, their line in front already exceeding our in length or front, I ordered a halt, and sent Lieut. Walker, Of the staff, to the left, to notify the cavalry to keep a strict watch to prevent any attempt to flank us on the left, at the same time notifying Col. Kirk that probably an attempt would be made to outflank us. Lieut. Walker returning, I immediately ordered the men forward, when, from the maneuvering of the enemy in front, I ordered two additional companies forward on the line of skirmishers. At this moment Col. Dodge joined me on the right, when he also threw one company forward on the line of skirmishers; thus re-enforced, and the skirmish line strengthened, I ordered a rapid advance, clearing the woods of the enemy. Col. Dodge now came to me, and, as my superior officer, he assumed command and ordered me to change front forward on the left company. When the whole line was thrown forward in the new direction, he ordered an advance to the edge of the woods. At this point he ordered the Twenty-ninth Regt. [sic] forward, supported by the Seventy-seventh and Thirtieth, to charge the battery, while moving forward as rapidly as the ground would admit of, and obstructed, as it was, by a number of fences, which had to be torn down as they advanced, and also under a severe fire from the rebel battery on the hill in front. About the time the advance was tearing down a heavy fence, the firing of the battery ceased. We advanced to the top of a hill in the rear of La Vergne, when Col. Dodge received orders to return to town.

I thought at the time, and think so still, that our advance through the woods was as rapid as circumstances would admit of. The only time lost was when I directed the cavalry to reconnoiter on our left. Halting at that time was thought to be a necessity.

Hoping the above will fully explain the matter to in Orders, No.-, I remain, respectfully, yours,

P. B. HOUSUM.

No. 3.

Report of Capt. Thomas E. Rose, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry.

CAMP NEAR INSANE ASYLUM, November 29, 1862.

SIR: In compliance with the request of Lieut.-Col. Housum, commanding Seventy-seventh Regiment, I have the honor to make the following report of the part that I took in the skirmish near La Vergne, Tenn:

When the Seventy-seventh had formed on the left of the Twenty-ninth Indiana, I was ordered to take one company and deploy it forward as skirmishers, and join on the left of the skirmishers of the Twenty-ninth, which I did, and which post I had the honor to hold throughout the skirmish. After I had got my company into position, we were ordered to advance across the woods, and over a ditch, which was the bed of a small creek; thence across an open space to the edge of the grove on the left of the town. From the time I first deployed the company, the enemy had firing on us, and in a short time after we entered the latter grove the firing became quite heavy upon my position of the line. At this time the whole line of skirmishers was ordered to halt, and my little band sustained the concentrated fire of the rebels for a considerable length of time, when the rebels advanced us with a loud cheering, which cheering we as lustily returned. My portion of the command being at this time re-enforced, we charged upon them, and drove them back through the woods and across an open space to the next grove beyond, their officers using their utmost endeavors to rally them, which they partially succeeded in doing behind a fence on the opposite edge of the grove. They did not stay our progress, however, and one portion of the rebels returned pell-mell down the road toward the Lebanon pike, and the other in tolerable order toward the railroad. We were here ordered to move by the right flank, which we did for about 150 or 200 yards, and then advanced directly across the railroad at an angle first, and when the left of my line had passed over the railroad about 100 yards, I discovered a section of artillery belonging to the enemy a little to the front, but almost upon my right flank. I immediately signaled my skirmishers to change direction to the right, to gain the rear of the battery, which they did until we had wheeled about 30 degrees, when we encountered about 300 dismounted cavalry, which at first I took to be a regiment of infantry. We attacked them a loud cheer, and they immediately began to give way, but disputed the ground for probably 100 yards, when they fled precipitately to their horses, which were posted in the rear of the battery. We pushed at doublequick toward the battery, but, as soon as the cavalry reached their horses, both cavalry and artillery commenced a thundering retreat, and we continued in full pursuit, although we were a quarter of a mile in advance of our main reserve, until an orderly came up, stating that he was the bearer of an order from the brigade commander directing us to fall back, which we did until we neared the town, where I assembled my skirmishers and returned to the regiment.

Your obedient servant,

THOS. E. ROSE, Capt., Comdg. Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers.

No. 4.

Congratulatory letter from Gen. Braxton Bragg to Brig Gen. Joseph Wheeler, C. S. Army, commanding cavalry.

HDQRS. ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Murfreesborough, November 27, 1862.

Gen. WHEELER, Chief of Cavalry:

GEN.: The general commanding [i.e. Bragg] directs me to thank you for your successful engagement with the enemy to-day. He also desires you will express to the First Alabama Regt. [sic] (one of his old corps) his appreciation of their gallant conduct, not unexpected, which you refer to in your report. He further directs me to state that you expose yourself too recklessly in affairs of this character. I am, general, your obedient servant,

GEORGE WM. BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

NOTE ON ORIGINAL.-The line of skirmishers passed through a field on our left, and advanced through the woods in the direction of the hill on which the rebel battery was placed.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 15-19.

        26-30, Operations about Springfield

NOVEMBER 26-30, 1862.-Operations about Springfield, Tenn.

Report of Lieut. Col. Daniel F. Griffin, Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry.

HDQRS. THIRTY-EIGHTH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS,

Edgefield Junction, Tenn., December 2, 1862.

SIR: In pursuance of your orders, of date November 25, I proceeded with my command and 22 wagons, leaving camp at 7.30 o'clock the morning of the 26th ultimo, arriving at Springfield, Robertson County, Tennessee, at 3.30 p. m. of the same date. Immediately on arrival, pickets were thrown on all avenues of approach to the town, and Company E, Capt. William L. Carter commanding, placed on duty as provost guards. Immediate search was made for subsistence stores, as contemplated by your orders, and flour, to the number of 1,143 barrels, found stored. Of this I immediately had loaded 249 barrels on the wagons then at hand, and parked them for the night close to my command, sending at the same time a courier forward for further supply of wagons.

Examinations made on the 27th resulted in the finding of one lot of 106 barrels of flour, another of 40 barrels, and three lots of bacon-say something more than 3 tons-for correct statements of which I would refer to reports of Lieut. Hollister, acting brigade commissary.

On the evening of November 27, Lieut.-Col. Kell commanding Second Ohio Volunteers, arrived with his regiment and wagon-train, and assumed command of the post. From that date two companies of my command were doing provost guard duty, two on picket duty, and the others escorting trains, or such other duties as were required by the demands of the expedition.

On Saturday, November 29, I proceeded, with four companies of my command, under Lieut.-Col. Kell, Second Ohio Volunteers, to the Logan Mills, situated on Red River, Kentucky, 13 miles north of Springfield, on the old Russellville road, returning from there after dark, and, when about one-half mile from Springfield, the rear, or rather the straggling portion of the command (the march having been a very severe one), was fired upon by bushwhackers, wounding in the leg severely Joseph Candiere, Company B, of my regiment. Three shots were fired, and the wound inflicted with buckshot, evidently fired from a shot-gun. These facts coming to my knowledge, I immediately sent out a detachment of two companies, under Maj. John B. Glover, with orders to arrest all men found in the immediate vicinity of the firing, and to bring them and all arms found in their possession to camp. This duty was promptly performed, and 10 of the citizens living in the immediate neighborhood brought to camp and turned over to the provost-marshal, together with 3 shot-guns and 5 rifles. The citizens were held in custody until the next evening, when a court of inquiry, consisting of Maj. J. B. Glover, Capt. William L. Carter, Lieut. James V. Kelso, and myself, after a thorough investigation, being satisfied of their innocence, discharged them, retaining, however, their guns, which were brought to this camp, and now await your order as to what disposition shall be made of them.

