Showing posts with label Kit Carson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kit Carson. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

William Hicks Jackson

JACKSON, William Hicks, soldier and capitalist, was born at Paris, Tenn., Oct. 1, 1835, son of Dr. Alexander and Mary W. (Hurt) Jackson. His parents early removed from Halifax county, Va., to Paris, and thence to Jackson, Tenn. They belonged to the best stock of Virginia, and bequeathed to their sons, Howell Edmunds and William Hicks, the high qualities which made them both eminent men. Descended from such ancestors and trained by such parents, William Hicks Jackson displayed in early life the strong impulses, and acquired the complete self-control, which have so distinguished his manhood. His preparatory education was received in the best schools of Jackson, and at West Tennessee College, where he evinced strong intellectual powers. He gained reputation among his schoolmates as the stout defender of the weak against the strong. In 1852 he was appointed a cadet to West Point. Although hard study and severe regulations were irksome to his fiery spirit, he was guided by his firm resolve to gratify the wishes of his father, and was graduated in 1856 with credit to himself. In his career at West Point he displayed the same traits that marked his boyhood, and was recognized as a leader among his comrades. After the usual furlough and some mouths spent at the barracks at Carlisle, Pa., he was sent, in 1857, to Fort Union, New Mexico, where, as an officer in the regiment of mounted rifles, he took an active part in the principal Indian fights in that territory with such men as Kit Carson, La Rue, and others as his guides. The adventurous character of this service was well suited to the bold and ardent temperament of tile young soldier. He was frequently complimented in orders from headquarters of both department and army for his gallantry and good judgment. Although not an advocate of secession, his intense loyalty to his native state induced him, when the first shot was tired in the civil war, to resign his commission in the U. S. regular army, and to offer his services to the Confederate States. After an adventurous journey in running the blockade at Galveston, he finally arrived in Tennessee, was appointed a captain of artillery by Gov. Harris, and summoned before the state military board at Nashville, which retained him two weeks in consultation on the subject of the equipment of cavalry and artillery. He then reported to Gen. Pillow at Memphis, and served on his staff in the campaigns of Missouri and Kentucky. He was assigned to the duty of organizing a light battery at Columbus, Ky., with which he reported to Gen. Pillow. On Nov. 7, 1861, followed the battle of Belmont, in which he performed the exploit of conducting three regiments of infantry to the rear of Grant's army, routing it until securing a Confederate triumph. For this service he was promoted to the rank of colonel. In this battle his horse was shot under him, and he received a minie-ball in the right side, which, inflicting a wound at the time supposed to be fatal, has never been extracted. He was placed by Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston in command of all the cavalry in western Tennessee, and was engaged in many severe minor battles there and in northern Mississippi. He led the brilliant dash on Holly Springs, Miss., Dec. 20, 1862, that resulted in the capture of 1,800 infantry, many cavalry, millions of dollars' worth of stores, and Gen. Grant's private papers. The loss of this secondary base of supplies compelled Gen. Grant to abandon his campaign by land against Vicksburg, caused him to return to Memphis and organize his river campaign. This brilliant service gained him promotion to the rank of brigadier-general, and the unique distinction of being mentioned in Gen. Grant's “Memoirs” as the only man who came near capturing him. Gen. Jackson was next assigned to the command of the second division of cavalry under Gen. Van Dorn, in Tennessee, the first division being commanded by Gen. Forrest, and soon after participated in the battle of Thompson's Station, which resulted in the capture of Col. Coburn's Federal brigade of 1.600 infantry. In the autumn, at the request of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, Gen. Jackson joined him at Canton, Miss., and commanded the cavalry of his army in the movement for the relief of Vicksburg. Later, at Johnston's request, he was transferred with him to the army of Tennessee, and during the Georgia campaign commanded the cavalry on the left wing. Among the gallant exploits during this period were the defeat of Kilpatrick at Lovejoy Station, and in connection with Gen. Wheeler, the capture at Newnan, Ga., of 1,500 Federal cavalrv. Gen. Jackson was selected by Gen. Hood to join him in the invasion of Tennessee. His division led the advance in pursuing Gen. Schofield's retreating forces, held them at bay for an entire night at Spring Hill, participated in the battle of Franklin, Nov. 30, 1864, and led the Confederate advance to a point only a few miles from the fortified city of Nashville. At Murfreesboro, Jackson defeated the Federals and drove them back to their intrenchments, and after the battle of Nashville, his division covered the retreat of Hood's army. He was now placed in command of Forrest's cavalry troop, and the Texas brigade, and was recommended for promotion by Gens. Dick Taylor, N. B. Forrest, Joseph E. Johnston, and previously by Polk and Hardee; but having incurred the displeasure of Pres. Davis on account of arresting a friend of the president's brother, Joseph, he failed to receive the promotion. Gen. Jackson next served in the Alabama campaign, defeating Gens. Croxton and McCook, and arrived at Marion Junction, where he learned of Forrest's defeat at Selma. Then came the final surrender at Gainesville, Ala., May 9, 1865. Gen. Jackson performed his last military service as Confederate commissioner in association with Gen. Dennis, Federal commissioner, for the parole of the troops at Gainesville and other points. Returning