14, Report on Parson Brownlow
Parson Brownlow of Tennessee having been threatened with hanging for his onslaughts upon secession, invited them to do it on the occasion of a mass meeting at Knoxville, last Monday, and assured them he would make a speech on the gallows.
New Hampshire Sentinel, February 14, 1861.
14, The Fall of Nashville: The Eyewitness Account of Dr. John Berrien Lindsley, February 14, 1862
1862-02-14
14, To the 500 in the barracks we distributed a gill each, of brandy from the Hospital stores." Entry from Dr John Berrien Lindsley's Journal as the wounded from the battle of Fort Donelson arrived in Nashville
After breakfast notified Post Surgeon Pim that my hospital was not in readiness; but would be (D.V.) in two days. He … replied that he must send the convalescents as the Bowlinggreen sick were arriving in large numbers. on conversing farther found out that it was intended to establish also a camp for convalescents on the University grounds. Meeting Medical Director Yandell, I remonstrated – He agreed with me that the Hospital and encampment would greatly interfere with each other. I hastened to Capt. A.J. Lindsay, commander of the post, and after much persistence got an order to remove the encampment, if the tents were not already pitched. Hurried up to the University, & fortunately they were just laying out the camp. Capt. Cottles civilly received me, and agreed at once Feb. to carry out the order if I would shelter his men for the night. Snow was still upon the ground. All day crowds of 40, 60, 100, or 120, were pouring in from the different hospitals, or from the Bowlinggreen [sic] army. They were tired & hungry, some had not breakfasted, none had dined – By night we had not less than 700 in the Stone College & Barracks. We managed by very hard work to get them something to eat by 8 or 9 P.M. To the 500 in the barracks we distributed a gill each, of brandy from the Hospital stores. Both buildings were comfortably warmed.Drs. Hoyte, Humphrey Peake, Wheeler & Lane, with Thomas (of Demoville & Bell) were my assistants. Gartlan also.
Dr. John Berrien Lindsley's Journal,February 14, 1862, TSLA, ed. Kathy Lauder
14, Skirmish near the Cumberland Gap
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Brig. Gen. S. P. Carter, U. S. Army.
No. 2.-Col. James E. Rains, C. S. Army.
No. 1.
Report of Brig. Gen. S. P. Carter, U. S. Army.
HDQRS. TWELFTH BRIGADE, Camp Cumberland, February 14, 1862.
CAPT.: A reconnaissance was made to-day by a company of First Battalion Kentucky Cavalry, under the immediate command of Lieut.-Col. Munday. Lieut.-Col. Munday reports that he advanced quite close to the Gap; attacked the enemy's cavalry picket; killed 5, wounded 2, and took 2 prisoners, 8 horses, 7 sabers, and 5 double-barrel shot-guns. No one was injured in the colonel's command.
Our party advanced so near the enemy's defenses that they got within range of their batteries, which opened on them, when they returned to camp.
Respectfully, &c.,
S. P. CARTER, Acting Brig.-Gen., Cmdg. Twelfth Brigade.
Capt. J. B. FRY,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., and Chief of Staff.
No. 2.
Reports of Col. James E. Rains, C. S. Army.
HDQRS. CUMBERLAND GAP,
February 14, 1862.
SIR: I am convinced that the enemy will attack us at this place within a week. An attack to-morrow is probable. Their cavalry drove in our pickets to-day about 3 miles in advance of us. The force, seven regiments, are reported to be at Cumberland Ford, 15 miles in front. The force we have cannot hold the place, being insufficient to man the works. The strength of the position has been greatly exaggerated. On the Kentucky side it is naturally very weak and difficult to defend. It has been our policy to give currency to a different opinion of the place, and hence the error. It will require two regiments, in addition to the two now here, to resist the force menacing us. The position should never be abandoned. Its strategic importance cannot be exaggerated. On the Tennessee side it is naturally almost impregnable and art can make it completely so. If abandoned, it cannot be easily retaken.
Can re-enforcements be sent us?
Respectfully,
JAMES E. RAINS, Col., Cmdg. Post.
Gen. S. COOPER.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 7, p. 417
14, Reconnaissance and attack-Fort Donelson, U. S. N. ships shell Fort Donelson
No circumstantial reports filed.
14, A pro-Confederate White County woman's opinion of one of Champ Ferguson's men
....[Mr. Potter] and Father had quite a pleasant conversation, and he plays the fiddle like everything. I guess he is one of Ferguson's men. If he is I care nothing about his acquaintance for I have very little faith in the principles of a man that will countenance Ferguson, let alone one who will aid him in his murdering and plundering.
