January 1, 1863, Skirmish near Clifton
Report of Lieut. Col. William K. M. Breckenridge, Sixth Tennessee Cavalry (Union), of skirmish near Clifton, January 1, 1863.
SALTILLO, January 2, 1863.
SIR: I have just received your dispatch of the 1st instant. I sent you a dispatch on the night of the 31st December, giving you the incidents of that day. On the morning of the 1st, a very short time after sunrise, our pickets were driven in by Forrest's advance. We first made an effort to form on a hill, which is shown in diagram,[1] but the timber was so thick that we could not get a line to do any execution. I then fell back to the foot of the hill, leaving some men to skirmish with them until others were formed. About this time I received information that it was Forrest's whole force. I then changed position, forming company in the rear of company to get them all off without exposing our rear. It would have been all right had it not been that one of the companies that was in the rear did not receive the order to fall back until they were exposed very much to the enemy's fire. The first order failing to reach them, from some cause that I do not know of, I sent another order to fall back, which reached the commander of the company while the enemy were demanding a surrender of the whole command; in the mean time the enemy were making an attempt to surround the company, which being perceived they galloped off, losing about 6 men as prisoners. We killed 6 and wounded some others of the enemy. We made our retreat on the Decaturville road, to the right of the enemy, getting in their rear to annoy him all we could. We found that his rear was moving at a very rapid rate and followed them within a short distance of the river, and found that they had been advised that their rear was followed. I did not deem it prudent to follow farther. I propose to reconnoiter the country in the vicinity of Clifton again, and will remain till I hear from you. If you send the artillery we can use it to good advantage.
The above hasty report is respectfully submitted.
W.K.M. BRECKENRIDGE, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 590.
CORINTH, January 3, 1863.
GENERAL: Forrest escaped across the river at Clifton at 7 a. m. January 1, having traveled all the time since his fight, and immediately attacked my cavalry. They kept him from the river until night, when they found they were surrounded by a very heavy force and two pieces of artillery. They cut their way out down river and got into his rear next morning. Forrest commenced crossing that night, his men on rafts, his horses swam. The cavalry attacked again the 2d, and this morning he had everything across by 10 o'clock. I could not reach him with my forces, but sent forward all the mounted men I could raise, with one section of artillery. They will get to Clifton to-day. No gunboats in the river. Heard nothing from Sullivan's forces. Our cavalry have lost considerable in killed and wounded, but not many prisoners. They took several of Forrest's men. I have just returned.
G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. I, p. 551.
1, Skirmish at La Vergne
Report of Lieut. Col. William H. Dickinson, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, including skirmish at La Vergne, January 1.
HDQRS. FOURTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY, Camp near Murfreesborough, Tenn., January 8, 1863.
SIR: In compliance with an order of Col. Minty, commanding First Cavalry Brigade, I submit the following report of the troops under my command since my separation from the main body of my regiment at the cross-roads near Stewart's Creek, on the Murfreesborough pike, December 31:
I remained there, by Col. Minty's order, with two pieces of artillery and four companies of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, viz.,: Companies A, D, G, and L, until the morning of January 1, when I was ordered by Col. Burke, of the Tenth Ohio Infantry, to move with my command in the direction of La Vergne, to engage the enemy who had attacked our baggage train. On arriving within three-fourths of a mile of that place, we found the enemy attacking and burning our train. I immediately ordered a part of my men to dismount and protect the two pieces of artillery under my command and the other to attack the enemy from the left. After a brisk fire of about half an hour, the enemy retired, leaving 15 killed and carrying off 15 wounded.
I was then ordered by Col. Innes to patrol the pike between Stewart's Creek and La Vergne, both day and night, until January 4, when, by Gen. Stanley's command, I escorted Quartermaster Dudley's train to Nashville and back here, where I arrived on the evening of the 7th instant.
On January 2, two prisoners were brought in by our pickets, whom I turned over to Capt. Ward, of the Tenth Ohio, commanding detachment at Stewart's Creek. Inclosed you will find a report, made by Lieut. Eldridge, who was for a few days in command of a separate detachment.
Yours,
W. H. DICKINSON, Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Fourth Michigan Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 628-629.
1, Skirmish at Stewart's Creek
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Lieut. Col. Joseph W. Burke, Tenth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 31-January 22, 1863, relative to the skirmish at Stewart's Creek, January 1, 1863.
HDQRS. TENTH OHIO VOLUNTEERS, Murfreesborough, Tenn., January 28, 1863.
* * * *
On January 1, I was re-enforced by four companies of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, under Lieut.-Col. Dickinson, and a section of Company D, First Ohio Battery, under Lieut. Newell.
Rebel cavalry threatened the post during the day, and their advance guard was twice repulsed by my pickets and reserve. Concluding not to attack at Stewart's Creek, this force, consisting of Wheeler's, Wharton's, Buford's, John H. Morgan's, and McCann's rebel cavalry, with two pieces of artillery, passed on toward La Vergne, where they attacked Col. Innes, First Michigan Engineers, at 1 o'clock. I apprised Col. Innes of the movements of this force at an early hour.
About 1 o'clock a squadron of affrighted negroes [sic] came charging at full gallop from Murfreesborough toward Stewart's Creek, and with such impetuosity and recklessness that over 100 passed the bridge before I could check the progress of the main cavalcade. They were dismounted and some of then ducked by my men. This was the advance of what seemed to me to be the whole army-cavalrymen with jaded horses, artillery and infantry soldiers, breathless and holding on to wagons, relating the most incredible defeats and annihilation of the army and their respective regiments, came streaming down the road and pouring through the woods on their way toward the bridge. In vain did my small guard stationed on the road try to check this panic. Officers drew their revolvers, but the fugitives heeded them not.
My regiment was in line of the hill-side, and I promptly fixed bayonet, marched at double-quick to the bridge, and drew up a line before it, sending out, at the same time, two companies, deployed as skirmishers, on the right and left, to prevent the passing of the creek by fording. The fugitives crowded in thousands, and at one time pressed closely up to the bayonets of my men. I ordered the battalion to load, and determined to fire if the crowd did not move back; seeing which, many took flight back toward the front. At this critical moment I was rendered most valuable assistance by Lieut. Rendelbrook, Fourth U. S. Cavalry, and his men, who were stationed at the bridge with their camp and train.
To him I assigned the duty of getting the stragglers into line, and nobly did his men execute his orders. Riding through the panic-stricken crowds, the cavalrymen drove them into a field, where a good line was formed, and every straggler taken and made dress up. When I had a regiment formed in this manner, I assigned it officers and marched it across the bridge, stacked arms, and rested it. In this manner I secured over 4,000 men. I must mention here the fact that the prominent movers in the panic were the quartermasters in charge of trains. There was only one who behaved with anything like courage and coolness-the quartermaster of the Pioneer Brigade.
Later in the day I was notified by Col. Innes that he was attacked fiercely by rebel cavalry; that a demand for surrender had been made twice, and asking to be re-enforced. I promptly dispatched four companies of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry and the section of artillery (Rodman guns) to his assistance, and ordered them to move up at a trot, holding my own forces ready to support them.
