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ANNALS
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND:
COMPRISING
BIOGRAPHIES, DESCRIPTIONS OF DEPARTMENTS, ACCOUNTS OF
EXPEDITIONS, SKIRMISHES, AND BATTLES;
POLICE RECORD
SPIES, SMUGGLERS, AND PROMINENT REBEL EMISSARIES.
TOGETHER WITH
.JUwctoteis, pculents, gwtnj, QtfoMmntts, tit.
OFFICIAL REPORTS OF THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
BY AX OFFICER.
ILLUSTRATED WITH STEEL PORTRAITS, WOOD ENGRAVINGS, AND MAPS.
PHILADELPHIA:
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.
1863.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.
FOR THE AUTHOR,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania.
-o
STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHNSON & CO.
PRINTED BY LIPPINCOTT & CO.
PREFACE.
To the soldiers of the Army of the Cumberland, and to their friends
at home, the author presents this volume of portraits, sketches, and
incidents, — a work undertaken at the solicitation of many friends, with
the view of affording pleasure to our soldiers and imparting information
to the people, and, if it may be, to secure a fund for the erection of a
monument to overlook the battle-field of Stone River, Tennessee, where rest,
"unknelled, uncoffined, and unknown," hundreds of American citizens.
This work is not intended as a history of the Rebellion, in a general
sense, nor even as a detailed account of events occurring' in the history
of the Army of the Cumberland. It is simply a collection of sketches
and portraits of many of its representative men, and a narration of
many interesting events which have transpired within its lines. The
more important of its military operations are given up to the time of going
to press. The various departments are sufficiently described to illustrate
their practical operation, at every fireside ; and in the grouping together
of incident and anecdote, and of spy and smuggling events, the author
has aimed to give life and zest to the volume. The work is issued almost
regardless of cost, and is intended as a souvenir that shall remain when
this army shall have been disbanded and these stirring times and scenes
have passed away, — one which, it is hoped, the soldiers of the Cumberland
will prize as their book, to be preserved by succeeding generations as a
household treasure, its pages - to be scanned by the descendant, while
glorying in the deeds of a patriot sire during the dark days of the Great
Rebellion.
The author has endeavored to be modest and impartial in his meed of
praise, — a most difficult task, where so much can be truly said of so many.
The thousands of noble men in the Army of the Cumberland, who have
left home, friends, fortunes, and high position, to brave the perils of camp
and battle-field, all merit mention in such a work. Especially was it
desirable that many particularly daring deeds of our officers and privates
4 PREFACE.
should find record within these pages ; but the original limit of the work
has already been greatly exceeded, and prudence restrains from a further
advance.
Although intended as a picture of our army, it is far from being
complete. We have used but a small portion of attainable matter and
portraits ; and many of our best and most notable generals— as Crittenden,
Eeynolds, Wood, Granger, Mitchell, Morgan, Turchin, and other high
officers — we are unable to properly present in this volume. Ample
material is left for a second volume of the " Annals," should its publica-
tion prove desirable.
To many friends in the army the author is indebted for assistance in
collecting material, and with them any credit arising from the work is
duly shared. The composition of such a volume amid the incidents and
excitement of the camp will, we trust, constitute some apology for literary
deficiencies. All responsibility respecting misstatement of fact in military
movements, or of dulness or exaggeration in estimating individual character,
rests with the author. Brief outlines were furnished, in some instances :
for the rest, we have garnered here and there, with these pages as the
result.
This volume is published under peculiar circumstances ; and, in behalf
of the officers of our army, — whom it represents, — the author tenders
acknowledgment for its successful presentation to the public, as a work of
art, to Messrs. Illman Brothers, the contracting engravers, for the sur-
prisingly faithful likenesses of the portraits, — to Messrs. L. Johnson & Co.,
and to their admirable proof-reader and critic, for elegance of typography
and correctness of diction, — to our publishers, Messrs. J. B. Lippincott
& Co., for their encouragement, enterprise, and generous expenditure of
capital, — and to all connected with the work, for despatch, it being issued
within a period of ninety days from the commencement.
Should the work prove sufficiently successful, the monumental idea will
be carried out, and a shaft will be erected upon the battle-field, similar in
design to that upon our title-page, — not of a boastful and vainglorious
character, but simply to proclaim the story of the conflict and to transmit
to posterity the moral of civil war.
Tullahoma, Tenn., August 10, 1863.
CONTENTS.
Diojgraphtcat fetches.
PAGE
Major -General William S. Rosecraxs 9
Officers of Staff 40
Major-General George H. Thomas 56
Officers of Staff 66
Major-General A. MoD. McCook 73
Major-Gexeral L. H. Rousseae 79
Officers of Staff 88
Major-Gexeral J. S. Negley 91
Officers of Staff Ill
Major-Gexeral John McA. Palmer 119
Officers of Staff 134
Major-Gexeral P. H. Sheridan 140
Officers of Staff 146
Brigadier- General R. W. Johxsox 152
Officers of Staff 154
Brigadier-General Jefferson C. Davis 158
Officers of Staff 170
Brigadier-General H. P. Van Cleve 174
Officers of Staff 175
Brigadier-General J. St. Clair Morton (Pioneer Brigade) 180
Officers of Staff 184
Colonel William P. Ixxes (1st Michigan Engineers) 192
Officers of Staff 196
Major-Gexeral D. S. Stanley (Chief of Cavalry) 199
Colonel R. H. G. Mixty 205
Colonel Eli Loxg 210
Colonel William B. Stokes 213
Captain Elmer Otis 215
Brigadier-General W B. Hazex 219
5
G CONTENTS.
PAOE
Brigadier-General W. P. Carltn 225
Colonel H. C. Heg 229
Colonel J. T. Wilder 233
Colonel "W L. Stoughtox 238
Colonel J. W. Burke 239
Brigadier-General J. W. Sill (deceased) 243
Colonel J. P. Garesche (deceased) 246
Colonel G. W. Roberts (deceased) 250
Colonel Leander Stem (deceased) 252
Jtrmg geprinmtte.
General Rosecraxs's Head-Quarters 257
Quartermaster's Department 265
Commissary Department 274
Provost-Marshal General's Department 282
Medical Department 289
Artillery Department 293
Signal Corps and Telegraph Department 303
Army Mail ; 309
Army Directory 318
Army Chaplains 320
Head-Quarters Chaplain 325
United States Sanitary Commission 331
Army Police Department, and its Chief 346
C&tytMatM, Hattloj, and ^lurmfsks
Op the Army op the Cumberland 359
Jlrmg jp<to l^wd
Op Spies, Smugglers, and Rebel Emissaries 453
WtimUMtomi.
Anecdotes, Incidents, Poetry, etc 615
Official Report op Generals Rosecrans and Bragg, op the Battle of Stone
Riybe 653
ILLUSTRATIONS.
gtat $tates.
PAGE
Major-General Rosecrans Frontispiece
Monumental Design Vignette
General Rosecrans's Officers of Staff 40
Major-General Thomas and Staff 56
Major-General A. McD. McCook 73
Major-General Rousseau and Staff 79
Major-General Negley and Staff 91
Major-General Palmer and Staff 119
Major-General Sheridan and Staff 140
Brigadier-General Johnson and Staff 152
Brigadier-General Davis and Staff 158
Brigadier-General Van Cleve and Staff 174
Brigadier-General Morton and Staff 180
Colonel Innes and Staff 192
Major-General Stanley, Colonels Minty, Long, Stokes, and Captain Otis. 199
Brigadier-Generals Hazen and Carlin, and Colonels Wilder, Heg, Stough-
ton, and Burke 219
Colonel William Truesdail, Chief of Army Police 346
oo& Cuts.
Field Hospital at Murfreesborough 289
Army Mail Escaping Guerrillas 309
High Mass upon the Battle-Field 325
Kidnapping Negroes near Nashville 510
Strange Descent of Rebel Cavalry Boots 567
Guerrillas Burning Steamers on the Cumberland , 615
Gathering Contrabands while at Church 619
Impressment of Vehicles, etc., at Nashville 632'
Destruction of Railroad-Train by Bushwhackers 643
lithograph.
Map of Stone River Battle-Fields 381
JAN. 1, 1863.
WBITTEN FOR THE "ANNALS, BY AN OFFICER.
The day has sped. The night-winds wildly moan
Their wintry chorus o'er the prairie West ;
Weird, wandering shadows, lengthening, floating on
To angels' realms, find refuge in their breast.
Hark to the sound ! the engine's rushing blast
Thrills through the hamlet as it rattles past.
An aged father totters to the door.
" Great battle fought !" — He trembles at the cry;
The dim-eyed mother breathes a broken prayer
For souls now hushed in death and victory.
Resounds the shout, — "The battle surely won !"
Ah ! where their boy who to the war has gone ?
The prattler, standing by his mother's knee,
Lists to the shout, and eager clasps her hand :
"Oh, tell me, mamma, where in Tennessee
Is papa now, — and where his patriot band ?"
He hears the sob ; he startles at the tear,
And quivering lips which faintly murmur, " Where ?'■
And as the maiden dreams the battle o'er,
Dark spectral visions hover round her pillow ;
She sees a soldier gasping on the shore,
Reeking and pale, beneath the bending willow.
Ah ! is't a dream of that cold, dying lover
Upon the margin of the dusky river ?
Sleep sweetly, brother, husband, son, and sire,
Where violet-blooms bedeck thy heather bed !
There let us raise the monumental spire
To mark the tomb of brave unnumbered dead.
Rear high the shaft above the sweeping river,
Of martyrdom, and love, a sign forever !
Murfrjbesboeodgh, TENNESSEE, June 4, 1863.
AEMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
|Rajor-<$cnwal ^Olittmm £. |iosmans and ^tafjj.
William Stark Eostxraxs was born in Kingston, Delaware
county, Ohio, on the 6th of September, 1S19. His mother, the
daughter of Stephen and Mary Hopkins, of "Wyoming, Luzerne
county, Pennsylvania, and his father, the eldest son of Daniel
Eosecrans and a Miss Crandell, were married in Luzerne county,
Pennsylvania, and in 1808 emigrated to Ohio. The lineal an-
cestors of the family, about whom much discussion and inquiry
have arisen of late, originally came from Brandenburg, whence
they removed to Amsterdam, and subsequently, about the year
1600, emigrated to Xorth Eiver, in what was then the Dntch
colony of Xew Amsterdam, and now the State of New York.
His name is a peculiar one, and has been variously written and
pronounced. The correct spelling, however, as given above, is
the same now as it has always been, and the proper, though not
the popular, pronunciation is " Eosakrontz."* The father of
the subject of this sketch was a prosperous business man, a
farmer, and also engaged in mercantile pursuits. In the War of
1812 he served as adjutant to a light-horse company under
General Harrison, thus practically exhibiting that self-sacrificing
patriotism which was through life one of his most marked
characteristics. His intelligence, energy, and determination gave
him a wide influence among his neighbors and friends. Though
* The derivation is from " Rose," a rose, and " Kranz," a wreath, — making
the signification " a wreath of roses," a beautiful idea imparted to nomencla-
ture by a race noted for their appreciation of the poetical and musical.
10 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
quiet and unassuming, it -was the general opinion that he was
possessed of an iron will and a hot temper. His honesty was
proverbial, and in those days of early pioneer life he was the
arbiter of many disputes and controversies, which were referred
to " Captain Eosecrans" with the confident assurance that his de-
cision would be just and impartial. Thus as a friend and adviser
of the surrounding people, who often came to him with their
trials and difficulties and vexations, he lived as a patriarch in
the land, honored and respected by all.
Although his parents were in comfortable circumstances, his
father being owner of a store, a farm, and a number of town lots
and houses, young "William was early taught habits of industry,
attending school in winter and working in the garden and upon
the farm in summer. At thirteen he had become quite a man
upon the farm, and at fourteen was sent to the store of one David
Messenger, seven miles from his home, to close up the business,
which he did successfully. At times he acted as book-keeper in
the store, collected debts, and for some months in 1837 was clerk
in a clothing-store. At the age of sixteen he made a trip down
the Mississippi Eiver for the purpose of seeing the country, and
had proceeded as far as Yicksburg when he was taken ill and
compelled to return. In 1837, when in his eighteenth year, he
applied to the Secretary of War for an appointment to the
Military Academy at West Point, and through the influence of
Judge Alexander Harper, member of Congress from his district,
and his home friends, obtained the position. The class which
he entered numbered one hundred and twelve at the beginning
of the course, but at the time he graduated, in June, 1842, it had
decreased to fifty-six. In the generality of the studies he stood
third, fourth, and fifth in rank. After graduating he entered
the Engineer Corps as second lieutenant, and was ordered to
report for duty to Colonel E. E. De Bussey, at Fortress Monroe,
Virginia. Here he remained until the 20th of August, 1843,
acting most of the time as First Assistant Engineer, having been
promoted to a first lieutenancy in the preceding April. On
leaving Fortress Monroe, he was ordered to West Point, as
MAJOR-GENERAL W S. ROSECRANS. 11
Assistant Professor in the Engineering Department, which posi-
tion he held until the next year, when he was detailed as
Assistant Professor of Philosophy. In this department he re-
mained one year, and for two years thereafter was First Assistant
Professor of Engineering, during a portion of which time he also
served, by request, as Post Commissary and Quartermaster,
besides having for nine months entire charge of the erection of
the cadet barracks then building at that place.
In August, 1847, Lieutenant Eosecrans was detailed to relieve
Lieutenant H. L. Eustis, engineer in charge of the fortifications
in [Newport harbor, Ehode Island. Here five years were spent
in constructing a military wharf and completing the batteries
and interior arrangements of the forts. Here also he designed
a general sj'stem of permanent barracks, which was submitted
to the War Department, and by it referred to a select committee,
who reported favorably upon it. In 1852, a special appropriation
was made to survey Taunton and New Bedford harbors, with a
view to permanent improvements. Lieutenant Eosecrans was
detailed to take the survey, and in three weeks made thirty
thousand soundings. In the spring of 1853 he was ordered on
detached service to report to the Secretary of the Navy at
Washington, by whom he was assigned to the Chief of the
Bureau of Docks and Yards, and detailed by the latter as con-
structing engineer at the Washington Navy Yard. Here he
constructed a marine railway, built a large saw-mill, and remo-
delled and improved the Dahlgren ordnance buildings, which
were found to be in a bad condition. He also made plans for
an immense machine-shop, a block of buildings 450 by 288 feet.
These were to be so constructed that one engine would drive the
machinery of the establishment. Plans were also submitted for
the blacksmith-shop, it being so arranged that the smoke from
the forges would pass off from one stack. He also designed
shops for the manufacture of anchors, cables, and blocks, to take
the place of the old ones. These plans were submitted to the
proper authorities, and approved, and the estimates for con-
struction made. They were much admired at the time by all
12 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
who saw them; and the general himself yet takes pride in them
as among his best scientific efforts. Before steps were taken
towards carrying them out, however, his health failed him, and
he was told by his physician that he must have a rest of at least
three months. Applying for leave of absence, he was told by
the chief engineer that he could not be spared. He then re-
solved to leave the service, and sent in his resignation to Jefferson
Davis, at that time Secretary of War. The latter remonstrated,
and reiterated the decision of the chief engineer, but finally
gave him three months' leave of absence,- telling him that at
the expiration of that time he would probably change his mind,
but if not his resignation would be accepted.
His health not improving, he was obliged to persist in his
resignation, which took effect April 1, 1854. He then went to
Cincinnati, and engaged in business as an architect and consult-
ing engineer. His health was still feeble for several months; but
he continued in that profession until June, 1855, when the agent
of an English and American coal company invited him to take
charge of the company's mining-interests on Coal Elver, Ka-
nawha county, Virginia. One or two veins had been worked
and exhausted, and the geology of the country was not then
sufficiently known to enable the company to open new ones
with any certainty. His first business in his new position was
to examine and report upon the condition of the mines, and the
next to make a geological survey of the country. This he did,
and, by a series of scientific explorations, became so well ac-
quainted with the topographical aspect of the vicinity that he
was able to point out with an almost marvellous certainty the
localities whore new and profitable veins could be opened. Satisfied
with the result of his survey, he submitted to the company plans
for the development of the mines. To transport the coal from
the mines to the river, it was necessary to construct a canal; and
he became the president of the Coal River Slack-Water Naviga-
tion ( 'oinpany, formed for that purpose, of the stock in which
three-fifths was owned by the State and two-fifths by private
individuals. The company now desiring to engage in the manu-
MAJOR-GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS. lo
facture of coal oil, a practical engineer was employed to devise the
plans. The result was a report that the oil could be made, but
that a certain amount of capital must be furnished in advance.
The sum stated was thought to be extravagantly large, and the
disagreement which arose upon this point prevented further
operations in that direction.
General Eosecrans then determined to engage in the business
himself, at Cincinnati. In company with a man who claimed to
be experienced in the manufacture, he began the erection of a
small establishment ; but before it was finished he associated with
him two other partners, and constructed largely increased works,
capable of producing five hundred gallons per day. His first
partner failing to make a marketable article, General Eosecrans
determined to try it himself, and accordingly entered the
laboratory and began a series of experiments with a view to the
manufacture of a pure and odorless oil. After sixteen days'
labor, he bad about succeeded in his efforts, when he was terribly
burned by the combustion of benzole gas, caused by using what
was then supposed to be a patent safety-lamp. Although his
clothes and flesh were badly burned, he had the presence of
mind to make such dispositions that the fire was extinguished
without injury to the works. He then walked home, — a mile and
a half, — and took to his bed, where he lay nearly eighteen months,
and for a time it was doubtful whether he could recover. The
scars left by this accident have not yet disappeared, one upon
his forehead being visible in his published portraits. During
this time of illness his business languished and nearly ceased.
His partners were honorable men, but inexperienced in chemistry
and therefore not successful. Upon recovering, he again prose-
cuted the business, and was getting his establishment into good
working-order, when the rebellion broke out.
The results of his investigations in the laboratory were nume-
rous and valuable. He believes he was the first to obtain a good
article of odorless oil from petroleum. Directing his attention
to the chemical composition of soaps, he made some valuable
discoveries, among which was the finding of a cheap and sure
14 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
process of manufacturing a soap with chlorine properties. He
also experimented in the construction of lamps, was the first
to successfully use the round wick in burning coal oil, and in-
vented a lamp upon which short chimneys could be used with
a satisfactory result.
At the beginning of the rebellion General Eosecrans was a
private citizen, pursuing the even tenor of his way, his time
and attention being occupied with his business and his family
affairs. He had never been a politician. He had no taste for
the publicity of political life, preferring the ease and quiet of
home. But he was known as a military man of experience and
judgment, and petitions soon came thronging in upon him from
the different wards to assist in drilling the Home Guards. In
response to them, he gave his services to the 14th Ward Company,
called the " Marion Eifles." When it became evident that mili-
tary measures must be taken to crush the rebellion, the patriot-
ism inherited from his sire would not permit of his remain-
ing an idle spectator of the scenes about to transpire, and he
immediately offered his services to Governor Dennison of Ohio.
They were at once accepted, and he was requested to act as
engineer and lay out Camp Dennison, which he did. He was
next sent to Philadelphia to confer with gun-manufacturers,
with a view to procuring a supply for the Ohio troops, and
thence proceeded to Washington, to make arrangements for their
clothing and pay. While at the capital, he presented to the War
Department an application, endorsed by Generals Scott, McClel-
lan, Totten, Mansfield, and others, for an appointment as a
brigadier-general of volunteers. Eeturning to Cincinnati, he
found awaiting him tbere the Governor's commission as Chief
Engineer of Ohio, with the rank of colonel, it being intended
that he should serve upon the staff of General McClellan. The
latter, however, having been appointed a major-general in the
Regular Army of the United States, it became obvious to Colonel
Rosecrans that he could not serve in that position; and he con-
cluded to enter upon active service in the field, lie was accord-
ingly commissioned colonel of the 23d Ohio Regiment, and
MAJOR-GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS. 15
repaired to Camp Jackson, at Columbus, which he named Camp
Chase. Here he prepared a permanent camp for the 23d, 24th,
25th, and 26th Ohio Eegiments. Three days afterwards he re-
ceived the appointment of brigadier-general in the Regular
Army, with orders to report to General McClellan, which he did
the same night at Cincinnati. •
General Eosecrans was ordered immediately to Western Vir-
ginia. Arriving at Parkersburg, he assumed command of a
brigade composed of the 8th, 10th, 17th, and 19th Indiana Eegi-
ments. McClellan having himself reached Grafton soon after,
General Eosecrans was ordered to proceed by rail with his
brigade to Clarksburg as fast as possible. Advancing from that
place, he entered the town of Buckhannon without resistance,
and proceeded twenty miles farther, in the direction of Beverly,
camping at Roaring Creek within three and a half miles of the
enemy, who were intrenched in a forest near the western base
of Eich Mountain. The rebel force was then estimated to number
from five to ten thousand, but has since been ascertained to have
been less. Their position was a gap in the Alleghany Mountains,
ten miles from Beverly, through which the road to the latter
town ran, and which was the only crossing over those mountains
on what was known as the Central Road. The remainder of
their force was intrenched on Laurel Hill, on the main road run-
ning north to Grafton, Beverly being the centre at which both
these roads met and crossed each other. On the 8th of July,
1861, General McClellan made an armed reconnoissance of the
enemy's position, supported by General Eosecrans's brigade.
which was left in the advance to lead the attack to be made the
next morning. Eeturning to camp, General Eosecrans found
there a young man for whom he had been searching some three
days, and who was well acquainted with the country, his father
living at the top of the mountain. From him he ascertained that
there was a by-path by which he could reach the summit of the
mountain without advancing on the road in which the rebels
were encamped. This fact was at once reported to General
McClellan by General Eosecrans, who proposed to take advan-
16 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
tage of it, surprising and seizing the rebel position. The plan
was approved, it being arranged that General Bosecrans should
move at three o'clock in the morning, enter the woods, reach
the summit of the mountain, and attack the enemy, while
McClellan, so soon as he should hear Bosecrans's guns, was to
move upon their front. That portion of the work allotted to
General Bosecrans was faithfully performed. Starting in the
midst of a rainstorm, he reached the enemy's position after a
severe march of ten hours through a rough and trackless forest.
It was still raining heavily as he encountered the rebel advance-
guard; but, after a brief reconnoissance, he began the attack, at
half-past three in the afternoon.
At five the battle was over. The gap had been carried, and
two pieces of artillery and a number of prisoners were captured,
the enemy retreating to their camp near the base of the moun-
tain. McClellan failed to co-operate as was expected, and with
his seventeen hundred men General Bosecrans prepared to hold
the gap and advance upon the rear of the enemy's camp. At
this juncture some of the scouts captured and brought in a
rebel officer, Colonel Scott, of the 44th Virginia Infantry, who
said that his regiment was marching to reinforce the troops hold-
ing the gap when that point was attacked and carried by the Fede-
ral troops, and that it had retreated with the rest to the camp
below It was now six o'clock in the evening; the men were
weary with their day's work, the one day's rations which they
had brought with them were exhausted, and a heavy rebel force
was in their front. The situation was now dangerous; but the
general determined to hold his position at all hazards, and began
preparations to that end. A portion of the 19th Ohio was posted
on the ridge, covering his rear. One of the captured guns and
a bod}r of troops were posted on the road looking towards Beverly,
and the other gun and a portion of the 8th Indiana placed in
position looking towards the rebel camp. By this time it was
quite dark, and the rain coming down in torrents. The pickets
kept up a constant firing through the night, but, with this excep-
tion, nothing occurred to disturb its stillness. At three in the
MAJOR-GENERAL "W- S. ROSECRANS. 17
morning a prisoner was captured, who stated that the enemy,
alarmed at the dangerous position he occupied between the two
bodies of our forces, was preparing to withdraw from it. Upon
receipt of this intelligence, General Eosecrans immediately moved
upon their camp and captured it, with two hundred and eight
tents, all their artillery, tools, axes, stores, and equipage of every
kind, eighty wagons, and some eleven hundred prisoners. The
dispersion and capture of this force compelled the rebel General
Garnett to retreat from his position at Laurel Hill towards
the Northwestern Virginia Eoad. General McClellan now
pushed on to Beverly, when, learning of Garnett' s retreat, he
advanced to Cheat Mountain, from whence he was summoned,
immediately after the battle of Bull Run, to Washington.
The command in Western Virginia now devolved upon Gene-
ral Eosecrans. Thus far success had attended the Federal arms
in every important movement within his department; but the
prospects for the immediate future were not bright. The term
of his three-months men was just expiring, and he was faced by
a rebel army flushed with their recent victory at Bull Run. His
orders were simply to hold Western Virginia as best he could.
His three-months troops were soon gone, and all he could do
Avas to occupy the Northwestern Virginia Eoad, Cheat Mountain,
and other strong positions, and await reinforcements from the new
levy of three hundred thousand men which had been ordered.
These began to arrive in due season; and, learning soon after that
Floyd was attempting to cross the river at Carnifex Ferry, thus
threatening General Cox's command at Gauley, General Eose-
crans, with seven regiments of raw troops with arms just put
into their hands, marched to attack Floyd and relieve Cox.
When within seventeen and a half miles of the enemy's position,
he learned that Floyd was strongly intrenched at Carnifex Ferry
Advancing immediately, he reached the vicinity of the ferry that
afternoon, and, after reconnoitring the position, began the attack
at three o'clock. Night set in before any decisive result had been
achieved, and our troops lay upon their guns, ready to renew the
contest in the morning. When morning came, however, it was
18 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
found that Floyd had evacuated his position and retreated under
cover of night, destroying the ferry-boat as he left. As soon as
the necessary preparations could be made, General Eosecrans
crossed the river and began the pursuit, in the direction of Cheat
Mountain. Floyd was joined in his retreat by Wise, and their
united commands — numbering five thousand three hundred men
— strongly intrenched themselves upon the top of the moun-
tain. The roads were in an almost impassable condition and
the weather stormy and inclement, and further operations
against the enemy in their present position were deemed inad-
visable. Many of our troops were nearly destitute of clothing;
and General Eosecrans determined to fall back twenty-three
miles, in order to be nearer his base of supplies.
"While thus waiting, General Lee, who had assumed command
of the rebel forces in Western Virginia, prepared a plan to attack
him in front while Floyd was to come down in his rear, hoping
thus between the two forces to crush him, capturing or dis-
persing his army. General Eosecrans's knowledge of the country
now served him to good purpose. He knew that Floyd must
come in at Gauley, and accordingly made preparations to meet
and capture him there. For some reason — owing to the bad
roads, it was said — Lee failed to make his promised attack
in front; but Floyd came up in the rear, as arranged, and was
repulsed. Through the negligence of subordinate officers, the
plan laid for his capture failed, and he escaped. This defeat of
Floyd, however, and the subsequent retreat of the enemy to
Eastern Virginia, practically ended the campaign, and Western
Virginia was virtually cleared of rebel troops. For the service
thus rendered, General Eosecrans was presented by the Legis-
lature of Western Virginia with a vote of thanks.
The winter season was approaching; active campaigning in the
field was at an end; but General Eosecrans, as commander of
the department, still found work for his troops in hunting up
and dispersing the numerous guerrilla bands with which the
country was infested. This done, he established his outposts on
the Kanawha Eiver, concentrated his spare troops at Kew Creek
MAJOR-GENERAL W S. ROSECRAXS. 19
Station and Eomney, and on the 6th of December, 1861, himself
returned to Wheeling, making that city his winter head-quarters.
In the latter part of that month he solicited and received per-
mission to go to Washington to lay before General McClellan a
plan of operations which he had devised. This was to concen-
trate the troops in Western Virginia, and to obtain from Ohio
and Indiana sufficient new ones to bring the entire number up
to twenty-five thousand effective men. This force he would
gather secretly at Eomney, and with it advance rapidly upon
Winchester, which place he would seize and strongly fortify,
thus flanking the rebel position at Manassas. Waiting in Wash-
ington nearly three weeks for Ins plans to be received and con-
sidered by General McClellan, he learned meanwhile that General
Lander had been ordered to occupy the line of the Baltimore
& Ohio Eailroad, and that all the troops in his own depart-
ment, with the exception of seventeen hundred, had been sent
to that general. With his hands tied, he accordingly returned
to Wheeling, there to witness the dissipation of the military
power of his command and to contemplate the ignoble results
for which the lives of our soldiers were being wasted. Mean-
time he perfected a long-cherished plan of a train of three hun-
dred pack-mules, which he was the first to suggest and maintain
as practicable, demonstrating its superiority in point of effective-
ness over the ordinary transportation trains during the winter
season, by drawing up and submitting to the Quartermaster's
Department tables of the comparative cost of two-, four-, and six-
horse or mule teams, and of the pack-mule train. He next
formed the plan of a spring campaign, having for its object the
possession of the Virginia & Tennessee Eailroad, and the
penetration of East Tennessee as far as Bonsell's Station, or
farther, if practicable, towards Lynchburg, Virginia. This plan
was approved by the Secretary of War and General McClellan,
each writing him an autograph letter in relation to the matter.
Meanwhile, however, the clamor of politicians and the necessi-
ties of military rank compelled the administration to create the
Mountain Department for the benefit of other generals and their
20 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
friends. The new arrangement absorbed General Eosecrans's
command, and lie was ordered to report to the Secretary of War
for further orders. Thus, to satisfy outside demands and please
a political faction, a practical plan of operations, which promised
a highly successful termination and would have proved of im-
mense advantage to the Federal arms, was thrown aside, and
the season frittered away in a widely different campaign, barren
of results, and, on the whole, not over-creditable to those by
whom it was conducted.
Upon General Eosecrans reporting to the War Department,
the Secretary expressed much regret at the necessities prevent-
ing his assignment to the command of the Mountain Depart-
ment, and deputed him to find General Blenker's command, of
whose whereabouts no definite information could be ascertained.
Strange, and even ludicrous, as the fact may seem, the division
was actually lost, and an extended and systematic search had to
be made for it. General Eosecrans was directed to confer with
General Banks, and, after finding the troops of Blenker, to put
them in serviceable condition and get them to Fremont as soon
as possible. Proceeding to Winchester, he sent out messengers
and scouts, and through them learned that General Blenker had
reached Berry's Ferry, and, in attempting to cross the Shenan-
doah at that point, had swamped the ferry-boat and lost a
number of men. Blenker was immediately directed to pro-
ceed to Snicker's Ferry, cross the river, and come to Win-
chester. While awaiting the arrival of this division, General
Eosecrans occupied the time in conferring with General Banks
upon the state of military affairs' and planning for the coming
campaign.
The situation at that time was thus : General Banks, with
thirty thousand men, was advancing up the Shenandoah Valley,
and was then sixty miles distant from his base of operations at
Harper's Ferry. General Milroy, with five thousand eight hun-
dred men, was at Huttonsville. The centre of Fremont's force,
under General Schenck, and numbering about four thousand five
hundred effective men, was at New Creek Station. On the rebel
MAJOR-GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS. 21
side, Stonewall Jackson and Ewell were in the vicinity of Mount
Jackson with a light column of from six thousand to eight thou-
sand men. To make the rebels feel the weight of their heavy
force, the following plan was agreed upon, after consultation
with Generals Banks. Shields, and others, and telegraphed to the
Secretary of War. Blenker, without crossing the Shenandoah,
was to move rapidly to Sperryville, thus cutting off Jackson's
retreat through Luray Gap and compelling him to go south-
ward to Brown's or Bockfish Gap. Banks was to advance im-
mediately to Harrisonburg. The force at New Creek Station was
to move up South Branch by way of Franklin, being no longer
menaced by the rebels, and join Milroy, who was to come across
Cheat Mountain to Middleburg. There the senior officer would
take command of the whole force, and move on to Staunton and
Charlottesville, while Blenker moved south along the Piedmont,
with McDowell's force in echelon to support him. This dispo-
sition would bring the weight of a heavy army corps on the
left of the enemy's position at Gordonsville, while it would facili-
tate the taking of the East Virginia TJoad by Cox. The Secretary
acknowledged the receipt of the plan, and submitted it to the
President. The latter determined that it was too late to con-
sult all the generals interested, and the whole plan came to
naught.
Thus a second opportunity to make an effective campaign
was neglected, and a whole season lost. Perhaps its value
may be best determined by the disastrous results which fol-
lowed its non-adoption. The enemy made a raid northward,
which this plan would have prevented. McDowell's plan of
operations was rendered inoperative. Our magnificent oppor-
tunities were wasted. The enemy was relieved of all apprehen-
sion of danger from our forces in the Valley. The crushing blow
which McDowell, in aid of McClellan, had prepared to deal Jackson
was averted, and the rebel general, making good his escape from
the Shenandoah, was permitted to fall upon the right of our
army on the Peninsula, and thus turn the scale of conflict. Such
was the actual result. What would it have been had the plan
22 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
agreed upon by Generals Banks, Shields, and Eosecrans been
adopted and carried into effect? Jackson would have been
forced southward, and his junction with Lee prevented. McClel-
lan would have crushed the rebel army on the Peninsula, and
McDowell, going in on McClellan's right, would have occupied
Eichmond. To sum up all in a word, the campaign would
have been illustrious, and the rebels have been driven from
Virginia.
About the 1st of April, General Blenker's division arrived,
hungry and destitute, and went into camp. Their condition was
wretched, resulting from neglect and incompetency. General
Eosecrans at once inspected the corps and reported their con-
dition to the War Department. His whole attention was devoted
to the supplying of their wants and equipping them for the
spring and summer campaign. A rise in the Potomac Eiver
delayed him somewhat, but he finally succeeded in getting them
into serviceable condition, and marched with them to the vicinity
of Moorefield, where he reported to General Fremont in person,
on the 9th of May, 1862. This duty performed, the general pro-
ceeded to Washington, arriving there on the 15th of May, and
the same day was ordered to report to General Halleck at
Corinth, Mississippi, then the great centre of public interest in
the West as the probable field of an impending battle. Leaving
his staff, horses, &c. behind, he hastened forward, and reached
Corinth on the 23d, when General Halleck ordered him to report
to General Pope, by whom he was placed in command of Colonel
Jefferson C. Davis's division, which had just arrived from Pea
Eidge, Arkansas. Four days afterwards, he was assigned to the
command of the right wing of the Army of the Mississippi, just
as it had advanced from its camp to the last line of trenches.
A\ hile thus in the advance, sounds of constantly occurring explo-
sions were heard within the enemy's lines; and he immediately
sent to General Pope information that the rebels were un-
doubtedly preparing to evacuate, and himself sent out two
squadrons to reconnoitre. They advanced to Corinth, and, find-
ing it evacuated, poured in with other troops. His command
MAJOR-GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS. 23
was then ordered to take five days' rations and march in pur-
suit. He followed the enemy until eleven o'clock that night, by
which time our cavalry had arrived and engaged their rear at
Tuscumbia. Passing through their deserted camps, in which
many tents and much camp-equipage had been left, General
Bosecrans pushed on to Booneville, and stationed his outposts
beyond that town.
General Halleck followed Beauregard's forces thirty-three
miles, and General Bosecrans pushed on twelve miles farther,
reconnoitring with infantry and cavalry. At Twenty -Mile
Creek he touched the main body of the enemy, in strong force,
at several points. Two or three hundred prisoners were cap-
tured, and many stragglers released. General Buell's force now
reinforced him preparatory to an attack on the rebels; but they
hastily retreated; and on the 13th of June General Bosecrans
returned to Camp Clear Creek, seven miles from Corinth. On
the 17th General Pope left for Virginia, and General Bosecrans
assumed command of the Army of the Mississippi, consisting of
four small divisions. Of these, two were ordered to reinforce
General Buell, and marched to Tuscumbia, while General Mitchel
crossed at Eastport. This done, the remainder of the army
returned to Corinth, — two and a half regiments having been left
at Iuka.
General Bragg's forces had now gone, leaving Price and Van
Dora on their front. Two days after General Stanley's division
left Iuka Price advanced and took possession of the place. A
reconnoissance made by Colonel Mowry having established the
fact that Price was really there, with a force variously estimated
at from twenty to thirty thousand men, General Bosecrans
devised a plan to attack and capture or totally rout him. "With
this view, he proposed to General Grant that the latter should
advance his forces on one road directly to Iuka, while he him-
self would march his two divisions by way of Jacinto, get in
Price's rear, and cut off his retreat southward. This was agreed
to by General Grant ; and on the 18th of September General
Bosecrans concentrated at Jacinto two divisions of infantry and
24 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
artillery and two regiments of cavalry. Starting at four o'clock
on the afternoon of the 19th, and marching eighteen and a half
miles, he arrived within a mile and a half of Iuka. Here the
advance-guard of our forces, having skirmished for the last seven
miles with the enemy's cavalry, encountered his infantry. Their
camps being close by, a heavy force was rapidly pushed out to
meet Eosecrans, who was obliged to deploy skirmishers on a
narrow, wooded point, where there was room for only seven
regiments. The enemy now opened with a heavy fire of canister
and musketry, and the battle soon became very hotly contested.
But two of General Eosecrans's batteries could be used, and one
of these was in a cramped, unwieldy position. Over this battery
a fierce contest raged, the enemy seeming determined to capture
it at all hazards. Thrice was it taken and retaken, and, a fourth
time falling into the hands of the rebels, remained there until
the next morning, when it was again recovered. Night put an
end to the struggle, as yet. undecided; and the wearied com-
batants rested upon their arms almost within whispering distance
of each other.
During the whole engagement General Eosecrans eagerly
listened for Grant's answering guns, supposing that he was
rapidly advancing in front; but, to his surprise, none were
heard. Thus left in suspense as to the other column, he pre-
pared to renew, unaided, the battle against the enemy's whole
force. About midnight, however, he found that they had
begun to retreat, and were already gone from his immediate
front. Pursuit was at once made with cavalry and infantry, and
the retreating column overtaken. The cavalry hung upon their
flanks, and annoyed them to the extent of their power; but
General Eosecrans's force was too small to cope with the rebels,
and, having followed them to Bay Springs, a distance of twenty-
five miles, he desisted from the chase. Eeturning to Jacinto,
he moved thence to Corinth, and there established his head-
quarters, having been placed in command of that district by
General Grant, who had himself moved to Jackson, Tennessee.
This was on the 21st of September. Eumors, various and inde-
MAJOR-GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS. I.,)
finite, followed the battle, and the movements of the enemy
were closely scrutinized. It was finally ascertained that Price,
marching rapidly in a southwesterly direction for thirty miles,
had struck Baldwin ; thence, making a detour to the northwest,
he passed Dumas Post Office, fifteen miles from Baldwin, where
he was joined by Van Dorn, who assumed chief command. The
force now moved to Pocahontas, thirty miles, leaving Eipley a
little on the left; and here it was joined by Lovell, whence they
were reported to be about moving down to Chewalla, and thence
to Corinth.
