Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Friday, December 27, 1861

McClellan's and Branner's Battalions returned to their camps at Beech Grove. Our battalion recrossed the river and went into camps near Mr. West's, where we left our wagon train the 25th.

At nine P. M., Colonel T. E. Bramlette (First Kentucky Infantry), who was at that time in command of General Boyle's Brigade at Columbia, wrote as follows to General Thomas:

The enemy is at Jamestown, eighteen miles from here, some three thousand strong.

He has ascertained the strength and position of Colonel Wolford's camp, and threatens to destroy that before moving further. He has one thousand seven hundred mounted men, armed mostly as infantry.

I would not be surprised if the whole of Zollicoffer's forces were to be on us in two or three days.

We will, however, strike a blow, even if left to ourselves, that shall terrify the rebel hell-hounds wherever they hear of us. Retreat we will not, and if they come upon us we will fight the fight of desperation to win.¹

Notwithstanding McNairy did not go so far down the river as Zollicoffer had instructed him to go, yet it would seem from the above communication that the object of the expedition, at least to some extent, had been accomplished. That is to say, the attention of the Federals had been attracted from the river, and Colonel Bramlette was now holding his brigade in readiness at Columbia, awaiting an attack from Zollicoffer.

The long looked for “reserves” are coming in at last. Colonel William B. Wood, with a battalion of his regiment (Sixteenth Alabama), and Captain H. L. W. McClung, with his battery of artillery (six guns), have arrived. Colonel Samuel Powell's Regiment will be here soon, having started from Knoxville the 24th instant, Colonel Moses White's Regiment, of General Carroll's Brigade, is also on the way from Knoxville.

_______________

¹ Rebellion Records, Vol. VII., P: 517.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 103-4

Colonel Thomas E. Bramlette to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, December 27, 1861—9 p.m.

CAMP BOYLE, December 27, 1861—9 p.m.

General THOMAS:

The enemy is at Jamestown, 18 miles from here, some 3,000 strong. He has ascertained the strength and position of Colonel Wolford's camp, and threatens to destroy that before moving farther. He has 1,700 mounted men, armed mostly as infantry. With such force Wolford would be cut off without remedy; I have ordered him under the circumstances of necessity to move up here with his stores and troops, to cooperate with me in an attack upon the enemy, should he move toward Burkesville or this place. I would not be surprised if the whole of Zollicoffer's forces were to be on us in two or three days. They must be retiring from before Somerset, either intending to attack here or move down the river to Burkesville, and thence to join Buckner. In either case we intend here to meet him. Our situation is, however, somewhat critical—no artillery, and threatened on both flanks by superior numbers, and nobody to help us.

We will, however, strike a blow, even if left to ourselves, that shall terrify the rebel hell-hounds wherever they hear of us. Retreat we will not, and if they come upon us we will fight the fight of desperation to win. We have too much stores here to leave, too many sick to move, and they must and shall be defended with the last life we have to spare; and if we, after the frequent notifications of our position to division and department headquarters, are cut to pieces for the want of the necessary means of defense, the fault will not be ours.

Respectfully,

THO. E. BRAMLETTE,        

Colonel, Commanding Post.

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. 517-8

Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Thursday, December 12, 1861

Our battalion returned to Camp Hall, and the detachment that went down the north side of the river returned with eleven prisoners. They reported that three of the enemy were killed, and that one of our men was drowned in attempting to cross the river.

When the news reached Columbia last night that the Confederates were at Rowena, General Boyle ordered a part of Wolford's and a part of Haggard's cavalry to Rowena and Creelsborough.¹ The latter place is between Rowena and Burkesville. Wolford followed as far as Jamestown, and reported that our men left that place between midnight and daylight this morning,² but Colonel Haggard reported thus:

Creelsborough, December 13, 1861, 1 A. M.

General Boyle:

DEAR SIR: We reached this place at dark, expecting an attack. every moment since our arrival. I placed pickets out upon every road reaching this place.

Our pickets from the Rowena road have just come in, bringing us information that is reliable that three hundred men had crossed the river at that point this evening, and a large force on the opposite bank were crossing (said to be three thousand at least).