to his home at Jackson, Tenn., the retired soldier entered upon his peaceful career as a cotton planter. On Dec 15, 1868, he was married to Selene, daughter of Gen. W. G. Harding, a highly accomplished and lovely woman. She died Dec. 18, 1892, leaving three children: Eunice, wife of Albert D. Marks, a son of ex-Gov. Marks, and a prominent attorney of Nashville; Selene Harding, wife of William R. Elliston, and William Harding Jackson, who succeeds his father in the management of “Belle Meade,” and gives promise of emulating his father's usefulness. At the request of Gen. Harding, Gen. Jackson became his assistant in the management of the vast stock farm, “Belle Meade,” comprising 5,500 acres, where he found opportunity not only to indulge the tastes so firmly implanted in him as a boy on his father's plantation, but also to devote his mind to the development of scientific agriculture. He was the projector and moving spirit of the agricultural journal known as the “Rural Sun,” which was long the most popular agricultural publication in the South. He was president of the company with Col. J. B. Killebrew as chief editor. In his own language, “Agricultural journals, like almanacs, should be calculated for the latitudes they are designed to serve. . . . My observation has taught me that many young men of the South, in their efforts to apply the teachings of the northern journals to the conditions of the South, have led them into disastrous errors.” Refusing the highest political offices which his fellow-citizens desired to thrust upon him. preferring rather to be the power behind the throne than the shadow upon it, he has proved his public spirit and shown the highest attributes of citizenship by devoting his energies to contributing to the material development of the country, and has accepted positions tending to promote the public welfare. He has been president of the state association of farmers; was organizer and for many years president of the national agricultural congress, and state bureau of agriculture of Tennessee. In the latter capacity he was influential in creating the office of state commissioner of agriculture, and in promoting the publication of that notable work, "The Resources of Tennessee," of which the secretary of the board, Col. J. B. Killebrew, was editor. This work has been published in many different languages and scattered abroad, and, according to leading authorities, was the most eminent agency in first attracting immigration to Tennessee. As president and fiscal agent of the state bureau of agriculture, no money could be spent without his signature. So well was this duty discharged, that the whole work of the department was completed, including the publication of the “Resources of Tennessee” (1874), at a total cost of $13,500, leaving $6,500 out of an appropriation of $20,000 to be returned to the state treasury. In recognition of this distinguished service and economical expenditure, he was complimented by a vote of thanks by the general assembly of Tennessee. In addition to his work as an agriculturist, Gen. Jackson has been an active promoter of various public enterprises: as president of the Safe Deposit Trust Co., of Nashville, of the Nashville Gas Light Co., and of the Nashville street railway, which he took over when in the hands of a receiver in a disordered condition, and reorganized and rehabilitated, financially and materially. In no instance has his genius been more conspicuously displayed than in the perfection of the great “Belle Meade,” celebrated in poetry and song, which experts from England pronounce to be the best managed and most complete stock farm in the world. It is the home of Iroquois, the most famous race-horse, and now one of the most valuable stallions in the world, who won on the English turf an unequaled triumph. Here are also Luke Blackburn (imp.), Great Tom, Tremont, Loyalist (imp.), Clarendon, and other “kings of the turf”; as well as extensive herds of thoroughbred Jersey cattle, Shetland ponies, and the finest deer park in America. “Belle Meade” is a typical southern home, the frequent scene of true southern hospitality, and here Gen. Jackson has entertained Pres. and Mrs. Cleveland, cabinet officers, statesmen, authors, poets, and many foreigners, including members of the nobility from different countries. In many other ways, also, he has contributed to the material prosperity, and stimulated the progress, of his native state. He has erected at Nashville the finest office and apartment building in Tennessee, a model of architecture. He was a moving spirit in promoting the great Tennessee Centennial exposition of 1896-97, and declining the presidency served as chairman of its executive committee. Since the close of the war he has been the advocate of sectional conciliation, and has exerted his powerful influence at all times and at all places, but especially in the Confederate Veteran Association, in which he has long held high rank. By promoting such public enterprises and exerting an influence so salutary and potent, Gen. Jackson furnishes an illustrious example of the private citizen of public spirit who, declining political office, “does more than armies for the commonweal.” The well-known author and scientist, Col. J. B. Killebrew, who has known him over a quarter of a century, has well said: “Gen. Jackson is a strong man, mentally, physically and morally. He never does anything by halves. He never rests as long as there is an improvement to be made. Whatever he puts his hands on, prospers. He has an intuitive knowledge of men, and therefore his agents are always the best for accomplishing the purposes for which he selects them. In the organization and conduct of the many large enterprises with which his name is associated, he has acquired the habits of thought peculiar to all successful men. He goes directly to the point, and he has all the precision of a martinet, with the power of a conqueror. Broad, but accurate; diligent, but deliberate; patient, but prompt; kind, but firm; fearing no weight of responsibility, yet not careless of it, he always meets and overcomes difficulties.”

