Brigadier-General Albin F. Schoepf to Brigadier General George H. Thomas, December 2, 1861

CAMP GOGGIN, December 2, 1861.

GENERAL: I arrived here yesterday, reconnoitered same day and today. This morning the enemy opened fire from three pieces, one rifled, and infantry on Colonel Haskins' camp subsequent to my order for the removal of the camp some distance back.

The strength of the enemy is estimated, by the best accounts we can get, of the following distant from Mill Springs 2 miles, 1,000 infantry; at Steubenville, 2 miles distant from West's, 2,000 infantry; and at Monticello, 5 miles from Steubenville, 3,000 infantry. Mill Springs is distant from this point 12 miles, at which place they can cross the Cumberland with facility, and 2 miles below that point they can also cross.

Apprehending the probability of their crossing at Mill Springs, I detailed two companies of cavalry to that place. I deem the position east of me safe, but west of me they may cross.

The river is high and not fordable, but by means of flats they can cross anywhere; the troops under my command are not sufficient to keep the river guarded as far as Mill Springs. Should they cross in the vicinity of my camp I can defend my position. The Thirty-eighth Ohio will be with me to-day. The Seventeenth will occupy a position on Fishing Creek, to defend against a flank movement should the enemy cross.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. SCHOEPF,    

Brigadier-General.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS,
        Commanding Eastern Division.

P. S.—The enemy have moved their artillery and opened fire again. I have hardly time to write.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 7

Colonel John M. Connell to Brigadier-General Albin F. Schoepf, December 5, 1861

CAMP AT FISHING CREEK, December 5, 1861.        

(Received December 6, 1861.)

General SCHOEPF, Commanding Camp Goggin:

GENERAL: On yesterday I moved forward with the artillery to take position at Mill Springs, according to your order, having sent the cavalry the evening before; they however did not proceed more than 2 miles.

I advanced to within 2½ miles of the Ford at Mill Springs with my whole force, and went forward with Captain Ricketts and Lieutenant Fife, of artillery, to the Ford to make a personal reconnaissance. Found their pickets within 100 yards of the Ford, on this side; endeavored to avoid them, and took the woods on the left hand and spent about twenty minutes examining their position, and found it too strong and the enemy too numerous to face with our small force.

You have been misinformed as to the possibility of securing a good position that any small force can hold at that point. The rebel camp completely overlooks the bluffs on this side, and it is impossible to take position upon them without being exposed to their full view and in range of all their arms. Upon attempting by myself to pass to the right bluff near the creek I was fired upon by a body of their cavalry, who were just coming up the hill at the Ford within 50 yards of me. They followed, firing deliberately as I spurred my horse back. In turning a sharp angle my saddle turned, girth broke, and I was thrown within 100 yards of them, and but for the noble conduct and cool bravery of Captain Ricketts I would have been killed or captured. He got off his horse and waited until I ran up to him and gave me his horse, while he escaped into the woods.

I found no tenable position at all between Mill Springs and Fishing Creek, and certainly none at or near Mill Springs or mouth of Meadow Creek.

The rebels have already several boats and cross the Ford with ease. Their cavalry can cross in a few minutes.

Captain Fullerton made diligent inquiry as to their force, and reports to me that he has no doubt that there are twelve regiments at Mill Springs. They have very extensive encampments.

We have not a very strong position here, but it is better than any we can get between here and Mill Springs, and if we had a force to throw across the creek I think we could make a very strong resistance.

Finding ourselves in an exposed condition, where we could in a few minutes be completely surrounded and the rebels beating to arms, with cavalry across the Ford in our front, and night just upon us, my own judgment, supported by the opinion of all the officers of my command, influenced me to fall back, and finding no place where I could make a stand and save my train except this, I moved back here during the night quietly and in good order; my men and teams terribly fatigued with 25 miles’ rough marching and counter-marching.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. CONNELL,        

Colonel Seventeenth Ohio Regiment.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 475

Brigadier-General Albin F. Schoepf to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, December 6, 1861

HEADQUARTERS, Somerset, December 6, 1861.

Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS,
        Commanding Eastern Division:

GENERAL: The enemy have crossed the Cumberland, as near as I can learn, with four regiments of infantry, two regiments of cavalry, and eight pieces of artillery. As there was no position near the river that could have been held by the small force under me (not 1,900), I deemed it my duty to move back about 3 miles beyond Somerset to a very fine position, that commands the Crab Orchard road and also the road to Stanford, where I now am, and shall await my re-enforcements, and will then move forward.

The position at Fishing Creek was untenable, on account of three roads flanking us, all leading to the different ferries, which rendered it impossible for me to distribute my few men with any hope of success.

The movement of last night was not known to the enemy until this morning.

The enemy had 3,000 encamped about 3 miles west of us, and, as I learned from scouts, they were still crossing and moving down the river banks, where they drove in our pickets and took possession of the ferries at Hudson's and also the one at Patterson's, both of which have roads leading to the main road, about one mile in my rear, which has no place for artillery to operate effectively.

I could have held a position where the enemy is encamped, had it not been for the unpardonable disobedience of Captain Dillion to occupy the point opposite Mill Springs, when I positively ordered him to do so. I have ordered him to report himself to me, when I shall order him in arrest and send him to Lebanon, hoping that something may be done to prevent such flagrant disobedience in the future.

