Showing posts with label Decatur AL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Decatur AL. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 257. — Report of Col. Alfred A. Russell, Fourth Alabama Cavalry, of operations October 26, 1864-January 17, 1865.

No. 257.

Report of Col. Alfred A. Russell, Fourth Alabama Cavalry,
of operations October 26, 1864-January 17, 1865.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ALABAMA REGIMENT CAVALRY,        
January 17, 1865

MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of services rendered since the 26th day of October, 1864:

In obedience to orders from army headquarters, 1 crossed the Tennessee River with my regiment on the 29th day of October, 1864, at Sublett's Ferry, two miles south of Bellefonte, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. During one month's service in Madison and Jackson Counties the railroad was cut at different places on an average of twice every week, destroying half a mile each time.

After the evacuation of Decatur my command pursued the retreating enemy from Huntsville to within fourteen miles of Stevenson (distance, forty-five miles), capturing about 450 negroes and 250 wagons, 1 train of cars and engine, which was taken possession of by Lieutenant-Colonel Windes, of General Roddey's command, and causing the enemy to destroy another train, the engine falling into our hands; also a large lot of iron, medical, commissary, quartermaster's, and ordnance stores were captured at Huntsville; all of which property was restored to the owners or turned over to Brigadier-General Roddey. My command, during the period, killed 48 of the enemy and captured 52 horses, in addition to the above specified.

The enemy did not occupy the Memphis and Charleston Railroad for a period of about two weeks, and that road might have been destroyed by the troops Brigadier-General Roddey had upon it to within twelve miles of Stevenson. In compliance with orders from Major-General Forrest, I would have brought to the army not less than 1,500 men, who are now within the lines and their services lost to the country, but for the contrary influence of some of the staff officers of Brigadier-General Roddey and S. D. Cabaniss, inspector of conscription. My loss, 1 man killed and 2 wounded.

Respectfully submitted.
A. A. RUSSELL,        
Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
        Major MASON,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of Tennessee.

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. 775-6

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 205. — Report of Maj. Thomas G. Williamson, Tenth Indiana Cavalry, of operations December 28, 1864-January 6, 1865.

No. 205.

Report of Maj. Thomas G. Williamson, Tenth Indiana Cavalry,
of operations December 28, 1864-January 6, 1865.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH INDIANA VOLUNTEER CAVALRY,        
Near Waterloo, Ala., January 11, 1865.

LIEUTENANT: In accordance with orders received, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the detachment of the Tenth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry under my command in the raid south of Decatur, Ala., from December 28, 1864, to January 6, 1865, inclusive, the detachment being at this time in a brigade, composed of Tenth Indiana, Second Tennessee, and Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, under the immediate command of Lieutenant-Colonel Prosser, Second Tennessee Cavalry:

On the 28th we marched from Decatur south on the Decatur and Courtland road, going into camp eight miles south of Decatur. On the 29th we overtook the rear of General Roddey's command, charging them for about six miles, capturing 30 prisoners, killing 2 and wounding 3 of the enemy. We went into camp two miles from Courtland, Ala. On the 30th of December we marched through Courtland to Leighton, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Here we captured 3 prisoners. We camped at Leighton that night. On December 31 we marched toward Russellville, leaving La Grange to the left. Near Russellville we killed 1 man, captured 1 lieutenant and 6 men. We then marched on through Russellville, and at 8 p.m. we attacked Hood's pontoon train, consisting of eighty pontoons, also forty-five wagons loaded with cordage, equipments, forges, &c. We burned and destroyed the entire train and teams.

On January 1, 1865, we moved at daylight and marched on a trot all day, continued the march at night, and at 2 a.m., when we overtook and charged another wagon train, capturing and destroying the wagons by fire and killing the mules, about 500 in number, dismounted men taking some of the best mules to ride. The train consisted of about 125 wagons (this was Hood's supply train). On the 2d of January we marched back toward Decatur, Ala.., meeting no enemy this day, going over the mountain roads that I do not know the names of. On the 4th of January we overtook and attacked Colonel Russell, commanding the Fifth [Fourth] Alabama Cavalry, capturing his entire train, also about 30 prisoners, killing 3 of the enemy and wounding about 20; we also captured and burned General Roddey's headquarters papers. We lost here in this charge 1 killed and 1 wounded. Traveling all night, we stopped to rest at daylight, going into camp near Leighton. On the 5th we went to within twenty miles of Decatur, and on the 6th at sundown we arrived at Decatur. Our march was from Decatur to within thirty miles of Aberdeen, Miss., about three miles from the line.