To meet the emergency, General Eosecrans, upon learning the
first movements of the enemy, on the 29th ordered in the troops
from Eienzi and Jacinto, and they arrived at Corinth on the
30th and 31st. On the 1st of October it was definitely ascer-
tained, from strong cavalry scouting-parties sent out for that
purpose, that the rebels were moving from Eipley via Buckers-
ville, and that the main body was at Pocahontas. They evi-
dently meant work; but where would the blow fall ? From their
position it was equally easy to strike Bolivar, Bethel, Jackson,
or Corinth ; and the question was, which would it be ? ISTo map
of the country northwest of Corinth could be found; and it was
not easy to determine whether the threatened attack upon
Corinth was a feint to cover a movement upon some other point,
or whether the feint would be made elsewhere and the blow
struck there.
Eumors that the attack was to take the direction of Jackson
or Bolivar via Bethel were so rife, and the fortifications of
Corinth were so well known to the rebels, that General Eose-
crans had hopes they would undertake to mask him, and, pass-
ing north, give him an opportunity to beat the masking force
and cut off their retreat. This hope gained some strength from
the supposed difficulties of the country lying in the triangle
formed by the Memphis & Charleston and Mobile & Ohio
Eailroads and Cypress Creek. To be prepared for eventualities,
Hamilton's and Stanley's divisions were placed just beyond
Bridge Creek, the infantry outposts were called in from Iuka,
26 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Burnsville, Eienzi, and Danville, and the outpost at Chewalla
retired to New Alexander, and strengthened by another regi-
ment and a battery, early on the morning of the 2d. During
that day it was ascertained that the country to the north-
west was practicable, and that there were two good roads
eastward from Chewalla, one leading directly into the old rebel
intrenchments, and the other crossing over into the Pittsburg
Landing road.
Accordingly, at half-past one on the morning of the 3d, Gene-
ral Eosecrans ordered the following disposition of the forces for
that day : —
" There being indications of a possible attack on Corinth, immediately the
following disposition of troops will be made. General McKean with his
division will occupy the present position ; General Davies will occupy the
line between the Memphis & Columbus road ; General Hamilton with his
division will take position between the rebel works on the Purdy and on the
Hamburg roads ; and General Stanley will hold his division in reserve at
or near the old head-quarters of Major-General Grant.
" The respective divisions will be formed in two lines, the second line being
either in line of battle or close column by division, as their circumstances
may require.
" The troops will move towards their positions, with one hundred rounds of
ammunition and three days' rations per man, by three o'clock a.m."
The troops at nine o'clock on the morning of the 3d occupied
positions as follows : — Hamilton on the right, Davidson the centre.
McKean on the left, with an advance of three regiments of
infantry and a section of artillery under Colonel Oliver on the
Chewalla road, at or near Alexander's, beyond the rebel breast-
works. The cavalry were disposed as follows : — a battalion at
Burnsville, one at Eoney's Mill on the Jacinto and Corinth road.
Colonel Lee, with the 7th Kansas and a part of the 7th
Illinois, at Kossuth and Boneyard, watching the rebels' right
flank; Colonel Hatch and Captain Wilcox on the east and north
fronts, covering and reconnoitring.
These dispositions are said by General Eosecrans, in his
detailed report, to have been made because of the fully explained
difficulties of the northwesterly approach, and of the possibility
that the rebels might threaten on the Chewalla road and attack
MAJOR-GENERAL W S. ROSECRANS. 27
by the Smith's Bridge road, on his left, or go round and try him
with their main force on the Purdy or even on the Pittsburg
Landing road. The general plan to be pursued was verbally
explained to the division commanders on the morning, and
was in effect this : — to hold the rebels at a distance by approach-
ing them strongly from our assumed position, and, when their
force became fully developed and they had formed their lines,
to take a position which would give us the use of our bat-
teries and the open ground in front of Corinth, that position to
be exactly determined by events and by the movements of the
enemy.
Early in the morning the advance under Colonel Oliver per-
ceived indications that the pressure under which he had retired
on the 2d came from the advancing foe, and accordingly took
a strong position on the hill near the angle of the rebel breast-
works, with his three regiments and a section of artillery By
eight o'clock there was sharp fighting at this point; but it was
still by no means certain that the main attack of the enemy
would be on Corinth. By nine o'clock the enemy began to
press them sharply and outflank them. An officer sent to the
front reported wide-spread but slack skirmishing, and said that
the position of our advance-guard was an advantageous one and
would be of great benefit to the attacking force. With this
view, it was ordered to be firmly held. At ten o'clock word
came that the enemy were pressing the point hotly, and that
unless reinforced the position must be yielded. General Davies
was ordered to send up from his division two regiments; but it
was found that General Me Arthur had taken four more reei-
ments from MeKean's division, and was stoutly contesting the
ground. General Davies now asked permission to rest his right
on the rebel intrenchments ; and it was granted, with the verbal
instruction that he might use his own judgment about leaving
his present position for that, but in no event was he to cease
touching, if possible, the left on McArthur's right. I)avies
accordingly advanced to the breastwork, but leaving an interval
between his own and McArthur's left. The rebels, seizing the
28 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
opportunity, developed their force along that line as McArthur
retired from his position, and advanced behind Davies's left, and
forced it, after an obstinate resistance, to fall back about a
thousand yards, Avith the loss of two heavy guns.
Our troops were fighting with great determination, firing low
and very steadily. At one o'clock in the afternoon, Davies had
resumed the position he occupied in the morning, and McArthur's
brigade had fought a heavy force. The enemy were evidently
in full strength and meant desperate work. There were no signs
of any movement on our left, and only a few cavalry skirmishers
on our right. It seemed certain that the attack in force would
be made on our centre. Orders were accordingly given to
McKean to fall back to the next ridge beyond our intrenchments,
to touch his right on Davies's left, and Stanley to move north-
ward and eastward, to stand in close echelon, but nearer town.
General Hamilton was ordered to face towards Chewalla, and
move down until his left reached Davies's right. Davies was
informed of these dispositions, told to hold his ground obsti-
nately, and then, when he had drawn them in strongly, Hamilton
would swing in on their front and rear and close the day.
Owing to a loss of time in conveying the orders to Generals
McKean and Davies, they were less perfectly conformed to than
was wished, and the movement did not begin until about five
o'clock. The enemy pressed Davies back with tremendous force;
and Stanley, with his division and his batteries held in reserve,
was called upon, and sent a brigade under Colonel Mower to
support Davies, whose right had at last become hotly engaged.
Mower came up while Davies was contesting a position near the
White House, and Hamilton began to swing in on the enemy's
flank, across the Columbus Railroad, through a very impracti-
cable thicket, when night closed in and put an end to the opera-
tions for the day
General Rosecrans now had opposed to him the entire army
which the rebels could muster in Northern Mississippi, composed
of Price's and Van Dora's armies, Villepigue's and Lovell's com-
mands, and the remnants of Breckinridge's corps, all under the
MAJOR-GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS. 29
command of Yan Dorn. They were in an angle between the
Memphis and Columbus Eailroads, a position which rendered his
left comparatively free but made his right very assailable. They
undoubtedly outnumbered us two to one, and were now advised
of our intended movements. jSTew dispositions accordingly
became necessary. The plan adopted was to rest our left
on the batteries extending from battery Eobinette, our centre
on the slight ridge north of the houses, and our right on the
high ground, covering both the Pittsburg and Purdy roads,
while it also covered the ridge roads between them, leading to
their old camps. McKean had the extreme left; Stanley, with
his well-tried division batteries, "Williams and Eobinette, the
Memphis Railroad and the Chewalla road extending nearly to
the Columbus road; Davies's sure division was placed in the
centre, which was retired, reaching to battery Powell; Ha-
milton's staunch fighting division was on the right, with Dillon's
battery, supported by two regiments posted on the prolongation
of Davies's line.
Early in the evening, General Eosecrans called his division
commanders together and explained to them the plans. By
three o'clock in the morning, these dispositions were completed,
and officers and troops, alike exhausted by fatigue, endeavored
to obtain some rest. In a short time, however, and before day-
break, they were awakened by the enemy's artillery — four bat-
teries— firing upon battery Eobinette, within six hundred yards
of which they had planted their guns. Shells flew thick and
fast, perforating the Tishemingo House at Corinth, the telegraph-
office, and the ordnance building. Our heavy batteries and the
10th Ohio, placed north of General Halleck's old head-quarters,
silenced them by seven o'clock, one piece being captured and the
rest withdrawn. The skirmishers and sharpshooters were sent
forward into the woods on our front, and found the enemy in
force, evidently preparing for an assault. ISTo movement took
place, however, until about nine o'clock, when the heads of their
columns emerged from the woods and bore straight down upon
our centre, attacking first Davies, then Stanley, and Hamilton
30 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
last. The rebels came on in gallant style ; and our troops pur-
posely yielded and fell back, scattering among the houses. Be-
treating some two hundred and fifty yards, they rallied, and were
reinforced by reserves from Hamilton's division. At the head
of Price's right, storming columns advanced to near the houses
on the north side of the square, in front of General Halleck's
head-quarters, when they were greeted with a storm of grape from
a section of Immell's battery, soon reinforced by the 10th Ohio,
which sent them reeling back, pursued by the 5th Minnesota,
which advanced to them from their position near the depot.
General Sullivan was ordered and promptly moved to the
support of General Davies's centre. His right rallied, and retook
battery Powell, into which a few of the storming column had
penetrated; while Hamilton, having played upon the rebels on
his right, over the opening, very effectively with his artillery,
advanced towards them, and they fled. The battle was over on
the right.
During this time the skirmishers of the left were moving in our
front. A line of battle was formed on the bridge. About twenty
minutes after the attack on the right, the enemy advanced in
four columns on battery Eobinette, and were treated to grape
and canister until within fifty yards, when the Ohio brigade
arose and gave them a murderous fire of musketry, before which
they broke and fell back to the woods.
General Van Dorn's attack was to have been simultaneous with
that of Price. The generals had arranged to carry Corinth by
one grand assault. But in their reconnoissance on Friday even-
ing they entirely overlooked Fort Eobinette, — a fatal oversight.
When they drove their wedge towards Corinth, one flange on
the Bolivar road, the other on a branch of the Chewalla, they
intended that both wings should move together. Topographical
and artificial obstructions interrupted Van Born. He was
obliged to sweep over a rugged ravine, through dense thickets,
up hill over a heavy abatis, with his left; it was necessary for
his centre to dip down hill under the fire of Fort Williams,
Captain Gau's siege-guns in the rear of the town, and under
MAJOR-GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS. 31
heavy musketry; while his right had to girdle a ridge and move
over almost insurmountable abatis under the point-blank fire of
both Fort Williams and Fort Eobinette, supported by a splendid
division of veteran troops. The latter fort had three ten-
pounder Parrotts, and the former, thirty-pounder Parrotts.
Price had nothing to delay him, and was in time. Yan Dorn
was too late, — a few moments only, but long enough to seal the
fate of Price, who was overwhelmed and driven back.
Yan Dorn's situation was desperate. Nothing but a feat of
daring whose success would be little short of a miracle could
save his army from total rout. Battery Bobinette must be
carried by storm ; and audaciously enough he attempted it. His
men obeyed magnificently Gallantly they were reformed and
led to the charge by Colonel Eogers, of the 2d Texas, acting
brigadier-general. The troops most relied on were those from
Texas and Mississippi. Two brigades, one supporting the front
at close distance, moved up solidly towards the face of the fort.
The Parrotts of both redoubts poured a constant stream of shot
and shell, grape and canister, into their close ranks, from the
moment they began their advance; and at every discharge great
gaps were made in their columns. But there was no faltering.
The ranks were promptly closed, and steadily they moved to
the front, bending their heads to the storm. Scores were
slaughtered while thrusting themselves through the rugged
timber, but no man wavered. Onward, onward they came,
steady and unyielding as fate, their leader in front. The edge
of the ditch is reached, and they pause to take breath for a final
onset. It is a fatal pause. It gave our men time to recover
from the surprise into which the boldness and audacity of the
movement had thrown them, and they were now ready for the
assailants. Eogers, the brave Texan, with the rebel flag in his
left and a revolver in his right, advanced, firing, leaped the ditch,
scaled the parapet, waved his banner aloft, and tumbled head-
long to its base. And now the deadly musketry fire of the in-
fantry supports staggered and broke the ranks of his followers,
and at the word " Charge \" the 11th Missouri and 27th Ohio
o- ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
sprang up and forward at them, chasing their broken fragments
back to the woods. Thus by noon ended the battle of the 4th of
October.
The day was extremely warm, and our troops were nearly
exhausted. Water and ammunition were sent to them as they
rested on the field, and they patiently awaited another advance
of the enemy. ]STo signs of their reappearance occurring,
skirmishers were sent out, who soon found and reported that
their skirmishers had gone from the field, leaving their dead and
wounded. By four o'clock it was known that the enemy were
retreating, at least to Chewalla. Having satisfied himself of
this, General Eosecrans rode over our lines, announcing the
result of the fight in person, and notified his victorious troops
that after two days' fighting and two sleepless nights of pre-
paration, movements, and march, he wished them to replenish
their cartridge-boxes, haversacks, and stomachs, take an early
sleep, and start in pursuit by daylight.
The results of the battle are thus briefly stated by the general
in his official report : —
"We fought the combined rebel force of Mississippi, commanded by Van
Dorn, Price, Lovell,Villepigue, and Rust, in person, numbering, according
to their own authority, thirty-eight thousand men.
" We signally defeated them, with little more than half their numbers, and
they fled, leaving their dead and wounded on the field.
" The enemy's loss in killed was one thousand four hundred and twenty-
three, officers and men ; their loss in wounded, taking the general average,
amounts to five thousand six hundred and ninety-two. We took two thou-
sand two hundred and forty-eight prisoners, among whom are one hundred
and thirty-seven field-officers, captains, and subalterns, representing fifty-
three regiments of infantry, sixteen regiments of cavalry, thirteen batteries
of artillery, and seven battalions, making sixty-nine regiments, six battalions,
and thirteen batteries, besides separate companies.
" We took also fourteen stands of colors, two pieces of artillery, three
thousand three hundred stand of arms, four thousand five hundred rounds
of ammunition, and a large lot of accoutrements. The enemy blew up
several wagons between Corinth and Chewalla, and beyond Chewalla many
ammunition-wagons and carriages were destroyed, and the ground was
strewn with tents, officers' mess-chests, and small arms. We pursued them
forty miles in force, and sixty miles with cavalry."
MAJOR-GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS. 33
Something additional may be said in reference to the pursuit.
It began early the next morning, and their rear-guard was over-
taken at Chewalla. Pressing on, they made a short stand at
Tuscumbia Hill, but were driven from it after a short struggle.
As our forces advanced, they found innumerable marks of a pre-
cipitate and disordered retreat. Tents, camp-equipage, wagons,
&c. had been abandoned, and lay thickly scattered along by the
roadside. The pursuit was still vigorously kept up. Upon
reaching the Hatchie River, the bridge was found to be destroyed;
but McPherson's engineers repaired it, and by dark our forces
were crossing over and in hot pursuit. On our first day's ad-
vance, General Hurlbut had met the rebels and driven them back
towards Rosecrans; and now word came from Jonesborough
that General Ord's command had fought them and driven them
on to the route by which he was so rapidly pursuing them,
Upon this intelligence, General Rosecrans requested General
Hurlbut to support him, and also asked General Grant to send
General Sherman to his assistance. The enemy were thoroughly
beaten. Our own men were in the best of spirits, and eager for
a rapid, effective, and uninterrupted pursuit until the rebels were
captured or destroyed It was explained to General Grant that
if Sherman would come in on the west the enemy could be kept
moving south, and thus be effectually scattered or driven to the
wall. Sixty thousand rations were issued to his own troops,
thirty thousand were sent to Hurlbut, and eighty wagon-loads
followed immediately from Corinth. But General Grant decided
that further pursuit was inadvisable; and the army was recalled,
greatly to its chagrin and mortification. Thus we failed to
realize the full results of this magnificent victory. The rebels
were demoralized and badly frightened, even going so far as to
burn their stores at Tupelo. General Rosecrans is confident
that had he been allowed to continue the pursuit he would easily
have gone to Vicksburg, which was then but feebly defended,
and have captured that important stronghold with but a tithe
of the blood and treasure which have since been expended in its
reduction.
3
34 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Keturning from the pursuit, General Kosecrans re-established
his head-quarters at Corinth, remaining there until October 26,
when, in pursuance of an order from the War Department,
dated October 24, creating the Department of the Cumber-
land and the 14th Army Corps, and assigning him to its direc-
tion, he left Corinth, arriving at Louisville on the 30th,
and at once assumed command. From that time his military
career is inseparably connected with that of the Army of the
Cumberland, and is related in other pages of this volume. To
them the reader is referred, with the confident assurance that he
will there find a record no less bright in all that goes to make
his previous life one of usefulness to his country and of honor to
himself.
Not only has General Kosecrans excelled as a military leader,
but as a far-seeing statesman with military power, located in
the midst of a rebellious and socially diseased community.
During his several weeks' stay in Nashville, Tennessee, last winter,
he was especially mindful of the social condition of that people,
and labored with them in every possible direction, — with words
of kindness and acts of favor, and at times with force and seve-
rity, as occasion demanded. He devised a system of oaths and
bonds as one medium of reconciling and persuading, and even
forcing, a stiff-necked people to be loyal. Facilities of trade
were afforded only to Union men, and passes to and fro were
rigorously denied to rebels and traitors. Protection-papers were
granted only where parties placed themselves in a proper atti-
tude of loyalty to that power to which appeal was made for
protection. He paid much personal attention to his scout and
spy system, in connection with his Chief of Army Police, Colonel
William Truesdail, with, at times, remarkably beneficial results.
He heard complaints, and investigated serious personal charges,
daily, restoring property here, condemning it there, and con-
stantly dealing out righteous, even-handed justice, with a quick-
ness, sagacity, and prudence which were universally appreciated.
After the memorable tragedy of Stone Kiver, and during the
past four or five months, General Kosecrans has been daily
MAJOR-GENERAL W S. ROSECRANS. oO
called upon to adjudicate in the manner of a magistrate and
with the power and responsibility of a military autocrat.
Through it all shine forth, daily and hourly, his native, inhe-
rent love of truth and justice, and its attendant modesty, sim-
plicity, and gentle kindness. As a rule, his action is in constant
conformity to high principle. Eecently he ordered the seizure
of all serviceable horses in Murfreesborough, Nashville, and
the adjacent country, for military necessities; and some seven
hundred were thus gathered in and about the city of Nashville.
A remarkable sensation ensued : prayers and petitions flooded
in upon him for restoration, upon innumerable strenuous pleas,
but in vain. He excepted but three cases, — one, of a team
owned by and necessary to the manager of the State Insane
Asylum, six miles in the interior; one horse owned by the aged
Major Lewis, once an aide to General Andrew Jackson; and the
carriage-horses of Mrs. Ex-President James E. Polk. " No, sir,"
said he to one persistent in his claims for restoration : " the
Government needs your horses, and will pay you for them. I
cannot restore them to you : I could not restore those of my old
friend Bishop Whalen, the Catholic Bishop of Nashville, nor can
I yours."
As is well known, General Eosecrans is a firm and consistent
member of the Eoman Catholic Church. His religious duties
are a matter of daily thought and practice, whether at home or
abroad, at the house of prayer or upon the field of battle. Night
and morning find him a suppliant before the throne of the
Eternal One, and the life of to-day seems a lesson impressive
of the life to come. So believe those who during many months
past have often witnessed his heartfelt, unostentatious attention
to sacred things. Especially in times of peril is this faith and
confidence attended with happiest results. During the battles
of Stone Kiver, while riding over the fields through the fiery
hail, the general's calm courage was remarked by all. He i
truly a hero upon the battle-field. In "Western Virginia, and at
Iuka and Corinth, he was personally present at each conflict,
and at times in its very midst. His record as a general is no
s
36 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
brighter than is his record as a soldier. During those mo-
mentous hours of undecided contest at Stone Kiver, he was
everywhere amidst battle-dangers, cheering and reviving his
scattered columns, while his adversary, the rebel General Bragg,
is said to have been safely seated in the cupola of the court-
house at Murfreesborough, overlooking the field, and from thence
momentarily despatching orders. Sustained by his religious
faith, and therefore truly fearless of personal consequences,
death for him had no terrors. When told that the lamented
Colonel Garesche, his chief of staff, had been killed, he remarked
to his companions, " Brave men die in battle. Let us push on."
Upon learning of the death of the gallant General Sill, and the
reported death of Major-General McCook, he paid a brief tribute
to their courage, and cheered those about him with words some-
what as just related. "When the tremendous battle of Friday
evening was won, and Breckinridge and his rebel legions were
so signally repulsed, the general remarked, in response to the
congratulations of the author, "Yes, God has truly blessed us."
This faith in God and His goodness is the result of many years'
belief in the doctrines of the Catholic Church, and of participa-
tion in its rites. His parents were Episcopalians, and he was
bred to that faith, but embraced Catholicism while a student at
West Point, — as was also done about the same time by his bro-
ther, now Bishop of Cincinnati, and one of the pillars of that
Church in the West. While thus a devoted and earnest Catholic,
the general is no bigot. His religion is a personal matter, and
is not intruded upon others, he respecting the reasonable views
of all, while adhering strictly to his own. His staff embraces
religionists of various denominations and creeds, there being
upon it but a single Catholic. In the walks of home life he
inclines to associates of pure mind and refined understanding,
as most congenial to his taste. In time of war he wisely extends
this preference, and, while he has due regard for intelligence and
purity, is not unmindful of the brightness and beauty of the
rough diamond, and delights to call around him the bold and
daring.
MAJOR-GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS. 6 1
Another of the general's characteristics is his pride in young
men. Of such his staff is mainly composed; and many of his
generals have not yet seen the midsummer of life. As with his
officers, so with the masses of his soldiery, youth is their marked
peculiarity and crowning glory. In this rebellion the general
recognizes a contest in which the young and giant mind of the
nineteenth century is battling against old systems of social and
moral barbarism, and by which a new life and a higher civiliza-
tion will be developed. He believes it to be a struggle of liberty.
Heaven's choicest blessing to man, with human bondage, — a
struggle in which the chains of the latter shall be broken, and
idleness and the grovelling vices of a serfdom equally degrading
to master and slave give place to labor and its concomitant
virtues.
Previous to the rebellion, no man s history was complete
without the record of his political and partisan life. General
Kosecrans has no such record. Party machinery was always
uncongenial to him. and he thoroughly avoided it. His aversion
to, and even contempt of, professed politicians, the managers of
political clubs and caucuses, the connivers at election tricks
and the winkers at ballot-box frauds, is refreshingly hearty. He
participates in no party caucuses, but votes for such men and
measures as seem at the time to be best. Until quite recently, his
political views and votes were not generally known beyond the
circle of his more intimate friends. He believes that the strict
adherence to party in times past, and the consequent party
excesses, have been a bane to our national prosperity, and that
it is this partyism which, lending strength to ambitious and
dissolute leaders, has involved the country in all the calamities
of civil war. At the last election he voted for Stephen A.
Douglas for President, persuaded that the views of that states-
man upon the all-absorbing slavery question, fairly and fully
carried out, would best tend to avert the impending storm.
"When the first gun was fired at Sumter, with Douglas he came
to the rescue, believing, with him, that the preservation or
3S ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
destruction of the Government was now the only issue before
the people.
Upon the question of slavery General Eosecrans is decided,
almost to radicalism. What he would not have forced upon the
South he is now confident they have accomplished for them-
selves. While he would have left their peculiar system to
wrestle with the steady advance of free labor and thus through
a gradual decline reach at last its inevitable end, he is now
earnest in the belief that its day* are numbered with the present
century. The evils of slavery are with him a pregnant text.
In the desolated fields and deserted homes of Yirginia and Ten-
nessee he witnesses the vengeance of Heaven upon the iniquities
of man, and in the suffering and sorrow which war produces he
recognizes a just retribution for the wrongs our nation has per-
petrated upon a weak and lowly race. Especially is he severe
in his comments upon the assumed superiority and aristocracy
of the slaveholding portion of the South. The author has often
heard him declare that " of all aristocracies upon earth, that of
the slaveholder is the most meaningless, the most contemptible,
and the most damnable." The following extract from a letter
written by General Eosecrans, dated at the head-quarters of the
Army of the Mississippi, July 20, 1862, most forcibly portrays
his sentiments respecting the rebellion, and the institution of
slavery : —
"For more than a year we have engaged in this struggle, into which an
arrogant and dictatorial slave-oligarchy has driven a free, happy, and peace-
ful people, fighting for the rights of all. With true bravery and invincible
patience our citizen soldiers have stood on this ground to the present moment,
against violators of the laws of war and humanity. Remaining true- to their
principles, they have said, by words and actions, to their fellow-citizens in the
South, We fight for common rights. If we win, you win. If the Govern-
ment is maintained, you will dwell under the protecting shadow as freely
as we. And there we stand, and thus we say, to-day.
" But if the Confederates prevail, farewell peace and safety to us ; farewell
freedom, forever ! Their principles and leaders are known to us. They
cheated us. crying out, No coercion ; holding out false hopes and deceitful
assurances of friendly regard, while, assassin-like, they were preparing to
destroy our Cioverninent and reduce us to anarchy or servitude. The past
year's experience renders it certain that if they triumph, blood and desola-
MAJOR-GENERAL W. S. ROSECRANS. 39
tion, fire and sword, or arbitrary subjection to their will, awaits every white
man who has manhood enough to dislike their system of slavery.
"They will omit no means, honest or dishonest, to insure success. Misre-
presenting, calumniating our motives, ridiculing our honest efforts to mitigate
the horrors of war, and inflaming the passions of the populace by low
epithets, are among the milder and more ordinary means resorted to by this
pseudo 'chivalry,' the meanest aristocracy that ever stood at the head of a
civilized society."
An incident is related which illustrates his disregard of popular
and local prejudices. While in charge of the Government works
at Washington, he was for some time superintendent of a
Sabbath-school connected with his Church, where some seven
hundred little negro children were taught their only lesson of
Christianity, — an act creditable to the manliness that will thus
rise above prejudices, and due to that true religion which teaches
that all nations, all classes, all races, have an equal part and
claim in the blood of Christ.
Lest the author should be accused of partiality, which will,
at times, mislead the judgment of the most cautious biogra-
pher, he appends the following testimony of ability and worth,
from an enemy. A correspondent of the Atlanta (G-a.) " Com-
monwealth," in a letter published some two months after the
battle of Stone Eiver, thus speaks of him : —
"General Rosecrans is a man of more than ordinary ability. In all the
various positions in which he has been placed, he has exhibited the most
untiring industry and indomitable energy. He is an accomplished engineer,
a wily strategist, and a brave and prudent leader. He is undoubtedly the
ablest general now in the Federal army. He is very different from the native
Yankee, being bold, frank, outspoken, and possessing the dash and manner
of the Western people. He is the idol of his officers and men, and possesses
their entire confidence to an eminent degree. He will fight ; and he impresses
it upon those about him that hard licks alone will end the war.
" Socially, General Rosecrans is modest, refined, polite, and affable. He
would command respect and confidence in any community. In person he is
five feet ten inches, and in weight about one hundred and sixty pounds.
He stands very erect, with military dash and bearing strongly depicted in
his person. His features are mild, but there is a striking expression in his
clear gray eyes. His complexion is florid, hair slightly tinged with gray,
and his features and person would be called handsome. General Rosecrans
is a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church."
40 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
In conclusion, we may add, the friends of General Eosecrans
claim for him no Napoleonic attributes, nor do they attempt to
clothe him with the Tyrian purple of a Csesar. Every age has
its hero; and the boast of one century may be the curse of
another. All that we claim for him is that he is an honest,
practical man, a shrewd, patient, skilful general, and an ardent,
self-sacrificing patriot. The foregoing pages show that his life
has been one of eminent usefulness to society and to his country.
As a citizen, as a teacher, as a public servant, as a soldier, and
as a commander, we may well regard him as a beaming light in
the pathway of virtue, honor, and integrity. His genial coun-
tenance, pleasing smile, and easy, unaffected manners, every-
where the same, have kindled in all his friends an affection as
lasting as it is warm; and many a soldier and citizen will in
after-years remember with feelings of admiration and love the
present commander of the Army of the Cumberland.
THE STAIT.
The staff of General Eosecrans is composed as follows. The
biographies of such as we have been able to obtain will be found
following the list.
Brig.-Gen. J. A. Garfield Chief of Staff.
Brig. -Gen. J. St. C. Morton Chief of Eng'rs, com'd'g Pioneer Brigade.
Col. James Barnett, 1st 0. V. Art'y ...Chief of Artillery.
Col. Jos. C. McKibbin Add'lA.D.C, A.A.I. Gen' I.
Lieut.-Col. C. Goddard A. A. Gen'l.
Lieut. -Col. A. C. Ducat A.I. Gen'l.
Lieut.-Col. Jno. W. Taylor Qr.M., Chief Quartermaster.
Lieut.-Col. Sam'l Simmons C. S., Chief Commissary.
Lieut.-Col. Wm. P. Hepburn, 2d Iowa
Cavalry Insp. Cavalry.
Major Wm. MuMichael A. A. Gen'l.
Major Ralston Skinner Judge-Advocate.
Surgeon 0. Peerin, U.S. A Medical Director.
Surgeon A. H. Thurston, U.S.V Ass't Medical Director.
Asst.-Surg. Dallas Bache, U.S. A Staff Surgeon.
Asst.-Surg. Jas. F Weeps, U.S. A Medical Inspector.
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BRIGADIER-GENERAL GARFIELD. 41
Major W. H. Sidell, 16th Inf. XJ.S.A...Must'g and Disb'g Officer.
Major W. M. Wiles, 44th Ind. Vols Provost-Marshal General.
Major Frank S. Bond Senior Aide-de-Camp.
Capt. J. H. You.ng, 15th Inf. U.S.A Mustering Officer.
Capt. J. C. Peterson, 15th Inf. U.S. A.. .A. A.I. G.
Capt. Henry Thrall A. A. G.
Capt-. J. Bates Dickson A. A. Gen'l.
Capt. James Curtis, 15th Inf. U.S. A. ..A. A.I. G.
Capt. A. S. Burt AdoVl A.D. C, A.A.I. G.
Capt. Hunter Brooke Add'l A.D. C, Acting Judge-Advocate.
Capt. W M. Warren A. Q.M., In chargeof Army Supply Trains.
Capt. Elias Cosper, 74th 111. Vols 1st Ass't Provost-Marshal Gen'l.
Capt. R. M. Goodwin, 37th Ind. Vols. ..2c? Ass't Provost- Marshal Gen'l.
Capt. G. S. Hubbard, 88th 111. Vols Acting Ass't Inspector- General.
Capt. C. R.Thompson Add'l A.D. C, A.D.C.
Capt. Horace Porter Ordnance U.S.A., Chief Ord. Officer.
Capt. David G. Swaim A. A. G.
1st Lieut. Byron Kirby, 6th U.S. Inf. ..A.D. C.
1st Lieut. W H. Greenwood, 51st 111.
Vols Ass't Topographical Engineer.
1st Lieut. Henry Stone, 1st Wis. YoXs.A.A.A. G.
1st Lieut. C. M. Brazee, 74th 111. Vols.-l.^l. Q. 31.
1st Lieut. H. L. Newberry, 1st Middle
Tenn. Cav Chief of Courier Lines.
1st Lieut. W. L. Porter, 56th 0. Vols.. .1. .4. D. C.
1st Lieut. Jas. K. Reynolds, 6th Ohio
Vols A. A.D.C.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL GARFIELD.
James Abram Garfield was born November 19, 1821, in
Cuyahoga county, Ohio. His parents were natives of the New
England States. By the death of his father he was, while yet a
small boy, thrown upon his own energies and resources for a
livelihood. At the age of sixteen he drove horses on the Ohio
& Pennsylvania Canal, and in various other employments he
" paddled his own canoe" successfully over the waters of varied
fortune, and entered Williams College, Massachusetts, where
he graduated in 1856. His plan of supporting himself while
attending college was ingenious. He insured his life for a con-
siderable amount, and borrowed the necessary funds by pledg-
42 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
ing the policy as security. After graduating, he returned to the
West, and during a period of three years was President of a
Collegiate Seminary at Hiram, Portage county, Ohio. In 1859
he was elected to the State Senate for the term of two years,
and in 1860 was admitted to the bar as a practising attorney.
Upon the breaking out of the rebellion, General Garfield was
among the first to lay aside the ease and enjoyment of pri-
vate life and the attractions of personal and political popularity
and enter upon the arduous duties of the soldier. He set about
raising a regiment among his pupils and friends and fellow-
citizens; and mainly by his efforts the 42d Ohio Eegiment was
formed, of which he was appointed colonel, by Governor Denni-
son, in August, 1861.
On December 17 of that year he left Camp Chase, Ohio, with
his regiment, under orders for the Big Sandy Valley region, in
Eastern Kentucky, reporting in person to General Buell at
Louisville. Upon arriving in that city he was invited by General
Buell to arrange his campaign; and he accordingly worked out a
plan, which was submitted to and approved by the commanding
general. The next day he started for his field of operations with a
little army of four regiments and about six hundred cavalry. The
Big Sandy was reached, and followed up for some sixty miles,
through a rough, mountainous region, his force driving the out-
posts of General Humphrey Marshall before them for a con-
siderable distance. On the 7th of January, 1862, he drove the
enemy's cavalry from Paintville, after a severe skirmish, killing
and wounding twenty-five of them. At a strong point, three
miles above Paintville, Marshall had prepared to make a stand,
with two battei'ies of six guns each, four thousand five hun-
dred infantry, and seven hundred cavalry; but when his cavalry
were thus unexpectedly driven in, his courage failed, and he
hastily evacuated his works, retreating up the river.
The rapid marching, thus far, had much exhausted General
Garfield's forces: still he resolved to pursue, and, picking out
eleven hundred of his ablest troops, continued on to Prestonburg,
a distance of fifteen miles. There he found the rebels strongly
BRIGADIER-GENERAL GAREIELD. 43
posted upon the crest of a hill, at once attacked them, and main-
tained the battle during five hours, the enemy's cannon mean-
while playing briskly. Although they were now under fire for
the first time, the daring valor of the Union troops swept all
before them : the rebels were driven from every position, and,
after destroying their stores, wagons, and camp-equipage, they
precipitately retreated to Pound Gap, in the Cumberland ^foun-
tains, sixty miles above. This was the first brilliant achievement
of the war in the West, and a most complete and humiliating
defeat to the rebels, their loss in killed and wounded amounting
to two hundred and fifty, in addition to forty taken prisoners,
while that of the Federals was but thirty-two, all told. It is
related of General Garfield that at the time of this battle he
had in his possession a letter written a short time before by
Humphrey ^Marshall to his wife, but intercepted by General
Buell and sent to General Garfield, in which he stated that he
had five thousand effective men in his command. This letter the
general refrained from showing to his officers and men until
after the victory. His commission as brigadier dates from the
day of the battle at Prestonburg.
General Garfield now moved his force to Piketon, Kentucky,
one hundred and twenty miles above the mouth of Big Sandy.
Here he remained several weeks, sending out, meanwhile, expe-
ditions in every direction wherever he could hear of a rebel
camp or band, and at length completely clearing that whole
country of the enemy. While thus employed, his provisions
gave out, and, instead of sending, he went himself to the Ohio
Eiver for a new supply. The provisions were obtained, and a
small steamer seized and loaded therewith. But now a serious
difficulty presented itself. The river was swollen by an unpre-
cedented freshet, and its navigation was extremely perilous.
IS"o captain or pilot would take charge of the boat : it was an
impossibility to navigate the Big Sandy with any thing in the
shape of a boat; and they would not go. General Garfield, how-
ever, was not to be balked in this way. Determined that the
provisions should go through to his starving men, he took com-
44 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
mand of the boat himself, and piloted her up the river, standing
at the wheel one day and two nights. It was a perilous voyage,
up an untried stream full of eddies and currents, in which the
little boat quivered and turned, at times threatening to make
instant wreck of itself and all on board; but the indomitable
energy of the general carried him safely through all these diffi-
culties, and in due season himself and his cargo arrived safely
at the camp, greatly to the joy of his suffering soldiery.
About the middle of March he made his famous Pound Gap
expedition, for a proper understanding of which a few words
descriptive of the locality will be necessary. Pound Gap is a
zigzag opening through the Cumberland Mountains into Yirginia,
leading into a track of fertile meadow-land lying between the
base of the mountains and a stream called Pound Fork, which
bends around the opening of the gap at some little distance from
it, forming what is called " the Pound." These names originated
in this wise. This mountain locality was for a long time the
home of certain predatory Indians, from which they would make
periodical forays into Virginia for plunder, and to which they
would retreat as rapidly as they came, carrying with them the
stolen cattle, which they would pasture in the meadow-land just
mentioned. Hence among the settlers it became known as
" the Pound," and from it the gap and stream took their names.
After his defeat at Prestonburg, as has been stated, Humphrey
Marshall retreated with his scattered forces through this gap
into Yirginia. A force of five hundred rebels was left to guard
the pass against any sudden incursion of General Garfield's force,
who, to make assurance doubly sure, had built directly across
the gap a formidable breastwork, completely blocking up the
way, and behind which five hundred men could resist the attack of
as many thousand. Behind these works, and on the southeastern
slope of the mountains, they had erected commodious cabins for
winter quarters, where they spent their time in ease and com-
fort, occasionally — by way of variety, and in imitation of their
Indian predecessors — descending from their stronghold into Ken-
tucky, greatly to the damage of the stock-yards and larders of
BRIGADIER-GENERAL GARFIELD. 45
the well-to-do farmers of that vicinity, and to the fright of their
wives and children.
General Garfield determined to dislodge them from their
position and so put an end to their marauding expeditions. He
accordingly set out with a sufficient force, and, after two days'
forced march, reached the base of the mountains a short distance
above the gap. Of the strength of the rebels and their position
he had been well informed by the spies he had sent out, who had
penetrated to their very camp, in the absence of the usual pickets,
Avhich were never thrown out by them, so secure did they feel
in their mountain-fortress. It would have been madness to
enter the gap and attack them in front; and the general did not
propose or attempt it. Halting at the foot of the mountains for
the night, he sent his cavalry early next morning to the mouth
of the gap, to menace the rebels and draw them from behind
their defences. This they did. arriving at a given time and
threatening an attack. The rebels jumped at the bait, and at
once came out to meet them, our men rapidly retreating, and the
rebels following until the latter were some distance in front of
their breastworks instead of behind them. Meantime, General
Garfield with his infantry had scaled the mountain-side, in the
face of a blinding snow-storm, and, marching along a narrow
ridge on the summit, had reached the enemy's camp in the rear
of his fortifications. A vigorous attack was now made, resulting
in the complete rout of the rebels, many of whom were killed,
wounded, or taken prisoners, and the remainder dispersed
through the mountains. The general now reassembled his
forces and spent a comfortable night in the enemy's quarters,
faring sumptuously upon the viands there found. The next
morning the cabins, sixty in number, were burned, the breast-
works destroyed, and the general set out on his return to Piketon,
which he reached the following night, having been absent four
days, and having marched in that time about one hundred miles
over a rough and broken country.