Our pickets were firing until late in the night, but without any damage to us, our men reporting to have killed a few of the enemy.

Day before yesterday a messenger from you reported to me that he had lost the dispatch you sent by him, and yesterday a gentleman found one on the road, directed to me, containing invoices from the quartermaster, which was also sent by a messenger. The messenger I sent you day before yesterday has also lost my dispatch to you. All of these men belong to Wolford's cavalry.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. SCHOEPF,   

Brigadier-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 476

Brigadier-General Albin F. Schoepf to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, December 8, 1861

HEADQUARTERS FIRST KENTUCKY BRIGADE,        

SOMERSET, December 8, 1861.

GENERAL: We met the enemy's scouts this evening about 3 miles to the west of the village; the collision took place between the Thirty-fifth Ohio and the enemy's cavalry. Our loss was 1 killed and 1 wounded; the enemy's, 1 officer killed and 3 men wounded. We captured 1 horse and killed 5. The cavalry under my command, as usual, behaved badly. They are a nuisance, and the sooner they are disbanded the better. They are scouring the country on their own account, lounging about the villages and drinking establishments, a nuisance and disturbance to the quiet citizens of the country. Captain Everett has just joined me, and reports a series of irregularities by stragglers of this regiment as having passed under his notice in the several villages through which he passed.

Is there no such thing as obtaining a regiment of reliable cavalry? Such a regiment is indispensable with this brigade at this time. The absence of such troops has kept me in the saddle until I am nearly worn down with fatigue.

I very much need a brigade commissary of subsistence, who could have the means to purchase such articles as it may become necessary to purchase. The system of making purchases by regimental commissaries and giving promise to pay is open to abuse, and has become a great annoyance.

The two Tennessee regiments will be here to-morrow. I shall, no doubt, need them by the time they arrive.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. SCHOEPF,        

Brigadier-General Commanding.

Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS.

P. S. I regret to add that Major Helveti, of the Kentucky Cavalry, and Captain Prime, Engineers, are both missing, and have been, I now learn, captured by the enemy. These officers left camp with me on Wednesday on a reconnaissance, but, taking a different road, fell into the hands of the enemy. An earlier report would have been made of this, but I had looked for their return until after the departure of the Saturday's mail, my last reliable means of communicating with you. I deem it useless now to send a dispatch by a cavalry express.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 8-9

Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Saturday, November 9, 1861

Our brigade moved back from Anderson County to the vicinity of Jacksborough. McNairy's Battalion camped six miles south of town on the Clinton road.

REVOLT OF THE UNIONISTS IN EAST TENNESSEE.

East Tennessee was now ablaze with excitement on account of the uprising and open rebellion of the Union men. They were flying to arms in squads of from fifty to five hundred. Several bridges along the East Tennessee and Georgia, and Virginia and Tennessee Railroads were burned last night.

It appears that William Blunt Carter,¹ of East Tennessee, was the prime mover and chief instigator of the revolt and bridge burning above named, and the following communication will show the beginning corner of his plans:

HEADQUARTERS CAMP DICK ROBINSON,        

September 30, 1861.

Major-General George B. McClellan, Commanding Department of the Potomac:

GENERAL: I have just had a conversation with Mr. W. B. Carter, of Tennessee, on the subject of the destruction of the Grand Trunk Railroad through that State.

He assures me that he can have it done if the Government will intrust him with a small sum of money to give confidence to the persons to be employed to do it. It would be one of the most important services that could be done for the country, and I most earnestly hope you will use your influence with the authorities in furtherance of his plans, which he will submit to you, together with the reasons for doing the work. I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant,

Geo. H. THOMAS,        

Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.²

Suffice it to say that he received satisfactory encouragement from the Federal Government, and, setting out on his mission about the middle of October, Carter arrived in the neighborhood of Montgomery, Morgan County, Tennessee, on the 22d, and under that date he wrote to General Thomas thus:

I reached here at 2 P. M. to-day. I am in six miles of company of rebel cavalry.

The rebels continue to arrest and imprison our people.

You will please furnish the bearers with as much lead, rifle powder, and as many caps as they can bring for Scott and Morgan Counties. You need not fear to trust these people. They will open the war for you by routing these small bodies of marauding cavalry.

I find our people have suffered beyond all forbearance. Hasten on to our aid. To-morrow night I hope to be near our railroad.

You shall hear from me again soon.³

On the 27th, near Kingston, Roane County, he wrote again to Thomas as follows:

I am now within a few miles of our railroad, but I have not yet had time to obtain all the information I must have before I decide on the course best for me to adopt. If I can get half a dozen brave men to “take the bull by the horns” we can whip them completely and save the railroad.

If I cannot get such leaders we will make a desperate attempt to destroy all the bridges, and I firmly believe I will be successful.

The Union men of East Tennessee are longing and praying for the hour when they can break their fetters.

Men and women weep for joy when I merely hint to them that the day of our deliverance is at hand. . . .

I beg you to hasten on to our help, as we are about to create a great diversion in General McClellan's favor.

