NEW ORLEANS. December 28, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE:— On the opposite page is General Beauregard's autograph which please save. He wrote it this minute.
One of the pleasant points in this trip is making the acquaintance of the leading Rebel officers.
We are doing finely, shall probably return to Washington and Lucy will go to Fremont soon after.—Love to boys.
Calm and warm; clouds and sunshine, without wind.
All quiet below. It is reported that one of our picket boats in the James River deserted last night. It is said the crew overpowered the officers and put them ashore, and then the boat rowed down to the enemy.
I am informed by Capt. Warner that there are 12,000 graves of Federal prisoners at Andersonville, Ga. That climate is fatal to them; but the government cannot feed them here, and the enemy won't exchange.
A dispatch from Gen. Bragg:
"AUGUSTA, November 27th, 1864.-We have lost communication with the front. A small cavalry raid cut the Savannah Railroad and telegraph, this morning, at Brier Creek, twenty-six miles from here. Gen. Wheeler was, yesterday, confronting the enemy's infantry at Sandersville. An officer, who left Macon on the 23d, states that one corps of the enemy was still confronting us there; our force not exceeding 5000, nearly all militia. The force here, including all available reserves, does not exceed 6000 effectives: only one battery. I am not yet advised from Charleston and Savannah, but know the means are small. Neither point could long resist the enemy's whole force; hence my remarks about concentration. Gen. Hardee has gone to Savannah. Wheeler will continue to confront and harass the enemy. I have not learned the strength of his command. He estimates the enemy's force at about 30,000."
Gen. Beauregard has published a short proclamation, saying he will soon arrive to the rescue in Georgia. Here, then, will be war between the two B.'s—Bragg and Beauregard; and the President will be as busy as a bee. Meantime, Sherman may possess the land at pleasure.
A long letter (twenty-five pages) from Gov. Brown, Georgia, came to hand to-day, combating, in replication, one from the Secretary relating to calling out all the militia of Georgia, etc. State rights and the Constitution are discussed in extenso, and many a hard blow is aimed at the President. The Governor regards the Secretary as merely the instrument or head clerk of the President, whom he sneers at occasionally. But he denounces as vile the President himself, and refuses to obey the call[.] What he will do with the militia must soon be known, for Sherman is there.
A great stir among the officers on bureau and department duty in Richmond! Congress has called on the President for a list of all commissioned officers here, their ages, etc., and how many of them are fit for duty in the field. This will be dodged, of course, if possible.
No. 256.
COLONEL: Your communication dated Selma, October 23, was received by me on the 12th instant. In answer to inquiries which it contained, and for the information of the lieutenant-general commanding, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt on the 1st of October ultimo, of copy of General Orders, No. 118, from department headquarters, dated September 24, 1864, defining the territorial limits of the District of North Alabama and assigning me to command of the same. Since the receipt of this order, my reports and other official communications have been forwarded to department headquarters with as much promptness and regularity as circumstances would allow. The presence of the Army of Tennessee in my district, and the necessity which has existed since its arrival for me to communicate and co-operate with General Hood, has prevented my communicating with department headquarters as frequently as I could have desired. The condition of affairs in the extreme northeastern portion of my district, and the nature of information recently received from General Hood, have rendered it necessary that the whole of my available force should be concentrated at a point somewhat remote from the present terminus of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad and other established means of communicating with department headquarters. The following statements will explain more fully the present condition of my command:
About the first of the present month I was directed by General Hood to destroy that part of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad between Decatur and Stevenson. To do this it became necessary for me to move a portion of my troops from Cherokee and vicinity. I had already received orders from General Beauregard to rebuild the railroad from Cherokee to Tuscumbia, and one regiment of my command had been employed on this work before General Hood arrived in the district.
On the 5th instant I was again directed by General Hood to destroy the Memphis and Charleston Railroad to Stevenson, and the Nashville and Chattanooga road from Stevenson to Murfreesborough, Tenn. To carry out these instructions I have been compelled to withdraw such of my troops as were stationed in the vicinity of Corinth and at Grand Junction and transfer them to the new field of operations, which is being done as rapidly as possible, in view of the great extent of territory over which they had been distributed.
I have already two regiments and a battalion beyond Decatur watching the movements of a considerable force of the enemy which appeared at Paint Rock Station, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, about the 5th instant, my object being to hold them in check until the remainder of my troops can be brought up. As soon as this is done I shall endeavor to drive this force from the line of the railroad and complete its destruction, as directed by General Hood. From the best information I can obtain the enemy is endeavoring to hold the road from Paint Rock to Stevenson, a distance of about fifty miles, with a force made up of the troops recently employed to garrison Decatur, Huntsville, Cowan's Station, and Decherd, and a small force from Chattanooga. There are also at least five gun-boats on the river above Decatur. From these, however, I anticipate but little inconvenience I succeeded on the morning of the 12th instant, after an engagement of less than an hour, in driving back three gun-boats that appeared at Decatur. I had with me at the time only a section of smooth-bore six-pounder guns and a few sharpshooters. I shall probably be able to employ guns of heavier caliber and longer range in case another opportunity for engaging them occurs.
Two engines and twenty-eight freight-cars were captured by my troops on the 2d instant near Huntsville. These are now running between Huntsville, Athens, and Decatur. The repairs on the road between Cherokee and Decatur are being pushed forward as rapidly as possible, and by the time they are completed I hope to have succeeded in getting the captured engines across the river. Boats suitable for this purpose are now being constructed. General Hood expects to have the road from near Nashville to Pulaski in running order very soon, and every effort will be made by me to have the road from Cherokee to Decatur put in order at once. The railroad iron referred to in your communication as being needed for the repairing of one of the roads near Meridian, cannot now be procured between Tuscumbia and Decatur. It can be taken, however, from the road east of Huntsville, provided the necessity of which you speak still exists. A considerable time must elapse, though, before the iron can be sent from Decatur.
My present purpose is to move from Huntsville on the 20th instant with my whole available force (which, leaving out one regiment to be left at Decatur, is about 1,500 men) on Murfreesborough by the way of Stevenson. In the event of my penetrating as far as Murfreesborough my command will, I presume, be deemed by General Hood as under his orders and subject to his control. I shall endeavor, however, to keep the lieutenant-general commanding advised of my movements, &c.
Before concluding I desire to call the attention of the department commander to certain matters touching the condition of affairs in portions of my district. I regret to state that recent developments have established the fact of the existence of a large amount of disaffection and disloyalty in that portion of the district lying north of the Tennessee River and recently in the possession of the enemy. This feeling has manifested itself since the removal of General Hood's army in acts of violence against the persons and property of loyal citizens. Murders, robberies, and arson have been of frequent occurrence in various parts of the district, and I am convinced that the interests of our cause and the safety of the loyal people of the district demand the immediate adoption of vigorous measures toward such persons as may engage in or connive at the commission of outrages of the kind above alluded to. The removal of my troops in the direction already indicated will, it is feared, be taken advantage of by disloyal persons, and result in loss of life and property to such as have been heretofore protected by the presence of an armed force. It is my purpose before going to Huntsville to make a few examples, which, I trust, will have a salutary effect; and I would urge upon the lieutenant-general commanding the adoption of such measures as may suggest themselves to him as conducive to the end in view. The organization of the reserves in the counties north of the Tennessee River, and increased vigilance and energy on the part of conscript officers and officers in charge of “supporting force," cannot be too strongly urged. You may feel assured that I shall omit no effort to secure an efficient co-operation on the part of my command with the Army of Tennessee. I have established and will continue to keep up regular communication with General Hood's army by means of couriers, though the necessity of doing so has occasioned me serious inconvenience, in reducing the available strength of my command. I hope soon to establish telegraphic communication with the army by the way of Decatur and Athens.
