Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Tuesday, February 25, 1862

I left home* to rejoin the battalion near Murfreesboro. After a ride of nineteen miles I, with several others of Allison's Company, stopped for the night with Colonel E. S. Smith's Battalion, within two miles of Murfreesboro.

I will here pause to make a few remarks in reference. to the movements of the Confederates at other points.

Fort Henry, on the Tennessee River, fell into the hands of the Federals on February 6th. General Grant, making Fort Henry his base of operations, moved against Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River.

General Buckner, with about nine thousand five hundred rank and file, surrendered the latter place to Grant on the 16th.

About this time the Confederates at Bowling Green, Kentucky, fell back to Nashville before General Buell. By the 23d the last of the Confederate troops evacuated the latter place, falling back to Murfreesboro.

Nashville was formally surrendered by the Mayor to General Buell on the 25th of February.

So I found quite a number of infantry, cavalry and artillery at Murfreesboro under the command of General Albert Sidney Johnston.

That portion of Johnston's army which was now with him at Murfreesboro, and known as the Central Army, was composed of three divisions, commanded respectively by Major-Generals Hardee, Crittenden and Pillow, and one "reserve" brigade under Brigadier-General Breckinridge. Each division was composed of two brigades, making a total of seven brigades.

Bennett's Battalion, which was afterward consolidated with McNairy's, belonged to Hindman's Brigade and Hardee's Division.

_______________

*The last time I saw home until June 3d, 1865.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 133-4

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

William Blount Carter to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, October 22, 1861

MORGAN COUNTY, TENNESSEE, NEAR MONTGOMERY,

October 22, 1861. (Received November 4.)

Brigadier-General THOMAS:

SIR: I reached here at 2 p.m. to-day. I am within 6 miles of a company of rebel cavalry. I find our Union people in this part of the State firm and unwavering in their devotion to our Government and anxious to have an opportunity to assist in saving it. The rebels continue to arrest and imprison our people.

You will please furnish the bearers with as much lead, rifle powder, and as many caps as they can bring for Scott and Morgan Counties. You need not fear to trust these people. They will open the war for you by routing these small bodies of marauding cavalry.

It is said here that Buckner has 9,000 men at Bowling Green, and that Zollicoffer has 12,000. I do not give this as reliable. I find our people have suffered beyond all forbearance, Hasten on to our aid.

To-morrow night I hope to be near our railroad. I have not been able as yet to gain any information as to my prospects of success.

I am obliged to send this note unsealed.

In haste, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. BLOUNT CARTER.

Since writing the within I learn there were 300 troops with 140 wagons. Report says they are going to Bowling Green, and that 20,000 more are to follow. You shall hear from me again soon.

W. B. CARTER.

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. 317

Brigadier-General George H. Thomas to Brigadier-General Albin F. Schoeph, November 7, 1861

HEADQUARTERS,        

Crab Orchard, Ky., November 7, 1861.

Brigadier-General SCHOEPF,
        Commanding Camp Calvert, London, Ky.:

GENERAL: I find it necessary to reply to Governor Johnson's letter in the manner of the foregoing, which I send to you for your information. It is time that discontented persons should be silenced both in and out of the service. I sympathize most deeply with the Tennesseeans on account of their natural anxiety to relieve their friends and families from the terrible oppression which they are now suffering; but to make the attempt to rescue them when we are not half prepared is culpable, especially when our enemies are as anxious that we should make the move as the Tennesseeans themselves; for it is well known by our commanding general that Buckner has an overwhelming force within striking distance whenever he can get us at a disadvantage. I hope you will therefore see the necessity of dealing decidedly with such people, and you have my authority and orders for doing so. We must learn to abide our time, or we shall never be successful.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS,        

Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.

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. 343

Brigadier-General Albin F. Schoepf to Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, October 28, 1861

CAMP CONNELL, NEAR LONDON,        

Laurel County, Kentucky, October 28, 1861.

[General GEORGE H. THOMAS:]

GENERAL: In compliance with your instructions I have moved my command forward, and now occupy a position about 3 miles north of London, at the junction of the Crab Orchard and Richmond roads.

I have in camp the Fourteenth and Seventeenth Ohio and Thirty-third Indiana and two batteries (Standart's and Kenny's).