You must bring some small arms with you. I am satisfied that you will have to take the road by Monticello and Jamestown, unless you come by Cumberland Gap.⁴

Having succeeded in maturing his plans, the execution of which resulted in the bridge burning, as previously mentioned. Mr. W. B. Carter set out on his return November with, and arrived at his brother's headquarters at “Camp Calvert," near London, Kentucky, on the 16th, and on the same day his brother, Colonel S. P. Carter (afterward General) sent the following report to General Thomas, whose headquarters had been moved forward from Camp Dick Robinson to Crab Orchard:

My brother William has just arrived from East Tennessee. He reports that on Friday night, 8th instant, of last week, he succeeded in having burned at least six, and perhaps eight bridges on the railroad, viz. : Union bridge, in Sullivan County, near the Virginia line, Lick Creek bridge, in Green County, Strawberry plains, in Jefferson County, fifteen miles east of Knoxville, partially destroyed, Hiawassee bridge seventy miles south-west of Knoxville, and on the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad, two bridges over the Chickamauga, one between Cleveland and Chattanooga, and the other between Chattanooga and Dalton, Georgia. These bridges are certainly destroyed. The Long Island bridge, at Bridgeport, on Tennessee River, and a bridge below Dalton, on the Western and Atlantic road, are probably destroyed.⁵

Only five bridges were burned, as the following dispatch from Colonel W. B. Wood, Sixteenth Alabama, who had been for some time guarding the railroad as best he could with the small force at his command, will show:

KNOXVILLE, November 11, 1861.

Adjutant-General Cooper, Richmond:

Three bridges burned between Bristol and Chattanooga, two on Georgia road. Five hundred Union men now threatening Strawberry Plains. Fifteen hundred assembling in Hamilton County, and a general uprising in all the counties. I have about one thousand men under my command.

W. B. Wood,        

Colonel.⁶

PRIVATE MONROE KNIGHT, Co. E, FIRST BATTALION.

In order to put down this revolt of the Unionists, Stovall's Battallion and a light field battery were sent from Richmond, Virginia, to Bristol, Tennessee (11th), the Seventh Alabama, Col. S. A. M. Wood, from Pensacola to Chattanooga (14th), General W. H. Carroll, with two regiments, though mostly unarmed, from Memphis to Chattanooga (15th), and General Zollicoffer sent the Twenty-ninth Tennessee, Colonel S. Powell, from Jacksborough to Knoxville (ioth). On the nith Col. Danville Leadbetter, of Engineer Corps, was ordered by President Davis to proceed at once from Richmond to East Tennessee, assume command of all the troops to be stationed for the   and Chattanooga, reconstruct bridges, and repair and keep open the line of communication between those points.⁷

Mr. W. B. Carter happened to enter East Tennessee on his special mission just at the right time for it to be an easy matter for him to induce the Union men of that section to do his bidding. For when Zollicoffer fell back out of Kentucky the Unionists fully believed that the Federal army would be in their midst in a few days.

On the 20th Colonel W. B. Wood wrote to the Secretary of war thus:

The rebellion in East Tennessee has been put down in some of the counties, and will be effectually suppressed in less than two weeks in all the counties. Their camps in Sevier and Hamilton Counties have been broken up, and a large number of them made prisoners. Some are confined in jail at this place and others sent to Nashville. . . . . . . . . . . . .

The prisoners we have tell us that they had every assurance that the (Federal) army was already in the State, and would join them in a very few days; that the property of Southern men was to be confiscated and divided among those who would take up arms for Lincoln.⁸

In answer to an inquiry in reference to what he should do with his prisoners, Colonel Wood received the following from the Secretary of War:

All such as can be identified as having been engaged in bridge burning are to be tried summarily by-drum head court-martial, and, if found guilty, executed on the spot by hanging. It would be well to leave their bodies hanging in the vicinity of the burned bridges.

All such as have not been so engaged are to be treated as prisoners of war, and sent with an armed guard to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and held in jail till the end of the war. Such as come in voluntarily, take the oath of allegiance and surrender their arms are alone to be treated with leniency.⁹

Some, I know not how many, were found guilty by a “drum-head court martial” and hung.

As a general thing these bands of traitors would disband and flee to the mountains on the approach of an armed force of Confederates, therefore it was a difficult matter to do any thing with them.

While W. B. Carter was in East Tennessee arousing a spirit of rebellion there, ex-Governor Andrew Johnson was with the Federal army at London, Kentucky, urging upon and pleading with Generals Schoepf and Thomas to move forward into East Tennessee. In fact, this “forward movement” had been so often urged by Johnson, Maynard, the Carters and others of East Tennessee, that it had become quite annoying to the Federal commanders, as the following correspondence will show.

On November 7th, General Thomas wrote thus to Johnson:

Your favor of the 6th instant is at hand. I have done all in my power to get troops and transportation and means to advance into East Tennessee. I believe General Sherman at (Louisville) has done the same.

Up to this time we have been unsuccessful. If the Tennesseans are not content and must go, then the risk of disaster will remain with them.

In conclusion I will add that I am here ready to obey orders, and earnestly hope that the troops at London will see the necessity of doing the same.¹⁰

At the same time Thomas addressed a letter to Schoepf as follows:

I find it necessary to reply to Governor Johnson's letter in the manner of the foregoing, which I send to you for your information. It is time that discontented persons should be silenced, both in and out of the service.

I hope you will therefore see the necessity of dealing decidedly with such people, and you have my authority and orders for doing

We must learn to abide our time, or we shall never be successful.¹¹

On the 8th, Schoepf replied to the above thus:

Yours of the 7th instant, with copy of letter to Governor Johnson, is before me, and it is with extreme satisfaction that I note the decided manner in which the case is laid down to Governor Johnson.