After the lapse of two hours, during which the cannonading of Col. Innes' stockade was kept up by the rebels (hearing the report of each gun), Mr. Reily, a citizen, made his escape through the rebel lines, bearing a dispatch from Col. Innes requesting me to re-enforce him, and the astonishing information that the troops I sent up under Lieut.-Col. Dickinson were on their way back to me without having fired a shot, and the rebels were burning the trains.
I quickly decided to save the trains and leave the bridge to the protection of the regiments of stragglers, and set out at a rapid pace for La Vergne with my own command. I met the section of artillery returning, as well as part of the cavalry. I ordered them to fall in behind me, and sent in a strong support of infantry to the guns.
The scene on the road was indescribable. Teamsters had abandoned their wagons and came back mounted on their mules and horses; wagons were packed across the road, and many capsized on the side of the pike; horses ran wild through the woods, and, although men were allowed by me to pass as wagon guards, there were none at their posts. They had left the road and were bivouacking in small parties in the woods, evidently careless of the fate of the trains.
The woods toward La Vergne were filled with small bodies of rebel cavalry, which were quickly dislodged by my skirmishers and driven off. I reached Col. Innes at La Vergne at 7 o'clock, and assisted him in arranging the trains and forwarding them to Nashville.
I detached four companies of my regiment, and Lieut.-Col. Dickinson's command, and sent them back to Stewart's Creek at daylight next morning [January 2d], remaining myself at La Vergne, collecting supplies from the trains, gathering in cattle abandoned by our men, and sending them to the front.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 654-656.
1, The 15th Iowa Infantry stops in Lafayette; impressions by a private
….We have established a few forts around the depot and water tank[.] Lafayette has but one citizen left and that is a widow woman. The town has had about 150 inhabitants[.] There is but one good dwelling in the place[.] There is a fine large brick depot and warehouse[.] Our Surgeon took the best house in town for his headquarters[.] But had hardly got it warmed before Hugh T[.] Reid came and dispossessed him and proceeded to fix himself init. But he had scarcely become used to its comforts when Genl Quinby[2] came along and notified Mr [.] Reid that he should want that "house" for his own use[.] So Mr[.] Reid took an humble abode and "grated" his teeth[.] Guerrillas swarm all through this country and last night one of the 93d Indiana was wounded on Picket. We cannot forage here without a guard[.]
Boyd Diary
1, New Year's Day meditations by Charles Alley, 5th Iowa Cavalry, in camp near Paris
New Year's Day and fine warm weather. Another year has gone into eternity. How many thousands of my fellow creatures have gone into eternity. How many even of my own company and yet I am alive, healthy and strong. Surely in these things God has been good to me. And what return have I made him [sic] that of a Christian. Ah, how little do I differ from the other men. Too often do I give way to evil thoughts, to angry words, to an evil disposition. Lord enable me to dedicate myself more entirely to thy service. Make me to be more meek, more forebearing [sic] patient, more contented, more kind and obliging to others, less selfish, less censorious, less willing to give way to any evil. May I wage constant and increasing warfare against the world [of] the flesh and the devil. Enable me to dedicate myself, my soul and body entirely to thy service. Seeking first the kingdom of God and the righteousness; and trusting all my concerns entirely to him, knowing that he is able to care for me and will do it.
Alley Diary
1, "A few little incidents of this nature have served to keep us alive as it were." Excerpts from George F. Cram's letter to his mother
Camp of the 105th [Ohio], South Tunnel
* * * *
The past week has been one of little interest and has dragged wearily away. The boys have daily watched the coming of the regimental post master, but alas, only to turn away disappointed….Occasionally during the week we have had excepting rumors of an expected attack here, but a few night since our Col. received a dispatch from Gallatin, that Breckinridge with a large army was trying to cross the Cumberland a few miles below Gallatin and that we might expect an attack any moment….But the night passed away and morning brought a dispatch that the rumor was false. A few little incidents of this nature have served to keep us alive as it were.
They have had, however, quite exciting times at Gallatin, having been drawn up in line of battle nearly every day in expectation of an immediate attack and being started out of their sleep by the long roll in the still hour of night, only to find that the alarm was false. Last Monday part of a rebel company fired up the pickets there, the captain of the rebels had a splendid mansion about three miles out from the town, and our enraged soldiers, wheeled out a cannon and leveled it with the ground. I wish all rebel officers were served this; that the war, already prolonged too much by the imbecility of our administration and the cowardice of our officers, might end. The common soldiers of the south have no longer any heart in the matter, as all who are taken by our men say. I have myself talked with several of them and they say, to a man, that they would gladly have the old union restored and live again in the enjoyment of peace.
Yesterday I was talking with a very aged man who was a soldier in 1812. He said that when the excitement first broke out about this war the "big men" went around the country telling the people that Lincoln's robbers were coming down here for no other purpose than to set the Negroes [sic] free, incite insurrections, and pillage the country. Is it a wonder that the poor ignorant commoners deluded into this belief should rise and fight even without clothes, for the defense as they thought of their liberty, poor ignorant wretches! How much have the rebel chiefs to account for!
You cannot have the remotest idea of the sufferings of this part of rebeldom. I never did when at home and never should had I not actually seen it. If the war lasts a year longer, many of the inhabitants must actually starve and go entirely naked. The government you are aware allows no trade with the land beyond Nashville; no supplies from the southern sources can reach here. The young men are mostly off to the war, and I have seen many an old couple just tottering on the verge of the grave with a son in either army and no possible means of support the coming years. Their clothes already covered with patches, no others to buy and no money to buy them [sic]. (One old man told me he had not seen ten dollars since the war broke out.) Living in little log houses, the only thing they can have plenty of is wood and that the country abounds in.
The health of the regiment is not so good as it has been. Four have died already this week, one a day. The disease is principally diarrhea, which has so far almost wholly baffled the surgeon's skill, owing to the villainous food they give us. The hard crackers, when eaten dry, swell up in the stomach and when previous to eat are heavy as lead entirely indigestible. Last week our quarter master [sic] got us a lot of bacon that so rotten [sic] you could smell it all over the camp. If we could only get salt beef, a great many of the boys now sick would be well. Another man has just died, while I was writing the above. He had been sick for some time and suddenly dropped dead. My health continues pretty good for I take care of myself and keep as far from the Dr. as possible.
* * * *
This morning we received news of a federal success at Murfreesboro. It gives the camp a cheerful aspect to hear good news….
Letters of George F. Cram
1, An initial report on the battle of Stones River
Battle Near Murfreesboro'.
The city was considerably excited yesterday by rumors of a sanguinary battle being in progress near Murfreesboro', between the armies of Rosecrans and Bragg, but these rumors were of such a contradictory character, as to render it impossible to arrive at anything certain in regard to the fight. It appears that the skirmishing Tuesday was simply for the purpose of securing positions which the contending parties desired to occupy. At an early hour yesterday morning, by the time it was light, it is said the battle commenced by an attack upon the Federal lines by Gen. Van Dorn, and the reports brought down represent the fight that ensued as very obstinate and bloody; but we could learn nothing as to the probable extent of the loss on either side. . . .