I have sent Colonel Garrard's Kentucky and the First Tennessee ahead to occupy London or some convenient point adjacent. The Second Tennessee will be up to-night.

Please advise me of the location, strength, &c., of the several columns of our forces now in Kentucky. I am feeling my way somewhat in the dark, and would like to be kept posted up with reference to the movements of both friends and enemies. I reconnoitered this morning a few miles beyond London to find a better camping ground, but found no position as good as my present, I can here obtain wood, water, forage, and some provisions, which is more than I can do on the other side of London, except by hauling a long distance.

It is reported that Buckner has advanced upon Greensburg. Is it so? A Mr. Burnsides reports himself as beef contractor, but has no documents to show the fact. I understood you to say that he had contracted. Did I rightly understand you?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. SCHOEPF,        

Brigadier-General.

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. 322-3

Brigadier-General Lloyd Tilghman to Lieutenant-Colonel William W. Mackall, October 29, 1861

HEADQUARTERS CAMP, ALCORN,        

Hopkinsville, Ky., October 29, 1861.

Col. W. W. MACKALL,
        Assistant Adjutant-General, &c., Bowling Green:

SIR: I lose not a moment in communicating through you to the general commanding the Western Division the condition of affairs at this post. I had hoped that the picture sketched to me of matters here might not have been realized, but I am compelled to think it not too highly colored. Under all the circumstances, I doubt not General Alcorn has made the best of things, his camp being merely one large hospital, with scarce men enough on duty to care for the sick and maintain a feeble guard around them, with insufficient pickets at prominent points. Over one-half the entire command are on the sick list, with very grave types of different diseases. Those remaining and reported for duty have not enough really well men to do more than first stated. The Kentucky Battalion of Infantry, numbering 547, have only 45 cases reported sick. The measles have made their appearance, and the battalion will average 20 new cases per day, judging from to-day's report. The morning brigade report, herewith inclosed, shows only 716 for duty out of a total of 2,237. Of this number, you will see that the Kentucky Battalion furnishes 376, one-third of whom only are armed, with no equipments.

Of cavalry we have nothing to count on, save Captain Meriwether's company of untutored recruits. Captain Huey's company of cavalry is entirely unarmed. Captain Wilcox's company not yet recovered from the Eddyville affair.

On the score of artillery I have merely to say, that there is not an organized squad for a single gun that could be taken into action. There are five pieces of artillery—two 6-pounders, two 9, one 12—none of which I think fit for service on account of the wretched manner in which they are mounted; a total ignorance of all mechanical principles evidenced in the construction of the carriages. The guns seem to be pretty fair. On the subject of clothing and equipments, equipage, &c., I can only say that I find nothing more encouraging. The commissary department is pretty well supplied; the quartermaster's department entirely deficient.

I have thus fairly sketched the condition of things. Major Hewett will be able to give you some particulars that I have not time now to do, but will write by the next mail. I have commenced at the root of things, and mean to work out the best result I can. I write not thus discouragingly in any spirit of complaint, but to lay before the commanding general the plain facts of the case. They are plainly these: I have no force here available for any purpose save protecting the sick and depot. I have reason to think that the enemy are in full possession of this fact, and are calculating on it. I have no force with which to operate in any direction, and our people are suffering terribly within the lines assigned me for my operations. In front and on my left they need a check. The defenses of the Cumberland cannot I believe be perfected, unmolested, unless my position is strengthened for this purpose.

A movement has taken place at Henderson. A courier reached me to-night with the inclosed paper* from a committee at Henderson. The Union men have been very busy here to-day. They are too open-mouthed, and must be checked. The stage is waiting, and I have not time to say more than this. I deem it absolutely necessary that I should as soon as possible be re-enforced. A cavalry force is indispensably necessary to cover my front and prevent the removal of a large amount of wheat, flour, corn, and hogs, now drafted daily on heavily by scouting parties. Of the latter item, there are not less than 50,000 hogs. This service would require the whole time of not less than 500 cavalry. For practical purposes I am without infantry and artillery, and desire that a due proportion of both be at once sent. I beg you to say to General Johnston that I need the assistance of some graduates, for artillery especially. Could I not have the services of the two young men mentioned by General Buckner? (See him.) I will prepare full estimates for all my wants and forward them.