This outside pressure has become intolerable, and must be met with firmness, or the army may as well be disbanded.

With importunate citizens on one side and meddlesome reporters for papers on the other, I can scarce find time to attend to the appropriate duties of my position. By the way, cannot something be done to rid our camps of this latter class? I have really reached that point so that I am afraid to address my staff officer above a whisper in my own tent.¹²

Though, in place of a forward, the Federals made a retrograde, movement from London soon after the above correspondence.

On the 13th, General Schoepf set out from London to join General Thomas at Crab Orchard, with all the troops camped there, except the First and Second Tennessee and Third Kentucky (Colonel T. T. Garrard), which remained at   (Second Tennessee.)¹³

If you will excuse me, dear reader, for the above digression, I shall now return to Jacksborough and take up the movements of Zollicoffer's Brigade.

_______________

¹ A brother of General S. P. Carter, who commanded the Tennessee Federal Brigade.

² Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., p. 284.

³ Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., p. 317.

⁴ Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., p. 320.

⁵ Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., p. 359.

⁶ Ibid., p. 236.

⁷ See Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., pp. 234, 235, 538.

⁸ Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., p. 250.

⁹ Rebellon Records, Vol. VII., p. 701.

¹⁰ Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., pp. 342 and 343.

¹¹ Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., p. 347.

¹² Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., p. 347.

¹³ See Carter to H. Maynard, Rebellion Records, Vol. VII., p. 468.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 74-80

Brigadier-General George H. Thomas to Brigadier-General Albin F. Schoeph, November 7, 1861

HEADQUARTERS,        

Crab Orchard, Ky., November 7, 1861.

Brigadier-General SCHOEPF,
        Commanding Camp Calvert, London, Ky.:

GENERAL: I find it necessary to reply to Governor Johnson's letter in the manner of the foregoing, which I send to you for your information. It is time that discontented persons should be silenced both in and out of the service. I sympathize most deeply with the Tennesseeans on account of their natural anxiety to relieve their friends and families from the terrible oppression which they are now suffering; but to make the attempt to rescue them when we are not half prepared is culpable, especially when our enemies are as anxious that we should make the move as the Tennesseeans themselves; for it is well known by our commanding general that Buckner has an overwhelming force within striking distance whenever he can get us at a disadvantage. I hope you will therefore see the necessity of dealing decidedly with such people, and you have my authority and orders for doing so. We must learn to abide our time, or we shall never be successful.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS,        

Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 343

Brigadier-General Albin F. Schoeph to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, November 8, 1861

LONDON, KY., November 8, 1861. (Received November 9.)

[General THOMAS:]

GENERAL: Yours of the 7th instant, with copy of letter to Governor Andrew Johnson, is before me, and it is with extreme satisfaction that I note the decided manner in which the case is laid down to Governor Johnson.

This outside pressure has become intolerable and must be met with firmness, or the Army may as well be disbanded.

With importunate citizens on one side and meddlesome reporters for papers on the other, I can scarce find time to attend to the appropriate duties of my position. By the way, cannot something be done to rid our camps of this latter class? I have really reached that point that I am afraid to address my staff officer above a whisper in my own tent. My most trivial remarks to my officers are caught up, magnified, and embellished, and appear in print as my "expressed opinions," much to the surprise of myself and those to whom my remarks were addressed, thus keeping me continually in a false position with my superior officers and the country.

So far as a forward movement is concerned, I have never urged it; do not now urge it; but on the contrary believe that in the present condition of my command (having a large sick list) it would be most decidedly imprudent. I am nevertheless ready to obey your order to advance, come when it may. That is a question for my superiors, and not for me, to determine.

After eight days of labor on the part of Captain Everett, he has returned the regimental monthly returns to the respective commanders, to be forwarded direct to your headquarters; Captain Everett having declared his inability to obtain from any one regiment anything like a passable document, or even the data upon which he could frame one.

My consolidated morning reports will be commenced on the 10th and promptly continued as per orders every ten days, and forwarded upon the days upon which they are made.

Please furnish the regimental commanders with blanks in time for the close of the present month, when, perhaps, by "line upon line and precept upon precept," they may be brought to produce a more businesslike sheet in future.

Very respectfully, yours,

A. SCHOEPF,        

Brigadier-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 347-8

Acting Brigiadier-General Samuel P. Carter to Horace Maynard, November 21, 1861

HEADQUARTERS EAST TENNESSEE BRIGADE,        

Camp Calvert, near London, Ky., November 21, 1861.

Hon. HORACE MAYNARD:

DEAR SIR: The copy of Evening Star received this evening assures me you have not forgotten me.

We are still here, together with Third Regiment Kentucky Volunteers. Why all the other forces were withdrawn is a question to be answered at Louisville. By the papers you will have seen that we, too, left on the night of the 13th, by orders of General Schoepf, in company with the Ohio and Indiana troops, as it seemed, by orders which should have been given me that day, but which were not received until two days afterwards, not only unnecessarily, but contrary to General Thomas' directions.

