29, "Is there no Justice Left?" Militia depredations in the Nashville environs
Messrs. Editors: We are engaged in a war to resist oppression and maintain the true Freedom and Independence guaranteed to us by the Constitution of 1789. Whilst exhausting our blood and treasure in opposing the public enemy, [sic] it is important that we should not permit our social-rights and the laws and moral of our community to be overthrown by domestic foes. If we conquer of foe in the field, we shall gain nothing by the victory unless private rights are respected, our homes kept sacred from lawless violence, and our own soldiers made to feel that law still reigns supreme [sic] in the Southern Confederacy. I am induced to make these suggestions and call public attention to them by the events of the last few weeks in the neighborhood of Nashville. We have, as you are aware, numerous bodies of soldiers camped around our city; they are mostly raw-recruits, and officers who have electioneered among their men for several weeks, are suddenly promoted by the votes of the soldiers. The Government cannot or has not furnished them with all the necessaries or comforts they desire; they are located where they can seize by violence wood, hogs, sheep and beef, and amongst families who are poor and have their little [ones] all around them and no protection from poverty and suffering except this small offering.
Soldiers have seized, and are not seizing, the property of families thus situated, and reducing them to beggary; and it is done, too, with violence and utter contempt for the rights of the sufferers. [sic] The writer of this article has seen with anguish, half of the little timber he had destroyed, one of his hogs killed before his eyes, his farm constantly overrun for weeks by a body of men and horses under Lieut. Col. Gantt, and even notice[d] (apparently kindly) given him that he had better remove his family from their home. [sic] He has appealed to the officer in vain. They cannot, or will not, protect him. There is perhaps no recourse on the Confederate Government, as these are acts of lawless violence, and the property not taken on demand of regular officers. I am perfectly willing to bear all my portion of the burdens of war, and have enlisted to fight it out to the bitter end; but no soldiers who are permitted thus to act [can?] be of much avail on the battle-field, and no families who are thus treated [at home?] long feel that they have any inters in the impending struggle Redress in leg[al] tribunals is of little or not avail in cases like mine, and those of some of poor neighbors. We can only appeal for protection to the enlightened public opinion, which is, or ought to be, omnipotent in our Government.
Justice.
Nashville Daily Gazette, December 29, 1861.
29, "The Careless Handling of Fire-Arms."
Warning instances of the careless handling and use of fire-arms have not of late been unfrequent in this community. And yet another must be added to the terrible list. This calm Sabbath morning, while the sacred tones of Church bells invite our people to the worship of God, the spirit of an esteemed and loved citizen of Nashville has gone to test the realities of the world beyond the shores of time, or his body yet writhes in the physical pain incident to an accidental pistol shot, which seems to baffle the skill of physicians, and to set at naught the prayful [sic] solicitations of devoted friends. This instance, whether our unfortunate friend be this morning no more, or still lingering in pain upon the shores of time, is another solemn warning to those in the habit of carrying fire-arms, and we earnestly hope that the costly admonition may not be unheeded, especially by the people of Nashville.
Nashville Daily Gazette, December 29, 1861.
29, Passage of Moccasin Gap, capture of Confederates on Blountville Rd.[1]
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the Report of Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter, U. S. Army, January 9, 1863.
Upon arriving at Estillville, at 10 p. m., [30th] we were told that a considerable rebel force was in possession of Moccasin Gap, prepared to resist our passage. I could not afford to lose time. The Michigan battalions were dismounted, and, under command of Lieut.-Col. Campbell, a portion were deployed and move through the gap. Being unacquainted with the ground, and having to guard against an ambuscade in this strong pass, which could have been held by a small force of determined men against greatly superior numbers, we advanced with great caution. It was midnight ere the rear of the column had passed through. The enemy, deterred, by the resolute advance of our brave men, fled toward Kingsport, East Tenn. (as I afterward learned), without firing a gun. A rebel lieutenant and several soldiers, with their arms, were captured on the south side of the gap, on the Blountville road.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 89-90.
