13, "Sweethearts vs. War"
Oh, dear, it's shameful, I declare
To make the men all go
And I have so many sweethearts here
Without a single bean
We like to see them brave, 'tis true,
And would not urge them stay
But what are we poor girls to do
When they are all away?
We told them we could spare them here
Before they had to go
But bless their hearts we won't aware [sic]
That we would miss them so
We miss them all in many ways;
But truth will ever out.
The greatest thing we miss them for
Is seeing us about.
On Sundays when we go to church,
We look in vain for some
To meet us, smiling on the porch
And ask to see us home.
And then we can enjoy a walk
Since all the beaux have gone.
For what's the good (to use plain talk),
If we must trudge alone?
But what's the use of talking thus,
We'll try to be content,
And if they cannot come to us
A message may be sent
And that's our comfort anyway
For though we are a part
This is no reason why we may
Not open heart to heart.
We trust it soon may come
To a final test
We want to see our Southern homes
Secure in peaceful rest
But if the blood of those we love
In freedom's cause must flow
With fervent trust in God above
We bid them onward go.
And we will watch them as they go
And cheer them on their way
Our arms shall be their resting place,
When wounded sore they lay;
Oh if the sons of Southern soil
For freedom's cause must die,
Her daughters ask no dearer boon
Than by their side to lie.
Chattanooga Advertiser, February 13, 1862
13, Social outcasts in White County, excerpt from the journal of Amanda McDowell
* * * *
....There were two girls here[1] today trying to rent a house; their parents are dead and they wish to stay together. They have a sister in the neighborhood who has been under a very bad character for years; she is going to live with them if they get a house. Not liking the prospect, Father did not let them in; neither would Mr. Stone, whom Father went to see for them, let them have his mountain house....
Diary of Amanda McDowell.
13, The ball at Fransioli's in Memphis
Serious Affray.—On Wednesday [13th] night a number of abandoned persons of both sexes had a ball at Fransioli's place in Fort Pickering. At two o'clock in the morning a quarrel arose and a fight followed, in which a considerable portion of those present participated. A number of pistol shots were fired and some four or five persons were wounded. We were unable to learn whether any of the wounds were likely to prove fatal. One man was shot through the cheeks, and another received a bullet in his leg.
Memphis Daily Appeal, February 14, 1862.
The Fort Pickering Affray.—Cornelius Martin, C. Brophy, H. Morris and Melinda St. Clair were examined before Recorder Moore yesterday at Fort Pickering at 2 o'clock on Thursday morning. All were fined, and the two former are now in jail. We learn that the outrage did not occur at Fransioli's as had been reported to the police, but at a boarding house in his neighborhood, kept by Mr. Smith. A number of respectable ladies and gentlemen were having a ball there, when a company of worthless characters, male and female, entered the ball room. In the attempt to get rid of the intruders pistols were fired and four or five persons were wounded. A respectable lady who was present was shot above the ankle.
Memphis Daily Appeal, February 15, 1862.
13, Skirmish at Chambers Creek, near Hamburg
No circumstantial reports filed.
13, Affair on Harpeth Shoals
Destruction of fully laden US hospital ships (U. S. S. Trio, Parthenia) and one gunboat (Sidell) by Wheeler's cavalry at Harpeth Shoals on the Cumberland River.
Report of Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans, U. S. Army.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, Tenn., February 15, 1863.
GEN.: Supposing it well to furnish the Department evidence of the inhuman violations of the rules of civilized warfare by the rebel authorities, I inclose of the lists of our medical officers who were robbed of their private and personal property at the late battle, and statement of Chaplin Gaddis, who was on a hospital boat that was fired on and robbed at Harpeth Shoals by Wheeler's cavalry. I can multiply documentary evidence on these outrages and many others, fully revealing the barbarism of these rebel leaders, and will do so, if you think desirable.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. S. ROSECRANS, Maj.-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, .Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 979-980.
Report of Brig. Gen. Robert B. Mitchell, U. S. Army.
HDQRS., Nashville, January 13, 1863.
MAJ.: The steamer Charter was burned last night about 8 o'clock, with her cargo. But two regiments have arrived from Gallatin yet; two locomotives have given out. Stanley went on the Hillsborough pike, as you directed. I think our force should have been sent nearer the train. Damn the railroad, say I!
ROBT. B. MITCHELL, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, p. 982.
Report of Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army,
TULLAHOMA, January 17, 1863.
Gen. [Joseph] Wheeler, with a portion of his cavalry brigade, after burning the railroad bridges in the enemy's rear, pushed for the Cumberland River, where he intercepted and captured four large transports; destroyed three, with all the supplies, and bonded one to carry off the 400 paroled prisoners. He was hotly pursued by a gunboat, which he attacked and captured, and destroyed her with her whole armament. I ask his promotion as a just reward to distinguished merit.
BRAXTON BRAGG.
OR, Ser. I, .Vol. 20, pt. I, p. 982.