SOURCE: The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Volume 9, p. 212-3

Thursday, August 30, 2012

The appointment of General Fremont to the command of . . .

. . . a Military District is alluded to in the following language by the Frankfort, Ky., Commonwealth:

We do not know how far West the division of the Potomac extends – probably to the Blue Ridge, and includes a greater part of Virginia, the Carolinas and Florida and Georgia.  If so, Fremont’s command is rather a small mountainous district – too hilly for him to show much of his tom-foolery, in the shape of splendid carriages, bands of music, and a menagerie of puffers, painters, reporters, &c., &c.  The North and South Knoxville line will cross very near to Maysville, and will throw into Fremont’s command the Cumberland Gap, the Sandy Valley, and Eastern [sic] Virginia.  Among these mountain men, the Major General, if he has any tact at all, must adapt himself to mountain manners, as well as mountain passes, and if he only had Kit Carson with him he might get along pretty well.

We suppose his appointment was something like Cameron’s appointment to Russia – a sort of politico-State necessity which the President could not entirely disregard; and deemed it better to have the discontented officer off in the woods than to keep in stirring up murmurs and making party combinations at Washington.  We wish, however, he could have found some other place for him – Arizonia [sic], for instance, but we can’t have all things as we wish.  We take comfort in another thought, and that is; that if the rebel main army does not try to force its way through Kentucky by the Cumberland Gap or Prestonsburg, but leaves those points to be defended by Humphrey Marshal and John S. Williams, Fremont can hold his own against them, and is as good a man as either of them, either in patriotism or soldiership.

Now when our seceshers are throwing up their camps over Fremont’s appointment, pretending all the time to be horrified that Lincoln should have done this thing, we beg them to stay their grief, “for this is our funeral,” and none of their business.  We’ll do the best we can with it, and the army will see to it that the war is carried on solely for the union, the Constitution and the Enforcemnt of the Laws.  And it may turn out after all, that all the bad that was in Fremont has been evacuated by the President’s order to him in Missouri to attend to his own duties and let the niggers alone, and hereafter he may turn out better than many expect.

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

Monday, July 9, 2012

A Desperate Battle In New Mexico


DENVER CITY, March 8. – By military express the following news was received here to-day.

A desperate and terrible battle, lasting all day, took place at Valverde, ten miles south of Fort Craig on the 21st ult.  The loss was great on both sides.  Both parties claim the victory.

A regiment of Mexicans ran away from fright, but probably returned on the 22d.  The regiment that ran was commanded by Col. Panon.  He started first, and his entire command followed.

Capt. McRae, who had charge of the artillery and every one of his command were killed at their post.  The cannon was taken by the enemy.

Kit Carson was within fifteen miles of Fort Craig.  Firing was heard from his direction.  It is not known what was the result of his fight.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 4

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

From New Mexico


ST. LOUIS, March 3.

The Republican has advices from Albuquerke, New Mexico, Feb. 23d, which states that the Texans have made various significant movements in the vicinity of Ft. Craig.