29, Skirmish at Huntingdon
No circumstantial reports filed.
29, Skirmish at Wilkinson's [a.k.a. Wilkerson's] Crossroads[2]
No circumstantial reports filed.
MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., January 3, 1863.
On December 26 we moved from Nashville in three columns. McCook's corps by Nolensville pike; Thomas' from its encampment on Franklin pike, via Wilson pike; Crittenden's on main Murfreesborough pike. The left and center met with a strong resistance, such as the nature of the country permits-rolling or hilly routes, skirted by cedar thickets, farms, and intersected by small streams, with rocky bluff banks, forming serious obstacles. McCook drove Hardee's corps 1 ½ miles from Nolensville, and occupied the place. Crittenden reached within 1 ½ miles of La Vergne. Thomas reached the Wilson pike, meeting with no serious opposition. On the 27th, McCook drove Hardee from Nolensville, and pushed reconnoitering division 6 miles toward Shelbyville, and found Hardee had retreated toward Murfreesborough. Crittenden fought and drove the enemy before him, occupying the line of Stewart's Creek, capturing some prisoners, with slight loss. Thomas occupied the vicinity of Nolensville. On the 28th, McCook, completed his reconnaissance on Hardee's movements. Crittenden remained, awaiting the result and bringing up trains. Thomas moved on to Stewart's Creek. On the 29th, McCook moved into Wilkinson's Cross-roads, 7 miles from Murfreesborough, the end of a short pike, the road rough, through rolling country, skirted by bluffs, covered with dense cedar thickets, tops open timber. Crittenden pushed the enemy rapidly, saved all the bridges, and reached a point within 3 miles of Murfreesborough, his advance driving all their outposts to within sight of town. Thomas, with two divisions, closed up with Crittenden, and took position on the right. On the 30th, McCook advanced on Wilkinson pike....
* * * *
W.S. Rosecrans, Major-General
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, p. 184.
29, Skirmish at Lizzard, between Murfreesborough and Triune[3]
No circumstantial reports filed.
HDQRS. LEFT WING, December 28, 1862--12.30 a. m.
Col. J. P. GARESCHE, Chief of Staff:
COL.: Col. Murray, commanding the detachment which was detailed to go to Lizzard's, has just returned. He reports having come upon the enemy at the ford, 2 miles in advance of our outposts, in such force that he judged it unsafe to attempt to pass. Their fires extended largely to the right of our camp. They had been all day this side of the creek as patrols, and to-night were signaling with blue lights.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. L. CRITTENDEN, Maj.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 261.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Camp near La Vergne, December 29, 1862--1 a. m.
Maj.-Gen. THOMAS, Cmdg. Center, Stewartsborough:
GEN.: Gen. Crittenden reports that the regiment of cavalry sent down to Lizzard's had just returned, having encountered the enemy in such force at the ford, 2 miles in advance of our outposts, as to think it imprudent to go on. Their fires extended considerably to the right of our position, and they had been on this side of the creek during the day. Under these circumstances the general wishes you to throw out at once a strong picket of cavalry, supported by at least a regiment of infantry, along that road on this side of the creek, directing them to keep a sharp lookout and themselves concealed. In the morning he wants a strong infantry and cavalry reconnaissance pushed forward in that direction.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. P. GARESCHE, Assistant Adjutant-Gen. and Chief of Staff.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 270.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Camp near La Vergne, December 29, 1862--1.45 a. m.
Maj.-Gen. McCOOK, Triune:
GEN.: I am directed by the general commanding to inform you that a regiment of cavalry which was sent down this evening from Stewartsborough toward Lizzard's had been obliged to return, leaving meantime the enemy in such force at the fords at Stewart's Creek, 2 miles in advance of our position, so as to make it imprudent to go in. Their camp extended a considerable distance to the right of our extreme right, and they signaling with blue lights. The general wishes you to be on your guard, therefore, and desires you to throw out infantry scouts upon the roads leading from the Nolensville pike toward Murfreesborough, and which flank your march. Pray keep me advised of your movements, progress, and whereabouts. It is more than ever important that your dispatches should give the hour when and locality where you write.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. P. GARESCHE, Assistant Adjutant-Gen. and Chief of Staff.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 266.