Excerpt from the report of Reverend Maxwell P. Gaddis, on board one of the ships at the time of the attack:
...I beg to state that I was one of the passengers aboard the steamer Hastings...on the 13th...the day she was fired into by a party of rebel guerrillas of General Wheeler's cavalry brigade, under command of Colonel [William B.] Wade. The Hastings had on board 212 wounded soldiers under charge of Surgeon Waterman, with instructions to report the same at Louisville. The Hastings left Nashville without any convoy. On nearing Harpeth Shoals we saw the burning hull of the steamer Charter, opposite a group of some half dozen of more small houses that had also been burned. A short distance below a fleet of six steamers were engaged in loading and unloading Government stores under the protection of the gun-boat Sidell commanded by Lieutenant [William] Van Dorn. Suspicious of some danger below I hailed Van Dorn and inquired as to who burned the boat and boat and houses. He replied that the guerrillas had burned the steamer and that he had retaliated by burning the houses. "Is there any danger below?" "No;" said he, "you can pass on safely. I have cleaned them out." The steamer Trio also laden with wounded was in advance of us some four or five miles. Believing all safe below we passed on. On reaching the head of Harpeth Shoals we saw the Trio lying to in a cove on the south bank of the Cumberland River, thirty five miles from Nashville, and thirty miles from Clarksville. Having heard the caption of the Trio say that he was nearly out of fuel I presumed that he was taking on wood. On a nearer approach to her I discovered a company of cavalry drawn up in a line on the bank just above the Trio. Two of the company took off their hats, waved them at us and ordered us to come to. I inquired "Why, and what do you want? We are loaded with wounded and have no time to stop." "Come to, or we will fire into you." And at that instant the whole line came to a ready. Being the only commissioned officer of board (not wounded) with the exception of Surgeon [Luther D.] Waterman I immediately assumed command ordered the captain of the Hastings to land. The boat in the meantime had moved past the designated landing point, and the guerrilla commander gave the order to fire and three volleys of musketry were fired all taking effect upon the upper and forward portion of the steamer. The volleys were followed by one discharge of cannon, the ball passing through the clerk's office on the starboard side and out on the opposite side of the cabin. I told them to cease firing as we were landing as rapidly as possible. On landing they boarded the steamer and ordered the men to leave the boat as they must burn her. In connection with Doctor Waterman I urged the claims of humanity upon them, and finally through a personal acquaintance with Captain [Spruel E.] Burford, General Wheeler's assistant adjutant general, we extracted from them a promise to spare the boat on condition of the captain entering into bonds that she should carry no more supplies for the Army of the United States. I pass by a description of the horrible scenes enacted by Wades' men. They plundered the boat, even to the knives, forks, spoons, &c. Rifled passengers' baggage; robbed wounded soldiers of their rations, and money from their pockets; took the officers' side arms, overcoats, hats, &c. I reasoned with their officer to no purpose, save Captain Burford, who was utterly unable to control the men. I then took on board the wounded of the Trio and her crew and asked permission to leave. This was granted and the colonel ordered his men off. On his leaving he noticed several bales of cotton on which our wounded men were lying; he instantly became furious and ordered us to remove the same ashore and burn it, a task almost impossible. Many of the men were badly wounded; night was coming on; no rations nor medicines and thirty miles distant from any military post. Seeing all this I asked for other terms. He then agreed if I would burn the cotton on my arrival at Louisville he would spare the boat and allow us to go on unmolested, and in the event of my failing to comply with the order I must return to the line of the Confederate States as a prisoner of war. These terms were harsh, but in view of the suffering men I instantly complied, brought to, her crew and passengers transferred to us, and preparation was them made to burn the Trio and Parthenia. In order to save the Hastings from coming in contact with the steamers...I again asked to leave. This they would not grant, but through the entreaties of Captain Burford, we were allowed to cross to the other side of the river under range of their cannon. We hardly landed when the gun-boat Sidell hove in sight. On her appearance the enemy mounted their horses and awaited her action. She came on under a full head of steam, carrying her when the engine had ceased within 150 yards of our boat, on the same side of the river. I hailed Van Dorn; told him to take the middle of the stream and not endanger the lives of the wounded during the engagement, for we had no other idea but that he would fight. To our utter astonishment he ignominiously surrendered, without firing a single shot. He then crossed her over to the steamers and ordered us across the river again. I took on what was left of the crew and soldiers and after waiting one hours and a half, according to their orders I started with the Hastings for Clarksville, reaching there at 8 p. m. and reporting to Colonel Bruce. He acted promptly and soon furnished us with supplies. I telegraphed the facts to General Rosecrans at Nashville.
Maxwell P. Gaddis, Chaplain Second Ohio
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 980-981.
Loss of a Federal Gunboat, Corrupt U. S. Quartermaster Corps and an Inventory of gunboat cannon on the Cumberland River and Army Interference with Navy Affairs
Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, responding to the Department's enquiry regarding the loss of the U. S. gunboat W. H. Sidell, and Corrupt U. S. Quartermaster Corps and an Inventory of gunboat cannon on the Cumberland River
No. 83.]