I beg you to pardon this hurried communication. I have not had time to read it over. Major Hewett will give you facts as to a landing at Eddyville by our people.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

LLOYD TILGHMAN,        

Brigadier-General, C. S. Army, Commanding.

_______________

* Not found.

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. 485-6

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

Brigadier-General Felix K. Zollicoffer to Lieutenant-Colonel William W. Mackall, October 29, 1861

BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS,

Camp Buckner (Cumberland Ford), October 29, 1861.

Lieutenant-Colonel MACKALL,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Bowling Green, Ky.:

SIR: My pickets at Laurel Bridge yesterday drove back a small cavalry picket of the enemy and took 3 prisoners, who represent that portion of the enemy's force has advanced to London. Their force at and on this side of the Rockcastle River is reported at 9,000. There are three main roads by which, if an invasion of East Tennessee is contemplated, an enemy might approach. On this, by Cumberland Gap, we have heretofore concentrated nearly our whole force, and we now have seven guns in position at Cumberland Gap. The most westerly road is by Monticello, in Kentucky, and Jamestown, in Tennessee. The counties of Fentress, Scott, Morgan, and Anderson are poor, mountainous, and disaffected. Should a force select that route of invasion I could meet them at the mountain passes near Clinton and between Kingston and Morgan Court-House, and keep them on that broad, sterile region until it would be practicable for General Buckner to throw a force in their rear and cut them off.

In view of this danger they may select the middle route, by Williamsburg and Jacksborough. The road over the Log Mountains will soon become almost impassable between here and the Cumberland Gap. The Gap is a much stronger position than this. While I am watching the road from here to Laurel River, the enemy might be advancing on the Jacksborough or the Jamestown road without my knowledge. For these reasons I send four cavalry companies to scout on the roads from the neighborhood of Jacksborough into Kentucky, and I have ordered one infantry regiment to Jacksborough, one 6 miles east to Big Creek Gap, two about half way between Jacksborough and Cumberland Gap, while four will remain at present at Cumberland Gap. I leave six cavalry companies to observe this road. One cavalry company is posted on the road from Williamsburg, Ky., to Huntsville, Tenn., and six cavalry companies (I suppose) Colonel Murray's regiment of infantry are in the neighborhood of Jamestown.

It is currently reported that an invading force, from 20,000 to 30,000, is on the road, from Cincinnati to East Tennessee, but I have no means of knowing anything of the accuracy of the rumor. Except cavalry Scouts, my force will be withdrawn from this post to-morrow. Acting upon my best judgment, I have supposed the disposition of my roes I have described the very best under the circumstances. Had I a military engineer, in whose judgment I could rely, to reconnoiter the mountain roads, gaps, and passes from Cumberland Gap to Jamestown, I would feel much more capable of making a judicious disposition of troops. I have had rumors that re-enforcements of Confederate troops were to be thrown upon this part of the border, but as I have no official information, I take it for granted the rumors are erroneous.

Very respectfully,

F. K. ZOLLICOFFER,        

Brigadier-General

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. 486-7

Brigadier-General Simon Bolivar Buckner to Major George B. Cosby, October 2, 1861

HEADQUARTERS CENTRAL DIVISION OF KENTUCKY,        

Hopkinsville, Ky., October 2, 1861.

Maj. GEORGE B. COSBY, Assistant Adjutant General:

SIR: Accompanying this is an order assigning you to the command of this district. The general purposes to be accomplished are: To cover the left flank of my line of operations and the right flank of the line of operations of General A. S. Johnston; to disperse assemblages of troops which may be collected in the interest of our enemy and to prevent other similar assemblages; to collect the arms which may be the property of the enemy; to muster into the service of the Confederate States all organized bodies of Kentuckians who may present themselves for that purpose. You will consider Green River your northern line of defense, and, as soon as possible, it is expected that you will occupy Ramsey, and disable the navigation of Green River if you should find it necessary to evacuate that point. In collecting arms you will adopt the most conciliatory policy, and avoid the searching of private houses; and in searching any portion of the premises of individuals, you will see that it is not done without the strongest reasons for doing so. My object is to protect the civil rights of all citizens, without regard to their political opinions, as far as is consistent with the safety of the army. With this view, you will visit with the severest penalties every act of the soldiers of your command which may violate this rule. As far as possible you will co-operate with the civil authorities, and give them all necessary assistance in enforcing their police regulations. You will have authority to subsist and quarter bodies of men previous to their being mustered into service, when they shall have assembled with that view. Special returns and accounts will be rendered, to distinguish them from the troops.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. B. BUCKNER.        

Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

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. 435

Gustavus A. Henry to Jefferson Davis, September 15, 1861

CLARKSVILLE, September 15, 1861.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, Richmond, Va.:

I am just from Nashville, where some dissatisfaction prevails at the action of General Polk in taking Columbus, Ky. Whether it was altogether politic to take possession I need not say, but it will be ruinous to order him back. Let him advance his columns into Kentucky, to Bowling Green and Muldraugh's Hill if necessary, and I predict he will not leave an enemy behind him south of that place in two weeks.

In confidence I say to you the service here needs a general at its head in whom the Army and the country have unlimited confidence. Albert S. Johnston first, and Buckner and Gus. W. Smith as officers under him, would give such confidence as would insure success. I do not even insinuate that any one now in office should be displaced. I do not think they ought, but that the persons above named should be added to the list.

The neutrality of Kentucky has been all the time a cloak to enable the Lincoln party there to hide their real design to arm the friends of Lincoln and to disarm the Southern Rights party. We ought to strike now. A step backward would be fatal, in my opinion. We cannot long avoid a conflict with the paid and bought friends of Lincoln in Kentucky, and the fight might as well come off now as at any other time. If it is to be done, it should be done quickly.

Ever your friend and obedient servant,

G. A. HENRY.

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. 192-3

Brigadier-General Felix K. Zollicoffer to General Albert Sidney Johnston, September 16, 1861

KNOXVILLE, September 16, 1861.

General A. S. JOHNSTON, Memphis, Tenn.:

SIR: On the 10th instant I apprised Adjutant-General Cooper that I expected on the 12th to have three regiments at Cumberland Ford and three other regiments there as soon as they could be withdrawn from other posts, and I added:

The country beyond Cumberland Gap, toward Nelson's Camp, is poor and hostile. To make secure our line of communication with the sources of our supplies, it is essential to strengthen the positions at Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Ford, and the intervening passes of the Three Log Mountains. This may be accomplished, I trust, in a few days after the six infantry regiments get to the Ford, when we will be ready to make a forward movement.

On the 13th I received dispatches from Governor Harris and General Buckner, urging me to arrest my movement at the State line, if possible. These dispatches came too late, reaching me after my return from London. I replied to Governor Harris by telegraph, requesting him to transmit to Governor Magoffin the following note:

• Brigadier-General Felix K. Zollicoffer to Governor Beriah Magoffin, September 14, 1861

Last night General Cooper telegraphed me in reference to my suggestion of the 10th, that, after strengthening the mountain passes, “we will be ready to make a forward movement,” as follows:

The military considerations clearly indicate the forward movement which you propose. The political condition of Kentucky affects the determination of the question. Of that you are better informed than ourselves; and as you are supposed to have conferred with General A. S. Johnston, the matter is left to your discretion.

There are probably by this time four regiments at Cumberland Ford, and a fifth at the Gap, 15 miles this side. A sixth will probably be moved up by the 21st or 22d; and if the state of things in Greene County, where there has been some excitement, is such as I suppose, I am not able yet to indicate within what time proper defenses in the mountain passes can be completed, but every effort will be made to push the work forward vigorously. I hope to go there to-morrow. Would have gone earlier, but have been detained by pressing necessities here. I meant to say to General Cooper that we would be ready to make a forward movement, should it be deemed advisable.

I find myself at a loss, under present condition of things, how to obtain reliable information of the strength and movements of the enemy. I will endeavor to place before you promptly information I may receive and all circumstances enabling you to understand our condition. I inclose the most perfect report we are now able to make of the various corps, scattered as they now are at distant posts.*

Very respectfully,

F. K. ZOLLICOFFER,        

Brigadier-General.

_______________

* Not found.