HDQRS. RIGHT WING, Three Miles from Wilkinson's Cross-Roads, December 29, 1862--3 p. m.
Col. GARESCHE, Chief of Staff:
The rebels appeared in strong force in my front, but retired. I think they came out to burn the bridge over Overall's Creek. I will not go beyond Wilkinson's Cross-Roads until further orders. I send you notes from Stanley and Sheridan, which will be of importance to you. They are undoubtedly in force, and intend to fight at Stone's River. You are now in about half hour communication of me. I have had Zahm and three regiments of cavalry on the Franklin road. Two of my divisions have already passed Lizzard's, and Johnson, my reserve, left one brigade at Triune, and on in charge of the ammunition train; consequently he has but one brigade. I can, if you wish, picket that road by a brigade of infantry, but Zahm will sleep there to-night. I will have all up to Wilkinson's Cross-Roads, snug, and wait your orders.
A. McD. McCOOK, Maj.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, pp. 267-268.
29, Federal situation reports relative to results of Forrest's raid.
COLUMBUS, KY., December 29, 1862--10 a. m.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Gen.-in-Chief:
Col. Ihrie, of Gen. Grant's staff, came through last night from Trenton. Officers are arriving by land. Report no forces west of railroad. Road reported complete to Dyer, and telegraph communication and trains running all the way down, as before. From best information the enemy have left or are concentrating. I think the former most probable.
THOS. A. DAVIES, Brig.-Gen.
HUNTINGTON, TENN., December 29, 1862--8.06 p. m.
Maj.-Gen. GRANT, Hdqrs. Thirteenth Army Corps:
I reached Huntington before the rebels knew I had left Trenton. I have Forrest in a tight place, but he may escape by my not having cavalry. The gunboats are up the river as far as Clifton, and have destroyed all the boats and ferries. To escape, Forrest must pass as far south as Savannah. My troops are moving on him in three directions, and I hope for success.
JER. C. SULLIVAN, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 505.
29, General J. C. Sullivan reports on cooperation of U. S. Navy gunboats in attempting to theart Forrest's retreat fro West Tennessee
HUNTINGTON, TENN., December 29, 1862--8.06 p. m.
Maj.-Gen. GRANT, Hdqrs. Thirteenth Army Corps:
I reached Huntington before the rebels knew I had left Trenton. I have Forrest in a tight place, but he may escape by my not having cavalry. The gunboats are up the river as far as Clifton, and have destroyed all the boats and ferries. To escape, Forrest must pass as far south as Savannah. My troops are moving on him in three directions, and I hope for success.
JER. C. SULLIVAN, Brig.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 17, pt. II, p. 505.
29-30, Skirmishes near Murfreesborough[4]
Report of Major-General W.S. Rosecrans on the Stones River Campaign.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, Tenn., February 12, 1863.
GEN.:
* * * *
From November 26 to December 26 every effort was bent to complete the clothing of the army; to provide it with ammunition, and replenish the depot at Nashville with needful supplies; to insure us against want from the largest possible detention likely to occur by the breaking of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, and to insure this work the road was guarded by a heavy force posted at Gallatin. The enormous superiority in numbers of the rebel cavalry kept our little cavalry force almost within the infantry lines, and gave the enemy control of the entire country around us. It was obvious from the beginning that we should be confronted by Bragg's army, recruited by an inexorable conscription, and aided by clans of mounted men, formed into a guerrilla-like cavalry, to avoid the hardships of conscription and infantry service....The enemy, expecting us to go into winter quarters at Nashville, had prepared his own winter quarters at Murfreesborough, with the hope of possibly making them at Nashville, and had sent a large cavalry force into West Tennessee to annoy Grant, and another large force into Kentucky to break up the railroad.