In submitting this report I will respectfully call your attention to the conduct of Capts. William Mead and George R. Mitchell and their companies, D and H. They are deserving of great praise for the manner in which they conducted themselves during the entire raid.

Respectfully submitted.
THOS. G. WILLIAMSON,        
Major, Commanding Tenth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry.
Lieut. W. H. WHITWORTH,
        Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Indorsement.]

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SEVENTH DIV., CAVALRY CORPS,        
Gravelly Springs, January 19, 1865.

Respectfully forwarded for the information of major-general commanding Cavalry Corps.

Major Williamson is the ranking officer present, the Lieutenant-Colonel Prosser mentioned being Major Prosser, of the Second Tennessee, now at Nashville, and Major Williamson's report is that of the expedition.

J. H. HAMMOND,        
Brevet Brigadier-General.

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. 606-8

Friday, April 10, 2020

Major-General William T. Sherman to Lieutenant-General Ulysses S. Grant, November 2, 1864

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,                       
In the Field, Rome, Ga.., November 2, 1864.
Lieut. Gen. U.S. GRANT,
City Point, Va.:

Your dispatch is received.* If I could hope to overhaul Hood I would turn against him with my whole force. Then he retreats to the southwest, drawing him as a decoy from Georgia, which is his chief object. If he ventures north of the Tennessee I may turn in that direction and endeavor to get between him and his line of retreat, but thus far he has not gone above the Tennessee. Thomas will have a force strong enough to prevent his reaching any country in which we have an interest, and he has orders if Hood turns to follow me to push for Selma. No single army can catch him, and I am convinced the best results will result from defeating Jeff. Davis' cherished plan of making me leave Georgia by maneuvering. Thus far I have confined my efforts to thwart his plans, and reduced my baggage so that I can pick up and start in any direction, but I would regard a pursuit of Hood as useless; still if he attempts to invade Middle Tennessee I will hold Decatur and be prepared to move in that direction, but unless I let go Atlanta my force will not be equal to his.

W. T. SHERMAN,                
Major-General, Commanding.
_______________

* Of November 1, p. [576, the footnote is in error and sited the page number as 676.]

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 39, Part 3 (Serial No. 79), p. 594-5

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 180. Report of Col. Benjamin Harrison, Seventieth Indiana Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations November 29, 1864—January 12, 1865.

No. 180.

Report of Col. Benjamin Harrison, Seventieth Indiana Infantry, commanding First Brigade,
of operations November 29, 1864--January 12, 1865.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, PROVISIONAL DIVISION,                      
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, 
Chattanooga, Tenn., January 12, 1865.

In obedience to your instructions, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade from the time of its leaving Chattanooga (November 29) to the present date:

The organization of the brigade, begun about the 20th of November, had been but partially perfected when orders were received on the 29th of November to take the field. The brigade consisted of three battalions, designated, respectively, the First, Second, and Third, each composed, as far as possible, of the officers and men belonging to the corresponding divisions of the Twentieth Army Corps—the First Battalion, with an effective force of 290, was commanded by Captain Halbert, Regiment ———; the Second Battalion, with an effective force of 304, was in command of Major Hoskins, One hundred and twenty-ninth Illinois Volunteers; the Third Battalion was in command of Lieutenant-Colonel McManus, One hundred and second Illinois Volunteers, with an effective force of 406 men; making an aggregate effective force of 1,000 men in the brigade. Quite a large proportion of the men thus designated as effective were, in fact, quite unfit for duty in the field—many were still suffering from wounds received in the Georgia campaign; others were fresh from the hospitals and only partly convalescent from attacks of sickness; while a still larger number were raw recruits, utterly uninstructed and not inured to hardship. The recruits represented almost every European nationality, and very many of them were unable to speak or understand the simplest words of our language.

On the 29th of November, 1864, at 5 p.m., my brigade was placed upon the cars at Chattanooga, and shortly after started in the direction of Nashville. (Before starting, however, my First Battalion, Captain Hulbert, was detached and ordered to report to Colonel Malloy, commanding brigade, Fifteenth Army Corps.) At 10 a.m. the following day we arrived at Cowan Station, where the troops were unloaded and placed in position. At 7 p.m. of the same day orders were received from Brigadier-General Cruft, commanding Provisional Division, Army of the Cumberland, to put the troops again upon the cars, which was accomplished by 10 p.m.