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. 194-5

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, February 16, 1862

This morning we still occupy the position gained last evening. There is no firing this morning. Why this quiet? Why this stillness? The enemy may be preparing for a more determined resistance. But no, there is a truce! Grant is now holding communication with the rebel General Buckner. Buckner gives terms upon which he will surrender. Grant says, “No, I demand an unconditional surrender. I propose to move immediately upon your works.” He waits for an answer. All are in suspense now. Go with me to yonder elevation; look eastward; the sun is far on its journey, while over the broad land church bells are ringing; and while the loyal people are breathing a prayer to heaven for the army and navy, fifty thousand warriors are being drawn up in line of battle. Away yonder in the woods, we see the General moving, followed by his staff, and in the language of Campbell in his description of the battle of the Baltic,

“As their war steeds went surging on their path,

There was silence deep as death,

And the boldest held his breath

       For a time.”

But hark! what mean those shouts that come rolling down the line? “Fort Donelson is ours!" The rebel flag has been lowered, and afar we see the white flag waving. An unconditional surrender has been made of the whole rebel force and munitions of war. With colors flying and drums beating, we pass into Fort Donelson. Our quarters to-night are those lately occupied by the rebels. The Seventh feels good, knowing that they have helped to gain a brilliant victory, adding new glory to the old flag.

SOURCES: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 35-6

Brigadier-General William T. Sherman to Brigadier-General Lorenzo Thomas, November 6, 1861

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,            

Louisville, Ky., November 6, 1861.

General L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General:

SIR: General McClellan telegraphs me to report to him daily the situation of affairs here.

The country is so large that it is impossible to give clear and definite views. Our enemies have a terrible advantage in the fact that in our midst, in our camps, and along our avenues of travel they have active partisans, farmers and business men, who seemingly pursue their usual calling, but are, in fact, spies. They report all our movements and strength, while we can procure information only by circuitous and unreliable means. I inclose you the copy of an intercepted letter, which is but the type of others.* Many men from every part of the State are now enrolled under Buckner, have gone to him, while ours have to be raised in the neighborhood, and cannot be called together except at long notice. These volunteers are being organized under the laws of the State, and the 10th of November is fixed as the time for consolidating them into companies and regiments. Many of them are armed by the United States as Home Guards, and many of them by General Anderson and myself, because of the necessity of being armed to guard their camps against internal enemies. Should we be overwhelmed, these would scatter and their arms and clothing will go to the enemy, furnishing the very material they so much need.

We should have here a very large force, sufficient to give confidence to the Union men of the ability to do what should be done—possess ourselves of all the State; but all see we are brought to a stand-still, and this produces doubt and alarm. With our present force it would be simple madness to cross Green River, and yet hesitation may be as fatal. In like manner other columns are in peril; not so much in front as rear. The railroad over which our stores must pass being much exposed, I have the Nashville Railroad guarded by three regiments; yet it is far from being safe, and the moment actual hostilities commence these roads will be interrupted, and we will be in a dilemma To meet this in part I have put a cargo of provisions at the mouth of Salt River, guarded by two regiments. All these detachments weaken the main force and endanger the whole.

Do not conclude, as before, that I exaggerate the facts. They are as stated, and the future looks as dark as possible. It would be better if some more sanguine mind were here, for I am forced to order according to my convictions.

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. 340-1

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: December 7, 1863

Cold and clear. Gen. Longstreet telegraphs to-day from Rutledge, Tenn., some fifty miles northeast of Knoxville, and says he will soon need railroad facilities. He is flying from superior numbers, and may be gathering up supplies.

Governor Vance writes distressfully concerning the scarcity of provisions in certain counties of North Carolina, and the rudeness of impressing agents.

Lieut.-Gen. Hardee telegraphs from Dalton that 5000 cavalry, besides two brigades of Buckner's command, are with Longstreet, and that other troops ought to be sent him (H.) to compensate for these detachments.

Mr. L. S. White obtained another passport yesterday to go to Maryland, on the recommendation of Col. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance.

There was a quorum in Congress to-day; but the message was not sent in.

A five-dollar gold piece sold at auction on Saturday for $140— $28 in Confederate notes for one of gold.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 112

Commander Benjamin M. Dove to Flag Officer Andrew Hull Foote, February 16, 1862

U. S. Gunboat Louisville,    

Off Dover, February 16,1862.

Sir: At 2:30 p. m. yesterday, shortly after your departure, I received the enclosed dispatch (No. 1) from General Grant.

It seemed of so much importance for us to keep up a show of force that I decided not to accompany the Pittsburg down the river.