Diary of Amanda McDowell.
14, A dollar short and an hour late; the defense of the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers
When months ago, we urged the vital importance of adequate defences [sic] on the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, as the keys to the South-west and the necessity of preserving the bridges across those streams as the means of intercommunication between our armies as well as a channel of commercial intercourse, we were denounced as a croaker-a pretender to knowledge out of our line. In vain we fortified our position, by quoting from Northern journals, article after article, urging upon the Lincoln Government the importance of possessing those rivers as highways leading into the South. Appeals and arguments were alike unheeded, until the course of events began to awaken the authorities to truths that should have been palpable from the beginning, and when so awakened, a system of fortification was commenced as little calculated for defense against iron clad gunboats as a pop gun against a pork of artillery. This is no idle opinion, but a fact clearly and painfully demonstrated by experiment within the last few days; and we invite attention to it now, not as a fault-finder, but with the hope of awakening the people, and the authorities to the necessity for wiser counsels and more energetic measures for the defense of our common country.
If it be true, that the gunboats are impervious to any projectile at our command, and that we had not the means of building similar ones with which to encounter them, then, the facts ought to have been known long ago to those skilled in such matters, and, instead of spending time and money upon fortifications and heavy artillery, it would seem the wiser course to have thrown effectual obstructions into the rivers-if this were practicable, and if not, then to turn their attention to the protection of the interior, leaving the river settlements to the chances of low water and the policy of the enemy. To this, it has come at last, and the utter inadequacy of our defenses can only serve to bring reproach upon Southern skill and energy, and to stimulate the Yankees to persevere in a struggle that threatens to bring them in contact with such trivial objects to ultimate success. An indefensible fortification requires much time and money for its erection for its defense, troops are diverted from points where they might render efficient and valuable service, their lives and liberty are hazard without a probably equivalent, the armaments of such fortifications are at the mercy of the enemy, and with the loss of all these, goes the loss of prestige-a most valuable consideration.
We make these remarks in no querulous spirit – It may be that the parties concerned have done the very best they could, under the circumstances, and if other could have done better, it is the country's misfortune that they were not vested with the power. Our young government has very much to do, and little to do with, and with this fact before us, charity would prompt us to ascribe to absolute necessity much that wears the semblance of neglect or incompetence, and patriotism should prompt the people to make upon up for such short-comings by increased zeal and energy. Every reverse ought to infuse new ardor into the popular heart, and every blunder teach additional wisdom to those in authority.
Clarksville Chronicle, February 14, 1862.
14, Notes from the Clarksville Chronicle
A Poor Return.-A friend of ours a few nights ago, took some half-a-dozen soldiers to his house to sleep, and when they left, next morning, one of them carried off a pair of fine pistols belonging to the gentleman who had so kindly entertained them! A poor return for hospitality!
Insurance.-Our town is almost defenseless now against fire, and every one, who owns a house, ought to keep it insured. It is vastly comfortable, after having your house burned, to receive from an insurance company money enough to build another, and this one may do by the payment of a small sum annually. The Northern insurance companies, that used to do a large business here, are now driven out, but good Southern ones have taken their place.
Mr. S. S. Williams is agent for an excellent Richmond company, and Mr. D. N. Kennedy and Mr. H. H. Poston are likewise prepared to afford you reliable insurance.
Bad Conduct.-We have heard frequent complaints, of late, of bad conduct on the part of soldiers and teamsters about here, which we think calls for prompt action by their officers. They burn all the fences, about their camps, we are told-not only rail-fences, but paling and plank fences around private yards. They have done this, a friend tells us, repeatedly, in and about New Providence. Here they burned a large lot of new shingles and plank, belonging to one of our citizens, and just "cleaned out" the lumber-yard of a saw mill. In another case they went into a man's yard, and killed a dozen more chickens besides killing two hogs, that cost him $35.00. We have heard, too, of their going to houses and frightening women and children almost out of their life.
These things ought to be stopped. People will not, and ought not be subject to such outrages.-The people have uniformly treated the soldiers with great kindness and the officers in charge ought to punish, with the utmost severity, any outrage or trespass, on the person or property of citizens. If the people take this protection in their own hands, very deplorable consequences may follow.