In view of the imperfect condition of the mail arrangements on the lines of railroad between Cherokee and Meridian, I would suggest the propriety of sending special messengers with dispatches, &c., or the adoption of such other measures as will secure their prompt transmission.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
General Forrest
reports on 5th instant that he was then engaged fighting enemy at Johnsonville,
having already destroyed 4 gun-boats of eight guns each, 14 steamers, and 20
barges, with large quantity of quartermaster's and commissary stores, on
landing and in warehouses, estimated at 75,000 to 120,000 tons. Six gun-boats
were then approaching, which he hoped to capture or destroy.
SOURCE: The
War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 44 (Serial No. 92), p. 860
General W. S. Walker
destroyed an armed steamer in the Coosaw River at daylight this morning; no
casualties on our side. All quiet. Six monitors and Ironsides still within bar.
G. T. BEAUREGARD.
No. 252.
COLONEL: I have the
honor to submit the following report of the operations of the troops under my
command during the recent movements in Middle Tennessee:
While in West
Tennessee I received orders from General Beauregard on the 30th of October, to
report without delay to General Hood at Florence, Ala. I was then actively
operating against Johnsonville, and so soon as I completed the destruction of
the enemy's fleet and stores at that place I commenced moving up the Tennessee
River. I halted my command at Perryville with a view of crossing the river at
that point, but being without facilities, and the river already high and rising
rapidly, I found it impossible to cross over. I succeeded, however, in throwing
across a portion of Rucker's brigade, while I moved to Corinth with the balance
of my command. My men and horses were much jaded, but I moved at once to
Florence and crossed the river on the 16th and 17th of November. On my arrival
at Florence I was placed in command of the entire cavalry then with the Army of
Tennessee, consisting of Brigadier-General Jackson's division and a portion of
Dibrell's brigade, under command of Colonel Biffle, amounting to about 2,000
men, together with three brigades of my former command, making in all about
5,000 cavalry. I bivouacked my command at Shoal Creek until the morning of the
21st, when, in obedience to orders from General Hood, I commenced a forward
movement. My command consisted of three divisions—Chalmers', Buford's, and
Jackson's. I ordered Brigadier-General Chalmers to advance via West Point,
Kelly's Forge, Henryville, and Mount Pleasant. Brigadier-Generals Buford and
Jackson were ordered to move up the military road to Lawrenceburg, and thence
southeastward in the direction of Pulaski. Both these divisions had several
engagements with the enemy, and were almost constantly skirmishing with him,
but drove him in every encounter.
At Henryville
Brigadier-General Chalmers developed the enemy's cavalry and captured
forty-five prisoners. At Fouche Springs the enemy made another stand. I ordered
General Chalmers to throw forward Rucker's brigade and to keep up a slight
skirmish with the enemy until I could gain his rear. I ordered
Lieutenant-Colonel Kelley to move by the left flank and join me in rear of the
enemy. Taking my escort with me I moved rapidly to the rear. Lieutenant-Colonel
Kelley being prevented from joining me as I had expected, I made the charge
upon the enemy with my escort alone, producing a perfect stampede, capturing
about 50 prisoners, 20 horses, and 1 ambulance. It was now near night, and I
placed my escort in ambush. Colonel Rucker pressed upon the enemy, and as they
rushed into the ambuscade my escort fired into them, producing the wildest
confusion. I ordered Colonel Rucker to rest his command until 1 a.m., when the
march was renewed toward Mount Pleasant, where he captured 35,000 rounds of
small-arm ammunition and the guard left in charge of it. Meantime
Brigadier-Generals Buford and Jackson had proceeded from Lawrenceburg toward
Pulaski and encountered Hatch's division of cavalry at Campbellsville, and
routed him after a short but vigorous engagement, in which he lost about 100
prisoners and several in killed and wounded. Most of my troops having reached
Columbia on the evening of the 24th I invested the town from Duck River to the
extreme north, which position I held until the arrival of the infantry on the
morning of the 27th, when I was relieved.
Columbia having been
evacuated on the night of the 28th [27th] I was ordered to move across Duck
River on the morning of the 28th. Chalmers' division was ordered to cross at
Carr's Mill, seven miles above Columbia, Jackson's, at Holland's Ford, while I
crossed at Owen's Ford with a portion of Colonel Biffle's regiment. Before
leaving Columbia I sent my escort to Shelbyville for the purpose of
ascertaining the movements of the enemy and destroying the railroad, and I
regret to announce that Captain Jackson was seriously wounded on this
expedition. On the night of the 28th I was joined by Chalmers' division about
eight miles from Columbia on the Spring Hill and Carr's Mill road. Jackson's
division was ordered to proceed to the vicinity of Hurt's Cross Roads on the
Lewisburg pike. At 11 o'clock at night I received a dispatch from General Buford
informing me that the enemy had made such's stubborn resistance to his crossing
that he could not join the command until the morning of the 29th. I ordered
General Jackson to move along the Lewisburg pike toward Franklin until he
developed the enemy. Brigadier-General Armstrong notified me that he had struck
the enemy, when I ordered him not to press too vigorously until I reached his
flank with Chalmers' division. The enemy gradually fell back, making resistance
only at favorable positions. After waiting a short time for my troops to close
up, I moved rapidly toward Spring Hill with my entire command. Two miles from
town the enemy's pickets were encountered and heavy skirmishing ensued. I
ordered General Armstrong to form his brigade in line of battle. I also ordered
a portion of the Kentucky brigade and the Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment, under
Colonel White, to form, which being done I ordered a charge upon the enemy, but
he was so strongly posted upon the crest of a hill that my troops were
compelled to fall back. I then dismounted my entire command and moved upon the
enemy. With a few men I moved to the left on a high hill, where I discovered
the enemy hurriedly moving his wagon train up the Franklin pike. I ordered my
command to push the enemy's right flank with all possible vigor. At the same
time I ordered Brigadier-General Buford to send me a regiment mounted. He sent
the Twenty-first Tennessee, Colonel Wilson commanding, which I ordered to
charge upon the enemy. Colonel Wilson at the head of his splendid regiment made
a gallant charge through an open field. He received three wounds, but refused
to leave his command. About this time I received orders from General Hood to
hold my position at all hazards, as the advance of his infantry column was only
two miles distant and rapidly advancing. I ordered up my command, already
dismounted. Colonel Bell's brigade was the first to reach me, when I
immediately ordered it to the attack. Major-General Cleburne's division soon
arrived, and, after some delay, was formed in line of battle and moved upon the
enemy on my left. Colonel Bell reported that he had only four rounds of
ammunition to the man when I ordered him to charge the enemy. This order was
executed with a promptness and energy and gallantry which I have never seen
excelled. The enemy was driven from his rifle-pits, and fled toward Spring
Hill. I then ordered Brigadier-General Jackson to move with his division in the
direction of Thompson's Station and there intercept the enemy. He struck the
road at Fitzgerald's, four miles from Spring Hill, at 11 o'clock, just as the
front of the enemy's column had passed. This attack was a complete surprise,
producing much panic and confusion. Brigadier-General Jackson had possession of
the pike and fought the enemy until near daylight, but receiving no support, he
was compelled to retire, after killing a large number of horses and mules and
burning several wagons.
