Captain Charles Wright Wills: December 3, 1862

December 3, 1862.

We received marching orders at Lagrange, Tenn., at 9 o'clock p. m. on the 27th, and moved at 6 a. m. on the 28th, on the Holly Springs road. We marched some five miles and then waited four or five hours for the divisions of Ross and McArthur from Grand Junction, and Quinby and Moscow to file into the road ahead of us. About 4 p. m. we were again set in motion, and at 7 p. m. (moonlight) we turned into the woods, about 10 miles from Lagrange, and bivouacked for the night. Fell in at 7 a. m., 29th, marched nine miles by 2:30 p. m. to Coldwater, a very nice little stream, the water in which is as cold in July as in December. Here we rested until 6:30 p. m. and then marched six miles by moonlight to Holly Springs, Miss., where we camped for the night. At 8 a. m., 30th, moved out and arrived at the present camp about 2 p. m. The last five miles we were cheered by the enlivening music of artillery firing ahead, pretty lively at times and then subsiding into an ocasional bellow, bringing the good old Madrid and Corinth times very distinctly to my mind. It's astonishing what an amount of ignorance I am guilty of in regard to the situation of affairs here, but I really haven't inquired of or listened to any of the powers that be on the subject. I've had my mind set on a fight in the neighborhood, and if we get that I don't care about details, if not I'll find out what I can, though 'tis an awful sight of trouble to sift sense and matter to be credited out of camp rumors, and that is about the only source a line officer has for getting information. Believe I'll give you a little list of rumors condensed. (1) Enemy 50,000 strong fortified on this side of Tallahatchie. (2) Rebels driven across the river, only rifle pits on this side. (3) Sherman has turned their right flank and we've got them sure. (4) Enemy only 30,000 strong in tremendous fortifications opposite side of river; bridge burned, will be rebuilt by midnight, when we'll pitch into them, etc. (5) Pemberton wants to fight; Price opposes the idea. (6) Fortifications evacuated night of 1st inst., and Sherman pushing the enemy's right as they retreat (To back this No. 6 rumor, heavy columns were pushing past us all day yesterday in a driving rain). (7) Steel and Curtis have pushed across from Helena or Napoleon and taken possession of Grenada, cutting off the Rebel line of retreat; Curtis' force 25,000. (8) Price has cut through Curtis' force and escaped. (9) Price attacked Curtis, was repulsed and is now coming back this way, etc.

There has been cannonading the last three days some four or six miles ahead, but none to-day. Squads of prisoners pass us going to the rear every day. The country from Lagrange to this place is very good, clearings much more extensive and more evidences of wealth than on the Mobile and Ohio road. We were on picket the 1st inst. some two miles in advance of our camp and had a grand time. This 103d out jayhawks old Jennison himself. The regiment went on picket the last time with one day's rations, and I swear I believe they came in with six days'. My company “found” 150 pounds of flour, a hog, a beef, two and one-half bushels of sweet potatoes, chickens, ducks, milk, honey and apples. The night we stopped at Holly Springs, Company G must have confiscated $300 (the way these people figure) worth of eatables, among which were one barrel of molasses, 300 pounds of sugar, one barrel of flour, four hogs, etc. But I don't allow them to take anything but eatables. I think it right, and can find no arguments for any other side of the question. Holly Springs is a beautiful little town, but not so rich, I think, as Jackson, Tenn., which beats everything for its size, I ever saw. Our army, trains and all, stretched out in marching shape, is, I think, 30 miles long. Believe without Sherman it numbers from 40,000 to 45,000. Anyway we have enough to skin Mississippi. Major General McPherson commands our right wing of two divisions, Logan's and McKean's. Hamilton has the left wing of three divisions, McArthur, Ross and Quinby. Don't know what Sherman has, but he holds a good hand and has some trumps that we know of, particularly Hurlbut and Lanman. I never saw men in as good spirits and so confident as this army now appears. We are splendidly equipped and want nothing. The only drawback is the men's having to carry their knapsacks, but if the fine weather will only continue we'll stand that. We don't use any tents at night when marching, and 'tis no hardship to lie out at night yet. The boys strip to their underclothing, with only two blankets, and never grumble. I can't see why people will stay at home when they can get to soldiering. I think a year of it is worth getting shot for to any man. I believe I used to get a little homesick or girl sick, but my brief furloughs have taught me the vanity and vexation of spirit folks are liable to in the States, and I think I'll hanker thereafter no more. If I can get into the regular army, I'll do it sure.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 130-2

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, January 15, 1865

Headquarters Third Division,

Detachment Army Of The Tennessee,

in The Field, Sunday, Jan. 15, 1865.