Nashville Dispatch, January 1, 1863.
1, Confederate prisoners and Federal wounded arrive in Nashville from the battle of Stones River; an entry in the diary of John Hill Fergusson, 10th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. No circumstantial reports filed.
January 1st Fort Negley Nashville Tennessee in 1863, Thursday 1st day fine and plesent [sic] Last Night cold with frost at one occlock [sic] today we mustered for pay, inspector Barret of Co. D rummers [sic] of all kinds a float today in regard to the battle still raging at Murfreesboro: in the afternoon we seen [sic] what we supposed to be a body of rebel prisoners coming in. N. Fancher, Joseph Blacmon and My Self went [a]cross to the Murfreesboro pike to see them and Learn what new we could from the field of action in the advance a train of waggans [sic] and ambulances came in with wounded men than a Squad of rebels [sic] prisoners Said to be 325 they ware [sic] guarded by about 4 companys of the 42nd Ills they ware [sic] a miserable set of men they had no uniform they ware [sic] dressed in every Stile [sic] imaginable yet they ware [sic] generly [sic] big raw boned Stout men Some Seemed very well satisfied that they ware [sic] taken prisoners Some said we would get well flaged [sic] this time: that Bragg would be in pusesion [sic] of Nashville by tomorrow night that they would not have long to lay in prison Some said they did not expect to spend new years in Nashville although [sic] they expected to be in it soon afterwards I was more taken on with the actions of the citizens than any thing els [sic] as I thought it was a good time to gudge [sic] from appearance the rail [sic] feelings that existed in the people the men generally kept in groups by them selves, when a soldier would step forward they would be silant [sic] or change there [sic] Subject: the wemen [sic] showed more clearly the party which they favored Some young Ladies would say" they would have turkeys prepaired [sic] for bragg [sic] and his army when he came to Nashville: while other young Ladys would crowd around us whare [sic] we stod [sic] to get all the news they could in regard to the welfair [sic] of the union Army Some would make the remark that the ware [sic] a dirty degraded Set of people but they could not expect anything better is the believed [sic] they ware [sic] cursed for the cruel deeds they ware guilty[?] of: the road was lined with wounded men coming in Some had there [sic] heads dun [sic] up with there [sic] handkerchief; The Ladys [sic] who ware [sic] friends to the union Soldiers would walk out and inquire into the nature of there [sic] wound and how the battle was likle [sic] to go and would simpthise [sic] with the poor sufferers and would call them cowards and trators [sic] and every thing but gentleman they would inquiar [sic] if they ware [sic] hungery [sic] if the ware they would give them some thing to eat we lerned [sic] that our Left wing was in Murfreesboro but could get no information in regard to which army was most likely to be victories [sic] we ware [sic] informed that our army was reinforced by 30,000 just arrived from Kentucky: we are also informed we also hard it reported that Stanly [sic] went around in the rear of the enemy and destroyed some rail road bridges which will sertenly [sic] be a great injury to the rebels in recovering suplys [sic] and reainforcements [sic]; if the report is true: our pickets captured a suspesious [sic] cittizen [sic] today going out to the rebels learning in his pusession [sic] a draft of fort Negley and a letter to bregg [sic] saying if they drive the yankies [sic] at Murfreesboro [sic] the cittizens [sic] can surprise and take fort Negley the man was delivered up to General Mitchel there [sic] he was taken to the States prisen [sic] our first guard was dubled [sic] and the regt fell in at 1/2 after 9 and stood ½ hour we ware [sic] formed in Line again under arms at 3 in the morning we defy all the cittizens [sic] and all the rebel army combined to take Nashville are drive [sic] us from our poseation [sic] in fort Negley I expect more favorable news tomorrow.
John Hill Fergusson Diary, Book 2.
January 1, 1864, Skirmish at Dandridge
No circumstantial reports made.
1, "Market Quotations" in Middle Tennessee, an excerpt from the diary of John C. Spence
* * * *
....Beef is selling round [sic] 6, pork 6 to 7, Butter 40, Eggs, 40, Bacon 8, Lard 12 ½, Irish potatoes 200, meal 120, Flour $4, other things in proportion.
Groceries-Sugar 25, Coffee 30, molasses 150, Salt 1250 [sic], castings 15, Tobacco high enough at all prices.
Whisky, an article of prime necessity, 150 black bottle [sic] or any price that may be asked. Other articles in the grocery line in proportion.
Dry goods-Calicos 30-60, Domestic goods 45 to 65, articles in that line keeping with their prices.
Money-Green backs all the go. Union and Planters 40 dis[count], Bank Ten[n.] 45, gold worth 60 premium. Southern money worth 25 on the dol. [sic]
Cotton in Nashville 62c. Negros [sic] not worth the salt they steal, and a downward tendency in the market.
This is a view of things at the beginning of the year. Many of the above articles on the advance and getting scarce.
Still quote the military, verry [sic] stringent in their demands in permits to purchase goods and passes to get out of their lines. Negros [sic] are quite a commodity with them. Great exertion used to procure a supply to wait on the gentlemen officers.
* * * *
Spence Diary.
1, Confederate soldiers, a.w.o.l. and deserters in Middle Tennessee, an excerpt from the diary of John C. Spence
* * * *
We now frequently meet with and hear of others of the Southern Soldiers [sic] who have got lost, mislaid, run off or deserted from the army. Well! Don't blame them much. They wanted to come home. All tell a doleful tale about their hardships and suffering while in the army.
Spence Diary.
1, "Notwithstanding the Yanks are such near neighbors, we have had a house full of Rebels all day…." An entry from Belle Edmondson's diary, Shelby County
January, Friday 1, 1864
'Tis New Year, a happy one to our household. Lieut. Spotswood and Eddie came last night. Poor Eddie is greatly in need of clothes.
I do not think we will have much trouble in out Gen'ling [sic] the Yanks. I have $50. G.B. [?] left I intend to devote to that purpose. It is very cold, all nature is robed in Ice.
Notwithstanding the Yanks are such near neighbors, we have had a house full of Rebels all day, four of Henderson's Scouts-Lieut. S. Eddie, Jim & Elb Jeters. Nannie and I went in the buggy over to the smugler's [sic], Joe White, to see if we could not get some things there for Eddie, failed, bro't [sic] Lute some soap-almost froze to death-got home at dark, all just finishing dinner, had a splendid time tonight. Our Armys [sic] all seem to be Status Quo. God grant successful may be the termination of 1864-oh! my savior I have buried the past-guide and leade [sic] me from temptation. After you, my God, then I live for my Country-God bless our leaders in Dixie.