On the 18th they advanced a column of infantry 1,000 strong, in line of battle, in front of the fort, and also moved a column of 800 cavalry to the west of the other defences, and then advanced within a mile and a half of the works.  The halted with the secession flag floating in the breeze.  After remaining some time, the commenced a retrograde movement.  During the time of the advance, Col. Canby prudently concealed the greater part of his force in the rear of the fort.  Then the enemy commenced retreating, and the infantry was separated from the cavalry, Col. Canby ordered Maj. Duncan to charge the cavalry of the enemy with a squadron of dragoons and mounted men, which they did in gallant style – the enemy retreating before them until they arrived at a deep ravine.  The Texan infantry, in the meantime, advanced to the relief of the cavalry, and a skirmish took place at the ravine.  Maj. Duncan late in the evening was recalled, and the Texans continued to fall back.

It is reported that the Texans had eight pieces of artillery, placed in a battery masked in a ravine but a short distance below where the skirmish took place.  On the 19th and 20th the Texans crossed to the east bank of the Rio Grande, in order it is supposed, to take possession of the heights opposite Fort Craig.

Col. Canby crossed and pursued them in force, when the Texans on the heights fired some fifty cannon shots without damage to our forces.  Col. Canby fired but two shots, deeming it imprudent to waste ammunition.  On the morning of the 21st 200 Texan mules were captured.  The Texans are on the heights, and destitute of water.  Col. [Canby] has the pass to the water guarded by a battery of 2,000 men, and all other outlets guarded in force.  The Texans must either fight desperately for water or surrender.

When the express closed on the morning of the 21st the booming of cannon was heard in the direction of Valverde, announcing that the battle had begun.

The military express has just arrived from Fort Craig with the news of a serious conflict between our forces and the Texans which lasted from 9 o’clock a.m. of the 21st till sundown the same day.  The fight commenced in the morning between a portion of our troops, under Col. Roberts, and the enemy across the Rio Grande, with varied success until 1 or 2 o’clock that day.  Col. Canby then crossed the river in force, with a battery of six pieces under command of Capt. McRae, of the cavalry, but detained to command the battery.  Also, a small battery of howitzers.  The enemy was supposed to have seven or eight pieces.  The battle commenced by artillery and skirmishing, and soon became general.  Toward evening most of the enemy’s guns were silenced.  They however made a desperate charge on the howitzer battery, but were repulsed with great loss.  Captain McRae’s battery was defended by Capt. Plimpton’s company of U. S. Infantry and a portion of Col. Pino’s regiment of New Mexican volunteers.

The Texans fought bravely and desperately, with picked men about 600 strong.  They were armed with carbines, revolvers and long seven-pound bowie knives.  After discharging their carbines at close distance, they drew revolvers and rushed on the battery in a storm of grape and canister.  The Mexicans of Pino’s regiment were panic-stricken and ingloriously fled.  Captain Plimpton’s infantry stood their ground until more than half were numbered with the dead.  With his artillerymen cut down, his support either killed or wounded or flying from the field, Capt. McRae sat down calmly and quietly on one of his guns, and with revolver in hand, refusing to fly or desert his post, he fought to the last and gloriously died the death of a hero, the last man by his gun.  The Texans suffered terribly in this charge.  Many officers distinguished themselves on this day.  Major Donaldson, who was chief aid to Col. Canby, acted bravely, and was conspicuous on every part of the field.  His horse was wounded in several places, but he was not injured.

Kit Carson, in command of a regiment of volunteers who were deployed as skirmishers, did good service during the action, and behaved well.  We have however, to mourn the loss of Lieuts. Michler and Stone, who like Capt. McRae, nobly and bravely maintained the honor of our flag to the last and gloriously died the death of patriots.  A great many others were wounded.  Our loss was about 200 killed and wounded; that of the enemy is believed to be much greater.  The greatest confidence is reposed in Col. Canby, and if volunteers will do their duty, the Texans will be ignominiously driven from the country.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 14, 1862, p. 1

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

A Battle near Fort Craig

DENVER CITY, March 8.

By military express the following news was received here to-day:

A desperate and terrible battle, lasting all day, took place at Valverne [sic], ten miles south of Fort Craig on the 21st.

The loss great on both sides.  Both parties claim the victory.

Fight probably renewed on the 22d.

A regiment of Mexicans ran away.  It was commanded by Col. Panon.  He started first, and his entire command followed.