Chalmers' and
Buford's divisions being out of ammunition, I supplied them from the infantry
(my ordnance being still at Columbia), when I ordered Brigadier-General
Chalmers to move at daylight on the morning of the 30th to the Carter's Creek
turnpike, between Columbia and Spring Hill, and there intercept a column of the
enemy reported to be cut off. General Chalmers moved as ordered, but reported
to me that the enemy had passed unmolested on the main pike during the night.
Buford and Jackson were ordered to move forward with their divisions on the
Franklin pike and to attack the enemy. They overtook his rear two miles from
where General Jackson had cut his column the night previous and pushed him on
to Winstead's Hill, where he was strongly posted. General Stewart's corps
arriving upon the ground, I moved with Buford's and Jackson's divisions to the
right, my right extending to Harpeth River, and ordered Brigadier-General
Chalmers on the left. The enemy retired from Winstead's Hill toward their
fortifications at Franklin. I ordered Brigadier-General Chalmers to advance on
the left, which he did, charging and dislodging the enemy from every position
he had taken. The enemy was posted on a strong hill on the opposite side of
Harpeth River, from which position he was firing upon our troops on the
Lewisburg pike. I ordered Brigadier-General Jackson to cross over and drive the
enemy from this hill and to protect our right. I ordered Brigadier-General
Buford to dismount his command and take position in line of battle on the right
of Stewart's corps, covering the ground from the Lewisburg pike to Harpeth
River. Skirmishing at once commenced, and Buford's division rapidly advancing
drove the enemy across Harpeth River, where he joined the cavalry.
Brigadier-General Jackson engaged the united forces of both infantry and
cavalry, and held him in check until night, when he threw forward his pickets
and retired across Harpeth for the purpose of replenishing his ammunition. The
enemy held strong position commanding all the fords. I ordered
Brigadier-General Buford to remount his command and hold himself in readiness
for action at a moment's warning. Brigadier-General Jackson's troops being out
of ammunition, and my ordnance still in the rear, Captain Vanderford furnished
me with the necessary supply.
At daylight on the
1st of December I moved across Harpeth River and advanced up the Wilson pike,
and struck the enemy at Owen's CrossRoads, in strong force. I ordered Captain
Morton to open upon him with his battery. Soon afterward I ordered
Brigadier-General Buford to charge, which order he executed by dislodging the
enemy and capturing several prisoners. I then moved with Jackson's and Buford's
divisions to Brentwood, where I was joined by Brigadier-General Chalmers.
Ordering Chalmers to proceed with his division up the Franklin and Hillsborough
pike, and to cross over and intercept, if possible, the enemy retreating toward
Nashville, I moved with Buford's and Jackson's divisions toward the Nashville
pike, and, learning the enemy had reached Nashville, I camped for the night.
On the following
morning (the 2d) I ordered Brigadier-General Chalmers to move on the left and
to guard the Hillsborough and Hardin pikes, while I proceeded to the right with
Buford's and Jackson's divisions and took position in sight of the capitol at
Nashville. I ordered Brigadier-General Buford to move with his division across
to Mill Creek and to form line of battle near the lunatic asylum on the
Murfreesborough pike. Jackson's division was ordered into position so as to
cover the Nashville and Mill Creek pike. My command being relieved by the
infantry I commenced operating upon the railroad, block-houses, and telegraph
lines leading from Nashville to Murfreesborough. I ordered Buford's division on
the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad for the purpose of destroying stockades
and block-houses.
On the 3d of
December stockade No. 2 surrendered, with 80 prisoners, 10 men killed, and 20
wounded in the attack by Morton's battery. On the day previous, while
assaulting stockade No. 2, a train of cars came from Chattanooga loaded with
negro troops. The train was captured, but most of the troops made their escape.
On the 4th I ordered
Brigadier-General Buford to attack block-house No. 3, but the demand for
surrender was complied with, and the garrison of thirty-two men made prisoners.
An assault was also ordered on stockade No. I, on Mill Creek, but the garrison
unhesitatingly surrendered. I ordered the destruction of the block-house and
two stockades, in which were captured 150 prisoners.
On the morning of
the 4th I received orders to move with Buford's and Jackson's divisions to
Murfreesborough, and to leave 250 men on the right to picket from the Nashville
and Murfreesborough pike to the Cumberland River. Colonel Nixon, of Bell's
brigade, was left for this purpose.
On the morning of
the 5th I moved, as ordered, toward Murfreesborough. At La Vergne I ordered
Brigadier-General Jackson to move on the right of town and invest the fort on
the hill, while I moved with Buford's division to block-house No. 4. The usual
demand for surrender was sent under flag of truce and a surrender made. The
garrison on the hill, consisting of 80 men, 2 pieces of artillery, several
wagons, and a considerable supply of stores, also surrendered to
Brigadier-General Jackson. A large number of houses, built and occupied by the
enemy, were ordered to be burned.
Four miles from La
Vergne I formed a junction with Major-General Bate, who had been ordered to
report to me with his division for the purpose of operating against
Murfreesborough. I ordered Brigadier-General Jackson to send a brigade across
to the Wilson [Wilkinson] pike, and moving on both pikes the enemy was driven
into his works at Murfreesborough. After ordering General Buford to picket from
the Nashville and Murfreesborough to the Lebanon pikes on the left and Jackson
to picket on the right to the Salem pike, I encamped for the night.
The infantry arrived
on the morning of the 6th, when I immediately ordered it in line of battle and
to move upon the enemy's works. After skirmishing for two hours the enemy
ceased firing, and showed no disposition to give battle. I ordered a regiment
from Brigadier-General Armstrong's brigade, with which I made a careful
reconnaissance of the enemy's position and works. On the evening of the 6th I
was re-enforced by Sears' and Palmer's brigades of infantry. I ordered Colonel
Palmer in position on the right upon a hill, and to fortify during the night.
On the morning of
the 7th I discovered from the position occupied by Colonel Palmer the enemy
moving out in strong force on the Salem pike, with infantry, cavalry, and
artillery. Being fully satisfied that his object was to make battle, I withdrew
my forces to the Wilkinson pike, and formed a new line on a more favorable
position. The enemy moved boldly forward, driving in my pickets, when the
infantry, with the exception of Smith's brigade, from some cause which I cannot
explain, made a shameful retreat, losing two pieces of artillery. I seized the
colors of the retreating troops and endeavored to rally them but they could not
be moved by any entreaty or appeal to their patriotism. Major-General Bate did
the same thing, but was equally as unsuccessful as myself. I hurriedly sent
Major Strange, of my staff, to Brigadier-Generals Armstrong and Ross, of
Jackson's division, with orders to say to them that everything depended on
their cavalry. They proved themselves equal to the emergency by charging on the
enemy, thereby checking his farther advance. I ordered the infantry to retire
to Stewart's Creek, while my cavalry encamped during the night at Overall's
Creek. The enemy returning to Murfreesborough, I ordered my cavalry to resume
its former position.
It is proper to
state here that I ordered Brigadier-General Buford to protect my left flank,
but he was so remote the order never reached him. While the fight was going on,
however, he made a demonstration on Murfreesborough, and succeeded in reaching
the center of town, but was soon compelled to retire.