I am now once more fairly in the field, and at the head of my command. My tent is pitched upon a pleasant knoll in a very hilly, almost mountainous country, from whence I have a view of the Tennessee river, and parts of three States, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. The ground is gravelly and the forests pine, so that I keep comparatively dry; the floor of my tent is carpeted with pine boughs that make a pleasant smell. For some days past the weather has been delightful, clear, bright and warm, yet bracing. Already the rose and briar are putting forth green leaves and bulbous roots are springing from the ground. The atmosphere is about as it would be in your latitude, say the 1st of May, or thereabouts. My health improves, bowels decidedly better, appetite pretty good, and the most that troubles me now is a tendency to take cold, cold with an irritation of the throat. This is to be expected, for I could hardly go from careful nursing directly into the field without some shock to the system.

My command is not yet thoroughly organized, and I have some new appointments of staff officers to make; in the course of a day or two I shall publish my staff, and will send you a copy. . . . I have three brigades; our detachments are about being organized into a corps of three divisions, each division of three brigades. The division commanders are General McArthur, General Garrard (Kenna Garrard of West Point, oldest son of Mrs. McLean), and myself, all under command of Gen. A. J. Smith.

A large mail has come to-day with the fleet that brought up General Thomas and troops, but I am disappointed in finding nothing for me.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 378-9

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, October 1, 1863

We had brigade inspection this morning at 7 o'clock, by General McArthur. Colonel Hall of our regiment is in command. There were three regiments of infantry, one of cavalry and three batteries. In the afternoon I was on fatigue duty, and part of the time in a heavy rain; this is our third successive day of rain.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 145

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Eliza Walter Smith, October 20, 1863

Headquarters Second Brigade,

First Div., Seventeenth Army Corps,

Vicksburg, Miss., Oct. 20, 1863.

My Dear Mother:

General Grant received your letter and of this I have written before. He is now gone, I don't know whither — flitted with his staff and surroundings before I had come back, as the swallows flit in the fall. I do not think you have got a right estimate of Sherman. You call him “slow, cautious, almost to a fault.” On the contrary, he is as quick as lightning, the most rapid thinker, actor, writer, I ever came in contact with — proud and high-spirited as an Arab horse. Grant is slow and cautious, and sure and lucky. They are both good men. Men you would admire if you knew them, and men who upon first blush you would be marvellously deceived in.

You ask about the tribute from the old “54th.” I understand the boys have made arrangements to fit me out; but haven’t received the articles. Somebody said that they were sumptuous. I suppose they would get the best that money could buy, for they think a heap of “old Kilby” — the only name by which I am known in the Fifteenth Army Corps. Strangers used to come and ask for Kilby, and for a long time I rarely heard the name of Smith as applied to myself. I don't know but what their presents have been burnt up or sunk in the river. There has been a great deal of loss lately. When they come, I will let you know and tell you all about them.

Enclosed herewith find copy of a letter written by General Sherman to the 13th Regulars on the occasion of the death of his son at Memphis. I saw a copy by accident to-day, and together with the brief notice that his son had died, is the only intelligence I have. He had his boy with him, a bright, active little fellow, who rode with him wherever he went, and who was a great pet with his own old regiment, the 13th Regulars. You know General Sherman came into the service as colonel of this regiment at the outset of the war. The death must have been sudden, and you perceive by the tenor of the letter how deeply he feels it. I do assure you that we find every day in the service, that “the bravest are the tenderest, the loving are the daring.” I will forward your letter to him, and perhaps you had better address him again on the occasion of his bereavement. I am sure he is a dear friend of mine, and in the chances of this war, calculating upon his position and mine, it is hardly probable we shall meet again. Like him, “on, on, I must go, till I meet a soldier's fate, or see my country rise superior to all factions, till its flag is adored and respected by ourselves and all the powers on earth,''¹ and now our paths are slightly divergent. Can you imagine it, even as I write, the enclosed order is handed me, and received without one pang of regret. I copy verbatim. You may understand the chances and changes of a soldier's life. The darky says, “here to-morrow and gone to-day.”