U. S. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, January 29, 1863.
SIR: In answer to your communication, asking information about a gunboat burned on the Cumberland River, I have the honor to state that the vessel mentioned did not belong to this squadron. She was called the Sidell, and was, I believe, an old ferryboat, with a field-piece on her.
The army undertakes sometimes to get up an impromptu navy, which generally ends by getting them into difficulty. There are five vessels of this squadron in the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, which are detailed for convoy, and under the management of Lieu-tenant-Commander LeRoy Fitch, who has until the late affair, kept the rivers open, and convoyed all vessels safely through.
I shall direct that no army vessels be allowed to ascend these rivers without a convoy, and I have detailed the Lexington and two more light-draft gunboats for the upper fleet. This will make 40 guns on the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers. There are enough there now (20 guns) to take care of these rivers, but the recklessness of the army quartermasters is beyond anything I ever saw, and they employ persons who half the time are disloyal, and who throw these vessels purposely into the hands of the rebels. If the history of the army quartermasters' proceedings out here were published, the world would not believe that there could be so much want of intelligence in the country.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
DAVID D. PORTER, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
NOR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, p. 19.
The late raid of Wheeler and Forrest on the Cumberland below Nashville is the talk now--cavalry capturing 5 transports and a gun boat is as good as Forrest's men taking a battery at Murfreesboro last summer with shot guns! Wheeler and Forrest burn the boats and stores and took 300 prisoners. The raids and feats of Stuart's cavalry in Va. are being thrown entirely in the shade by the daring deeds of the mounted men of the West. Forrest, Morgan, Wheeler and Van Dorn are beating the Virginian cavalry to death. Long may they wave!
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French, entry for January 25, 1863.
Report of killing negroes during the affair at Harpeth River, February 13, 1863
After the battle of Stone River, or Murfreesboro, a Federal Hospital boat when conveying the wounded, and bearing the customary flag indicating its object, was fired upon and boarded by the rebels, some fifteen negroes employed as servants on board the boat were killed. Others endeavoring to escape were shot in the water while clinging to the sides of the boat. The inhuman treatment was not the work of guerrillas, for whose actions the rebel authorities might endeavor to excuse themselves, but was done by soldiers under the command of Colonel Wade. General Wheeler's Adjutant General was among the officers present. This Wheeler was promoted for the raid which the attack on the hospital boat and murder of negroes was the principal feature.
These facts were made known in a private letter from the Headquarters of the Fourteenth Army Corps, near Murfreesboro and published in the New York Evening Post, March 11, 1863.
Colonel Percy Howard, The Barbarities of the Rebels, p. 23.[2]
13 Federal reconnaissance ordered, Murfreesborough to Salem, to Middleton, to Shelbyville Pike, Wilkinson Pike and Eagleville [see January 13-15, 1863, Reconnaissance, Murfreesborough to Nolensville and Versailles below]
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, January 13, 1863.
Maj.-Gen. THOMAS, Cmdg. Center:
GEN.: The general commanding directs that you send out two brigades on a reconnaissance, and to halt at Salem, and send a regiment from it to reconnoiter down toward Middleton; the other to proceed to Versailles, and send a regiment to reconnoiter its front by the shortest road as far as the Shelbyville pike. They had better remain over to-morrow night in their position, keeping a good lookout, in hopes that the cavalry may come down in their retreat, returning to-morrow afternoon. It will be necessary to send some of Rousseau's cavalry with them, to keep open communication. Have them report frequently. These brigades will effect [sic] the triple purpose of reconnoitering and observing in southerly direction, covering the flank of Wagner's movement, and catching any cavalry that may chance to pass toward them. Order the brigade commanders to note well the roads and the forage, and bring all the intelligence they can of the position of the enemy's cavalry. The men should take three days' rations on their person, and should [march] by 6 in the morning. They should carry with them their axes and hatchets and a few spades. It may prove advantageous for the brigades to unite and move to Eagleville. The brigade commanders will be advised of that, and directed to judge of its advantage and to act accordingly, endeavoring to threaten an advance on Shelbyville and intercept the retreat on that road.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. GODDARD, Adjutant-Gen. and Chief of Staff.
MURFREESBOROUGH, January 13, 1863.
Col. WAGNER:
Send two of your regiments from Nolensville across, scouring the thickets, to the Wilkinson pike. March with the other six to Eagleville, thence to Versailles. Join Beatty's command there, and move with it to cut up the rebels.
By order of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans:
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 325.
13, "Some were wallowing in the streets dead drunk others were being loaded on drays and into wagons and tied hand and foot and taken to the Calabose …" Private Cyrus F. Boyd's first day in Memphis
We started at daylight this morning and made a march of 9 miles and came to the suburbs of Memphis. Here we were brought into line and notified to sign Pay Rolls We put up our tents and signed Rolls – then I took a ramble thro' Memphis It was 2 miles to the River from camp Saw a camp of Contrabands containing old and young 1500 [sic], and they were packed into a building about 200 X 150 feet[.] They were a mass of filthy and abandoned creatures[.] Down at the wharf there was a long line of steamers lying along the bank[.] Saw one gun boat [sic] anchored in the stream[.] There is a view up the River of about five miles and ten or twelve miles down the stream Memphis is situated on high bluffs and has a beautiful location[.] The business portion is built of brick Lafayette Square is the center of the city and is a beautiful Park full of Evergreens and tame squirrels are numerous among the trees and follow strangers all around.