On the 9th General
Hood sent to my support Smith's brigade, commanded by Colonel Olmstead, and
ordered Bate's division to report back to his headquarters. On the 11th I
ordered Brigadier-General Buford to proceed to the Hermitage, and to picket the
Cumberland River, so as to prevent any flank movement in that direction. On the
12th I ordered the infantry to destroy the railroad from La Vergne to
Murfreesborough, which was most effectually done. Brigadier-General Jackson,
who had been previously ordered to operate south of Murfreesborough, captured,
on the 13th, a train of seventeen cars and the Sixty-first Illinois Regiment of
Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Grass. The train was loaded with
supplies of 60,000 rations, sent from Stevenson to Murfreesborough, all of
which were consumed by fire, after which the prisoners, about 200 in number,
were sent to the rear.
On the 14th I moved
with Colonels Olmstead's and Pahner's brigades across Stone's River and east of
Murfreesborough, with a view of capturing the enemy's forage train, but on the
evening of the 15th I received notice from General Hood that a general
engagement was then going on at Nashville, and to hold myself in readiness to
move at any moment. Accordingly, on the 16th I moved my entire command to the
Wilkinson Cross-Roads, at the terminus of the Wilkinson pike, six miles from
Murfreesborough. On the night of the 16th one of General Hood's staff officers
arrived, informing me of the disaster at Nashville and ordering me to fall back
via Shelbyville and Pulaski. I immediately dispatched orders to Brigadier-General
Buford to fall back from the Cumberland River, via La Vergne, to the Nashville
pike, and to protect my rear until I could move my artillery and wagon train.
From this position General Buford was ordered across to the Nashville and
Columbia pike, for the purpose of protecting the rear of General Hood's
retreating army. My sick, wounded, and wagon train being at Triune, I did not
retreat via Shelbyville, but moved in the direction of Lillard's Mills, on Duck
River. I ordered Brigadier-General Armstrong to the Nashville and Columbia
pike. Most of the infantry under my command were barefooted and in a disabled
condition, and being encumbered with several hundred head of hogs and cattle,
my march along the almost impassable roads was unavoidably slow. On reaching
Duck River at Lillard's Mills I ordered everything to be hurried across, as the
stream was rapidly rising. After putting over a part of my wagon train the
stream became unfordable. I was therefore compelled to change my direction to
Columbia, which place I reached on the evening of the 18th.
On the morning of
the 19th the enemy was reported at Rutherford's Creek in strong force. I
immediately commenced disposing of my troops for the purpose of preventing his
crossing. Everything being across Duck River I was ordered by General Hood to
withdraw my command at 3 o'clock, which I did, and went into camp at Columbia.
Chalmers' division having been sent to the right, I am unable to state anything
from personal knowledge as to his operations from the 3d to the 19th; but I
learn from his official report that his line extended from the Hillsborough
pike, on the right, across the Hardin and Charlotte pikes to the river, on the
left; that he captured two transports laden with horses and mules; that the transports
were recaptured, but leaving on his hands 56 prisoners and 197 horses and
mules; that the enemy made several attempts with his monitors and gun-boats to
silence his river batteries, all of which were unsuccessful; that he maintained
a strict blockade of the river and his position until Ector's brigade of
infantry fell back; that he prevented Hatch from gaining the rear of our army;
and that he was constantly and severely engaged every day while protecting the
rear of General Hood's army until he crossed Rutherford's Creek.
On the 20th General
Hood, on leaving Columbia, gave me orders to hold the town as long as possible,
and when compelled to retire to move in the direction of Florence, Ala., via
Pulaski, protecting and guarding his rear. To aid me in this object he ordered
Major-General Walthall to report to me with about 1,900 infantry, 400 of whom
were unserviceable for want of shoes. The enemy appeared in front of Columbia
on the evening of the 20th and commenced a furious shelling upon the town.
Under a flag of truce I proceeded to the river and asked an interview with
General Hatch, who I informed by verbal communication across the river that
there were no Confederate troops in town, and that his shelling would only
result in injury to the women and children and his own wounded, after which
interview the shelling was discontinued.
The enemy succeeded
in crossing Duck River on the morning of the 22d. I at once ordered my troops
to fall back in the direction of Pulaski. Brigadier-General Chalmers was
ordered on the right down the Bigbyville pike toward Bigbyville. The infantry
moved down the main pike from Columbia to Pulaski, the rear protected by both
Buford's and Jackson's divisions of cavalry, while a few scouts were thrown out
on the left flank. The enemy made his first demonstration on my rear pickets
near Warfield's, three miles south of Columbia. He opened upon us with
artillery, which forced us to retire farther down the road in a gap made by two
high hills on each side of the road, where he was held in check for some time.
On the night of the 23d I halted my command at and near Lynnville, in order to
hold the enemy in check and to prevent any pressure upon my wagon train and the
stock then being driven out.
On the morning of
the 24th I ordered the infantry back toward Columbia on the main pike and my
cavalry on the right and left flanks. After advancing about three miles the
enemy was met, where a severe engagement occurred and the enemy was held in
check for two hours. I retreated two miles, where I took position at Richland
Creek. Briga-dier-General Armstrong was thrown forward in front and General
Ross on the right flank. Chalmers and Buford formed a junction, and were
ordered on the left flank. Brigadier-General Armstrong was ordered to the
support of six pieces of my artillery, which were placed in position
immediately on the main pike and on a line with Buford's and Chalmer's
divisions and Ross' brigade, of Jackson's division. After severe artillery
firing on both sides two pieces of the enemy's artillery were dismounted. The
enemy then flanked to the right and left and crossed Richland Creek on my
right, with the view of gaining my rear. I immediately ordered Armstrong and
Ross, of Jackson's division, to cross the bridge on the main pike and move
around and engage the enemy, who were crossing the creek. Both Buford and
Chalmers were heavily pressed on the left, and after an engagement of two hours
I ordered them to fall back across Richland Creek. I lost 1 killed and 6
wounded in this engagement. The enemy lost heavily. Brigadier-General Buford was
wounded in this engagement, and I ordered Brigadier-General Chalmers to assume
command of Brigadier-General Buford's division together with his own. I reached
Pulaski without further molestation.
On the morning of
the 25th, after destroying all the ammunition which could not be removed from
Pulaski by General Hood and two trains of cars, I ordered General Jackson to
remain in town as long as possible and to destroy the bridge at Richland Creek
after everything had passed over. The enemy soon pressed General Jackson, but
he held him in check for some time, killing and wounding several before
retiring. Seven miles from Pulaski I took position on King's Hill, and awaiting
the advance of the enemy, repulsed him, with a loss of 150 killed and wounded,
besides capturing many prisoners and one piece of artillery. The enemy made no
further demonstrations during the day. I halted my command at Sugar Creek,
where it encamped during the night.
On the morning of
the 26th the enemy commenced advancing, driving back General Ross' pickets.
Owing to the dense fog he could not see the temporary fortifications which the
infantry had thrown up and behind which they were secreted. The enemy therefore
advanced to within fifty paces of these works, when a volley was opened upon
him, causing the wildest confusion. Two mounted regiments of Ross' brigade and Ector's
and Granbury's brigades* of infantry were ordered to charge upon the
discomfited foe, which was done, producing a complete rout. The enemy was
pursued for two miles, but showing no disposition to give battle my troops were
ordered back. In this engagement he sustained a loss of about 150 in killed and
wounded; many prisoners and horses were captured and about 400 horses killed. I
held this position for two hours, but the enemy showing no disposition to renew
the attack, and fearing he might attempt a flank movement in the dense fog, I
resumed the march, after leaving a picket with orders to remain until 4
o'clock. The enemy made no further attack between Sugar Creek and Tennessee
River, which stream I crossed on the evening of the 27th of December. The
infantry were ordered to report back to
their respective corps, and I moved with my cavalry to Corinth.