Diary of Belle Edmondson[3]
1, A civilian assess the cost and results of war in Middle Tennessee
The last year 1863 has passed off. Leaving many thousands with aking [sic] hearts, mourning the loss of their dear friends, Fathers, mothers, sons, & husbands, many that have been slain upon the bloody battle fields & have died, Many that have sickened and died in Prisons, hospitals and Camps. History cannot record the greater distruction [sic] occasioned by this unnatural & wicked war[.] What disgraceful suffering has been produced by this unnecessary war, no one living ever will be able to give a good picture of its consequences & disruptions. The widows are seen every day beging [sic] to get back their property that has been forced from them by the ruthless hand of the soldiery leaving them & there [sic] little ones in a state of suffering, Midnight robberies & on the high ways [sic] are the order of the day in every part of the country committed in every neighborhood & everyday. Commited [sic] by soldiers belonging to both armies & Robers [sic] that don't belong to any army, trafficking trading unlawfully hiring negroes to steal mules & horses & carry them off to those robing [sic] traders, Appears to be the order of the day[.] they have and are draining the country of all the Mules & leaving us without any chance to live. O how long will divine providence permit such a state of affairs to continue[?]
Diary of Nimrod Porter, January 1, 1864.
1-14, Cavalry patrols at Mossy Creek, skirmish at Dandridge on the 14th
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the January 1864 Itinerary of the First Division, Cavalry Corps, commanded by Col. Frank Wolford, First Kentucky Cavalry relative to events at Mossy Creek, January 1-14, 1864:
January 1, First and Second Brigades remained at Mossy Creek, doing heavy picketing until the 14th, when we moved to Dandridge, 12 miles and went into camp, after skirmishing with the enemy about 1 mile from town. The Third Brigade still at Buffalo Creek, on north side of Holston River.
* * * *
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. I, p. 54.
1-February 29, Scouting, Confederate desertion rate, flat-boat destruction and anti-guerrilla actions in Middle Tennessee; excerpts from the Report of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas
Report of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Cumberland, of operations January -February, 1864.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., March 10, 1864.
GEN.: I have the honor to report the operations of my command for the months of January and February, 1864, as follows:
From the 1st until as late as the 20th of January, no movements of any consequence took place. Small scouting parties of both cavalry and infantry were sent out from time to time to watch the movements of the enemy, but failed to find him in any considerable force in our immediate front.
….Desertions from the enemy still continued numerous, averaging 30 per day, nearly all of whom wished to embrace the terms of the President's amnesty proclamation, which, with Maj.-Gen. Grant's Gen. Orders, No. 10, of [December 12, 1863,] headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, had been freely circulated within the rebel lines for some time previous.
On the 20th of January Gen. G. M. Dodge, at Pulaski, Tenn., having ascertained that a force of rebel cavalry, under Roddey, was constructing flat-boats, and hiding them in Little Bear Creek, Spring Creek, and Town Creek, and also that one of Roddey's regiments was foraging on the north side of the Tennessee River, he immediately informed Gen. Grant of these movements of the enemy, who directed me to organize an expedition at once of sufficient force to drive Roddey away from where he was reported to be, and to destroy all boats and material that might in any way be used by the enemy in crossing the Tennessee River….
Brig.-Gen. Gillem also reports having sent out parties from along the line of the Northwestern Railroad, and their having returned with Lieut.-Col. Brewer, 2 captains, 3 lieutenants, and 20 men as prisoners.
A party of guerrillas, numbering about 150 men, attacked Tracy City on the 20th, and, after having three times summoned the garrison to surrender, were handsomely repulsed by our forces.
Col. T. J. Harrison, Thirty-ninth Indiana (mounted infantry), reports from Cedar Grove, 21st instant,[4] that he had sent an expedition of 200 men to Sparta, to look after the guerrillas in that vicinity. They divided into five parties, concentrating at Sparta. Having passed over the localities of Carter's, Champ Ferguson's, Bledsoe's, and Murray's guerrillas, his (Harrison's) force remained on the Calfkiller five days, and during that time killed 4, wounded 5 or 6, and captured 15, including a captain and lieutenant, 30 horses, and 20 stand of arms.
~ ~ ~ *
February 7, Col. William B. Stokes, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, reports from Alexandria, Tenn., that, in pursuance to orders, he had recently scouted in the vicinity of Sparta after certain bands of guerrillas infesting that neighborhood, and had succeeded in killing 17 and capturing 12, besides 20 horses and mules. Another force, under Col. McConnell, succeeded in killing 23 and capturing 40 of the same gang. Col. Stokes ascertained that, when concentrated, the guerrillas in that section of the country will number 600 men, finely mounted….
~ ~ ~ *
OR, Ser. 1, Vol. 32, pt. I, pp. 6-9.
1-20, Small Federal cavalry and infantry scouting parties around Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge
No circumstantial reports filed
Excerpt from Major-General George H. Thomas' report of March 10, 1864:
From the 1st [of January, 1864] until as late as the 20th of January, no movements of any consequence took place. Small scouting parities of both cavalry and infantry were sent out from time to time to watch the movements of the enemy, but failed to him in any considerable force in our immediate front.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. I, p. 7.
1 – 20. Albert Underwood, 9th Indiana Light Artillery, Entries for Civil War Diary, January 1- 20, 1864. The move from Huntington, Tennessee, to Union City, Tennessee
Fri. Jan. 1: Clear and cold this morning. The thermometer stood at ten degrees above zero this morning. It continued cold all day. A quiet New Year's Day. We are camped for a few days at Huntington, County Seat of Hunington [sic] County and about 60 miles from Union City and 30 miles from Jackson.
Sat. Jan. 2: On guard today. Cold and a little cloudy this morning. Received marching orders this evening to be ready to march at 8 oclock [sic] in the morning.
Sun. Jan. 3: Cloudy and snowing this morning. Left camp at 8 oclock [sic] on the Paris road. The roads are frozen hard and are very rough. Went into camp about noon about 6 miles northeast of Huntington. (Huntingdon)
Mon. Jan. 4: Rained and sleeted last night. Remained in camp all day. Received orders to march at 7 oclock [sic] in the morning, received a mail this evening.
Tues. Jan. 5: Clear and cold this morning. Left camp about 9 oclock [sic] this morning. Roads very rough with a slick, sleet snow on the top. Quite cold and frosty all day. Camped on Dovor's [sic] Creek in 7 miles of Paris. We traveled 12 miles today.
Wed. Jan. 6: Left camp about sunrise had pretty good roads today. Reached Paris at 1 oclock [sic] and the 1st Section of battery went into camp ¼ of a mile west of the Court House. On guard tonight.
Thurs. Jan. 7: Cold and cloudy this morning. Received orders to go into town and tack quarters this morning. Moved in about noon and took quarters in a large brick building on the corner of the Court House. Took supper tonight at the McVeys [sic].
Fri. Jan. 8: Clear, beautiful morning. Moderated a little this morning. Have got things pretty fixed here now. Distance to Union City 47 miles and to Ft. Hieran [sic] 28 miles.
Sat. Jan. 9: Beautiful morning moderating today. Commenced reading Don Quixote.
Sun. Jan. 10: Beautiful day. Went to Campbellite Church at 11 oclock [sic]. The congregation consisted of 4 men and 5 women and about 20 soldiers. Our mess was presented with a baked turkey and other things for dinner by Mrs. Mearrs.