Special Orders

No. 236.

headquarters Seventeenth Army Corps,

Dept. Of The Tennessee,

vicksburg, Miss., Oct. 20, 1863.

Brig.-Genl. E. S. Dennis, U. S. Vols., will report forthwith to Genl. McArthur, to be assigned to command of Second Brigade, First Division, and will relieve Brig.-Genl. T. K. Smith.

Brig.-Genl. T. K. Smith, on being relieved from command of Second Brigade, First Division, will proceed forthwith to Natchez, Miss., and report to Brig.-Genl. M. M. Crocker, commanding Fourth Division, for assignment to command of Brigade in Fourth Division.

By order of Maj.-Genl. Mcpherson,

W. T. Clark,

A. A. General.

Brig.-Genl. T. K. Smith,

Com'g Second Brigade, First Division.

Thus you perceive, having licked the Second Brigade into shape, I am assigned elsewhere. Meanwhile, pray for me, and thank God that everything has transpired to take me out of the filthy God-forsaken hole on a hill. My next will be from Natchez and will contain full directions how to address me. Keep writing, and enclose my letters with request to forward to Major-Genl. James B. McPherson, commanding Seventeenth Army Corps, Department of the Tennessee, Vicksburg, Miss. He is my warm, intimate, personal friend, and will see that all come safe to hand. I enclose you his carte. He is very handsome, a thorough soldier, brave as Caesar, young, a bachelor, and — engaged to be married.

Genl. M. M. Crocker, to whom I am about to report, is a most excellent gentleman and eke a soldier, thank God! graduate of the Military Academy of West Point, also an intimate of mine and friend. Somehow or other, the West Pointers all take to me, and by the grace of God I find my way among soldiers. You can't understand all this, but it is most delightful to have a soldier, a real soldier, for a commander and associate. Natchez, by this time is a second home to me. I know a heap of people and have some good friends even among the '”Secesh.” I may be there a day, a month, a year, nobody knows and nobody cares. I can pack, and “get up and dust” as quickly as any of them.

_______________

¹ General Sherman's letter to Capt. C. C. Smith 13th Regulars.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 340-2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, September 30, 1863

It rained all day. I was on fatigue, helping to clean up the review ground. We are to have general inspection in the next few days by General McArthur, our division commander, and General McPherson, corps commander. Our company is returning to its old-time form and numbers.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 145

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Francis P. Blair Jr., May 29, 1863

NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., May 29, 1863.

Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR,  Jr.,

Commanding Advance Expedition:

Yours of the 28th, inclosing report of Colonel Johnson, is just received. It is so important that we should save all our troops to act together, that I would direct that you take no risks whatever, either of a defeat or of being cut off. If you are satisfied of the presence of a large force at Canton and north of there, returned immediately, leaving Mower's brigade at Haynes' Bluff. If you deem Haynes' Bluff in danger of an early attack, you may also leave McArthur, with the brigade of his division. Returning, destroy all the forage and stock you can, and obstruct all roads behind you by burning bridges, felling timber, and in all possible ways. I requested Admiral Porter yesterday to send a gunboat or two up the river to cruise until you return. You may rest at Haynes' Bluff' with your entire command until you receive further orders from me. Such information may be received from the enemy and sufficient re-enforcements arrive here as to make it advisable to send out an army large enough to clean out Joe Johnston and his party.

 U.S. GRANT.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 3 (Serial No. 38), p. 361-2

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Rear-Admiral David D. Porter, May 22, 1863 – 8:30 p.m.

NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., May 22, 1863 – 8.30 p.m.

Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER,

Commanding Mississippi Squadron:

Your note, dated 2 p.m., is just received. I had sent you a dispatch stating that the assault at 10 a.m. was not successful, although not an entire failure. Our troops succeeded in gaining positions close up to the enemy's batteries, which we yet hold, and, in one or two instances, getting into them. I now find the position of the enemy so strong that I shall be compelled to regularly besiege the city. I would request, therefore, that you give me all the assistance you can with the mortars and gunboats. McArthur has been ordered to join McClernand, but I wish to countermand the order, if it has not already been executed. I have no means of communicating with General McArthur, except by way of Young's Point. Will you do me the favor to forward to him the accompanying?