I immediately went on board the Carondelet and St. Louis to see their condition and consult with their commanders.

The Carondelet could not well be moved, but I ordered up the St. Louis and followed up with this vessel. The St. Louis threw a few shells, and toward dark both vessels returned to their former anchorage.

At 8:30 p. m. yesterday I received the dispatch marked No. 2, and early this morning went on board the vessels to give instructions.

The condition of the Carondelet’s wounded would not allow them to be moved or the guns to be used. I sent my own and those of the St. Louis on board of one of the transports and got underway, steaming up toward the batteries at Fort Donelson, both vessels cleared for action.

On approaching near enough two white flags were seen flying from the upper one. I then stopped the gunboats and proceeded in the tug with a white flag flying, and landed at the foot of the hill below the fort. I was met by a major, who offered me his sword, which I declined to receive, thinking it most proper to consult with General Grant. I took the major on board the tug and proceeded up to General Buckner's headquarters, where I found General Wallace and his aids. General Grant arrived about a half hour afterwards. The fort had surrendered, but what were the conditions I was not officially informed.

The transports are all up at Dover to receive the prisoners. The Carondelet, being most disabled of the gunboats, will go down this afternoon.

I will remain here with this vessel and the St. Louis until further orders, or until the fall of the river compels me to go down. The St. Louis will make a short reconnoissance up the river, at General Grant's suggestion, this afternoon. This vessel will remain off the town.

The Graham arrived to-day with the mortar and gunboat ammunition.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Benj. M. Dove,     

Commander.

Flag-Officer A. H. Foote,

Commanding Mississippi Flotilla.

SOURCE: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion, Series I, Volume 22, p. 588-9

Judah P. Benjamin to General Albert Sidney Johnston, February 8, 1862

WAR DEPARTMENT,         

Richmond, February 8, 1862.

General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON,

Bowling Green:

SIR: The condition of your department in consequence of the largely superior forces of the enemy has filled us with solicitude, and we have used every possible exertion to organize some means for your relief.

With this view the following orders have been issued to-day and the following measures adopted:

1st. We have ordered to Knoxville three Tennessee regiments—Vaughn's, Maney's, and Bate's—the First Georgia Regiment and four regiments from General Bragg's command to be forwarded by him. This will give you in East Tennessee the following force, viz: As above, eight regiments. Add Gillespie's Tennessee, one regiment; Vaughn's North Carolina, one regiment;* one regiment cavalry; Stovall's battalion and another from North Carolina, together one regiment—total, twelve regiments, besides Churchwell's command at Cumberland Gap, the other forces stationed at different passes by General Zollicoffer, and a number of independent companies.

The whole force in East Tennessee will thus amount, as we think, to at least fifteen regiments, and the President desires that you assign the command to General Buckner.

2d. The formation of this new army for Eastern Tennessee will leave General Crittenden's army (augmented by Chalmers' regiment and two or three batteries of field pieces already sent to him) free to act with your center.

Colonel Chalmers will be nominated to-morrow brigadier-general. You might assign a brigade to him at once.

The President thinks it best to break up the army of General Crittenden, demoralized by its defeat, and that you should distribute the forces composing it among other troops. You can form a new command for General Crittenden, connected with your own corps, in such manner as you may deem best.

General Crittenden has demanded a court of inquiry, and it has been ordered; but from all the accounts which now reach us we have no reason to doubt his skill or conduct in his recent movements, and feel convinced that it is not to any fault of his that the disaster at Somerset is to be attributed.

3d. To aid General Beauregard at Columbus I send orders to General Lovell to forward to him at once five or six regiments of his best  troops at New Orleans.

4th. I have sent to Memphis arms for Looney's regiment; to Knoxville 800 percussion muskets; to Colonel Chalmers 800 Enfield rifles for his regiment, and to you 1,200 Enfield rifles. The Enfield rifles will be accompanied by a full supply of fixed ammunition. They form part of a small cargo recently received by us, and of the whole number (6,000) one-third is thus sent to you, besides which we send 1,600 to Van Dom.

5th. We have called on all the States for a levy of men for the war, and think that in very few weeks we shall be able to give you heavy re-enforcements, although we may not be able to arm them with good weapons. But we have another small cargo of Enfield rifles close by, and hope to have some 10,000 or 12,000 safe in port within the next two or three weeks.