In the absence of these forces, and with adequate supplies in Nashville, the moment was judged, opportune for an advance on the rebels. Polk's and Kirby Smith's forces were at Murfreesborough, and Hardee's corps on the Shelbyville and Nolensville pike, between Triune and Eagleville, with an advance guard at Nolensville, while our troops lay in front of Nashville, on the Franklin, Nolensville, and Murfreesborough turnpike. The plan of the movements was as follows: McCook, with three divisions, to advance by Nolensville pike to Triune. Thomas, with two divisions (Negley's and Rousseau's), to advance on his right, by the Franklin and Wilson pikes, threatening Hardee's right, and then to fall in by the cross-roads to Nolensville. Crittenden, with Wood's, Palmer's, and Van Cleve's divisions, to advance by the Murfreesborough pike to La Vergne.
* * * *
The movement began on the morning of December 26. McCook advanced on the Nolensville pike, skirmishing his way all day, meeting with stiff resistance from cavalry and artillery, and closing the day by a brisk fight....
Crittenden advanced to La Vergne, skirmishing heavily on his front, over a rough country, intersected by forest and cedar brakes, with but slight loss.
On the 28th [27th] Gen. McCook advanced on Triune, but his movement was retarded by a dense fog.
Crittenden had orders to delay his movements until McCook had reached Triune and developed the intentions of the enemy at that point, so that it could be determined which Thomas was to support.
McCook arrived at Triune, and reported that Hardee had retreated, and that he had sent a division in pursuit.
Crittenden began his advance about 11 a. m., driving before him a brigade of cavalry, supported by Maney's brigade rebel infantry, and reached Stewart's Creek, the Third Kentucky gallantly charging the rear guard of the enemy, and saving the bridge, on which had been placed a pile of rails that had been set on fire. This was Saturday night.
McCook having settled the fact of Hardee's retreat, Thomas moved Negley's division on to join Crittenden at Stewart's Creek, and moved Rousseau's to Nolensville.
On Sunday [28th] the troops rested, expect Rousseau's division, which was ordered to move on to Stewartson, and Willich's brigade, which had pursued Hardee as far as Riggs' Cross-Roads, and had determined the fact that Hardee had gone to Murfreesborough, when they returned to Triune.
On Monday [29th] morning, McCook was ordered to move from Triune to Wilkinson's Cross-Roads, 6 miles from Murfreesborough, leaving a brigade at Triune. Crittenden crossed Stewart's Creek by the Smyrna Bridge and the main Murfreesborough pike, and Negley by the ford 2 miles above; their whole force to advance on Murfreesborough, distant about 11 miles. Rousseau was to remain at Stewart's Creek until his train came up, and prepare himself to follow. McCook reached Wilkinson's Cross-Roads by evening, with an advance brigade at Overall's Creek, saving and holding the bridge, meeting with but little resistance. Crittenden's corps advanced, Palmer leading, on the Murfreesborough pike, followed by Negley, of Thomas' corps, to within 3 miles of Murfreesborough, having had several brisk skirmishes, driving the enemy rapidly, saving two bridges on the route, and forcing the enemy back to his intrenchments.
About 3 p. m. [29th] a signal message coming from the front, from Gen. Palmer, that he was in sight of Murfreesborough, and that the enemy were running, an order was sent, to Gen. Crittenden to send a division to occupy Murfreesborough. This led Gen. Crittenden, on reaching the enemy's front, to order Harker's brigade to cross the river at a ford on his left, where he surprised a regiment of Breckinridge division and drove it back on its main line, not more than 500 yards distant, in considerable confusion; and he held this position until Gen. Crittenden was advised, by prisoners captured by Harker's brigade, that Breckinridge was in force on his front, when, it being dark, he ordered the brigade back across the river, and reported the circumstances to the commanding general on his arrival, to whom he apologized for not having carried out the order to occupy Murfreesborough. The general approved of his action, of course, the order to occupy Murfreesborough having been based on the information received from Gen. Crittenden's advance division that the enemy were retreating from Murfreesborough.