Mon. Jan. 11: Beautiful weather. Thawed considerable here today. Nothing of interest has transpired yet.
Tues. Jan. 12: Delightful day. Mrs. Mearrs brought us in some more chickens today. On guard to day. Finished reading Don Quixote.
Wed. Jan. 13: Cloudy weather. Some of the 7th Tennessee Cavalry in today and brought some prisoners.
Thurs. Jan. 14: Rained some last night, had inspection today. Reading the life of Robert Burns.
Fri. Jan. 15: The weather still continues very delightful for the time of year.
Sat. Jan. 16: Citizens are getting quite numerous here now. Received marching orders about 7 oclock [sic] tonight to be ready to march at 8 oclock [sic] in the morning.
Sun. Jan. 17: Left camp about 8 oclock [sic]. Mt. Holyoke and Koma[5] [sic] had very bad roads. It rained all day, went into camp about 2 oclock [sic] near Rays[6] 10 miles east of Oresdon.[7] Took breakfast this morning at Mr. Alexanders [sic]. Traveled 12 miles today.
Mon. Jan. 18: Snowed this morning. Left camp at 9 oclock [sic]. Rained all last night. Bad roads, slavish traveling today. Snowed all day, stalled several times. Reached Oresdon about 2 oclock [sic] and went into camp near town. Traveled 10 miles today.
Tues. Jan. 19: Clear beautiful day. Left camp at 10 oclock [sic], very slavish traveling again today. The roads are very bad. The wagon cut through in many places. Had very disagreeable time today. Reached Camp Yaredon on the Obson (Obion) river at 4 oclock [sic]. On guard tonight. Traveled 14 miles today.
Wed. Jan. 20: Beautiful morning. Left camp at 8 oclock [sic], upset the baggage wagon at the start. The caisson run off the levee just across the Obson (Obion) river and upset in about four feet water. Had an awful time getting it out. Drowned one horse, got started at 10 oclock [sic]. Started several times and came near upsetting. Finally reached Union City about 3 oclock [sic]. Commenced loading on the cars at once.
Albert Underwood Correspondence.[8]
1-31, Confederate anti-guerrilla patrols, skirmishes, White and Overton counties [see January 1-April 18, 1864, "Hughs' guerrilla operations in Middle Tennessee (Confederate)" below]
1-February 29, 1864, Scouting, Confederate desertion rate, flat-boat destruction and anti-guerrilla actions in Middle Tennessee; excerpts from the Report of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas
Report of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Cumberland, of operations January -February, 1864.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., March 10, 1864.
GEN.: I have the honor to report the operations of my command for the months of January and February, 1864, as follows:
From the 1st until as late as the 20th of January, no movements of any consequence took place. Small scouting parties of both cavalry and infantry were sent out from time to time to watch the movements of the enemy, but failed to find him in any considerable force in our immediate front.
….Desertions from the enemy still continued numerous, averaging 30 per day, nearly all of whom wished to embrace the terms of the President's amnesty proclamation, which, with Maj.-Gen. Grant's Gen. Orders, No. 10, of [December 12, 1863,] headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, had been freely circulated within the rebel lines for some time previous.
On the 20th of January Gen. G. M. Dodge, at Pulaski, Tenn., having ascertained that a force of rebel cavalry, under Roddey, was constructing flat-boats, and hiding them in Little Bear Creek, Spring Creek, and Town Creek, and also that one of Roddey's regiments was foraging on the north side of the Tennessee River, he immediately informed Gen. Grant of these movements of the enemy, who directed me to organize an expedition at once of sufficient force to drive Roddey away from where he was reported to be, and to destroy all boats and material that might in any way be used by the enemy in crossing the Tennessee River….
Brig.-Gen. Gillem also reports having sent out parties from along the line of the Northwestern Railroad, and their having returned with Lieut.-Col. Brewer, 2 captains, 3 lieutenants, and 20 men as prisoners.
A party of guerrillas, numbering about 150 men, attacked Tracy City on the 20th, and, after having three times summoned the garrison to surrender, were handsomely repulsed by our forces.
Col. T. J. Harrison, Thirty-ninth Indiana (mounted infantry), reports from Cedar Grove, 21st instant,[9] that he had sent an expedition of 200 men to Sparta, to look after the guerrillas in that vicinity. They divided into five parties, concentrating at Sparta. Having passed over the localities of Carter's, Champ Ferguson's, Bledsoe's, and Murray's guerrillas, his (Harrison's) force remained on the Calfkiller five days, and during that time killed 4, wounded 5 or 6, and captured 15, including a captain and lieutenant, 30 horses, and 20 stand of arms.
* * * *
February 7, Col. William B. Stokes, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, reports from Alexandria, Tenn., that, in pursuance to orders, he had recently scouted in the vicinity of Sparta after certain bands of guerrillas infesting that neighborhood, and had succeeded in killing 17 and capturing 12, besides 20 horses and mules. Another force, under Col. McConnell, succeeded in killing 23 and capturing 40 of the same gang. Col. Stokes ascertained that, when concentrated, the guerrillas in that section of the country will number 600 men, finely mounted….
* * * *
OR, Ser. 1, Vol. 32, pt. I, pp. 6-9.
1-April 18, 1864, Hughs' guerrilla operations in Middle Tennessee (Confederate)
JANUARY 1-APRIL 18, 1864.-Hughs' operations in Middle Tennessee. [10]
Report of Col. John M. Hughs, Twenty-fifth Tennessee Infantry.
DALTON, Ga., April 28, 1864.
SIR: I have honor to submit herewith the following report of my operations in Middle Tennessee:
During the very cold weather in January, 1864, it was impossible to operate on a large scale and our time was occupied in hunting down the bushwhackers and tories, and for that purpose my command was divided; a portion under Maj. Bledsoe, of the Fourth Tennessee Cavalry (this officer had been cut off from Maj.-Gen. Wheeler's command and had reported to me for duty) operated in White County, and the part commanded by myself remained in Overton. During the month of January a great many tories and bushwhackers were killed and some slight engagements with the enemy occurred.
On the 14th of February I was rejoined by Maj. Bledsoe and on the 15th we attacked and defeated a party of bushwhackers and tories, numbering some less than 100, under Capt.'s Dowdy and Beaty [sic] killing 17, capturing 2, and effectually dispersing the whole gang. On the 22d of February we met a party of "picked men" from the Fifth Tennessee (Yankee) Cavalry, under Capt. Exum [on Calf Killer Creek]. This party had refused to treat us as prisoners of war, and had murdered several of our men whom they had caught straggling from their command. The enemy numbered 110 men; my own force was about 60. The fighting on our part was severe in the extreme; men never fought with more desperation or gallantry. Forty-seven of the enemy were killed, 13 wounded, and 4 captured; our loss was 2 wounded.
On the 26th February, I captured Washington, East Tenn., with 65 prisoners, killing 3 and wounding 7.