The campaign was
full of trial and suffering, but the troops under my command, both cavalry and
infantry, submitted to every hardship with an uncomplaining patriotism; with a
single exception, they behaved with commendable gallantry.
From the day I left
Florence, on the 21st of November, to the 27th of December my cavalry were
engaged every day with the enemy. My loss in killed and wounded has been heavy.
I brought out of the campaign three pieces of artillery more than I strutted
with.
My command captured
and destroyed 16 block-houses and stockades, 20 bridges, several hundred horses
and mules, 20 yoke of oxen, 4 locomotives, and 100 cars and 10 miles of
railroad, while I have turned over to the provost-marshal-general about 1,600
prisoners.
To my division
commanders--Brigadier-Generals Chalmers, Buford, and Jackson--I take pleasure
in acknowledging the promptitude with which they obeyed and executed all
orders. If I have failed to do justice in this report it is because they have
not furnished me with a detailed report of the operations of their respective
commands.
I am also indebted
to Major-General Walthall for much valuable service rendered during the retreat
from Columbia. He exhibited the highest soldierly qualities. Many of his men
were without shoes, but they bore their sufferings without murmur and were ever
ready to meet the enemy.
I am again under
obligations to my staff for their efficient aid during the campaign.
[Indorsement.]
Respectfully
forwarded to the War Department for its information. General Forrest and his
command deserve well of the country for the gallantry, energy, and activity
displayed during this severe campaign in Middle Tennessee.
ADDENDA.
Address of Maj.
Gen. N. B. Forrest to his troops.
SOLDIERS: The old
campaign is ended, and your commanding general deems this an appropriate occasion
to speak of the steadiness, self-denial, and patriotism with which you have
borne the hardships of the past year. The marches and labors you have performed
during that period will find no parallel in the history of this war.
On the 24th day of
December there were 3,000 of you, unorganized and undisciplined, at Jackson,
Tenn., only 400 of whom were armed. You were surrounded by 15,000 of the enemy,
who were congratulating themselves on your certain capture. You started out
with your artillery, wagon trains, and a large number of cattle, which you
succeeded in bringing through, since which time you have fought and won the
following battles--battles which will enshrine your names in the hearts of your
countrymen, and live in history an imperishable monument to your prowess:
Jack's Creek, Estenaula, Somerville, Okolona, Union City, Paducah, Fort Pillow,
Bolivar, Tishomingo Creek, Harrisburg, Hurricane Creek, Memphis, Athens,
Sulphur Springs, Pulaski, Carter's Creek, Columbia, and Johnsonville are the
fields upon which you have won fadeless immortality. In the recent campaign in
Middle Tennessee you sustained the reputation so nobly won. For twenty-six
days, from the time you left Florence, on the 21st of November to the 26th of
December you were constantly engaged with the enemy, and endured the hunger,
cold, and labor incident to that arduous campaign without murmur. To sum up, in
brief, your triumphs during the past year, you have fought fifty battles,
killed and captured 16,000 of the enemy, captured 2,000 horses and mules, 67
pieces of artillery, 4 gun-boats, 14 transports, 20 barges, 300 wagons, 50
ambulances, 10,000 stand of small-arms, 40 block-houses, destroyed 36 railroad
bridges, 200 miles of railroad, 6 engines, 100 cars, and $15,000,000 worth of
property.
In the
accomplishment of this great work you were occasionally sustained by other
troops, who joined you in the fight, but your regular number never exceeded
5,000, 2,000 of whom have been killed or wounded, while in prisoners you have
lost about 200.
If your course has
been marked by the graves of patriotic heroes who have fallen by your side, it
has, at the same time, been more plainly marked by the blood of the invader.
While you sympathize with the friends of the fallen, your sorrows should be
appeased by the knowledge that they fell as brave men battling for all that
makes life worth living for.
Soldiers! you now
rest for a short time from your labors. During the respite prepare for future
action. Your commanding general is ready to lead you again to the defense of
the common cause, and he appeals to you, by a remembrance of the glories of
your past career; your desolated homes; your insulted women and suffering
children; and, above all, by the memory of your dead comrades, to yield a ready
obedience to discipline, and to buckle on your armor anew for the fight. Bring
with you the soldier's safest armor--a determination to fight while the enemy
pollutes your soil; to fight as long as he denies your rights; to fight until
independence shall have been achieved; to fight for home, children, liberty,
and all you hold dear. Show to the world the superhuman and sublime spirit with
which a people may be inspired when fighting, for the inestimable boon of
liberty. He not allured by the siren song of peace, for there can be no peace
save upon your separate independent nationality. You can never again unite with
those who have murdered your sons, outraged your helpless families, and with
demoniac malice wantonly destroyed your property, and now seek to make slaves
of you. A proposition of reunion with a people who have avowed their purpose to
appropriate the property and to subjugate or annihilate the freemen of the
South would stamp with infamy the names of your gallant dead and the living
heroes of this war. Be patient, obedient, and earnest, and the day is not far
distant when you can return to your homes and live in the full fruition of
free-men around the old family altar.
*According to
Walthall’s report (p. 727), it was Reynolds’ and Field’s brigade
SOURCE: The
War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 751-60
Clear and cold.
Grant has attempted
nothing this week, and it is probably too late for any demonstration to affect
the election. I infer that the government is convinced President Lincoln will
be re-elected, else some desperate effort would have been made in his behalf by
his generals. Will he float on a sea of blood another four years? I doubt it.
One side or the other must, I think, give up the contest. He can
afford to break with the Abolitionists now. We cannot submit
without the loss of everything.
It is thought Grant
will continue to "swing to the left,” making a winter campaign on the
coasts of North and South Carolina mean time leaving Butler's army here, always
menacing Richmond.
Gen. Beauregard
writes from Gadsden, Ala., October 24th, that his headquarters will be at
Tuscumbia, Ala.; will get supplies from Corinth to Tuscambia. Forrest has been
ordered to report to Gen. Hood, in Middle Tennessee. The railroad iron between
Corinth and Memphis will be taken to supply wants elsewhere. Gen. Dick Taylor
is to guard communications, etc., has directed Gen. Cheatham to issue an
address to the people of Tennessee, saying his and Gen. Forrest's command have
entered the State for its redemption, etc., and calling upon the people to aid
in destroying the enemy's communications, while the main army
is between Atlanta and Chattanooga, when the purpose is to precipitate
the whole army upon it, etc. Gen. B. doubts not he will
soon be able to announce good tidings, etc. etc. This letter to Gen. Cooper is
“submitted to the Secretary of War,” by whom it is "submitted for the
information of the President,” and sent back by him—“Read and returned, 4th
Nov. '64.-J. D.”
Gen. B. was to leave
that day to join Gen. Hood, in vicinity of Guntersville, on Tennessee
River. Sherman's army was between Dalton and Gadsden, 15 miles from Gadsden.
Bright and frosty.
All quiet below.
Another day, and if it remains quiet, we may know that Lincoln will be
re-elected.
It is said news came
from the North last night, that gold sold for $260, and that Governor Seymour
had ordered the militia of New York to be in readiness for the protection of
the polls on Tuesday next.