I was intensely mortified at the hesitancy of some of our Tennesseeans to move on when they found they had to take the road leading to Crab Orchard. They had got the impression we were returning to Camp Robinson to winter, but after I spoke a few words to them they obeyed the order to march. Many fell out during the night and some deserted. Our losses amount to about 40 to 45. We were without transportation, and were forced to leave almost the entire camp standing and every one of our sick behind. The roads were in a terrible state, and large numbers of men from the various regiments fell out on the way from sheer exhaustion. When I reached Dr. Josslin's I learned for the first time we were to return to this place.

Our men are most anxious to return to Eastern Tennessee, not so much to see their families as to drive the rebels from the country. We are all inclined to think that help will be deferred until it is too late to save our people. This ought not to be so.

Two or three batteries and 10,000 men, provided even with powder and lead for the people, could save Eastern Tennessee at this time. Will help never come?

General Thomas has left Crab Orchard, and we are here to look out for ourselves. To-night I have sent out between 600 and 700 men in the direction of Flat Lick, 8 miles above Barboursville, to try and cut off some of the thieving rebel scouts and to gain correct intelligence of their whereabouts.

I think it probable that we shall in a few days move on Somerset. I have no information as to the plans of General Buell. Can you not get those in power to give us a few more men and permission to make at least an effort to save our people? Do try. They are even now in arms, and must be crushed unless assistance soon reaches them.

Two men came in from Carter this evening who have been nearly six weeks on the way.

With respect, yours, truly,

S. P. CARTER.

[Indorsement. ]

DECEMBER 3, 1861.

Please read and consider this letter.

A. L.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 468-9

Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Tuesday, October 29, 1861

Colonel McNairy sent a scout of sixty men out in the direction of London yesterday, and on returning last night four of Captain Horn's company put up for the night some fifteen miles from our camp. As they were coming to camps this morning they were fired on from the bushes. They reported that they returned the fire, killing one of the bush-whackers and capturing four muskets. They brought the muskets into camp. The above named scout went within about seven miles of London and reported that the Federals had advanced from Wildcat to that place.

General Albin Schoepf had advanced from Wildcat with six regiments¹ and two batteries of artillery, and established his headquarters at the junction of the Crab Orchard and Richmond roads, three miles north of London, with two of his regiments thrown forward to that place.

On the above date General Thomas sent the following dispatch to General Schoepf:

I have just received a letter from General Sherman. He objects to advancing the troops too far on this route, and directs that we go no farther than your camp for the present.²

The Major of our battalion, William Malcomb, resigned and started home.

______________

¹ Fourteenth, Colonel Steedman, and Seventeenth, Colonel Connell, Ohio, Thirty-third Indiana, Colonel Coburn, Third Kentucky, Colonel Garrard, First, Colonel Byrd, and Second, Colonel Carter, Tennessee, and Standart’s and Kenny's Batteries. Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., p. 322.

² Rebellion Records, Vol. IV., p. 323. See Appendix A.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 69-70

Brigadier-General George H. Thomas to Brigadier-General Albin F Schoepf, October 29, 1861

HEADQUARTERS CAMP DICK ROBINSON,        

October 29, 1861.

Brig. Gen. A. SCHOEPF:

GENERAL: I have just received a letter from General Sherman. He objects to advancing the troops too far on this route, and directs that we go no farther than your camp for the present.

*          *          *          *          *          *          *

Respectfully, &c.,

GEO. H. THOMAS,        

Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 323

Brigadier-General Albin F. Schoepf to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, October 28, 1861

CAMP CONNELL, NEAR LONDON,        

Laurel County, Kentucky, October 28, 1861.

[General GEORGE H. THOMAS:]

GENERAL: In compliance with your instructions I have moved my command forward, and now occupy a position about 3 miles north of London, at the junction of the Crab Orchard and Richmond roads.

I have in camp the Fourteenth and Seventeenth Ohio and Thirty-third Indiana and two batteries (Standart's and Kenny's).

I have sent Colonel Garrard's Kentucky and the First Tennessee ahead to occupy London or some convenient point adjacent. The Second Tennessee will be up to-night.

Please advise me of the location, strength, &c., of the several columns of our forces now in Kentucky. I am feeling my way somewhat in the dark, and would like to be kept posted up with reference to the movements of both friends and enemies. I reconnoitered this morning a few miles beyond London to find a better camping ground, but found no position as good as my present, I can here obtain wood, water, forage, and some provisions, which is more than I can do on the other side of London, except by hauling a long distance.

It is reported that Buckner has advanced upon Greensburg. Is it so? A Mr. Burnsides reports himself as beef contractor, but has no documents to show the fact. I understood you to say that he had contracted. Did I rightly understand you?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. SCHOEPF,        

Brigadier-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 322-3

Brigadier-General William T. Sherman to Brigadier-General Lorenzo Thomas, October 22, 1861

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Louisville, Ky., October 22, 1861.