On his return, he received orders from General Buell, at Nash-
ville, to report to him in person. Arriving at that place, he found
46 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
that Buell had already begun his inarch towards Pittsburg
Landing, and pushed on after him. Overtaking the army, he
was placed in command of the 20th Brigade, and with his
command participated in the second day's fight at Shiloh.
He was present through all the operations in front of Corinth,
and, after the evacuation of that place, rebuilt with his brigade
the bridges on the Memphis & Charleston Bailroad and erected
fortifications at Stevenson. Throughout the months of July and
August he was prostrated by a severe sickness, and, consequently,
was not in the retreat to Kentucky or the battles fought in that
State. During his illness he was assigned to the command of
the forces at Cumberland Gap, but could not assume it. Upon
his recovery he was ordered to Washington and detailed as a
member of the Fitz-John Porter court-martial, which occupied
forty-five days, and in which his great abilities as a lawyer and
a soldier were called forth and freely recognized. When the
court adjourned, he was ordered to report to General Eosecrans,
and by him was placed in the responsible position of chief of
staff, though at first it had been intended to give him only the
command of a division in the field. With the selection thus made
universal satisfaction is everywhere expressed. Possessed of
sound natural sense, an excellent judgment, a highly-cultivated
intellect, and the deserved reputation of a successful military
leader, he is not only the Mentor of the staff, but his opinions
are sought and his counsels heeded by many who are older and
not less distinguished than himself.
In September, 1861, General Garfield was nominated by the
Union Convention of the Nineteenth Congressional District of
Ohio as its candidate for member of the Thirty-Eighth Congress,
and at the election in October was chosen by a majority of over
six thousand votes.
Thus, at the age of thirty-one, the poor orphan boy, without
the aid of wealth or of influential relatives, has achieved a
position of which any American citizen might well be proud.
The record of his life and labors fitly tells the story of his
worth. What the author could truly say in addition is perhaps
LIEUTEXANT-COLONEL C. GODDARD. 47
better said by his friends of longer acquaintance. The editor of
the Xenia " Torchlight," a paper published in his Ohio home, thus
sjjeaks of him upon the occasion of his assignment to the Army
of the Cumberland and his selection by General Eosecrans as his
chief of staff : —
" We have known General James A. Garfield for several years, and
entertain for him the highest personal regard. He is one of the most elo-
quent men in Ohio, as well as one of the ripest scholars. Socially and
morally he has no superior. He is popular with all, as the attachment of
his scholars, as well as his soldiers, for him demonstrates.
" In respect to abilities, nature has by no means been unfriendly to him ;
and he has neither despised nor slighted her gifts. A severe course of
mental training, combined with the mental practice obtained by presiding
over one of the colleges of Ohio, has fully developed his natural endowments.
"Above all these considerations, every one respects General Garfield for
his stern, unyielding, uncompromising patriotism. The permanent good of
his country, the restoration of its unity, and the perpetuation of the national
power and glory through all coming time, are the objects which he keeps
steadily in view."
Lieutenant-Colonel C. Goddard, Assistant Adjutant-General ',
was born at Xorwich, Connecticut, February 9, 1838. In 1851
he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, -where he engaged in com-
mercial pursuits. Soon after the attack on Fort Sumter, he
went to Columbus, to assist in organizing the State troops, and
remained engaged in that duty and in paying troops in the
service of the State until December, 1861. He then received a
commission as first lieutenant in the 12th Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, and was detailed as aide-de-camp upon the staff of
General Eosecrans in Western Yirginia. Lieutenant Goddard
afterwards accompanied the general to Mississippi, and there
served as acting assistant adjutant-general, participating in
the battles of Iuka and Corinth. Following General Eosecrans
to the Department of the Cumberland, he was appointed major
and aide-de-camp, and served until subsequent to the battle of
Stone Eiver as acting assistant adjutant-general. Soon after
this battle he was appointed, upon the special recommendation
of General Eosecrans, assistant adjutant-general, with the rank
of lieutenant-colonel.
48 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Colonel James Barnett, Chief of Artillery. See " The Artil-
lery Service," post.
Arthur Charles Ducat, Lieutenant- Colonel, and Inspector-
General of the Department of the Cumberland, is a native of Dublin,
Ireland, born in February, 1832, and is the youngest son of the
late M. M.. Ducat, Esq., of Newlawn, county Dublin. In 1851
he came to New York and engaged in civil engineering, which
profession he pursued, until about seven years ago, throughout
the Northwest. He was then appointed Secretary and Chief
Surveyor of the Board of Underwriters at Chicago, which posi-
tion he held until the breaking out of the war, when he raised
an engineer corps, which was not accepted by the Government.
He thereupon entered the service as a private in the 12th Illinois
Begiment, which was raised as a three-months regiment under
the first call for troops. His regiment was one of those which
first occupied Cairo under General Prentiss. In May, 1861, he was
appointed second lieutenant and adjutant, and August 1, became
captain of Co. A in the same regiment. During this period he
served in the occupation of Cairo, Bird's Point, and the reinforce-
ment of Cape Girardeau. He afterwards went to Paducah, and
was engaged in the demonstration upon Columbus made by Gene-
ral C. F. Smith at the time of the battle of Belmont. In November,
1861, he was appointed major of his regiment. Participating in
the battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, he was promoted
to a lieutenant-colonelcy for meritorious services at the latter,
and, though severely injured by a shell, he advanced with his
regiment upon Clarksville and Nashville, and thence down the
Cumberland and up the Tennessee to Pittsburg Landing, where
he was taken dangerously ill, and was sent down the river to hos-
pital at Paducah, where he lay for months. Upon his recovery
he was appointed chief of grand guards and outposts for
the army. In the battle of Iuka he was attached to General
Ord's column, and was senior officer on his staff, and afterwards
took part in the battle of Corinth and the pursuit of the
enemy. Soon after this he was assigned to General Eosecrang
SURGEON GROVER PERRIN. 49
as chief of staff, and upon the subsequent assignment of Colonel
Garesche to the same position was appointed inspector-general.
When General Rosecrans was ordered to Kentucky, he accom-
panied him to Bowling Green, and thence to Nashville. At this
place he was attacked by a severe sickness in December, 1862,
and compelled to return home on indefinite leave of absence.
Eecovering partially, he rejoined the army at Murfreesborough,
about the 1st of April, 1863, still in a delicate state of health,
but performing his military duties with commendable ardor and
alacrity
Lieutenant-Colonel John W Taylor, Chief Quartermaster.
See " Quartermaster's Department," post.
Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Simmons, Chief Commissary. See
" Commissary Department," post.
Lieutenant-Colonel William P Hepburn, Inspector of Ca-
valry, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, November 24, 1833,
and emigrated to Iowa in 1840. In May, 1861, he entered the
service of the State of Iowa as a second lieutenant, and in
August of the same year was mustered into the service of the
United States as a captain in the 2d Iowa Cavalry. In Sep-
tember, 1861, he was promoted major, and lieutenant-colonel in
November, 1802. With the army of the Mississippi he was
present during the operations at New Madrid, Island No. 10,
Tiptonville, and Fort Pillow, and participated in the battles of
Farmington, Blackland, Booneville, Iuka, and Corinth. In June,
1862, he was appointed inspector of cavalry for the Army of the
Mississippi, and during November and a part of December of the
same year he was acting judge-advocate of the Army of the
Cumberland. In the latter part of December he was appointed
inspector of cavalry for the department.
Surgeon Grover Perrin, Medical Director, was born in Cler-
mont county, Ohio, in November, 1823. He was educated at
50 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
the Woodward High School in Cincinnati, and graduated at the
Ohio Medical College, in the same city, in 1846. In 1847 he
entered the Eegular Army as a surgeon, and served during the
Mexican War, and subsequently upon the frontier until the
beginning of the rebellion. He was assigned and reported to
General Eosecrans as medical director of the Department of the
Cumberland, February 21, 1863.
Major W H. Sidell, Mustering and Disbursing Officer, is a
native of New York City, and a graduate of West Point of the
class of 1833. He graduated with high honor, but soon resigned
from the army to adopt the profession of civil engineer, in
which capacity he has been engaged on many important works.
When the Mexican War broke out, he volunteered in the 4th
New York Eegiment, and held the commission of captain j but
the regiment, though fully recruited and ready to move at a
day's notice, was not called upon. At the opening of the rebel-
lion he received and accepted the commission of major in the
15th Eegular United States Infantry When stationed at New-
port Barracks in Kentucky, while the regiment was recruiting,
Major Sidell was ordered to Louisville, to receive into the ser-
vice of the United States the small force of loyal Kentuckians
raised by General Eousseau, and accompanied that force to the
field when called out from its camp of rendezvous to repel the
invasion of the rebel General Buckner in September, 1861.
After this he was made chief mustering and disbursing officer
of the department, and subsequently general superintendent of
volunteer recruiting for Kentucky. From the latter position
he was relieved in March, 1862, and ordered to join General
Buell on his staff as mustering officer, which he did. In July
he was detailed by him as his acting assistant adjutant-general,
and was ordered to take post at Nashville, where he remained
on that duty as long as General Buell retained command of the
army, during which time the city was closely invested by the
enemy, remaining so until the advance-guard of the army then
under General Ilosecrans's command entered the city
MAJOR FRANK S. BOND. 51
General Kosecrans renewed the detail, retaining him to act
as assistant adjutant-general until March 19, 1863, when he was
relieved as such, hut continued as chief mustering and dis-
bursing officer. As adjutant-general at Nashville, his position
was one of great trust and responsibility, the city being belea-
guered and incessantly threatened, and for a long time cut off
from all communication. The adjutant of a general command-
ing is always an important officer, especially when separated
from his commander ; for then he must himself do for him what-
ever, under the regulations, he believes the general himself would
order done, were he present, in all things not immediately under
the control of the commander of the post or garrison. In the
discharge of these onerous duties, Major Sidell was discreet and
zealous, ready to co-operate with and aid the efforts of others.
By the mustering officer all the complicated conditions in regard
to the terms on which officers and men are received into the United
States service have to be adjudicated. As these terms affect the
rank, immunities, and obligations of volunteers in their relations
towards each other, as well as towards the Government, the
decisions require knowledge of the laws and orders and dis-
cretion in applying them. Major Sidell is regarded at Nashville
as chief authority in all these matters, and his decisions are
rarely reversed in Washington.
Quite recently Major Sidell has received the appointment of
assistant provost-marshal general for the State of Kentucky, a
position he is eminently qualified to fill, from his long experience
as a mustering officer, coupled with his energy, literary attain-
ment, and business tact.
Major and Aide-de-Camp Frank S. Bond is a native of Massa-
chusetts, and was born in February, 1830. His youth was spent
in Connecticut, and he early engaged in business connected with
the railroads. For four or five years he was secretary and trea-
surer of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Eailroad, and after-
wards went to New York in a similar capacity for .several Penn-
sylvanj^roads. When the war began, he was secretary of the
52 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Almaden Quicksilver Mining Company. In March, 1862, he was
appointed a first lieutenant in the 10th Connecticut Volunteers, but
never served with the regiment, the commission having been
given him that he might occupy a position on the staff of Bri-
gadier-General Tyler, with whom he went West. He was present
at the siege of Corinth, and engaged in the battle of Farmington.
December 15, 1862, he was assigned to General Bosecrans as
acting aide-de camp, and went with him to Bowling Green and
Xashville. In the battle of Stone Biver, as a member of the
general's staff, he was present on the field during the entire
contest, discharging his perilous duties in the most gallant manner.
After this battle he was promoted to his present position.
Major William M. Wiles, Provost-Marshal General. See
"Provost-Marshal General's Department," post.
Captain Elias Cosper, First Assistant Provost-Marshal Gene-
ral. See " Provost-Marshal General's Department," post.
Captain Bobert M. Goodwin, Second Assistant Provost-Mar-
shal General. See " Provost-Marshal General's Department," post.
Captain Hunter Brooke, Acting Judge- Advocate of the De-
partment, was born in the District of Columbia, is thirty-two
years of age, and has resided for twenty-five years in Cincin-
nati, Ohio. He is a practising lawyer, which profession he
entered in 1851, and has spent several years in political life,
in the State Legislature and other public capacities.
At the breaking out of the war, he was temporarily residing
in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he had gone on account of the
health of his family, and entered the army as a private in the
2d Begiment of Minnesota Volunteers. After serving three
months at Fort Bidgely, Minnesota, in November, 1861, he
joined his regiment at Lebanon Junction, Kentucky. In De-
cember, 1861, ho was selected by General Bobert L. McCook,
and by special permission acted as "volunteer aide-de-camp"
CAPTAIN CHARLES R. THOMPSON. 53
upon the general's staff, which position he held during the
winter campaign in Kentucky, and at the battle of Mill Spring.
After this battle, he was appointed, by the President, additional
aide-de-camp to Major-General Halleck, and assigned to duty with
General B. L. McCook, with whom he remained during the
spring and summer campaign in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missis-
sippi, and Alabama.
On the 5th day of August, 18(32, he was riding with General
McCook in an ambulance, engaged in nursing him, and was by
his side when he was brutally murdered by guerrillas near New
Market, Madison county, Alabama. Captain Brooke was taken
prisoner, and was released upon parole about the last of August.
He reported to General Buell, and by him was ordered to report
at Camp Chase, Ohio. In December, 1862. he was exchanged, and
reported to Major-General Wright, at Cincinnati. In February
he was ordered to report to Major-General Eosecrans for staff
duty, and was assigned as aide-de-camp. Major Skinner, deputy
judge-advocate, having soon afterwards been temporarily relieved
from duty on account of ill health, Captain Brooke was detailed
to the position, and is still acting in that capacity.
Captain and Aide-de-Camp Charles E. Thompson was born
in Bath, Maine, February 24, 1840. For several years he re-
sided in California, when, returning East as far as St. Louis, he
engaged in mercantile pursuits in that city. He volunteered, Oc-
tober 1, 18G1, as a private, in the Engineer Eegiment of the West,
Missouri Volunteers. Under General Fremont, he accompanied
the army to Warsaw, Missouri, and was appointed first lieute-
nant November 1. He was afterwards present at the battle of
New Madrid and the siege of Island No. 10, assisting in cutting
the famous canal which led to the capture of the entire rebel
force. He accompanied Pope's command up the Tennessee
Eiver and in the advance upon Corinth. June 1, 1862, he was
appointed post quartermaster at Hamburg, Tennessee, where
he remained until August 15, when he was relieved and appointed
ordnance officer of the Army of the Mississippi, then under the
54 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
command of General Eosecrans. At the battle of Corinth he
was present in his capacity of ordnance officer, and acted as
aide-de-camp to General Eosecrans. For meritorious service in
this battle he was, upon the recommendation of the general,
appointed captain and aide upon his staff. He accompanied
General Eosecrans to the Army of the Cumberland, and, in the
performance of his duty, acted a gallant and conspicuous part
at the battle of Stone Eiver.
Captain James P. Drouillard, Aide-de-Camp, was born in
Gallipolis, Gallia county, Ohio, and entered the U. S. Military
Academy in June, 1857, graduating July 1, 1861. He chose the
infantry corps, on account of more rapid promotion during the
war, and was assigned as second lieutenant to the 6th Eegiment
United States Infantry Ordered to report to the Secretary of
War, he was placed on duty under General Mansfield, command-
ing the Department of Washington, as instructor of volunteers.
Desiring to participate in the active operations then about to be
initiated, he was ordered to report to General McDowell, com-
manding the Army of the Potomac, and was assigned by him
to the battalion of regulars under command of Major Sykes,
and remained in this position during the campaign which
terminated in the memorable battle of Bull Eun.
After the concentration of all the regular troops in Wash-
ington as a city guard, he was made adjutant of the 3d United
States Infantry, which position he held until the promotion of
Major Sykes to a brigadier-generalship of volunteers, when he
was appointed assistant adjutant-general of the infantry of the
city guard. In this capacity he served until December 20, 1861,
when, upon the solicitation of General McDowell, he was made
aide-de-camp upon the staff of that general. While acting thus,
he accompanied, as a volunteer, the expedition of General Augur,
which resulted in the capture of Falmouth and Fredericksburg.
On the 25th of May, 1862, upon the recommendation of General
McDowell, he received from the War Department the appoint-
ment of additional aide-de-camp, with the rank of captain.
LIEUTENANT C. M. BRAZEE. 55
He remained with General McDowell throughout his cam-
paign with the Army of the Eappahannock, and subsequently
with the Army of Virginia, under General Pope. When General
McDowell was relieved of command. Captain Drouillard did not
abandon him, but remained by his side until the termination of
the court of inquiry, resulting in an honorable acquittal of all
charges; when, desiring active service in the field, the captain
was, upon the request of General Rosecraiis, commanding the
Department of the Cumberland, transferred to his staff as aide-
de-camp.
Captain Horace Porter, Chief Ordnance Officer. See "The
Artillery Service," post.
Lieutenant C. M. Brazee. Acting Assistant Quartermaster, was
born in the State of Xew York, March 10, 1832. In 1857 he
settled in Eockford, Illinois. Soon after he commenced the
study of law, and was admitted to practice December 29, 1859.
August 2, 1*62, he entered the service, and on the 9th of the
same month was promoted to a first lieutenancy in Company C,
74th Illinois Volunteers. Serving with his regiment in Buell's
ISTorth Alabama campaign, he was detailed from the regiment
with twenty-two men into the Pioneer Brigade, 2d Battalion,
Xovember 30, 1862. Here he was constantly on duty until after
the battle of Stone Paver, when he was sick for some weeks, the
result of exposure. On the 8th of February, 1X03, he was
ordered to report to department head-quarters, and assigned to
duty upon the staff of General Bosecrans as acting assistant,
quartermaster.
ajor-t&twral (Swjge f. Ihomas and ;
George H. Thomas, Major-General of Volunteers, and Colonel
of the 5th United States Eegular Cavalry, commanding the 14th
Army Corps, was born in Southampton county, Virginia, July 31,
1816. His father, John Thomas, was of English, and his mother,
Elizabeth Eochelle, of Huguenot, descent, — both of respectable
and wealthy families. Eeceiving a fair education, he accepted
the position of deputy to his uncle, James Eochelle, clerk of the
county, and soon after began the study of the law Through
the influence of family friends, he received, in the spring of 1836,
an appointment as cadet, and entered the U. S. Military Academy
at West Point the following June. Continuing through the
entire course, he graduated twelfth in a class of forty-five, June
20, 1840, and on the 1st of July was appointed second lieutenant
in the 3d Artillery In November of the same year he joined
his regiment in Florida, eighteen months previous to the termi-
nation of the First Florida War. November 6, 1841, he was bre-
vctted first lieutenant " for gallant conduct in the war against
the Florida Indians." The regiment having been ordered from
Florida in January, 1842, Lieutenant Thomas went with his
company to New Orleans barracks, and in June of the same
year to Fort Moultrie, in Charleston harbor. Eemaining there
until December, 1843, he was ordered to duty with Company C,
3d Light Artillery, then stationed at Fort McHenry, Maryland.
May 17, 1843, he was promoted first lieutenant of artillery, and
in the spring of 1844 joined Company E, 3d Artillery, at Fort
Moultrie.
War with Mexico being now threatened, Lieutenant Thomas
was ordered with his company to Texas, in July, 1845, to report
for duty to General Zacliary Taylor. The company arrived at
66
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MAJOR-GENERAL G. H. THOMAS. 57
Corpus Christi the same month, in company with the 3d and 4th
regiments of infantry, they being the first United States troops
that occupied the soil of Texas. With the army of occupation
his company marched from Corpus Christi to the Kio Grande,
and, with one company of the 1st Artillery and six companies
of the 7th "United States Infantry, was left to garrison Fort
Brown, opposite Matamoras, while General Taylor, with the
main body of his army, fell back to Point Isabel, there to esta-
blish a depot of supplies. On the 2d of May, Fort Brown was
invested by the Mexicans, and the garrison sustained a bombard-
ment until the afternoon of the 8th, when the enemy withdrew
to Eesaca de la Palma to reinforce General Ampudia, wdio had
the same day been driven from his position at Palo Alto by Gene-
ral Taylor while marching to the relief of Fort Brown. On
the 9th, General Taylor repulsed the Mexicans at liesaea de la
Palma, and drove them across the Eio Grande, the garrison at
Fort Brown contributing to this decisive victory by pouring an
unintermitted fire of shot and shell into the disordered masses
of the retreating enemy as they rushed in hopeless confusion to
the river to escape our advancing columns. After the evacua-
tion of Matamoras, Lieutenant Thomas was detached from his
company with a section of his battery and assigned to tempo-
rary duty with the advance-guard, and remained stationed at
Reynosa from early in June until the latter part of July, when he
was ordered with his section, still in the advance-guard, and the
7th Infantry, to Camargo. In September, the main body having
reached Camargo, he rejoined his command and marched to
Monterey September 23, 1846, he was brevetted captain " for
gallant conduct at the battle of Monterey," and about the 1st
of November, on the promotion of Lieutenant Bragg to the cap-
taincy of Company C, took command of Company E, as senior
lieutenant, which position he retained until February 14, 1847.
In December, 1846, he was again placed in the advance, with
the brigade of General Quitman, and entered Victoria about the
1st of January, 1847, General Taylor having started for the
interior by way of Tampico.
58 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
General Scott, having- assumed command of the army in the
field at Camavgo, ordered General Taylor to select a division
and with it occupy the country he had conquered. In accord-
ance with these instructions, the latter general, with a squadron
of the 2d Dragoons, Companies 0 and E 3d Artillery, the 1st
Mississippi and the 1st Georgia Infantry, and General Wool's
brigade, then stationed at Saltillo, returned to Monterey about
the last of January. Soon afterwards Santa Anna advanced
from San Luis Potosi, with a force outnumbering General
Taylor's four to one. General Taylor pushed all his troops,
except four regiments, towards Saltillo, and eventually took a
strong position about five miles south of that place. Here, on
the 21st of February, was fought the bloody and decisive battle
of Buena Vista, resulting in the overwhelming defeat of Santa
Anna and the dispersion of his army In this battle Lieutenant
Thomas actively participated, and for gallant and meritorious
services therein was brevetted major, February 28, 1847 He
remained in Mexico on duty until August 20, 1848, when his
company recrossed the Rio Grande into Texas, among the last
to leave, as it had been among the first to enter, the Mexican
territory. About the 1st of September he was ordered to
Brazos Santiago, to take charge of the commissary depot
at that place, and remained there until December, when his
company was ordered to Fort Adams, Bhode Island, and he
was relieved in order to join it at that place, which he did,
at the expiration of a six-months leave of absence. July 31,
1849, he was placed in command of Company B, 3d Artillery,
and in September of the same year was ordered to Florida
with his company, hostilities having again broken out between
the Indians and settlers in the southern part of that State.
Remaining on duty in Florida until December, 1850, he re-
ceived orders for Texas, but on arriving at New Orleans, on
his way thither, found awaiting him there later orders for Bos-
ton harbor. He reached Fort Independence January 1, 1851,
where he remained until March 28, when he was relieved by
Captain Ord, and assigned to duty at West Point as Instructor of
MAJOR-GENERAL G. H. THOMAS. 59
Artillery and Cavalry. This position he retained from April 1,
1S51, until May 31, 1854, having been promoted, meanwhile,
December 24, 1853, to a captaincy in the 3d Artillery.
Captain Thomas, on leaving "West Point, took command of a
battalion of artillery, and conducted it to California by way of
Panama. Arriving at Benicia Barracks June 1, 1854, he was
assigned to Fort Yuma, in Lower California, and, reaching that
place July 15, with two companies of artillery, relieved Major
Heintzelman of the command. Congress having increased the
army by four regiments, two of infantry and two of cavalry,
Captain Thomas received the appointment of junior major of
the 2d Cavalry, and, leaving Fort Yuma July 18, 1855, joined
his regiment at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, early in the fol-
lowing September. The regiment was ordered to Texas, and
Major Thomas remained on duty there from May 1, 185G, to
November 1, 1860, when he left Camp Cooper on a leave of
absence. During this time he was for three years in command
of the regiment, and in August, 1859, headed the escort which
accompanied the Texas Reserve Indians from that State to their
new home in the Indian Territory Immediately after this he
was ordered to examine the country on the head-waters of the
Canadian and Red Rivers. He was absent on tins service several
months, and collected much valuable information concerning the
geography of that region, having passed over a route north of
the Canadian which previously had been entirely unknown. In
the summer of I860 he commanded another expedition to the
head- waters of the Conchas, on which, besides obtaining much
geographical knowledge, he fell in with a party of predatory
Indians, and recaptured from them all the animals they had
stolen from the settlements. In the skirmish on this occasion,
August 26, 1860, he was slightly wounded in the face.
In April, 1861, Major Thomas was ordered to Carlisle Barracks,
Pa., to remount the 2d Cavalry, which had been dismounted and
ordered out of Texas by General Twiggs. Four companies were
equipped at once and sent to Washington to join the two that had
preceded them thither. The remaining four were assigned to the
60 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Department of Pennsylvania, and Major Thomas was ordered to
report to its commander, which he did on the 1st of May, 1861, at
Greencastle, Pennsylvania. April 25, 1861, he was promoted
lieutenant-colonel, and colonel May 3. From May until July he
commanded the first brigade of Major-General Patterson's army
in Northern Virginia, and subsequently under Major-General
Banks until August 26. August 17 he was appointed a
brigadier-general of volunteers, and on the 26th was relieved
from duty in the Army of Northern Virginia, and ordered to
report to Brigadier-General Eobert Anderson, commanding the
Department of the Cumberland. Arriving at Louisville, Ken-
tucky, September 6, General Thomas was assigned to the
command of Camp Dick Bobinson, fifteen miles southeast of
Nicholasville, Kentucky, which he reached September 15, and
relieved Lieutenant Nelson, U.S.N, (subsequently Major-General
Nelson, U.S.V ), who had organized the camp and by his
energy and boldness had assembled there over six thousand Ken-
tucky and Tennessee troops. Zollicoffer had invaded Kentucky
by way of Cumberland Gap ; and General Thomas began making
vigorous preparations to meet him and thwart his designs. Four
regiments of infantry, a battalion of artillery, and Woolford's
cavalry, under the command of Brigadier-General Schoepf, were
sent to Bockcastle Hills, thirty miles southeast of Camp Dick
Bobinson, where was established Camp "Wildcat. Brigadier-
General W T. Sherman, having been appointed to the command
of the department in place of General Anderson, who was re-
lieved at his own request on account of ill health, visited Camp
Dick Bobinson soon after, and expressed much satisfaction with
the dispositions made to resist the advance of the rebels. The
result of these movements was the battle of Wildcat, fought
October 26, in which Zollicoffer was completely routed and
driven back to Cumberland Gap by our troops, under the personal
command of General Schoepf.
Immediately after the battle of Wildcat, General Thomas
moved his head-quarters to Crab Orchard and began prepara-
tions for an advance into East Tennessee; but, the enemy having
MAJOR-GENERAL G. H. THOMAS. 61
assembled a large force at Bowling Green, the department com-
mander ordered General Thomas to move with his force, except
one Kentucky regiment and the two East Tennessee regiments,
to Lebanon, Kentucky, and be in readiness for an active cam-
paign. Under these orders, General Thomas marched to Lebanon
and there organized the first division of the Army of the Cum-
berland. Immediately on the arrival of the troops at that place,
it being reported that Zollicolt'ei* had advanced to Monticello,
Wayne county, and was threatening Somerset, General Schoepf
was ordered to the latter place with a battery of artillery and two
regiments of infantry, to prevent him from crossing the Cumber-
land. Two days afterwards two additional regiments and an-
other battery were ordered to reinforce Schoepf; but Zollicoll'er
had succeeded in crossing the Cumberland with about eight
thousand men, and established himself on the north side, opposite
Mill Spring. General Thomas had his command in readiness to
take the field by December 31, and on that day left Lebanon
under orders from Brigadier-General Buell to march against Zolli-
coffer and dislodge him from his intrenchments if he should not
come out to meet the combined forces of Schoepf and Thomas.
After a most laborious march of nineteen days, over roads made
almost impassable by heavy rains, General Thomas reached a
point ten miles north of Mill Spring, called Logan's Crohs-I'oads,
with the 9th Ohio, 2d Minnesota, 10th Indiana, and 4th Ken-
tucky Kegiments of infantry, Kenny's battery of the 1st Ohio
Artillery, Woolford's regiment of Kentucky Cavalry, and four
companies of the 1st Michigan Engineers. Here he halted to
await the arrival of the 14th Ohio and the 10th Kentucky, and
to communicate with General Schoepf at Somerset and arrange
for a combined movement upon the enemy's intrenchments.
The preliminary arrangements Avere made on Saturday, and
the troops were to move on Monday, the 20th. But the enemy,
having received information that only two regiments had
succeeded in reaching Logan's Cross -Koads, and that the re-
mainder were still behind, exhausted and discouraged by the
difficulties which they had encountered left his intrenchments
62 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
on the evening of Saturday, the 18th, with the evident intention
of surprising and overwhelming the small force at Logan's, and
encountered the Federal pickets at daylight on the morning of
the 19th, driving them in rapidly. Two regiments — the 10th
Indiana and 4th Kentucky — were quickly formed, and advanced
into a wood about half a mile in front of Logan's. This position
was held against a desperate assault of the enemy's advance
until the arrival of the 9th Ohio and 2d Minnesota, when the
battle was renewed by these two fresh regiments attacking
the rebels in front, while the 12th Kentucky and 1st and 2d East
Tennessee advanced on their right and rear. The contest raged
violently for half an hour, until the 9th Ohio routed the enemy's
left at the point of the bayonet, their right being simultaneously
attacked by the 12th Kentucky. The advance fell back in con-
fusion behind their reserves, and the rebels began a rapid and
disorderly retreat towards their intrenchments. As soon as our
troops could refill their cartridge-boxes, the enemy were pursued
to their intrenchments, and preparations were made to storm
them the following morning. But when morning came it was
found that they had fled during the night, abandoning their pro-
visions, artillery, ammunition, wagons, cavalry, horse and camp
equipage of every kind. The rout was complete, and its
demoralizing effect so great that many men of wealth in Middle
Tennessee removed their slaves and household effects to Alabama
and Mississippi, without waiting to hear of new disasters. The
enemy's loss in killed and wounded in the battle and during the
retreat was very heavy, including among the former Brigadier-
General Zollicoffer.
Immediately after the battle of Logan's Cross-Boads, or, as it
is more generally called, Mill Spring, General Thomas concen-
trated his command at Somerset and entered upon active pre-
parations for a move into East Tennessee, and had nearly
accumulated a sufficient amount of subsistence for that expe-
dition when he received orders to move with all possible
despatch to Lebanon, and thence to Munfordsville, General
Buell intending to concentrate his forces at that place and move
MAJOR-GENERAL G. H. THOMAS. 03
immediately upon Bowling Green. Before the troops could be
assembled, however, the enemy had lost Forts Henry and Donel-
son, and evacuated Bowling Green and Xashville, retreating by
different routes through Tennessee, and eventually reassembling
in front of Corinth, Mississippi. On the march to Munfords-
ville, General Thomas received orders to proceed with his divi-
sion to Louisville, there to take steamers and go to Xashville,
which he did, reaching the latter city on the 2d of March,
with his division in readiness to take the field. But it con-
stituted the reserve of the Army of the Cumberland, and
remained as such until May 1, when the advance from Pitts-
burg Landing upon Corinth began. As soon as the troops
could be supplied with clothing, and the trains fitted up, General
Buell began his march to Pittsburg Landing, a portion of his
army reaching that place in time to participate in the battle of
Shiloh. General Thomas's division, being in reserve, did not
reach the battle-ground until after the retreat of the enemy
April 25, 1862, Brigadier-General Thomas was appointed
and confirmed major-general of volunteers, and on the 1st of
May his division was transferred to the Army of Tennessee, he
being assigned by General Halleck to the command of the right
wing of that army, consisting of Brigadier-General T. "YV Sher-
man's division (the old 1st Division), Brigadier-General W T
Sherman's division, Brigadier-General S. A. Hurlbut's division,
Brigadier-General T. J. McKean's division, and Brigadier-Gene-
ral Thomas A. Davies's division. He continued in command
until the evacuation of Corinth by the rebels, when his division
was stationed jdong the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, from
Iuka, Mississippi, to Tuscumbia, Alabama, for its protection. On
the 10th of June he was re-transferred to the Army of the Ohio
(the first Army of the Cumberland), and about the 1st of
August was ordered to concentrate his command at Dechard,
Tennessee, at which place he arrived about the 6th and remained
with his division several days. Leaving his command here in
temporary charge of General Schoepf, he proceeded to McMinn-
ville, to take charge of the divisions of Generals Nelson and
64 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Hood at that place. September 3, he left McMinnville, having
received orders from General Buell to join him with his forces
at Murfreesborough, the rebel cavalry having destroyed the Louis-
ville & Nashville Eailroad and blown up the tunnels near Gal-
latin, Tennessee, thus rendering a backward movement necessary.
On arriving at Murfreesborough, he found that General Buell
had already gone to Nashville, leaving orders for the army to
follow him. Reaching Nashville on the 8th, General Thomas
was at once put in command of the post. The next day General
Buell, having already pushed forward a portion of his troops,
set out for Kentucky. On the evening of the 13th, General
Thomas received orders to follow, and at four o'clock on the
evening of the 15th started with his division, leaving at Nash-
ville the divisions of Generals Negley and Palmer, the whole
under command of the former. Joining Buell at Prewitt's Knob,
near Cave City, on the 19th, he was made second in command
of the entire army. Approaching Munfordsville, it was expected
that Bragg would make a stand there, and preparations were
made for a battle ; but the enemy were soon found to be retreat-
ing, and the march was resumed on the 23d, and in three days
the army reached Louisville.
On the 29th, the Army of the Ohio was divided into three
corps, under Generals McCook, Crittenden, and Gilbert, General
Thomas still remaining second in command of the whole. On
the 1st of October the army left Louisville for Bardstown, where
the rebel army was encamped, their cavalry vedettes extending
to within five miles of Louisville. As Buell advanced, Bragg
retreated, evacuating Bardstown after a slight skirmish. The
rebel forces making a stand at Harrodsburg and Perryville, a
severe battle was fought, principally by General McCook. com-
manding the left wing, the right, under General Thomas, being
engaged only in skirmishing. General Thomas accompanied
the army in all its movements until it again concentrated at
Bowling Green. When the command was assumed by Major-
General llosecrans, its name was again changed to the " Army
of the Cumberland," and on the 5th of November General
MAJOR-GENERAL Q. H. THOMAS. 65
Thomas was placed in command of the centre, 14th Army Corps,
Department of the Cumberland, consisting of the 1st Division,
Brigadier-General S. S. Fry commanding, the 3d Division,
Major-General L. H. Eousseau commanding, the 8th Division,
Brigadier-General J S. Negley commanding, the 12th Divi-
sion, Brigadier-General E. Dumont commanding, and the 13th
Division, Brigadier-General J. M. Palmer commanding. In
charge of his corps. General Thomas reached Nashville early in
.November, where he remained until the morning of the 26th of
December, when the army advanced towards Murfreesborough.
In command of Rousseau's and Xegley's divisions, he left Nash-
ville on the morning of the 26th, moving on the right of McCook
by the Franklin and Wilson pikes and falling in by cross-roads
to Nolensville. During the whole of that terrible series of
battles on Stone River, he was cool, active, and vigilant, cheer-
ing on his men by voice and example, and sharing their dangers,
and in the official reports of General Rosecrans is mentioned
with especial commendation as -'true and prudent, distinguished
in council and on many battle-fields for his courage."
Since the occupation of Murfreesborough, the Army of the Cum-
berland having been divided into three army corps, — the 14th,
20th, and 21st, — General Thomas has been in command of the
14th Army Corps, comprising five divisions, under the command
of Major-Generals L. H. Rousseau, Jas. S. ^Negley, and J. J. Rey-
nolds, and Brigadier-Generals S. S. Fry and R. B. Mitchell.
General Thomas's residence — the place of his birth — is now
in possession of the rebels. In 1852 he was married to Miss
Frances S. Kellogg, of Troy, New York, and his wife now resides
in New York City. Notwithstanding his many years of military
service and active campaigning, he is still apparently in the
prime of life. In personal appearance dignified and manly, in
manners gentle and courteous, in habit temperate and virtuous,
none " know him but to praise." His military and personal
record is without a blot. Although a Yirginian, he never fal-
tered for a moment in his duty to his country to follow after the
false gods of his native State and the South ; and let it ever be
66 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
remembered that it was he who won for our arms one of the
first and most decisive victories of the present war, in front
of Mill Spring, Kentucky.
THE STAFF.
Lieutenant-Colonel George E. Flynt, Assistant Adjutant-
General, was born in Delaware county, New York. He received
a mercantile education, and was engaged in trade until the year
1853. In the following year he emigrated to Texas. During his
residence in that State he was more or less, socially and in his
business relations, connected with the United States Army there
on duty At the commencement of the rebellion he was present
at Camp Cooper, on the Clear Fork of the Brazos Eiver, when it
was surrendered to the Texas rebels. Having no sympathy
with the revolutionists, he left Texas at the earliest moment,
and arrived in Western New York in June, 1861. At the request
of Brigadier-General George H. Thomas, he was commissioned
assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of captain, August 31,
1861, and was assigned to duty on the staff of General Thomas,
joining him at Camp Dick Bobinson. Captain Flynt was
with General Thomas in his Kentucky campaign, being present
in the decisive battle of Logan's Cross-Boads (known as the
battle of Mill Spring), and for his gallantry on that occasion
was honorably mentioned in the official report. At Shiloh,
Major-General Thomas was placed in command of the right
wing of the Army of Tennessee, and selected Captain Flynt as
his chief of staff, he having been promoted major, by commission
bearing date June 11, 1802, after the taking of Corinth. Major
Flynt accompanied General Thomas when that officer was trans-
ferred to the Army of the Cumberland, and with him partici-
pated in the battle of Perry ville. Major-General Bosecrans
having been assigned to the command of the Army of the Cum-
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ALEXANDER VON SCHRODER. 67
berland, and Major-General Thomas being appointed to the com-
mand of the centre, the subject of this sketch, as his assistant
adjutant-general, was present with him at the battle of Stone
Eiver. After the battle. General Thomas was placed at the
head of the 14th Army Corps, and Major Flynt, for his prompt,
efficient, and gallant conduct, was called to the staff of this corps,
with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, which position he now fills.
Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Yon Schroder, Assistant
Inspector- General, was born at Blankenburg. in the Hartz Moun-
tains, in 1*21. His father, an old soldier, who had fought
his way up from the ranks to a lieutenant-generalship, and for
his bravery had been made a nobleman, thought no profession
so fitting for his son as the one by which he himself had won
honor and position; and accordingly, in 1835, at the early age
of fourteen, the latter entered the Prussian army as a cadet.
Here he remained for two and a half years, when he entered
the service of the Duke of Brunswick, and served three years
as cadet and ensign. During this time he was either on active
duty with his regiment or hard at study. In 1841 he was com-
missioned as second lieutenant in the body-guard of the Duke
of Brunswick. This regiment was called " the schwarzen
Jaeger," and their dress was black, with a skull and cross-bones
as a distinctive badge. The organization was maintained in
remembrance of Frederick William, Duke of Brunswick, who
had ten thousand such troops, to raise and equip which he had
Bold all his possessions.