Monday, December 1, a. m. my command was relieved by the Thirty-third Ohio Volunteers, and as soon as the companies then on picket could be called in, started for this camp, arriving here at 6 p. m., bringing with us 3 prisoners, who were turned over to us by the citizens of Springfield, together with 1 horse and 3 guns, which I have brought with me to this camp. Prisoners are members of Morgan's and Woodward's guerrilla bands.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. F. GRIFFIN, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Thirty-eighth Regt. [sic] Indiana Volunteers.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 19-20.

        26-December 1, Expedition from Edgefield to Harpeth Shoals, to Clarksville

NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 1, 1862.-Expedition from Edgefield to Harpeth Shoals, Clarksville, &c., Tenn.

Report of Lieut. Col. James S. McClelland, Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry.

HDQRS. TWENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, Camp near Edgefield, Tenn., December 2, 1862.

GEN.: In pursuance of your order, received the night of November 26, I left camp at 11 o'clock with the Twenty-fifth Illinois, Maj. Nodine; Thirty-fifth Illinois, Lieut.-Col. Chandler, and one company of the Thirty-sixth Illinois Cavalry, Capt. Sherer. My instructions from Gen. Davis were to march to Harpeth Shoals, to intercept 1,200 cavalry (said to have crossed there), and, if possible, cut them up. I moved my command 16 miles, and halted for breakfast; rested two hours, and moved on near to Harpeth Shoals; encamped and sent out scouts.

Having received such information as convinced me that no enemy in any force was near, I moved at 8 o'clock next morning, 28th, to a camp 1 mile east of Coopertown, on the Nashville and Clarksville road. At 12 o'clock at night I received orders to march to Harpeth Shoals or Clarksville, to intercept a force said to be at Trenton, Todd County [Kentucky].

In obedience to this order, I separated my teams, and sent those already loaded, with the prisoners, under a strong escort, to a camp at Edgefield, and, with the balance of my command, left camp at 3 a. m., 29th, and arrived at Port Royal at 11 a. m., where I learned that no force was then Trenton, but that Woodward's command had crossed the Cumberland below and at Clarksville some time during the 28th. I therefore went into camp with my infantry force, and sent the cavalry on to Clarksville. They reported to me before daylight on the morning of the 30th that, on their arrival at Clarksville, they found the advance of Col. Bruce's command occupying the town, and that the enemy, 700 strong, was in camp 10 miles south of Clarksville, and they expected to make an attack on the camp at daybreak of the 30th. On hearing this, I left my camp at 8.30 a. m., and marched to Sycamore Creek and encamped.

December 1, marched at 8.30 o'clock and arrived in camp, near Edgefield, at 4.30 p. m. My march in a direct line was 97 miles in some less than five days, besides the scouting done by parties sent out for the purpose of obtaining information. The cavalry command labored faith-fully, and I cannot speak in too high terms of their promptness and efficiency, as well as good conduct, on the march. Great credit is due Capt. S. B. Sherer for the discipline he enforced.

During the march I captured on the road going south 3 wagons, loaded with 20 barrels of whisky, with the owner and his teamsters, and found on his person $3,080 of Confederate bills, in sheets. I brought in near 500 bushels of wheat, 150 bushels of corn, 16 barrels of flour, and 5 barrels of salt. I captured over 20 prisoners, 11 of whom I had turned over; 2 I paroled (they being sick and wounded), and the balance I released unconditionally for want of sufficient evidence against them. I also brought in 20 head of horses, 10 head of mules, and 6 guns. All of the above property was taken from persons known to be disloyal, and receipt were given by my quartermaster and approved by a commissioned officer in all cases where any owner could be found, or family of owner to give them to. Most of the property taken belongs to men serving in the rebel army. I found the roads leading from Robertson County across the Cumberland south bore evidence of being much used, and, from information received from citizens, large supplies of provisions and other supplies have been sent south through these routes. I found abundance of almost all kinds of supplies through the southern portion of Robertson and northwest part of Cheatham Counties, while the mass of the citizens are avowedly disloyal. Great care was taken by myself, in which I was aided effectually by the commanding officers under my command, to prevent any pillaging. A few mules and horses were taken by unauthorized parties. All such were promptly sent back to their owners, and the parties taking them punished.

I have to report the loss of Capt. Charles A. Clark, Company A, Twenty-fifth Illinois. He was division officer of the day, and while in discharge of his duty was shot by a private of Company E, Twenty-fifth Illinois, said private having been placed under guard for disorderly conduct. The shooting occurred while on the march and in the rear of the command, and was not brought to my notice for several hours afterward, or I should have had the criminal shot on the spot. I reported him, which two others implicated, under a strong guard. They are now in prison in Nashville. Capt. Clark was my most efficient line officer, and his death has created a vacuum that cannot be filled. The shot entered the brain, and death was instantaneous. He fell as he had ever lived during his term of service, promptly discharging his duties as an officer.

I took provisions for three days of all except meat, and for the supplies needed and used by the command I gave receipts.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. S. McCLELLAND, Lieut.-Col. Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteers.

OR, Ser. I. Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 21-22.[6]

        26, Scout on the Cumberland River [See November 25-ca. 28, 1863, "Anti-guerrilla scouts from Kentucky to south of the Cumberland River in Celina, Gainesborough and Lafayette environs" above]

        26, Skirmish at Charleston [see November 30, 1863, "Skirmish at Cleveland" below]

        26, Skirmish at Sparta

NOVEMBER, 26, 1863.-Skirmish at Sparta, Tenn.

Report of Lieut. Col. James P. Brownlow, First Tennessee Cavalry.

HDQRS. FIRST TENNESSEE CAVALRY, Sparta, Tenn., November 27, 1863.

COL.: I received your dispatch yesterday at 2 a. m. My scouts had a skirmish with the rebels yesterday within 2 miles of their camp, capturing 4 and killing 2. I have had 2 men slightly wounded. I also destroyed their salt-works, which were very extensive. Within 4 miles of this place there are six fine merchant mills, and within 10 miles there are fourteen. The rebels are threatening to burn them, but I can easily prevent it. The road is in very fine condition.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. P. BROWNLOW, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. I, p. 574.

        26, Destruction of Confederate salt works near Sparta [see November 26, 1863, "Skirmish near Sparta" above.]

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. I, p. 574.

        26, Skirmish at Pea Vine Valley

No circumstantial reports filed.

Excerpt from the Report of Colonel William Grose, Commanding the Third Brigade of the 36th Indiana Infantry, covering activities from November 23 to December 4, during the Chattanooga Campaign.