At daylight the following day, December 1, the trains were again started in the direction of Nashville, at which place we arrived about dusk without incident. The troops were unloaded and put in bivouac for the night, and the following morning, December 2, were moved and put in position on a hill near the house of Mr. Rains, my brigade holding the right of the line. This position was intrenched and held until the following day, December 3, when we were ordered to retire our line, and were placed in position at right angles with the Murfreesborough turnpike, facing eastward, my brigade in two lines, still holding the right, which rested upon the premises of Judge J. Trimble. A short line of earth-works was here constructed, protected by abatis and picket work, the Third Battalion occupying the works and the Second being in reserve, except one company, which was placed in rear of J. Trimble's house, to cover our right flank. My command continued to occupy this position, without material change or any important incident, till the 9th day of December, when Captain Hulbert (First Battalion) was ordered to report to me for duty, and was placed in position, on the right of Judge Trimble's house, in a line of works, refused to cover the right flank.

On the evening of the 14th of December orders were received to have the command ready to march at 4 a.m. the following morning, with sixty rounds of ammunition to the man and three days' rations. At the hour named the brigade was in motion, and was conducted to the right and ordered to relieve Kimball's division, of the Fourth Army Corps, by placing a strong skirmish line in the works occupied by that division. This was accomplished shortly after daylight, the right of my line resting on a hill about 300 yards to the right of the Granny White pike, and the left extending well toward Fort Casino. The troops were kept in this position, under arms, during this and the following day while the battle of Nashville was progressing in their front. No demonstration was made upon the line held by us, nor were any of my troops engaged, though the artillery in my line opened somewhat effectively.

On the morning of the 19th the brigade was, in obedience to orders from General Cruft, withdrawn from this position and put in march for Murfreesborough. The weather and roads were of the very worst description, the mud being shoe-top deep, and the rain pouring in torrents upon the knapsacks and blankets gave them an additional weight, which greatly burdened the men, and not a few were left along the roadside, there not being a single ambulance for the entire command. We were encamped about dark at La Vergne, having made a distance of sixteen miles. The next day at 10 o'clock the command was comfortably encamped at Murfreesborough, on a portion of the old battle-field of Stone's River. At 8 a.m. of the following day (December 21) orders were received to put the men upon the cars, and by 10 a.m. the brigade was loaded in box-cars, about sixty men inside and twenty on top of each car. Soon after the cars were loaded the weather turned suddenly and severely cold, accompanied by a piercing wind. Those on top soon found the cold unbearable, and many became so benumbed with cold that it was with great difficulty they could be got off the cars. Added to this cause of suffering and complaint the men were without rations, and none could be procured until we could reach Stevenson. I had great difficulty in keeping the men to their duty, but most of them endured their suffering with as much fortitude as could have been expected. Rations were issued at Stevenson on the evening of the 23d, and, without unloading, the train proceeded on the road toward Huntsville.

December 25 we arrived at Limestone Creek, fifteen miles from Decatur, where the troops were unloaded, and on the morning of the 26th we took up the march for the Tennessee River at the mouth of the creek. On the march this day the troops were compelled to wade a creek three feet deep, and on the following morning were called upon to wade a bayou much deeper and forty-five yards wide. This unusual exposure was endured by the men with even greater cheerfulness than could have been expected, as it was a severe trial of the physical constitution and of the patriotism of the men to require them to wade such streams in midwinter.

On the morning of the 27th of December the Provisional Division had arrived at a point on the north bank of the Tennessee River about two miles above Decatur. About this time the transports bearing the colored troops and the gun-boats came down and landed in fine style on the south bank opposite. After the disembarkation of those troops my brigade was ferried over by the transports and landed on the south side. Soon after landing the enemy opened with a section of artillery and dropped some shells near us, but without damage. When the whole command had crossed we were moved over the mouth of a bayou which completely surrounded the place of landing and put in position on a ridge beyond. Very soon after and while preparing to issue rations received an order to move my brigade forward and form on the right of Colonel Salm's brigade, which was advancing toward Decatur. This order was promptly executed, and having deployed a skirmish line my command advanced in line of battle through a very dense wood and underbrush toward Decatur. While forming the enemy burst a few shells over my lines, but, as it appeared afterward, the enemy on our advance immediately withdrew the artillery and evacuated the place. We moved from Decatur on the eve of the 28th after dark and marched out two miles on the Courtland road, when we encamped. This march, though short, was very trying. The weather was severely cold, the road difficult and muddy, and at our encampment no sufficient amount of wood could be found to make the men comfortable. On the 29th the command marched twelve miles and encamped at Swope's farm.