In 1852, Lieutenant Von Schroder left Germany for England,
where he remained some months, and then came to America.
The following ten years were spent in various pursuits. At the
beginning of the present war he was residing in Cincinnati.
Having always been loyal to good government, he was ready
to render his best service. He accordingly acted for a time
as drill-master to the 18th Ohio Begiment at Camp Dennison, and
afterwards to the 73d Ohio Begiment at Chillicothe. Subse-
quently he was appointed major in the latter regiment, and on
G8 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
the 10th of December, 1861, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel
in the 74th Ohio, and was mustered into the service from that
date. The regiment was detailed to guard prisoners at Camp
Chase for several months, and, Colonel Moody being post com-
mander, Lieutenant-Colonel Von Schroder was in command of it
during this time. Thence he proceeded, still commanding officer
of the regiment, to Nashville, where he remained for about
two months, until Colonel Moody, being relieved as post com-
mander at Camp Chase, rejoined his regiment, which was shortly
after attached to the command of Brigadier-General Negley, by
whom Lieutenant-Colonel Von Schroder was placed in charge
of the troops guarding the railroad between Franklin and
Columbia. In this position his soldierly abilities attracted the
attention of his commanding general, who made application for
his appointment on his own staff as division inspector. Upon
General Negley's assuming command at Nashville, Lieutenant-
Colonel Von Schroder became inspector of the division and post,
and so remained during the investment. He participated in
the fight in front of the city, November 5, 1862, and, together
with three other of General Negley's staff officers, led the cavalry
charge upon the rebels, within four miles of Franklin.
As inspector, Lieutenant-Colonel Von Schroder discharged
his important duty with unusual skill and fidelity; for which he
was specially complimented in the following order from head-
quarters : —
" Special Order No. 2.
" Head-Quarters 14th Army Corps, Department op the Cumberland.
"Nashville, Tennessee, Nov. 19, 1862.
" XII. The general commanding has read with great pleasure
the favorable report of Lieutenant-Colonel Ducat, Assistant In-
spector-General, upon the condition of the grand guards and
pickets of the garrison of Nashville, on the recent inspection
ordered from these head-quarters, without any notice to the
troops.
" The general compliments Lieutenant-Colonel Von Schroder,
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ALEXANDER VON SCHRODER. 69
the officer in charge of grand guards, the officers and men of
the 21st Ohio and 27th Illinois Infantry, on duty the day of
inspection.
"By command of Major-General Eosecrans.
" W H. Sidell,
"Major lbth U.S. Infantry, and A. A. A. G."
On the 16th of December, 1862, he was assigned to General
Thomas as acting assistant inspector-general of the 14th Army
Corps, and was with him during the battle of Stone Eiver,
remaining by his side during that terrible conflict, exhibiting
coolness and courage under most trying circumstances. After
the battle, at the request of General Thomas, Lieutenant-Colo-
nel Von Schroder, by a special order from the War Department,
was assigned to the staff of General Thomas as assistant inspector-
general, which position he now fills. To this office he brings
the experience of many years, and the same ability and faithful-
ness which characterized his labors at Nashville. Only recently
he was again complimented by General Eosecrans, in the follow-
ing note to General Thomas : —
Head-Quarters, Department op the Cumberland, April 19, 1863.
" Major-General Thomas, Commanding 14th Army Corps.
" General : — Your picket-line, inspected under orders from
these head-quarters, has recently been reported as in the best
possible condition.
" The major-general commanding desires to express to you
his satisfaction, and to compliment Lieutenant-Colonel Von
Schroder, A.I.G. of your corps, upon the zeal and energy which
he has displayed in the discharge of this duty.
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
"William McMichael,
" Major ana A. A. G-."
70 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Lieutenant-Colonel A. J Mackay, Chief Quartermaster, is a
native of Livingston county, Kew York, of Scotch descent, and
about thirty-three years of age. At the age of sixteen he emigrated
to Texas while it was yet an independent republic, and remained
there until the breaking out of the rebellion. In June, 1861, he
returned to New York. October 7, 1861, he was appointed
assistant quartermaster, with the rank of captain, and assigned
to duty with General Thomas, then in command of Camp Dick
Robinson. He has since remained upon the staff, and has risen,
gradually and by merit, to his present rank. Possessing rare
business qualifications, he discharges the responsible duties of his
oflice with general satisfaction.
Lieutenant-Colonel James E. Paul, Chief Commissary, was
bom and raised in Franklin county, Ohio, and now resides in
the city of Columbus. Until twenty-eight years of age he was
a farmer, and then engaged in the grain and produce business.
On the 31st of October, 1861, he was appointed by the Presi-
dent a commissary of subsistence, with the rank of captain, and
assigned to duty on the staff of General O. M. Mitchel. In this
position he remained until General Mitchel was ordered East,
when, on the 4th of July, 1862, he was transferred to the staff
of General Rousseau, and remained with him up to the time of
the Stone River battle. Just before the fight began, he was
assigned to General Thomas as chief commissary, and acted as
such during the engagement. During his long service he has
had many remarkable experiences and some narrow escapes.
At the battle of Stone River he saved a large wagon-train by
his presence of mind. He also rode back to Lavergne to find
the trains and get flour for the men, and discovered a small drove
of cattle and a large amount of corn belonging to the rebels,
which was immediately distributed among the soldiers. In this
and other ways he rendered efficient and invaluable service.
January 28, 1863, Colonel Paul was promoted to his present
rank. He is one of the most competent and faithful commis-
saries in the army He has a family whom he has not seen since
MAJOR OSCAR A. MACK. 71
entering the service, having been constantly at his post without
asking for a furlough.
Major Oscar A. Mack, Senior Aidc-de-Camj), entered the
United States Military Academy at West Point as a cadet from
New Hampshire in 1846. He graduated eighth in his class in
1850, was attached as brevet second lieutenant to the 3d Regi-
ment of Artillery, and in 1851 was promoted as full second lieu-
tenant in the 4th Regiment of Artillery In this regiment he
served on the Northern lakes, the Atlantic seaboard, in Florida
during the last campaign against ''Billy Bowlegs," and on the
Western frontier.
On the breaking out of the rebellion he was a first lieutenant,
commanding a company of his regiment at Fort Randall, Ne-
braska Territory In April, 1861, he was ordered into the
States, and reached Cincinnati with his company in May. In
June be accompanied Major-General McClcllan to Western Vir-
ginia, and commanded his body-guard until after the battle of
Rich Mountain. About that time he accepted the appointment
of senior captain in the 13th Regular Infantry.
Captain Mack was then given a mountain-howitzer battery,
manned by his old artillery company, and remained in Western
Virginia under General Rosecrans, accompanied him through his
campaign on the Gauley, and was present at the battle of Carni-
fex Ferry and the affairs on New River.
In December, 1861, Captain Mack was ordered to Kentucky
to report to General Buell. On arriving in Louisville he was
placed in command of the artillery camp of instruction for
volunteer batteries. While there, he fitted out his own battery
with light field-guns and a section of ten-pounder Parrotts.
About the middle of January, 1862, he left Louisville with his
new battery and joined General George H. Thomas at Somerset,
Kentucky, but too late to be in the fight at Mill Springs. He
remained with General Thomas's division, accompanying it to
Nashville and Pittsburg Landing, until May, when he relin-
quished the command of his battery and accepted the position of
72 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
inspector of artillery on the staff of General Thomas, then assigned
to the command of the right wing of the Army of the Mississippi.
He served in this capacity with General Thomas through the
operations about Corinth, in Northern Alabama, Tennessee, and
Kentucky After the battle of PerryvilLe, he was obliged to go
home on sick leave. He rejoined General Thomas at Nashville,
and at the battle of Stone Eiver, December 31, 1862, was severely
wounded. From the effects of this wound he has not yet suffi-
ciently recovered to take the field.
On the 11th of March, 1863, he was confirmed by the Senate
as aide-de-camp, with the rank of major.
Captain John D. Barker, Aide-de-Camp, and commander of
the escort, was born in Marietta, Ohio, February 16, 1832. He
was raised a farmer-boy, but at the time the rebellion began
was engaged in mercantile pursuits. He entered the service,
September 16, 1861, as lieutenant of a company partly enlisted
by himself, and belonging to the 1st Ohio Cavalry For a time
he was actively engaged in scouting in Kentucky, and was after-
wards at the battle of Shiloh and the siege of Corinth on ordinary
cavalry duty. In March, 1862, he was assigned to General Thomas
as aide-de-camp and commander of his escort, and has thus re-
mained with him to this time. He participated in the battles
of Perryville and Stone Kiver, and soon after the latter was pro-
moted to a captaincy. Captain Barker is especially commended
by his associates as a faithful officer and a brave soldier.
r. LLfPINCOTT So CO PHIL AD A
$ftojor-di«iwraI J^muter &(t§owt\l Utrfljooft.
Alexander McDowell McCook, Major-General of Volunteers,
and Captain of the 3d Eegiment U.S. Infantry, commanding the
20th Army Corps, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, April
22. 1831. At the age of sixteen he entered the Military Academy
at West Point, and graduated in July, 1852. Upon graduating,
he was commissioned brevet second lieutenant in the 3d Begu-
lar Infantry, and detailed to duty at Newport Barracks. Ee-
maining there a few months, he was ordered, in April, 1853, to
join his regiment, then serving in New Mexico. He continued
there nearly five years, constantly on active duty in the field, and
participating in several of the Indian campaigns on that remote
frontier. His long service and good conduct were mentioned
and complimented in general orders by Lieutenant-General
Scott. In January, 1858, he was recalled from ]NTew Mexico,
and assigned to the Military Academy at "West Point as In-
structor in Tactics and the Art of War.
At the beginning of the present rebellion he was relieved from
duty at West Point, and in April, 1861, ordered to Columbus,
Ohio, to act as mustering officer for the volunteers of that State.
Before his arrival, however, he was elected colonel of the 1st Ohio
Volunteers, a three-months regiment, already on its way to the
seat of war in Virginia. Hastening to assume the position to
which he had been elected without his knowledge or solicitation,
he soon had an opportunity of exhibiting his ability as a field
commander. On the 17th of June a train of cars containing a
detachment of Ohio troops under command of Brigadier-General
Schenck, of which Colonel McCook and his regiment formed a
part, and which was on a reconnoitring expedition, was fired upon
by a masked rebel battery near Vienna, Virginia. The fire
73
74 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
proved very destructive, and threw the troops into confusion,
from which they were rallied by the skill and coolness of Colonel
McCook, and succeeded in retiring from the place without further
casualty. In the battle of Bull Eun Colonel McCook was en-
gaged, and won universal commendation for the admirable
manner in which he managed his men. At the close of this
memorable conflict he marched his regiment back to Centreville
in the same good order in which it had left that place, an
honorable exception to the wide-spread confusion that prevailed
elsewhere among the Union forces.
When the three-months men were mustered out of the service,
he received authority from the President to raise the 1st Ohio
Volunteers, a three-years regiment; but on the 3d of September,
1861, and before his command was ready to take the field, he
was appointed a brigadier-general, and assigned to the command
of the advance of the Federal forces in Kentucky, then at Camp
ISTevin. There, and while lying in camp on Green Eiver, he
organized his notable 2d Division, with which he afterwards
marched to Nashville, and thence towards the Tennessee Eiver.
On the 6th of April, 1862, alarmed by the sullen sound of distant
artillery, and aware of the dangerous situation of General Grant's
army, he moved his division over wretched roads twenty-two
miles to Savannah, there embarked on steamboats for Pittsburg
Landing, and, after clearing with the bayonet a road through
the army of stragglers that swarmed upon the river's bank, soon
after daylight on the morning of the 7th deployed his brave
and eager men upon the field of Shiloh. General McCook fought
his troops on that day with consummate ability, holding them
well in hand. His line of battle was not once broken nor retired,
but was steadily and determinedly advanced until the enemy
fled, and the reverse of the day before was more than redeemed
by the victory which crowned the second day's struggle.
In the movements upon Corinth which followed the battle of
Shiloh, General McCook commanded the advance of General
Buell's corps, and his skirmishers were among the first to scale
the enemy's works. After the evacuation of Corinth, his com-
MAJOR-GENERAL A. McDOWELL MCCOOK. 75
mand was moved through Northern Alabama to Huntsville,
thence to Battle Creek, Tennessee, where it remained for nearly
two months, confronting Bragg's forces at Chattanooga. On the
17th of July, 1862, he was appointed major-general, in view of
his gallant conduct and distinguished services in the battle of
Shiloh and the siege of Corinth. Upon the withdrawal of Gene-
ral Buell's army from Alabama and Tennessee, General McCook
moved his division, by a march of four hundred miles, back
to Louisville. Here the Army of the Ohio, newly equipjted and
largely reinforced, was divided into three corps, and he was
assigned to the command of the first. On the 1st o'f October he
started from Louisville upon a new campaign in pursuit of Bragg.
On the Sth the enemy was met and engaged near Perry ville;
but, owing to accidental causes, two divisions of General McCook's ,
corps — one of them Jackson's, composed entirely of raw recruits
— were forced to bear unsustained the assault of nearly the
entire rebel army. The unexpected withdrawal of General Gil-
bert's corps from the right, the early death of those two gallant
generals, Jackson and Terrill, and the tardiness with which re-
inforcements arrived, made the contest a desperate one, and
when night settled upon the combatants it was yet undecided.
During the night,, however, the enemy retreated, leaving the
Union forces masters of the field and winners of an honorable
but incomplete and dearly-bought victory.
The object of this sudden onslaught by Bragg upon McCook's
corps has never been fully determined; but the most plausible
presumption is, that, supposing he could completely crush it
before the arrival of reinforcements, he hoped thus so to weaken
Buell as to prevent further pursuit and enable him safely to
make his way from Kentucky into Tennessee. The desperate
resistance of General McCook's gallant twelve thousand troops
against overwhelming odds, losing in the fight one-fourth of
their number in killed and wounded, but inflicting far deadlier
injury upon the enemy, frustrated the designs of the rebel lead-
ers. Bragg, however, succeeded so far as to escape from Ken-
tucky without again coming in contact with the Federal forces;
Yd ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
and the march of the latter was now turned towards Nashville.
On the 30th of October General Eosecrans assumed command
of the Department of the Cumberland, and on the 6th of Novem-
ber General McCook was placed at the head of the forces in the
vicinity of Nashville ; and upon the organization of the Army of
the Cumberland he was assigned to the leadership of the right
wing.
0*i the 26th of December the army moved from Nashville to
attack the enemy in position in front of Murfreesborough, General
McCook commanding the right. His line of march was by the
Nolensville pike to Triune, where he arrived on Saturday, having
had a brisk skirmish at Nolensville the day previous, result-
ing in his capturing one gun, and gaining possession of the town
and the hills in front, with a loss of about seventy-five in killed and
wounded. On Sunday the troops rested, and on Monday, the
29th, he was ordered to move from Triune to Wilker son's Cross-
Eoads, six miles from Murfreesborough, leaving a brigade at
Triune. By evening he reached Wilkerson's Cross-Eoads, with an
advance brigade at Oversall's Creek, and the next day moved
steadily forward, meeting with obstinate resistance from Over-
sail's Creek, and about four o'clock in the afternoon he got position
on the "Wilkerson pike, joining General Thomas, having lost in the
day's contest about one hundred and thirty-five in killed and
wounded. It was now the evening of December 30, and the two
armies were in line of battle, confronting each other.
General Eosecrans had massed his reserve on the left, to crush
the rebel right with heavy columns and turn their position.
But Bragg, learning of this disposition during the night, massed
the larger portion of his force in front and on the flank of
McCook, and in the gray of the following morning, before any
attack had been made upon the left, advanced in heavy force
and with great fury upon the right wing. Outnumbered and
outflanked, the right was forced to give way, but not until
its line of battle had been marked with the evidences of a
fiercely-contested struggle and of a fearful havoc in the enemy's
ranks. To check the advance of the already victory-flushed
MAJOR-GENERAL A. MCDOWELL MCCOOK. It
rebels, the Federal reserve were rapidly moved forward, and by
their aid the enemy was held at bay and the right wing and the
fortunes of the day were saved. Defeated on the left and in the
centre, checked on the right, foiled in every attack, and again
defeated on the 2d and 3d of January, the rebels, having lost
nearly one-third of their army, abandoned the field on the night
of the 3d, and on the 4th the victorious army of the Union
passed through their deserted intrenchments and entered the
town of Murfreesborough.
General ALcCook comes from a remarkable family of u fighting-
stock," — several brothers of whom have fought, and some
fallen, in defence of their country. As possessors of stalwart
and vigorous frames and constitutions, they are notable. The
subject of this sketch is the hero of several contests. At Chap-
lin Hills he displayed great coolness and daring; and during the
adversities of the memorable 31st at Stone Eiver he rode to and
fro through the fiery storm, narrowly escaping death at every
hand, losing his horse, struck dead under him, and his own
death being for several hours currently reported upon the battle-
field.
A brief allusion to the causes of the first day's discomfiture
at Stone Eiver will not in this connection be deemed improper.
The smoke of the battle-field has cleared away, and time and
reflection and better knowledge are aids to a clearer under-
standing of recent momentous events. General McCook's divi-
sion, composing the right wing of the Army of the Cumberland,
led the advance from Nashville to Murfreesborough For three
days preceding, this division had followed up the rebel forces,
constantly skirmishing with and forcing back their heavy rear-
guard of cavalry and artillery. Arrived at the final battle-
ground, the lines of our right wing were formed to face the lines
of the enemy's left. If our right wing was too far extended, so
was theirs. The surface of the country, though not hilly, was very
rough, rocky, and broken with clumps of low, scrubby cedars, —
very unfavorable ground upon which to manoeuvre troops and re-
form broken lines. But the ground was ours from necessity, not
'< S ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
choice. When General McCook was questioned by the com-
mander-in-chief as to his ability to maintain that three miles of
battle-line, he replied that he was confident he could do it; and
his grounds for that confidence seem ample. His troops were
flushed with the successes recently obtained, they had been
under fire in Kentucky, and there was mutual confidence and
the best of feeling between officers and men, — which continues
to this day.
The massing of the rebels upon the extreme right of that
wing early in the morning, and their impetuous dash, their
rushing upon one or two batteries at the outset and seizing
them, some of the horses, it is said, being awTay to be watered (a
very natural and necessary circumstance), and the ground being
so roiigh and clumpy that large bodies of troops could not be
successfully halted and re-formed or reserves be brought up at
the right time and place, — were among the causes of the misfor-
tunes of that day. History is pregnant with kindred instances,
where many minor and even trifling occurrences have con-
tributed to momentous results. Be the circumstances of this
mishap as they may, the author but repeats the familiar mili-
tary opinion and criticism of months past, in asserting that
they were such as no ordinary military foresight could have
foreseen, and no individual human skill and bravery have more
speedily resisted.
After the occupation of Murfreesborough, the Army of the Cum-
berland was divided into three army corps, — the 14th, 20th, and
21st ; and Major-General McCook, who fully retains the confidence
and esteem of the commander-in-chief and of his soldiers, was
assigned to the command of the 20th Army Corps, the position he
now holds. On the 29th day of January, 1863, he was married
to Miss Kate Philips, of Dayton, Ohio, a lady whose beauty and
gentleness are ajipreciated in the Army of the Cumberland, where
she has since been a welcome visitant. In this instance the
saying is indeed trite, that "none but the brave deserve the
fair."
. ^EW.aous*
^A^C ^
't-.C.O.LOO*
kv-t.^^pt^'
©FFISIJK^ &SF 15'
Eu^ty G.H.Kali
.LUTINCOTT & CO.PRILADf
gftajor-toemt ^ouelt J). liouss*8tt and Jitafjj.
Lovell H. Eousseau. Major-General of Volunteers, command-
ing 1st Division, 14th Army Corps, was born in Lincoln county,
Kentucky, August 4. 181s. and is of Huguenot stock, derived
through purely Southern channels. His lather was descended
from one of three brothers who settled in South Carolina shortly
after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. This Huguenot line
■subsequently allied itself with some of the most noted families
of the Old Dominion, the mother of the subject of this sketch
being a Gaines, thus connecting him with the Gaineses and Pen-
dletons of Virginia.
Acquiring the rudiments of an English education at a com-
mon country school, young Eousseau prosecuted his studies,
unassisted, at home, mainly by night; and thus he mastered
the French language, the elements of mathematics, &c. The
death of his father, and the call upon him to aid in supporting a
large and helpless family, now in straitened circumstances,
interrupted his studies at this point. Later in life, the study
and practice of his profession afforded opportunities, never left
unimproved, of largely increasing his general knowledge. On
reaching the age of manhood, he began the study of law, in the
face of almost insuperable difficulties, without an instructor.
First relinquishing to his sisters his interest in a family of ne-
groes, to prevent their being sold apart, he located himself in
the country near Louisville. He studied unremittingly until
August, 1$40, when his laborious application produced its natural
result, by prostrating him upon a bed of sickness, from which at
times his recovery was despaired of. Late in the autumn, how-
ever, he began to mend slowly.
In a few weeks the buoyancy of youth and the vigor of his
79
0L> ARMY OP THE CUMiUSKLiAINU.
constitution asserted their power and restored to him his memory
and energy unabated. A location where he could make the future
study of his profession self-sustaining by means of practice was
with him now a necessity. After due inquiry and deliberation,
he chose Bloomfield, Greene county, Indiana, and in the winter of
1840 went to his new home, performing a great portion of the
journey on foot with a bundle of clothing at his back. Here,
after a hasty review of his previous acquirements, he applied for
a license as an attorney, and was admitted to the bar. A
remunerative practice soon followed, and he steadily rose in
public appreciation.
In the summer of 1843 he was called upon to become a can-
didate for the Legislature. The Whig party of Greene county,
invariably beaten from year to year, had at length become dis-
heartened and disorganized. The Democratic majority varied
from two to four hundred, according to the candidate. Eous-
seau's first canvass against this heavy odds was perhaps never
exceeded in vigor and excitement by any ordinary county con-
test. His competitor — a man of wealth and position, and for
twenty-seven years a resident of the county — had been unani-
mously nominated by the convention of his party. Eousseau — a
new-comer, poor, and a Whig — was elected by a majority of forty-
three votes, his own township going so strongly for him as to
decide the contest. The next summer he was re-elected by a
majority of one hundred and forty-three, over a competitor of
wealth and ability.
When the Mexican War broke out, Eousseau raised a company
of volunteers and became its captain. He was in the battle of
Buena Vista ; and his conduct upon that occasion received marked
commendation in the official reports of Colonel Humphrey
Marshall and other superior officers.
In the summer of 1847, while still absent in Mexico, he was
brought forward by his friends as a candidate for the Indiana
Senate, in the district composed of Greene and Owen counties.
His opponent was John F O'Neal, a well-known and popular
gentleman, who, in a long experience of political life and party
MAJOR-GENERAL L. H. ROUSSEAU. 81
contests, had never been beaten. Hon. George G. Dunn was
a candidate for Congress the same year, Owen and Greene
counties being a part of his district. The Congressional race
was close ; but the success of the "Whig ticket in Owen county,
where Dunn had a majority of fifty-nine, secured his election by
a majority of one vote in the entire district. Eousseau's ma-
jority in Owen county was two hundred and twenty-nine, and in
Greene and Owen combined four hundred and fifteen.
In 1849, desiring a larger field for the practice of his profession,
he determined to return to Louisville. Being still a member of
the Indiana Senate, he desired to resign his seat in that body;
but, his constituents expressing their wish with much unanimity
and fervor that he should continue to represent them until the
expiration of the term for which he had been chosen, he con-
sented, and attended the legislative sessions at Indianapolis for
two years after he had removed to Louisville.
The Louisville bar at this time was rich in talent and learning.
James Guthrie, Preston S. Loughborough, Chas. M. Thurston,
Garnett Duncan, W P Thomasson, Wm. S. Pilcher, the firm of
Page & Fry, James Speed, "W S. Bodley, Hamilton Pope, Henry
C. Pindell, }\~ T. Heaggin, and the firm of the Ballards, one of
whom is now a member of the Federal judiciary, were among
its most conspicuous and honored members. Hon. S. S. Nicholas
was Chancellor, Hon. W F Bullock judge of the Circuit Court,
and Hon. Nat Wolfe attorney for the commonwealth. Hon.
Henry Pirtle — a revered and venerable name — was still a prac-
titioner at the bar, not then having ascended the woolsack, which
he has now adorned for so many years. Hon. Peter B. Muir,
since known as one of the ablest jurists of the West, removed
to Louisville about the same^time; and Hon. Robert F. Baird was
that summer a candidate to represent the city of Louisville in
the State Legislature, where he. was subsequently known as
" the lone-star emancipationist." As a practitioner, Eousseau's
position at the Louisville bar was commanding from the begin-
ning. In jury-trials his success was uniform, he very rarely
losing a verdict. He was ever the champion of the poor and
82 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
lowly, and defended their rights as vigorously as though they
had been able to pay him. One striking feature in his experience
as a lawyer and throughout life has been his hold upon the good
will and the affections of the humbler classes. Among the most
interesting and important cases in which he was engaged may
be mentioned the trial of Cope for abduction, the Brier Creek
murder case, the trial of Preston for killing Eeichardt, and the
trial of the Aliens and Hickses, charged with murdering Paschal
D. Craddock, the history of any one of which would fill a
volume.
In the spring of I860, while absent from home, he was elected
to the Kentucky Senate without opposition, both political parties
voting for him. At the regular and called sessions of the autumn,
winter, and following spring he took a prompt and decided
stand for the Government. He advocated a coercive policy at
the very beginning of the rebellion. When Sumter was bom-
barded, he wished for "power to sweep out of existence the
miscreants who had done that treason," and declared that " a
Government worth living under is worth fighting for." These
bold utterances were made against earnest remonstrances, and
at a time when the stoutest hearts in Kentucky were dumb with
fear. He understood the character and extent of the rebellion
too well to be influenced by timid counsel, and, in his place in
the Senate and before the people, continued to advocate prompt
and vigorous measures. He opposed the policy of neutrality
which a majority of the Legislature adopted; and, unable to in-
fluence his colleagues to take proper action, he resigned his seat
in the Senate, and began raising troops for the service of the
Government, — a daring step at that time. Applying to the
"War Department for authority to enlist men in Kentucky,
he was commissioned colonel of volunteers in June, 1861, and at
once entered upon his difficult and dangerous work. He was
somewhat obstructed in this at the beginning by a resolution
which was adopted by the leading politicians of the State at a
secret meeting, protesting against the establishment of any
United States recruiting rendezvous within the limits of Ken-
MAJOR-GENERAL L. H. ROUSSEAU. 83
tueky. Undaunted by these new difficulties, lie established
" Camp Joe Holt," an ever-memorable spot on the northern bank
of the Ohio Biver across from Louisville and adjacent to the
Falls, ilany of his oldest Kentucky friends now stood aloof from
him. Few cared to be seen in conversation with him, and none to
share the odium of his course. He encountered only cold words
and averted faces. For loyalty's sake he was become a stranger
in his own home. But there came a day when all this was
changed. The poorer classes of Louisville and of the neighboring
counties approved his action and filled his ranks. By the 1st
of September he had recruited two full regiments of infantry
and a battery of artillery He then received orders to report to
General Fremont at St. Louis, and was ready to go; but, through
the interposition of the leading citizens of Louisville, fully
awakened to the danger of a rel>el invasion, these orders were
countermanded just as his troops were on the point of de-
parture. The threatened rebel invasion followed a few days
afterwards, and Colonel Bousseau, crossing the Ohio with the
utmost celerity and secrecy on the night of September 17,
gained ituldraugh's Hill by rapid marches, thus protecting
Louisville from invasion.
On the 1st of October Colonel Bousseau was promoted to a
brigadier-generalship, and assigned to the command of the 4th
Brigade of the Army of the West, the first of General McCook's
division. This magnificent brigade consisted of three battalions
of regulars, — one each from the 15th, 16th, and 19th Infantry, —
the Louisville Legion, the 1st Ohio and 6th Indiana Volunteers,
and Terrill's Battery H, 5th Begular Artillery. The division
lay in camp, confronting Buckner, and perfecting its drill and
discipline, until February IS, 1862, when it began the march that
led to Shiloh and Corinth. At Columbia, Tennessee, General
Bousseau was attacked by severe sickness; but, determined to
participate in the great events apparently at hand, he rode
for several days in an ambulance at the head of his command.
On the morning of April 6, while the brigade was still on
the march, twenty miles in rear of Savannah, the booming of
84 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
cannon announced that the battle of Shiloh had begun. Mount-
ing his horse and urging forward his men, he reached Savannah
with his command in time to be transported to Pittsburg Land-
ing by daylight the next morning. His brigade was under the
immediate supervision of his department and division com-
manders, and fought with a bravery and determination that
attracted the notice of even the generals of the sister army. It
drove the enemy steadily before it, and at the close of the action
had gained about two miles of ground in the front. General
McCook, in his official report, spoke of General Eousseau as
having " won the admiration of the army" by his bearing that
day; General Sherman mentioned him as having driven the
enemy steadily before him; General McClernand's language was
not less commendatory; and General Buell called the attention
of the War Department to his services.
The 4th Brigade and its leader took an important part in the
operations before Corinth, and when General BuelPs army was
sent into Northern Alabama, General Eousseau was placed in
command of the 3d Division, then stationed at Huntsville. Here
his administration of affairs was firm and just; and perhaps no
other portion of his life has been more successful than this.
General Buell's march to Kentucky in his campaign against
Bragg now ensued. At Munfordsville, where a battle was
expected, General Eousseau commanded the right wing. Buell's
army, having been supplied and reinforced at Louisville, marched
from that city on the 1st of October, in three columns. The
left wing, consisting of the divisions of Eousseau, Sill, and
Jackson, and commanded by Major-General McCook, marched
(except Sill's division) by way of Taylorsville and Bloomfield,
and reached Mackville on the night of October 7. Bragg, having
concentrated the bulk of his own army, was probably moving to
form a junction with Kirby Smith at Harrodsburg, preparatory
to giving Buell battle. But, pressed too closely for his own
safety, or tempted by the chances which the topography of the
country seemed to afford him, or perhaps influenced by both of
these considerations, he halted, and made the hills of Chaplin
MAJOR-GENERAL L. H. ROUSSEAU. 85
historic. The Perryville and Harrodsburg road, which was his
line of march, formed a small angle with the Periyville and
Mackville road, over which our left wing was moving. Waiting,
therefore, with his forces well in hand until our left came within
striking-distance, he fell upon it with an impetuosity and fury
never exceeded in the annals of warfare. Jackson's division,
composed entirely of raw troops, was overwhelmed and quickly
routed, with heavy loss, including that of its gallant commander
and two of its brigade commanders, Brigadier-General Terrill and
Acting Brigadier-General Webster. The whole weight of the
rebel army now fell upon Rousseau's division with redoubled
fury. Selecting a new position, and encouraging his men by a
fearless exposure of himself, he stemmed the torrent and re-
pulsed the enemy. The battle was terrific, there being scarcely
an instant's pause from the beginning to the end. From half-
past twelve at mid-day until dark, the battle-field was one
unbroken scene of flame and death. General Bragg, who was
at Buena Vista and Shiloh, calls it " the severest and most des-
perately contested engagement within his knowledge." General
Rousseau lost one-third of his entire division,— which consisted
of three brigades of volunteers, commanded by Colonels Lytle,
Harris, and .Starkweather, and four batteries of artillery. Op-
posed to them were three divisions of Bragg's favorite corps, the
rebel Army of the Mississippi. The enemy withdrew in great
confusion during the night, too badly shattered to give General
Buell further battle.
Immediately after the battle General Buell telegraphed to
the War Department, recommending the promotion of (Jeneral
Rousseau to a major-generalship " for distinguished gallantry
and good service in the battle of Perryville." The promotion was
at once made, to date from the day of the battle, the commission
accounting for itself in the precise language of General Buell's
despatch. Bragg having hastily evacuated Kentucky, Buell
directed his march towards Nashville, and at Bowling Green was
superseded in command by General Bosecrans. A reorgan-
ization of the army now took place, and General Rousseau's
86 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
division was assigned to the centre corps, commanded by Major-
General Thomas. After some time spent in necessary prepara-
tions, General Eosecrans advanced from Nashville on the 26th
of December.
On the morning of December 31, the battle of Murfreesborough,
or Stone Eiver, opened. Colonel Starkweather's brigade having
been temporarily detached, and not arriving on the field until
evening, General Eousseau's division, composed of one brigade
of regulars under command of Colonel Sheppard, two brigades
of volunteers under command of Colonels Scribner and Beatty,
and two batteries of artillery, was massed in reserve in a cotton-
field to the right of the Murfreesborough and Nashville turnpike.
The right of the division rested on a dense cedar forest. Half
an hour after this disposition had been made, General Thomas
ordered the division to move to the support of the right wing,
which was drifting around to the rear of the centre before the
overwhelming masses of the enemy. Extreme difficulty was
experienced in getting the troops and batteries through the
cedars ; but at length the beads of the brigades, marching by the
flank, reached the opposite edge of the forest by two separate
roads. It being impossible to make the least use of the bat-
teries, they were sent to the rear again. The infantry were
formed and posted as advantageously as the circumstances would
allow, and the right was immediately engaged with the enemy.
The division of the right wing retired through the line and
around its flanks, closely pressed by the enemy. In this manner
the right of the division was quickly turned, and its left seriously
threatfened. To prevent its being taken at such disadvantage,
the division was retired to the open ground which it had
lately left, the batteries were massed on a commanding knoll,
and the infantry posted in skilfully-selected positions. The
enemy, following with reckless energy, made a bold dash for the
new position. A terrible fire of grape and musketry swept the
left and centre of their line, and covered the ground with their
dead and wounded. Towards the right of the division, the rebel
line, encountering resistance and natural obstructions, did not
MAJOR-GENERAL L. H. ROUSSEAU. 8"
reach the open ground until the repulse and rout of the rebels
on our left. General Eousseau at once ordered his right, con-
sisting of the regulars, to charge, and the enemy were driven
precipitately in that quarter also, though not without heavy loss
to us. The enemy subsequently made several determined but
unsuccessful attempts against the position with artillery, and
in this way succeeded in killing many of our men. They also
made formidable demonstrations by a heavy massing of infantry,
but could not induce their men to make another assault. On
Saturday evening a portion of Colonel Beatty's brigade drove
the rebels from a wood and a line of temporary works in the
front, thus closing the battle. The distinguished service ren-
dered by General Eousseau in this engagement was freely
acknowledged by the commanding general, who in his official
report returned his thanks to '' the gallant and ever-ready
Major-General Eousseau."
Athletic and of commanding appearance, few men possess a
nobler presence than General "Rousseau. Knowing no distinction
of classes, and receiving with equal favor the humblest and the
proudest, he is noted for the amenity and kindness of his manner.
As a legislator, his views have been liberal and statesmanlike.
As a commander, he is honored ly his compeers and esteemed
by his men. In the walks of private life his friends witness the
more attractive traits of his character exemplified, — traits to
which the sternness and tumult of war give little room for
display. His early and determined opposition to the rebellion
as a Kentuckian is alone sufficient to make his an honored name.
His devotion to the principles he then professed has been demon-
strated by nearly two years of active and efficient service.
In 1843, General Eousseau was married to Miss Antoinette
Dozier, daughter of James J. Dozier, the law partner of Felix
Grundy, of Tennessee. His family consists of his wife and four
children ; and their present residence is in the city of Louisville.
88 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
THE STAPP.
Major William Preston McDowell, Assistant Adjutant- Gene-
ral, is, like his general and hundreds of other brave men in this
army, a Southerner by birth and education. He was born in
Louisville, Kentucky, in the year 1837 ; and at the outbreak of
the rebellion we find him engaged in the study of the law in one
of the Clerks' offices in his native city.
No sooner had the President called upon Kentucky for her
quota of troops than he enlisted in the 15th Eegiment Kentucky
Volunteer Infantry. On the 15th of September, 1861, he was
commissioned adjutant of the same regiment.
He served with his regiment until August 3, 1862, when he
was detailed on the staff of General Eousseau, then commanding
the 3d Division of the Army of the Ohio, and at the battle of
Chaplin Hills, Kentucky, served as aide, and received much
praise for his gallant behavior. After this battle he was ap-
pointed acting assistant adjutant-general on the staff, and served
in this capacity until after the battle of Stone Eiver. In the
first day's engagement he was wounded severely in the left arm;
but, although the wound was painful, he refused to leave the
field until loss of blood compelled him to retire.
On the 15th of March, 1863, he was commissioned by the
President as assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of major.
One of our youngest and bravest officers, we bespeak for him
a brilliant future.
Colonel Marion C. Taylor, formerly acting assistant adju-
tant-general, at present commands the 15th Eegiment Kentucky
Volunteers. He was born in Ohio county, Kentucky, in the
year 1822, and at the commencement of the rebellion was enjoy-
ing a lucrative practice of the law at Shelbyville. He was
among the first in that section of the State to respond to the
call of the President, and in a short time recruited a full com-
pany for the regiment which he now commands. From Sep-
tember, 1861, to December, 1862, he served as captain in his
LIEUTENANT HARRISON MILLARD. 89
regiment. He was then detailed upon the staff of Major-General
Rousseau. When Major McDowell received his wound at the
battle of Stone River, Captain Taylor succeeded him as assistant
adjutant-general. During this battle the colonel of his regiment
was killed, and in February, 1863, the Governor of Kentucky
commissioned Captain Taylor as colonel. The regiment which
he now commands has .already lost in battle two colonels and
every field officer of its original organization.
"VYe have been unable to obtain sketches of —
Colonel C. O. Loomis. Chief of Artillery.
Captain C. K. Smith, Quartermaster.
Lieutenant Alfred Pirtle, Ordnance Officer.
Lieutenant "W M. Carpenter, Aide-de-Camp.
Lieutenant S. L. Hartman, Aide-de-Camp.
Lieutenant Harrison Millard, Aide-de-Camp and Division
Inspector, is familiar to many in the musical world; and the
past two years have proved him as gallant in battle as he is
popular in song. He was born and educated in Boston, Massa-
chusetts, and at an early age evinced a strong passion for art
and song, his devotion to which impelled him to go abroad to
complete his musical studies. There he remained for upwards
of five years, spending most of the time in Italy and Paris. The
breaking out of the rebellion found him pursuing his profession
in Xew York City; but, notwithstanding a brilliant career
was opening before him, he was one of the first to enlist for his
country's defence. Two years before this, he had written and
published the widely-known national song " Viva I' America," which
has found a place in thousands of homes and hamlets in this
country and has warmed thousands of hearts. He was a private
in the Light Guard, Company A, 71st New York V.M., and with
HU ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
thirty-six hours' notice he was with his regiment on his way to
"Washington when danger first menaced our capital. The in-
cidents of that journey were depicted in his extensively-read
" Only Nine Miles to the Junction." For three months he was
stationed at the navy yard in that city, cheerfully performing the
drudgery and monotonous duty of a common soldier.