* * * *

On the morning of the 26th, our forces moved on the Ringgold road in pursuit of the routed enemy....We reached Pea Vine Valley about sunset, and the forces advanced cautiously through its mud and dense underbrush until the advance reached the La Fayette road, where it found a battery and train of the enemy moving. One volley, captured all, scattering the men therewith in every direction. Gen. Palmer's forces there took the Graysville road to the left. Our division moved forward out of the valley, ascended the hill, gathering up many scattering prisoners, and rested for the night 4 miles from Ringgold.

* * * *

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. II, p. 172.

        26, Skirmish at Pigeon Hills [a.k.a. Pigeon Ridge]

No circumstantial reports filed.

Excerpt from the Report of Brig. Gen. James D. Morgan, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, including march to the relief of Knoxville, relative to skirmish at Pigeon Ridge, November 26, 1863.

HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., 2d DIV., 14TH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Rossville, Ga., December 30, 1863.

CAPT.: In compliance with orders from division headquarters, I have the honor herewith to report the part taken by my brigade in the late successful and glorious campaign.

* * * *

At 2 a. m. on the morning of the 26th, at the right of the division, my brigade crossed the Chickamauga near its confluence with the Tennessee River, and commenced our march on Chickamauga Station in the following order: Three companies of the Twenty-first Kentucky as advance guard, two of them deployed as skirmishers and flankers, the remaining companies of the regiment on the right of the column; the Sixtieth Illinois right center; the Tenth Michigan left center, and the Tenth Illinois on the left. The advance met the enemy's pickets about 2 miles to the north and west of the station, and drove them steadily thorough the timber and across an open field to a ridge about 1 mile this side of the station. At this point, by order of Gen. Davis, the remaining seven companies of the Twenty-first Kentucky were deployed as skirmishers, and line of battle formed; the Sixtieth Illinois on the right, its right resting on the railroad; the Tenth Michigan in the center, and Tenth Illinois on the left. The skirmishing line was then advanced, assisted by two sections of Barnett's battery, the enemy giving way, but showing considerable resistance. Upon reaching the high ground a short distance this side of the station, and within easy range from the heights of Pigeon Ridge, the line was halted, and a reconnaissance being made, it was discovered that a battery of the enemy was in position at the foot of the ridge, which soon opened its fire upon our line. Our battery was rapidly brought forward, and getting the range in a short time silenced that of the enemy, the three regiments of my brigade pushing forward a line of battle and in most admirable order. The Tenth Illinois, Col. Tillson commanding, was then ordered forward to relieve the Twenty-first Kentucky. This fine regiment was promptly deployed as skirmishers, and moved forward, and upon reaching the line of the enemy's fire, with a cheer, in which the Twenty-first Kentucky most heartily joined, both regiments most gallantly charged up the ridge, and was soon in possession of the heights. Upon arriving at the station everything indicated a hasty retreat. The depot was in flames, with one or two other buildings containing commissary stores, but a large amount of commissary and quartermaster's stores fell into our hands, together with four siege guns, pontoon-boats, prisoners, &c. After a short halt, moved forward again, my brigade on the left. After advancing some 3 miles, the right became engaged, and, by orders from Gen. Davis, my brigade was deployed and moved forward in line of battle to the support of the Second and Third Brigades; bivouacked in line of battle and moved early next morning on Ringgold road, my brigade in the center, and bivouacked 2 miles east of that place, having marched 7 miles.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. II, pp. 495-496.[7]

        26, Federal orders to collect and bury the dead and to collect and preserve all captured Confederate battle flags

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tennessee, November 26, 1863.

Maj.-Gen. GRANGER:

GEN.: The major-general commanding the department directs that you give orders to your corps to have our dead collected so that they may either be brought to this place for burial or buried upon the field. You will also cause to be counted and reported to these headquarters the number of dead rebels the parties collecting our dead may find.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brig.-Gen. and Chief of Staff.

(Copy to Gen.'s Hooker, Howard, and Palmer.)

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 26, 1863.

Maj.-Gen. GRANGER:

GEN.: The major-general commanding directs that you collect and preserve all flags taken from the enemy, and to ascertain and report as accurately as may be the circumstances attending their capture.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brig.-Gen. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

(Copy to Gen.'s Hooker, Howard, and Palmer.)

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. III, p. 253.

        26, Chief of Cavalry, Brig.-Gen., W. Sooy Smith's report relative to shoddy equine status of the Federal Army in Middle Tennessee [see also November 21, 1863, "Federal report on condition of cavalry horses, munitions and clothing" above]

HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

Nashville, Tennessee, November 26, 1863.

Maj.-Gen. STONEMAN, Chief of Cavalry Bureau, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: Upon my assignment to duty as chief of cavalry in the Military Division of the Mississippi, I inspected the corrals in this city containing the horses sent here for issue to the cavalry of the Department of the Cumberland. I found many of them totally unfit for service from defects so manifest as to compel the conviction that purchasing quartermasters and inspectors are guilty of a fraud upon the Government, which would be consummated by permitting such animals to be issued. Many of them were over fifteen years old, some blind, and some badly spavined. Nothing but uniform failure could be anticipated from cavalry mounted on such animals. I reported the facts to Quartermaster-Gen. Meigs, and took Assistant Quartermaster Donaldson through the corrals, that he might see for himself. Many of the horses were ordered condemned at once, and efforts are being made to ascertain by whom they were purchased. It has been suggested that each inspector be required to brand a private mark on the hoof of every horse he passes, a facsimile of this mark to be sent to the headquarters of the department for which the horses were purchased. In addition to this, permit me to suggest that all inspectors shall be required to give bond in sums sufficient to make them responsible for any amount to which they might have it in their power to cover their frauds upon the Government. Then every horse passed by them and unfit for service by reason of manifest defects of long standing shall be charged back to the inspector, with all expenses named added.

Some such system as the one roughly sketched above will have to be adopted before such horses, and such only, are purchased for the cavalry service as are in every way fitted for it.

It is sufficiently difficult to compel volunteers to take care of good horses; those manifestly unfit for service in the beginning they will kill as soon as possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. SOOY SMITH, Brig.-Gen., Chief of Cav., Mil. Div. of the Miss.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. III, p. 254.

        26, Report of Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, Quartermaster-Gen. U. S. Army, relative to the battle at Missionary Ridge

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, December 3, 1863--2.25 p. m.

(Received 2,35 p. m.)

Brig. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-Gen., Chattanooga:

Accept my cordial thanks for your very interesting report of the battle before Chattanooga. Various recommendations which you have made from time have been carried out. The considerations presented in your letter of the 21st, which is just received, appear satisfactory to me and the appointments recommended by you will be made accordingly. To avoid any omission, you had better telegraph to me the names of all whom you desire appointed.

EDWIN M. STANTON.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. III, p. 314.

 

Report of Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, Quartermaster-Gen. U. S. Army,

HDQRS. U. S. QUARTERMASTER'S DEPARTMENT, In the Field, Chattanooga, Tennessee, November 26, 1863.