On the 27th February we routed a new company of State Guards, forming under Governor Johnson's orders, in Sequatchie Valley, under Capt. Pirom, capturing 23 prisoners and entirely breaking up the contemplated organization.
On the 10th March I met and fought in White County another detachment of Col. Stokes' Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, under Capt. Blackburn, numbering about 125 men; my command numbered something less than 100 men. After about ten minutes severe fighting, I was forced to retire with a loss of 1 killed and 3 wounded; the enemy's loss was 3 killed and 7 wounded, according to their own accounts.
On the 16th March we tore up the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad near Tullahoma and captured a train of freight cars heavily laden with supplies for the Federal army at Chattanooga. About 60 Yankee soldiers were captured and about 20 Yankee negroes [sic] killed. The train and supplies were burned and the engine destroyed.
On the morning of the 20th March we were, for the first and only time, surprised by the enemy while in camp and suffered a loss of 2 men killed and some captured, including some valuable papers of my own. The enemy in this affair lost 7 killed and 8 wounded, according to their own report.
Soon after this I again attempted to return to my regiment. I started on the 2d April with 95 officers and men, all that I could prevail on to come out with me. On arriving within about 20 miles of Morristown, East Tenn., I learned that our army had left that locality, and I was compelled to return to the section from which I came. On this trip 2 of my men were captured and 6 of the enemy were killed. Upon our return the jaded condition of our horses made some rest necessary and during that time a consultation was held, when it was decided to again attempt to get through to the army, but in small squads of from 20 to 30. Accordingly, on the 18th April, I started out with a small party, and after much difficulty succeeded in reaching the Army of Tennessee at Dalton, Ga., on the 26th April. I immediately reported to Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, commanding, for instructions, and was directed by him to rejoin my brigade as soon as convenient. Some of my command came out about the same time under direction of Capt. Gore, of the Eighth Tennessee Cavalry. Some have made their way out since and many refused to come out at all, preferring to remain and take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government.
During my operations the number of men under my command varied from 85 to 300; as, under the circumstances, proper discipline could not be enforced, the men came and went pretty much at will, though all mild means were used to maintain discipline.
Had I been properly authorized to organize a mounted command from such material as I could find there, I could easily have raised a full regiment of cavalry, as, besides, citizens who had never been in the service, there were numbers of deserters from the infantry in the country who would willingly have rejoined the service as cavalrymen.
During my stay in that section no time was spent in idleness. We were almost constantly in the saddle, and not a week passed but more or less fighting took place. Many engagements not mentioned In this report occurred with the enemy, something over 400 of them were killed, including a great many of the worst tories in the country, many were wounded and from 600 to 700 were captured and paroled, and I am confident that my command destroyed for the enemy over half a million dollars' worth of Government stores, besides capturing and destroying 3,000 or 4,000 stands of small-arms. Our operations necessitated the presence of from 5,000 to 8,000 of the enemy's regular troops, who were held at different points to watch and guard against our movements; besides, our presence afforded protection to a large section of country against the depredations of the gangs of robbers and bushwhackers, who had become a scourge to the Southern citizens.
The nature of the service engaged in required rapid marches, and the country being extremely rough and hilly good horses lasted but a short time and many changes were necessary and it was only with great care and considerable expense that the men could keep themselves mounted. Owing to the scarcity of forage and provisions our expenses were very heavy, and as the people were unwilling to take receipts or scrip for anything furnished us I was compelled to pay all expenses in money out of my own funds. Receipts were taken when circumstances would admit, all of which were captured with my other papers by the enemy.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN M. HUGHS, Col., Cmdg. Detachment.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. I, pp. 55-57.[11]
1-April 30, 1864 Operations in Tennessee Itinerary of the Army of the Ohio[12].
NINTH ARMY CORPS.[13]
January 1, the headquarters of the corps and troops were stationed at Blain's Cross-Roads, a distance of about 18 miles northeast of Knoxville.
January 16, the corps broke camp and marched to Strawberry Plains, a station on the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad, a distance of about 8 miles in the direction of Knoxville.
January 18, Brig. Gen. R. B. Potter, commanding corps, goes home on leave of absence for thirty days. Brig. Gen. O. B. Willcox assigned to command of corps. The Second Division is temporarily attached to First Division.
January 21, engaged the enemy at Strawberry Plains and held him in check until next morning.
January 22, proceeded toward Knoxville, skirmishing with the enemy during the day; formed line of battle 3 miles from Knoxville and remained there until the morning of the 24th, the enemy in the mean time having fallen back toward Strawberry Plains.
January 24, the corps marched to Erin's Station, a distance of 5 1/2 miles southwest from Knoxville.
January 26, Brig. Gen. O. B. Willcox ordered to command Second Division, which has been relieved from duty with the First Division. Maj. Gen. J. G. Parke assumes command of corps.
January 31, the headquarters of the corps are at Knoxville; the troops at Erin's Station.
The Twenty-first and Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers; Forty-fifth, Forty-eighth, Fiftieth, Fifty-first, and One hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers; Second and Eighth Michigan Volunteers; Forty-sixth and Fifty-first New York Volunteers, and Second Maryland Volunteers have re-enlisted, and all marked thus (X++)[14] have gone home for furlough and reorganization.
February 1, broke camp at Erin's Station, Tenn., marched to Knoxville, Tenn., crossed Holston River, and encamped opposite Knoxville.
February 2, recrossed the Holston River at Knoxville and returned to camp at Erin's Station.
February 15, First Division marched to Knoxville and encamped near Fort Sanders; Second Division moved to a point on Clinton road near Knoxville.
February 18, First Division changed camp to a point on Clinton road; Second Division moved 1 1/2 miles, joining right with left of First Division.
February 24, marched to Strawberry Plains; 16 miles.
February 27, crossed Holston River at Strawberry Plains; marched 3 miles on Morristown road.
February 28, marched to Mossy Creek; 10 miles.
February 29, marched to Morristown, Tenn.; 13 miles.
March 2, corps moved from Morristown, Tenn., to Mossy Creek, Tenn.
March 12 and 13, marched from Mossy Creek to Morristown; slight skirmishing.
[March 14, the corps ordered to Annapolis, Md.]
March 17, corps moved toward Knoxville, having been ordered to Annapolis, Md.
March 19, reached Knoxville.
March 21, corps marched, taking the mountain road via Camp Burnside for Camp Nelson, Ky., Fifty-first New York Volunteers Burnside for Camp Nelson, Ky., Fifty-first New York Volunteers and convalescents being sent by rail via Loudon and Chattanooga, Tenn.
March 31, corps reached Camp Nelson, Ky.
TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS.[15] January 1-April 30, 1864
JANUARY.
Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Henry M. Judah.
FIRST BRIGADE.
January 1 to 15, inclusive, remained in camp at Mossy Creek, Tenn.
January 16, left camp at Mossy Creek; marched to Strawberry Plains; distance, 14 miles.
January 17, arrived at Strawberry Plains and encamped.
January 18 to 20, remained in camp.
January 21, crossed the river, marched 8 miles, and encamped.