Capt. McKea, who had charge of the artillery, and every one of his command were killed at their post.  The cannon was taken by the enemy.  Kit Carson was within 15 miles of Fort Craig.  Firing was heard from his direction.  It is not known what was the result of this fight.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 1

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The War in New Mexico – An Incident

The Government is so occupied in striking at the heart of rebellion in the seceded States, that it has not given that attention to the territory of New Mexico which, under other circumstances, it would have received. The consequence has been that the few troops stationed there have had to contend against a superior force of the most daring rebels that are engaged in the effort to subvert the Government. Hordes of these scoundrels, inured to privations that admirably fit them for camp life, have swarmed up from Texas, and, led by daring men, have boldly attacked our troops and driven them back, step by step, until they have nearly reached Fort Union on the North. Kit Carson still remains at Fort Craig, some three hundred miles south, but having only seven hundred men at his command. A vigorous onslaught of the enemy in force, would drive that bold man from his position or oblige him to surrender.

Had Wm. Gilpin, ex-Governor of Colorado territory, instead of holding the regiments he organized in the gold mines, for months in idleness, sent them to the succor of the troops in New Mexico, this state of affairs might have been prevented. In no portion of the Union have our troops contended with greater bravery then in New Mexico, but owing to their location and comparative insignificance of numbers, and the public mind being engrossed in scenes nearer home, very little attention has been given to the struggle of these brave men, to prevent the inroads of the rebels.

A little incident was narrated us a few evenings since by Judge Hubbell, of Albuquerque, that shows the fierceness with which both parties fight. – Although it may have been in print, the particulars have not been given with that minuteness to which so fierce recontre is entitled. A company of one hundred mounted Texans attacked a force of eighty-five of our men engaged in guarding a battery. The former went in, as they boasted, with the determination of “cleaning out the d----d Yankees and showing them another Bull Run on a smaller scale.” At the first fire our men emptied fifty-seven saddles! The balance of the Texans, no way disconcerted, hastily dismounted, and with a bowie knife strapped to each mans wrist and a revolver in each and, rushed upon the loyal troops. The latter gave way not an inch, but with bayonet fixed advanced into the charge. Then followed the most terrible had-to-hand fight recorded in this war. Both parties fought for life, and with a determination unequalled. We know not who long the struggle lasted, but when it ceased only five of the brave but misguided Texans remained alive, and but eight of the Federal troops were left to boast of the victory they had so terribly achieved.

With so many troops at its command our Government should not allow the brave loyalists of New Mexico to be driven from their homes, and the few Federal regiments stationed there to be cut to pieces by these Texan banditti. Without delay sufficient force should be sent thither to drive back the rebels and recover the property of our loyal citizens that has been seized upon an confiscated by the rebels. In no event should those noble men, Col. Canby and Kit Carson, be sacrificed upon the unholy altar of rebellion. They should be rescued immediately from the perilous position they now occupy.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 26, 1862, p. 2

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

From New Mexico

(Correspondence of M. Republican)

FT. UNION, NEW MEXICO, April 13. – Colonel Slough, after the battle of [Apache Canyon], fell back and took position at Bernal Springs, 45 miles south of Fort Union. This was deemed the strategetical [sic] point, being within supporting distance of Ft. Union, and in a position to harass the enemy, and to form a junction with Col. Canby when he shall leave Ft. Craig, 200 miles south. We had been there one day, when Col. Canby sent from Fort Craig, his Assistant Ad’jt General, with preemptory orders to Col. Slough to fall back with his column to Ft. Union, which was immediately observed.

It would seem that we crippled the enemy in the Apache [Canyon] more than was believed at first. We have reliable information that we killed over 100 men, including 6 officers, and wounded over 200.

We have now prisoners at Ft. Union 21 officers and 82 privates.

The enemy fell back to Santa Fe and are again, it is believed, concentrating in their old position at Albuquerque.

Yesterday an express arrived from Colonel [Canby], stating that he would leave Ft. Craig on the 31st of March.

If the enemy is still in the vicinity of [Albuquerque], with ordinary traveling Col. Canby is in their immediate vicinity and his column 180 miles from [Albuquerque] will only leave this morning. He will be unsupported by this column, and with 900 regulars will have to encounter their forces unless he can slip by and join the column which leaves here this morning.

It is understood that Kit Carson with a regiment of New Mexican volunteers, 700 strong will remain and garrison Fort Craig. It is rumored that Colonels Stute and Busler of the rebel army are advancing into New [Mexico] with 800 additional men.

Important events will probably occur before the next Express leaves for the States.

A well authenticated report has since reached here that the Texan forces, 2,000 strong, are entrenching themselves at Santa Fe. Colonel Canby having strengthened his command up to 1200 is fifty miles south of Santa Fe. This may enable our two commands to act together, and make us 2400. If this is the case we will have one of the bloodiest battles of record.

The enemy’s artillery numbers about 18 Pieces, ours 12 pieces.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3