SIR: On the 23d, at 11.30, Gen. Grant ordered a demonstration against Missionary Ridge, to develop the force holding it. The troops marched out, formed in order, advanced in line of battle, as if on parade. The rebels watched the formation and movement from their picket lines and rifle-pits, and from the summits of Mission Ridge, 500 feet above us, and thought it was a review and drill, so openly, so deliberately, so regularly was it all done.

As the line advanced, preceded by skirmishers, and at 2 p. m. reached our picket lines, they opened a rattling volley upon the rebel pickets, which replied and ran into their advanced line of rifle-pits. After them went our skirmishers, and into them, along the center of the line of 25,000 troops, which Gen. Thomas had so quickly displayed.

Until we opened fire, prisoners assert that they thought the whole movement was a review and general drill, and then it was too late to send to their camps for re-enforcements, and they were overwhelmed by force of numbers. It was a surprise in open daylight. At 3 p. m. the important advanced position of Orchard Knob and the lines right and left were in our possession, and arrangements were ordered for holding them during the night.

The next day at daylight Gen. Sherman had 5,000 men across the Tennessee, established on its south bank, and commenced the construction of a pontoon bridge about 6 miles above Chattanooga. The rebel steamer Dunbar, repaired at the right moment, rendered effective aid in this crossing, ferrying over some 6,000 men. By nightfall Gen. Sherman had seized the extremity of Mission Ridge nearest the river, and was intrenching himself. Gen. Howard, with a brigade, opened communication with him from Chattanooga, on the south side of the river.

Skirmishing and cannonading continued all day on the left and center. Gen. Hooker scaled the slopes of Lookout Mountain from the valley of Lookout Creek, drove the rebels around the point, captured some 2,000 prisoners, and established himself high up the mountain side, in full view of Chattanooga. This raised the blockade, and our steamers were ordered from Bridgeport to Chattanooga. They had run only to Kelley's Ferry, whence 10 miles of hauling over mountain roads and twice crossing the Tennessee on pontoon bridges brought us our supplies.

All night the point of Mission Ridge, on the extreme left, and the side of Lookout Mountain, on the extreme right, blazed with the camp-fires of loyal troops. The day had been one of driving mists and rains, and much of Hooker's battle was fought above the clouds, which concealed him from our view, but from which his musketry was heard.

At nightfall the sky cleared, and the full moon, the "hunter's moon," shone upon the beautiful scene. Till 1 a. m. twinkling sparks upon the mountain side showed that picket skirmishing was still going on; then it ceased. A brigade sent from Chattanooga crossed Chattanooga Creek and opened communication with Hooker soon after nightfall.

Gen. Grant's headquarters during the afternoon of the 23d and the day of the 24th were in Wood's redoubt, except when in the course of the day we rode along the advanced lines, visiting the headquarters of the several commanders in Chattanooga Valley.

At daylight on the 25th, the Stars and Stripes were discerned on the peak of Lookout. The rebels had evacuated the mountain. Hooker moved to descend the mountain, and, striking Mission Ridge at the Rossville Gap, to sweep it on both sides and on its summit.

The rebel troops were seen as soon as it was light enough streaming by regiments and brigades along the narrow summit of Mission Ridge, either concentrating on their right to overwhelm Sherman, or marching for the railroad and raising the siege. They had evacuated the Valley of Chattanooga; would they abandon that of the Chickamauga?

The 30-pounders and 4½ -inch rifles of Wood's redoubt opened on Mission Ridge. Orchard Knob sent its compliments to the ridge, which, with rifled Parrotts, answered, and the cannonade thus commenced continued all day. Shot and shell screamed from Orchard Knob to Mission Ridge, from Mission Ridge to Orchard Knob, and from Wood's redoubt, over the heads of Gen. Grant and Gen. Thomas and their staffs, who were with us in this favorable position, whence the whole could be seen as in an amphitheater.

Hdqrs. were under fire all day long. Cannonading and musketry were heard from Gen. Sherman. Howard marched the Eleventh Corps to join him.

Thomas sent out skirmishers, who drove in the rebel pickets, and even shook them in their intrenchments at the foot of Mission Ridge.

Sherman sent an assault against Bragg's right, intrenched on a high knob, next to that on which Sherman himself lay fortified.

The assault was gallantly made, reached the edge of the crest, held its ground for what seemed to me an hour; but was then bloodily repulsed by reserves.

A nineteenth-century artist's depiction of the Federal view of the Battle above the Clouds.

A general advance was ordered, and a strong line of skirmishers, followed by a deployed line of battle some 2 miles in length, at the signal of six cannon-shots from the headquarters on Orchard Knob, moved rapidly and orderly forward.

The rebel pickets discharged their muskets and ran into their rifle-pits; our skirmishers followed on their heels; the line of battle was not far behind; and we saw the gray rebels swarm out of the long line of rifle-pits in numbers which surprised us, and spread over the base of the hill. A few turned and fired their pieces, but the greater number collected into the various roads which creep obliquely up its steep face, and went on the top. Some regiments pressed on and began to swarm up the steep sides of the ridge. Here and there a color was advanced beyond the line. The attempt appeared most dangerous; but the advance was supported and the whole line ordered to storm the heights, upon which not less than forty pieces of artillery, and no one knew how many muskets, stood ready to slaughter the assailants.

With cheers answering to cheers the men swarmed upward. They gathered to the lines of least difficult ascent and the line was broken. Color after color planted on the summit, while musketry and cannon vomited their thunder upon them. A well-directed shot from Orchard Knob exploded a rebel caisson on the summit. A gun was seen galloping to the right, its driver lashing his horses. A party of our soldiers intercepted him, and the gun was captured with cheers.

A fierce musketry fight broke our to the left, where, between Thomas and Sherman, a mile or two of the ridge was still occupied by the rebels. Bragg left the house in which he had held his headquarters and rode to the rear as our troops crowned the hill on each side of him.

Gen. Grant proceeded to the summit, and then only did we knows its height.

Some of the captured artillery was put into position, artillerists were sent for to work the guns, caissons were searched for ammunition. The rebel log breastworks were torn to pieces, and carried to the other side of the ridge and used in forming barricades across it. A strong line of infantry was formed in the rear of Baird's line, hotly engaged in a musketry contest with the rebels to the left, and a secure lodgment was soon effected.

The other assault to the right of our center gained the summit, and the rebels threw down their arms and fled. Hooker, coming in from Rossville, swept the right of the ridge and captured many prisoners.

Bragg's remaining troops left early in the night and the battle of Chattanooga, after three days of maneuvering and fighting, was won. The strength of the rebellion in the center was broken; Burnside relieved from danger in East Tennessee; Kentucky and Tennessee redeemed; Georgia and the Southeast threatened in the rear, and another victory added to the chaplet of Unconditional Surrender Grant.

To-night the estimate of captures is several thousand prisoners and thirty pieces of artillery. Loss for so great a victory not severe. Bragg is firing the railroad as he retreats toward Dalton; Sherman is in hot pursuit.

To-day I visited the battle-field, which extends for 6 miles along Mission Ridge and for several miles on Lookout Mountain.

Probably no so well-directed, so well ordered a battle has been delivered during the war. But one assault was repulsed, but that assault, by calling to that point the reserves, prevented their repulsing any of the others.