Crittenden's corps, with Negley's division, bivouacked in order of battle, distant 700 yards from the enemy's intrenchments, our left extending down the river some 500 yards. The Pioneer Brigade, bivouacking still lower down, prepared three fords, and covered one of them, while Wood's division covered one of them, while Wood's division covered the other two, Van Cleve's division being in reserve.
On the morning of the 30th, Rousseau, with two brigades, was ordered down early from Stewart's Creek, leaving one brigade there and sending another to Smyrna to cover our left and rear, and took his place in reserve, in rear of Palmer's right, while Gen. Negley moved on through the cedar brakes until his right rested on the Wilkinson pike, as shown by the accompanying plan. The Pioneer Corps[5] cut roads through the cedars for his ambulances and ammunition wagons.
The commanding general remained with the left and center, examining the ground, while Gen. McCook moved forward from Wilkinson's Cross-Roads, slowly and steadily, meeting with heavy resistance, fighting his way from Overall's Creek until he got into position, with a loss of some 135 killed and wounded.
Our small division of cavalry, say 3,000 men, had been divided into three parts, of which Gen. Stanley took two and accompanied Gen. McCook, fighting his way across from the Wilkinson to the Franklin pike, and below it, Col. Zahm's brigade leading gallantly, and meeting with such heavy resistance that McCook sent two brigades from Johnson's division, who succeeded in fighting their way into the position shown on the accompanying plan, marked A,[6] while the third brigade, which had been left at Triune, moved forward from that place, and arrived at nightfall near Gen. McCook's headquarters. Thus, on the close of the 30th, the troops had all got into the position, substantially, as show in the accompanying drawing, the rebels occupying the position marked A.[7]
* * * *
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 189-191.
29-31, Wheeler's Raid around Rosecrans, Middle Tennessee
HDQRS. CAVALRY, Near Fosterville, Tenn., January 26, 1863.
COL.: I have the honor to report that my command-consisting of the First Alabama Cavalry, Col. [William W.] Allen; Third Alabama, Maj. [F. Y.] Gaines; Fifty-first Alabama, Col. [John T.] Morgan; Eighth Confederate, Col. [W. B.] Wade, and two Tennessee battalions, under Maj.'s [D. W.] Holman and DeWitt C. Douglass, together with [Capt. J. H.] Wiggin's battery-was, on the 26th ultimo, stationed at Stewart's Creek, on the Murfreesborough and Nashville pike, and about 10 miles northeest of Murfreesborough. My line of vedettes, forming a continuous line, extended from a point east of Stone's River, on my right, crossing the Nashville and Murfreesborough pike about 10 miles from Nashville, and extending to a point about half way from said pike to Brentwood, the posts of the pickets and grand guards being at favorable position on the avenues of approach and at points varying from 300 to 1,000 yards in rear of the line of vedettes. Gen. Pegram's brigade was stationed on the right and Gen. Wharton's brigade on the left of my line.
About 7 o'clock on the morning of December 26, [1862,] the enemy advanced in large force, driving in our vedettes. On arriving at the front and seeing the extent of the movement, I ordered up the entire command and deployed it in line of battle. We engaged the enemy during the entire day, falling back about 3 miles. We also engaged the enemy during the 28th and 29th ultimo, killing and wounding large numbers, meeting but very slight ourselves.
By the evening of the 29th we had reached the line of battle of our infantry and had placed my brigade on the extreme right of the line.
At midnight, pursuant to orders from Gen. Bragg, I proceeded with my command, re-enforced by Col. [James E.] Carter's regiment, to the enemy's rear.
By daylight on the 30th we had reached Jefferson, and soon after met a brigade train, with all the equipage of one brigade. We attacked vigorously, drove off the guards, and destroyed the train, baggage, equipage, &c., also capturing about 50 prisoners. We then proceeded toward La Vergne, and captured a party of Federals out stealing and gathering stock, and soon after overtook and captured a small foraging train.