 U.S. GRANT.

P. S. – If the gunboats could come up and silence the upper water battery and clear the southern slope of the second range of hills from the Yazoo Bottom, it would enable Sherman to carry that position, and virtually give us the city. The mortar-boats, I think, could be brought with security to within 1 mile or less of the bluff, on the Mississippi shore, from which they could rain shells into the city. Let me beg that every gunboat and every mortar be brought to bear upon the city.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 3 (Serial No. 38), p. 337-8

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, April 17, 1863

The Sixth Division was reviewed today by General McArthur. We heard some very heavy cannonading last night down toward Vicksburg. The report is that four gunboats and six transports with five hundred thousand rations on board ran the blockade. Another large fleet loaded with troops went down the river today.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 110

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, April 8, 1863

General Townsend, of General Halleck's staff, from Washington, D. C., made a speech to the Sixth Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps today, on the question of arming the colored men. He urged loyal men to accept commissions as officers in colored regiments. General McArthur, commander of our division, spoke also, and the boys cheered them a great deal. Steps were taken to raise two regiments of colored troops at this place and give them arms. The Fifteenth Iowa received their pay today.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 108

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, January 30, 1863

Everything is quiet today. It came my turn to go on duty. Another gunboat came down the river today. General McArthur moved his headquarters from the boat, lying here in the river, out into a plantation house nearby. Things are very expensive here; butter is fifty cents a pound and cheese is forty cents.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 97-8

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, November 20, 1862

We had division drill by General McArthur this forenoon, and in the afternoon we had battalion drill under Lieutenant Abercrombie. Our drill ground proved to be poorly suited for division drill, on account of the ravines and washed-out gullies.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 83

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, November 14, 1862

Nothing of importance. The Eleventh Iowa is in the Third Brigade commanded by General Crocker; the brigade is in the Sixth Division commanded by General McArthur; the division is in the Seventeenth Army Corps commanded by General McPherson.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 82

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, October 31, 1862

This was general muster day, and we were reviewed this afternoon by the commanding officer, General McArthur. The general says our division is hard to beat, declaring that it would be difficult to find a better-looking number of men armed for active service than the Sixth Division. After the review we were mustered for pay. The weather is very warm and the roads are dusty.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 79

The Headquarters Monuments at Shiloh National Military Park

Major General Ulysses S. Grant, Commanding the Army of the Tennessee

• Headquarters at Savannah, Tennessee
• Headquarters on the Night of April 1862

•  Major General John A. McClernand, 1st Division

• Colonel Abraham Hare, 1st Brigade
• Colonel Julius Raith, 3rd Brigade
• Colonel Leonard F. Ross, 3rd Brigade

• Brigadier General William H. L. Wallace, 2nd Division
• Colonel James M. Tuttle, 1st Brigade
• Brigadier General John McArthur, 2nd Brigade
• Colonel Thomas W. Sweeny, 3rd Brigade

• Brigadier General Stephen A. Hurlbut, 4th Division
• Colonel James C. Veatch, 2nd Brigade

• Brigadier General William T. Sherman, 5th Division
• Colonel John A. McDowell, 1st Brigade
• Colonel David Stuart, 2nd Brigade

• Brigadier General Benjamin M. Prentiss, 6th Division
• Colonel Everett Peabody, 1st Brigade

Second Division, Army of the Tennessee Marker: W.H.L. Wallace Headquarters, Pittsburg Landing Road, Shiloh National Military Park

U. S.

SECOND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE

BRIG. GEN. WM. H. L. WALLACE, (MORTALLY W’D.)

COL. JAMES M. TUTTLE, 2D IOWA

1ST BRIGADE	COL. JAMES M. TUTTLE, 2D IOWA
2ND BRIGADE	BRIG. GEN. JOHN McARTHUR, (W’D.)
	COL. THOMAS MORTON, 81ST OHIO.
3RD BRIGADE	COL. THOMAS M. SWEENY, 52D ILLINOIS, (W’D.)
	COL. SILAS D. BALDWIN, 57TH ILLINOIS.
BATTERY ‘A’ 1ST ILL. LT. ARTY., LIEUT. PETER P. WOOD.
BATTERY ‘D’ 1ST MO. LT. ARTY., CAPT. HENRY RICHARDSON.
BATTERY ‘H’ 1ST MO. LT. ARTY., CAPT. FRED. WELKER.
BATTERY ‘K’ 1ST MO. LT. ARTY., CAPT. GEORGE H. STONE.
COMPANIES ‘A’ AND ‘B’ 2D ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
COMPANIES ‘C’ 2D AND ‘I’ 4TH U. S. CAVALRY.

This Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. C. F. Smith, arrived upon this field March 19, 1862 and encamped along, and to the right of the road from Pittsburg Landing to Snake Creek Bridge.

April 2, 1862 Brig. Gen. Wm. H. L. Wallace was assigned to the command of the Division.

On Sunday, April 6, 1862, the 1st and 3d brigades were engaged at the “Hornets’ Nest”; two regiments of the 2d Brigade, under Gen. McArthur, were engaged east of the Peach Orchard; the other three regiments were detached to different parts of the field.  At about 5 P. M. Gen. Wallace was mortally wounded and four of his regiments were surrounded and captured.

On Monday the Division, under the command of Col. Tuttle, was in reserve, supporting the 5th Division of the Army of the Ohio, until about noon.  It then formed in the front line between the divisions of McCook and Crittenden, and was engaged in the Review Field.  The Division had present for duty, of all arms, officers and men, 8408.  Its loss was 270 killed; 1173 wounded; 1306 missing; total 2749.

Brig. Gen. John McArthur Headquarters Monument: Perry Field, Shiloh National Military Park

U. S.

* * *

HEADQUARTERS, 2^D BRIGADE,

2^D DIVISION

ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE;

BRIG. GEN. JOHN M^CARTHUR,

COMMANDING.

* * * * *

ESTABLISHED MARCH 19^TH, 1862

Specials to New York Papers

(Special to Tribune.)

WASHINGTON, March 3. – The following nominations were made to the Senate to-day as Major Generals: McDowell, Burnside, Buell, Pope, Lewis and Wallace.  As Brigadier Generals, Cols. Oglesby, W. H. Luella, Cook, McArthur and J. G. Lauman, who commanded brigades at Donelson.  Col. Berry of Maine and Fry of Connecticut, are to rank in the order named – Gen. McDowell thus out ranks the rest  and out ranks Sigel.

In Answer to a requisition of the Senate, the Secretary of War incloses [sic] the instructions of the Adjutant General to Gen. Hunter touching the Hunter Lane expedition, dated Jan. 20.

The order to Gen. Hunter says the General in Chief, in giving you this information, desires it to be understood that a command independent of you is not given to Gen. Lane, but he is to operate to all proper extent, under your supervision and control and if you deem propert, you may yourself, command the expedition which may be undertaken.

Under these circumstances the General in Chief will not give you a formal leave according to your instructions, but he authorizes you to absent yourself from your command for 30 days at your discretion.

The Herald’s Washington dispatch says it is understood that arrangements have been made for release from their parole of all the officers of our army, regulars and volunteers, who have been out on parole by the enemy.  We have such a host of rebel prisoners that there is no longer need that a single officer or private shall be any longer on parole.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 3

New York, March 4 [1862]

A special to the Tribune says that the following nominations were made in the Senate to-day as Major Generals: McDowell, Burnside, Buell, Pope, Curtis, McClernand, C. T. Smith and Lewis W. Williams, acting Major Generals at Fort Donelson.  As Brigadier Generals: Colonels Oglesby, W. H. L. Wallace, Cook, McArthur, Lauman, who commanded brigades at Donelson.

Cols. Berry, of Maine, and Ferry, of Ct., are to rank in the order named, General McDowell thus outranking the rest and Curtis outranking Sigel.

In answer to a resolution of the Senate, the Secretary of War encloses the instructions of the Adjutant General Touching the Hunter-Lane expedition, dated January 3d.

The order to Hunter says:  The general-in-Chief, in giving you this information, desires it to be understood that a command independent of you is not given to General Lane, but he is to operate to all proper extent under your supervision and control. – If you deem it proper, you may yourself command the expedition which may be undertaken.  Under these circumstances the General-in-Chief will not give you a formal leave according to your application, but he authorizes you to absent yourself from your command for 30 days at your discretion.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1