G. W. Randolph, late
Secretary of War, has sailed for Europe, taking his family with him. Other
quondam Confederate States functionaries have gone, or are going. Many have
realized fortunes, who were poor, and this country has ceased to be the one
to enjoy them in.
A parting letter was
written by Mr. Randolph to his friend, R. G. H. Kean, Chief of the Bureau of
War-appointed by Mr. R., and from whom I derived the information of the sailing
of his patron. Such departures, at a crisis like this, spread additional doubts
in the community. Mr. R. was not liable to conscription, if averse to fighting
more in our cause, being exempted by Governor Smith as a member of the Common
Council.
To-morrow is the day
fixed for the reassembling of our Congress, but doubts are entertained whether
there will be a quorum.
We shall soon have
lively news from Beauregard. If I understand his letter of the 24th ult., he is
determined to march the army without delay into Middle Tennessee, leaving
Sherman on his right flank and rear. It is a desperate conception, and will
probably be a brilliant success—or a sad disaster. Napoleon liked such games.
If Beauregard really bas great genius, he has now the field on which to display
it. If the Tennesseeans and Kentuckians rise, momentous events may follow; if
not, it is probably the last opportunity they will have. They have their choice—but blood is the price of independence.
Wet and warm; all
quiet below, and much mud there.
Congress assembled
yesterday, and the President's message was read. He recommends the employment
of 40,000 slaves in the army, not as soldiers, unless in the last extremity;
and after the war he proposes their emancipation. This
is supposed to be the idea of Mr. Benjamin, for foreign effect. It is denounced
by the Examiner. The message also recommends the abolition of all
class exemptions, such as editors, etc. The Examiner denounces
this as a blow at the freedom of the press.
The message is
cheerful and full of hope, showing that the operations of the year, in the
field, have resulted in no disadvantage to us.
By the Northern
papers we find that a fleet of four or five cruisers is devastating their
commerce. They sailed recently from Wilmington, in spite of Gen. Whiting.
No attack was made
on Richmond during the last few days. I have no doubt it was deemed unnecessary
by the enemy to secure Mr. Lincoln's re-election. To-day, no doubt, the election
in the United States will result in a new lease of presidential life for Mr.
Lincoln. If this result should really have been his motive in
the conduct of the war, perhaps there may soon be some relaxation of its rigors—and
possibly peace, for it is obvious that subjugation is not possible. President
Lincoln may afford to break with the Abolition party now, and, as has been
often done before, kick down the ladder by which he ascended to power. This is
merely speculation, however; he may resolve to wield the whole military
strength and resources of the United States with more fury than ever.
But there will
henceforth be a dangerous party against him in the rear. The defeated Democrats
will throw every obstruction in his path—and they may chock his
wheels—or even give him employment for the bayonet at home.
Dispatches from
Beauregard and Hood, November 4th, at Tuscumbia, say that Sherman is
concentrating at Huntsville and Decatur. Part of our army is at Florence. Gen.
B. says his advance has been retarded by bad weather and want of supplies, but
that he will march into Tennessee immediately. Gen. Forrest is throwing
difficulties in the way of Sherman. The armies are equidistant from Nashville,
and if Sherman's supplies fail, his condition becomes desperate.
Captain Manico
(acting lieutenant-colonel Departmental Regiment) informs me that the enemy
will certainly open batteries in a day or two on our troops at Chaffin's Bluff,
and will be replied to vigorously, which he thinks will bring on a battle. We
shall hear more thunder, as the distance is only seven or eight miles.
It seems to be
clearing up, and there may be news before night. When election news arrives per
telegraph from the North—if favorable—it is supposed the enemy will celebrate
it by shotted salutes, and thus recommence the slaughter.
Clouds and sunshine.
Nothing new of importance from the army.
Gov. Smith has been
writing letters to Gen. Lee, asking that Gen. Early be superseded in the
Valley. Pity it had not been done! Gen. Lee replied, expressing confidence in
Early; and the President (since the disaster!) coincides with Lee.
The President
administers a sharp rebuke to Gen. Whiting, for irregularly corresponding with
Generals Lee and Beauregard on the subject of Lieut. Taylor Wood's naval expedition,
fitting out at Wilmington.
The President and
cabinet are still at work on the one hundred clerks in the departments whom
they wish to displace.
I append the result
of my gardening this year. The dry weather in May and June injured the crop, or
the amount would have been much larger. Total valuation, at market prices, $347.
Clear and pleasant.
We are beginning to
get authentic accounts of the operations on Thursday; and yet, from the newspaper
publications, we see that the government has withheld one of Gen. Lee's
dispatches from publication. Altogether, it must be regarded as a decisive
failure on the part of the enemy to obtain any lodgment nearer to the objective
point; while his loss was perhaps two to our one.
A letter from Gen.
Howell Cobb, Macon, Ga., in reply to one from the Secretary by the President's
direction, states that Gen. Beauregard, in arranging difficulties with Gov.
Brown, did not compromise the dignity or interests of the Confederate States
Government, or violate any law.
It is now said
Sheridan is retreating toward the Potomac, followed by Early. Some 500 more
recruits for Early left Richmond yesterday. This would indicate that Gen. Lee
has men enough here.
The President suggests
that confidential inspectors be sent to ascertain whether Gen. Early's army has
lost confidence in him. Both Gen. Lee and the President are satisfied that the
charges of drunkenness against Gen. E. merit no attention. The Secretary had
indorsed on a paper (referred by him to the President) that he shared the
belief in the "want of confidence," etc.—and no doubt would have him
removed.
HEADQUARTERS
MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
IN
THE FIELD NEAR COLUMBIA, S.C., Feb. 16, 1865.
Special
Field Orders,}
No.
EXTRACT.
The
next series of movements will be at Fayetteville, N.C., and thence to
Wilmington or Goldsboro, according to events. Great care must be taken to
collect forage and food, and at the same time in covering the wagon trains from
cavalry dashes.
General
Howard will cross the Saluda and Broad rivers as near their mouths as possible,
occupy Columbia, destroy the public buildings, railroad property, manufacturing
and machine shops, but will spare libraries, and asylums, and private
dwellings. He will then move to Winnsboro, destroying en route utterly that
section of the railroad.
By
order of Major-General
W.
T. SHERMAN.
L. M. DAYTON, Assistant Adjutant-General.
This order was made
the day before we entered Columbia, about the time the rebels were cannonading
our camps on the west side of the Congaree, and burning their three splendid
bridges (Saluda and Broad unite at Columbia and make the Congaree). During the
16th Howard crossed the Saluda at the factory above Columbia, and that night
crossed Stone's brigade to the east side of the Broad River, and under its
cover laid the pontoon bridge, completing it about noon of the 17th. Stone's
brigade went into Columbia about 11 A.M., the mayor having come out three miles
and notified him that Beauregard and Hampton had evacuated. They evacuated
because they knew that Slocum and Kilpatrick were moving straight for
Winnsboro, 26 miles in their rear, and I wanted them to stay in Columbia
another day. Their hasty evacuation was not to spare Columbia, but to save
being caught in the forks of the Congaree and Catawba, which would have
resulted, had they given time for Slocum to reach Winnsboro. Mayor Goodwin
complained to me of the cotton-burning order of Wade Hampton, and especially
that Hampton and Beauregard would not consent to his request that the liquor
(which had run the blockade and been transferred from the coast to Columbia for
safety) was not removed or destroyed. This liquor, which our men got in
bucketfuls, was an aggravation, and occasioned much of the disorder at night
after the fires had got headway. We all know how the soldiers and junior
officers hated South Carolina, and I can hardly say what excesses would have
resulted had the general officers allowed them free scope.