A short time before the expiration of. his three-months enlist-
ment, he was offered and accepted a first lieutenancy in the
Eegular Army; and he immediately reported for duty at India-
napolis, Indiana, the head-quarters of the 19th U.S. Infantry.
Lieutenant Millard performed a few months' duty with his regi-
ment, when he was called to the staff of General Eousseau,
then commanding the brigade; and he has ever since remained
with the general. He was with him at the battles of Shiloh,
Chaplin Hills (Perryville), Kentucky, and Murfreesborough,
Tennessee. During the five days' battle at Stone Eiver he was
constantly near the general, having his horse killed under him
and his overcoat perforated with bullets. We cannot close this
brief sketch better than by appending the following extract
from a letter of " W D. B." to the Cincinnati Commercial, as
indicative of the character and traits of Lieutenant Millard : —
" I desire to cail the attention of wives and mothers to an exquisite little
song that was composed by a soldier the night before the battle of Stone
River. Lieutenant H. Millard, 19th U.S.A., and aide-de-camp to Major-
General Rousseau, is the author. On the night of the 29th of December, when
the division bivouacked on Stewart's Creek, Lieutenant Millard's wife bade
him good-bye. We expected to go into battle next morning. Lieutenant
Millard reclined on a shock of corn, looking into the blue skies, thinking of
his wife, — for soldiers think of wives and little ones at such periods. His
comrades were speculating on the chances of battle, now and then expressing
amiable envy that Millard could sleep so soundly. Suddenly he sprang
from his couch, and, calling Lieutenant Pirtle, he repeated the result of his
fancies to him, in verse, which he entitled ' Whisper Good-Night, Love.'
Tuesday night (30th of December), while the division was bivouacked in front
of Murfreesborough, he composed and arranged the music for the piano.
The next day five hundred and eight of Millard's comrades were bleeding on
the field of battle. I don't know what our music-loving lady friends may
think of our soldier's song ; but indeed it touches soldiers' hearts."
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James S. Xegley, Major-General of Volunteers, commanding
2d Division, 14th Army Corps, was born December 26, 1820, in
East Liberty, Alleghany county, Pennsylvania. His family is
of Swiss descent; and its members are very numerous and
among the most respectable and influential in the count}' His
earlier days were spent in the quiet of home, and employed in
obtaining a plain practical education in the English branches
as taught in the common schools of Pennsylvania. After passing
through the preparatory studies, he entered college, but had left
it, and was preparing himself for mercantile pursuits, when the
military ardor of his nature, then already attracting comment
and attention, was fully aroused by the declaration of war with
Mexico and President Polk's call for troops. Though not of
age, young Xegley enlisted in the Duquesne Grays, at that time
one of the finest companies in the State, and thus became a pri-
vate in the 1st Pennsylvania Infantry. His friends and rela-
tives doubted his physical ability to endure the hardships of the
campaign, and endeavored to dissuade him from his purpose.
Failing in this, they applied to the legal authorities to prevent
his going. With a spirit of determination which later events have
shown to be a prominent characteristic of the man, he informed
the court that it was his purpose to go at all events. Under
such circumstances it was thought useless to restrain him longer;
and he was allowed to go with his company. During the cam-
paign under General Scott, ISTegley participated in the siege of
Puebla, the battle of Cerro Gordo, and other minor engage-
ments. During this service his friends heard of his severe ill-
ness, which nearly proved fatal, and, on application to the
"War Department, procured his honorable discharge. This reached
91
92 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
him immediately after the siege of Puebla; but he refused to
accept it; and, though it could not be cancelled, he remained on
duty — having been promoted to be a sergeant — until the close of
the war, when he returned home with his company.
ISTegley now went to Pittsburg, where he engaged in the manu-
facture of agricultural and railroad machinery ; but, this proving
unprofitable, he returned to East Liberty and devoted himself
to agriculture and horticulture; and in these pursuits he was
distinguished for activity and scientific ability. While thus
engaged, he was married to Miss Kate Lozey, a niece of the late
Commodore Van Voorhies.
Although thus retired to private life, Xegley felt an active
interest in military affairs. A company was formed in his native
village, of which he was elected commander, and, devoting thereto
much time and attention, by his labors raised it to a state of the
highest efficiency. Several of its old members hold distinguished
positions in our army; and the company itself — the ISTegley
Zouaves — is attached to the 77th Regiment Pennsylvania Volun-
teer Infantry, at present in the Army of the Cumberland.
The interest felt by Captain Negley in military matters was
not confined to his own company. As early as 1858 he became
generally known by his earnest efforts to induce the executive
and legislative powers of his native State to reorganize the
State militia, predicting at that early day that a time would
soon come when Pennsylvania would regret that her militia was
not upon a war-footing. Although Captain Negley's plans and
arguments were much in advance of the hour, they were not
wholly lost upon the people, and something of a military interest
was created in his own county, which gradually extended
over the State. In 1858 he was offered the colonelcy of a regi-
ment raised in Alleghany county, but declined, as lie subsequently
did the proffered major-generalship of the lNth division of the
State militia, accepting, however, the brigade-generalship of the
troops raised as militia in his own county, believing that he
could thus more effectually contribute to the State military ser-
vice. He early foresaw that the political struggles of 1SO0
MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES S. NEGLEY. 93
would eventuate iu civil war, and made earnest preparations to
take the field at the head of a brigade, and as early as December
1, I860, offered the services of the brigade to the Governor of
Pennsylvania. At last the war opened, as he had predicted.
Governor Curtin, on the 18th of April, telegraphed General
]STegley that his services and those of his brigade were needed;
and the call was immediately responded to by the organization
of the brigade, and its appearance in Harrisburg within ten days
thereafter.
The organization of all the volunteers in Western Pennsylvania
was then placed under General Xegley's control, and he soon
forwarded several regiments to Washington. In addition to his
brigade, he organized forty companies, all of which subsequently
took the field. He was then ordered to Harrisburg, York, and
Lancaster, where he was placed in charge of the 14th and 15th
Pennsylvania Regiments, which he soon brought to an excellent
state of discipline. He also, with the assistance of Captain (now
Brigadier-General) Charles Campbell, organized the first battery
of the famous regiment of Pennsylvania Artillery. During the
three-months service, General Xegley commanded a brigade in
Maryland and Virginia. Previous to its close, however, he was
authorized by the War Department to raise a brigade for the
three-years service, which was done in an almost incredibly
short period. On the 28th of September, 1861, he was ordered
to march his brigade, consisting of the 77th, 78th, and 79th
Pennsylvania Regiments and Mueller's Pennsylvania Battery,
to join General Rosecrans in Western Virginia. Before embark-
ing at Pittsburg, however, the order was countermanded, and
he was directed to report to General Sherman at Louisville,
Kentucky. Upon arriving there, his brigade was attached to
the division of General McCook, and remained with it during
the weary waiting at Green River and the advance upon Bowl-
ing Green. Subsequently detached from the division at the
request of General ISTegley, it made the overland march to Nash-
ville, and advanced with Buell's army towards Pittsburg Land-
y-Jb ARMY OF THE CUMBEKLANU.
ing, as far as Columbia. Tennessee, where General Ncgley was
left in command.
General Negley assumed command at Columbia, April 1,
1862, with a force of three thousand men, which was gradually
increased, as the armies of Buell and Mitchel advanced, to
about ten thousand. In his new position he labored under
many disadvantages. He had the entire rear of both armies to
protect, their communications to keep open, their supplies to
forward, and at the same time was expected to be ready at a
moment's notice to march to the aid of either. To add to his
labors, every thing was in disorder and confusion. The strag-
glers, convalescents, Und sick of Buell's whole army, amounting
to some five thousand men, were left at Columbia, with no com-
mander, no rations, no quarters, and, in fact, no one to do any
thing for them. His first duty was to attend to these. He
immediately cleared out and prepared for their use several of
the largest buildings in the town, and by sending those able to
do duty to their commands on the march to the Tennessee
River, and moving the convalescents back to Nashville, he
reduced the number of hosjrital patients, in less than ten days, to
not more than one hundred. In his new command it was his
especial duty to guard the posts of Columbia, Shelbyville, Frank-
lin, Tullahoma, Pulaski, Mount Pleasant, and other minor points,
besides keeping open at all hazards the railroads to Huntsville
and Decatur, Alabama. The country swarmed with guerrillas,
who were constantly hovering about our lines, on the alert for
every chance that might offer for a dash at an inferior force,
or a surprise of some inadequately guarded supply-train. In
watching the movements of these roving bodies, and in govern-
ing and keeping in order the inhabitants of his district, the
period of his command at Columbia was mostly occupied : yet
he found time for two important expeditions, — one to Eogcrs-
ville and Florence, and the other to Chattanooga, — besides
various smaller skirmishes and guerrilla-hunts.
On the 8th of May he was ordered by General Mitchel to
concentrate at Pulaski, Tennessee, at least two thousand men
MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES S. NEGLEY. 95
infantry and cavalry, and three thousand, if possible, from his
own command at Columbia and Colonel Duffield's at Murfrees-
borough, for a movement upon the enemy's cavalry beyond Elk
River and in the vicinity of Roger sville and Florence. On the
10th he left Columbia, with about one thousand men, for Pulaski,
ordering about the same number from Mount Pleasant to join
him at the rendezvous. On the 13th, at three p.m., his force, con-
sisting of four regiments of infantry, two battalions of cavalry,
and two sections of artillery, left Pulaski, and marched twelve
miles, where they encamped for a few hours, and then made a
forced march of twenty-one miles in six hours. The enemy's
pickets were driven in, and gave the alarm to the forces in the
town of Eogersville, who fled in every direction. A portion of
the cavalry pushed on to Lamb's Ferry, on the Tennessee River,
and fired upon a boat-load of the enemy as they were crossing
the river, killing several men and horses. Once over the river,
the rebels opened fire upon our men, but were soon dispersed
by the Federal artillery, and fled hastily beyond the range
of our guns. A ferry-boat- on the north side of the Ten-
nessee was destroyed, and General Xegley pushed on to Flo-
rence and to Cheatham's Ferry, fifteen miles below, destroying
all the water-craft as he proceeded. He also arrested all the
manufacturers of cotton and woollen goods, and all the iron-
founders near Florence who had been supplying the rebel army
with their products, and exacted of them heavy bonds and
their parole of honor not to sell, directly or indirectly, any thing
to the enemies of the Federal Government, — a policy then con-
sidered of great importance, as immense quantities of goods had
been sold there. He also levied taxes upon the prominent
secessionists to remunerate Union men for the damages done
them by the rebels, and on one occasion ordered his aide-de-
camp to ride many miles out of the way to pay, from the funds
thus raised, a widow who had been robbed by guerrillas. For
his energy and rapidity of movement in this expedition he
was highly complimented by Major-General Mitchel.
Returning to Columbia on the 20th, matters remained quiet
yO ARMY OF TIIK CUiMUiiKliAJN i>.
for a day or two, when General Xegley advised General Mitchel
that a large force of rebel cavalry was being concentrated at or
near McMinnvillc, Tennessee, and urged upon Mitch el to allow
him to strengthen Colonel Lester at McMinnvillc. About the
same time he reported that Starns's rebel cavalry was said to be
moving towards McMinnville. On the 25th of May, General
Mitchel, again urged, gave General Xegley the requested order,
and Murfreesborough was strengthened by forces placed at
Shelbyville, Wartrace, and other points. General Mitchel. about
the same time, getting important information on the subject,
went from Huntsville to Nashville, where on the 26th of May
he telegraphed to Xegley to meet him.
On the 27th of May, Negley was at Nashville, and had an
interview with Mitchel and Lester. Mitchel asked of him an
elaboration of the views he had telegraphed. General Xegley
stated to him briefly his information. The rebel forces threat-
ening Murfreesborough had come from Chattanooga, taking
advantage of the Sequatchie Yalley The true way to attack
him, he argued, was to do so by the same valley, thus endanger-
ing his rear. At the same time, he proposed to attack Starns's
force in front and drive it into or across the river, or capture it.
By thus threatening Chattanooga, the rebels would be compelled
to withdraw from McMinnville, or from some other point, to
reinforce Chattanooga. While this plan would be offensive
against Starns, it would be strategical also ; and, besides, if made
by the route named, the railroad brought supplies near at hand.
To make Murfreesborough the base would require a force
of greater magnitude than both generals could raise. A calcu-
lation was made : five thousand men could lie spared for the ex-
pedition. General Mitchel decided that it should be made, and
placed General Xegley in command of it. "When can you put
your troops in motion?." asked Mitchel. "To-night." replied
Xegley "Then I will go to bed," said Mitchel; and the inter-
view ended, Lester, however, being dissatisfied with the plan.
At four o'clock the next morning the troops of General
Negley were in motion at Columbia, on the way to Pulaski.
MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES S. NEGLEY. 97
By a special train the general reached Columbia the same day.
From there he telegraphed to Governor Johnson and General
Morgan, in front of Cumberland Gap, the purpose of the expe-
dition. He said to Morgan that he should be in front of Chatta-
nooga on the 6th of June, and that it was his belief that the
movement would result in the evacuation of Cumberland Gap ;
that the rebels laid more stress on the position at McMimiville,
and the result it promised, than they did on the gap. He pushed
forward, assumed the command, and entered Pulaski on the
29th. On the 31st he was at Fayetteville, where he received
further intimations of danger at Murfreesborough, and was re-
quired by Mitchel to look to that place and reinforce it. Mitchel
in this despatch said that he was at a loss to understand Beaure-
gard's movements,^the evacuation of Corinth taking place at
that time. Xegleys reply was to the effect that if the expedi-
tion were pushed forward and the road cut at Chattanooga, the
evacuation of Corinth would be in vain, and that in bis opinion
Beauregard was passing East via Chattanooga. On the 3d of
June, the march having been resumed, Xegley entered Win-
chester, dispersing a small force of the enemy and capturing
several prisoners. On the 4th, General Morgan thanked General
Xegley for his advice, and desired to know what force was
moving against Chattanooga.
On the same day (June 4), having made a forced march of
twenty miles over a rugged and almost impassable mountain-
road, he captured the enemy's pickets at Sweeden's Cove, com-
pletely surprising General Adams's rebel cavalry encamped at
the foot of the mountain. After a hand-to-hand fight in a
narrow lane and upon broken ground, the enemy was routed, with
a loss of twenty killed and twice as many wounded. Thus dis-
persed, they fled in wild disorder, strewing the ground for miles
with guns, swords, and pistols, and not once stopping until they
reached Chattanooga, forty-three miles distant. Their ammu-
nition and commissary wagons, filled with supplies, were also
captured by our forces. On the 5th of June, General JSTegley
arrived at Jasper, beyond his new base of supplies, and he
98 ARMY OF TI1K CUMBEKLAXD.
began to look to the safety of his flanks. He put Colonel Sill's
brigade at Sliell .Mound to protect his right, and stationed a
regiment at Battle Crook to protect the left and to hold the
pontoon bridge over the creek. Ho then ordered Turchin's
brigade by one road, and Colonel Hambright's by the Anderson
road, to Chattanooga. On the 6th of June he was opposite that
place. On the 7th the battle occurred, consisting principally of
a heavy cannonade lasting an hour and a half, during which the
enemy was driven from his guns and three of them seriously
damaged ; and on the evening of the 8th he began his retreat.
Why did he withdraw ? Why did he not occupy and hold the
place after he had silenced the enemy's fire and driven them
from the city? Simply because he had not force enough to
cross the river in the face of the enemy with safety, or to hold
the place when once within it. The moment Adams was de-
feated at Sweeden's Cove, Kirby Smith with five thousand men
withdrew from Cumberland Gap, and on the 8th was actually in
Chattanooga. This decided Negley to withdraw. It also de-
cided Morgan to enter Cumberland Gap; and in that and in the
dispersal of the guerrillas we have the legitimate results of the
expedition, and all that Negley had expected of it. On the 7th
Negley knew that Chattanooga was occupied by only a small
force under John Morgan. He telegraphed to Mitchel and
Buell, "I can take Chattanooga without loss. Will you give me
enough men to hold it?" Not receiving from them any assu-
rance of the needed reinforcements, he telegraphed on the 8th,
" It is almost impossible to construct sufficient pontoons to cross
the river in force. I do not consider the capture of Chattanooga
as very difficult or hazardous, if we wore prepared to do it and
then to hold the place. But, taking into consideration the exposed
condition of both front and rear of our lines to Pittsburg Land-
ing, the long line of communication over a hardly passable road,
the liability of a rise in the streams we have to lord. — some of
them being now three feet deep, with rough bottoms, — our limited
supplies, and the fact that our expedition has accomplished all
we expected to do, have determined me to retire, the forces
MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES S. NEGLEY. 99
taking different routes, so as to drive Starns to Knoxville. I
shall make another demonstration against Chattanooga this
morning, during which time the trains -will be ascending the
mountain, which is almost impassable for artillery and loaded
wagons." During the evening of the 7th the enemy threatened
to cross the river opposite Chattanooga and at Shell Mound;
but the dispositions made by General Negley prevented them
from carrying out their object.
At nine o'clock on the morning of the 8th, Colonel Scribner's
command took position before Chattanooga. His artillery im-
mediately opened fire upon the enemy's works, while the
infantry approached to within six hundred yards and drove
the rebel sharpshooters from their places of shelter. Having
ae;ain silenced the enemv and driven him from the town,
Colonel Scribner marched for the Sequatchie Valley; and
this was the end of the Chattanooga expedition. The forces
were withdrawn with rapidity and divided, General Turchin's
brigade being stationed at Battle Creek, and General JSTegley
with the remainder of the force pursuing Starns via the Alta-
mont and Thierman road.
Eeturning to Shelbyville by way of Manchester, he resumed
command at Columbia, where he remained until its evacuation
on the 31st of August following. ,
General Xegley ruled with an iron hand at Columbia. The
country, under former commanders, had been infested with guer-
rillas. Men suspected of belonging to these bands were arrested,
and the guilty were punished. The new ruler soon became dis-
tasteful to the citizens. His manners and kindly mode of doing
his duty prevented their hating him; but they feared him.
With a small force, a good deal of energy, and the daily illus-
trated determination to punish the guilty, he kept the country
quiet and free of guerrillas. He instituted a military prison,
into which many rabid rebels found their way. If drunken sol-
diers committed outrages, he made the man who sold the liquor
pay the damages.
Even those who had once been advocates of the tender, con-
100 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
siderate, and forgiving policy which has since been designated
as the "rose-water" system were at length compelled to
acknowledge the correctness of General Negley's conclusions.
Many who had thought that severity could do no good, and who
were sorry when General Buell passed through the State and
left it to the not over-tender mercies of Generals Negley and
Mitchel, soon found their mistake; and when General Buell
returned and reinstated his " rose-water" policy it was made tho-
roughly manifest. The rebels flew to General Buell for protection
from the iron rule of Negley. The screws were taken off; and
the natural result followed. The country was overrun with guer-
rillas. The citizens formed guerrilla bands in every county,
giving an almost inconceivable amount of trouble. So great
was it, in one way, that it kept Buell's army on half-rations.
The guerrillas organized in such force that they actually captured
whole regiments, as at Murfreesborough. A short time before
the evacuation of Columbia, General Negley received information
that sixty guerrillas had attacked eight of his men in a log house
within five miles of his head-quarters, and had demanded their
surrender. The men refused. Reinforcements were sent; but the
guerrillas had disappeared. It afterwards appeared in proof
that these guerrillas were citizens, and that they had demanded
the surrender of the eight men by a flag of truce carried by a
lone woman.
The general was no respecter of rebel rights or property. He
was the first officer in General Buell's department to use slaves
as teamsters. He levied taxes upon the Secessionists, and in all
his district guarded the property of but two men, one John
Morgan, and General Gideon Pillow. The premises of the first
were guarded to protect the horses of Mr. Morgan, who was an
ardent, uncompromising Union man. The guard over the pro-
perty of General Pillow was instructed to take care of four
hundred head of United States horses which were quartered
there for some four months. These horses were broken-down
animals left behind by General Buell's army, and were collected
together and recruited upon rebel pastures. Towards rebel
MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES S. NEGLEY. 101
sympathizers, as well as those actively engaged in guerrilla or
regular warfare, he was unrelentingly severe. He also struck a
blow at the States' Eights doctrine by requiring of every
one who applied for a pass, oaths of allegiance, fortified by
heavy bonds.
On the 11th of August, 1862, General Negley planned an
expedition against a guerrilla band of about five hundred men
who were constantly hovering about Mount Pleasant, Williamson,
and Hillsborough. He sent by the way of Spring Hill to Hills-
borough a cavalry force of about three hundred, and by way
of Williamson one of about one hundred and fifty troops. The
detachment sent to Spring Hill met a party of the guerrillas, about
three hundred strong, a few miles beyond that place ; and a sharp
skirmish ensued, resulting in the total rout of the enemy, with
a loss of thirty killed and wounded and forty-five prisoners.
The remainder, retreating towards Hillsborough, came in con-
tact with the force sent by way of Williamson, when a hand-to-
hand engagement occurred, and the rebels, again completely
routed, took to the woods and hills. Some of them were found
concealed in hollow logs, others under jutting rocks, having
thrown their arms into the creek. A number, when caught,
declared, with a fine show of innocence, that they were " only
out squirrel-hunting."
It having been determined to abandon Northern Alabama and
Southern Tennessee in order to be able to cope with Bragg in
Kentucky, a gradual withdrawal of the forces began in the latter
part of August. The evacuation of the line of railroad under
General Negley's command took place under very peculiar cir-
cumstances, involving danger to a large amount of rolling stock
and Government property. The commandant at Nashville with-
drew the guard of the railroad bridges at Elk Eiver and Kichland
Creek, while four trains and two regiments of infantry were
between the two. The bridges were destroyed by Biffles's re-
giment of rebel cavalry, thus rendering retreat by rail impos-
sible; and the officer in command of the trains would have
burned them and the Government property but for the timely
102 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
interference of General Negley, who started from Columbia on
the -21 i\i of August, with a force of two hundred infantry and
his cavalry escort, leaving Captain Lowrie, his adjutant-gene-
ral, with but ninety men, to guard Columbia. He marched to
Eeynolds's Station, got the trains under way, and arrived with
them at Eichland Creek. Here he impressed all the negroes in
the vicinity, and constructed a bridge by means of timber and
cotton-bales, over which he passed the entire force and trains,
running them safely to Nashville.
Soon after his return, General Negley was ordered to evacuate
Columbia with his command. The evacuation was admirably
accomplished, all the beef-cattle in the surrounding country
being collected and driven to Nashville, and one hundred thou-
sand bushels of corn, together with all the commissary, quar-
termaster's, and ordnance stores, the sick, and even the hospital
furniture, being shipped safely to that city.
The occupation of Nashville during the two months when
the city was isolated and cut off from communication with
the North constitutes a feature in this war as novel as it is
interesting. In the space to which we are confined, it is hardly
possible to present as graphically as we desire the strange and
novel picture. Assuming command on the 6th of September,
with two small divisions as a garrison, General Negley found
himself shut up with but five days' provisions in a city weakly
fortified and strongly menaced, with a hostile people within his
besieged lines to rule and to watch. With the aid of Captain
Morton, chief engineer, he pushed forward to early completion
the forts which subsequently became known as " Forts Negley,"
■Andrew Johnson," "Confiscation," and "Casino," and esta-
blished a complete and thorough picket-line, strengthened by
rifle-pits and heavy abatis, soon making the city one of the best-
fortified in the country. At the same time he reorganized the
sth Division, composed of fractions of brigades and regiments
left, by reason of non-organization, to add to the garrison at
Nashville. He also formed a regiment out of the convalescents
of various regiments left by Buell's army in the rear. He
MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES S. NEGLEY. 103
made new laws for the regulation and control of the hostile
citizens within his lines, and soon began at Nashville the process
of government which had produced such happy results at Colum-
bia. Perhaps in no city in the South had our army met with so
bitter a reception as at Nashville. The intense hatred of the
Secessionists of Nashville for the Union troops displayed itself
in the most contemptuous expressions and incidents. As an
instance, we transcribe the following inscription, written in a
female hand on the window-shutter of a house in Nashville then
used by us as a hospital : —
"I hope that every officer who enters this house may depart
this life in double-quick time ; that they may suffer the torture
of ten thousand deaths before the}' die. And paralyzed be the
hand that would alleviate their sufferings; and may the tongue
of him who would speak words of comfort cleave to the roof of
his mouth. And as for the Yankee women who are hungry for
the spoils, may but cursed are they already. God bless the
Southern cause ! curse the Northern, and all that fight for it I"
General Negley did not confine his operations to the govern-
ment of the rebel citizens or the fortification of the city. Ee-
peated sallies were made upon the guerrilla bands, and foraging-
parties went many miles into the country, invariably meeting with
success. Shortly after assuming command, he surprised Ben-
nett's rebel cavalry at Goodlettsville, and, after a short but
sharp contest, completely routed him, capturing forty prisoners
and most of their horses and entirely destroying the regiment
as an organization.
One of the most complete and successful expeditions of the
whole war was carried into effect, October 7, by General Neg-
ley, assisted by General Palmer, resulting in the victory of
Lavergne. It is Avorthy of note that the information of General
Negley regarding the rebels at Lavergne was found correct in
the minutest circumstances, and also that his plan and orders
regarding the expedition were carried out and followed with a
fidelity which reflects great credit upon the officers acting under
him.
1U4 ARMY OF THE CI MBKKL,AJNi>.
General Xcgley ordered General Palmer to move with his
command, and instructed Colonel Miller to co-operate in the
movement. The whole force moved promptly at nine o'clock
on the night of Monday, the 6th of October, on the. Murfrees-
borough road, while Miller took a direction to the left of the
railroad. Palmer arrived at Lavergne at half-past three o'clock
on Tuesday morning. Miller did not arrive in front of the
enemy until the battle had begun, which was at daybreak.
Before the encounter General Palmer captured some rebel
pickets at Lavergne, and sent them to Nashville. The enemy,
under General S. K. Anderson, opened upon Palmer, and at-
tempted to flank him by throwing the 32d Alabama on his right.
They also opened fire with one gun; but Houghtaling's battery,
a short distance off, returned fire from two sections, and the
second shot from our artillery went through the enemy's powder-
magazine, causing its complete destruction.
When the Alabama regiment above referred to made its
demonstration upon Palmer's flank, Miller's force had just
arrived through a cornfield, and he threw his force across their
front and on the Murfreesborough road on the right, while the
78th Pennsylvania Infantry formed in front of the retreating
en|my when he attempted to pass his line to the left. Colonel
Sirwell threw his regiment rapidly by the left flank, completely
in front of the enemy in that direction. During this time the
artillery was playing upon them with telling effect. The cavalry
dashed against the line of the 78th, but was met by a succes-
sion of volleys of musketry. The 32d Alabama quickly threw
down their arms, and the cavalry displayed a white flag, but the
captain of our artillery, not seeing it, kept on firing. The cavalry
then broke, and fled in great confusion to the woods. Mean-
while- the 18th Ohio had arrived nearly at the place where the
enemy's artillery made the first stand, and, by order of Colonel
Miller, deployed as skirmishers to sweep the woods recently
occupied by the Alabama regiment. The men swept the woods
back to the rebel camps, and took numerous prisoners, — among
them Colonel Maury General Negley at an early hour on
MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES S. NEGLEY. 105
Tuesday morning, deeming it expedient to risk no sacrifice of
troops, sent out reinforcements from Nashville, when they were
met by the victorious troops on their return.
The rebels had but one gun, which was captured. We also
took from them four hundred small arms, a regimental stand of
colors, fifty-six loads of flour, several hundred-weight of bacon,
forty beeves, and a large number of horses. Our loss, as far as
ascertained, was four killed and seven wounded. The rebel loss
was thirty killed and eighty wounded, and three hundred
prisoners, comprising two colonels, several captains and lieu-
tenants, some ordnance officers, and a squad of sergeants and
corporals.
On the 19th of October, General Negley also succeeded in
routing Forrest's cavalry while crossing the Cumberland River.
The following is his brief official report of the affair, which
reflected much credit on all concerned : —
"Head-Quarters U.S. Forces, Nashville, Tennessee, October 20, 1862.
" Yesterday General Forrest commenced crossing a consider-
able force of cavalry over the Cumberland. The advance, about
one thousand strong, encamped on the Gallatin pike seven miles
from Nashville. I immediately sent a force under Colonel
Miller, who attacked the enemy at daylight, speedily routing
and driving them back over the river. In their consternation,
they lost one of their cannon overboard from a flat-boat in re-
crossing, and strewed the pathway of their flight with arms
(all new) and knapsacks. But few killed or wounded. A num-
ber of prisoners, including a colonel. The 78th Pennsylvania
behaved handsomely. The result was very satisfactory, — espe-
cially as it is the third time we have completely routed the
enemy's forces near Nashville.
" James S. Negley,
" Brigadier-General commanding.
"To Colonel James B. Fry, Adj.-Gen. and Chief of Staff."
The rebel forces concentrated at Murfreesborough to operate
106 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
against Nashville were under the command of Major-General
John C. Breckinridge. He had succeeded in accumulating about
five thousand infantry, an unknown force of cavalry, and a large
amount of artillery, principally of a heavy character, and on
November 5 made an attack on the city with his cavalry. At
two o'clock on the morning of the 5th, Forrest, with three thou-
sand men and four pieces of artillery, opened fire on our pickets
on the Lebanon and Murfreesborough roads, driving them in, —
they, in accordance with orders, making but feeble resistance,
Negley indulging in the hope of drawing the enemy under the
fire of the forts.
About the same hour a similar cavalry force under Morgan,
two thousand five hundred strong, with one gun, attacked the
works on the north side of the river, defending the approaches
to the railroad and pontoon bridges, to destroy which was pro-
bably their purpose. The forces holding these defences quickly
ajnd gallantly repulsed the enemy ; while about the same time
the guns of Fort Negley opening on Forrest, his forces were
dispersed and driven back. The enemy, however, ^oon rallied
on the south, and took position with their cavalry and infantry
a little beyond the original picket-line. Colonel Roberts, with
two regiments of 'infantry and one section of artillery, advanced
on the Murfreesborough road, while General Negley, with the
69th Ohio, 78th Pennsylvania, 14th Michigan, and a cavalry
force, marched out on the Franklin road, quickly driving the
enemy from their position there, who then fell back, closely pur-
sued, seven miles from the city At this point Colonel Stokes's
Tennessee Cavalry was ordered to charge the rear of the
retreating rebels ; but their main body had succeeded in making
a detour to the left, and, in the excitement of the charge, the
cavalry and infantry pursued a small force in the direction of
Franklin.
The enemy, with the view to cut off Negley from the city, soon
appeared in his rear with the force making the detour, and
planted a battery near the road. On learning of this movement,
General Negley changed front, and advanced on the enemy in
MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES S. NEGLEY. 107
their new position. The artillery was soon got into action, and
the battery of the rebels was disabled, — shortly after which
they retired in confusion, with heavy loss. It was soon after
ascertained that the enemy, greatly outnumbering our forces,
were about to make a charge with cavaliy on Negley's flanks;
and he slowly retired towards the city and to more favorable
ground. Stokes's cavalry were so disposed as to divert the
expected charge upon the rear; and the 14th Michigan was
stationed in such a manner that when the charge came the
enemy were received with so destructive a fire that they were
driven back in great disorder.
They then attempted to plant their artillery on the turn-
pike, but were driven from that position before the guns could
be discharged. General Xegley still continued to retire towards
the city, the enemy making but one more effort to get in his
rear. In this attempt they were completely foiled by the reserve
force, which had been ordered forward.
Colonel Roberts, on the Murfreesborough road, met with
equal success, and drove the enemy back in confusion. Their
loss here was four killed and seventeen wounded, and about
one hundred and fifty horses, which were captured running at
large in the woods. The entire loss of the rebels was never
known, but was reported to be heavy. Twenty-three prisoners,
including two captains from Morgan's command, were taken.
Our casualties were none killed, twenty-six wounded, and nine-
teen missing.
On the following day the advance of the Army of the Cum-
berland appeared at Nashville, and the famous siege was
raised.
General Negley next comes prominently into view at the
bloody battle of Stone Eiver, in which he was a distinguished
actor. On the evening before the great battle of December
31, his division had skirmished and fought into position, as
the centre division of the army, on a rolling ridge where
begins the slope to the west bank of Stone Eiver. The right
rested upon the "Wilkerson Pike, hinging on to Sheridan's division,
108 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
while the line, diverging from the road, run through a thicket
and rested upon the right division of General Crittenden's corps.
In the rear of the division was the since famous '• Cedars,"—
that dark, gloomy, and almost impassable forest, which, ere the
day was over, witnessed one of the bloodiest contests of modern
days. In his front, intrenched in an oak forest, were the divi-
sions of Withers and Cheatham, holding the key to the com-
manding position which Bragg had deliberately chosen, resting
behind the tetcs-dc-pont erected to protect the bridges by which
he eventually retired. From this position the rebels had a com-
manding view of our whole field.
Early upon the morning of the last day of 1862, the enemy in
force attacked the three divisions of McCook by a rapid advance
upon their lines, and simultaneously the artillery of Withers
opened furiously on Negley and Eousseau, receiving a rapid
and destructive fire in return ; while on McCook's left General
Sheridan manfully withstood the impetuous assaults of Cheat-
ham, and thrice repulsed him. The rebels of McCowan and
Claiborne met with better success, as opposed to the divi-
sions of Generals Johnson and Davis, who were driven before
the superior numbers of the advancing foe, leaving the as
yet successful Sheridan and Negley to be flanked and over-
powered by the enemy, now in their rear. About eleven o'clock
Sheridan sent word to Negley that his ammunition Avas ex-
hausted; and about the same time his division began to fall back
through the " Cedars." Negley's artillery, having been hotly
engaged for four hours, was also short of ammunition. The
rebels were in his rear, and already pouring a cross-fire into his
column. Unflinchingly the division had withstood for four long
hours the destructive fire of the enemy, dying like brave men
in their ranks. At last, our troops retiring from his right and
from his left to form on a new line which General Eousseau was
establishing in the rear of the " Cedars," and there being a heavy
column of rebel infantry in the forest, endeavoring to cut him
off, Negley was forced to withdraw. He literally cut his
way through the enemy, succeeding, with the timely aid of the
MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES S. NEGLEY. 109
brigade of United States Eegulars which Rousseau sent to his
assistance, in repulsing MeCowan's division and reaching safely
a second position. With maddened fury Withers attacked him
as he retired, but was again gallantly repulsed. " Out of the
'Cedars' safely!" is an eulogium pronounced upon Negley and
Sheridan whenever the phrase is uttered; for to say that they
brought their men off safely from their perilous position is to
declare them generals of superior ability, and to say of their
men that each was a hero.
In the second position to which he was ordered, General
Xegley was permitted to rest for the remainder of the day. At
noon on January 1, the division was sent to McCook's right, in
anticipation of an attack upon the right wing; but none was
made. On January 2. he was ordered to the left, to support
Crittenden's corps, and took position in the rear of the line and
on the west bank of Stone River.
On the events of the day following justly rests much of the
reputation of General Xegley The troops of General Rosecrans
were undeniably in rather low spirits. The repulse of our right
wing when they hud anticipated victory, the want of pro-
visions, and various reports of rebel cavalry operations in our
rear, tended to add to the prevailing despondency. Upon the
afternoon of January 2, the second grand charge of the rebels
was made. Their line had been naturally broken in their suc-
cessful assault upon General Van Cleve's small division, and they
were gathering themselves for a further advance and to cross
the river, when General Kegley, having obtained permission,
ordered a charge of his whole division, now formed in echelon
of brigades. His men sprang forward upon the double-quick, with
fixed bayonets, and with cheers, evincing that the noble deter-
mination and enthusiasm of the corps were unbroken. The
division crossed the river at a rapid rate, flanking the 2d and
4th Kentucky (rebel) Regiments — already at and nearly across
the river — and forcing them to retreat, and immediately attacked
Preston's brigade, capturing the 26th Tennessee Regiment and
the battery it was supporting. At the same time the numerous
110 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
batteries massed by General bosecrans on the west bank of the
river were playing furiously upon the rebels. The enemy re-
coiled before the terrible fire of these batteries and the into-
lerable fire and charge of Negley's division. Vainly attempting
to rally his troops. Hanson fell, and the men tied in confusion.
Breckinridge's staff officers were falling around him, Preston's
brigade was scattered over the field, and the Washington (Ga.)
Artillery, serving with Jackson's brigade, was in our hands;
and now the enemy's entire right wing fled in general and utter
confusion, pursued by Negley. Not once did they attempt to
rally until behind the intrenchments from whence they had
advanced.
The brief battle of the 2d was one of the bloodiest upon record.
The rebels estimated their loss at the time at two thousand five
hundred ; but a month later a rebel newspaper declared, on the
authority of Colonel Dana, of Breckinridge's staff, that their loss
was two thousand eight hundred in the two hours' fight.
When night closed in, General Eosecrans ordered the division
of General Negley to recross the river and resume its former
position. On the morning of January 4, one of his brigades was
ordered in pursuit of the retiring enemy; and on the 5th General
Negley, with the rest of his command, went forward and con-
tinued the pursuit of the enemy, driving him rapidly and with
considerable loss many miles south of Murfreesborough.
For his gallant conduct in the contest of Stone River, General
Negley was specially commended by General Eosecrans and
recommended for promotion to a major-generalship, which has
since been bestowed upon him.
In person General Negley is a little above the medium height,
stoutly built, with a healthy, florid complexion, and pleasing
countenance. His manners are genial and courteous ; he is easy
of approach, being quite destitute of that official frigidity which
repels acquaintance; and he is devoid of that ceremonious punc-
tilio which measures friendship by rank and worth by position.
Among his men he is very popular both because of his affability
and his bravery. Mild and determined, generous and just, he is
CAPTAIN CHARLES T. WING. Ill
recognized throughout the army as a strict disciplinarian and a
correct administrative officer. Treason and rebellion meet with
no sympathy at his hands. In them he sees only crimes worthy
of the severest punishment, and upon their advocates he draws a
constantly tightening rein. His rule at Columbia — severe but
just, once much condemned, because in advance of its time, in
advance of public sentiment, yet attended with happiest results,
— is an index of this phase of his character.
As a commander, he has the confidence of his superiors, — a
confidence that has not been misplaced. Quick to see and prompt
to act, he has proved himself a general in his skilful defence of
Nashville and upon the bloody field of Stone Eiver.
THE STAFF.
Captain James A. Lowrie, Assistant Adjutant- General, is the
eldest son of Hon. W H. Lowrie, Chief-Justice of Pennsylvania,
and was born in the city of Pittsburg, January 23, 1833. In
July, 1851, he graduated at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and
in December, 1854, was admitted to the bar at Pittsburg. He
practised his profession until April 17, 1861, when he enlisted
for the three-months service, and served with General ISTegley,
in Maryland and Virginia, until August 8, 1861. On the 7th of
October, 1861, he was appointed assistant adjutant-general, with
the rank of captain, and assigned to the staff of General ISTegley,
with whom he has served constantly until the present time.