A few days since Bragg sent to Gen. Grant a flag of truce to advise him that it would be prudent to remove any non-combatants who might be still in Chattanooga. No reply has been returned, but, the combatants having been removed from this vicinity, it is probable that the non-combatants can remain without imprudence.

May I suggest that your visit to Louisville, with the measures there inaugurated, have done the cause in this quarter much good. It would be well to visit us here, and also for the President to review an army which has done so much for the country and which has not yet seen his face.

M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-Gen.

Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. II, pp. 77-80.

        26, Federal raid on Cleveland

….A raid of Yankees came in this eve. They took two hogsheads of our corn this eve and are all over in everything else. We go to bed with sad hearts….We have heard cannonading all day. [sic]

Diary of Myra Adelaide Inman.

        26, "Colored Servants."

Persons desiring colored Female servants, can be furnished [with them] by calling at the Headquarters of the Commissioners for the Organization of United States Colored Troops, 38 Cedar street.

Nashville Daily Press, November 26, 1863.

        26, Captain Gershom F. Barber on the battle of Missionary Ridge; Excerpts from his Letter to his wife

Head Quarters O. V .S. S.

Chattanooga Nov 26, 1863

My Dear Wife

How little can we calculate for the events of tomorrow….

Last night sun set upon our splendid army in line of battle and on occupied by the enemy twenty four hours prior and facing missionary ridge to all human calculations this morning would be ushered in by the opening fire of the opposing armies. Judge of our surprise when Seven-o clock passed and all was quiet and then eight ----- What was the reason? Not even the customary picket firing disturbed the death like quiet which stayed along the whole line. The explanation given at mine was that Sherman had failed to cross. But [it] would be over by twelve when the ground struggle would begin. All eyes were trained in watching every motion up the river and every eye was picked up to catch the first sign that should be the signal for the advance. A single gun upon our right broke the stillness and its echoes died away. Crash upon crash of musketry followed in quick succession beginning at [?] the point of Lookout. Hooker was engaged. This was at eleven AM and for two long hours the most terrific battle raged that man well imagine. The suspense was terrible. Lookout was between us and Hooker and we could not reinforce him without twice crossing the Tennessee and the pontoons was destroyed [by] the firing [and] sank [so] to cross was impossible ---- At one o'clock moving masses of batteries came over the point of the mountains in full retreat cause but a few hundred yards behind the "Stars & Stripes" were home by the color sergeant a member of rods in advance of the line & as they passed over the point in full view of the entire Army such a shout went up as was never heard before in the valley of the Chickamauga. During this movement and until half past two, fog hung around the summit of the mountain shutting out the combatants below from those on the top. A little later and it settled down the mountain side in mist and rain [?] and during the rest of the afternoon we could hear the firing but the contending armies were invisible. It seems as if the very demons were at work. Our batteries from different points pounded a continual of shell into the rebel line but after passing the "while now" in the point near a half mile the reb [sic][s] were strongly reinforced and [illegible] down and was driven. Just at dark Palmer threw two divisions across the little Chickamauga at the base of the mountain and in half an hour they were engaged with the enemy. Night did not end the conflict. As day light faded the clouds disbursed and the full moon lighted the (houses?) almost broad as day and until after ten o'clock the battle raged. It is now Eleven and all is quiet. Hooker if he holds his position here won imperishable rewards(?). It has been the hardest "day fight" of the war and two thousand…kept the possession of Lookout [which] are the "Spoils". All is still as the ground on our left. And center. A stillness that is ominous of the terrible conflict that will rage in tomorrow. Sherman crossed the river about eight miles at the mouth of the Chickamauga….And all is ready for the great conflict…

* * * *

Barber Correspondence

        26, Fighting near Chickamauga Station; and entry from the diary of John Hill Fergusson, 11th Illinois Volunteer Infantry

on Battle Field Monday 26th

Our Brigade was aroused at midnight with orders to be ready to march at 2 o'clock A.M. a little coffee was soon made and with a few hard tack we soon made out what we call brackfast [sic] and at the houre [sic] appointed we were on the march we crozzed Chickamaga [sic] creek on a pontoon bridge followed the 2nd and 3rd brigads [sic] of our Devision [sic] our orders were to keep still as possible [sic] as we marched along

We heard it rummered [sic] that it was believed that the rebs were evucating [sic] and that our movement was a reconeisance [sic] to learn the fact about 5 o'clock we halted and stack [sic] arms near the creek we was not aloud [sic] to mak [sic] fiar [sic] until daylight although the morning was very cold and we suffered a good deal on that score before day light came as soon as it was day we had orders to make fiar [sic] and make some coffee & we wanted to stay there one hour in second brackfast [sic] was served after the manner of the first about 7 we moved a head [sic] again we son [sic] came within a mile or a mile and a half of[f] Chickmaga [sic] Station where our scouts run into the reb pickets skirmishers were then sent out and after advancing a short distance the pickets and our skirmishers began to pop it to each other pritty [sic] sharply our artilery [sic] was run forward to a little hill a head [sic] of us while we stood in the rear in line of battle. Shells were thrown into the woods where the rebs [sic] pickets were and soon disperced [sic] them we advanced again until we came near the station where 2 large forts were to be seen about ¾ of a mile off. And a large number of rebs standing in the works viewing us as we were advancing in line of battle there [sic] pickets were reinforced and fought wickedly the 21 [sic] Kintucky [sic] was out as skirmishers but could not make the pickets leve [sic] there [sic] puseation [sic] our Brigade was ordered forward and when we got in shooting distance the rebs opened on us with a battry [sic] we were then ordered back and marched some two hundred yds back. Our artilery [sic] was run forward and soon put in puseation [sic] and a regular artilery [sic] duel took place which lasted about half an hour at which time the rebel battry [sic] pulled stakes and skidaddled [sic]. Our regt was then ordered to deply [sic] as skirmishers. So forward we went the place through which we had to go was a perfect thicket of brush and trees choped [sic] down our regt pushed a head [sic] over it and through it jumping along as if we were trying [to see] who would be fardest [sic] a head [sic]. about the time we got within good shooting distance some one [sic] raised a yell which was quickly taken up by the whole regt we then started out on a regular charge the yell was kept up we passed out of the brush and into the wood passed the depot and charged up the hills and passed the fort we went like a percel [sic] of divels [sic] let off a chain and never stoped [sic] until we came out of the timber along the adge [sic] of a large clearing, where a Stave [sic] officer came gallaping [sic] along and halted us at this time the rebs were rushing cross the open field frightened almost to death, every man for himself without any particular regard to order the fields were covered with rebs like snow birds before a storm, driveing [sic] along as quick as there utmost speed could carry them all making for the big road by which there [sic] army had retreated on dureing [sic] the night