Clarksville Chronicle, February 14, 1862.[1]
14, "To the 500 in the barracks we distributed a gill each, of brandy from the Hospital stores." Entry from Dr John Berrien Lindsley's Journal[2] as the wounded from the battle of Fort Donelson arrived in Nashville
After breakfast notified Post Surgeon Pim that my hospital was not in readiness; but would be (D.V.) in two days. He … replied that he must send the convalescents as the Bowlinggreen sick were arriving in large numbers. On conversing farther found out that it was intended to establish also a camp for convalescents on the University grounds. Meeting Medical Director Yandell, I remonstrated – He agreed with me that the Hospital and encampment would greatly interfere with each other. I hastened to Capt. A.J. Lindsay, commander of the post, and after much persistence got an order to remove the encampment, if the tents were not already pitched. Hurried up to the University, & fortunately they were just laying out the camp. Capt. Cottles civilly received me, and agreed at once Feb. to carry out the order if I would shelter his men for the night. Snow was still upon the ground. All day crowds of 40, 60, 100, or 120, were pouring in from the different hospitals, or from the Bowlinggreen [sic] army. They were tired & hungry, some had not breakfasted, none had dined – By night we had not less than 700 in the Stone College & Barracks. We managed by very hard work to get them something to eat by 8 or 9 P.M. To the 500 in the barracks we distributed a gill each, of brandy from the Hospital stores. Both buildings were comfortably warmed. Drs. Hoyte, Humphrey Peake, Wheeler & Lane, with Thomas (of Demoville & Bell) were my assistants. Gartlan also.
Dr. John Berrien Lindsley's Journal,February 14, 1862, TSLA, ed. Kathy Lauder
14, Honor Roll Battalion, Army of the Cumberland, established
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 19. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, Tenn., February 14, 1863.
I. To establish a method of pointing out to this army and the nation those officers and soldiers of this command who shall distinguish themselves by bravery in battle, by courage, enterprise, and soldierly conduct, and also to promote the efficiency of the service, it is ordered that in every company in this army--infantry, artillery, and cavalry included--there shall be kept a roll of honor, on which shall be entered the names of 5 privates most distinguished for bravery in battle, enterprise, endurance, soldierly conduct, and skill in the use of arms. The soldiers entitled to this distinction will be selected by the non-commissioned officers and privates in each company, by ballot, approved by the company commander.
In every regiment there shall be kept a regimental roll of honor, in which shall be entered the company rolls, and, in addition thereto, the names of 10 corporals and 10 sergeants most distinguished for like good qualities. These non-commissioned officers shall be chosen by the commissioned officers of regiments, approved by regimental commanders. Regt. [sic] rolls shall be announced in regimental orders, and copies forwarded to brigade and department headquarters without delay.
In every brigade there shall be kept a brigade roll of honor, on which shall be inscribed the regimental rolls, and, in addition thereto, the names of 4 lieutenants, 4 captains, and 2 field officers below the rank of colonel, most distinguished for gallantry in action, professional knowledge, skill, energy, and zeal in the performance of duty. Brigade rolls of honor shall be published in brigade general orders, and copies sent to division and department headquarters.
Each army corps shall have a roll of honor, composed of brigade rolls, and, in addition thereto, the names of general, field, and staff officers who win especial distinction by noble and heroic conduct.
The name of any one on the rolls of honor may be stricken there from for misconduct, or for falling below the standard, by regimental, brigade, division, or superior commanders, or by sentence of courts-martial. Vacancies arising from these or other causes shall be immediately filled in the manner already prescribed. Whoever shall receive a medal for distinguished service shall have his name placed on the roll of honor.
Officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates may have their names placed upon the rolls of honor by the general commanding, for particular acts of heroism that may come under his observation.
II. Each infantry and cavalry brigade shall immediately organize a light battalion, to be formed from the rolls of honor, as follows: Three privates from each company, 1 commissioned officer, 2 sergeants, and 3 corporals from each regiment, and 1 field officer from each brigade, as commander of the battalion, to be selected according to the method designated in establishing the rolls of honor. The detail from each regiment shall constitute a company.
This battalion shall be provided with the best rifled arms, revolving arms, if possible, and will be mounted as soon as practicable. It shall be always kept full by selections made from brigade, regimental, or company rolls of honor.
Officers and soldiers may be dismissed from the battalion for misconduct by its commanding officer, with the approval of the brigade commander, or by order of a superior commander.