On the 30th we moved into Courtland and went into camp, and remained there until the evening of January 4, when we took up the return march and arrived at Decatur on the morning of the 6th. Having crossed the river on the pontoon bridge we immediately embarked on the cars for Chattanooga. At midnight same day we were unloaded and put in camp about two miles out from Huntsville, and remained there until noon of the following day, when we were again placed upon the cars and ran as far as Larkinsville, when we were again unloaded, and remained until the evening of the 8th. At 4 p.m. of this day I received verbal orders from Brigadier-General Cruft to proceed with my brigade to Bellefonte Station, ten miles above Larkinsville, to intercept a force of rebel cavalry under General Lyon, reported to be moving in that direction to cross the Tennessee River. I at once put my command on the cars and proceeded toward Bellefonte. In passing I stopped the train at Scottsborough and informed the lieutenant commanding there that the enemy, 800 strong, with one piece of artillery, was moving toward the railroad, and that if he was attacked I would re-enforce him. I arrived at Bellefonte Station just at dusk. The troops were immediately unloaded, and a detachment of fifteen mounted men from the Eleventh Indiana and First Alabama Cavalry (which accompanied me) was sent north on the Winchester road (which crosses the railroad at this point), under the command of Lieut. S. G. Willets, of my staff, to ascertain the direction in which the enemy was moving. Infantry scouts were also dispatched to the town of Bellefonte, one mile and a half south of the railroad, and about one mile from the river, and a patrol started back on the railroad toward Scottsborough to gather the earliest information of the presence of the enemy. While awaiting the report of these parties the troops were put in position near the stockade, one battalion occupying the work. About 12 p.m., and before any report had been received from my scouts, some scattering musketry was heard in the direction of Scottsborough, five miles west on the railroad. The troops were kept in readiness to move whenever the locality of the enemy might be discovered. While thus waiting a train going east stopped at Bellefonte Station, and reported to the sergeant of the guard that Scottsborough had been attacked, and that the lieutenant commanding there desired a re-enforcement of fifty to seventy-five men. I at once sent an order to Captain Titus, who had already started with a patrol of fifty men in that direction, to push rapidly forward, and if possible to throw himself in to the relief of the garrison, and hold the enemy in check until I could re-enforce with the brigade. Shortly afterward another train passed up the road, and they (hailed by me) reported that there was no attack on Scottsborough, that only a few guerrillas had placed some obstructions on the track, and that most of the firing had been done by the guard on the train. This led me to believe that the movement on Scottsborough was only a feint and that the real crossing could yet be attempted at Bellefonte. In a few minutes the musketry firing was renewed at Scottsborough, and was soon followed by five discharges of artillery, after which all firing ceased. The fight certainly did not last more than half an hour. I was now satisfied that the real attack had been made at Scottsborough, and concluded that the garrison of colored troops (fifty-five in number) had been overcome. I felt satisfied that the enemy would not delay long at Scottsborough, but would probably push on at once for some of the ferries on the river. My cavalry returned about this time and brought with them two citizens residing in Maynard's Cove (and one notorious guerrilla), who had seen Lyon's command nine miles from and going toward Scottsborough one hour and a half before sunset, and who estimated his force at 800 cavalry and one light piece of artillery, and that his men said that they intended to attack Scottsborough. I at once started the cavalry through the town of Bellefonte, with directions to keep the road running from that point toward Huntsville parallel to the river, and to feel in to the river at the Bellefonte and McGinn ferries, to ascertain whether the enemy were attempting either of those crossings. At 2 a.m. [9th] I started with my entire force (leaving a garrison of fifty convalescents in the stockade) to follow the road taken by the cavalry. This part of the night was very dark and the mud and water deep, so that our progress was very slow. I halted at daylight at Snodgrass' farm, on Dry Creek, and gave the men time to breakfast while a bridge was built over the stream. Having definitely learned that the enemy had moved southwest from Scottsborough, I concluded that he would not strike the river above Larkin's Landing, but I continued my march parallel to the river toward that landing, feeling in with my cavalry frequently, so as to be certain that the enemy did not slip between me and the river.