And a head [sic] of the flying rebs were [sic] a large waggan [sic] train and the drivers whiping [sic] and spuring [sic] and making the best of there time. When we came out to the road along the eadge [sic] of the clearing the rear of the rebs was not over 75 or 100 yds a head [sic] of us and some few stragglers were closer the head of there [sic] colom [sic] and the rear of there wagon train was scarely [sic] one fourth of a mile a head [sic] of us as soon as we were halted we opened a heavy fiar on them and pasted it to them until they got beyond the reach of our muskets-had our artilery [sic] been brought up at the time we might have sweept [sic] them down like wheat before a reaper the Bugle had been sounded 3 or 4 times for us to stop our charge but amongst [sic] the shouts and yells it was never heard but after Gen Morgan found out that we came all right he smiled and said he had seen many a charge maid [sic] but this was the first he ever saw maid [sic] by a line of skirmishers and said it was well dun [sic] and had the disiared [sic] effect from what what we saw of the rebs we estimated them at 6 or 8000 [sic]. here we had to stay until our other 2 brigads [sic] and the 15 [sic] Corps came up which delayed us some 3 or 4 hours it was between 2 or 3 o'clock before we started in pursute [sic] again this time the second brigade sent in advance and just as it was getting dark they came up with the rebs rear guard they formed in line and give battle our brigade and the troops in our rear duble [sic] quicked it and tried to swing around in both flanks and capture them all with there [sic] train but they kept retreating and fighting as fast as they could and as the night become very dark and we were in a swamp amonest [sic] brush creeks and stews [sic] we could not see how to stear [sic] for the best [sic] our right and left swung around and suposeing [sic] each other to be rebs fiared [sic] on each other, but it was soon found out and stoped [sic] it was about two hours after dark when we stoped [sic] our pursuite [sic] and went into camp for the night he have on the rise of 50 men wounded and 3 or 4 killed what the rebs lost I do not knowe [sic] but we have a few of them prisoners and a few of there [sic] waggans that they had to leve [sic] as they could not get them along fast enough

We have one man in our company wounded by the name of Eli Loyd he has got the tip shot off of one of his fingers The rebs left at Chicmaga [sic] station a large amount of corn meal in sacks and lots of other storeage [sic] that they did not have time to take along

John Hill Fergusson Diary, Book 3.

        26, Summary of Federal activities in East Tennessee

DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO

General Foster's Recent Operations in East Tennessee-Difficulties of Traveling-Pursuit of the Rebels at an End-The Affair at Kingston-Departmental Changes, Etc.

Knoxville, Dec. 16, 1863.- East Tennessee is a wonderful country, in one respect; it is the most inaccessible place it has ever been my fortune to inhabit. Inhospitable mountains, broad, swift-running, rocky-bottomed rivers, and roads presenting now the well-known aspect of the tract of any army, are the distinctive traits of all the routes I have yet tried. It is no wonder, then, that a man's dread of coming is only equaled by his dread of going away.

But in this, my last from this region, it is not my intention to growl about any person or anything, and am writing only to do justice to a splendid brigade, which did glorious service at Kingston, on the 26th November, which my isolation, in this beleaguered city, prevented me from noticing at the time.

Mott's Brigade of White's Division is composed of the One-hundred-and-eighteenth Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel Young; Eightieth Indiana, Col. Culbertson; sixteenth Kentucky, Col. Gault; Twenty-fifth Michigan, Capt. S.S. Demarst, and Elgin's Illinois Battery, with two guns of the Fifteenth Indiana Battery, all under Capt. Wood. This brigade was ordered to Kingston before Longstreet crossed the river, and was, consequently, cut off from the army when the greybacks came prancing up here on their Quixotic expedition. During all the siege, Mott was annoyed by constant attacks on his pickets, but it was not till the 26th that the Rebels appeared before aim in any force. On that day the Rebel General Wheeler came upon Mott with at least six thousand cavalry and eight pieces of artillery, for the purpose, to quote Wheeler's own words, "of taking him in out of the wet."  But Mott drew up his small force on the range of the hills to the west of Kingston, and when Wheeler came dashing up to the attack he was considerably surprised to find that our boys were disposed to fight.

So much were they in the humor that Mott commenced the fight by charging the Rebel line of skirmishers, in which the Sixteenth Kentucky was particularly distinguished, and in which we took over fifty prisoners. The Rebels, however, immediately came up to the attack in force, and the fight then began in earnest and continued for seven hours, ending with the total defeat and rout of the vainglorious Wheeler, with a loss of two hundred and fifty men killed, wounded and prisoners. Twenty-three of their dead they left on the field, in the words of Colonel Mott, "for us to bury, which we did on the very spot they had themselves selected."  Among the Rebel killed was Colonel Russell, of the Third Alabama, and they also lost two Colonels wounded, but their names have not been ascertained. Our own loss was but one killed and two wounded.

When the Rebel retreat began Mott followed with such vigor and persistency as to convince Wheeler that Granger's whole corps was after  him, whereupon he abandoned to us the eight pieces of artillery he had with him, and, reaching Loudon he tumbled several siege guns into the rive, and fled down toward Cleveland. From this short account it will be seen that Wheeler's benevolent intentions toward Mott were not fulfilled to any great extent.

Except to gather up what few fragments of information were overlooked while the great drama was played, East Tennessee is no longer a fruitful field for journalistic labor. After four and a half of the most active campaigning, the Army of Ohio is at last to be allowed a season of rest and recuperation. It is now covering a line drawn from Rutledge to Morristown, confronting the tattered remains of Longstreet's force; and unless that unfortunate Rebel chooses to entirely abandon Upper East Tennessee, our boys will probably remain where they are until the warm suns of spring shall make campaigning possible, and render comfort something more than a tradition. As Longstreet will not probably be sufficiently asinine to abandon a country that can support him during the winter months, and from which he is in railroad communications with Richmond, and as it is equally certain that we have neither the ability nor inclination to dislodge him at present, it may be safely said that the army is in winter quarters. This announcement will probably be frightful news to some theoretically bloody men comfortably fixed at home, but is true.

But it may be somewhat reassuring to these individuals to be informed that it is not proposed to sit down and do nothing during the coming months of mud and rain. General Foster took command of the Department of the Army of the Ohio on the 12th inst., and being a practical business man, proposed to do some things that ought to have been done long ago. Already the different spirit at the helm is manifest. General Order. No. 42, announcing the staff of General Foster, pithily says:-"Headquarters of the Department, at Knoxville, Tennessee."  Thus has the wonderful dual-headed exhibition been brought to a close, and we are no longer edified with the sight of a department head-quarters three hundred miles distant from the department commanders. As it is likely the Moguls at Washington abated this nuisance, I do not place it to the credit on General Foster, but he has done some things equally good. He has appointed a Quartermaster-in-Chief, and lets him alone. Lieutenant-Colonel Gouldin and Captain Morris, under the old regime, were as efficient officers as any in the service, but not allowed by the officers as any in the service, but not allowed by the General to do business in a business way; it is not strange that the Quartermaster's Department now is in wonderful contrast with what it was a few days ago.