Whiskey O Whiskey [sic]! Drunk men staggered on all the streets In every store The saloons were full of drunk men [sic] The men who had fought their way from Donelson to Corinth and who had met no enemy able to whip them now surrendered to Genl Intoxication[.] Some were on the side walks and both hands full of brick bats and swearing that the side walks were made for soldiers and not for any d_____d [sic] niggers[.] Some were wallowing in the streets dead drunk others were being loaded on drays and into wagons and tied hand and foot and taken to the Calabose [sic] or guardhouse or to Camp[.] Several of Co "G" are down this evening with the general complaint[.] The whiskey here seems to be very effective at short range[.]
I found some what bread the first I have seen for months Sergt[.] Gray came near getting shot this evening about dark[.] He was full [sic] and in camp[.] He saw a mounted orderly coming past in hot haste and he halted him and made the orderly give him the countersign. Afterwards the aid discovered that he had been delayed without cause and he drew his revolver and if Gray had not run and hid himself he would have got a bullet Gray gave him the dodge among the tens and finally reached one where he lay down and the boys covered him up and he was snoring away in 2 seconds[.]
Boyd Diary.
13, Tales of Security and Female Smuggling in the Middle Tennessee; an excerpt from the War Journal of Lucy Virginia French
….As the ladies were coming through the pickets this side of Murfreesboro – there seemed to them to be indications of a skirmish ahead, which they of course did not desire to run into. They spoke to some for the men and asked if there was danger ahead. "My' said one, "what sort of men are you afraid of? You isn't [sic] afraid of blue coats is ye?" "I'm afraid of all sorts of men when they're shooting. One ball is as like to hit as another," shrewdly replied Mrs. Scott. The men were rather checkmated in their endeavor to find out which the ladies preferred, blue or gray (butternut) – Very many amusing things they told us of ladies trying to get out things from the city thru' the lines. One lady came out with two pairs of boots under her hoops, which had unfortunately dropped right before the guard as she descended from her carriage! They ripped open the carriage cushions of one lady to see if they could not find something – but did not. One lady came from Ky. With 5000 [sic] dollars worth of morphine [emphasis added] in a false bottom in her trunk. A female detective found it, and took the lady's diamonds, saying "I suppose you're carrying these south for a bridal present for John Morgan. Well they're [sic] contraband." And she appropriated them to her own use! The city is full of bad women, they are at hotels and in private houses living with the officers and passing for their wives. – The place too is full of female spies and detectives – some of whom will go to the citizens and represent themselves as Southerners in exile and persecuted, ask for money as charity. If the citizen grant this they are arrested. They resort to all low means to get men arrested. One draughtman [sic] they took in by desiring him secretly to prepare a draught of their fortifications – then they went to a shoemaker, and employed him to make a pair of boots with the toes double – between the leathers this draught was to be inserted and worn out of the lines. After taking in these men in this way they were arrested and imprisoned them….
War Journal of Lucy Virginia French.
13, Newspaper report regarding larceny and murder at White's Creek environs
Robbery and Murder in Tennessee.-On the 20th inst. a bold and atrocious murder was committed at White's Creek, near Nashville, by seven men dressed as soldiers. The gang arrived at the house of the Rev. Jefferson Wagner at 11 p. m., and went into the house and demanded his money. He gave them $400. The robbers then left, but on reaching the gate one of them called out to Mr. Wagner and endeavored to get up a quarrel with him charging him with having stolen his horse. In the dispute one of the party shot the reverend gentleman, when they all preceded the residence of Mr. Enoch Cunningham and perpetrated a robbery. The marauders were possessed of the countersign for the day, which enabled them to pass the pickets. They have not yet been arrested.
The Scioto Gazette (Ohio), January 13, 1863.[3]
13-15, Reconnaissance, Murfreesborough to Nolensville and Versailles
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, January 12, 1863.