About 12 m. this day I received an order from General Cruft directing me to have my command at daylight of the 9th at the Bellefonte Ferry, and stating that Colonel Malloy's brigade would be at Sublett's Landing, two miles and a half below. As I had already ascertained that the enemy had moved farther down the river (a fact not known to the general when the order was written), I deemed it my duty to disregard it and push on down the river. My march was miserably slow, and at 4.30 p.m. I found myself at Squire Hodges' farm, on Rosebury Creek. As my men had been out of rations all day and very much exhausted, I halted for the night and pressed some teams to send back to Scottsborough for rations. In the morning Rosebury Creek was so swollen by rains as to render it impossible to cross with infantry, and having learned that two brigades had already reached Larkin's Landing I did not deem it best to push on by the circuitous route I would be obliged to follow, but concluded to remain where I would be in position to intercept the enemy should he attempt to push his way back into the mountains. Accordingly I lay in camp during the 10th day of January awaiting orders from General Cruft and keeping my cavalry out watching for straggling parties of the enemy. On the morning of the 11th received orders to move my command to the nearest railroad station, and if I could procure transportation to come on to Chattanooga and report to General Steedman. Having succeeded in getting a train from Mr. Bryant, military superintendent railroad, I left Scottsborough about 2 p.m. the 11th instant, and, taking up my small garrison at Bellefonte, arrived at Chattanooga at 3 a.m. the 12th instant, and reported to General Steedman, as ordered.

In concluding I must say that the campaign, though not characterized by much fighting, was one of unusual severity and hardship, and considering the character of the men composing the command, certainly much more was accomplished and endured by it than could in reason have been expected. My officers were utterly without baggage and often without blankets, and several times without rations. They discharged their duties faithfully and cheerfully. The officers of my staff, who, with me, shared all the privations spoken of above, are entitled to my thanks and this public acknowledgment for their energy and intelligence. Two battalion commanders and ten line officers and two of my staff were returned sick during the campaign, While 240 enlisted men were sent back exhausted and sick.

Respectfully submitted.
BENJ. HARRISON, 
Colonel, Commanding.
 Capt. J. A. WRIGHT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

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. 519-24

Friday, October 25, 2019

Major-General George B. McClellan to Brigadier-General Don Carlos Buell, February 7, 1862 — 7:15 p.m.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY, February 7, 18627.15 p. m.
 Brig. Gen. D. C. BUELL,  Louisville, Ky.:

Why not take the line of the Tennessee with your command and operate on Nashville, while Halleck turns Union City and Columbus?

I have directed him to destroy bridge at Decatur if possible to reach it.

After carrying Nashville and Columbus a combined attack on Memphis could be made; it would easily fall if bridge at Decatur destroyed. Call for all available troops in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.

Please number and give hour of transmittal of telegraphic dispatches.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,       
Major-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. 593

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Major-General George B. McClellan to Major-General Henry W. Halleck, February 7, 1862 — 7:15 p.m.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY, February 7, 18627.15 p.m.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.:

Dispatch received. I congratulate you upon the result of your operations. They have caused the utmost satisfaction here. I would not undertake a dash at Columbus now. Better devote everything towards turning it; first collecting a sufficient force near Forts Henry and Donelson to make success sure.

Either Buell or yourself should soon go to the scene of operations. Why not have Buell take the line of Tennessee and operate on Nashville, while your troops turn Columbus? Those two points gained, a combined movement on Memphis will be next in order. The bridges at Tuscumbia and Decatur should at all hazards be destroyed at once.

Please number telegraphic dispatches and give hour of transmittal. Thank Grant, Foote, and their commands for me.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,       
Major-General, Commanding.

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. 591

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Major-General Henry W. Halleck to Major-General Don Carlos Buell, March 14, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSPPI,        
Saint Louis, March 14, 1862.
Major-General BUELL, Nashville:

A diving-boat will be sent up the Cumberland as soon as possible. The enemy has a large force at Island No. 10, and holds on with great tenacity. The position is turned, and will soon be attacked.

I am satisfied that the enemy's present line of defense extends from Decatur to Island No. 10. We must attack it in the center, say at Corinth or Jackson. General Smith has established himself at Savannah. I think all your available force not required to defend Nashville should be sent up the Tennessee. This seems to be the best line of operations, as it leads directly to the enemy's center, and is easily supplied. Give me your views.