I forgot to say that the rifles already received may not reach you for eight or ten days, as they were introduced at a port quite far south.

I am, your obedient servant,

J. P. BENJAMIN,      

Secretary of War.

_______________

*The records show to Vaughn’s North Carolina regiment.  Probably R. B. Vance’s Twenty-ninth North Carolina.

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. 862-3

Statement of Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest, March 15, 1862

Statement of Col. N. B. Forrest.

MARCH 15, 1862.

Between 1 and 2 o'clock on Sunday morning, February 16, being sent for, I arrived at General Pillow's headquarters, and found him, General Floyd, and General Buckner in conversation. General Pillow told me that they had received information that the enemy were again occupying the same ground they had occupied the morning before. I told him I did not believe it, as I had left that part of the field, on our left, late the evening before. He told me he had sent out scouts, who reported a large force of the enemy moving around to our left. He instructed me to go immediately and send two reliable men to ascertain the condition of a road running near the river bank and between the enemy's right and the river, and also to ascertain the position of the enemy. I obeyed his instructions and awaited the return of the scouts. They stated that they saw no enemy, but could see their fires in the same place where they were Friday night; that from their examination and information obtained from a citizen living on the river road the water was about to the saddle skirts, and the mud about half-leg deep in the bottom where it had been overflowed. The bottom was about a quarter of a mile wide and the water then about 100 yards wide.

During the conversation that then ensued among the general officers General Pillow was in favor of trying to cut our way out. General Buckner said that he could not hold his position over half an hour in the morning, and that if he attempted to take his force out it would be seen by the enemy (who held part of his intrenchments), and be followed and cut to pieces. I told him that I would take my cavalry around there and he could draw out under cover of them. He said that an attempt to cut our way out would involve the loss of three-fourths of the men. General Floyd said our force was so demoralized as to cause him to agree with General Buckner as to our probable loss in attempting to cut our way out. I said that I would agree to cut my way through the enemy's lines at any point the general might designate, and stated that I could keep back their cavalry, which General Buckner thought would greatly harass our infantry, in retreat. General Buckner or General Floyd said that they (the enemy) would bring their artillery to bear on us. I went out of the room, and when I returned General Floyd said he could not and would not surrender himself. I then asked if they were going to surrender the command. General Buckner remarked that they were. I then slated that I had not come out for the purpose of surrendering my command, and would not do it if they would follow me out; that I intended to go out if I saved but one man; and then turning to General Pillow I asked him what I should do. He replied, “Cut your way out.” I immediately left the house and sent for all the officers under my command, and stated to them the facts that had occurred and stated my determination to leave, and remarked that all who wanted to go could follow me, and those who wished to stay and take the consequences might remain in camp. All of my own regiment and Captain Williams, of Helm's Kentucky regiment, said they would go with me if the last man fell. Colonel Gantt was sent for and urged to get out his battalion as often as three times, but he and two Kentucky companies (Captains Wilcox and Huey) refused to come. I marched out the remainder of my command, with Captain Porter's artillery horses, and about 200 men of different commands up the river road and across the overflow, which I found to be about saddle-skirt deep. The weather was intensely cold; a great many of the men were already frost-bitten, and it was the opinion of the generals that the infantry could not have passed through the water and have survived it.

N. B. FORREST,       

Colonel, Commanding Forrest's Regiment of Cavalry.

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 15th day of March, 1862.

LEVI SUGARS,                   

Intendant of the Town of Decatur, Ala.,         

and ex-officio Justice of the Peace.

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. 295-6

Brigadier-General William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, February 21, 1862

Paducah, February 21, 1862

Dearest Ellen,

I have received your letter¹ from St. Louis and I cannot express to you how sorry I am to have caused you that Journey at that time.  I wrote you & telegraphed you the moment I received my orders and did all I could to advise you of my movements, but now that you are at home I trust that the fatigue is over and it is forgotten.  The news of Grants victory must have electrified the whole country.  It certainly was most opportune.  More troops are passing into Kentucky—about 10,000 have arrived today—Six Ohio Regiments without arms, and a division from Green River.  Our next move must be against Columbus.  I have written to Halleck asking as a special favor that he ordered here the four companies of my regiment.  I think he will do it.