Captain Charles T. "Wing, Quartermaster, was born in Gam-
bier, Knox county, Ohio, January 14, 1836, and graduated at
Kenyon College in August, 1853. He removed to Columbus the
same month, and was engaged in book-keeping for various
mercantile houses and for the State Treasury Department until
October 31, 1861, when he was appointed captain and assistant
112 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
quartermaster of volunteers, and aligned to the post of Evans-
ville, Indiana, in the Department of the Ohio. Here he remained
until May 5, 1862, when he was relieved and ordered to Pitts-
burg Landing, Tennessee, where he was placed on duty with
the 7th Division, then in front of Corinth and under command
of Brigadier-General T. W Sherman. June 26 he was ordered
to the posts of Eastport and Iuka, from which he was relieved
July 27, and on the 7th of August stationed as post quarter-
master at Dechard, Tennessee.
On the 7th of September he was assigned to duty with the 8th
Division, then at Xashville and commanded by General Negley
In this capacity he served ably and faithfully until January 9,
1863, when he was temporarily relieved from duty and assigned
as post quartermaster at Murfrecsborough, Tennessee. His
ability in this position, for four active, arduous months, is uni-
versally conceded. May 1, 1863, he was relieved from duty as
post quartermaster, and returned to his division, now the second
of the 14th Army Corps.
Captain G. M. Lafayette Johnson, Division Inspector, was
born in Warren county, Ohio, November 4, 1837 ; but his early
years were spent at Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio. At the
age of fourteen he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was
engaged in mercantile pursuits up to the age of twenty-one.
He then accepted a situation in a prominent mercantile house of
New York, where he remained till the commencement of the
rebellion, when he returned to Ohio and began recruiting for
the artillery service. Being proffered a position, however, in a
regiment already formed at Indianapolis, Indiana, he accepted
it, and was commissioned October 5, 1861, as first lieutenant of
Company D, 2d Indiana Cavalry, and was promoted to captain
in the same regiment, March, 1862. He followed the varying
fortunes of the regiment till the fight at Gallatin, Tennessee,
August 21, 1S62, against General John Morgan, when he received
injuries from which he was detained for several weeks in hos-
pital at ^Nashville. When sufficiently recovered, he reported
CAPTAIN JAMES B. HAYDEN. 113
for duty to the post commandant of Nashville, — General Negley,
— who assigned him to duty as a member of his staff, where
he is now acting as division inspector.
Captain James R. Hayden, Ordnance Officer, was born in Os-
wego, New York, February 22, 1839, and removed to the city of
Chicago in 1852, of which place he has since been a resident.
Captain Hayden's attention was directed towards military
pursuits long before the breaking out of the present rebellion.
As early as 1856 we find his name on the roll of the " Chicago
National Guard Cadets," of which company the present colonel
of the 19th Illinois Volunteers was at that time captain. After
the disbanding of that corps. Captain Hayden became one of
the most active assistants of the late Colonel Ellsworth in organ-
izing the company which afterwards became so famous under the
title of the " Chicago Zouave Cadets," of which he was elected
second officer, and afterwards captain, vice Ellsworth, resigned,
which position be held until the fall of Fort Sumter, when
he was one of the first to respond to the call of his country, and
raised the first company of volunteers for the war from Chicago,
the date of its organization being April 16, 1861, and that of its
depaVture from Chicago for the seat of war, April 19, 1861. At
this time Captain Hayden had been elected major of Colonel
Ellsworth's "Fire Zouaves;" but, receiving no notification of
his election until he was on the way to Cairo with his new
company, he did not accept the position. At the expiration of
the three-months service the same company re-enlisted under
Captain Hayden for three years, leaving Chicago again on the
12th day of August, 1861.
Captain Hayden has seen hard service since that time, in
Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama, and has proved
himself a brave and efficient officer. On the 27th of August,
1862, while in charge of a train on the Nashville & Chatta-
nooga Eailroad, and having but seventy-five men under his
command, he repulsed with severe loss a force of six hundred
rebel cavalry who made an attack upon the train. Captain
114 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Hayden is the senior captain of the State of Illinois, and during
the fall of 1862 was in command of his own regiment for the
period of three months. He was subsequently assigned to duty
on the staff of Major-General Negley, as division ordnance
officer, which position he has since occupied.
Major Ferdinand H. Gross, Medical Director. Though at pre-
sent medical director of the 14th Army Corps, it is proper to
represent Major Gross in connection with the staff of Major-
General Negley, his services up to a late date having been almost
entirely with that officer.
Surgeon Gross was born in Gutenberg, Germany, August
18, 1831. His father, Dr. Hermann Gross, emigrated with his
family to America in 1833, and settled in Somerset county, Penn-
sylvania, but remained there only two years, when he esta-
blished himself as a practising physician in the city of Pittsburg.
Young Gross there received his education, and at Washington
College, a popular institution of learning in an adjoining county.
On leaving this institution he entered upon the study of medi-
cine, under the direction of his father, preparatory to attending
lectures. Subsequently he attended the medical colleges of
Cleveland, Ohio, the University of the City of New Yorky and
the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, — at the latter of
which he graduated, March 10, 1855. Eeturning to Pittsburg,
he joined with his father in the practice of medicine and surgery
continuing with but an intermission of a spring and summer
which he spent on a visit to England and the continent of
Europe. At the breaking out of the war, when General ISTegley
raised his brigade in Pittsburg and the adjoining county, a
number of medical gentlemen offered their services, and among
them Dr. Gross, who was appointed by General Negley to the
position of brigade-surgeon. It was subsequently discovered,
however, that no provisions for brigade-surgeons had been made
in the call of the President for troops. Dr. Gross, having enlisted
as a private in the 13th Eegiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, was
immediately detached from the regiment and commissioned by
MAJOR FERDINAND H. GROSS. 115
Governor Curtin as aide-de-camp, with the rank of captain. In
this position he served during the three-months service on the
staff of General Xegley. and participated in Patterson's cam-
paign in Maryland and Virginia.
At the close of the three-months service, being desirous of
entering that branch of the service for which his professional
acquirements best fitted him, Captain Gross appeared before the
Medical Examining Board of Pennsylvania ; and, being recom-
mended by the Board, he was commissioned by Governor Curtin
as surgeon. He acted as medical officer to the 100th Pennsyl-
vania Eegiment, then stationed near Washington, and commanded
by Colonel D. Leasure. On the 17th of October, lsfil, Surgeon
Gross was appointed by the President to the position of brigade-
surgeon, and he was so commissioned, and again ordered to join
General Xegley's command, then in the Army of the Ohio,
operating in Kentucky.
Upon the Sth Division being organized on the 5th of Sep-
tember, we find Surgeon Gross announced as medical director
of the division. During the defence of Xashville he re-
mained with this command. On the advance of General Rose-
crans's army to Murfreesborough, Surgeon Gross moved with the
8th Division, and participated in the bloody engagement of Stone
River.
By unexpected changes in the line of battle, the hospital
established by him on the 30th of December fell into the hands
of the enemy on the morning of the 31st; but, partly through his
efforts, nearly the entire ambulance train of the division was
saved. Having been cut off from his hospital while with the
staff, he remained engaged upon the field the entire day. After
nightfall on December 31, he succeeded, by co-operating with
General Rousseau's medical director, in re-establishing hospitals
and obtaining shelter for the wounded on the Murfreesborough
and Xashville road.
After the battle of Stone River, Surgeon Gross remained on
the staff of General Xegley until March 31, when, by order of
General Rosecrans, he was promoted and assigned as medical
116 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
director to the 14th Army Corps, and attached to the staff of
Major-General Thomas, in which capacity he is now acting.
Major Eoswell G. Bogue, Medical Director, was born at
Louisville, St. Lawrence county, New York, May 3, 1832. At
the time the rebellion broke out he was a practising physician
in Chicago, Illinois, and on the 3d of August, 1861, was ap-
pointed surgeon of the 19th Illinois Infantry This position he
retained until March 31, 1863, when he was detached from his
regiment and -appointed medical director of General Negley's
division.
Lieutenant Nathan D. Ingraham, Topographical Engineer,
was born at Granger, Medina county, Ohio, on the 18th day of
May, 1835. He removed to Lockport, "Will county, Illinois, in
June, 1844, and was married at Gooding's Grove, Will county,
to Miss Ruth Gooding, daughter of James Gooding, Esq., on the
27th of November, 1854. He went to the Rocky Mountains in
July, 1860, and returned January, 1862. He enlisted as private
in Company F, 100th Eegiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
July 25, 1862, and was commissioned first lieutenant of the same
company August 30 following. He served with his company in
General Buell's march through Kentucky, in pursuit of Bragg,
in the fall of 1862, and, arriving at Nashville, Tennessee, Novem-
ber 26, 1862, reported to Captain J. C. St. Clair Morton (now
Brigadier-General Morton) on the 27th as lieutenant in com-
mand of a detachment of pioneers, and was ordered to Gallatin,
Tennessee, to work on fortifications, returning to Nashville
December 13. On the 26th he was ordered by Captain Morton
to report to General Negley as topographical engineer, which
he did at Nolensville. At the battle of Stone Eiver he was acting
aide-de-camp to General Negley, as well as topographical engi-
neer. By profession he is a surveyor and engineer.
Lieutenant Charles C Cooke, Aide-de-Camp, was born at
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1837 At the commence-
LIEUTENANT W. W. BARKER. 117
ment of the present rebellion he enlisted as a private in the
ranks of the United States Zouave Cadets, a company then
forming at Pittsburg, all of the members of which responded to
the call for seventy-five thousand men by President Lincoln,
April 12, 1861. In response to the call for six hundred thousand
men, he enlisted and served as private in Company E, 77th
Eegiment Pennsylvania Infantry, said regiment composing a
part of the Pennsylvania brigade, commanded by General James
S. Negley, which landed at Louisville. Kentucky, October 22.
1861. October 31, 1861, he was elected by his comrades as
second lieutenant of the company, in which position he remained
one month, when he was assigned to duty as aide-de-camp on
the staff of General Negley.
Captain W H. H. Taylor was born at North Bend, Hamil-
ton county, Ohio, on the 21st day of March, 1837. His father
is now in command of the 5th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. His
mother was the youngest daughter of President Harrison. He
entered the service as private in the first company that left
Cincinnati, Ohio, for the defence of the city of Washington.
He was appointed a first lieutenant in the 18th U.S. Infantry,
May 14. 1861, and promoted captain August 11, 1862. His occu-
pation before he entered the service was that of a farmer.
Lieutenant "W Yv" Barker, Commissary of Subsistence, was
born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 23. 1839, and at the
commencement of the present rebellion was engaged in the pro-
duce and commission business in that city Upon the call for
seventy-five thousand three-months troops in April, 1861, he
enlisted as a private in Company 1, 12th Eegiment Pennsylvania
Volunteers, one of the regiments composing General Negley's
1st Brigade, but was detached from his command May, 1861,
and stationed on the Northern Central Eailroad, near Baltimore.
He afterwards enlisted as sergeant in Company B, 77th Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, September 13, 1861, and was detailed to
the commissary department of General Negley's brigade at
118 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1861, in wbicb department
he served until July 25, 1862, when he was appointed by Gov-
ernor Andrew Johnson, lieutenant of Company B, 1st Eegiment
Tennessee Cavalry, and reported to General Negley at Columbia,
Tennessee, for recruiting service. September 16, 1862, he was
detailed as aide-de-camp to General Negley, then commanding the
post of Nashville, and assigned to the command of his escort of
cavalry. During the battle of Stone Kiver, the escort was used
as a courier line, and Lieutenant Barker acted as aide to the
general. After the battle he was recommended to the President
for promotion to commissary of subsistence, with the rank of
captain. February 13, 1863, he was ordered on duty in the
commissary department as acting commissary of the 2d Division,
14th Army Corps.
Lieutenant E. H. Cochran, Provost-Marshal and Judge-Advo-
cate, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 25, 1836. His
father was an honest, frugal farmer, grandson of Captain Thomas
Cochran, who was slain by the Indians in West Virginia during
the Eevolutionary War. His mother is a daughter of Ellis
Davis, deceased, who was a soldier in the War of 1812 and one
of the early settlers of Ohio. In September, 1861, young
Cochran entered the service as first lieutenant in the 15th Ohio
Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Lavergne, October 7, 1862,
he was aide to Brigadier-General Palmer, where the enemy
under the rebel General Anderson were signally defeated. At
the request of General Negley, he was soon after appointed
provost-marshal on the general's staff by special order of Major-
General Eosecrans.
afcJLOEW.fl^
OFFICIOS ®F 8TAFF.
HILADA
gftajor-fl&nerat John gRcJwteg fainter and £taff.
John McAuley Palmer was born on Eagle Creek, Scott
county, Kentucky, September 13. 1817. His fatber, Louis D.
Palmer (who is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-two),
emigrated to Kentucky from Northumberland county, Virginia,
in the year 1793, and was there married in 1813 to Miss Ann
Tutt, a native of Culpepper county, Yirginia. The ancestors
of the family were from England, and among the earliest set-
tlers of Yirginia.
At the time of the birth of the subject of this sketch, what
was then known as the Green Eiver country was beginning to
attract attention, and the elder Palmer, a soldier in the War of
1812, and fond of adventure, removed to Christian county, where
he purchased a considerable quant itjr of the new cheap lands of
that then almost wilderness, and engaged in farming. Here his
eon spent his childhood, attending the school taught in the
neighborhood in winter, and rendering assistance upon the farm.
This school was such as are common to early settlements. " To
read and write and cipher" was the usual limit of the humble
teacher's attainments ; and in these branches young Palmer made
satisfactory progress. But by other means his education was
greatly enlarged. His father, who was an ardent Jackson man,
was unusually fond of reading,— which led him to procure
books and the newspapers of the time, particularly those of
his own party, which were afterwards well thumbed by the
children. His father was also an earnest opponent of human
slavery, and thoroughly impressed his opinions upon his chil-
dren, the family being at that time known as warm anti-slavery
Democrats. In 1831, these opinions of the elder Palmer deter-
mined him to emigrate to the free States, and in that year he
119
XZU ARMY OF THE CUMBJfiKliAJNJJ.
removed to Madison county, Illinois, and settled about ten miles
from Alton.
The labor of improving a farm occupied tbe time until 1833,
when the death of the mother broke up the family. About this
time, the efforts which had for some time been making by the
friends of education in Central Illinois to establish an institu-
tion of learning at Upper Alton were crowned with partial
success, and " Alton College" was organized and opened upon
the " manual labor system." In the spring of 1834, the subject
of our sketch, and his elder brother Elihu, who has since become
a minister of the gospel, and is noted for his learning and eccen-
tricities, entered this school. They were almost without money,
but in its place were possessed of most sanguine hopes. Several
months were thus spent ; and in the fall of 1835 he graduated,
for the want of money to further prosecute his studies ! From
this time until the spring of 1839 he spent his time in a variety
of ways. For a while he worked with a cooper; then he became
a pedlar ; and finally, in the fall of 1838, being then in Fulton
county, Illinois, he was invited to take charge of a district
school near Canton, which he taught " two quarters" to the
apparent satisfaction of his pa"trons. During all this time he
had been a constant reader of history, poetry, novels, sermons,
and newspapers, and had amassed a respectable but most ill-
arranged store of knowledge. In the summer of 1838 he first
met with the late Senator Douglas, then a candidate for Con-
gress and just entering upon his brilliant career. The district
was large, and the vote close; but Douglas was young, eloquent,,
and a Democrat, and won at once the confidence of Palmer, who
threw himself ardently into the contest and cast his first vote
for the Democratic ticket.
This acquaintance with the rising statesman, by inflaming
young Palmer's ambition and spurring him to effort, probably gave
stability to his purposes and tended to shape his future course
in life. During the winter of 1838 he obtained a copy of
" Blackstone's Commentaries," and began a course of desultory
reading with a view to the study of law, and in the spring
MAJOR-GENERAL JOHX M"AULEY PALMER. 121
of 1^39 he entered the office of John L. Greathouse, then a
lawyer of considerable standing at Carlinville, Macoupin county.
On arriving at Carlinville, having walked thither from St. Louis,
his entire stock of money was fourteen dollars, and his wardrobe
consisted of an indifferent suit of clothes and an extra shirt.
Here he found his brother Elihu, who was now married and
preaching to a congregation in Carlinville. This brother — like
himself, careless of money, but full of hope — advised him to
remain in that place and pursue his studies, offering to board
him, with a rather indefinite understanding as to payment in
return ; and accordingly, as we have stated, he entered the office
of Mr. Greathouse.
In less than two months after this, at the request of the lead-
ing Democratic politicians of the county, he became a candidate
for the office of county clerk. He engaged actively in the can-
vass, becoming involved in local politics to such an extent that
he has never since been able to extricate himself, — but was
defeated by a majority of one hundred and twenty-one votes.
In December, 1839, after less than a year's study, having
managed to buy the cloth for a suit of clothes, and having
found a good-natured tailor who had faith enough in him to
make them up on credit, he set out for Sjn-ingficld, with five
dollars in his pocket which he had borrowed from his preceptor
to pay his expenses, and obtained from the Supreme Court a
license to practise as an attorney and counsellor-at-law.
Mr. Douglas took much interest in the application, was ap-
pointed one of the examiners, and wrote the license, which is
still carefully preserved, displaying throughout a kindness
Avhich was ever remembered with gratitude during the long
and bitter contests of later years.
Our young attorney returned to Carlinville with the much-
coveted license. His possessions consisted of a few books, the
gift of Mr. David A. Smith, then, as now, an eminent Illinois
lawyer, who, having supplied himself with new editions, kindly
presented the old ones to the poor junior. He was not at once
successful; and the only reason that he did not leave the village
IZZ ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
and seek a new home was that he could not procure money-
enough to pay his debts. Often since then he has said that
this early poverty lies at the foundation of whatever success he
afterwards attained.
In 1840 he participated in the canvass for the Presidency,
earnestly supporting Mr. Yan Buren and the Democratic nomi-
nees. In 1841 he devoted himself to his profession, his business
having so increased that it afforded him a sufficient support.
In 1842, being independent and self-minded, he made some
personal enemies by refusing to support certain of the regular
Democratic candidates. In December of that year he was
married. In 1843 he was elected probate justice of the county,
by over four hundred majority. The years 1844, 1845, and 1846
were spent in the practice of his profession, which had now
become quite extensive. In 1847 he was elected to the Illinois
State Constitutional Convention, and at the same election was
defeated for probate justice by a combination formed against
him. In 1848, his victorious competitor having resigned, he was
again elected, by a large majority In 1849 the new Constitution
was adopted, and he was elected county judge, in which office he
continued until 1851, when he was elected to the State Senate.
In 1852, 1853, and 1854 he attended the sessions of that body.
In the latter year he opposed the Nebraska bill. In 1855 he
was re-elected to the Senate, and warmly supported many im-
portant measures, such as the free-school system, homestead
law, &c. In 1856 he was a member and president of the first
Illinois Eepublican State Convention, held at Bloomington. He
was also a delegate to the National Eepublican Convention, and
advocated the nomination of Judge McLean, though personally
preferring Fremont. He entered actively into the canvass, exert-
ing himself for Fremont, having first resigned his seat in the
State Senate, upon the ground that, having changed his political
connections after his election, self-respect and a proper regard
for the true principles of a representative government demanded
such a course. In 1857 and 1858 he was engaged in State poli-
tics, and in 1859 was nominated for Congress, but was defeated.
MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN M^AULEY PALMER. 123
In 1860 he was a candidate for elector at large on the Repub-
lican ticket, was elected, and east his vote for President Lincoln.
In 1861 he was a delegate to the Peace Congress at Washington.
In that body he advocated the call of a national convention for
the settlement of our difficulties. That proposition having failed,
and still eager to avoid civil war, or, if it could not be avoided,
to secure unity of action in the Northern and border States, he
favored the measures of compromise finally recommended by the
conference.
When the second call for troops was made, he came forward
as a common citizen and soldier, regardless of great home inte-
rests, and was unanimously elected colonel of the 14th Illinois
Volunteers. For a time he was stationed at Jacksonville, Illinois,
equipping, drilling, and perfecting his regiment. Affairs be-
coming threatening in Northern Missouri, the regiment was
ordered thither, and during the month of July and the early part
of August occupied various points on the Hannibal & St. Joseph
and North Missouri Railroads. On the 10th of August the
regiment arrived at Jefferson Barracks, and on the 12th, in-
formation having been received at St. Louis of the battle of
Wilson's Creek and the death of General Lyon, it was ordered
to Rolla, reaching that place on the 13th.
In September General Hunter assumed command at Rolla,
and on the 23d of that month his command was ordered to Jef-
ferson City, Missouri; and General Palmer's regiment marched
with him from that place, by the way of Tipton, Warsaw, and
Buffalo, to Springfield. On the 23d of October he was assigned
to the command of a brigade by General Hunter, and returned
with his brigade, after the removal of Fremont from the com-
mand of the department, to Tipton, going afterwards into winter-
quarters at Otterville.
Colonel Palmer's brigade formed part of General Pope's expe-
dition to Milford, which captured a large number of rebel prisoners.
On the 20th of December he was commissioned brigadier-general,
and placed in command of the post of Otterville. About the 1st
of February, 1862, the forces at Otterville were ordered South,
lii ARMY OF THE CUMBJSKLiAiVU.
and General Palmer joined General Pope at Commerce, Missouri,
for the expedition against New Madrid and Island No. 10. He
commanded a division and took part in the operations before
New Madrid, and on the 16th of March was ordered to occupy
Kiddie's Point with his division and some heavy guns. This
was done, the men dragging the guns along the river-bank at
night, wading a great part of the way. The course of the Mis-
sissippi River below Island No. 10, and the high stage of water,
flooding the low-lands along its banks, made this a point of great
importance in all operations against the enemy's works there.
Island No. 10 is at the head of New Madrid bend. The river,
after following its course for twenty miles, returns within five
miles of the island. The bottom along the banks for nearly
this whole distance was overflowed; while at Tiptonville, Ten-
nessee, within five miles of the island, the landing was good.
Below Tiptonville the overflowed banks, and Rue Fort Lake to
the south, cut off the rebel forces from the interior; and Com-
modore Foote had the river above. The landing at Tiptonville,
then, was the only point of approach to the island which was
open to the enemy. It was to command this landing that the
expedition was sent to Kiddie's Point, which is directly opposite.
On the morning of the 18th, at about sunrise, the rebels on
the gunboats below discovered the work of the night, and were
in motion at once. One boat came slowly steaming up the river,
so steadily that it seemed to make scarcely a ripple upon the
surface. When this boat had approached within about the dis-
tance of a half-mile, she fired a twenty-four-pound gun. The
shot came dashing along, and struck the water in front of the
earth-work. The response was prompt from our side. In a
short time five other boats came up. A line was formed, and
all opened upon Palmer's position. For two hours this unequal
contest was maintained, — twenty pieces from the gunboats keep-
ing up a constant roar, the shot plunging into the sand and bury-
ing the men in the pits, or tearing limbs from the trees. The
steady but slow firing from our guns made each report appear
like the last effort of exhausted men. Relying upon their
MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN M^AULEY PALMER. 125
superior fire, the boats approached the shore to land ; but at the
moment they got within one hundred yards of the shore the
47th Indiana Eegiment, which occupied the rifle-pits, opened
upon them with their rifles, and drove the men under cover.
Two of the boats were seriously damaged, and, after the re-
pulse by the infantry, all withdrew.
After this the enemy made frequent efforts to reach the land-
ing at Tiptonville, but were always repulsed. From this time
until the reduction of the island, General Palmer's command was
almost incessantly engaged with the rebel gunboats, six of which
were engaged in constant efforts to introduce supplies to the
island or to pass transports for the removal of the troops. They
were unable to silence our guns by their fire, and all efforts
to land were frustrated by our riflemen occupying rifle-pits along
the shore; so that the relief and escape of the rebels became
alike impossible.
After the capture of Island !No. 10, General Pope's forces
proceeded down the river to Fort Pillow, which was bom-
barded for some days • but before any definite result was attained
they were ordered to join General Halleck before Corinth.
On the 20th of April they landed at Hamburg, on the Ten-
nessee River, and, General Pope then reorganizing his corps,
General Palmer was assigned to the command of the 1st Brigade,
1st Division, of the Army of the Mississippi, composed of the
22d. 27th, 42d, and 51st Illinois Regiments and Hescock's Bat-
tery. As soon as all the regiments arrived, the army was put
in motion, by short marches, for Corinth, with constant skirmishes
along the front.
On the 3d of May, General Palmer's division was ordered to
make a reconnoissance in front of the enemy's fortifications at
Corinth. The second brigade, under General Morgan, attacked
the rebel pickets at Seven-Mile Creek, driving them into the
open field north of Farmington, and, passing out of the
woods, formed on the north of the Farmington Road. General
Palmer, with two regiments of his brigade and a battery, formed
to the left, and moved forward under a brisk fire from the rebel
126 ARMY OF TIIE CUMBERLAND.
skirmishers. After an advance of some three hundred yards, a
rebel battery, posted near the point at which the road from
Farmington to Purdy crosses the Corinth road, opened fire.
After a few shots from our guns and a charge in line, the enemy
fled. At night the division recrossed Seven-Mile Creek and
encamped in the rear of the swamp through which that sluggish
stream flows; and the next day it was joined by General Pope's
forces.
On the 8th of May, Paine's division again crossed towards
Corinth, advanced within a mile and a half of the fortifications,
and, after skirmishing through the day, retired to camp. On the
morning of the 9th, General Palmer was directed with bis brigade
to pass the swamp and camp near Farmington, which was then
occupied by our pickets; and at nine o'clock the brigade, with its
wagons and camp-equipage, was in motion. General Palmer,
with a small escort, rode forward to select a suitable camping-
ground. Between the crossing of the creek and the swamp
(which was by a single road and narrow bridge, the ground on
both sides of which is impassable) and Farmington there is a
cluster of woods, of small extent, about a mile from the cross-
ing, and nearly the same distance from the town, which conceals
the entrance of the road into the swamp from the direction of
Farmington and Corinth. After passing this clump of woods a
short distance and reaching the open ground, the Federal pickets
were met coming in, and considerable numbers of the enemy,
infantry and cavalry, were in sight. About fifty of the cavalry,
seeing the general in advance of bis command upon the crest of
the hill, made a dash to capture him. They came on at full speed,
demanding a surrender ; but, when they were within a hundred
yards, two companies of infantry, which were concealed by the
hill, opened fire upon them and emptied several saddles, where-
upon the rest fled.
By this time heavy bodies of infantry had filed through Farm-
ington and formed in a line extending east towards a point of
woods in that direction. This movement was made with the
double view of discovering the Federal forces behind the wood
MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN MCAULEY PALMER. 127
before spoken of, and of getting possession of the road across
the swamp. As soon as this force was discovered, dispositions
were made to repel it. Colonel Eoberts, with part of the 51st
Illinois and two or three companies from other regiments,
was ordered to occupy a high piece of ground which covered
our left. Major Walworth was directed to seize a point of
woods on our right, and the remaining troops, parts of the 22d,
27th, and 42d Illinois, formed in line, protected by some ravines
and woods.
About the time these arrangements were completed, General
Palmer received orders from General Pope to retire across the
swamp to camp. At that moment the narrow road and bridge
across the swamp were crowded with wagons and a brigade
of Stanley's division which had occupied the ground in the rear
of Palmer's brigade. To add to the embarrassment of the
situation, three rebel batteries had opened fire from three dif-
ferent points, and heavy rebel forces had appeared upon the
open ground in the direction of Corinth. Obedience to the
order was, therefore, difficult. "Wagons and bag-gage were ordered
to the rear, however, and the determination formed to hold the
enemy in check until the road could be cleared sufficiently to
allow the troops to retire.
One section of Hescock's guns was by that gallant and skilful
officer turned upon the battery upon the Federal right, and,
after driving it off, was turned upon that to our left. The rebel
infantry, in three divisions, came up in splendid style against
our position. The 22d and 27th Illinois, protected as they were,
received them with a galling fire, which at first checked them and
then threw them into confusion, killing and wounding great num-
bers. Still, as the fact of the immense force of the enemy was de-
veloped, the danger of the little force opposed to them became
painfully manifest. The enemy, not knowing at first but that
Pope's whole army was concealed by the clump of woods, ad-
vanced slowly and cautiously, keeping up a tremendous cannonade
from their eighteen guns. The Federal troops maintained their
ground against this advance for two hours. About noon the
128 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
rebels, having discovered, apparently, that Pope was not there,
came on at a rapid pace, threatening to sweep every thing from
the field, and were within twenty yards of our lines, when the
troops were ordered to fall back. Walworth was withdrawn from
the woods on the right, and had barely time to retire. The 22d
and 27th Illinois retreated, closely pursued by the enemy, who
burst through the woods within two hundred yards of Hescock
and threatened to reach the entrance of the swamp before he
could. Luckily, Hescock, with great sagacity and with a know-
ledge of the full confidence reposed in him by General Palmer,
had already sent his caissons and rifled guns to the rear, and now
determined to give the enemy one more blow. He immediately
double-shotted his howitzers with canister, and fired into the
advancing columns, producing terrible slaughter, and then left
the field. General Palmer, having remained at this point until he
was assured of the safety of Hescock, rode to the rear to pre-
pare to dispute the crossing of the swamp. Loomis's brigade
had become engaged on the right, and, after a severe fight, were
ordered to fall back. The 51st Illinois and 8th Wisconsin were
formed behind the bridge, and the 42d and 47th Illinois were
formed in the edge of the woods, on both sides of the road
where it entered the swamp.
This arrangement was concealed from the enemy by the
undulations of the ground ; and their forces, disordered by the
impression of a victory, now came on in a confused mass,
whooping like Indians. General Palmer had sent his horse to
the rear to assist in the concealment of the troops, and, standing
behind his line, waited until the foremost of the rebels had
approached within fifty yards, when he gave the order to fire.
One volley covered the open ground to the front with killed and
wounded, and the remainder broke and fled from the field.
This ended the struggle ; and thus did this small force, aided
b}^ the favorable ground and the concealment afforded by the
woods, after a closely-contested fight of several hours, escape
from three rebel divisions. It ought to be stated, in addition,
that the escape of Hescock was greatly aided by a charge upon
MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN MCAULEY PALMER. 129
the rebels on our right, made by the 2d Iowa Cavalry and ordered
by General Paine, which checked the enemy for a moment.
Our loss was twenty-two killed, one hundred and fifty-one
wounded, and ten taken prisoners. The rebel loss was four
hundred and eleven killed and wounded, among whom was
Colonel Ingraham, of Yan Dora's staff.
After this affair our troops remained in camp until the 17th
of May, when they advanced and took possession of Farmington.
On the 18th, General Palmer, in command of the outposts, spent
the day on the lines, and skirmished with the enemy, driving
them back so as to gain possession of a ridge of hills which it
was desirable to occupy. Towards sunset he succeeded in this,
and returned to his quarters, but before midnight was attacked
with pneumonia, and was confined to his bed until the morning
of the 29th. On that day, under the impression that there would
be a great battle, he went out upon the lines. While there, news
came that Corinth was evacuated, and, still being very ill, he was
ordered home by General Pope. He continued sick at home until
about the 1st of August, when he took part in the efforts made to
raise troops, and, under the authority of the Governor of Illi-
nois, organized the 122d Illinois Eegiment at Carlinville. On
the 2Gth of August he left home, and on the 1st of September
reached Tuscumbia, Alabama, when, General Paine being in ill
health, he was assigned by General Kosecrans to the command
of the 1st Division of the Army of the Mississippi, and ordered
to join General Buell.
The 2d Brigade, being then at Tuscumbia, crossed the river
near that place, and marched directly to Athens. The 1st Brigade
was scattered along the railroad from Tuscumbia to Decatur.
This force was concentrated at Decatur, and, under the command
of General Palmer, crossed the river on the 5th, and reached
Athens on the 6th of September.
There the first information was received of BuelPs move-
ments. A courier from him to General Paine, who was supposed
to be in command of the column, was captured by some "peace-
able citizens," who destroyed his despatches, and then exultingly
130 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
told the contents, which were orders to make forced marches to
Nashville. A Union man gave information of this; and on the
morning of the 7th the march was commenced. At this time
the whole of Southern Tennessee north and cast of the Tennessee
Kiver was abandoned by the Federal troops. The inhabitants,
under the belief that the rebel authority was permanently
established, were intensely malignant. Those who until that
time had been faithful to our Government were disheartened;
while the guerrillas were active in all directions. It being im-
possible, on account of the want of cavalry, to ascertain the
movements of the large and active mounted force of the enemy,
great vigilance was required to insure the safety of the long train
which accompanied the march. The first appearance of the
rebels was at Blowing Springs Gap. A party of bushwhackers
here fell in behind our skirmishers, firing upon the column, and
wounding three. The muskets of the 16th Illinois soon dispersed
them. At night, from the camp at Buchanan's Creek, Colonel
Eoberts with two regiments was pushed forward to Pulaski, to
surprise Biflles, who, with his cavalry, was in possession of the town.
He heard of our movements in time to make his escape; but
the party captured a mail, and, visiting his camp, secured the
handsome donations sent in the morning by his friends in the
shape of good cooked breakfasts.
On the morning of the 8th, in passing through Pulaski, a
guard was detailed to protect the town, with orders to move up
with the stragglers. When the rear of the column had passed out
of the town, the people ordered this guard to surrender as prisoners.
A few shots were exchanged, and the guard retired. At Eey-
nolds's Station the train was attacked, and two unarmed, sick men,
who had stepped aside to a spring, were murdered. The skir-
mish lasted for an hour, and ended in the repulse of the rebels.
On the next day the train and rear-guard were again attacked.
This skirmish lasted several hours, but upon reaching Columbia
the rear-guard halted and drove the enemy off. On leaving
the north bank of Duck Eiver, at about five o'clock on the
morning of the 10th, the rear-guard was again attacked; but a
MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN M^AULEY PALMER. 131
howitzer turned upon the enemy soon dispersed them with loss.
At Rutherford Centre another attack was made. Here the
Union force was greatly strengthened by a cavalry reinforce-
ment, raised in a rather amusing way As there was no
cavalry force with the expedition, an order had been issued for
all spare horses along the line to be mounted by active men, who
were to act as scouts. By the time this order had reached the
second regiment, it had assumed the form of a direction to the
men to seize all the horses and mules to be found, for the purpose
of mounting the infantry On reaching Spring Hill, the general,
much to his own surprise, found himself accompanied by a hun-
dred mounted men, riding on all sorts of animals. Two were
mounted on splendid jacks, which, to the great disgust of the
riders, he ordered to be returned at once. At least fifty persons
came into camp that night in search of horses and mules, all
of which were returned, — " foolishly," as the general now says;
for in a week afterwards they were in the hands of guerrillas.
After the attack at Rutherford Centre the rebels made no further
demonstration; and on the 11th of September General Palmer
and his force arrived at Nashville.
During the so-called blockade of Nashville by the rebel forces
of "Wheeler, Morgan, and other commanders, for a period of
several weeks, Generals Negley's and Palmer's forces were the
occupants and defenders of that city. Several skirmishes oc-
curred, and expeditions Avere undertaken, with generally favor-
able issues, as is fully narrated in the sketch of Major-General
Negley given on preceding pages. The intercourse and co-
operation of these two generals were at all times most friendly
and hearty, with results beneficial to the cause and the coun-
try The daily rebel threat of crushing the Union troops
at Nashville was not fulfilled, and this strong key-point of
Middle Tennessee was securely held. An onward movement
and disaster to the rebellion followed in the last days of Decem-
ber, 1862, by which the rebels were destined to finally lose their
hold upon the last — and to them the greatest and the best — of
all the border States.
loli ARMY OF I'UE uu.KBi.ni;iU,u.
In the awful scenes of Stone Eiver General Palmer acted
a conspicuous part. His division at times occupied important
and perilous positions. During the eventful 31st of December
he held the advance for several hours after the falling back of
portions of the right wing. At one period, when thus occupying
an extreme point, the rebel musketry and artillery fire being
directed upon his division from all sides, it seemed, we have heard
him remark, as though his devoted command had become
isolated and was forgotten. But he appreciated the importance
of holding the position, and his batteries played with such vigor,
and were supported by his infantry with such determination,
that they receded not an inch from their position, but held the
advancing hosts at bay whenever they approached along that
line. Their gallantry was ere long recognized by General Bose-
crans in person : he rode up to their position, with his escort,
amidst the wildest of the storm, and spoke those words of ap-
proval and congratulation which are so cheering to the heart of
every soldier. Thenceforward no rebel force could have driven
in that battle-line ; and, after several vain attempts, the design
was abandoned, and the rebel advance on that portion of the
bloody field was stayed.
For the gallantry and skill displayed by General Palmer upon
this occasion, in connection with his previous career as a patriot
and a soldier, he was nominated and confirmed as major-general
of volunteers, his commission dating from the battles of Stone
Eiver, — a promotion which his troops, his many personal friends,
and thousands of patriot hearts throughout the country, and
particularly in the great States of the West, will endorse as well
and nobly merited.
As a man, all who meet with General Palmer find in him an
ardent, simple, pleasing friend, approachable, intelligent, and
interesting. As a lawyer, he is one of the most remarkable,
especially in a plea before a jury, to be found in Illinois or the
West, — it being his forte to draw tears and smiles from beaming
eyes and countenances and to wring verdicts from sympathetic
jurors. As a statesman he has been honest and independent. —
MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN MCAULEY PALMER. 133
his independence often leading him quite beyond the precincts
of mere partyism, and his conscience restraining the wings of
any sordid ambition, to take eventually higher and nobler
nights. As a personal friend and a neighbor, the author, who
has known him well for many years past, could write more
of well-merited praise than perhaps ought to appear in a life-
time biography. His thousand charities and kindnesses, his
noble disregard of self-interest or aggrandizement, his almost
reprehensible indifference to the acquisition of wealth, or
even of a competence, his many ardent unrequited efforts for
some friendless wretch or penniless suitor at the bar of justice,
— all these, so well known to the people of Central Illinois, need
not be related here.
Upon the opening of the rebellion, General Palmer was among
the first to arm in defence of home and country. A civilian,
solely, his tastes and habits in entire conformity with the sociali-
ties of private life, and arrived at that age at which the ex-
citable ardor of youth has merged into the fulness of manly
reason, no other incentive than that of exalted patriotism could
have led him to the tented field. He* went there at great
personal sacrifice, freely and cheerfully accepting the toil and
the hazard, — went there without passion, without ambition,
without revenge or resentment rankling in his breast. He saw
an issue forced upon his country as if by the fiat of Heaven, and
he calmly entered the arena as but one of the instruments by
which perhaps that issue was to be determined.
During his military career in Missouri, General Palmer was
particularly successful in his dealing with hundreds of half-de-
cided followers of secessionism in that State. He was mode-
rate and forbearing almost beyond measure, when that policy
was deemed best by the Administration and the majority of the
people of the country. As the rebellion progressed, and a more
vigorous and determined policy was adopted, none was more
justly severe than he in laying the hand of military power upon
the neck of a rebellious race.