Col. G. D. WAGNER, Cmdg. Expedition:
COL.: The object of your expedition is to defeat the projects of the enemy's cavalry upon our trains upon the Nashville and Murfreesborough road. A portion of Wheeler's cavalry is reported as having staid at Triune last night, having three pieces of artillery. Gen. Mitchell reports that at sundown this evening there was a cavalry force supposed to be from 3,000 to 4,000 some infantry possibly accompanying it, 7 miles north of Franklin, between Franklin and Hillsborough pikes, supposed to be aiming to attack, first, our river transportation. It may be that Wheeler's force has gone to join this. Gen. Mitchell is preparing to march on them with eight or ten regiments of infantry and Gen. Stanley's cavalry brigade. Should you have reason to believe, on your arrival at Triune, that their whole force is concentrated there, then you will move toward Franklin, by the best road, to fall upon their flank and rear. If, on the contrary, you have reason to believe that they have a considerable force toward Nolensville, between the Nolensville and Murfreesborough roads, you will move that way, seek the enemy, endeavor to engage the enemy, and cut him to pieces. In moving it is scarcely necessary to caution you to flank your column with a line of skirmishers parallel with the road, with a good advance guard. Dispose of the cavalry, ordered to report to you, so as to be on the lookout against surprise and keep open communication, keeping the main body in hand to pursue small parties of the enemy. You will take a few empty wagons with you. Your men will carry their axes. Take with you three days' rations, 60 rounds of ammunition, and a few spades. Report as frequently as possible your movements, and any information you deem important to these headquarters. The rest must be left to your discretion. It may be well to remind you that the force you have to deal with makes it necessary for you to attack with great vigor. Take their batteries, if possible, and never leave yours without support. Order the supports to take position to the left and right of our artillery and never behind it.
By command of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans:
* * * *
P. S.-When debouching before an enemy, deploy a heavy line of skirmishers, at 5 paces intervals, and send them forward at double-quick, deploying into line under cover of their advance. Manage to conceal your force from the enemy, and, if possible, entrap him.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. II, p. 322.
JANUARY 13-15, 1863.-Reconnaissance from Murfreesborough to Nolensville and Versailles, Tenn.
Report of Col. Benjamin F. Scribner, Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry, commanding brigade.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, January 16, 1863.
I have the honor to report that pursuant to orders I proceeded with two brigades of the First Division, center, and the Second Kentucky Cavalry, Maj. Nicholas commanding. The Second Brigade, Col. John Beatty commanding, with two pieces of his artillery, took position at Salem, six miles from Murfreesborough, and the First Brigade, in charge of myself, with four pieces of Col. Beatty's artillery, continued on the road to Versailles. Having disposed my force according to the ground, I ordered at once a reconnaissance of the roads leading to the place. A party of eight men were brought in, who proved to be fugitives from the enemy's conscript law, who, with many others, were thus forced to elude apprehension. From these men I learned much concerning the roads. One of them afterward communicated with a friend at Middleton and reported the enemy's cavalry near Old Fosterville, on the Shelbyville pike, with their outposts near Middleton. I was unable to learn their number. No one was permitted to pass out of their lines. I also sent one company of the Second Kentucky Cavalry down the road. They went in sight of the enemy's pickets, one mile and a half this side of Middelton, and brought back a prisoner. I also learned that a smaller party of their cavalry was encamped two or three miles farther down the road, some eight miles from Shelbyville. This information was given by a young man just from Chattanooga, who was sent to headquarters on my arrival in camp. I am of the opinion that my command would have been adequate to have overcome them by moving Col. Beatty down the old Nashville road to near Middleton, while I would have met him from Versailles, and by the combined movements endeavored to take them in front and rear; but the rain which fell on the afternoon of the 14th and continued all night rendered the roads--at no time good-impassable. Being ordered to act in concert with Col. Wagner on his arrival, and he having now arrived, it was, upon consultation, deemed best to return to Salem and await orders. From there by command we returned to camp. Middelton is about six miles from Versailles. Old Fosterville is three miles east of Middelton, on the pike, and New Fosterville on mile farther on the railroad. Forage became very scarce after leaving Salem. The people say it has been hauled off. Col. Beatty reports that forage abounds near Salem; that 500 wagons may be loaded within two miles. He also reports the capture of 1 man and 12 muskets. He also sent a force to within a short distance of Middelton, the information being about the same as reported.…
I am, your obedient servant,
B. F. SCRIBNER, Col. 38th Indiana Vols., Cmdg. First Brig., First Div., Center.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. I, pp. 58-59.
Report of Capt. Elmer Otis, Fourth U. S. Cavalry, commanding brigade.
HDQRS. THIRD CAVALRY BRIGADE, January 17, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this brigade in the late scout, from the morning of the 13th to the evening of the 15th of January, 1863:
We started from camp a little after 12 a. m., for the purpose of joining Col. Wagner, who was in command of the expedition, and started from the railroad depot (in Murfreesborough) about 4 o'clock. My force consisted of about 300 of the Fourth U. S. Cavalry and 350 of the Second East Tennessee Cavalry, making an aggregate of some 650, rank and rifle. The first night we encamped near Nolensville, making this point via Lizzard's and Lane's Store. We saw nothing of the enemy, but gained some information of their whereabouts, which was turned over to Col. Wagner. The second day we marched to Eagleville. Hearing that some of Wheeler's couriers were at this place, I gave orders for two of my companies to charge into town, which they did, capturing some ten or twelve of the enemy. Lieut.-Col. Ray, who led the charge, had his horse shot under him by one of the rebels, who was stationed in a house occupied by Squire Williams. We went from Eagleville to Versailles, where we encamped for the night near Col. Beatty's command. The next morning Col. Wagner gave me instructions to act as rear guard as far as Salem, which I did, and from that point came direct into camp, leaving infantry command in the rear. During this scout I sent a company, by order of Col. Wagner, to destroy a mill owned, I believe, by a Mr. Webb, who I ascertained had a large amount of grain on hand of the use of the Confederate army and had been using his mill supplying the wants of the rebels. My command also captured twenty-four horses, which were principally turned over to me whose horses had given out.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ELMER OTIS, Cmdg. Third Cavalry Brigade.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 52, pt. I, p. 59.