You ask me to pardon you—the idea of your asking my pardon—I ought to get on my Knees and implore your pardon for the anxiety & Shame I have caused you.  All I hope for is a chance to recover from the Past—I had a long interview with Buckner today.  I used to Know him well and he frankly told me of many things  which I wanted to Know—He was restrained from doing what I Knew was his purpose and what he ought to have done, but he was restrained by Sidney Johnston.

We are here in the midst of mud and dirt, rains & thaw.  We expect orders every day to move somewhere but no one knows where.

I got your telegraph last night.  I had previously written to Halleck asking him to Send the Battalions of four companies to me here at Paducah from Alton, I don’t know whether he will.  I suppose a large part of the prisoners of war are at Alton and will need Guard.

Give my love to all, and I cant tell now how my thoughts dwell on our dear children & you[.]  I am very busy—

Affectionately

W. T. Sherman

_______________

¹ Not found.

SOURCE: Brooks D. Simpson, Jean V. Berlin, Editors, Sherman's Civil War: Selected Correspondence of William T. Sherman, 1860-1865, p. 192; William Tecumseh Sherman Family Papers, Archives of the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, Box 1, Folder 142, image #’s 03-0026 & 03-0027

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: November 2, 1863

Gen. Lee writes that he will endeavor to protect the workmen while removing the iron at Aquia Creek, but he fears the work has been too long delayed. The government has been too slow.

Gen. Sam Jones writes from Abingdon that his cavalry was at Jonesborough on the 30th ult., although the enemy's raiding parties were on this side. He says if he had a little more infantry, he could soon clear East Tennessee of the foe; and asks that an order from Gen. Cooper (A. and I. G.), calling for two of his best regiments of cavalry, be revoked.

In Gen. Lee's recent campaign beyond the Rappahannock, our losses in killed, wounded, and missing amounted to 1740; the enemy's losses must have been three times that number.

The President made a speech in Charleston on the 1st instant. We have copies from him to-day of his correspondence with Gen. Bragg since he left Chickamauga field. Gen. B. says he will immediately call for Hardee's brigades, promised him, and without delay commence operations on the enemy's left (it is too wet on the right), and drive Burnside out of East Tennessee. But he complains of Gen. Buckner, who assumes to have an independent command in East Tennessee and West Virginia. The President replies that neither Bragg nor Buckner has jurisdiction over Gen. Jones in West Virginia, but that he gets his orders from Richmond. He does not promise to remove Buckner, whom he deems only impatient, but says he must be subject to Bragg's orders, etc.

Gen. Bragg has applied for Gen. Forrest (who went some time since to Mobile and tendered his resignation, in a pet with Gen. Bragg) to command a cavalry force in North Mississippi and West Tennessee. In short, the President is resolved to sustain Gen. Bragg at the head of the army in Tennessee in spite of the tremendous prejudice against him in and out of the army. And unless Gen. Bragg does something more for the cause before Congress meets a month hence, we shall have more clamor against the government than ever. But he has quashed the charges (of Bragg) against Gen. Polk, and assigned him, without an investigation, to an important command.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 87-8

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: September 1, 1863

Another letter from Gen. Whiting, urging the government by every consideration, and with all the ingenuity and eloquence of language at his command, to save Wilmington by sending reinforcements thither, else it must be inevitably lost. He says it will not do to rely upon what now seems the merest stupidity of the enemy, for they already have sufficient forces and means at their command and within reach to capture the fort and city. He has but one regiment for its defense!

I saw to-day a telegraphic correspondence between the Secretary of War and Gen. Buckner in regard to the invasion of Kentucky, the general agreeing to it, being sure that with 10,000 men he could compel Rosecrans to fall back, etc. But I suppose the fall of Vicksburg, and the retreat from Pennsylvania, caused its abandonment.

Hon. Wm. Capeton, C. S. Senate, writes the Secretary on the subject of compelling those who have hired substitutes now to serve themselves, and he advocates it. He says the idea is expanding that the rich, for whose benefit the war is waged, have procured substitutes to fight for them, while the poor, who have no slaves to lose, have not been able to procure substitutes. All will be required to fight, else all will be engulfed in one common destruction. He will endeavor to get an expression of' opinion from the Legislature, about to assemble, and after that he will advocate the measure in Congress, intimating that Congress should be convened at an early day.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 30-1