General L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: On my arrival at Camp Dick Robinson I found General Thomas had stationed a Kentucky regiment at Rockcastle Hills, beyond a river of same name, and had sent an Ohio and an Indiana regiment forward in support. He was embarrassed for transportation, but I authorized him to hire teams and to move his whole force nearer to his advance guard, so as to support it, as he had information of the approach of Zollicoffer towards London. I have just heard from him that he had sent forward General Schoepf, with Colonel Wolford's cavalry, Colonel Steedman's Ohio regiment, and a battery of artillery, followed on a succeeding day by the Tennessee brigade. He had still two Kentucky regiments, the Thirty-eighth Ohio, and another battery of artillery, with which he was to follow yesterday. This force if concentrated should be strong enough for the purpose, and at all events is all he had or I could give him. I explained to you fully when here the supposed position of our adversaries, among which was a force in the valley of Big Sandy supposed to be advancing on Paris, Ky. General Nelson, at Maysville, was instucted to collect all the men he could and Colonel Sill's regiment of Ohio volunteers. Colonel Harris was already in position at Olympian Springs, and a regiment lay at Lexington, which I ordered to his support. This leaves the line of Thomas' operations exposed, but I cannot help it. I explained so fully to yourself and the Secretary of War the condition of things, that I can add nothing now until further developments. You know my views-that this great center of our field was too weak, far too weak, and I have begged and implored till I dare not say more.

Buckner still is beyond Green River. He sent a detachment of his men, variously estimated from 2,000 to 4,000, towards Greensburg. General Ward, with about 1,000 men, retreated to Campbellsville, where he called to his assistance some partially formed regiments to the number of about 2,000. The enemy did not advance, and General Ward was at last dates at Campbellsville. These officers, charged with raising regiments, must of necessity be nearer their homes to collect men, and for this reason are out of position; but at or near Greensburg and Lebanon I desire to assemble as large a force of the Kentucky volunteers as possible. This organization is necessarily irregular, but the necessity is so great, that I must have them, and therefore have issued to them arms and clothing during the process of formation. This has facilitated their enlistment; but inasmuch as the legislature provided the means for organizing the Kentucky volunteers, and intrusted their disbursements to a board of loyal gentlemen, I have endeavored to cooperate with them to hasten the formation of these corps. The great difficulty is, and has been, that as volunteers offer we have not arms and clothing to give them. The arms sent us are, as you already know, European muskets of uncouth pattern, which the volunteers will not touch. General McCook has now three brigades—Johnson's, Wood's, and Rousseau's. Negley's brigade arrived to-day, and will at once be sent out. The Minnesota regiment has also arrived, and will be sent forward. Hazzard's regiment of Indiana troops I have ordered to the mouth of Salt Creek; an important point on the turnpike road leading to Elizabethtown.

I again repeat that our force here is out of all proportion to the importance of the position. Our defeat would be disastrous to the nation, and to expect of new men who never bore arms to do miracles is not right.

I am, with much respect, yours, truly,

W. T. SHERMAN,        

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 315-6

Brigadier-General Albin F. Schoepf to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, October 22, 1861

CAMP ON ROCKCASTLE RIVER, October 22, 1861.

SIR: I sent up this morning all the spare wagons on hand. Please send me supplies of provisions of all kinds.

I sent an express to your headquarters yesterday, with a rough pencil note of the events of the day. The enemy has not since presented himself. I sent out scouts this morning to ascertain his whereabouts. These scouts have since returned, and report that the enemy have fully retreated in the direction of London.

Our loss yesterday is ascertained to be 4 killed and 18 wounded. On examination of the battle ground I set the enemy's loss down at 30 killed, with a large wounded list, the latter taken by them off the field (as I learn from an intelligent citizen in the vicinity), except 3, which were brought into our camp and properly cared for; one since died. Our wounded are doing well.

These prisoners, all examined separately by myself, gave the same statement relative to the strength of the enemy, viz, about 7,000.

The enemy fought well, approaching to within about 50 yards of our muskets with shouts and cheers, which were promptly responded to by our men, under the immediate command of Colonels Coburn and Wolford.

I yesterday asked for artillery ammunition and caps for rifles, to which I would now add a further supply of musket cartridges and caps.

The troops now en route for this camp will be held on the opposite side of the river for the present. I can hold my position with my present force against an equal or superior number, should the enemy again attack.

I will await further orders before following the enemy.

In the pocket of one of the wounded prisoners was found a letter to the commander of a Tennessee (secession) regiment, urging him to send forward his regiment to the relief of General Zollicoffer.

Respectfully submitted.

A. SCHOEPF,        

Brigadier-Genera1.

Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS,
        Commanding First Kentucky Brigade, Camp Dick Robinson.

P. S.—I have just learned from a citizen on the route of the retreating enemy that they acknowledge a loss of 100 killed.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 206-7

Official Reports: Action at Rockcastle Hills, or Camp Wildcat, Ky.. October 21, 1861

No. 1. Reports of Brig. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army
No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. A. Schoepf, U. S. Army
No. 3. Report of Col. John Coburn, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry
No. 4. Report of General A. S. Johnston, C. S. Army
No. 5. Reports of Brigadier-General F. K. Zollicoffer, C. S. Army, including operations October 16-26, with correspondence
No. 6. Report of Col. Taz. W. Newman, Seventeenth Tennessee Infantry

Official Reports: Action at Rockcastle Hills, or Camp Wildcat, Ky.. October 21, 1861. No. 1. — Reports of Brig. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army.

No. 1.

Reports of Brig. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS CAMP DICK ROBINSON,        

October 22, 1861—4 a.m.

GENERAL: I have just received a dispatch from General Schoepf, at the Rockcastle Hills. He writes that the enemy attacked the camp with 6,000 infantry and 1,500 cavalry, and were repulsed and driven back, as he says, behind their intrenchments. He reports 4 of our men killed and 20 wounded. Among the latter was Captain Hauser, Thirty-third Indiana, who rejoined his regiment after the amputation of his finger.