D. R. HAGGARD,        

Colonel Cavalry.³

Our men had all returned to their camps several hours before Colonel Haggard penned the above "reliable information.”

On the 12th General Boyle wrote to General Thomas thus:

The rebel cavalry who crossed the Cumberland into Russell County (at Rowena) have, it is reported, killed fifty or sixty of the loyal and defenseless citizens.⁴

Though he wrote as follows to Thomas the next day:

The people, even the good Union people, circulate the most devilish lies in regard to the enemy, and our own scouts, without they are selected with care, are not reliable.

The rebels were at Rowena and shot two or three men, but killed none.⁵

_______________

¹ Rebellion Records, Vol. VII., p. 494.

² Ibid., p. 498.

³ Rebellion Records, Vol. VII., p. 497.

⁴ Rebellion Records, Vol. VII., p. 494.

⁵ Rebellion Records, Vol. VII., p. 498.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 96-7

Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Wednesday, December 18, 1861

Having received a dispatch from Zollicoffer during the past night stating that Wolford's Cavalry was reported to be crossing the river at Creelsborough, some twenty miles below Camp Hall, McNairy sent a scout in that direction early this morning. On returning to camps, about half after eight P. M., our men reported the rumor to be false.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 100

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General John Boyle to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, December 12, 1861

HDQRS. ELEVENTH BRIGADE, U.S. VOLUNTEERS,        

Columbia, Ky., December 12, 1861.

Brigadier-General THOMAS,

        Commanding First Division:

GENERAL: General Boyle directs me to say your dispatch and order of 11th instant is just received and acted upon. A force is detailed to commence the work immediately.

The general further directs me to say that reliable information, obtained from various sources, reports the enemy's cavalry, 500 strong, on this side the Cumberland River, at Creelsborough and Rowena. They have seized many citizens and one sick soldier of Colonel Wolford's command.

On receipt of the news last night the general ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Letcher, with a portion of Colonel Wolford's cavalry remaining here and a portion of Haggard's regiment, to march to Creelsborough and Rowena. Colonel Wolford, who had advanced to Williams', according to your orders, was sent down to co-operate with Letcher, and Colonel Haggard, who was conveying a large party of Tennesseeans from Burkesville to this place, was also ordered in that direction.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN BOYLE,        

Acting Assistant Adjutant-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. 494

Brigadier-General Jeremiah T. Boyle to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, December 13, 1861

HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH BRIGADE,                

Columbia, December 13, 1861.        

(Received December 14, 1861.)

Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS,
        Commanding First Division, Lebanon, Ky.:

GENERAL: Since I wrote you my scouts have returned, and up to 11 o'clock there is no reliable news of interest. My last contains all up to this writing, 2 o'clock p.m.

There are many rumors of advance of the enemy, but I regard them as unfounded; yet there is a prevailing belief here that we are in danger of an attack.

Colonel Wolford was here this morning. The remainder of his cavalry have gone, with their transportation, to Green River, in Casey County.

Wolford was at Jamestown yesterday. The rebels left between 12 o'clock and daylight, before he reached there. They went up the Cumberland on this side. They came down from opposite Mill Springs and passed down to Rowena, at which place they destroyed the ferry flat-boats and canoes gathered there, and killed several Home Guards and robbed the citizens. They robbed several of the stores and houses in Jamestown and made the women give up the shirts and other clothing of their husbands. Jonathan Williams, an old citizen and many years sheriff of this county, was killed. He was a quiet, inoffensive old man, but true to his country.

Colonel Wolford expresses the belief that the enemy have a considerable cavalry force on this side at Mill Springs and only a small body of infantry.

Respectfully,

J. T. BOYLE.

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. 497-8

Brigadier-General Jeremiah T. Boyle to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, December 12, 1861

HDQRS. ELEVENTH BRIGADE, U. S. VOLUNTEERS,        

Columbia, December 12, 1861.

General THOMAS, U. S. A.
        Commanding First Division, Lebanon, Ky.:

GENERAL: I directed Colonel Bramlette, with two companies from his the Pulaski or Somerset road and take and occupy the most available position of defense, having regard to water, &c., and to take with him Lieutenant Bonter, (?) temporarily on my staff, a fine engineer, to aid him.