About noon we arrived in the vicinity of La Vergne and formed it filled with soldiers and large trains parked in the fields surrounding the place. We immediately charged in three columns, completely surprising the guards, who made but slight resistance. We immediately paroled the prisoners, amounting to about 700, and destroyed immense trains and stores, amounting to many hundred thousands of dollars. We then proceeded to Rock Spring, attacked, captured, and destroyed another large train. We then marched on Nolensville without opposition, capturing large trains, stores, and arms, and about 300 prisoners. We slept for a few hours 5 miles from Nolensville, and at 2 o'clock the next morning proceeded to the left flank of our army, having made a complete circuit of the enemy's rear. On arriving the line was engaged. We pressed on and attacked enemy on the Murfreesborough and Nashville pike, just north of Overall's Creek. After a brisk engagement we moved across the creek and made an attack, on the enemy at that point, driving him for 2 miles and successfully engaging him until dark, when we fell back to the left of our line, where we remained during the night.
In this latter engagement Col. Allen and Lieut.-Col. [James D.] Webb were wounded.
Early on the morning of January 1, I proceeded, pursuant to directions from Gen. Bragg, with my own and Gen. Wharton's brigade, to the rear of the enemy. We attacked a large train near La Vergne, dispersing his guards, and captured and destroyed a large number of wagons and stores. We also captured one piece of artillery. Toward evening we received orders to return, and we regained our position on the flanks of the army by 2 o'clock on the morning of the 2d instant. We remained in position that night and next day, engaging the enemy at every opportunity.
At 9 o'clock that evening I proceeded again to the rear of the enemy, according to directions from Gen. Bragg, and succeeded next morning in capturing a number of horses, wagons, and prisoners. About 2 p. m. we attacked a large ordnance train at Cox's Hill, heavily guarded by cavalry and infantry, and succeeded in driving off the cavalry guards and in breaking down and upsetting a large number of wagons. The enemy's infantry being in such force (quite treble our numbers), we were prevented from destroying the train, but succeeded in preventing its making any further progress that day. By this time we received orders to immediately return to the army, which order was obeyed, we reaching our former position on the left flank of our army about 4 o'clock next morning. We here learned that the army had fallen back, and about 9 o'clock that morning we crossed Stone's River and took position in front of Murfreesborough.
About 3 p. m. the enemy advanced to the river and commenced a brisk skirmish with artillery and infantry. After dark the enemy retired a short distance, and our pieces in front of Murfreesborough were unmolested during the night.
At daylight on Monday, the 4th [5th] instant, we fell back to a point on the Manchester pike about 3 miles from Murfreesborough. About 1 o'clock the enemy advanced, and after a short skirmish we fell back half a mile a favorable position. Here we formed line of battle in conjunction with Gen. Pegram's brigade, in a very favorable position, behind fences, entirely obscured from view. About 3 o'clock the enemy advanced with a brigade of infantry and artillery in line of battle, with heavy force of cavalry on their flanks. When they arrived within about 250 yards, we opened on them a heavy fire of small-arms and artillery with excellent effect, killing and wounding large numbers. After an engagement of about thirty minutes they turned off and left the field, and have not since advanced any farther from Murfreesborough on this road.
* * * *
Very respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant,
JOS. WHEELER, Maj.-Gen. and Chief of Cavalry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 21, pt. I, pp. 958-960.
29-31, Operations about La Vergne
Report of Capt. Joseph A. S. Mitchell, Second Indiana Cavalry, of operations near La Vergne, December 29-31.
NASHVILLE, TENN., January 2, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your order, I reported to Capt. Otis, chief of couriers, on the 29th ultimo, and that on the same date, by his direction, my men were posted on the Nashville and Murfreesborough road as couriers, commencing 9 miles from Nashville, and extending to the headquarters of Maj.-Gen. Crittenden.