W. T. SHERMAN.
NEW ORLEANS, Feb.
23, 1861.
DEAR MR. BOYD: I
fear from our experience here the cadets did not have a good time of it last
night. It rained here a part of the day and night and now we are having a sort
of postscript in a heavy shower. I have had a good deal of running about to do
to-day, because I got here on Thursday after bank hours, and yesterday being a
holiday it was closed, and this morning on application I found the book which I
had sent down a week ago by mail only got here this morning. So I did not get
it till 2:30 p.m. and Dr. Smith wanted to go to Baton Rouge at 5 p.m. so we
gave it but a rapid examination, but there being a balance in bank larger than
I claimed Dr. Smith was on the safe side in passing it. I have been with him to
the boat, and he is off for Baton Rouge, and I have naught to do but be off for
home. I shall start to-morrow, Sunday, for St. Louis to reach there Monday
evening.
Tell St. Ange that I
found Madame Lefevre and got the books entered, though I was bothered by the
deputy collector. Still I think he will soon receive the books. I made the
custom-house oath without seeing the list invoice of books. I know you will
expect me to tell you some general political news. All here is secession on the
streets. Indoors they are more reasonable and some have said to me that even
yet if the North will give guarantees, this state would return. More than one
have said that the leaders were afraid to leave it to a vote of the people.
Congress can do nothing. The Peace Conference may report. I don't see what
Lincoln or any man can do, when sections are arrayed against each other and
will not believe each other.
I still adhere to my
old notion that we have to fear anarchy more than a direct conflict on the
slavery issue. If any of the Southern States become dissatisfied with the
tariff policy of the new combination and I have myself heard merchants talk
pretty plainly of the tariff already imposed on northern goods, they will
secede a second time and so on to the end of the chapter.
I have seen a good
deal of Bragg who goes on quietly but steadily, organizing two regiments of
regulars and mark my word when a time of strife comes he will be prepared.
He tells me there is
an officer at West Point whose name I now forget, who wants to be your superintendent.
But the governor has advertised for one to apply before April 6 — so that no
choice will take place till then. In the mean time Dr. Smith has the check book
and can draw for money. I really do hope you may have a clever fellow, for your
social position is one of isolation and those who are so banished should have
respect and even fondness for each other. There is no pleasure or satisfaction
in life when one's associate is devoid of feeling, sense, or judgment. With
these and a few companions I have never cared much whether my abode was in Wall
St., San Francisco, in the Desert, in Kansas, or Ohio.
But the truth is I
have socially been too much isolated from my children, and now that they are at
an age when for good or ill we should be together I must try and allay that
feeling of change and venture that has made me a wanderer. If possible I will
settle down – fast and positive. Of a summer eve with my little Minnie and
Willy and the rascal Tom I can live over again my Florida life, my ventures in
California, and my short sojourn in the pine woods of Louisiana, and I will
teach them that there are kind good people everywhere, that a great God made
all the world, that He slighted no part, that to some He assigned the rock and
fir – with clear babbling brooks but cold and bitter winters, to others the
grassy plain and fertile soil, to others the rich alluvium and burning sun to
ripen the orange and sugar cane, but everywhere He gave the same firmament, the
same gentle moon, and to the inhabitants the same attributes for good and evil.
What a beautiful
task in theory, which may all explode the first moment of its realization but
still one to dream of – and I know you will believe me sincere when I hope, in
that little group, wherever it may be, you will some day drop in and try my
hospitality. I assure you.
About the 20th of
February, having turned over all property, records, and money, on hand, to
Major Smith, and taking with me the necessary documents to make the final
settlement with Dr. S. A. Smith, at the bank in New Orleans, where the funds of
the institution were deposited to my credit, I took passage from Alexandria for
that city, and arrived there, I think, on the 23d.1 Dr. Smith met
me, and we went to the bank, where I turned over to him the balance, got him to
audit all my accounts, certify that they were correct and just, and that there
remained not one cent of balance in my hands. I charged in my account current
for my salary up to the end of February, at the rate of four thousand dollars a
year, and for the five hundred dollars due me as superintendent of the Central
Arsenal, all of which was due and had been fairly earned, and then I stood free
and discharged of any and every obligation, honorary or business, that was due
by me to the State of Louisiana, or to any corporation or individual in the
state.
This business
occupied two or three days, during which I staid at the St. Louis Hotel. I
usually sat at table with Colonel and Mrs. Bragg, and an officer who wore the
uniform of the State of Louisiana, and was addressed as captain. Bragg wore a
colonel's uniform, and explained to me that he was a colonel in the state
service, a colonel of artillery, and that some companies of his regiment
garrisoned Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and the arsenal at Baton Rouge.
Beauregard at the
time had two sons at the Seminary of Learning. I had given them some of my
personal care at the father's request, and, wanting to tell him of their
condition and progress, I went to his usual office in the Custom-House Building,
and found him in the act of starting for Montgomery, Alabama. Bragg said
afterward that Beauregard had been sent for by Jefferson Davis, and that it was
rumored that he had been made a brigadier-general, of which fact he seemed
jealous, because in the old army Bragg was the senior.
. . . I recall a
conversation at the tea-table, one evening, at the St. Louis Hotel. When Bragg
was speaking of Beauregard's promotion, Mrs. Bragg, turning to me, said, “You
know that my husband is not a favorite with the new president.” My mind was
resting on Mr. Lincoln as the new president, and I said I did not know that
Bragg had ever met Mr. Lincoln, when Mrs. Bragg said, quite pointedly, “I
didn't mean your president, but our president.” I knew Bragg hated Davis
bitterly, and that he had resigned from the army in 1855, or 1856, because
Davis, as secretary of war, had ordered him, with his battery, from Jefferson
Barracks, Missouri, to Fort Smith or Fort Washita, in the Indian country, as
Bragg expressed it, “to chase Indians with six-pounders.”
I visited the
quartermaster, Colonel A. C. Myers, who had resigned from the army, January 28,
1861, and had accepted service under the new régime. His office was in the same
old room in the Lafayette Square Building, which he had in 1853, when I was
there a commissary, with the same pictures on the wall, and the letters “U.S.”
on every thing, including his desk, papers, etc. I asked him if he did not feel
funny. “No, not at all. The thing was inevitable, secession was a complete
success; there would be no war, but the two governments would settle all
matters of business in a friendly spirit, and each would go on in its allotted
sphere, without further confusion.”
I walked the streets
of New Orleans, and found business going along as usual. Ships were strung for
miles along the lower levee, and steamboats above, all discharging or receiving
cargo. The Pelican flag of Louisiana was flying over the Custom House, Mint,
City Hall, and everywhere. At the levee ships carried every flag on earth
except that of the United States, and I was told that during a procession on
the 22d of February, celebrating their emancipation from the despotism of the
United States government, only one national flag was shown from a house, and
that the house of Cuthbert Bullitt, on Lafayette Square. He was commanded to take
it down, but he refused and defended it with his pistol.
The only officer of
the army that I can recall, as being there at the time, who was faithful, was
Colonel C. L. Kilburn, of the Commissary Department, and he was preparing to
escape north.