H. W. HALLECK,    
Major-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 2 (Serial No. 11), p. 38

Major-General Don Carlos Buell to Major-General Henry W. Halleck, March 15, 1862

NASHVILLE, TENN., March 15, 1862.
Major-General HALLECK:

Your dispatch of yesterday received this morning. Undoubtedly we should use the river to get supplies, but I am decidedly of opinion that my force should strike it by marching. It can move in less time, in better condition, and with more security to our operations than by the river. It will have also the advantage of driving out the scattered force of the enemy this side of the river, and operate powerfully on the minds of the people. I had designed to commence moving to-morrow. We will have to repair our road somewhat as we go. It is important to choose the point of crossing so that it shall be safe, and yet not too far from the enemy; if, then, we could by a possibility effect it by surprise or at all at Florence, getting in between Decatur and Corinth, it would have many advantages. As for the point of attack, wherever that may be we will be pretty sure to meet the principal force of the enemy, and if we threaten him low down I am confident the island and New Madrid will be abandoned. I hope I can certainly see you in regard to those points.

Parson Brownlow has just arrived from Knoxville. Kirby Smith is there, with eighteen regiments from Manassas, and has seven more at Cumberland Gap.

 D. C. BUELL.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 2 (Serial No. 11), p. 39

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Captain Charles Wright Wills: January 9, 1864

Scottsboro, Ala., January 9, 1864.

We have settled down into fully as monotonous a monotony, as I ever experienced. The powers pretend that the army is tired down and needs rest, so duty is very light, no drills ordered; no scouting and no nothing, but a first-class preparation to have a tremendous sick list in a very short time. You know how we have been moving for the last three months, and that we have hardly suffered a half dozen cases of sickness. Now see, if we lie here four weeks longer, if I don't report you 60 on the sick list. Do you think that I am something of a grumbler? Either having too much travel, or too much lie still. Too much to eat (I guess not) or not enough, etc. I suppose that news here is about as scarce as ice cream on the African desert, and of nearly the same quality. We are camped in the edge of dense woods, about three quarters of a mile from the town, which consists of 20 or 40 rather neat houses, and presents, I think a better appearance than any other town of the size I have seen in the Confederacy. It hasn't been squashmolished like most of its sisters. General Logan's headquarters are here. Our corps is camped along the road from here to Decatur, our whole division being here. Our division commander, is, I expect, the most unpopular officer with his corps that there is in the West. I never knew his match for meanness. See if I can think of all I have been ordered by: Prentiss, Grant, Logan, McClernand, Wallace (W. H. L.), Oglesby, Paine, Pope, Granger, Palmer (——) formerly colonel 11th Missouri., Rosecrans, Morgan, Buford, Sheridan, Hurlbut, Lanman, Hamilton 1st, Hamilton 2d; Sullivan, Lawler, Sooy Smith, Ewing, Corse, Halleck, Sherman, Davis, and at least two more whose names I can't now recall. One of them commanded this division last March, and the other the 4th Division 16th Army Corps, last December, for a few days. I have lots of work on hand writing up my accounts, but this lying still begins to bore me awfully. I though a few weeks ago that 'twould be very nice to have a tent again, and things somewhat comfortable, but the beauties of the thing don't last long. I'm ready to move now. We have had several pretty cold days, but to-day I have been in my shirt sleeves, without vest, all day, and felt very comfortable, though it didn't thaw very much, and I believe there was ice in our water bucket all day. Expect you are having a gay time this winter at home sleighing, dancing, etc., but I would rather take mine out in the army. If I didn't have any happy Christmas myself, I had the pleasure of smashing the happiness out of a good many secesh Christmases. That's not so. It was not pleasure, but I had to.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 211-2

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Lieutenant-General Ulysses S. Grant to Edwin M. Stanton, October 13, 1864 – 3:30 p.m.

CITY POINT, VA., October 13, 1864 — 3.30 p.m. 
(Received 6 p.m.)
Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:

On mature reflection, I believe Sherman's proposition is the best that can be adopted. With the long line of railroad in rear of Atlanta Sherman cannot maintain his position. If he cuts loose, destroying the road from Chattanooga forward, he leaves a wide and destitute country to pass over before reaching territory now held by us. Thomas could retain force enough to meet Hood by giving up the road from Nashville to Decatur and thence to Stevenson and leave Sherman still force enough to meet Hood's army if it took the other and most likely course. Such an army as Sherman has (and with such a commander) is hard to corner or capture.

U.S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.
(Copy sent from Washington to General Thomas October 14.)