Its new chief, Captain Huntington, knows that General Foster has put him in charge with the expectation that he will do its duties and be responsible for its working. Nor is the confidence of the General misplaced. All the energy and business aptitude of Captain Huntington is being put in requisition to finish the bridges of the railroads at requisition to finish the bridges of the railroads at Calhoun, over the Hiwassee, and at Strawberry Plains over the Holston. Those completed, we will have railroad communications via Chattanooga, with our extreme eastern lines in East Tennessee, and it will be possible Quartermasters to honor requisitions for clothing, and camp and garrison equipage, a thing they have not been able to do since we have been in the country. The time required to finish these bridges is difficult to estimate, but not that it is somebody's business to make them, they will be made. This reform in the Quartermater's Department is certainly General Foster's doing, and consists solely in letting it alone.

The General seems further of the opinion that making a race-course of a hundred miles of mudroad, alternately chasing and being chased over it, is more exciting than profitable, hence he takes a line of defense, fortifies it, and lets the Rebels do as they please beyond it, until such time as he shall be ready to drive them out so thoroughly that they will never come back, when it will not be necessary to announce once a week that "East Tennessee is once more clear of Rebels."  I might go on and enumerate other of these changes, but it is unnecessary, and I add, generally, that it is now the chief business of head-quarters, to so thoroughly open up communications with the North, that the army will not only be supplied, but a surplus accumulated here, so that when the spring campaign opens, East Tennessee can be used as a base, it desired, for movements further southward or eastward.

In addition to the complete repair of the railroad to Chattanooga as an excellent wagon road is being constructed to the mouth of the South Fork, on the Cumberland River, to which point supplies can be brought by steamboat in unlimited quantities, so far as navigation is concerned. Nor is this all. Unnecessary mouths are being sent away to places where it will be easier to feed them.

All the new regiments of Tennessee troops are now on their way to Camp Talbot at the mouth of Cumberland River, where they will be drilled, clothed and fed, and come out in the spring valuable, because efficient, troops.

All these common sense things being done in a common sense way, is rapidly putting a different and more hopeful phase upon things military in East Tennessee. The Rebels expelled from the major portion of the State, and our grasp firmly tightened upon all we hold, and our army leaving the field with the prestige of victory, it is certainly all we should ask that they should gird up their loins for whatever of danger or hardship the country may require of it in the future.

Philadelphia Inquirer, December 26, 1863.

        26-December 5, 1863, Federal orders for a joint infantry and cavalry anti-guerrilla, impressment and railroad deconstruction expedition, Somerville, Moscow, LaGrange and Hatchie River vicinity

SPECIAL ORDERS, NO. 296. HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tennessee, November 24, 1863.

* * * *

V. Col. W. H. Morgan will move his brigade to Moscow and thence to Somerville with ten days' rations and 60 rounds of ammunition. He will establish his headquarters at Somerville and protect with his force the working parties engaged in removing the Iron and chairs from the Somerville branch. In the discharge of this duty he Will use all possible exertion to suppress guerrillas; he will take from the inhabitants all available horses and good mules, and as far as possible support and forage his command from the country. To men who claim to be loyal he will cause vouchers to be given, "not transferable and payable at the end of the war on proof of loyalty." From disloyal persons or those who are shown to have harbored guerrillas, necessary supplies, horses, and mules will be taken, giving receipts as disloyal persons.

Nothing, however, will be allowed to be taken for private use or as pillage, but everything of that nature will be suppressed by summary trial and punishment.

2. Col. Hatch, commanding cavalry brigade, will leave one regiment at LaGrange and one battalion at Memphis, and such camp and picket guards as are necessary, and will advance the others north of the railroad in separate columns, sweeping the country south of the Hatchie and reassembling at Somerville on the infantry.

3. All the spare cavalry from the brigade command by Col. Mizner will be assembled and move south of the railroad in force, driving in all parties of the enemy and pushing south as far as may be safe without risking the command. This movement must be sharp and active, and Col. Mizner will be charged with the execution of the same.

4. The cavalry expedition will supply themselves from the country through which they pass; mills where guerrillas assemble will be burned, horses and mules available for service brought In, and receipts given for property taken, "not transferable, payable at the end of the war on proof of loyalty."

5. The absolute destruction of the guerrilla bands north of the railroad is contemplated by this movement, and Col. Hatch will see to it that no misjudged clemency prevents such course and will receive further orders upon his report from Somerville.

6. Officers and men will be held responsible for difference between pillaging for private use and taking property for public service.

7. All these movements will commence on Thursday morning, 26th, at daylight, or as soon as practicable thereafter.

* * * *

By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut:

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. III, pp. 245-246.

 

Report of Col. Edward Hatch, Second Iowa Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., CAV. DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Collierville, Tenn., December 10, 1863.

GEN.: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your orders, I moved with my brigade, with the exception of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, on the morning of the 26th of November ultimo, at daylight. Crossing Wolf River near Germantown we moved in the direction of Covington, which place we reached on the 28th without meeting any obstacle.

Upon receiving information that Quinn and Sherrar's flouring mill on the Loosahatchie was keeping guerrillas, I burned it.

From Covington we marched to Stanton's Depot, about 12 miles north of Somerville, thence to the latter place, which we reached on the 2d instant.

During the entire expedition, which occupied six days, we saw no enemy, except small squads, which fled at our approach.

The result of the expedition was about 300 head of horses and mules, and 12 or 15 prisoners.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWARD HATCH, Col. Second Iowa Cavalry, Cmdg. Brigade.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. I, pp. 582-583.

 

Report of B. H. GRIERSON, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg. Cavalry Division.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 24, 1864.

CAPT.: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to Special Orders, No. 296, from headquarters Sixteenth Army Corps, dated November 24, 1863, I ordered the brigade commanded by Col. Hatch to move on the morning of the 26th of November by separate columns north of the railroad, sweeping round and assembling on Somerville, for the purpose of covering the taking up to the material on the Somerville Branch Railroad. At the same time I ordered the brigade of Col. Mizner to move south from Corinth as far as was safe without risking his command.

Col. Mizner moved south about 40 miles, when he captured a number of the enemy, and ascertained that they were moving north in large force, evidently with the intention of attacking the railroad. Having received this information, agreeable to instructions from the major-general commanding, I immediately sent couriers to Col. Hatch with others to move as quickly as possible with his brigade to LaGrange. The enemy's advance were met by Col. Mizner and several times repulsed. They, however, overpowered and drove him back to Pocahontas, when they moved south, probably as a feint, and taking another road moved upon Saulsbury. Col. Hatch arrived at LaGrange, and was immediately ordered to move east along the railroad, scouting south toward Ripley. He met the enemy at Saulsbury, after they had succeeded in destroying the railroad at that point; and starting a portion of their command north, Col. Hatch fought and drove the remainder of the enemy some distance south and returned with his command to LaGrange.

The next morning I sent scouts south, and information was soon obtained that the enemy were moving west, evidently with the intention of again attacking the railroad. I immediately ordered Col. Hatch to move west with his command. He arrived at Moscow simultaneously with the enemy. Here a brief, but severe, engagement ensued, in which Col. Hatch was severely wounded. The enemy were, however, repulsed, and moved south. Their loss was probably over 100 in killed, wounded, and prisoners, they having left 26 dead upon the field. Our loss was 4 killed and 19 wounded. I beg leave, in connection with this engagement, to bear witness to the bravery displayed by the colored regiment under Col. Frank Kendrick, stationed at this point.