After an examination of the grounds, we regard the most available point of defense at and near the crossing of Russell's Creek, on the Somerset road, northeast of and near the town. Such defenses as will be required can soon be formed. With a battery of artillery the place can be held against considerable odds. Can we not be supported with a battery?

The rebel cavalry who crossed the Cumberland into Russell County have, it is reported, killed 50 or 60 of the loyal and defenseless citizens. I ordered part of Wolford's and part of Haggard's cavalry to the relief of the country. Can I at my discretion move one or more regiments to or in the direction of Cumberland, to give protection to the country on the Cumberland and hold the enemy in check?

If General Schoepf is moving on the enemy from the other direction, can I not be ordered up to attack from this side simultaneously, the movement being understood by General Schoepf?

If there is not reason to expect an attack here or a very early movement forward, I desire leave of absence for several days. I have no uniforms, no clothing, and no arms. I have no uniform or arms of any kind. There are other reasons rendering it necessary for me to be absent for some days which I do not give.

Colonel Beatty, of Nineteenth Ohio, was mustered into service August 10, but has no commission yet. Colonel Bramlette's commission is of 10th September, 1861.

Respectfully, &c.,

J. T. BOYLE,        

Acting Brigadier-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 493-4

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

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Louisville, Ky., October 22, 1861.

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

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

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

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

I am, with much respect, yours, truly,

W. T. SHERMAN,        

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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

Colonel William A. Hoskins to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, November 4, 1861

CAMP HOSKINS, PULASKI COUNTY, KY.,        

November 4, 1861. (Received November 6.)

Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS,

        Commanding, Crab Orchard:

GENERAL: On yesterday Colonel Wolford left to make a reconnaissance of the rebel force below this, and with the general understanding that, should he find the enemy too strong, he was either to return or send back for re-enforcements, when Colonel Bramlette and myself are to move forward with all our available force, which we think will reach 1,200.

We learned this evening that there was a rebel force of cavalry of 350 at Travisville, and, if true, I have no doubt that Colonel Wolford has proceeded to that point with a view of giving them battle.

On Friday night the same party were at Monticello, distant 20 miles from this place; that infantry force, numbering 3,200, made but a short stay at Albany on their return to their encampment at Old Monroe from Burkesville, though it is said they ravaged the country in their passage, driving off horses, cattle, and hogs. They also found a brother of Captain Frogg sick in bed, whom they murdered.

My boys are quite eager to meet the rebels in combat, and should any more troops move in that direction I could not, if I were disposed, prevent their joining in the march.

I have improved our position at this place by the erection of some rude breastworks along the face of the hill and parallel with the roads. I have also blockaded a number of roads to prevent a flank movement of the enemy. They, I learn, had determined to force's passage by this route with a view of forming a junction with Zollicoffer at Crab Orchard, not doubting but that he would reach that point. Their whole force at Travisville and Old Monroe from the best information will reach near 4,000, though all assert that they are but insufficiently and poorly armed. I have not learned that they certainly have any artillery.

Recruits are coming in rapidly the past few days, and I hope to have the minimum number by the 10th instant and a full regiment in a few weeks.

I hope soon to see matters sufficiently quieted in this section to allow me time to return and dispose of my old quartermasters business.

Most respectfully, your friend and obedient servant,

W. A. HOSKINS.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 334-5

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

CAMP ON ROCKCASTLE RIVER, October 22, 1861.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I will await further orders before following the enemy.

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

Respectfully submitted.

A. SCHOEPF,        

Brigadier-Genera1.

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

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

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

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

No. 2.

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

CAMP ON ROCKCASTLE RIVER, October 22, 1861.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I will await further orders before following the enemy.

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

Respectfully submitted.

A. SCHOEPF,        

Brigadier-Genera1.

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

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

_______________

HDQRS. CAMP WILDCAT, October 23, 1861.

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

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

A. SCHOEPF,        

Brigadier-General.

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

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

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

No. 3.

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

HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD REG'T INDIANA VOLUNTEERS,        

Camp Wildcat, Ky., October 22, 1861.