Everybody regarded
the change of government as final; that Louisiana, by a mere declaration,
was a free and independent state, and could enter into any new alliance or
combination she chose.
1 The 22nd. — ED.
2 Sherman went first to St. Louis, where he
stopped for a few days before going on to Ohio. - Ed.
Foggy; then bright; then very warm.
Gen. Lee is at Chaffin's Bluff. A dispatch from him this morning states that the enemy's infantry are near Harrisonburg, in the Valley, and that his cavalry is retiring.
9 A.M. Another dispatch from Gen. Lee. The raiders' cavalry, only 250 strong, are at Brandy Station, a body of their infantry at Bealton Central Railroad.
9. A.M. Gen. Lee says Gen. Breckinridge repulsed the enemy's attack on Saltville, on Sunday, 2d inst.; it was a "bloody” repulse, and Gen. B. is pursuing.
Gen. Beauregard has been appointed to the supervisory command of the army in Georgia, etc.; in response to the universal calls of the people.
The enemy threw op earthworks yesterday, toward the city, from Fort Harrison, one mile in length. He is now within five miles of the city, and if his progress is not checked, he will soon be throwing shells at us.
But Lee is there, digging also.
Flour rose yesterday to $125 per barrel, meal to $72 per bushel, and bacon $10 per pound. Fortunately, I got 100 pounds of flour from North Carolina a few days ago at $1.20 per pound. And Thomas, my son, detailed as clerk for Gen. Kemper, will draw 30 pounds of flour and 10 pounds bacon per month.
A white frost; first frost of the season. All quiet below.
Gen. W. M. Gardner (in Gen. Winder's place) reports that of the exempts and citizens taken from the streets to the front, last week, a majority have deserted. This proves that even a despotic military act cannot be committed with impunity.
Gen. Beauregard telegraphs from Opeleka, Ala., that he has arranged matters satisfactorily between Gov. Brown of Georgia and Gen. Cobb, regarding exempts and State militia.
The President directs the Secretary to ascertain if this has been done in accordance with law and the interests of the service.
Gen. R. Taylor telegraphs that Gen. E. K. Smith has proclaimed pardon to deserters, from trans-Mississippi Department, after he had arrested most of them and sent them to their regiments, and now be recommends that no more troops be brought over the river or they will be sure to desert. The President directs the Secretary to correspond with Gen. Smith on the subject. Gen. Taylor is the President's kinsman-by his first marriage.
Gen. Beauregard left Opeleka on the 7th inst. for Hood's army, so in a few days we may expect a battle.
Cloudy; rained much
last night.
The following is all
we know yet of Early's defeat:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
September 20th, 1864.
HON.
JAMES A. SEDDON.
Gen.
Early reports that, on the morning of the 19th, the enemy advanced on
Winchester, near which place he met his attack, which was resisted from early
in the day till near night, when he was compelled to retire. After night he
fell back to Newtown, and this morning to Fisher's Hill.
Our
loss reported to be severe.
Major-Gen.
Rhodes and Brig.-Gen. Godwin were killed, nobly doing their duty.
Three
pieces of artillery of King's battalion were lost.
The
trains and supplies were brought off safely.
R. E. LEE.
The profound chagrin
produced by this event is fast becoming a sort of reckless unconcern. Many
would fight and die in the last ditch, rather than give up Richmond; and many
others are somewhat indifferent as to the result, disgusted with the management
of affairs.
The President left
the city on Monday, ignorant of the defeat of Early, for Georgia. It is said
Beauregard is with him; but this is not certain. His private secretary, Mr.
Burton Harrison, says he will be absent at least a month, perhaps until Christmas.
Congress meets early in November; and before that day we may have terrible
events events determining the fate of the war.
We have heard heavy
firing down the river all day; but it may not be a serious matter, though a
general battle is looked for soon on the south side. Gen. Lee will soon be
reinforced materially. The President has adopted a suggestion I made to Gen.
Bragg, and a general order is published to-day virtually abolishing the Bureau
of Conscription. The business is mostly turned over to the commanders of the
Reserves; and conscription is to be executed by Reserve men unfit for duty in
the field. All the former conscript officers, guards, details, clerks, etc. fit
to bear arms, are to go into the ranks.
“When the cat's
away, the mice will play,” is an old saying, and a true one. I saw a note of
invitation to-day from Secretary Mallory to Secretary Seddon, inviting him to
his house at 5 P.M. to partake of “pea-soup” with Secretary Trenholm. His
“peasoup" will be oysters and champagne, and every other delicacy relished
by epicures. Mr. Mallory's red face, and his plethoric body, indicate the
highest living; and his party will enjoy the dinner while so many of our brave
men are languishing with wounds, or pining in a cruel captivity. Nay, they may
feast, possibly, while the very pillars of the government are crumbling under
the blows of the enemy.
It is said the
President has gone to Georgia to prevent Governor Brown, Stephens, H. V.
Johnson, Toombs, etc. from making peace (for Georgia) with Sherman.
A splenetic letter
from Gov. Vance indicates trouble in that quarter. He says the Confederate
States Government threw every possible impediment in bis way when he bought a
steamer and imported machinery to manufacture clothing for the North Carolina
troops, and now the Confederate States Quartermaster-General is interfering
with these factories, because, he says, he, the Governor, is supplying the
troops at less expense than the Quartermaster-General would do. He demands
details for the factories, and says if the Confederate States Government is
determined to come in collision with him, he will meet it. He says he will not
submit to any interference. Gov. Vance was splenetic once before, but became
amiable enough about the time of the election. Since his election for another
term, he shows his teeth again.
Bright and cold.
Gen. Lee is in the
city, looking after recruits, details, etc.
Mr. Secretary Seddon
appears to be in very high spirits to-day, and says our affairs are by no means
so desperate as they seem on the surface. I hope the good coming will come
soon.
Gen. Beauregard has
been sent to North Carolina on a tour of inspection.
No news of our wheat
and molasses yet; and we have hardly money enough to live until the next
pay-day. We have no coal yet.
Four o'clock P.M. A
brisk cannonade down the river is distinctly heard. It is not supposed to be a
serious matter, perhaps we are shelling Gen. Butler's observatory, erected
within his lines to overlook ours.
Slight rain in the
morning.
There is an ugly
rumor on the streets to-day—disaster to Gen. Hood, and the fall of Atlanta. I
cannot trace it to an authentic source; and, if true, the telegraph operatives
must have divulged it.
A dispatch from
Petersburg states that there is much cheering in Grant's army for McClellan,
the nominee of the Chicago Convention for the Presidency.
I think the
resolutions of the convention amount to a defiance of President Lincoln, and
that their ratification meetings will inaugurate civil war.
The President has
called upon the Governor of Alabama for the entire militia of the State, to be
mustered into the service for the defense of the States. It is dated September
1st, and will include all exempted by the Conscription Bureau as farmers. Every
farm has its exempted or detailed man under bonds to supply meat, etc.
I incline to the
belief that Hood has met with disaster at Atlanta. If so, every able-bodied man
in that State will be hunted up for its defense, unless, indeed, the Union
party should be revived there.
There will be a new
clamor against the President, for removing Johnston, and for not putting
Beauregard in his place.
But we may get aid
from the North, from their civil dissensions. If Lincoln could precipitate
500,000 additional men upon us now, we should be compelled to give back at all
points. But this he cannot do. And the convention at Chicago did not
adjourn sine die, and may be called again at any time to
exercise other functions than the mere nomination of
candidates, etc.