General Schoepf regards the position as secure. I am sending forward provisions and ammunition in addition to the supply taken by the troops. I thought it more advisable, in the present confused state of the quartermaster's department here, to remain at this post myself, sending forward Generals Schoepf and Carter, who are on the ground with 5,000 men. As soon as I can arrange matters here I will go forward myself.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS,        

Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols., Commanding.

Brig. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN,
        Comdg. Dep't of the Cumberland, Louisville, Ky.

_______________

HEADQUARTERS CAMP DICK ROBINSON,        

October 23, 1861.

GENERAL: I wrote you on the 22d, giving the substance of General Schoepf's report of the events of the 21st at Rockcastle Hills. I have just received another dispatch from him, in which he reports that his scouts had just returned and report the enemy “have fully retreated in the direction of London. Our loss is ascertained to be 4 killed and 18 wounded. On examination of the battle ground I set the enemy's loss down at 30 killed, with a large wounded list—the latter taken by them off the field (as I learn from an intelligent citizen in the vicinity), except 3, who were brought into our camp and properly cared for; 1 since dead. Our wounded are doing well.

“The 3 prisoners, all examined separately by myself, gave the same statement relative to the strength of the enemy, viz, about 7,000. The enemy fought well, approaching to within about fifty yards of our muskets with shouts and cheers, which were promptly responded to by our men, under the immediate command of Colonels Coburn and Wolford.

“In the pocket of one of the wounded prisoners was found a letter to the commander of a secession Tennessee regiment, urging him to send forward his regiment to the relief of General Zollicoffer. I have just learned from a citizen on the route of the retreating enemy that they acknowledged a loss of 100 killed."

I shall begin to move the depot to-morrow as far to the front as Crab Orchard, and advance troops to or beyond London as soon as I possibly can. Although I have sufficient ammunition for a battle, I would be obliged if you will have my requisition of the 12th instant filled and sent forward as soon as possible. I find a rumor in the papers that General Lee will supersede Zollicoffer. If he does, I should wish to be prepared for him fully. The canister and grape have reached here to-night, and I will forward them to-morrow.

The contractors, Theodore Comstock, of Columbus, Ohio, and Heil-debach, Seasongood & Co., of Cincinnati, have violated their contracts, copies of which I inclose, as well as copies of my letters to them. The man Comstock had money placed in the hands of Jones Brothers & Co., to be paid to him as soon as his overcoats were received, yet he has never delivered the five hundred. The Cincinnati firm furnished a few things, but have failed to deliver anything since the 18th. I fear from what I can learn that they were led away from the path of common honesty by the tempting offer of the governor of Ohio. He pays them $10 for each overcoat. I hope I have your authority for publishing their names in the Cincinnati papers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS,        

Brigadier-General, U.S. Vols.

Brig. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN,
        Comdg. Dep't of the Cumberland.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 205-6

Official Reports: Action at Rockcastle Hills, or Camp Wildcat, Ky., October 21, 1861. No. 2. — Reports of Brig. Gen. Albin F. Schoepf, U. S. Army.

No. 2.

Reports of Brig. Gen. A. Schoepf, U. S. Army.

CAMP ON ROCKCASTLE RIVER, October 22, 1861.

SIR: I sent up this morning all the spare wagons on hand. Please send me supplies of provisions of all kinds.

I sent an express to your headquarters yesterday, with a rough pencil note of the events of the day. The enemy has not since presented himself. I sent out scouts this morning to ascertain his whereabouts. These scouts have since returned, and report that the enemy have fully retreated in the direction of London.

Our loss yesterday is ascertained to be 4 killed and 18 wounded. On examination of the battle ground I set the enemy's loss down at 30 killed, with a large wounded list, the latter taken by them off the field (as I learn from an intelligent citizen in the vicinity), except 3, which were brought into our camp and properly cared for; one since died. Our wounded are doing well.

These prisoners, all examined separately by myself, gave the same statement relative to the strength of the enemy, viz, about 7,000.

The enemy fought well, approaching to within about 50 yards of our muskets with shouts and cheers, which were promptly responded to by our men, under the immediate command of Colonels Coburn and Wolford.

I yesterday asked for artillery ammunition and caps for rifles, to which I would now add a further supply of musket cartridges and caps.

The troops now en route for this camp will be held on the opposite side of the river for the present. I can hold my position with my present force against an equal or superior number, should the enemy again attack.

I will await further orders before following the enemy.

In the pocket of one of the wounded prisoners was found a letter to the commander of a Tennessee (secession) regiment, urging him to send forward his regiment to the relief of General Zollicoffer.

Respectfully submitted.

A. SCHOEPF,        

Brigadier-Genera1.

Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS,
        Commanding First Kentucky Brigade, Camp Dick Robinson.

P. S.—I have just learned from a citizen on the route of the retreating enemy that they acknowledge a loss of 100 killed.

_______________

HDQRS. CAMP WILDCAT, October 23, 1861.