As a general, the subject of this sketch may be considered
134 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
neither wildly brilliant nor notably theoretic. He is plain,
practical, industrious, sound. His men know him to be brave
from principle, and to be determined and daring as a matter of
correct judgment. As a general, he belongs to the class of which
Eosecrans and Thomas are types, — not Xapoleonic : this is not
an age for Xapoleons. Forces equal in military intelligence and
determination and physical development now mingle in conflict.
War, in the nineteenth century, consists in the marshalling of
national resources of vast and varied extent and character,
where the old-time personal prowess of leadership sinks in the
comparative scale, and where power, well ordered, upon just and
correct principles, will accomplish its certain and legitimate
results.
THE STAFF.
Captain Jacob E. Muhleman, Assistant Adjutant-General, was
born at Thun, Canton" of Berne, in Switzerland, November 24,
1824. His childhood was passed at the city schools, and in due
time he received an education fitting him for the profession of a
civil engineer. In this capacity he passed nearly three years
in the employment of the government, superintending and assist-
ing in the construction of public roads. At the beginning of his
twentieth year, in accordance with the laws of the country, by
which every able-bodied male citizen becomes a soldier in the
national army, he was enrolled to serve eight years in the Elite,
and entered the 6th Battalion Bernese Infantry as a private. In
1847 he was commissioned as second lieutenant in the Sappers,
and participated in the " Sunderbunds Feldzug," or campaign
against the Separate League.
In 1X48, at the close of this campaign, he emigrated to Illinois,
and settled, with a brother, upon a small farm near Alton.
Subsequently he removed to Macoupin county, where he eno-ao-ed
in agriculture and other occupations. For nearly two years he
CAPTAIN HENRY HOWLAND. 135
was employed in the law-office of Palmer & Pittman, at Carlin-
ville, the senior partner of which firm is now Major-General
Palmer. At the beginning of the rebellion he enlisted, at Jack-
sonville, in the 14th Illinois Infantry, of which General Palmer
was then colonel, and was appointed sergeant-major of the regi-
ment. In September following, he was appointed by General
Fremont a second lieutenant of sappers and miners, and, until
the change of commanders of the department, was on duty in St.
Louis, superintending the erection of a portion of the fortifica-
tions at that place. General Fremont being relieved, the engi-
neer corps was dissolved, and Lieutenant Muhleman returned to
his regiment, then stationed on the banks of the La Mine River,
near Otterville, Missouri. Here he was tendered the position
of regimental quartermaster, and, as such, accompanied the regi-
ment during the year 18G2 in its various wanderings through
Tennessee. Alabama, and 3Iississippi. On the 2od of December,
1862, he was appointed assistant adjutant-general, with the rank
of captain, and on the 31st of the same month was relieved of
duty in the 14th Illinois, and reported to General Palmer.
Captain Henry Howland, Assistant Quartermaster, is a native
of Conway, Massachusetts, where his parents now reside. In
October, 1852, he removed to Chicago, Illinois, and for several
years was extensively engaged in the lumber-trade in that city.
He was commissioned as quartermaster of the 51st Illinois In-
fantry, September 20, 1801, and left Chicago with his regiment
on the 14th of February, 1862. On the 4th of March the regi-
ment was ordered to join the Army of the Mississippi, then
under the command of General Pope ; and Quartermaster How-
land was left at Cairo to attend to the transportation of the
regiment. Eejoining it at New Madrid, Missouri, on the 13th of
March, he was the same day detailed by General E. A. Paine,
commanding the 1st Division, as quartermaster of the division.
He acted as aide to General Paine in the battle of Farmington,
May 8 and 9, 1862. On the 9th of June, 1862, he was appointed by
the President assistant quartermaster, with the rank of captain,
136 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
and remained with the old 1st Division of the Army of the Missis-
sippi until December 10, 1S02, when, by order of General Eose-
crans, he was transferred to the obi 4th Division of the Army of
the Ohio, now the 2d Division of the 21st Army Corps.
Captain D. "Woodman Norton, Division Inspector, was born at
Chelsea, Massachusetts, January 31, 1837, and lived principally in
Boston until 1855, when, after graduating at the English High
School in that city, he removed to the West, passing some time
in Wisconsin, and finally taking up his residence in Chicago, where
he was employed as a salesman when the war broke out. April
18, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the Chicago Zouave Eegiment,
and afterwards in the Douglas Brigade (now the 42d Illinois
Infantry). Upon the organization of the latter regiment he
was elected and commissioned as captain of Company E.
He served with Generals Fremont and Hunter in their Mis-
souri campaign against Price in the fall and winter of 1861,
and was present at the occupation of Columbus, Kentucky, the
bombardment of Island No. 10 and Fort Pillow, the siege and
approach to Corinth, and the battle of Farmington. He also
accompanied his regiment during the summer campaign in
Mississippi and Alabama, and on the march from Alabama to
Nashville.
In November, 1862, Captain Norton was selected by General
Palmer as his division inspector, and as such participated with
him in the battle of Stone River.
Major S. G. Menzies, Medical Director, was born in Woodford
county, Kentucky, July 12, 1810, and in 1817 removed with his
family to Fayette county, and thence, in the following year, to
the adjoining county of Bourbon, where he began the study of
medicine. In the spring of Is-jl he graduated at the Transyl-
vania Medical College, and for seventeen years practised medi-
cine in Bourbon county. In 184S he removed to Cincinnati, and
remained there until the rebellion began, when he assisted in
raising the 1st Kentucky Eegiment of Volunteers, and entered
LIEUTENANT C. E. HAYES. 137
the service as its surgeon on the 5th of May, 1861, continuing
with it until January, 1862, when he was appointed brigade-sur-
geon of the 22d Brigade. August 18, 1862. he was appointed
medical director of the 14th Army Corps, — the position which
he now holds.
Lieutenant Charles C. Peck, Commissary, was born in the
town of Barrington, Bristol county, Ehode Island, and prior to
the rebellion was engaged in business as a jeweller. Upon the
call of the President for troops, he volunteered as a private in
the 6th Ohio Eegiment, founded upon the Guthrie Grays of
Cincinnati, and was afterwards promoted to quartermaster-ser-
geant. In December, 1861, he was appointed first lieutenant
in Company K of his regiment, and in March, 1862, was
detailed to act as commissary in the division commanded by
General Xelson, in which position he served until August, 1862,
when he was ordered to report to General Buell and act as post
commissary at Murfreesborough, Tennessee. Upon General
Buell's departure from the Army of the Ohio, Lieutenant Peck
joined the staff of Brigadier-General William S. Smith as com-
missary for the 4th Division, and upon General Smith's being
relieved by < reneral Palmer he was retained in the same position
upon the staff of the latter general. During the battle of Stone
River he was very efficient in forwarding and supplying rations
to his own division, besides issuing to other divisions one hundred
and sixty thousand rations.
Lieutenant C. E. Hayes, Topographical Etigineer, is a native
of the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and by profession a civil
engineer. In May, 1861, he volunteered as a private in the 1st
Pennsylvania Eegiment Volunteer Infantry, and served through
the three-months campaign. At the close of this campaign he
entered the 79th Eegiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and on
October 20, 1861, was mustered into the service as first lieu-
tenant and acting quartermaster at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
The regiment being in Brigadier-General Xegley's brigade,
loS ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Lieutenant Hayes was second in command of Company K in
their march to Pulaski, Tennessee, and Eogersville and Florence,
Alabama, and back to Columbia, Tennessee, in the march under
the same commander to Chattanooga and to Shelbyville.
At Bowling Green, Kentucky, he was detailed to act on the
staff of Brigadier-General William S. Smith. Upon General
Smith being relieved in December, 1802, by the present com-
mander, General Palmer, the position of topographical engineer
was proffered to Lieutenant Hayes and accepted.
Lieutenant Benjamin F Croxton, Ordnance Officer, was born
in Stark county, Ohio, December 15, 1842. At the breaking out
of the rebellion he was residing at Zancsville, Ohio, and on the
17th of April, 1861, enlisted as a private in the 15th Volunteer
Ohio Infantry. Serving through the three-months campaign
with this regiment, he re-enlisted for three years, October, 1861,
as a private in the 51st Ohio Volunteers, under the command
of Colonel Stanley Matthews. Soon after he was appointed a
second lieutenant, and participated with his regiment in the cam-
paign in Kentucky under General Nelson. He was afterwards
stationed at Nashville, and served during the summer through
Middle Tennessee. On the 17th of August, 1862, Lieutenant
Croxton was appointed ordnance officer upon the staff of General
Ammen. This position in the division he still retains, having
acted in the same capacity upon the staff of General Smith, who
succeeded General Ammen, and that of General Palmer, the
present commander.
Lieutenant Harry M. Scarritt, Aide-de-Camp. was born in
Alton, Illinois, December 29, 1842. At the age of fourteen he
entered an academy at Cornwall, Connecticut, and remained
there two years, when he entered Illinois College at Jacksonville,
Illinois. Here he pursued his studies until April, 18<;i. when, the
war breaking out, he enlisted as a private in the 2d company of
the 1st battalion from his State (subsequently Company B of the
10th Illinois Infantry), and served through the three months of
LIEUTENANT HARRY M. SCARRITT. 139
his enlistment. He then entered the service as first lieutenant
of Company D, 10th Illinois Infantry, a new company partly
raised by himself. In this capacity he followed the fortunes of
the regiment through Southern Missouri to New Madrid, Island
USTo. 10, and Fort Pillow, Pittsburg Landing, Farmington, and
Corinth, and through the Northern Mississippi and Alabama
campaign. In February, 1863, he was detailed as aide-de-camp
upon the staff of General Palmer.
ajor-torat j)tuttp ^cnrg ^kridan and ^titjj.
Philip Henry Sheridan, Major-General of Volunteers, and
Captain and Brevet-Major 13th Infantry TJ.S.A, commanding 3d
Division, 20th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland, was
born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1831. He was appointed a cadet
at West Point from that county in 1848. Graduating in June,
1853, he was appointed brevet second lieutenant in the 1st United
States Infantry in the following July, and joined his company at
Fort Duncan, Texas, in the fall of the same year. From that
time until the spring of 1855 he was engaged in active field
duty against the Indians, when he was promoted to a second
lieutenancy in the 4th Infantry and ordered to join his regiment
in Oregon. During the months of May and June, 1855, he was
in command of Fort "Wood, in New York harbor, and in July of
the same year embarked for San Francisco in charge of a body
of recruits. Arriving there, Lieutenant Sheridan was detailed
to the command of the escort of Lieutenant Williamson, for a
survey of the route for a proposed branch of the Pacific Bail-
road from San Francisco to Columbia River, Oregon. This
important expedition was accompanied by a large number of
literary and scientific gentlemen, and resulted in eliciting much
interesting and valuable information concerning the geography,
topography, and natural history of the country, which has been
spread before the people in the reports made by th,ose in charge
and published by Congress.
Detached fr»m the escort of Lieutenant Williamson in Sep-
tember. 1X55, at Vancouver, Washington Territory, Lieutenant
Sheridan was ordered to accompany with a detachment of
dragoons the expedition of Major Eaine, of the 4th Infantry,
to the Yakima country, against the Indian tribe of that name
HO '" '
MAJOR-GENERAL PHILIP HENRY SHERIDAN. 141
and returned to the Dalles of the Columbia the same fall. He
was specially mentioned in general orders for gallant conduct in
an engagement with the Indians at the Cascades of the Columbia,
April 28, 1856. In May following he was ordered to take com-
mand of the Indian Eeservation in the Coast Eange of mountains.
In September, 1856, he was directed to select a post on this
reservation in the Seletz Valley In the spring of 1857 he was
complimented by the general-in-chief for meritorious conduct
in the settlement of the difficulty with the Coquillo Indians, on
Yakima Bay. In the summer and fall of the same year he built
the military post at Yamhill, on the Indian Eeservation.
Promoted to a captaincy in the loth Infantry, March 14, 1861,
he was ordered to join his regiment at Jefferson Barracks, Mis-
souri, in September of the same year. Soon afterwards Captain
Sheridan was made president of the military commission to
audit the claims arising from the operations of our army in
Missouri during the summer of 1861. December 24, 1861, he
was appointed chief quartermaster and commissary of the Army
of the Southwest, In this position he organized the transporta-
tion, and supplied that arm}' with the greater portion of its sub-
sistence from the surrounding country, until after the battle of
Pea Eidge. In March, 1862, he was ordered to St. Louis, and
thence, in the latter part of April, to report at the head-quarters
of General Halleck in front of Corinth, Mississippi. Upon his
arrival at that place, he was appointed chief quartermaster and
commissary on the staff of General Halleck, about the 10th of
May, 1862.
His superior officers soon discovered, however, that his proper
place was at the head of a regiment in the field; and on the 27th
of May he was appointed colonel of the 2d Michigan Cavalry,
and was ordered with his regiment to accompany the command of
Colonel Elliott in his famous expedition to destroy the Mobile &
Ohio Eailroad at Booneville, Mississippi, about thirty miles south
of Corinth. After making a circuit of about one hundred miles
to the rear of the enemy, then concentrated at Corinth, the
expedition burned the railroad-bridge at Booneville, captured
112 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
and destroyed a large train and a great quantity of muskets and
side-arms, and paroled two thousand prisoners. On the morn-
ing of May 30 he repulsed an attack of the enemy's cavalry under
Colonel McXairy. scattering them in every direction.
Upon his return to Corinth, he ivns ordered to join the
army near Booneville in its pursuit of the forces of Beauregard
after their evacuation of Corinth. Accompanying the cavalry
reconnoissance of Colonel Elliott to Blackland, he encountered
the left wing of the enemy's forces at that place. Being in the
advance with the 2d Michigan Cavalry, he repulsed an attack
made by two regiments of infantry, two regiments of cavalry,
and a batteiy of artillery, and, bringing off Powell's battery, fell
back on our main force near Booneville. During a reconnoissance
with his regiment on the 6th of June, be encountered a force of
rebel cavalry under Forrest at Donelson's Cross-Roads, between
Booneville and Baldwin, and signally defeated them. On the 8th
of June, with the 2d Michigan and 2d Iowa Cavalry, he pursued
the enemy, who were evacuating their position on Twenty-Mile
Creek and falling back to Tupelo, captured the town of Baldwin,
and drove the retreating rebels to Guntown, where they were
forced to form in line of battle, with infantry, cavalry, and artil-
lery. Thence he was ordered back to Booneville and with the
army to Corinth.
On the 11th of June Colonel Sheridan assumed command of
the 2d Brigade of the Cavalry Division of the Army of the
Mississippi, composed of the 2d Iowa and 2d Michigan Cavalry
Regiments, and on the 26th Mas ordered to take a position with
his brigade at Booneville, twenty miles in advance of the main
army, and cover the front. While at this place, he was attacked
on the 1st of July by nine regiments of rebel cavalry, under
General Chalmers, numbering between five thousand and six
thousand men. After considerable skirmishing, he fell back
towards his camp, which was situated on the edge of a swamp.
— an advantageous position, in which he could hold the enemy at
bay, in front, for some time. Finding that ho was about to be
surrounded, he selected ninety of his best men, armed with
MAJOR-GENERAL PHILIP HENRY SHERIDAN. 143
revolving carbines and sabres, and sent them, around four miles
to attack the enemy's rear at a given time, while he would
make a simultaneous charge in front. This plan worked ad-
mirably The ninety men appeared suddenly in the rear, not
having been seen until near enough to fire their carbines, and,
having emptied these, charged with drawn sabres upon the
astonished rebels, who supposed them to be the advance-guard
of a large force, not dreaming that so small a body would
have the audacity to throw themselves upon an opposing
body of six thousand, without the promise of speedy reinforce-
ments. Before the enemy had recovered from the confusion
caused by this attack in the rear, they were fiercely charged in
front by Colonel Sheridan and his remaining handful of men, and,
utterly routed, fled in wild disorder from the field. So panic-
stricken were they, and so hasty was the flight, which ended only
at Knight's Mills, some twenty miles south of Booneville, that
the road over which they ran was literally strewn with arms,
knapsacks, coats, and articles of every description. This battle,
in which two small regiments of cavalry defeated nearly six
thousand of the enemy, won for Colonel Sheridan his first star,
— his commission as a brigadier-general dating from the day
upon which it was so gallantly fought.
Twenty-Mile Creek was at this time the only place where
water could be obtained by the rebels for their stock; and Gene-
ral Sheridan while stationed at Booneville frequently took ad-
vantage of this circumstance, making sudden expeditions in that
direction and capturing at various times large quantities of stock.
On one occasion, with the 2d Michigan, 2d Iowa, and 7th Kansas
Cavalry Eegiments, two companies of the 36th Illinois In-
fantry, and Hescock's Battery, he made a dash upon the enemy
and succeeded in capturing and bringing away three hundred
head of cattle. In August he was attacked by Colonel Faulk-
ner's cavalry, near Bienzi, Mississippi, whom he defeated and
followed to within a few miles of Kipley, dispersing the whole
force and capturing a large number of prisoners and arms. He
remained with his brigade in that vicinity until September 7,
144 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
when he and his old regiment, the 2d Michigan Cavalry, were
ordered to join the army in Kentucky, via the Mississippi and
Ohio Rivers.
Arriving at Louisville, he was assigned to, and on the 20th of
September assumed, the command of the 3d Division of the
Army of the Ohio, consisting of ten regiments of infantry, one of
cavalry, and two batteries of artillery With this division he con-
structed, in the short period of a single night, the whole series
of rifle-pits from the railroad-depot in Louisville around to the
vicinity of Portland. On the 1st of October he took command
of the 11th Division of the Army of the Ohio, and accompanied
General Buell in his advance against Bragg. In front of Perry-
ville, on the 8th of October, he was ordered to take position on
the heights to the east of Doctor's Creek, for the purpose of
securing the water for our men and animals. Gaining the
heights (Chaplin Hills) early in the morning, with two regi-
ments he repulsed an attack of a rebel brigade under General
Leydell. At two o'clock the same day he was attacked by
the enemy in strong force under command of General Hardee,
who was handsomely repulsed. Soon afterwards he was again
attacked, and a second time repulsed his assailants, driving them
from the open ground on his front. The heights held by Gene-
ral Sheridan formed the key to the whole position : hence the
desperate energy with which the enemy sought to drive him
from them.' After his second repulse of the rebels, some advan-
tage having been gained by them upon our left, General Sheridan
directed his artillery-fire upon them, and drove them from the
open ground to which they had advanced. For a time the con-
test raged furiously at this point. The enemy came charging
up with fixed bayonets, determined to take the position, but
were driven back in disorder by the murderous fire which opened
upon them, leaving the ground in front of the batteries covered
with their dead and wounded. In this short but severe engage-
ment the loss of General Sheridan's force was over four hundred
in killed and wounded, and but for the sheltered position which
he occupied it would have been much greater.
MAJOR-GENERAL PHILIP HENRY SHERIDAN. 145
After the battle of Perryville, General Sheridan accompanied
the army through Kentucky, until, early in November, he reached
Nashville in command of a division of the Army of the Cum-
berland. Upon the advance to Murfreesborough on the morn-
ing of December 26. he had command of one of Major-General
MeCook's three divisions. Through the several days' skirmishing
and fighting which terminated in the flight of Bragg and the
evacuation of Murfreesborough, he was ever present and active,
and by the skilful handling of his men contributed not a little to
the successful issue of the battle of Stone Eiver. For the part
borne by himself and his division in that conflict, reference must
be made to another chapter in. this work, it being only necessary
to say here that he was highly commended in the report of the
general commanding, and recommended for promotion to a
major-generalship. In the whole of that celebrated document,
from the beginning down to " non nobis," no better compliment
can be found than the following, paid to General Sheridan by
one who, of all others, is the most competent judge : —
" Sheridan, after sustaining four successive attacks, gradually
swung his right round southeasterly to a northwestern direction,
repulsing the enemy four times, losing the gallant General Sill
of his right and Colonel Roberts of his left brigade, when,
having exhausted his ammunition, Negley's division being in
the same predicament and heavily pressed, after desperate fight-
ing they fell back from the position held at the commencement,
through the cedar woods, in which Rousseau's division, with a
portion of Negley's and Sheridan's, met the advancing enemy
and checked his movements."
The major-generalship to which he was declared entitled by
General Rosecrans by reason of his gallant and meritorious
services was conferred on December 31, and he was confirmed
in the position by the Senate at its extra session in March
last.
To such a record, that of a man but thirty-one years of age,
no word of commendation need be added by the author. Deeds
speak with deeper meaning: by them let his life be judged,
10
146 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
upon them let his claim to popular favor he based. In per-
son General .Sheridan is rather under the medium size, with
features strongly indicative of will and energy. Gentle and
modest almost to a fault in ordinary intercourse, he is a very lion
in daring when roused by the din of battle or momentarily
swayed by the fierce passion called forth in imminent strife, and
dashes into the fray with an ardor and impetuosity which usually
attains its ends. As yet unmarried, his home is in the camp and
field. His courage, kindness, and, above all, his soldierly abili-
ties, have Avon for him the love of those whom it has been his
fortune to command. He knows how to care for his men in the
camp and how to handle them in the field, — qualities which a
soldier never fails to appreciate. Very recently the officers of
his division surprised him with an elegant and fitting testimonial
of their regard, in the form of a magnificent sword, the blade
exquisitely wrought, jewelled hilt, gold-plated scabbard, and
the sword-belt woven with bullion. The present also comprised
a set of silver service, a case of elegant, ivory-handled, silver-
mounted Colt's pistols, and a general's saddle and bridle of the
most gorgeous description. The cost of the sword alone was
one thousand dollars, that of the whole present over two thou-
sand dollars. Such a tribute from brave and gallant men to
their commander is a sure index of the esteem in which they
hold him.
THE STAFF.
Captain George Lee, Assistant Adjutant-General, was born in
Yates county, New York, February 16, 1830, and was commis-
sioned, by the Governor of Michigan, first lieutenant and adju-
tant of the od Battalion, 2d .Michigan Cavalry, September 2, 1801.
On the 10th of March, 1862, he was appointed acting regimental
adjutant, at New Madrid. Missouri, by Colonel Gordon Grander
CAPTAIN A. F. STEVENSON. 147
(now major-general), then commanding the regiment. June
20, he was made acting assistant adjutant-general of the 2d
Brigade of the cavalry division of the Army of the Mississippi,
Colonel P H Sheridan commanding; and on the 11th of March,
1863, was appointed assistant adjutant-general, with the rank
of captain, by the President, and assigned to duty with Major-
General Sheridan. Captain Lee has been engaged in the
following battles, expeditions, affairs, &c. : — Xew Madrid, Farm-
ington. Booneville, Mississippi, May 29 and July 1, 1862, Chaplin
Hills, and Stone River.
Captain A. F. Stevenson, Inspector-General, was born in 1837,
in the city of Hamburg, Germany, of Scotch-German parents.
In 1854 he emigrated to America, and for several years cultivated
a farm near Cambridge. Illinois. He then began the study of
law with Judge "Wilkinson, of Rock Island, and about a year
thereafter was admitted to the bar. He continued in the practice
of his profession until the beginning of the war, when he enlisted
a company in Henry county, which, hoAvever, was not accepted
by the Governor, a large surplus of volunteers having already
offered. Under the second call for troops he enlisted a com-
pany for the 42d Illinois Regiment (Douglas Brigade), and
served as first lieutenant in its Missouri campaign under Fre-
mont and Hunter. He was afterwards appointed adjutant-
general to Colonel Roberts, and remained with him in that
position until the colonel was killed at the battle of Stone River.
In the battles of Farmington and Stone River, and in the siege
of Corinth and the pursuit of the rebels by General Pope after
its evacuation, Captain Stevenson took an active part ; and
during the investment of the city of Xashville by the rebels,
and its bombardment on the 5th of Xovember, 1862, he was pre-
sent with his command, participating in many of the skirmishes
occurring in that vicinity. Soon after the battle of Stone River
he was selected by General Sheridan as the inspector-general of
his division.
14^ ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Captain Francis Moiirhart, Ti>i><xjraplucal Engineer, was born
in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, October 23. 1S23. In August,
1847, he came to the United States and settled in St. Louis,
where he practised his profession as civil engineer until the war
broke out. In April, 18(51. he entered the service in the 2d Mis-
souri Infantry, serving during the Fremont campaign in Mis-
souri, and being present at the battle of Pea Eidge. With his
regiment he joined the army of General Halleck before Corinth,
and afterwards the Army of the Ohio under General Buell.
Soon after the battle of Perryville, in which he was actively
engaged, he was appointed Topographical Engineer on General
Sheridan's staff, and in that capacity participated in the battle
of Stone River.
Surgeon D. J. Griffith, Medical Director, was born in Lam-
peter, South Wales, in 1830, and emigrated to the United States
in 1841. Afterwards he began the study of medicine at Louis-
ville, Kentucky, and graduated there in 1853. In October,
1861, he entered the army as assistant surgeon of the 2d Ken-
tucky Cavalry. After serving some time in this capacity,
he was promoted to be surgeon of the 2d Kentucky Infantry,
and with that regiment was at Shiloh, where he, with a
number of other surgeons, received special mention for effi-
cient service from the general commanding. He was also at
Corinth, and in Buell's campaign. Two days before the battle
of Perryville he was appointed medical director to General
Sheridan, and in that position was actively engaged in that
contest, as he was also, later, at the battle of Stone River.
Captain Henry Hescock, Chief of Artillery, is a native of Vir-
ginia, and about thirty-five years of age. He entered the United
States service in 184(>, served in the regular army as a sergeant
during the Mexican War, was at Vera Cruz, Cerro Cordo, Hua-
mantla, and Puebla. and afterwards in Texas and New Mexico.
In January, lsijl, he was stationed at Jeft'erson Barracks, and
on the 17th of the same month was ordered, with a party of
CAPTAIN HENRY HESCOCK. 149
forty men of the 4th United States Artillery, to protect the
United States Sub-Treasury and Post-Office at St. Louis, to
prevent the seizure by rebel citizens of the funds deposited
there. In the latter part of January he was stationed at
the arsenal in St. Louis, and remained there until April 22,
assisting General Lyon and Colonel Blair in the organization
of the five regiments of volunteers enlisted in St. Louis. Hav-
ing been appointed adjutant of the 1st Missouri Infantry, he
participated in the actions of Booneville, Missouri, June 17,
Dug Springs. Missouri, August 3, and "Wilson's Creek, August
10, 1*01. and returned to St. Louis in September with his regi-
ment, which was then changed to a regiment of light artillery.
Resigning as adjutant and joining Battery A, he marched from
Jefferson Barracks, October 1*. and participated in the battle
of Frederickstown, Missouri, October 21. Ho was appointed
assistant adjutant-general on the staff of Brigadier-General
Schofield. November 21, in the Missouri State Militia, which posi-
tion he held until February 25, 1862, when he was made captain
of Battery G, 1st Missouri Light Artillery, and went with
General Pope s army to Xew Madrid, sharing actively in the
operations before that place until its evacuation, March 13. He
was afterwards with General Palmer's brigade at Eiddle's Point,
in charge of a heavy battery, until the capture of Island Xo.
10. Accompanying General Pope to Hamburg Landing with
his light- battery, he took part in all the operations before
Corinth, Mississippi, particularly the battle of Farmington,
May 9.
July 4, 1862. the battery was attached to Colonel Sheridan's
cavalry brigade. He left Mississippi, September 7, 1862, and
arrived in Cincinnati, September 12, thence going to Louisville,
whence he marched with General Sheridan's division, October
1, 1862, participating in the battle of Chaplin Hills, October 8.
He afterwards went to Tennessee with General Eoseerans, and
took part, with his battery, in the battle of Stone Eiver. He was
appointed chief of artillery on the staff of General Sheridan,
September 30, 1862. Captain Hescock has seen at least as
lOU ARMY OF THE CL.MJiMll.Am>.
much of active and dangerous service as '■ any other man" now
in the army.
Lieutenant Arad J. Douglass, Ordnance Officer, entered the
service, July 6, 1S4G, in the Mounted Rifles United States Army,
and served through the Mexican War as quartermaster sergeant.
After his return to the United States at the close of the war
he resided on his farm at Gambier, Knox county, Ohio, until
September 19, 1862. when he was commissioned as a first lieu-
tenant in the 71st Ohio Volunteers, and assigned for duty to
General Sheridan as ordnance officer. Lieutenant Douglass has
been in the following battles : — taking of Vera Cruz, Cerro
Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Key, Castle of Cha-
pultepee, and the City of Mexico, and, in the present war, of
Perryville and Stone Paver.
Lieutenant K. M. Denning, Aide-de-Camp, was born in Prince-
ton, Bureau county, Illinois, May 23, 1839. He entered the
service at Morris, Illinois, August 1, 1861, as second lieutenant
in the 36th Illinois Infantry, and served through Sigel's cam-
paign in Southwestern Missouri. Previous to the battle of
Pea Kidge, Arkansas, he was appointed aide-de-camp to Colonel
Greaut, commanding a brigade in Sigel's 1st Division. His
command at Covington, Kentucky, was attached to General
Sheridan's division. Lieutenant Denning acted as adjutant-
general of his brigade until October 8, the day of the battle
of Perryville, when he was appointed aide-de-camp to General
Sheridan. At Nashville, in November, 1862, he was promoted
first lieutenant, and actively participated in the battle of
Stone Kiver.
Lieutenant Frank H. Allen, Aide-de-Camp, was born in
Craft sbury, Orleans comity, Vermont, and went to Illinois in
185* He enlisted in the 22d Illinois Infantry at Alton, and
was mustered into service upon the formation of the regiment,
May 11, 1861. He was promoted to the second lieutenancy of
LIEUTENANT FRANK H. ALLEN. 151
Company B of the regiment on the 11th of February, 1862, and
on the 13th of June following was made first lieutenant of the
same company. In September, 1862, he was detailed as aide-de-
camp to Colonel Geo. W Roberts, commanding a brigade of the
Army of the Mississippi, and was appointed aide to General
Sheridan just before the battle of Stone River. Lieutenant
Allen has borne a part in the following battles and sieges : —
Belmont, oSTew Madrid, Island No. 10, Tiptonville, Farmington,
Corinth, and Stone River.
$Ti$n&m-6tnm\ Richard uol. Johnson and $b\ff,
Eichard W Johnson, Brigadier-G-eneral of Volunteers, and
Major of the 4th "United States Cavalry, was born in Livingston
count}*. Kentucky, February 7, 1827 He entered West Point
Academy July 1, 1844, graduating July 1, 1849, and was ap-
pointed brevet second lieutenant in the 6th Infantry. On the
10th of June, 1850, he was promoted to a second lieutenancy in
the 1st Infantry On the 30th of October in the same year,
he was married to Miss Eachel E. Steele, of Pennsylvania.
Soon afterwards he joined the 1st Infantry, in Texas, and
served with it until March 3, 1855, and for the last two years
was adjutant of the regiment. He was appointed by Jefferson
Davis, then Secretary of War, first lieutenant in the 2d (now
5th) United States Cavalry, commanded by Colonel A. S. Johnston,
— the rebel General Johnston who was killed at Shiloh. Colonel
Johnston appointed him regimental quartermaster on his staff,
in which position he continued until December 1, 1850, when be
was promoted to a captaincy. Eemaining with his regiment, he
served during several Indian campaigns, and up to the time of
the surrender of the United States forces by General Twiggs.
After that surrender he left the country with a portion of his
command, and arrived in S"ew York shortly after the bombard-
ment of Fort Sumter.
He now served as captain of cavalry under Generals Patterson
and Banks, until September, 1861, when he was ordered to Ken-
tucky as lieutenant-colonel of the 3d Kentucky Volunteer
Cavalry On the 11th of October he was appointed a brigadier-
general, and from October 15, 1861, to March 29, 1*02. com-
manded a brigade in General MeCook's division. About this
time he was taken ill and compelled to leave the field, thus being
152
A^5.©Xra.«S£^,
3FJ3SEII® <&EF 5TAFF-
; B.LIP1-'IK:0TI 3c C 0 . FHILAJJi
BRIGADIER-GENERAL RICHARD W. JOHNSON. 153
absent at the battle of Shiloh. On the 13th of April he rejoined
his command, and was present at the advance upon Corinth.
On the 28th of May he was sent to the front with his brigade,
and became engaged with a large force of the rebel infantry,
which he routed, having killed fifty-three and wounded seventy-
one of them. After the evacuation of Corinth he marched with
Buell's army through Northern Alabama to Battle Creek, Ten-
nessee, where he was detached from his brigade and placed in
command of eight hundred cavalry and sent in pursuit of the
rebel General Morgan, who was making a raid upon the Louis-
ville & Xashville Eailroad and had succeeded in cutting off com-
munication between Xashville and the Xorth. On the 22d of
August General Johnson vigorously attacked him near Gallatin,
Tennessee. Morgan's forces were largely superior in numbers,
and, Johnson being surrounded, and having lost about one
hundred killed and wounded, about one-half of his command —
himself among the number — were taken prisoners. He made a
desperate fight; and the enemy's loss is known to have been
very severe.
General Johnson was paroled and subsequently exchanged.
On the 10th of December, 1802. he was assigned to the com-
mand of the 2d Division of the right wing of the Army of the
Cumberland, and served with it through the battle of Stone
River. In that engagement two of his brigades were on the
extreme right, and one was guarding a train. The enemy falling
heavily upon our right, these brigades were forced back after a
sharp contest, leaving Edgerton's and part of Goodspeed's
batteries in the hands of the rebels. The reserve brigade also,
advancing from its bivouac near "VVilkerson's Pike towards the
right, made a gallant but ineffectual stand against the entire
rebel left. The heavy loss of the division and the punishment
it inflicted upon the enemy prove that it did good service,
though forced to give way before superior numbers. Xo blame is
attached to its leader for the reverse of that day. His courage,
gallantry, and skill are unquestioned, and the great loss of
154 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
life in his ranks upon the battle-field of Stone Eiver truly
attests the bravery of his men.
General Johnson's division is now known as the 2d Division
of the 20th Army Corps.
THE STAPF.
Captain Temple Clark, Assistant Adjutant- General, is a son
of the late Major Satterlee Clark, United States Army, and was
born in Utica, New York, October 23, 1826. When twelve years
of age, he emigrated to Wisconsin, and resided at Fort Winne-
bago until 1843. Eemoving to St. Louis in the spring of 1846, he
there joined the 2d Illinois Volunteers, under Colonel Bissell, and
participated with the army of General Wool in the long march
through Texas and Mexico and the severe battle of Buena
Vista, returning to Wisconsin in 1847. On the breaking out
of the rebellion, he was a lawyer, and had been in public life as
a Democrat. He immediately raised a company in Manitowoc
county, and in April, 1861, was assigned to the 5th Begiment of
Wisconsin Volunteers as senior captain. He served on the
Potomac in the army of General McClellan, was in the battle
of Lewinsville and several skirmishes, and accompanied that
army to the Peninsula. He left it early in April, 1862, to
accept the position of assistant adjutant-general upon the staff
of Brigadier-General Plummer, commanding a division under
General Pope. Joining General Plummer at Tiptonville, he
was with the Army of the Mississippi in the advance on Co-
rinth, taking part in the engagements of Farmington, May 9,
and of Corinth, May 28.
On the death of General Plummer, in August, 1862, Cap-
tain Clark was assigned by General Bosecrans to duty on his
staff as assistant adjutant-general. As such he was actively
engaged at the battles of Iuka and Corinth, and on the latter
CAPTAIN WILLIAM E. MCLELAND. 155
occasion received three wounds, one being a gunshot-wound
through the lungs and reported as mortal. For meritorious con-
duct at Iuka and Corinth he was especially mentioned in gene-
ral orders by the commanding general. January 3, 1803, he
joined the Army of the Cumberland, and was temporarily
assigned to duty with General Johnson as assistant adjutant-
general.
Captain Theodore C Bowles, Quartermaster, is a native of
Ohio, and a lawyer by profession, but at the opening of the
rebellion was engaged in commercial pursuits at the capital of
his native State. He entered the service in August, 1861, as
regimental quartermaster of the 15th Ohio Infantry, and in
October following was. at the request of General Johnson,
nominated by Colonel Thomas Swords, assistant quartermaster-
general, as assistant quartermaster, with the rank of captain, — ■
in which position he was confirmed by the Senate at its session
in the spring of 1862. Since October, 1801, he has been on duty
with General Johnson's command, and accompanied it in the
noted Buell campaign through Kentucky, Tennessee, Northern
Mississippi, and Alabama.
Captain William E. McLeland, Commissary of Subsistence,
was born in Clark county, Kentucky, September 21, 1814, but
was raised in Jefferson county, Indiana, as a farmer. At the
age of seventeen he entered a dry-goods store as clerk, and
was engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1858, when he was
elected sheriff of Jefferson county. This office he held until the
4th of July, 1861, when he entered the service. On the 26th of
August following, he was appointed by Governor Morton first
lieutenant and quartermaster of the 6th Eegiment Indiana
Volunteers, which office he filled until August 17, 1862, when
he was detailed as acting commissary of subsistence in the 4th
Brigade of the 2d Division of the Army of the Ohio, on the
staff of Brigadier-General Sill.
On the 19th of February, 1863, he was appointed and com-
150 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
missioned by the President as captain and commissary of sub-
sistence, and assigned to duty on the staff of General Johnson.
Since the army first entered Kentucky, on the 20th of September,
1861, he has accompanied it in all its movements, participating
in the battles of Shiloh and Stone Eiver.
Captain J. E. Bartlett, Division Inspector, was born in Seneca
county, Ohio, July 16, ls:](>. In 1853 he was admitted to the
bar, and continued the practice of the law at Fremont, Ohio,
until July, 1861, when he organized a company for the 49th
Ohio Eegiment and was chosen its captain. He was in com-
mand of his company during the second day's battle at Shiloh,
and was anions the first to enter Corinth after its evacuation
by the enemy. He also participated in the many marches and
skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged through .North-
ern Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. On the 15th of No-
vember, 1862, he was appointed assistant inspector-general of
the 2d Division, 20th Army Corps, and during the battle of
Stone Eiver acted as assistant adjutant-general upon the staff
of General Johnson, commanding the division.
Major Luther D. "Waterman, Medical Director, was born at
Wheeling, Virginia, November 21, 1S80. He was educated at
the High School in Zanesville, Ohio, and the Miami University
at Oxford, Ohio. In 1853 he obtained his degree as a doctor of
medicine from the Ohio Medical College, and for nearly three
years practised his profession at Cincinnati. During the next
two years he travelled in. the West. He subsequently resided at
Kokomo, Indiana, and on the 7th of September, 1S61, was ap-
pointed by Governor ^Morton surgeon of the 59th Indiana
Volunteers. He was present at. the battle of Shiloh and the
skirmishes at Eowlett's Station and Eidge Creek. For two
months he was stationed at the general field hospital before Co-
rinth, and was afterwards in charge of General Hospital No. 1,
at lluntsville, Alabama. Dr. Waterman organized, and for six
months had charge of, the Officers' Hospital at Nashville, and OD
LIEUTENANT JOHN J. KESSLER. 157
the 16th of March, 1863, was assigned to duty on the staff of
General Johnson as medical director of the 2d Division of the
20th Army Corps.