On the 31st ultimo, at 3 p. m., the enemy made a raid upon La Vergne, at which point I had made my headquarters, capturing from my command 1 lieutenant and 13 men, and making it necessary for two other courier posts to abandon their stations to prevent capture, all of which I immediately reported to Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans the same evening. The places of my men were supplied from another command, and I proceeded to this place to collect the few men who still remained of my company. Those who were at Gen. Crittenden's headquarters having been sent here as an escort with his headquarters train, I collected 17 men for duty and reported to Brig.-Gen. Mitchell, commanding the post, and, by his command, I have placed them as couriers between Nashville and La Vergne.
I have to report, besides the loss already mentioned, 15 Government horses, 10 mules, 2 wagons, all of the equipage, tents, &c., of the company, 15 Colt's revolving pistols and holsters, 11 Colt's revolving rifles, 14 saddles, bridles, and halters, besides all of my own private baggage and personal effects.
Since occupying the present line, I have to report 1 man killed while bearing a dispatch.
I am, most truly, your obedient servant,
J. A. S. MITCHELL, Capt., Cmdg. Company.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, p. 626.
29, Gillem's command reaches Knoxville [see December 10-29, 1864 "Expedition from East Tennessee to SWVA" above]
29, Adolescent War Games in Edgefield and at the Capitol
JUVENILE HEROES.-Since the battle before Nashville, some of our boys have been practicing war in their own way. A few days ago, about a dozen of them agreed for a fight in Edgefield. After deciding who should represent the Federals and who the Rebels, the former took possession of the hill, and the latter went below. After waiting sometime for Hood to attack the Federals, Thomas ordered a charge upon the Rebel forces. Down the hill they rushed at full speed, each armed with a stick, when the Johnnies dropped, and the Feds, being unable to stop their headlong career, dashed into the Rebel lines, and by the time they had recovered themselves, three of them were taken prisoners, but the army being then too small to cope with the Rebel army, they were allowed to fight again. Thus the fight went on, with success to one or the other, until we were too far off to distinguish the position of the contending forces. Yesterday some juveniles dug entrenchments near the Capitol, sent out scouts, reconnoitered the neighborhood, were driven back, fired their arrows into the advancing foe, rushed out again to rescue their lost ammunition, back again to their breastworks, and thus continued, working like Trojans, for an hour or more, until their mammas called them in.
Nashville Dispatch, December 29, 1864[8]
ca. 29, Union retreat from Paint Rock and Greasy Cove (today Red Banks)[9]
No circumstantial reports filed.
Excerpt from the report of Col. John B. Palmer, Fifty-eighth North Carolina Infantry, on the December 10-29, 1864 Expedition from East Tennessee into Southeestern Virginia, relative to retreat of Federals from Greasy Cove, Washington County, Tennessee
HDQRS. MOUNTAIN DISTRICT, NORTH CAROLINA,
Ashville, January 12, 1865.
….I moved to East Tennessee on the 29th ultimo, for the purpose of operating, in conjunction with Gen. Vaughn, upon the rear of Gen. Stoneman's command. A formidable force of the enemy-the Fourth Tennessee and the Third north Carolina (Kirk's)-occupied Paint Rock, and it became necessary to dispose of that force before leaving my district. The enemy retreated as I advanced upon them. An unexpected and severe storm so raised the streams that the troops sent to the rear of the enemy did not reach three, and they escaped. Ascertaining from Col. Toole, whom I found in Greeneville that the enemy had passed toward Kentucky, pursued by Maj.-Gen. Breckinridge, and that there was no force between Wytheville and Strawberry Plains, and that, therefore, my instructions to fall upon the rear of the enemy could not be complied with, I turned my attention to Kirk's regiment, which had gone toward Greasy Cove, in Washington Country, and which I supposed intended moving against the Watauga and Holston brigades or into my district. But for positive disobedience of orders by one of my subordinate officers, I would have surrounded and captured, or at least have effectually routed, Kirk's command. As it was, I drove him in hasty retreat to Knoxville….
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 842-843.
29-January 12, 1865, Operations in East Tennessee and North Carolina
HDQRS. MOUNTAIN DISTRICT, NORTH CAROLINA, Ashville, January 12, 1865.