13-19, Reconnaissance, Nashville-Harpeth at Cumberland River Shoals
No circumstantial reports filed.
13, Scout near Knoxville
FEBRUARY 13, 1864.-Scout near Knoxville, Tenn.
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Lieut. Col. Isaac R. Sherwood, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry.
No. 2.-Sergt. Maj. Gustavus F. Smith, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry.
No. 1.
Report of Lieut. Col. Isaac R. Sherwood, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry.
CAMP ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH OHIO INFANTRY. February 14, 1864
SIR: I have the honor to report the following:
For several days past I have been sending scouting parties in my front on the Rutledge road. Yesterday a portion of my scouts went out about 7 miles, and within sight of the enemy's camp. I learn from our scouts and citizens that there is a brigade of rebel cavalry in our front. Some citizens say that they are at Blain's Cross-Roads, while others are of opinion that only one regiment is at that point, [the] Fourteenth Kentucky. Our scouts saw quite a camp near Flat Creek yesterday, judging by the fires, say two or three regiments. Our scouts encountered the flag of truce yesterday. Rebel Maj. [Capt.] Simms, of Fourth [Eighth] Kentucky Cavalry, by remarks made to Sergeant-Maj. Smith of our regiment, understands pretty well the disposition of our forces here at the front. The rebel scouts (numbering 10) were within 2 miles of our lines on the 12th.
I would call the attention of the general to the exposed condition of our line and the great distance we are from support. I send out a scout to-day at 3 p. m., and will try and ascertain their strength and position.
I inclose report of Sergeant-Maj. Smith.
I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
I. R. SHERWOOD, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg.
No. 2.
Report of Sergt. Maj. [emphasis added] Gustavus F. Smith, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry.
HDQRS. 111TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Near Knoxville, Tenn., February 14, 1864
SIR: Allow me to report the following with regard to the scouting party sent out on the morning of the 13th instant:
After leaving camp at 10 a. m. we ascended the hills on the south side of the Rutledge road, sending 2 reliable scouts up the opposite side of the valley. After advancing about 3 miles, a halt was ordered, and I went out to learn whether the advance had learned any news of importance, supposing that Lieut. Beery, who was in command, would advance slowly along the crest of the hills as we had been previously doing. I then ordered 2 of the scouts to keep along the foot of the hills and under cover as much as possible until they should discover the enemy, while I took the 2 remaining (there being but 4 in the advance beside myself), and ascending to the crest of the hill searched the valley through which the road to Blain's Cross-Roads from Knoxville passes.
Thus we kept on for about 3 miles, discovering no enemy, but learning from citizens who were reported to me as reliable Union men that they had a force of one brigade at or near Blain's Cross Roads. They came in on the evening of the 11th; also, that enemy had a force of quite a large number at Flat Creek, one regiment having come in on the evening of the 12th, and on the morning of the 13th another force of two or three regiments came in.
From the position that we then were we could see for some distance up the valley. The smoke of the camps could be easily seen; also we could see a force of cavalry approaching, which proved to be a flag of truce. We immediately went down to the road and received them. From remarks made to me by the adjutant of the Fourth Kentucky Cavalry their lines were not far distant; also from remarks that they made they know the situation of the troops in this vicinity and the exact number of regiments; also, that while the truce party was coming in from the place where we first saw them, they stopped for quite a while at the houses of different ones along the road who are notorious rebels.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,
G. F. SMITH, Sergeant-Maj.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. I, pp. 392-393.
13, Skirmish in Fentress County
No circumstantial reports filed.
13, Confederate reconnaissance in force near Cleveland
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Blue Spring, Tenn., February 14, 1864--9 a. m.
Brig.-Gen. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.:
GEN.: The information of which I advised you last night was exaggerated. By putting all the stories together, it was resolved into a reconnaissance in more than ordinary force. The enemy's scouts were within 2 ½ miles of Cleveland, at junction of Spring Place and Cleveland, and Dalton and Charleston roads; at latter point, however, in small numbers, and left before day. Everything appears quiet along my front to distance of 5 or 6 miles out this morning.
I am, general, very truly, your obedient servant,
CHARLES CRUFT, Brig.-Gen., Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. II, p. 390.
13, Robbers in Carroll County
Same robbers visited me again last night. Drew pistol on me to make me tell where my mules were. I did not tell. They made Allen, a Negro boy tell. Bursted the door open & took the two last work mules I had. Took Allen off. I learned other names: Bill Nevel, (old Ruben Nevel's son) G. C. Smith and George Nevel. Cal Lusk and old Byrd Lusk are the ringleaders of the gang that visits this section.