The light battalion will be excused from picket duty, and, when not on detached service, will be encamped at brigade headquarters. It must be kept at all times fully armed and equipped, and provided with water-proofs and shelter tents, and also, when required, winter tents, and the necessary transportation.
These light battalions will be looked upon as the elite of the army, and models for their profession, and from them will be expected such deeds of daring and enterprise as will prove them worthy of the distinction conferred upon them, and justify the choice of their companions.
By command of Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, pp. 67-69.
14, Skirmish at Moscow Station[3]
Dyer's Battle Index for Tennessee.
14, Major-General Rosecrans suggests reforms in payment of wages to sick and wounded soldiers in the Army of the Cumberland
MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., February 14, 1863--9.30 p. m.
Hon. E. M. STANTON:
The matter of having paymasters stay with the troops is of vital necessity to the collection of the fines arrearages, and balances of indebtedness of officers and men. It is of equal importance to the sick, invalid, and discharged soldiers, who so often cannot get their pay for months, even if at all, for want of correct papers, which would never be the case if the paymasters were with their commands. There is no reason why these majors should be out of the field, while captains in the quartermaster's and commissary departments, with less pay and more labor, are obliged to be so. Please look into this. It is a matter of much moment.
W. S. ROSECRANS.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, p. 66.
14, FROM GEN. MORGAN'S BRIGADE.
McMinnville, Tennessee, February 14, 1863.
Editor of the Observer: -
This place is becoming noted for its gaiety and mirth. Not a week passes but there is some entertainment of some sort given.
Last night a splendid military ball was given in honor of Gen and Mrs. Morgan. It was a magnificently gotten up thing. All the elite [sic] of this place were in attendance; besides several officers from the Kentucky Brigade of Infantry. "All went on merry as a marriage bell." It somewhat reminded me of the Party at Brussels the night prior to the battle of Waterloo. – The magnificent Brass Band of the 9th Kentucky did honor to themselves and the ball.
The patriotic ladies of McMinnville gave a concert for the benefit of our hospitals last week, which was largely attended. The result was that $400 was turned over to us for a hospital fund.
The ladies of Tennessee undoubtedly deserve great praise for their untiring devotedness to the welfare of the soldier. We get a good supply of Northern papers, tri-weekly, of which I shall endeavor to send you enough to keep you posted in affairs over in "Honest Abe's" [sic] dominions.
News reached here to-day that Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio were in session in a Peace Conference at Louisville, Ky., and it is pretty generally credited in the high military circles. There seems not to be a shadow of doubt among the military men here, that so soon as the new Congress of the United States shall have been convened, they will immediately call for an armistice.
From the tenor of the Northern papers that I have read, there has undoubtedly been a great change taken place in the North-Western States. They see that it is utterly impossible to conquer the South. They have learned to realize the language of Pitt, in the British Parliament: "My lords, you cannot conquer America," (alias the South.)
They see the madness and folly of prosecuting this fratricidal war any further. They see that the South is determined to be free, and they are willing to let her go at as little cost as possible.
Town was rife with the report to-day that Gen. Brag was relieved of his command, and that Gen. Polk would assume command of the army of Tennessee. This will be very gratifying to those who have been averse to the General. I do not know where Gen. Brag will be ordered go.
Col. Cluke left here this mooring to go to______; you may expect to hear a good account of him. He will find Yankees before he gets back.
You have doubtless ere this time, heard of the death of Lieut. Col. Hutchinson, who nobly fell at the head of his Regiment at Woodbury; his death has been a severe blow to his regiment. He was buried here in the honors of war. His death is much lamented. Although he fell on his own beloved Tennessee, the Kentuckians grieve his death as much as thou he were of their State. – He was as brave a man as ever unsheathed a sword in defence of liberty. His gallantry has so endeared him to his command that none
"Spoke but to praise,
None knew but to love him."
Another bright star in the galaxy of Tennessee warriors, has set no more to rise, and when the impartial historian comes to sum up the details of this war, every page will be embellished with the brave and heroic deeds of some Tennessean or Kentuckian.
Before six months, Tennessee and Kentucky, will stand upon the same broad basis, and will as heretofore enjoy the same mutual intercourse. Then we can exclaim to our villifiers, "that the warrior runs free" [sic] and milk is "without price." [sic].
Yours anon,
DIXIE
Fayetteville Observer, February 19, 1863.