January 22, left camp, fell back about 2 miles, and bivouacked in line of battle, having skirmished all day with the enemy.
January 23, rested in camp.
January 24, fell back to Knoxville; distance, 4 miles; marched 2 miles out on the Tazewell road; encamped.
January 25 to 31, inclusive, remained in camp.
SECOND BRIGADE.
January 14, ordered to Dandridge.
January 15, arrived at Dandridge; neared the enemy, but no engagement.
January 17, ordered to Strawberry Plains.
January 18, arrived at Strawberry Plains; remained there two days and returned slowly to Knoxville.
January 24, reached Knoxville, where we remain.
Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Milo S. Hascall.
FIRST BRIGADE.
January 12, the One hundred and fourth Regt. Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Eighth Regt. Tennessee Volunteer Infantry stationed at Strawberry Plains since the beginning of the month. The One hundred and fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry ordered to Knoxville, Tenn., to do provost duty.
January 22, the Eighth Tennessee ordered to Knoxville from Strawberry Plains, where they had been since January 1; took position on west side of city.
January 29, the One hundredth Ohio Regiment, stationed in Knoxville from the first of the month, ordered to take position near the Eighth Tennessee to do the picket duty on that side of the city, where they now remain.
SECOND BRIGADE.
January 1, the brigade encamped on the north side of the Holston River, near Strawberry Plains.
January 6, crossed the river and encamped on the Dandridge road, 1 mile from Strawberry Plains.
January 15, marched for Dandridge.
January 16, reached Dandridge.
January 17, moved to the support of our cavalry forces engaged with the enemy on the Morristown road; left Dandridge at night for Strawberry Plains.
January 19, reached Strawberry Plains.
January 21, moved from Strawberry Plains; at night picketed fords and road 4 miles out from the plains, skirmishing with the enemy.
January 22, moved to Knoxville; encamped on the north side until the 24th, when ordered to the south side of the river, where the brigade is now encamped.
First East Tennessee Brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. James G. Spears.
January 1, brigade stationed at Massengale's house, near Holston River, about 30 miles northeast of Knoxville.
January 16, left Massengale's house, under orders to take up position at Flat Creek bridge. On the march to Flat Creek bridge the Third Tennessee Infantry was left at Richland Creek under orders to guard Blain's Cross-Roads and Stone's Mill. Arrived at Flat Creek bridge with the Fifth and Sixth Tennessee and four pieces of Battery A, First Ohio Artillery. The Fifth Tennessee Infantry was detached and ordered to Loudon, Tenn., where it has since remained. The artillery under Capt. J. K. Clingan, Company G, Fifth Tennessee Infantry, was received by him owing to the re-enlistment of that battery and their return to Ohio on furlough January 13.
January 21, with the Third and Sixth Tennessee and artillery fell back, under orders, to Love's house, 5 miles northeast of Knoxville.
January 22, fell back, under orders, with the Ninth and Twenty-third Corps 1 mile from Love's house, and turned and confronted the advancing foe and forced them to retire.
January 25, remained on the ground until this date, when ordered to go into winter quarters, the Third Tennessee at Armstrong's Ford, 5 miles northeast of Knoxville; the Sixth Tennessee at the junction of Armstrong's Ferry and Strawberry Plains road, 4 miles from Knoxville .The artillery was ordered to Knoxville on the morning of the 22d, and has been under the control of Brig.-Gen. Tillson since that time. The Fifth Tennessee is yet at Loudon, and report Company G as ondetached service; brigade headquarters 3 miles northeast of Knoxville, at what is called Love's Hill. Command generally in good condition, and was assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps, January 21, by command of Maj.-Gen. Foster.
FEBRUARY.
First Division, commanded by Col. George W. Gallup, Fourteenth Kentucky Infantry.
February 12 to 14, captured by detachment of the Fourteenth Kentucky Volunteers, under command of Lieut. Brown, 1 orderly-sergeant of rebel cavalry, and killed 1 notorious guerrilla named Pennington.
February 15, the Fourteenth Kentucky Regiment, under command of Col. Gallup, captured in Wayne County, Va., the rebel Col. Ferguson, 2 lieutenants, 1 assistant surgeon, and 41 of his men, 80 stands of arms, 20 horses (killing 13), and all his ammunition, without the loss of a man.
February 22 to 28 captured, by a detachment of the Fourteenth Kentucky, 15 guerrillas and horse-thieves under Reuben Patrick Magoffin County, Ky.
Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Henry M. Judah.
February 24, the division marched from Knoxville, Tenn., to Strawberry Plains.
February 28, crossed the Holston River.
February 29, marched to New Market.
Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Milo S. Hascall.
FIRST BRIGADE.
February 11, moved camp from the north to the south side of Holston River opposite Knoxville.
February 20, the Fourth Tennessee moved out 3 miles on the Sevierville road, to support cavalry skirmishing with the enemy; returned same evening.
February 23, the One hundredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Eighth Tennessee moved at 1 a.m. as part of the force making a reconnaissance on the Sevierville road; went out 10 miles; found no enemy; returned same day.
February 24, brigade moved into Knoxville and took up position in the works around the city.
February 26, the Fiftieth Regt. Ohio Volunteer Infantry assigned to First Brigade.
February 28, the Fiftieth Regt. Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Fourth Tennessee moved into the works south of the river opposite Knoxville, to replace the Second Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, which moved to Strawberry Plains.
SECOND BRIGADE.
February 1, encamped on the south side of Knoxville.
February 5, pickets attacked by enemy's cavalry 2 1/2 miles from Knoxville.
February 14, again attacked; made reconnaissance with six companies of each regiment 5 miles out on the Sevierville road.
February 20, rebel cavalry appeared on Sevierville road; pickets skirmished; enemy driven off with loss by a detachment of the Third Indiana Cavalry; our loss, 4 wounded.
February 22, made a reconnaissance under Maj.-Gen. Stoneman to Shook's and Pickins' Gap; found enemy's camp abandoned. February 23, returned from reconnaissance.
February 29, marched to Strawberry Plains, where the brigade is now encamped.
First East Tennessee Brigade, commanded by Col. William Cross, Third Tennessee Infantry.
February 6, Brig. Gen. J. G. Spears in arrest.
February 15, the brigade, having remained at Love's Hill, 3 miles northeast of Knoxville, since the 1st of the month, was ordered and moved to Knoxville, Col. Cross, Third Tennessee Infantry, in command, Col. Cooper, the senior colonel, being reported sick.
February 23, ordered and moved toward Strawberry Plains. The Ninth Army Corps, Second Division, Twenty-third Corps, and Wood's division, Fourth Corps, all moved out this morning, arriving at the plains about 4.30 p.m.
February 26, crossed the river in the morning, where we lay over until the evening of the 29th.
February 29, took up the line of march for New Market; arrived about 9 p.m.
MARCH.
Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Henry M. Judah.
March 1, the division to Panther Springs.
March 2, returned to Mossy Creek at night.