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

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

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

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

Yours, truly,

JOHN COBURN,        

Colonel Thirty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteers.

General A. SCHOEPF,
        Commanding Brigade.

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

Gen. Dumont’s Expedition to Lebanon --- More of the Exploits of Morgan, the Guerrilla

Special Correspondence of the Chicago Times.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 9.

Gen. Dumont, who came, saw and over came, returned Wednesday night from Lebanon, and bringing with him one hundred and sixty-five of the prisoners taken in the brief but glorious fight.  The General is somewhat crusty in style, and when he first took command of this post, a few very loyal people were offended by his manner.  But his prompt treatment of the rebels had begun to overcome their objections to his style, even before the battle at Lebanon. – Since the victory, I suppose it is safe to declare him a favorite with them.  They call him “Old Tiger,” and say he is the man for the moment.  Though I have not been able to get the details of the action direct from officers engaged in it, all accounts agree in giving our troops credit for the utmost intrepidity and coolness.  I have been told that Gen. Dumont was himself in the thickets of the enemy’s fire, and had two horses killed under him.

After Col. Wolford, of the Kentucky cavalry was wounded, he was taken prisoner by the enemy, but was rescued by Capt. Smith, one of his own regiment, after the banditti had carried him twelve miles with them in their flight.  It said the pirate John Morgan lost his favorite black mare, killed in action.  He found another fleet horse, however, and managed to save his bacon.  His servant and bother were taken.  But the most remarkable capture was that of Mr. Hooper Harris, of this city, the bloody-minded Captain, who, in company with his superior officer, Col. McNairy, or at least in his name, published, last fall, in one of the Nashville papers, an advertisement for blood-hounds to be used in hunting down East Tennessee Union men.

These murderous marauders, who set at defiance all the rules and usages of civilized warfare, had not been in the city twelve hours before their wives, sisters and cousins, who would have clapped their hands in exultation if Morgan could have made his way to Nashville and murdered Gov. Johnson in his bed, where crowding his office with applications for permission to hold interviews with their relations of the banditti.  Such is the brazen front of treason!  But the law-abiding are ever in greater danger of too much kindness than of too great severity.  The man whose life they sought above all others granted to many the favor they asked.  Do you think such kindness will lead them to repentance?  No.  The recipients will go away thirsting for his blood.

I regret to learn, just as I mail this letter, there are fears entertained that Col. Wolford will not recover.  He was treated most inhumanly by the rebels, who attempted to carry him off, being forced, though scarcely able to support himself in the saddle, and suffering excruciating pain, to ride at full speed.  Our loss in killed, if Colonel Wolford survives, amounts only to nine.  There are two or three missing.  The citizens of Lebanon deny firing from their houses; yet there can be little doubt of it.  Officers of Gen. Dumont’s staff saw men fire from windows at them, while there were women with them in the same room.  Such conduct was the height of cowardice, whether done by soldiers or citizens; and I can’t believe women would have remained in a room from which soldiers were about to fire.  The firing was doubtless done by their husbands or brothers, inmates of the houses.

One Federal officer states, I learn from the gentleman to whom the statement was made, that he plainly saw a citizen of Lebanon crawling on his hands and knees, behind a fence, with a rifle, to shoot at our men.  As he rose to discharge it, a government soldier shot him through the head.  Persons ran out of a house, and hastily drew in his dead body.  That the cowardly murderers should now deny their crime, is but natural.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 2

A Brilliant Skirmish

(Special to Louisville Journal.)

NASHVILLE, - May 4. – Gen. Dumont with portions of Wolford’s and Smith’s Kentucky cavalry, and Wynkoop’s Pennsylvania cavalry attacked Morgan’s and Wood’s cavalry, 800 in number at Lebanon, Tenn. on Monday evening at four o’clock. The rebels were utterly routed, and large numbers slain, and one hundred and fifty five taken prisoners. Nearly all their horses and arms were captured. They fled after fighting one hour and a half.

Gen. Dumont is in pursuit, and will capture the whole force. The prisoners will be here this evening. It was a brilliant affair and managed with great skill by Gen. Dumont.