14, Unsuccessful hunt for a Union recruiting agent near Maynardsville
We are still at Maynardsville. I made a little excursion last night with two of my comrades on a hunt of a northern recruiting officer who had been very secretly recruiting in the neighborhood for some time. I had a good clew and a good guide but failed to find the man. He probably had become suspicious and crossed the Clinch River into a place of safety.
Diary of William E. Sloan.
14, An account of railroad travel from Nashville to Murfreesboro – a Civil War travelogue
Army of the Cumberland.
Murfreesboro, Tenn., Feb. 14, 1863.
[Special Correspondence of the Nashville Union.]
It seems to me that of all queer fellows, the superintendent of a military railroad train is the most exceedingly so. The process of going forward is similar to that of the story of the reptile, frequently introduced to the young mathematical student, that, after a long, uninteresting journey, succeeded in reaching the top of a deep well, his method of travel being a combination of accelerated and retrograde movements. For, after proceeding three or four miles, a whistle, the breaks, a check, and back we go, evidently to ascertain the distance made.
I was informed Wednesday evening that the "accommodation train," "through to Murfreesboro," would leave Thursday morning, at 6:30. Precisely at 6 A.M. if the gentleman who rings the Cathedral bell can be relied on, I was ready to depart, with visions of Dick McCann's squad and Tuscaloosa tobacco cribs in my mind.
Two dozen people soon increased to about fifty anxious passengers, and ten minutes to eight o'clock the 6:30 train started, and made a break of at least a quarter of a mile without stopping. Among the passengers was the modest specimen of rotundity and good nature, Surgeon Swift, about twenty officers, a Miss L. Reeves, of this place, one other lady, and between twenty and thirty male citizens.
We jogged slowly on until we arrived at Mill Creek, where we waited quite a length of time, probably for the locomotive to take a nap. Mill Creek is a south branch of the Cumberland, and is navigable for hard-crackers, principally, several of which I saw floating down stream. At this point no fears need be entertained of Dick McCann's approach, as the rivulet bridge is well guarded by yankees, mostly from Kentucky, however.
The next regular stopping place is a two-horse town called Antioch, formerly a post village, situated in Davidson county. It was named, I understand, after the venerable Antioch Meeting House, which stood contiguous to the premises. The whole country is devastated, and rail fences are "among the things that were." At this place is stationed a Yankee regiment from East Tennessee, therefore no alarm need be felt as regards the striking distance of Dick McCann.
The next place of interest is Lavergne, which is located in Rutherford county, and distant sixteen miles from Nashville. Before reaching this time, the locomotive stopped to take water, the shoulder strap party within the car generally took a fluid of superior stimulating qualities, and a one-eyed gentleman sitting beside me took a dose of snuff, sneezed in my face, and glancing at me with his comet optic, informed me that he had a nephew in Texas who didn't resemble me much. I was on the point of saying something to the sweet old chuckle-head, when the locomotive 'Gov. Johnson" gave a couple of screams, and in a few moments we arrived at Lavergne. There are but four houses standing in the place, almost the entire town having been destroyed by fire. The night is terrible, and I pity the poor families who have been thus rudely bereft of house and home during these desolating times. The wholesale destruction of property is maliciously wicked and indiscreet, and no truly honorable person will lend a hand in the destruction of habitations containing defenceless women and innocent children. At this place is a brigade of Yankees, mostly composed of Kentucky and East Tennessee regiments; therefore no apprehensions need arise in regard to Dick McCann.
Smyrna is the next town, distant from Murfreesboro ten miles. It is encircled by a fine extent of country and situated in close proximity to Stewart's creek, the bridge over which is guarded by two regiments of Yankees, from Indiana. The readers of the Union may rely upon it, Dick McCann will not show his profile in this place at present. We left Smyrna at half past ten o'clock, and arrived at Stone's river at twenty minutes past eleven. But here was a pretty state of affairs. The "through-train to Murfreesboro" landed its passengers upon the Nashville side of the river, as the bridge was still unfinished.
However, Dr. Swift expected an ambulance, and I invited Miss Reeves to ride to town in it, but of course she was only too happy to accept of my tender. Presently the vehicle arrived. From the cars to the ambulance was a perfect avenue of mud. I have often taken my sisters, and other fellows' sisters in my arms on such occasions, and passed the Rubicon. But now, I faltered; and lo! that gallant rogue of a Swift took the damsel in his arms and transported her safely through the mud, while your modest friend contented himself by following with her music, etc. In a few moments we were fording Stone's river, en route for Murfreesboro, arriving there at two o'clock—thirty-two miles by railroad in six hours.