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 39, Part 3 (Serial No. 79), p. 239

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, May 25, 1864

We packed our knapsacks and sent them by rail to Rome, Georgia. The advance of our corps started early this morning for Decatur, Alabama, but our brigade taking up the rear did not leave Huntsville till in the afternoon. From Decatur we are to proceed to Rome, Georgia. We marched through fine farming country with good buildings, but as usual the people are gone and the farms are idle. Such is the effect of war, the citizens being afraid to remain while our armies are marching back and forth.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 190

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Major General Ulysses S. Grant to Mary Frances Grant, August 19, 1862

Corinth, Mississippi,
August 19th, 1862.

Dear Sister:

Julia and the children left here on Saturday last for St. Louis where they will remain on a visit until about the last of the month. At the end of that time they must be some place where the children can go to school. — Mrs. Hillyer has a nice house in the city and is all alone whilst her husband is on my staff, and it may be that she and Julia will keep house together. If they do she would be very much pleased to have you make her a long visit. Julia says that she is satisfied that the best place for the children is in Covington. But there are so many of them that she sometimes feels as if they were not wanted. Their visit down here in Dixie was very pleasant and they were very loth to leave. Things however began to look so threatening that I thought it was best for them to leave. I am now in a situation where it is impossible for me to do more than to protect my long lines of defence. I have the Mississippi to Memphis, the railroad from Columbus to Corinth, from Jackson to Bolivar, from Corinth to Decatur, and the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers to keep open. Guerillas are hovering around in every direction, getting whipped every day some place by some of my command, but keeping us busy. The war is evidently growing oppressive to the Southern people. Their institution1 are beginning to have ideas of their own; every time an expedition goes out many of them follow in the wake of the army and come into camp. I am using them as teamsters, hospital attendants, company cooks and so forth, thus saving soldiers to carry the musket. I don't know what is to become of these poor people in the end, but it weakens the enemy to take them from them. If the new levies are sent in soon the rebels will have a good time getting in their crops this Fall.

I have abandoned all hope of being able to make a visit home till the close of the war. A few weeks’ recreation would be very grateful however. It is one constant strain now and has been for a year. If I do get through I think I will take a few months of pure and undefiled rest. I stand it well, however, having gained some fifteen pounds in weight since leaving Cairo. Give my love to all at home.

ULYS.
__________

1 Slaves.

SOURCE: Jesse Grant Cramer, Editor, Letters of Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister, 1857-78, p. 87-9

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

St. Louis Budget of News and Rumors

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 19. – Accounts from every camp in the State represent the joy of our troops over the Donelson victory unbounded. – At Pilot Knob a salute was fired last evening.

The officers of Col. Carlin’s 39th Illinois gave a ball in honor of the event.

A little rebel outbreak took place yesterday morning twelve miles from Jefferson City.  There was two companies of rebels organized near Stonington, destined for Price’s army, and before leaving they revenged themselves of some loyal citizens by killing two and wounding five more.  Gen. Pope dispatched three companies of cavalry after them and their capture is almost certain.

Prof. Swallow, State Geologist, residing at Columbia, Boone county, was arrested today for disloyalty.

The report of burning the bridge of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad at Decatur, Ala., by Union sympathizers is not believed at headquarters.

Ten steamboats are advertised to leave to-day for Paducah.  They carry troops up the Tennessee river.

Gen. Halleck issued an order thanking Gen. Hunter now in Kansas, for the energy displayed in organizing troops in this department prior to his (Halleck’s) arrival, by whose aid our arms were partially enabled to triumph at Donelson.  The meaning of this order, which takes the form of a telegraphic dispatch to Gen. Hunter, is by no means clear.

Gen. Halleck has also issued a spirited order congratulating out troops on their recent success, and encouraging them to look for future victories at times and places already selected.

On Change [sic] yesterday and to-day there has been a decided advance in everything needed at the South in anticipation of an early permission to trade with Tennessee.  It is noticed that whisky advanced considerably.

More arrests for disloyalty are constantly occurring.  Seventeen Rebel prisoners, not being guilty of violating the rules of war, were released to-day on giving bonds and subscribing to the oath.

Deputy Provost Marshal, Gen. Thomas C. Fletcher, proceeded to Alton this p. m. by Gen. Halleck’s order, to release a large number of prisoners from the penitentiary on parole, mostly those who have never borne arms.  Where bonds are given Secessionists are invariably preferred to Union men, as in cases of default no compunction will be felt in seizing property.