GENERAL: I have reliable information that the enemy have retreated to Laurel Bridge, 9 miles south of London, and are moving southward. I have conversed with intelligent persons from the vicinity of London, thence to Cumberland Gap, and am of the opinion that I can advance to that point (Cumberland Gap) and scatter the forces of Zollicoffer en route, and by turning the Gap get and hold possession of it, and perhaps the great railroad from Richmond, Va., and Manassas to Memphis and the South. Shall I do it? Should such movement meet your approval, I would suggest that all the re-enforcements which can possibly be spared from Camp Dick Robinson be sent forward, a depot of supplies (on a small scale) be established at Crab Orchard, and a similar one at Wild Cat (my present position), upon which I could fall back in case of an emergency. I am credibly informed that supplies can be obtained for my present (or larger) force between this point and Cumberland Gap. Hon. Mr. Maynard, of Tennessee, is of this opinion. I shall await your orders.

I have the honor to be, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. SCHOEPF,        

Brigadier-General.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS,
        Commanding Brigade, &c.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 206-7

Official Reports: Action at Rockcastle Hills, or Camp Wildcat, Ky., October 21, 1861. No. 3. — Report of Col. John Coburn, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry.

No. 3.

Report of Col. John Coburn, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry.

HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD REG'T INDIANA VOLUNTEERS,        

Camp Wildcat, Ky., October 22, 1861.

SIR: In pursuance of your orders to take possession of and occupy an eminence on the east of this encampment, on the morning of the 21st of October I took Company D, Captain McCrea; Company I, Captain Hauser; Company E, Captain Hendricks, and Company G, Captain Dille, of the Thirty-third Indiana, comprising in all 350 men. The companies were immediately deployed around the hill as skirmishers. In less than 20 minutes the rebels, who were concealed in the woods, commenced firing, when at almost the first fire Private McFerran, of Company D, was killed. In 10 minutes more the enemy appeared in front of our position to the south at a distance of half a mile in the valley. They were in large numbers, and were over half an hour in passing by an open space in the woods, when they formed again in line. They soon came near us under cover of a wood, which entirely concealed their approach until we were apprised of their presence by the firing of musketry. At this time we were re-enforced by a portion of the Kentucky cavalry, dismounted, under Colonel Wolford, about 250 strong, who immediately formed and took part in the engagement. The firing at this time was very severe, which caused the cavalry to waver and retreat. They were soon, however, rallied and formed again in order, and fought with good spirit. The enemy engaged was composed of a portion of General Zollicoffer's command, and consisted of two regiments of Tennesseeans, under the command of Colonels Newman and Cummings. They charged up the hill upon us, and were met by a galling and deadly fire, which wounded and killed many of them. The front of their column approached within a few rods of us with their bayonets fixed, declaring themselves “Union men” and “all right,” at the next moment leveling their guns at us and firing. After being engaged nearly an hour the enemy retreated, bearing off a portion of their dead and wounded and their arms. Our men have buried their dead left on the field and taken the wounded to our hospitals. Thirty corpses have been found up to this time. A large number of their wounded and dead were carried off in their wagons. It is safe to estimate the loss of the enemy at least 100 killed.

The bravery of the Thirty-third Indiana was well tested in this engagement. I am happy to state that universal courage, cheerfulness, and promptness marked their whole actions during the entire engagement. Too much praise cannot be given to the brave Captain Hauser, who continued fighting at the head of his men upon the brow of the hill until disabled by a wound. He, however, continued on the field during the day, doing his duty nobly. Captain McCrea, with his men, held a small breastwork, and did fearful execution upon the enemy. Captain Dille was active in rallying the men and urging on the fight in all parts of the field. Captain Hendricks, with coolness and courage, kept his men to their places, and fought without slackening his fire during the engagement. I cannot omit mentioning the bold and active Adjutant Durham, who was wherever duty called him. Lieutenants Maze and Scott were marked for their heroic bearing.

About the close of the engagement four companies of the Seventeenth Ohio, Colonel Connell, came upon the hill and formed in line of battle. Company E, Captain Fox; Company C, Captain Haines; Company K, Captain Rea, and Company H. Captain Whissen, took their positions with promptness, eager for the fray, under the command of Maj. Durbin Ward, of that regiment. They remained on the field during the day and night, and assisted in completing the fortifications. About 2 o'clock p.m. we were again attacked. At this time the Fourteenth Ohio, Colonel Steedman, appeared upon the field. Company C, Capt. J. W. Brown, of the Fourteenth, immediately formed and opened upon the enemy, and this company: with others, also assisted in completing the fortifications. Afterwards Company G, Captain Eckles, and Company B, Captain Kirk, of the same regiment, came to our assistance. At 10 o'clock at night Lieutenant Sypher, of Captain Standart's Ohio battery, came on the hill, and on an alarm fired three rounds. They were the last shots fired. At about 2 o'clock in the morning we heard sounds which betokened a movement of General Zollicoffer's army. It proved to be a retreat. From a prisoner I have ascertained that his command consisted of two Tennessee regiments, two Mississippi and two Alabama regiments, together with a regiment of cavalry and a battery of six pieces of artillery. The number of our loss is as follows: Company D, 1 killed and 5 wounded; Company I, 1 killed and 10 wounded, 3 mortally. Colonel Wolford lost 1 killed and 11 wounded. The forces now on the hill are in good spirits and ready for further service.

In conclusion, I must commend the coolness, courage, and manliness of Colonel Wolford, who rendered most valuable assistance to me during the day.

Yours, truly,

JOHN COBURN,        

Colonel Thirty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteers.

General A. SCHOEPF,
        Commanding Brigade.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 208-9