Let the readers of the Union bear in mind that the cars do not run through to Murfreesboro, but to within a short mile of the river. Let them also become acquainted with the fact that the mud is about a foot deep, and transportation, as a general thing, impossible. It is said, however, that the bridge will be completed by next Tuesday. Then you can all come—if Lieutenant Osgood says so.
The pent-up citizens of Nashville, acquainted with this section of the country, will be astounded when once again the make an eastern tour through Tennessee.
Before this rebellion I once chanced to travel upon the Chattanooga Railroad. The view upon either side was indeed a panorama. Immense fields of cotton and grain were spread out in gorgeous and living green, backed by distant woodland, while the verdant lawns bordering the rivers and creeks reminded me of soft velvet carpets or glorious spots for pic-nics. Gangs of the "culled pop'lation" were seen dotted over the fields, costumed in all the fantastic livery of Ethiopian taste, while the mansions of the planters appeared everything which a desire for comfort could suggest or wealth obtain.
But, alas! the change! Everything beautiful and comfortable seems to have passed away. From Nashville to Murfreesboro the devastation of homes and farms is complete. Verily, the people of Tennessee must have been mad when they engaged to assist the Cotton States in their nefarious scheme. Should the rebellion succeed, look at the location of the State. Will her interests be less liable to injury than they were protected by the great influences of the great American Republic. If Tennessee, as a border State, suffered in the Union, what must be her fate out of the Confederacy? Ponder well, my friends. Reflect leisurely, and impartially, and you will accuse yourselves of ingratitude and folly, and gradually a return to reason and loyalty will manifest itself. The President's Emancipation Proclamation takes no effect in Tennessee. Gov. Johnson begs you to return to your allegiance, and exempts you from the penalty imposed upon traitors and treason.
Now is the accepted time.
THIS MAY BE THE LAST CHANCE!
"While the lamp holds out to burn
The vilest sinner may return."
But this digression is unpardonable. I was speaking of the devastation of the country in general. The battle of Stone's river has added no beauty to the harrowing scenes.
Perhaps there is no picture which presents such a combination of heartrending and revolting scenes, as a battle-field immediately after a sanguinary contest. To the inexperienced, the spectacle is an awful one. The battle-field of the battle of Stone's river is replete with incidents extraordinary and strange. Those brave men who fell fighting for their country, and fighting against it, found graves in muddy cotton fields and in beautiful cedar groves; in unromantic corn fields, and in secluded meadows; upon the hills and in the valleys, and for miles along the stream upon the banks of which the battle fiercely raged, and from which it takes its name. The Murfreesboro pike and Chattanooga railroad divide the battlefield. Travellers upon either road, upon either hand, can gaze for three or four miles upon the picture. The first place of interest upon the right, just at present are the ruins of a fine brick residence; beyond, upon the right and left, are the earthworks thrown up by our troops upon that dark and stormy night. From these works to town are hundreds of carcasses of horses, breastworks, demolished houses, broken wagons and wheels, and graves.
Upon the right, near the railroad, are eleven graves of the 74th Ohio; near is an equal number of the 45th Mississippi; then, side by side, farther on, repose eleven members of the 78th Pennsylvania, and eight members of the Rock City Guards. Upon the left is quite a cemetery—ninety-three prettily constructed graves, with an inscribed slab at the head of each. As you enter the ground a placard informs the reader that "This patch of ground contains the bodies of 93 soldiers, of the 15th, 16th, 18th, and 19th, U. S. Infantry. Do not disturb these graves by additions or otherwise." Leaving the regulars, you next discover 4 graves of the 19th Illinois, and 27 of the 41st Alabama. Leave the line of the railroad, travel over a spot of ground containing nearly two thousand acres, and you find the scenes everywhere. The national and the rebel dead—the old man, the strong man, the youth; husband, father, son, lover—all lie in a common grave. The interments, however, are most solemn, and the utmost silence prevails as the lost companion is quietly placed in his uncouth grave.
B. C. T.
Nashville Daily Union, February 15, 1863.
14, On picket duty and impressions of slave quarters in Rutherford county
Saturday, Feb. 14: On picket. Weather springlike. Well here I am on picket post looking out for Rebs. The Vedettes are posted out in front, one standing directly in front of me. The picket line runs East from my post. We are posted 5 miles from Murfreesboro on the Salem pike. Lt. Montgomery is in charge of this position of the guard. Lt. Murson in charge of the other. Capt. Branch officer of the day. Out in front are large plantations with numerous negro quarters. They present the appearance of a small town. (One of the arguments used in favor of slavery well fed, well clothed and good houses to live in. All but the feed clothes and houses.)