The 42nd Illinois regiment went down the river last night, on the War Eagle.  The Edward Walsh, also, carried 1,400 troops, and an immense quantity of baggage.

Brigadier Gen. Pope, and Staff, proceed south immediately, on the steamer Northerner, which boat also carries a regiment from St. Charles.

Constable’s Ohio battery and two batteries of the 1st Missouri artillery, are en route for the Cumberland river.  Likewise, the Henry Chouteau steamer is loading with the baggage of the 24th Indiana regiment.

The shipment of pig lead from this point without a permit, is prohibited.

Another company of nurses have left here for Cairo and vicinity, to attend the wounded from Fort Donelson.

The provost Marshal has ordered all business to be suspended on the 22d inst.  Extensive preparations are progressing for a magnificent celebration.

The Sanitary Commission are preparing hospitals for a large accession of wounded patriots.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Monday, March 5, 2012

Bridge over the Cumberland River Destroyed

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 19. – A Union scout who has been operating up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers reached here this morning and reports one span of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad bridge crossing the Tennessee at Decatur, Alabama was destroyed on Saturday last by the Union men in that vicinity.

It was reported the bridge at Bridgeport, some seventy miles above had been disabled but this is not confirmed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Monday, April 11, 2011

From St. Louis

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 19.

Accounts from every camp in the State represent the joy of our troops over the Donelson victory unbounded.  At Pilot Knob a salute was fired, and last evening the officers of Col. Carlin’s 38th Ills. gave a ball in honor of the event.

A little rebel outbreak took place yesterday morning twelve miles from Jefferson City.  Two companies of rebels organized near Stonington to join Price’s army.  Before leaving they revenged themselves on some loyal citizens by killing two and wounding five more.  Gen. Pope has dispatched two companies of cavalry after them, and their capture is almost certain.

Professor Swallow, State Geologist, residing at Columbia, Boone Co., was arrested to-day for disloyalty.

The reported burning of the bridge on the Memphis and Charleston R. R., at Decatur, Ala., by Union sympathizers, is not believed at headquarters.

Ten steamboats are advertised to leave for Paducah.  They carry troops up the Tennessee river.

Gen. Halleck has issued an order thanking Gen. Hunter, now in Kansas, for the energy displayed in organizing troops in this department prior to his (Halleck’s) arrival, by whose aid our arms were partially enabled to triumph at Ft. Donelson.  The meaning of this order, which takes the form of a telegraphic dispatch to Gen. Hunter, is by no means clear.

Gen. Halleck has also issued a spirited order congratulating our troops on their recent success, and encouraging them to look for future victories at times and places already selected.

On Change yesterday and to-day there has been a decided advance in every thing needed at the South, in anticipation of early permission to trade with Tennessee.  It is noticed that whiskey advanced considerably.

More arrests for disloyalty are constantly occurring.

Seventeen rebel prisoners not being guilty of a violation of the rules of war, were released to-day on giving bonds and subscribing to the oath.

Deputy provost marshal Thomas C. Fell proceeded to Alton this P. M. by Gen. Halleck’s order, to release a large number of prisoners from the penitentiary on parole, mostly those who have never borne arms.  Where bonds are given, secessionists are invariably preferred to Union men, as in cases of default no compunctions will be felt in seizing rebel property.

The 42d Illinois regiment went down the river last night on the War Eagle.  The Edward Walsh also carried fourteen hundred troops, and an immense quantity of baggage.

Brig. Gen. Pope and staff proceeded south immediately on the steamer Northerner, which boat also carries a regiment from St. Charles.

Constable’s Ohio Battery, and two batteries of the 1st Missouri Artillery are en route for the Cumberland river; likewise the Henry Chonteau steamer is loading with the baggage of the 24th Indiana regiment.

The shipment of pig lead from this point, without a permit, is prohibited.

Another company of nurses have left here for Cairo and vicinity, to attend the wounded from Fort Donelson.

The Provost Marshal has ordered all business to be suspended on the 22d inst.   Extensive preparations are progressing for a magnificent celebration.

The Sanitary Commission are preparing hospitals for a large accession of wounded patriots.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Bridge Destroyed

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 19.

A Union scout who has been operating up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers reached here this morning, and reports that one span of the Memphis and Charleston R. R. bridge crossing the Tennessee at Decatur, Ala., was destroyed on Saturday last by Union men in that vicinity.

It was reported that the bridge at Bridgeport, some seventy miles above had been destroyed, but this is not confirmed.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1