The enemy having moved south of the Tallahatchie, my command renewed their former status upon the line of the railroad. The force of the enemy, which had moved north from Saulsbury, proved to be about 1,500 strong, under Gen. Forrest, who had come north of the road for the purpose of conscripting in West Tennessee

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. H. GRIERSON, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg. Cavalry Division.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. I, p. 578.[8]

        26, Reconnaissance on the Lewisburg Pike

SCOUT EIGHTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY, November 26, 1864.

Capt. N. S. BOYNTON, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brig., Sixth Div., Cav. Corps:

CAPT.: I have the honor to report that I made a reconnaissance down on the Lewisburg pike until I was convinced that no force of the enemy had passed through that town, and none known to be moving in the direction of Murfreesborough. One of my scouting parties was driven in by a small party of rebels, about fifteen in number, but as they had not been seen in the vicinity before were probably a scouting party. A party of nine bushwhackers was seen four miles above the pike, near the river, on Sunday last.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

W. B. SMITH, Capt., Eighth Michigan Cavalry, Cmdg. Scout.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 1068-1069.

        26, "Provost Order No. 246;" price fixing in Nashville by the U. S. Army

Office of the Provost Marshal

Nashville, Tenn., November 26, 1864

Extract

* * * *

In accordance with the decision of a Military Board, called from Post Headquarters for the purpose of preparing a schedule of prices regulating the sale of Fuel, Vegetables, and other necessaries of life in this city, the following list of prices are hereby established, viz.,: Wood, $15 per Cord; Beef, 18 cents per lb.; Mutton, 15 cents per lb.; Potatoes [sic] $2.50 per bush.; Turnips, $1.00 per bush.; Cabbage, 30 cents per head; Butter, 60 cents per lb.; Milk, 15 cents per quart; Onions, $3.00 per bush.

The above prices will be changed as often as it becomes necessary, and proper publication made thereof.

Any parties selling in market or private stores at prices higher than schedule rates, will be arrested and their goods confiscated. All persons are invited to report promptly any violation of this order to this office.

By command of Brig. Gen. John F. Miller

Hunter Brooke, Captain and Provost Marshal

Nashville Dispatch, November 27, 1864.

        26, Skirmish in front of Columbia [see also November 17-29, 1864, Confederate Cavalry operations in Middle Tennessee previous to the Battle of Nashville above]

No circumstantial reports filed.

Excerpt from the Journal of the 4th Army Corps relative to skirmishing near Columbia on November 26, 1864:

November 26.-7 a. m., Gen. Schofield received a telegram from Gen. Thomas, dated Nashville, November 25, stating that he wished Gen. S[chofield] to hold the north bank of Duck River if necessary to prevent Hood from crossing; to hold Hood on the south side of the river a few days until our forces can be concentrated, when we can take the offensive. He further states that Gen. J. A. Smith's force ought to be at Nashville to-day (25th), and that he will at once send him to Murfreesborough if Hood moves toward the Chattanooga and Nashville Railroad. He has already ordered five of Gen. R. S. Granger's regiments to that place, and will also order Gen. Milroy to send all of his force (on railroad south of Murfreesborough) there. The enemy up to this time (12 m.) has shown only dismounted cavalry. 12.30 p. m., the enemy is approaching on the Mount Pleasant pike, and deploying on the left of the pike about one mile in front of our outer line. 2 p. m., so far as can be discovered the enemy has only deployed about one division of infantry and a small force of cavalry on the Mount Pleasant pike. The enemy's action in deploying such a small force, and in the character of his skirmishing to-day, indicates that he is only making a demonstration in our front, while he may be endeavoring to cross Duck River or operate over toward the Chattanooga railroad. It has been raining hard all day and Duck River is rising. 2.30 p. m., received instructions from Gen. Schofield to move all of our trains, artillery, &c., over the river this afternoon (to the north bank), and to be prepared to move the infantry over after dark. 3 p. m., directed division commanders to send all of their trains, except the ambulances and five ammunition wagons, to the division over the river, at once, and to send the artillery at dusk; also, to be prepared to end the infantry over to-night-to move over the railroad and pontoon

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 145.

        26, Initiation of Federal anti-guerrilla sweep, Franklin and Columbia environs

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Nashville, Tenn., November 26, 1864

Maj. BEAUMONT, Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Hdqrs. Chief of Cavalry:

MAJ.: The major-general commanding directs me to say that you will instruct Col. Garrard, in command of cavalry detachments, on way to Columbia, to clear out the country between Franklin and Columbia of the large number of guerrillas said to be infesting the country. After this has been done Col. Garrard will inform Gen. Schofield of the wish of the major-general commanding that a courier-line be communication is restored Gen. Schofield will be so informed from these headquarters, but Col.-Garrard will nevertheless deliver the same message to Gen. Schofield.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. H. RAMSEY, Capt. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Tenn., November 26, 1864.

Col. ISRAEL GARRARD, Cmdg. Provisional Brigade:

COL.: I send you Gen. Thomas' order to clear the country of guerrillas. Please carry out the order.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. B. BEAUMONT, Maj. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 1061, 1069.

        26, Arrest of Counterfeit Confederate Cotton Sellers Arrested in Memphis

~ ~ ~

Nearly all the Confederates from Tennessee and Mississippi were admitted in Memphis on Monday and Tuesday [21st and 22nd]. They came to sell cotton, under the impression that they would take back one-third of the proceeds in supplies and the remainder in greenbacks. Satisfied that so many able-bodied men could not live in the Confederacy without being identified with the rebel arm, the commanding general ordered the arrest of every countryman in the city, when it was found that a majority them were rebel soldiers, including two or three officers. Many of them had furloughs. Some of them were subsequently released they being peaceable citizens who were living near Memphis to avoid the rebel conscription.

~ ~ ~

Baltimore Sun, November 26, 1864.

 



[1] GALEGROUP - TSLA 19TH CN

[2] The narrative of Mrs. Williams was told later and with Parson Brownlow's daughter defending the flag, as told in Major W. D. Reynolds Miss Martha Brownlow; or the Heroine of Tennessee-a truthful and graphic account of the many perils and privations endured by Miss Martha Brownlow, the lovely and accomplished daughter of the celebrated Parson Brownlow, during her residence with her father in Knoxville (1864). Either Major Reynolds appropriated the story or it had by 1864 become East Tennessee Unionist folklore.

[3] GALEGROUP - TSLA 19TH CN

[4] Most likely Hamilton was making it a point to distinguish his Union supporting relatives from his Confederate relatives in the same area. See Papers of Andrew Johnson, Vol. Vol. 6, fn 3, p. 74.

[5] Not to Brigadier-General John Hunt Morgan!

[6] This information is not listed in the "Summary of Events."

[7] In the OR General Index Vol. 2, p. 766, Pigeon Ridge is referred to as Pigeon Hills, Tenn.

[8] Not indicated in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.


James B. Jones, Jr.

Public Historian

Tennessee Historical Commission

2941 Lebanon Road

Nashville, TN  37214

(615)-770-1090 ext. 115

(615)-532-1549  FAX

 

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