Follett Diary.
14, Report relative to the capture of various Confederate guerrilla leaders in West Tennessee
Jackson, Tenn., Feb. 10.-The report has just come to head-quarters that a squad of Union cavalry from Fort Pillow succeeded in capturing a guerrilla chief, at the head of the cotton burners in this vicinity-Cushman-with eight of his men, on Sunday last [8th], near Brownsville, Haywood county. This with the previously reported capture of Dawson, and the complete dispersion of his as well as Stevenson's band by General Sullivan's cavalry and mounted infantry clears General Sullivan's district of Rebel forces for the present. Since the 1st of January last, General Sullivan has captured 600 prisoners, and at least 1000 horses. This is doing remarkably well, Would that our Federal commanders could bring forward as fair a record for a month's service. The war would be nearer and end that it seems now to be.
Philadelphia Inquirer, February 14, 1863.
14, Reconnaissance on Cleveland and Spring Place road, East Tennessee
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 14, 1864.
Col. ELI LONG, Cmdg. Second Brig., Second Cav. Div., Calhoun, Tenn.:
You have doubtless received the report of Brig.-Gen. Cruft about the reported movements of rebel cavalry upon the Cleveland and Spring Place road. The major-general commanding desires that you send a small cavalry force upon that road to make a reconnaissance and ascertain the truth or falsity of the report.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. D. WHIPPLE,
Brig.-Gen. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 14, 1864.
Maj. Gen. G. GRANGER, Loudon, Tenn.:
Intelligence has been brought here that a force of rebel cavalry, 2,000 strong, has been passing up the Spring Place and Cleveland road, probably with a view to cut the railroad between Cleveland and the Hiwassee or capture a train.
The major-general commanding desires to know whether a portion of the cavalry force might not be brought down from the Little Tennessee and be posted at Benton for the purpose of preventing such operations of the enemy. Col. Long will be directed to send a small force of cavalry upon the same errand for the purpose of ascertaining the truth of the statement.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brig.-Gen. and Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 32, pt. II, pp. 391-392.
14, "We have been burying dead. We buried about eight hundred as near as I can find out." Abe Clendening's letter to his friend William Miller describing army life in the Chattanooga environs
Chattanooga Tenn
Feb 14th 1864
Friend William
I received your kind letter dated Feb. 4th and was glad to hear from home again. Our Battalion came into camp last evening a little before sundown. We have been out on the Chicamauga [sic] battle cence [sic] last Monday week. We have been burying dead. We buried about eight hundred as near as I can find out. We encamped about three miles beyond our pickets. We was [sic] not disturbed any by the rebs [sic]. We did not see any rebs [sic] only some that came into our line. I think some twenty or twenty-five came in while we were out there. There was one time we thought we would be attacked. While we were out one half of the men went out at a time, the others staid in to wach [sic] the camp and the day we were alarmed I was out and the word came for us to come in quick that our camp was attacked and we started for camp and I thought the next thing I would see would be the rebs [sic]. When we cot [sic] in, nearly all the men were out ready for an attack but it all turned out to be false.
The alarm was caused some three or four rebel cavalry firing on one of our cavalry that was riding around and our pickets heard the firing and gave the alarm. So we have not had a fight yet.
But it was a wonder to me that we was not for we was not more than ten or twelve miles fro[m] a rebel camp. Enough to have taken us had they tried it. But lucky for them and for us to, they did not come. So we have got back to Chattanooga again and found our camp all right.
It is raining to day. It is the first rain we have had to amount to much cence [sic] I have been here.
I have had excellent health cence [sic] I enlisted wich [sic] is best of all.
Deserters are coming in very fast. One of the boys that staid in camp told me that three hundred came in day before yesterday.
I think if they come in that way long, it won't be long before the southern Confedacy [sic] will play out. Some think that the war will be over before long, others think that it will be a long time. For my part I dont [sic] know, consequently I don't [sic] say, but I hope it wont be long.
I suppose the 41st [Ohio] is at home enjoying themselves the first best at least they ought to and I hope they will.