"Younger Diary."
13, R. A. Barnes & Co., Grocer's Inventory
Fresh Groceries
Just Received by R. A. Barnes & Co.,
No. 47 and 49 South Market Street.
5 hhds. choice New Orleans Sugar 50 bbls beautiful white Neshannock
10 bbls. choice New Orleans Molasses, Potatoes
10 bags Grain Pepper, 5 boxes Kentucky Mustard
20 bags prime Rio Coffee, 20 do Lemon Syrup,
1 chest superior Oolong Tea, 10 do Tomato Catsup
10 chests Green Teas, 10 do Pepper Sauce
50 boxes fine hard Candy, 100 do Tobacco
20 boxes best English Dairy Cheese, 500 kegs Nails
100 boxes assorted Can Fruits, 300,000 fine and common Segars
100 boxes assorted Preserves, 500 reams Wrapping Paper
200 boxes assorted Pickles, 100 do post and cap Paper
100 boxes Baltimore Cove Oysters, 100 do note Paper
100 boxes Sardines, 500 Stone Jugs
10 boxes prime Italian Macaroni 300 Demijohns
100 boxes Family Soap, 50 packages Virginia Smoking Tobacco
25 boxes fine Soda, 40 cases Matches
20 boxes fine and common Glass Tumblers 5 bbls Alum
20 boxes Ground Pepper, 10 do Copperas
5 bbls Filberts, 10 boxes Indigo
5 bbls Almonds, 10 do Garret's Snuff
5 bbls cream or Brazil Nuts, 100 do Duryea's blue and pearl Starch
100 kits Mackerel, No. 1 and 2, 100 kegs Pigs Feet
50 half bbls Mackerel, No. 1 and 2 500 bbls Salt
10 bbls Mackerel, 100 packages Northern Butter
5 bbls Halibut, 500 bbls extra White Wheat FamilyFlour
50 gross Mason's Blacking, 500 bbls extra Red Wheat Family Flour
100 boxes Star Candles, 100 drums Figs
100 half boxes and quarters, 10 boxes Fig Paste
50 doz. Washboards, 100 do ½ and ¼ boxes Raisin
50 doz Brooms, 100 dozen painted Buckets
10 boxes Jamaica Brown and raw Ginger, 10 do covered wooden do
10 sacks Spice, 100 do Baking Powder and QuickYeast
10 bbls Dried Apples 500 Sugar Cured Hams
10 do Peaches 50 mats Cinnamon and Nutmegs
100 bbls Onions 10 bales Cotton Twine
5 bbls Onion Sets and Cloves, 10 doz Coffee Mills
5 boxes French Mustard, 500 bbls Ale and Lager Beer
400 boxes Better Envelopes 36 do purified Indigo for washing
10 bbls Madder
Besides several other things. Also, a large stock of fine old Liquors and Wines, to be sold as soon as the Military get in a drinking mood, and allow its sale.
R. A. Barnes & Co.
Nashville Daily Union, February 13, 1864.[4]
13, U. S. Rations for Soldiers and Civilians in Knoxville and Lingering near Knoxville, an Excerpt from the letters of William Bentley, 104the Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Feb. 13th 1864
~ ~ ~
I sent you some of Brownlow's this morning. You will see by them that they are making efforts to put a railroad through to KY. It is commenced already and if the government takes it in hand I am in hopes that they will get it through this next summer or fall. It is needed badly both on account of the Army and citizens of Tenn. who must suffer greatly until they can raise another crop. The government is issuing rations now to thousands of citizens and the number is increasing daily. It is this that keeps us on short rations. They are bringing flour & Hard Bread from Louisville & Cincinnati now and the commissary is filling again.
The enemy is still hanging round, almost in sight of us on the opposite side of the river. But I guess they can't muster courage enough to attack us again unless they are pretty strongly reinforced. Deserters come in to us every day. Generally with the old story, tired of fighting, without anything to eat or wear. They say that they are watched closely for fear that they will avail themselves of the opportunity offered by "Old Abe" to come in and take the "Oath." They are hard looking cases, dirty and ragged as beggars…
Bentley Letters.
13-21, First Lieutenant Robert Cruikshank, 123rd New York Infantry Regiment, letter home to his wife Mary, war events in Lincoln County, February 13 – 21, 1864 [see January 29, 1863-February 12, 1864, "First Lieutenant Robert Cruikshank, 123rd New York Infantry Regiment, excerpts from letters home to his wife Mary, events in the Chestnut Ridge, Boons Hill environs, written February 2-12, 1864, covering events from January 29, 1863 to February 12, 1864," above]
02/13/64- Narration of Boons Hill events [sic]
* * * *
I will now go on and narrate what transpired during the days we remained at Boons Hill and our return to Camp.
Feb. 13th. Nine prisoners were sent under guard with the teams to Fayetteville. They will be forwarded from there to Nashville where they will have their trial.
Feb. 14th. Two guerrillas came in and gave themselves up.