Morgan is reported killed.

Col. Wolford was wounded in the abdomen seriously and Col. Smith was wounded in the leg. The rebels were completely surprised and outwitted.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 4

From Nashville

Arrival of Secession Prisoners from Huntsville – Outrages of Rebel Banditti in Tennessee.

Special Correspondence of the Chicago Times

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 1.

On Sunday last an installment of General Mitchell’s prisoners taken at Huntsville, Ala. Arrived here on the cars. The crowd presented a motley appearance, being composed of jaundice faced fellows, who looked as if they had [obtained] their “rights” and been tanned in them. But it was not hard to discover in their cadaverous countenances that they were glad to end a glorious campaign as prisoners of Uncle Sam. The humane guard detailed to accompany them seemed to have their deference and confidence if not their friendship. After halting about fifteen minutes in front of the Rev. Elliott’s secession Female Academy now occupied by Col. Matthews, Provost Marshal, as a barracks for his guard, the 51st Ohio, they were marched to the Tennessee State Hospital – a spacious building with a considerable park around it. Thence, I suppose they will be conveyed northward. The prisoners were evidently more than contented with their condition, but our stiff necked and perverse secessionists drew as near to them as they might with due regard to their own safety, and vented their spleens in low conversation and fierce gesticulation.

Yesterday, five companies of Wolford’s Kentucky Cavalry, who had been scouring Overton and Fentress counties, in this State, arrived in Nashville bringing twenty two prisoners. They were composed of McHenry’s and Bledsoe’s Tennessee rebel cavalry, and independent banditti acting with them. Dr. Overstreet, a brother-in-law of Colonel Bramlett, of Kentucky, and Messrs Garrett and McDonald, loyal gentlemen, residing in that portion of Tennessee, came to the city with them. These gentlemen who are altogether reliable, state that marauding bands of rebels in those counties, and portions of Kentucky near to them, are daily committing the most shocking outrages on those suspected of loyalty. In one instance they caught a lad 12 years of age, the son of a Union man, bound him to a tree and with a knife literally split his body from the throat to the abdomen, letting his bowels fall upon the ground.

One of the prisoners brought in by Wolford’s Cavalry is a desperado by the name of Smith, who has been acting in concert with one Champ Ferguson of Clinton county, Kentucky – a scoundrel so infamous that some account of him may be interesting. When his comrade, Smith, was taken, he was hotly pursued and the party declare they hit him six times with pistol and rifle balls, and saw the dust fly from his clothing. – They are confident, therefore, he has a casing of some kind which resists bullets.

Some time in September, 1861, this man Ferguson went to theresidence of a Union man in Clinton county, Ky., Mr. Frogg, who was sick and in bed, and shot him in the mouth. As this did not produce instant death he next shot him in the brain remarking that he wished him to die easy. On the 2d day of October he went to the house of Mr. Reuben B. Wood, another citizen of Clinton county Kentucky, who was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church – a very useful, popular man in his neighborhood, – and, having called him to his gate, shot him in the bowels, inflicting a wound which produced death in two days. Ferguson’s reason for the murder was, that Wood had paid a visit to Camp Dick Robinson. Assassinating loyal citizens has been merely a pastime with Champ Ferguson. His chief business, since the rebellion broke out has been horse stealing. Besides Smith, who was brought here, he has associated with him one Hamilton, of Jackson county, Tennessee, and nine or ten others. In March last, Hamilton and his associates went over into Monroe county, Kentucky, and assassinated in one day James Syms, Alexander Atterbury, and Thomas Denham, three quiet, will disposed gentlemen, simply because they were suspected of loyalty to the government. When Atterbury was shot, Hamilton informed his weeping mother that he intended to kill all the Union me he could find, and, if he could not find men, he would kill their boys in their stead. When mild Uncle Samuel catches Ferguson and Hamilton, what do you suppose he’ll do to them? I suppose he’ll send them to Camp Douglas, or some other place, to be fed on Federal rations.

Hon. Chas. [Ready], of Rutherford county, was arrested and brought to the city yesterday. Charles was in Congress once, your readers will remember him.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 1