You write that George has got home and he is buried. Well I am sorry. George was as good a young man as I ever met with. He always seemed like a brother to me instead of a stranger and I feel that I am bereft of a friend. While you are bereft of a bro. and you all have my sympathies. I feel that although George was called away in the prime of his life, he has gone to a better land, a land where there will be no more wars or rumors of war. I am very much obliged to you for your kind offer saying you would write to me. I hope you will do so for is a great consolation to me to get letters from my old friends.
I have heard that my brother Boyd had enlisted but I dont [sic] know where he is and I cant [sic] write to him until I know where to write. I wish you would let me know if you know so that I can write to him. I suppose he will write as soon as he gets settled and may be you can let me know sooner.
I cant [sic] get postage stamps here without some trouble so I wish you would send me some and I will send you the money and be oblige to you. Besides I wish you would send me the Sandusky Regester [sic]. I dont [sic] care if you only send it once a month, it will be a great accomadation [sic] to me and I will do as much for you when I have the chance.
Any how I will do what I promised to do for you if you will let me if it done come of [sic] before I get home. I suppose you know what that is. You know what you told me going to [unreadable].
My sheet is nearly full I will have to close. Give my love to all the folks and to them good Union girls. I dont [sic] see many here and what I do see chew tobuckoo [sic] a rite [sic] smart. I reckon no more this time but remain your true friend and brother in Christ. Write soon.
A. Clendening
Center for Archival Collections, Miller Family Papers[4]
14, "We buried the remains of eight hundred and seventeen soldiers that had remained unburied since the 20th of Sept. last."
Headquarters OVSS
Chattanooga, Tennessee
February 14, 1864
My Dear Wife
I am again in Chattanooga. We set up last night having been absent nearly two weeks. The expedition has been of great value to our men as well as of great interest to the government. We buried the remains of eight hundred and seventeen soldiers that had remained unburied since the 20th of Sept. last. Such barbarianism was never shown by any savages in the history of the world. We were two weeks-encamped five miles in advance of our farthest pickets and between the two lines. Once we had an alarm and got into the line of battle but no rebs [sic] ventured to attack us. The expedition has enforced the health of the men 75 percent. I expect to be ordered on another expedition in advance of the lines soon but for another purpose….
* * * *
Barber Correspondence
14, Major-General R. H. Milroy pleads for reinforcements to fight bushwhackers
HDQRS. DEFENSES NASHVILLE AND CHATTANOOGA R. R., Tullahoma, February 14, 1865.
Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Dept. of the Cumberland:
GEN.: I have the honor to bring to your attention the almost absolute necessary of having more force at this post. There are now here for duty 319 enlisted men. Of this number three companies, H, F, and K, of the Forty-second Missouri Volunteer Infantry go out of service about the middle of March, and their average strength is 80 men, making 240 enlisted men, which will leave but 79 enlisted men for duty at this post. There are a great number of guerrillas and marauding bands in the surrounding country, which makes it incumbent upon me to send out large and frequent scouting parties, in order to clear the country of these outlaws and afford protection to the loyal inhabitants and the railroads. It is so perfectly manifest that my force is entirely inadequate for this purpose, that it is only necessary to make mention of the fact to you. I earnestly urge the pressing necessity of having at least one good full regiment of infantry ordered to this post, if it meets with the approval of the general commanding and is consistent with his plans.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. H. MILROY, Maj.-Gen. of Volunteers, Cmdg.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 49, pt. I, pp. 714-715.
14, Capture of guerrillas near Athens
ATHENS, February 14, 1865.
(Received 8.50 p. m.)
Brig.-Gen. TILLSON:
Capt. Duggan just came in off scout. Captured 5 guerrillas out of 6, all that came in this time. Also captured 5 horses, with saddles, and 4 guns and 1 pistol, and recaptured Lieut. Don, of Monroe Country.
W. A. COCHRAN, Capt., Cmdg. Regt. [sic]
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 49, pt. I, p. 715.
[1] This is the last number of the Clarksville Chronicle until July 1865.
[2] Throughout the Civil War Lindsley served as post surgeon of Nashville hospitals and alone protected the library and laboratory of the University of Nashville from the occupying army.
[3] The only references to skirmishes at Moscow (not Moscow Station) in the OR are for December 10 and 14, 1863. Ser I, Vol. 31.
[4] As cited in: http://www.bgsu.edu. Center for Archival Collections, Miller Family Papers [Hereinafter cited as Miller Papers.]
James B. Jones, Jr.
Public Historian
Tennessee Historical Commission
2941 Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN 37214
(615)-770-1090 ext. 123456
(615)-532-1549 FAX
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