Feb. 15th. The Colonel requested me to inform Mrs. Wood, the doctor's wife, that she was to go to Nashville as a prisoner. The charge against her is aiding and harboring guerrillas and assisting in capturing Union soldiers. She denied the charge and said she did not know what she should do with her two little girls. She wanted me to see the Colonel and tell him how she was situated. She has felt badly all day and has sent for me several times to carry her messages to the Colonel, pleading with him not to send her away from her children. I prevailed upon the Colonel to go and see her. He told me he would let her off. She is very grateful for what I did in getting her release and sent a colored servant to me this evening with wine and cake for my supper.
Feb. 16th. Lieutenant Robertson and I went out about five miles with a detail of men and teams to move in two families of Union people who want to go North. They are Covenanters by the name of Gillum and Wiatt. Mr. Wiatt told Lieutenant Robertson and me to go to his uncle's not far away and remain there while the teams were being loaded. We did and were entertained like Generals. These people are of Union sentiment but will not take part in the War. They keep no slaves, being very much opposed to slavery.
When we rode up to the yard a young man came and opened the gate, asking us to ride into the yard and alight, he taking our horses and feeding them corn. We were at once conducted to the house where we met Mr. & Mrs. Wiatt, their married daughter and her husband, a younger son and daughter, and they all grasped us by the hand like old friends. Handshaking is the way that the Southern people show their friendship. They said we were the first Union soldiers they had seen and that they were honored by our call.
In about an hour we were called to dinner, and such a dinner I never saw in the South before. I will tell you what we had to show you how well we were entertained. We had beefsteak, chicken pie, ham and eggs, warm corn bread, warm biscuit, honey, maple syrup and custard pie. Was this not like a Northern dinner? To get maple here beat me.
In about two hours the teams came, we gave them a handshaking all around, mounted our horses, lifted our hats, bade them good-bye and rode back to Camp.
Feb. 17th. We are preparing to move back to Elk River.
Feb. 18th. We marched at nine o'clock A. M., marching as far as Fayetteville and took quarters in a large store building for the night.
Feb. 19th. We marched at nine o'clock A. M., arriving at our old Camp at Elk River by three o'clock P. M. It was like getting home.
Feb. 21st. We have preaching today, the first for several months.
Ever with love,
R. Cruikshank.
Robert Cruikshank Letters
13, Special Orders No. 32 relative to defense of Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 32. HDQRS. DEFENSES NASHVILLE AND CHATTANOOGA RAILROAD, Tullahoma, February 13, 1865.
I. In consequence of the weakness of the garrison at Tullahoma, the following change is hereby made in the block-house garrison on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad between Duck and Elk Rivers, viz.,: The Forty-third Regt. [sic] Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry will garrison block-houses Nos. 14 and 15 (first two north of Tullahoma) as follows: At 14, one commissioned officer and fifteen men; at 15, a trusty sergeant and ten men. The same regiment will garrison block-house 16 (first south of Tullahoma) with one commissioned officer and fifteen men. This order will be executed immediately.
II. The garrisons of block-house Nos. 14, 15, and 16 (from the Forty-second Missouri Volunteer Infantry) will join their regiment at Tullahoma as soon as relieved by the Forty-third Regt. [sic] Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 49, pt. I, pp. 705-706.
13-ca. 28, Anti-guerrilla scout in Lincoln County
Excerpt from Special Orders No. 32, HDQRS. Defenses Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, Tullahoma, February 13, 1865, relative to anti-guerrilla scout in Lincoln County, Tenn., February 13-ca. 28, 1865:
* * * *
III. Lieut. Col. T. J. Stauber, of the Forty-second Regiment Missouri Volunteer Infantry will take a detachment of his own regiment a detachment of the Forty-third Regt. [sic] Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and Spark's home guards, and proceed to Lincoln Country, Tenn., on a scout of ten or fifteen days' duration. He will make it a specialty to exterminate guerrillas, their aiders and abettors. He will also exert his influence to induce the inhabitants to organize home guards and parties for the purpose of expelling guerrillas, robbers, and thieves from said country, Lieut.-Col. Stauber will call upon Lieut. Col. W. J. Clift, of the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, for such help as he may desire and for such number of men as he deems proper.
IV. Lieut. Col. W. J. Clift, of the Fifth Regt. [sic] Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry, will co-operate with Lieut.-Col. Stauber, of the Forty-second Regt. [sic] Missouri Volunteer infantry, in exterminating the guerrillas, their aiders and abettors, from Lincoln Country, Tenn. Lieut.-Col. Clift will also furnish Lieut.-Col. Stauber men in such number and at such times and places as he may request.
By command of Major-General Milroy
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 49, pt. I, p. 706.
[1] At the Cumberland Institute in the Cherry Creek community.
[2] As cited in: Colonel Percy Howard, The Barbarities of the Rebels, as shown in their Cruelty to the Federal Wounded and Prisoners; in their Outrages on Union Men; in the Murder of Negroes, and their Unmanly Conduct Throughout the Rebellion, (Providence, R.I.: Printed by the author, 1863.), p. 23
[3] TSL&A, 19th CN.
[4] As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.
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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