COL.: I have the honor to state for the information of Maj.-Gen. Breckinridge that, in accordance with instructions received from Gen. Lee, I moved to East Tennessee on the 29th ultimo, for the purpose of operating, in conjunction with Gen. Vaughn, upon the rear of Gen. Stoneman's command. A formidable force of the enemy-the Fourth Tennessee and the Third north Carolina (Kirk's)-occupied Paint Rock, and it became necessary to dispose of that force before leaving my district. The enemy retreated as I advanced upon them. An unexpected and severe storm so raised the streams that the troops sent to the rear of the enemy did not reach three, and they escaped. Ascertaining from Col. Toole, whom I found in Greeneville that the enemy had passed toward Kentucky, pursued by Maj.-Gen. Breckinridge, and that there was no force between Wytheville and Strawberry Plains, and that, therefore, my instructions to fall upon the rear of the enemy could not be complied with, I turned my attention to Kirk's regiment, which had gone toward Greasy Cove, in Washington County, and which I supposed intended moving against the Watauga and Holston brigades or into my district. But for positive disobedience of orders by one of my subordinate officers, I would have surrounded and captured, or at least have effectually routed, Kirk's command. As it was, I drove him in hasty retreat to Knoxville. A portion of my command, temporarily detached in carrying out my plans, returned shod when I entered East Tennessee, had become nearly force presented itself. I therefore returned to my district, after an absence of sixteen days. Want of promptness on the part of Thomas' Legion (only 200 of whom joined me, and most of them not until the 26th) prevented an earlier movement on my part. I am very anxious to do what to aid Gen. Breckinridge, but much cannot be expected of me unless I am given the control of Thomas' Legion.
Gen. Lee has instructed me to move to the assistance of Gen. Breckinridge whenever required, provided my district in not threatened by the enemy, and he also requests me to send such a force as I may see fit to the vicinity of Big Creek, provided I can do so without risk or detriment to my command.
When I returned from Strawberry Plains I left the Sixty-second and Sixty-fourth Carolina at Big Creek. The retreat of Gen. Vaughn, from below Bull's Gap, to Greeneville, without notice to my troops, endangered their safety, and they only escaped being cut off by falling promptly back to the Warm Springs.
With the present disposition of force in East Tennessee, the force I can spare could not remain in safety on Big Creek. I shall, however, station the Sixty-second and Sixty-fourth, as soon as practicable, at flats of Spring Creek, which instructions to keep scouting parties on Big Creek, twelve or fifteen miles distant; and have ordered four companies of Thomas' Legion to take position on Jonathan's Creek prepared to support Col. Clayton, on Sporting Creek, or move in to Tennessee as occasion may require. I presume this arrangement will be satisfactory to Gen. Breckinridge. It is the best I can do at present. The enemy are in some force, I learn, on French Broad and Pigeon in Cocke County. Their object, I suppose, is to collect and take off the grain from that region.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. PALMER, Col., Cmdg. District.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 842-843.
[1] The only mention of this event is found in the January 9, 1863 Report of Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter, U. S. Army, on his raid into East Tennessee.
[2] While it does not explicitly provide verification, the following excerpt from the Reports of Major-General William S. Rosecrans, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Cumberland, with congratulatory resolutions, orders, etc., seems to indicate that there was a minor skirmish at Wilkinson's Cross-Roads December 29, 1862.
[3] While there were no circumstantial reports filed concerning the skirmish at Lizzard (or Lizzard's) the correspondence indicates such an event did take place there, although no direct reference is made in any case.
[4] This excerpt from his lengthy report divulges information regarding these two days of skirmishes. There were no other circumstantial files reported.
[5] Combat engineers.
[6] Not found.
[7] Not included in the report.
[8] As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
[9] A Tennessee Historical Marker marker [1 A 115, "The Battle of Red Banks"] erected at Red Banks claims a substantial fight took place there on December 19, 1864, with 73 Confederates being killed. Yet there is no information in the OR that directly validates the claim.
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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