March 5, reconnaissance of 100 men from Tennessee Brigade made to Panther Springs; were attacked by near 500 rebel cavalry in open ground, but forced their way out, after gallant resistance, with a loss of 2 killed and 22 captured, inflicting on the enemy a far greater loss.
March 12, marched to Morristown.
March 14, repulsed reconnoitering party (350 rebel cavalry), inflicting a loss on them of 1 killed.
March 18, returned to Mossy Creek and went into camp.
Third Division, commanded by Col. James W. Reilly, One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry.
March 1, the First Brigade was encamped at Knoxville and Second Brigade at Strawberry Plains.
March 10, the First Brigade joined the Second Brigade at Strawberry Plains; marched to Mossy Creek, going in camp at that place on the evening of same day.
March 12, moved to Morristown, encamping east of and adjacent to the town, remaining in camp until the morning of the 18th.
March 18, the division was ordered to march to Mossy Creek; arrived in the afternoon and went into camp.
APRIL.
First Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Alvin P. Hovey.
April 5, took up line of march for Loudon, Tenn.; marched at the rate of 11 1/2 miles per day.
April 24, arrived at Charleston, Tenn., where received orders assigning to the First Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, Department of the Ohio, since which time the command has been constantly on the move in face of the enemy, making it impossible to report sooner.
Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Henry M. Judah.
The division lay in camp at Mossy Creek, Tenn., until the 29th, when it marched via Knoxville to Calhoun, Tenn., where it arrived on the 30th.
Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox.
April 1, the division marched from Mossy Creek, Tenn., to Morristown, Tenn.
April 2, marched to Bull's Gap, Tenn.
April 25, the Second Brigade marched to Jonesborough. The First Brigade marched to Lick Creek railroad bridge and destroyed the railroad entirely to 2 miles beyond Blue Springs; returned to Bull's Gap at night.
April 26, the Second Brigade reached Jonesborough in the evening.
April 27, marched back, destroying the railroad to Greeneville and reached Bull's Gap on the morning of the 29th; division commenced moving to Charleston, Tenn., partly marching and partly by railroad.
April 30, camps located at Charleston, Tenn.
Fourth Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Jacob Ammen.
The Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, organized by Special Orders, No. 101, dated Hdqrs. Department of the Ohio, Knoxville, Tenn., April 10, 1864, at which date Brig. Gen. J. Ammen assumed command
April 25, Capt. Benjamin K. Weatherwax, Company C, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, killed in action at Watauga bridge, Carter's Station, Tenn.; 7 men wounded at same time.
Fifth Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Edward H. Hobson.
Almost the whole month occupied in organizing the division and nothing, worthy of note transpired, except an engagement near Paintsville, Ky., in which Col. Gallup, commanding the First Brigade, encountered and completely routed a force of the enemy under Col. Clay. During the engagement Clay was wounded and fell into our hands, together with 60 of his men; also a large number of horses, saddles, and small-arms. This occurred on the 14th. Col. Weatherford, commanding the Thirteenth Kentucky Cavalry, had several skirmishes along the Green and Cumberland Rivers during the month, all of which were unimportant.
CAVALRY.
JANUARY.
First Division, Cavalry Corps, commanded by Col. Frank Wolford, First Kentucky Cavalry.
January 1, First and Second Brigades remained at Mossy Creek, doing heavy picketing until the 14th, when we moved to Dandridge, 12 miles and went into camp, after skirmishing with the enemy about 1 mile from town. The Third Brigade still at Buffalo Creek, on north side of Holston River.
January 16, the division moved out on the Chucky road toward Morristown, 4 miles, when we came upon a much superior force of the enemy in strong position with artillery. The division held its position until the enemy moved down on either flank in strong columns, overpowering our small force sent to check the movement, when we fell back in excellent order to the position held by us in the morning, the enemy following us boldly. We had no artillery. Lieut.-Col. Adams, First Kentucky Cavalry, commanding First Brigade, made a flank movement on the enemy, driving him in confusion from his camp, but was overpowered, and after a gallant resistance fell back slowly to the Third Brigade.
January 17 (Sunday), the enemy attacked the entire line about 2 p.m. This division had heavy skirmishing until dark, the enemy's line and ours in talking distance when night came on. About 10 p.m. (the army having been ordered to fall back to Mossy Creek) this division fell back, holding the rear.
January 18, fell back to Strawberry Plains, fording the Holston River.
January 19, marched to Knoxville.
January 20 and 21, marched 3 miles north of Sevierville, and encamped.
January 22, marched to Fair Garden, 10 miles and encamped and remained until the 25th, when the division moved back 3 miles for convenience of forage and water.
January 26, marched to Flat Creek, near Fowler's house, and took position. Had heavy skirmishing with the enemy. After dark fell back near Sevierville and encamped.
January 27, moved back to Flat Creek, and then across on Seviervilleand Fair Garden road to the support of the Second Division, and encamped at night near Fair Garden.
January 28, marched to Kelley's Ford and attacked the enemy's position. Had sharp fighting for two hours, and then fell back (the enemy not pursuing) to Maryville via Tuckaleechee, Wear's and Miller's Coves, reaching Maryville at 4 p.m.
January 31, Third Brigade in Lee County, Va. The stock of this division is entirely unserviceable for active operations.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. I, pp. 48-56.
[1] Not included.
[2] Brigadier General Isaac F. Quinby, 13th Army Corps.
[3] As cited in: http://docsouth.unc.edu/edmondson/edmondson.html. [Hereinafter cited as: Diary of Belle Edmondson.]
[4] Mistake in date.
[5] Como, Mississippi, Panola county.
[6] In Overton county, Tennessee
[7] Unidentified.
[8] As cited in: http://dcwi.com/~dave/underwood1.html. [Hereinafter cited as: Albert Underwood Correspondence.]
[9] Mistake in date.
[10] Includes skirmishes in Overton County, February 15, and on Calfkiller Creek, February 22, capture of Washington, February 26; skirmishes in Sequatchie Valley, February 27, and in White County, March 10; raid on Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, near Tullahoma, March 16; and skirmish March 20.
[11] See also above, Ser. I, Vol. 30, Part II, p. 646, and Vol. 31, pt. I, p. 575, for more information on Hughs activities in Kentucky from August 16-December 31, 1863. Not listed in Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
[12] From monthly returns. The department was commanded by Maj. Gen. John G. Foster from December 9, 1863, to February 9, 1864, and Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield to November 17, 1864.
[13] Commanded by Maj. Gen. John G. Parke from January 26, 1864, to march 16, 1864; Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Willcox to April 13, 1864, and Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside to August 15, 1864.
[14] ++ Regiments so marked are the Twenty-first Massachusetts, Forty-fifth, Forty-eighth, Fiftieth, Fifty-first, and One hundredth Pennsylvania, Eighth Michigan, and Fifty-first New York
[15] Commanded by Maj. Gen. George Stoneman from January 28 to April 4, 1864, and by Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield to April 2, 1865.
James B. Jones, Jr.
Public Historian
Tennessee Historical Commission
2941 Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN 37214
(615)-770-1090 ext. 123456
(615)-532-1549 FAX
No comments:
Post a Comment