Captain Adolph G. Metzner, Engineer Officer, was born in
Grand Baden, Germany, August 16, 1834, and arrived in New
York December 7, 1856. August 24. 1861, he entered the service
at Indianapolis as second lieutenant of Company A. 32d Indiana
Volunteers, under the command of Colonel (now General) A\ lllich.
"With his regiment he has served through the entire campaign,
beginning with the skirmish at Munfordsville on the 17th of
December, 1801, and ending with the battle of Stone River. On
the 14th of February, 1863, he was promoted to the captaincy
of Company K, and on the 17th of March was detailed as topo-
graphical engineer of the 2d Division of the 20th Army Corps.
Lieutenant John J Kessler, AiJe-de-Camp and Provost-
Marshal, was born near Easton, Northampton county, Penn-
sylvania, in 1834. Entering the service at Fremont. Sandusky
county, Ohio, as first sergeant of Company F. 49th Ohio ATolun-
teers. he was promoted to the second lieutenancy, February 9,
1862. and on the 7th of April following to the first lieutenancy
At the battle of Stone River he was in command of his company,
and on the 15th of March, 1863, was detailed as provost-marshal
upon the staff of General Johnson.
Irigadkr-toeral Jefferson dj. $auis and £tafj[.
Jefferson C. Davis, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, and
Captain in the 1st Eegular Artillery, now commanding the
1st Division of the 20th Army Corps, was born in* Clarke county,
Indiana, March 2, 1828. His ancestors were notable men in
early days in the West. His father was born and raised in
Kentucky His mother was born in Indiana, and is now sixty-
two years of age, and is, probably, one of the oldest living
natives of that State. His grandfather, William Davis, was an
old Indian-fighter, who was an actor in numberless encounters
and battles, among the more important of which was that of
Eiver Raisin. On his mother's side, his grandfather James
Drummond was one of the earliest settlers of Kentucky, at the
Falls of the Ohio. Several of his uncles were also active in the
early settlement of that country, and participants in the battle
of Tippecanoe and other Indian fights.
In 1841, young Davis, who was an apt scholar, entered the
Clarke County Seminary, at that time one of the most prominent
in the State. Here he remained four years, obtaining what was
then esteemed in the West a liberal education, and was still
attending school there in 1845, when the Mexican War broke
out. The thrilling news from Palo Alto and Eesaca de la Palma
flushed thousands of hearts with excitement, and among them
that of young Davis, now seventeen years of age. Love of
study was succeeded by a new and more absorbing passion, a
thirst for the romance of camp and soldier life; and one morning
he threw down his books, and in the afternoon was the first en-
rolled member of a volunteer company, called "the Clarke
Guards," raised under the auspices of Captain T. W Gibson, a
West Pointer in earlier days, then a prominent lawyer of the
158
3a©I»a BAVIm
W\ I ■'■ ! I I """ f iy^sfif.
" . ■
BRIGADIER-GENERAL JEFFERSON C. DAVIS. 159
county, and now one of the most notable attorneys in Louisville,
Kentucky, or, indeed, in the West. The regiment of which it
was a part was under the command of the now noted James H.
Lane, of Kansas. The subject of our notice participated in the
battle of Buena Yista, and in the entire Mexican campaign,
without losing a day from sickness or other cause.
For gallant conduct in his regiment he was appointed second
lieutenant in the 1st Regiment of Regular Artillery, to rank
from June 17. 1848. Receiving his commission near the close
of the war, Lieutenant Davis reported at Cincinnati for recruit-
ing service, where he remained until October, obtaining in that
time many recruits. Peace having been declared, he was
ordered to join his company, which had just returned from
Mexico and was then at Baltimore. Among his messmates and
associates in the regiment were the present rebel generals
Magruder, (Stonewall) Jackson, Hill, Winder, and Slaughter,
and French, Brannan, Schofield, Baird, Vogdcs, Anderson,
Doubleday, and others now holding distinguished positions in
the Lnion service. Of the officers of this regiment alone,
twenty-one have become generals of mark and are now in active
service. From Baltimore he was ordered to Fort Washington,
on the Potomac, nine miles below Washington, where two years
were spent on post duty and in professional study, his researches
extending to every branch of military science. Much advantage
was here derived by the young lieutenant from constant asso-
ciation with officers of skill and experience, whose theoretical
knowledge had been tested and perfected by the trying scenes
of the Mexican War. Young and full of life, he mingled much
during these tAVO years in Washington society, where he ever
found a ready welcome. In the summer of 1850 his command
constituted a portion of the escort at the funeral of President
Taylor. In the fall of the same year it was ordered to JSTow
Orleans Barracks, then under the command of General Twiggs.
In the fall of 1851 he was ordered to the Rio Grande to enforce
the neutrality laws, and while there was engaged in several
expeditions. That section of country was in a greatly disturbed
160 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
*
state, in consequence of the presence of a band of scheming filli-
busters, the survivors of the Cuban expeditions under the ill-
fated Lopez. Swarming upon the Eio Grande, many attempts
were made by them to revolutionize the adjoining country; and
in some parts of Texas they succeeded to a certain extent. The
danger becoming somewhat threatening, President Fillmore-
issued a proclamation warning the participants to cease from
their illegal acts, and immediately entered upon prompt measures
to put an end to them. For this purpose troops were sent to
the Eio Grande, and among them, as we have seen, Lieutenant
Davis and his command. Lieutenant Davis himself captured
Colonel "Wheat, the most noted of their leaders, and the band
was eventually defeated and broken up by the Mexicans at
Camargo, the battle being witnessed by Lieutenant Davis and
his men from the Texas side of the river.
February 29, 1852, he was promoted first lieutenant, vice T. J
(Stonewall) Jackson, resigned. In the summer of the same
year he returned to New Orleans, and thence went to Pasca-
goula, where his ranks were fearfully decimated by the yellow
fever. In the succeeding autumn he was transferred to Florida,
and took a command on the Caloosahatchee Eiver, on the
west coast, where he made several reconnoissances against
the Indians and was engaged in a number of skirmishes with
them. In June, 1853, after five years' continued service, Lieu-
tenant Davis obtained his first furlough, and visited his home
in the West. Eejoining his command in the fall at Fortress
Monroe, he there spent two years at close study in the Artil-
lery School of Practice. Old Point Comfort was at that time
a favorite summer resort of the wealthy and fashionable; and
the monotony of garrison-life was enlivened to our lieutenant
by many pleasant hours passed in this agreeable society. In
the fall of 1855 he was ordered to join French's Light Bat-
tery at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, and during his two years'
sojourn at this place became proficient in light-artillery practice,
being accounted one of the most skilful officers in that branch of
the service.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL JEFFERSON C. DAVIS. 161
In the fall of 1857, having completed his detailed course of
practice, as was then required, he was ordered to a station on
Indian Biver, on the east coast of Florida, where he arrived in
ISTovember. The winter and spring were occupied with Indian
scouting expeditions, in which with his command he scoured
that whole country from the Everglades to the northern bound-
ary of the State, — a region some three hundred miles in extent.
In Hay, 1858, in accordance with the provisions of the treaty
then made, the Indians were removed to the "West, and in June
the troops were withdrawn from Florida and Lieutenant Davis
and his command ordered to Charleston- harbor. In August,
1858, he was placed in command of Fort Sumter with the first
garrison that occupied it. Here he had charge of a large num-
ber of native Africans, the cargo of a slaver captured by the
Dolphin, under command of Lieutenant Maifitt, now of the rebel
navy The people of Charleston, always ready to fan them-
selves into a blaze, were intensely excited, and threatened to
take the negroes from his custody by force. The aid of the law
was called in, and several writs of habeas corpus were served
upon him. But Lieutenant Davis was firm in refusing to give
them up ; and in this position he was sustained by one of their
most eminent judges, and by various editors in the State, who
assumed the ground that negroes were not citizens, and conse-
quently not entitled to the benefits of the habeas corpus act.
While the controversy was pending, the yellow and ship fevers
set in, raging with terrible fatality and carrying off large
numbers of both garrison and negroes. The surviving blacks
were sent to Liberia; and thus the difficulty was settled.
Lieutenant Davis remained nearly three years at Charleston,
devoting himself to artillery practice, and finally passing a bril-
liant examination in that branch of the service. In December,
1860, when South Carolina seceded, by exerting his personal influ-
ence he contributed much to avert immediate collision between
the citizens and the military. "When Major Anderson cut down the
flag-staff at Fort Moultrie, spiked the guns, burned the carriages,
and retired to Fort Sumter, Lieutenant Davis was by his side.
ll
162 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
During the four and a half months of the weary siege, he looked
out from the Avails of Sumter upon the line of batteries with
which the rebels were encircling that devoted fortress. On the
morning of April 12 he was on guard, and was upon the ram-
parts in the act of relieving the last sentry, when, at four o'clock,
the first shell of the rebellion came over from Fort Johnson and
exploded in the air forty feet above his head. It was still the
gray of early dawn when this messenger of war was hurled against
that small garrison, the sole representative there of that Govern-
ment against which South Carolina had arisen in opposition.
Unconnected with the saddening thoughts to which it gave rise,
the general describes it to his friends as a magnificent sight.
But there was little time then for melancholy reflection. The
contest was upon them ; and the little garrison of seventy-six
were pitted against as many hundreds. All know the story of
that memorable engagement, — how they fought long and well,
but at length, wellnigh roasted by the flames of their burning
quarters, were compelled to yield. During the bombardment,
Lieutenant Davis commanded one of the batteries on the north-
west face of the work, and directed his attention principally to
the famous floating battery, silencing most of its guns and
making it a complete wreck.
With Major Anderson and the garrison, Lieutenant Davis
proceeded to New York after the surrender, when he received
notification of his promotion to a captaincy, and found orders
detailing him as mustering officer for the State of Indiana, with
his head-quarters at Indianapolis. Here he remained several
months, engaged in mustering volunteers and discharging quar-
termaster and commissary duties. His labors were severe and
successful, the organization and equipment of many regiments
having been furthered by him. The battle of Wilson's Creek and
the death of Lyon now occurring, affairs in Missouri began to
look dark, and the necessity for speedy reinforcements under
competent commanders was proportionately increased. Captain
Davis, being desirous of active service in the field, was commis-
sioned colonel of a full regiment, the 22d Indiana, and ordered to
BRIGADIER-GENERAL JEFFERSON C. DAVIS. 163
Missouri to assist in the defence of St. Louis. Three days after
the receipt of the order, the regiment and its colonel were in St.
Louis, and reported to General Fremont. Eemaining there ten
days, Colonel Davis was ordered to relieve General Grant of the
command of all the forces between the Osage and Missouri
Rivers. This territory constituted a district, with head-quarters
at Jefferson City, and on the 28th of August Colonel Davis
assumed command. At that time Price and McCulloch were at
Springfield; and the new commander at once began to fortify
the place and to dispose his forces — about fifteen thousand
in number — with a view to its defence. He personally su-
perintended the construction of the works, and so strength-
ened Jefferson City that the enemy deemed it unadvisable to
make any attack upon what soon became known as one of the
best-fortified posts in the "West.
Leaving Jefferson City to the right, the rebels advanced
upon Lexington and captured it. Colonel Davis repaired the
Pacific Railroad, destroyed by the rebels, rebuilt the La Mine
bridge, burned by Price, and pushed his forces to Georgetown,
compelling Price to fall back from Lexington to Springfield,
want of transportation on the part of our troops alone prevent-
ing his capture. During this period Colonel Davis's troops were
actively engaged in scouring the country, and many small fights
occurred, together with some severe ones, such as the desperate
engagement at Booneville, which was successfully defended
against largely superior numbers by Major Eppstein, and the
fights at Lexington and at Arrow Rock.
Fremont now came up with his whole force, and took the
field in person, appointing Colonel Davis an acting brigadier-
general and assigning him to a brigade in General Pope's division.
The army advanced to Springfield, and Price and McCulloch
fell "back before it to Arkansas. Fremont was at this juncture
recalled ; Hunter succeeded to the command, and the Federal
forces fell back to the La Mine. General Pope was now assigned
to the command of all the forces in Central Missouri, and Colo-
nel Davis placed in charge of that district with about fifteen
164 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
thousand men under his command, whom he was instructed to
put into winter quarters. The month of November and a por-
tion of December were spent in building quarters, instituting
camps of instruction, &c. While thus engaged, Colonel Davis
was ordered to join his captain s command at Washington; but
through the influence of General Halleck, who wished him to
remain, this order was countermanded.
On the 15th of December, Colonel Davis, in command of a
brigade under General Pope, started upon the famous Blackwater
expedition. The Union force — cavalry, infantry, and artillery —
numbered about four thousand, and was divided into two bri-
gades, the first under Colonel Davis and the second under Colo-
nel (now Major-General) Steele, the whole commanded in person
by General Pope. The object of the movement was to get
between Price's army on the Osage and the recruits, escorts,
and supplies on their way south from the Missouri Eiver. On
the first evening the force encamped fifteen miles west of Se-
dalia. That the enemy might be deceived as to the destination
of the expedition, it was given out that Warsaw was the point
aimed at, and the troops pursued the road towards that place
several miles beyond Sedalia. On the 16th General Pope pushed
forward by a forced march twenty-six miles, and at sunset, with
his whole force, occupied a position between the direct road from
Warrensburg and Clinton and the road by Chilhowee, the latter
being the route usually taken by returning soldiers and recruits.
Shortly after sunset the advance captured the enemy's pickets
at Chilhowee, and learned that he was encamped in force (about
two thousand two hundred) six miles north of that town. After
resting a couple of hours, General Pope threw forward ten
companies of cavalry and a section of artillery, under Lieute-
nant-Colonel Brown (now Brigadier-General), of the 7th Mis-
souri Cavalry, in pursuit, and followed with his whole force,
posting the main body between Warrensburg and Eoso Hill, to
support the pursuing column. Lieutenant -Colonel Brown con-
tinued the pursuit all night of the 16th and all day and part of
the night of the 17th, his advance-guard occupying Johnstown in
BRIGADIER-GENERAL JEFFERSON C. DAVIS. 165
the course of the night. The enemy began to scatter as the
pursuit grew close, disappearing in the bushes and by-paths,
driving their wagons (common two-horse ones taken from farm-
houses) into farm-yards distant from the road, and throwing out
their loads. When the pursuing forces reached Johnstown, the
enemy, reduced to about five hundred, scattered completely, one
portion fleeing precipitately towards Butler, and the other
towards Papinsville.
The main body of Pope's command now moved slowly towards
"Warren sburg, awaiting the return of Colonel Brown, who pro-
ceeded from Johnstown to scour the country south of Grand
Biver to the neighborhood of Clinton. In these operations, six-
teen wagons, loaded with tents and supplies, and one hundred
and fifty prisoners, were captured, and the enemy's force
thoroughly dispersed. On the morning of the 18th, Lieutenant-
Colonel Brown rejoined the main body. Knowing that there
must still be a considerable force to the north, General Pope
on the 18th moved slowly forward towards Warrensburg, and
when near that town the scouts sent out before leaving
Sedalia reported that a large force was moving from Waverly
and Arrow Bock, and would encamp that night at the mouth
of Clear Creek, just south of Milford. General Pope thereupon
posted the main body of his command between Warrensburg
and Knob Xoster, to close all outlet to the south from those
two points, and despatched seven companies of cavalry, after-
wards reinforced by a company of regular cavalry and a section
of artillery, all under the command of Colonel Davis, to march
on the town of Milford, so as to turn the enemy's left and rear
and intercept his retreat to the northeast, at the same time
directing Major Marshall, with Merrill's regiment of horse, to
march from Warrensburg on Milford, turning the enemy's
right and rear and forming a junction with Colonel Davis.
The main body occupied a point four miles south, ready to
advance at a moment's notice, or to intercept the enemy's
retreat south.
Colonel Davis marched promptly and vigorously with the
166 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
forces under his command, and at a late hour in the afternoon
came upon the enemy encamped in the -wooded bottom-land on
the west side of the Black-water, opposite the mouth of Clear
Creek. His pickets were immediately driven in across the
stream, which was deep, miry, and impassable except by a long
narrow bridge, occupied by the enemy in force under Colonel
Magoffin. Colonel Davis brought forward his force and directed
the bridge to be carried by assault. Two companies of regular
cavalry, under Lieutenants Gordon and Amory, were designated
for the service, and were supported by five companies of the 1st
Iowa Cavalry. Lieutenant Gordon led the charge in person,
carried the bridge in gallant style, immediately formed his com-
pany on the opposite side, and was promptly followed by other
companies. The force of the enemy at the bridge retreated
precipitately over a narrow open space into the woods, where
his main body was posted. The two companies of the 4th
Cavalry advanced, and were received with a volley of small
arms. They continued to press onward, however; and the
enemy, finding his retreat to the south and west cut off, and
that he was in the presence of a large force and at best could
only prolong the contest a short time, surrendered at discretion.
The force thus captured consisted of parts of two regiments of
infantry, and three companies of cavalry, numbering in all
about nine hundred and fifty men, among whom were Colonels
Eobinson, Alexander, and Magoffin, Lieutenant-Colonel Bob-
inson, Major Harris, a somewhat noted Missouri politician,
and fifty-one commissioned company officers. About five hun-
dred horses and mules, seventy-three wagons heavily loaded with
powder, lead, tents, subsistence stores, and supplies of all kinds,
and one thousand stand of arms, fell into Colonel Davis's hands.
For his skilful management in this affair Colonel Davis was
highly complimented by General Pope, and recommended to the
special notice of General Halleck.
The prisoners and arms were at once sent to St. Louis, in
charge of Colonel Davis, and arrived there the day before
Christmas. Obtaining forty-eight hours' leave of absence, he
BRIGADIER-GENERAL JEFFERSON C. DAVIS. 167
made a flying trip to Indianapolis, was there married, returned
with his wife upon a bridal tour to his camp, and rejoined his
command at Otterville. Here he was ordered to join General
Curtis's column moving from Eolla preparatory to an advance
upon -Springfield. The march overland to that place was a
desperate undertaking, — indeed, was pronounced impossible by
many military men ; but General Halleck persisted in his order,
saying that Colonel Davis's skill and energy would carry him
safely through. Accordingly, it set out. Tents were left be-
hind, and only such things carried as were indispensable. The
Osage was very high, and was crossed on rafts in the midst
of a heavy snow-storm. Three days and nights were occupied
in the passage; and, as they ferried themselves over on the frail
structures, many a soldier was probably reminded of the crossing
of the Delaware by Washington, — more famous, but not more
perilous.
In ten days from the time of starting he made a junction
with Curtis at Lebanon, and his command became a part of the
Army of the Southwest. As Curtis advanced, Price retreated,
only stopping long enough to engage in a small skirmish with
the Federal advance, commanded by Colonel Davis. At the
Missouri line and at Cross Timbers, Arkansas, Price again made a
stand, but was forced to continue his retreat. Colonel Davis
now took command of all the cavalry, about eighteen hundred
in number, and, on the exact line of thirty-six thirty, made a
dashing charge on the enemy's rear brigade and a battery,
driving them in confusion.
The army remained at Camp Halleck until Price, reinforced
by McCulloch and Yan Dorn, came back and gave battle at Pea
Eidge. In that three-days engagement Colonel Davis's division
fought, on the 7th of March, the battle of Leetown, one of the
most sanguinary and decisive contests of the war. This division,
numbering about three thousand, was opposed to McCulloch's
command, reported at twelve thousand; and the latter were
utterly routed, with the loss of Generals McCulloch and Mcin-
tosh killed and General Herbert taken prisoner. McCulloch
1HS ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
was attacked in his own position; and the struggle was short
and desperate, being decided in little more than thirty minutes.
The next day Colonel Davis, with his whole division, stormed
and carried the heights of Elkhorn, capturing five cannon and
deciding the battle against the rebels.
After the battle of Pea Ridge, General Curtis began his memor-
able march through Arkansas, and Colonel Davis accompanied
him as far as Sulphur Rock, where he received orders from Gene-
ral Ilalleck to take his command to Cape Girardeau and thence
proceed by river to join the army in front of Corinth. Starting
on the 10th of May, with two brigades, after an exhausting march
of two hundred and forty miles through a rough and sparsely-
settled country, he reached Cape Girardeau on the 20th, thus
averaging twenty-four miles of travel each day. Upon this
march he received by a courier his commission as a brigadier-
general, dating from the day of the Blackwater fight. Embark-
ing on steamers, he reached Pittsburg Landing on the 24th, and
marched at once to Corinth. There he was assigned to the left
of Pope's command ; and when the evacuation of Corinth took
place he accompanied Generals Pope and Eoseerans in their
pursuit of Beauregard. The pursuit over, the army fell back to
Clear Creek, General Pope was ordered to Virginia, and General
Eoseerans assumed command. By him General Davis was
ordered to Jacinto, and remained there until about the 1st of
July, when he was ordered to make a reconnoissance to Ripley,
Mississippi. On this expedition he advanced to within a few
miles of Holly Springs, when he was directed to return by
forced marches to his original camp at Jacinto. This he did,
remaining there until August, when ill health compelled him
to retire from his command, and, with a twenty-days leave of
absence, he visited his home in Indiana.
Soon afterwards Bragg advanced into Kentucky, and General
Buell started in pursuit of him. The threatening state of affairs
induced General Davis— still in ill health— to offer his services to
General Wright to assist in the defence of Louisville. H-is
division, which had been placed in charge of General Mitchel
BRIGADIER-GENERAL JEFFERSON C. DAVIS. 169
and attached to Buell's army, had arrived at Louisville, and he
again assumed its command. While in the city, an unfortunate
personal difficulty occurred between himself and Major-General
Xelson, which resulted in the death of the latter and led to the
arrest of General Davis. After a few days' arrest, he was released,
much to the gratification of the public, and ordered to report at
Cincinnati for duty, where he was assigned to the temporary
command of the forces around Newport and Covington. After
the subsidence of the fear of an attack on Cincinnati, he Avas
ordered to take command of his old division, and did so at
Edgefield, opposite Xashville. At the battle of Stone Diver this
division was in the thickest of the fight, holding the centre of
the right wing. After the attack upon General Johnson's
division, the enemy fell upon it with crushing weight, and it too
was forced back, but in comparatively good order. Its com-
mander was faithful and brave as ever upon that memorable
occasion ; and that his efforts were appreciated is evident from the
fact that in the official report the commanding general places
him second on the list of those whom he recommends to be made
major-generals, or, as he terms it, who " ought to be made
major-generals in our service."
General Davis still commands his old division, which has
marched more than five thousand miles and participated in ten
battles and fights. As a ichole, it has been engaged in five
general battles — viz., Pea Eidge, Corinth, Perryville, Knob Gap,
and Stone River — and in almost numberless expeditions and
reconnoissances. It was the first organized division in the
"West, and still retains its original number and position. Its
record and the histories of its commanding officers would fill
a volume, and would constitute a history that would well com-
pare in thrilling interest with any written upon the wars of
continental Europe during the Middle Ages.
This old division, now the 1st of the 20th Army Corps, Army
of the Cumberland, stands among the foremost in efficiency and
popularity. Many of its gallant men sleep in heroes' graves,
and its history is written in the blood of a wicked rebellion.
170 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
All honor to the loved and the lost from its ranks, and a
country's gratitude to those who remain and are as determined
as ever to maintain inviolate the integrity of the republic of
the American fathers !
THE STAFF.
Captain T. W Morrison, Assistant Adjutant-General, was born
in Bloomington and raised in Salem, Indiana, and is twenty-one
years of age. His father, Hon. John J. Morrison, is a prominent
citizen of Indiana, noted for his literary attainments, having for
twenty-five years been Principal of the High School at Salem
and the State University at Bloomington. In political life he is
also known, having represented his county in both branches of
the State Legislature.
The subject of this sketch enlisted, July 26, 1861, as second
lieutenant in the 18th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and served
during the campaign in Missouri, bearing a conspicuous part in
the battle of Pea Eidge. On the 8th of February, 1862, he was
appointed aide-de-camp by General Davis. Accompanying the
general to Corinth, he acted in that capacity there and through
the campaigns in Northern Mississippi, Kentucky, and' Ten-
nessee, ending with the battle of Stone Eiver. For gallant con-
duct in this engagement, upon the recommendation of Generals
Davis and McCook, expressed in the most favorable and com-
plimentary terms, he was commissioned by the President as
assistant adjutant-general, February 27, 1863, and assigned to
the staff of General Davis, Avith whose command he has been
intimately connected for nearly two years.
Captain Asa D. Baker, Commissary, was born, January 18,
1828, in Waterloo, New York, where he received a business edu-
cation. In 1859 he went to California, worked in the mines sis
CAPTAIN HAMILTON W. HALL. 171
months, and. then engaged in mercantile business at Sacramento
City. In 1851 he returned to his native home, where he re-
mained until 1855, when he removed to Chicago, Illinois, and
opened a railroad-furnishing goods and machinery depot. He
was the first to introduce steam fire-engines into the city of
Chicago, and sold the first five steamers used by that city. At
the breaking out of the rebellion, he closed up his business and
entered the service of the United States. He was one of the
prime movers in the organization of the 37th Regiment Illinois
Volunteers, and was with that regiment in its marches through
Missouri under General Fremont.
In December, 1861, he was appointed by General Julius White
(commanding the 2d Brigade of General Davis's division) act-
ing assistant commissary of subsistence, and was with the
brigade during their march across the Osage Mountains and
into Arkansas. At the battle of Pea Eidge he acted as aide-de-
camp to General "White, and rendered gallant and important
service. Having by his close attention to business qualified
himself, he was recommended, immediately after the battle of
Pea Eidge, by General Davis, General "White, and others, for the
appointment of commissary of subsistence, and was commissioned
by the President November 18, 1802, and ordered to report to
General Davis for duty, which he did on the 18th of January,
1S63, at Murfreesborough, Tennessee.
Captain* Hamilton "W Hall, Division Inspector, was born
July 17, 1837. At the age of sixteen he settled in the town of
Urbana, Illinois, where, and at Mattoon, he spent several years
in business pursuits. In April, 1861, he joined a company for
military drill and discipline, and was made second lieutenant.
During the summer of 1861, this company was offered to the
Government through the Governor of Illinois, but, owing to the
fact that a surplus had already been offered, was not accepted.
About the 1st of August Lieutenant Hall and many others of
the company determined to make another effort to get into the
service; and, accordingly, he enlisted in a company raised by
172 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Captain A. J,. Taylor, in Charleston. Illinois, and upon its organi-
zation on the 14th of August was chosen second lieutenant.
The company was mustered into the United States service at
St. Louis Arsenal, 16th of August, as Company II, 9th Regiment
Missouri Volunteers.
This regiment was composed entirely of Illinois companies
who had been led to enter into an organization out of their State
by the difficulty of acceptance at that time in Illinois regiments.
Captain J. C. Kelton, assistant .adjutant-general, became colo-
nel, and with him the regiment entered the service at the time
of Fremont's campaign, accompanying the division of General
John Pope. Eeturning in November, the regiment spent the
winter of 1861 and 1862 in tents or upon the march, at La Mine
Eiver, Syracuse, and Sedalia, Missouri, until January 25, when,
under command of General J. C. Davis, the division marched to
join General Curtis's expedition, well known in the history of the
war as the " Campaign of the Southwest." Meantime the regi-
ment had memorialized the President and secured a transfer to
its own State, becoming the 59th Illinois.
After the battle of Pea Eidge, the expedition moved eastward,
occupying the country south and east as far as Batcsville, Ar-
kansas. Up to that time (May, 1862) the regiment had marched
over two thousand miles through a wilderness country, Lieu-
tenant Hall having been with his company upon every foot of
the march, in every bivouac, skirmish, or battle. Since then
he has been assigned to duty as assistant regimental quarter-
master, assistant adjutant, and assistant commissary sergeant
of his brigade, occupying the latter position during the cam-
paign of the Army of the Ohio in Kentucky, and until Janu-
ary 6, 1803, wdien he was appointed assistant commissary ser-
geant of 1st Division, 14th Army Corps. At the time of the
advance from Nashville he volunteered to act as aide-de-camp
to Colonel P. Sidney Post, commanding his brigade of General
Davis's division. In this capacity he was employed during the
engagement which resulted in the occupation of JSTolensville on
the 26th of December, and in the skirmishes of the advance upon
LIEUTENANT FRANCIS E. REYNOLDS. 173
the enemy's position on the 30th, and the engagement of the
31st at Stone Hirer.
T/pon the- 16th of January, 1863, at the request of Company
F, 59th Illinois, Lieutenant Hall was commissioned as their cap-
tain; and upon the same day he was assigned to duty as In-
spector of the 1st Division, 20th Army Corps, on the staff of
General Davis.
Captain Thomas H. Daily, Aide-dc-Camp, was born in
Charlestown, Clarke county, Indiana, December 4, 1842. He
enlisted in the 22d Indiana Volunteers on the 6th of July, 1861,
was promoted second lieutenant on the 12th of June, 1862, first
lieutenant on the 21st of Xovember, 1862, and captain on the
23d of February, 1863.
Lieutenant Francis E. Eeynolds, Aide-de-Camp, was born in
Elmira, Chemung county, Xew York, May 12, 1836. His family
removing to Aurora, Kane county, Illinois, May, 1844, he re-
ceived his education at that place, and was engaged as clerk in
the post-office for nearly five years previous to the outbreak of
the rebellion. He enlisted as private, August 2, 1801, in Com-
pany A, cavalry, attached to the 36th Eegiment Illinois Infantry,
and was promoted, April 1, 18G2, as first lieutenant of Company
B, cavalry, attached to the same regiment, for meritorious con-
duct at the battle of Pea Eidge, Arkansas. For about four
months he had command of the company, during which time
it acted as escort for Generals Eosecrans, Gordon Granger,
Jefferson C. Davis, and Eobcrt B. Mitchell. On the 6th of Janu-
ary, 1863, he was appointed aide-de-camp on General Jefferson
C. Davis's staff, for meritorious conduct during the battle of
Stone River.
iwjaitkr-tamtt loraiio jJ. Dim (TIccc and £taff.
Horatio P Tan Cleve, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, was
born in Princeton, New Jersey, November, 1809. In 1827
he entered the Military Academy at West Point, graduated in
1831, and served in the 5th United States Infantry till 1836,
when ho resigned his commission and retired to civil life. At
the commencement of the rebellion he tendered his services to
his country; and, being at that time a resident of Minnesota,
the Governor of that State, on the 22d of July, 1861, gave him the
command of the 2d Kegiment of Minnesota Volunteers. He re-
ported for duty with his regiment to General Sherman, at Louis-
ville, and in December was assigned to the command of General
Thomas, then at Lebanon, Kentucky. He commanded the 2d
Minnesota at the battle of Mill Spring, on the 19th of January,
1862. After this battle he marched his regiment to Louisville,
and accompanied General Thomas, by way of Nashville, to Pitts-
burg Landing. Having been promoted brigadier-general by the
President on the 21st of March, 1862, on his arrival at Pittsburg
Landing, General Bucll gave him the command of a brigade in
the division of General T. L. Crittenden, whom he accompanied
in the campaign before Corinth, through Northern Alabama, at
Battle Creek, and from Battle Creek, by way of Nashville, to
Louisville. At Louisville, on the 1st of October, 1862, he took
command of the entire division, General Crittenden having
been assigned to the command of a corps. He joined in the
pursuit of Bragg's army as far as Wild Cat, Kentucky, at which
point he turned and marched his division, by way of Somerset
and Columbia, Kentucky, to Nashville. In the latter part of
December ho marched with General Kosecrans's army to attack
Bragg at Murfrcesborough, and was engaged, with his division, at
174
^Eini.w^ ©i^
Ik-
LA*ARttS ^"J
&FFB3ER3 ©F5TAFF-
: jj ITPPIITCOTT & CO.PJEJILA
CAPTAIN E. A. OTIS. 175
the battle of Stone Eiver on the 31st. Having been disabled by
a wound on this day, he was compelled to leave the field on the
1st of January, 1863. Upon his recovery he returned to the
army and resumed the command of his division.
In the battles of Mill Spring and Stone Eiver General Yan
Cleve rendered distinguished service, and won favorable mention
from his commanding generals for his soldierly management.
By his men he is beloved and esteemed for his gentle, kindly
manners and the warm interest he manifests in their affairs. The
oldest in years of any general in the Army of the Cumberland,
he brings to the discharge -of his duties, with his experience, the
same ardor, energy, and patriotism that characterize his
younger compeers. Courteous and affable in his manners,
plain and simple in his life, and almost patriarchal in appear-
ance, he presents a bright example of that patriotism which
yields to the call of duty all that tends to make life comfortable
and happy in its declining years.
THE STAFF.
Captain E. A. Otis, Assistant Adjutant-General, was born in
Calhoun county, Michigan, on the 2d of August, 1835. He
commenced the study of law in the summer of 1856 at Kala-
mazoo, Michigan, graduated at the Poughkeepsie law-school in
August, 1857, and immediately removed to St. Paul, Minnesota,
where he commenced the practice of his profession in partner-
ship with his brother, George L. Otis. He was commissioned
as a lieutenant in the 2d Eegiment of Minnesota Volunteers on
the 19th of August, 1861, and since that time has been constantly
in active service.
Upon the arrival of his regiment in Kentucky in the fall of
1861, he was appointed an aide-de-camp on the staff of Briga-
dier-General Johnson, then commanding a brigade in General
McCook's division. He remained with General Johnson during
176 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
the winter of 1861-62, marched with the command to Nash-
ville and Pittsburg Landing, participated in the memorable
battle of Shiloh, and was honorably mentioned by his superior
officers for gallantry and good conduct. After the battle he
was promoted to the position of assistant adjutant-general, with
the rank of captain, on the staff of Brigadier-General Van Cleve.
He shared in all the prominent movements of the army of
the Ohio in the summer and fall of 1862, marched through Ten-
nessee and Kentucky, and was with his command in the advance
from Nashville in December. He was engaged in the battle of
Stone Eiver, where he again received honorable mention from
his division-general for bravery and good conduct. Captain
Otis is now assigned as assistant adjutant-general to the 3d
Division, 21st Army Corps, commanded by Brigadier-General
Yan Cleve.
Captain Carter B. Harrison, Division Inspector, was born
at North Bend, Ohio, September 26, 1840. At the outbreak of
the war he was a student at Miami University. He entered
the service of the United States on the 18th of April, 1861, as a
private in a company of students raised at the university, and
served with his company in "Western Virginia until the ex-
piration of the three-months enlistment. On the 12th of Oc-
tober, 1861, he was appointed adjutant of the 31st Begiment
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which capacity he served until the
20th of November, 1862, when he was appointed brigade in-
spector on the staff of Colonel Stanley Matthews, commanding
the 3d Brigade of the 3d Division of the 21st Army Corps. He
was present at the battle of Stone Biver, after which he was
promoted to a captaincy in his regiment. On the 1st of April,
1863, he was appointed acting assistant inspector-general on the
staff of General Van Cleve, commanding the 3d Division of the
21st Army Corps.
Lieutenant Henry M. Williams, Aide-de-Camp, was born in
Fort Wayne, Indiana, January 24, 1843. In January, 1862, he left
LIEUTENANT EDWARD S. SINKS. 177
the College of Xew Jersey, at Princeton, and entered the army
as second lieutenant in the 11th Indiana Battery October 7,
1862, he was appointed aide-de-camp to Brigadier-General Van
Cleve, and served in that capacity during the battle of Stone
Eiver.
Captain Lucius H. Drury, Chief of Artillery, was born at
Highgate, Vermont, December 20, 1S25. At the commencement
of the rebellion he was a resident of Wisconsin, and on the 9th
of September, 1861. received a commission as captain of the
3d Battery, "Wisconsin Volunteer Artilleiy. Since October 1,
1862, he has acted as chief of artillery in General Van Cleve's
division.
Major Samuel D. Turney. Medical Director, was born in
Columbus, Ohio, December 26, 1826. and entered the service, as
surgeon of the 13th Ohio Infantry, May 2, 1801. March 21,
1863, he was appointed Surgeon of Volunteers, "United States
Army, and is now medical director upon the staff of General
Van Cleve.
Captain Charles A. Siieafe, Provost-Marshal, was born in
Somerset county, Maine, September 7, 1 832. At the beginning of
the war he was engaged in the practice of law at Hillsborough,
Ohio. Desiring to aid in the suppression of the rebellion, he
was commissioned by the Governor of Ohio as a captain in the
59th Eegiment of that State, and entered the service January
26, ls62. Following the fortunes of his regiment, he partici-
pated in the battles of Shiloh and Stone Eiver, besides numerous
skirmishes of lesser note.
Lieutenant Edward S. Sinks, Acting Assistant Quartermaster,
was born in Bethel, Clermont county, Ohio, January 7, 1836.
He entered the United States service in the 22d Eegiment
Ohio Volunteers, April 23, 1861. September 27, 1862, he was
12
178 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
appointed second lieutenant in the 59th Ohio Volunteers, and
was promoted to first lieutenant and regimental quartermaster,
August 1, 1862. In this position he continued until March 9,
1863, when he was detailed as acting assistant quartermaster
upon the staff of General Van Cleve.
Lieutenant Edward Knoble, Aide-de-Camp, was born in
Memphis, Tennessee, December 7, 1843. He entered the ser-
vice of the United States, from Kentucky, September 20, 1861,
as second lieutenant in the 21st Eegiment Kentucky Volunteer
Infantry. October 20, 1862, he was commissioned as first lieu-
tenant by the Governor of Kentucky, and received the appoint-
ment of acting aide-de-camp on the staff of Colonel Stanley
Matthews, and as such was present at the battle of Stone Eiver.
After this he was appointed acting assistant inspector-general
of the 3d Brigade, and very soon afterwards received the appoint-
ment of aide-de-camp on the staff of General Van Cleve.
Lieutenant H. H. Sheets, Ordnance Officer, was born at
Indianapolis, Indiana, on the 9th of August, 1840. He en-
listed in the service of the United States on the 8th of
August, 1862, was commissioned as first lieutenant in the 79th
Eegiment Indiana Volunteers on the 21st of August, 1862,
and was appointed aide-de-camp on Colonel Samuel Beatty's
staff, 1st Brigade, 3d Division, 21st Army Corps, on the 22d
of October, 1862, in which capacity he served up to and
through the battle of Stone Eiver, when he was appointed
ordnance officer on General H. P Van Cleve's staff.
Lieutenant T. Forrest Murdoch, Aide-de-Camp, was born in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of April, 1841. He
enlisted as a private in the " Petite Zouave Guard" on the 18th
of April, 1861. At the expiration of the three-months ser-
vice he was commissioned by the Governor of Ohio as second
lieutenant in the 13th Eegiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
LIEUTENANT T. FORREST MURDOCH. 179
served with his command through the campaigns in Western
Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. After the battle of Shiloh
he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and on the 6th of
October, 1862, was detailed as aide-de-camp on the staff of
General Van Cleve, and in that capacity took part in the
battle of Stone Eiver
Incjiufar^mral James £t. ((lair gjtorfott and £taff,
aiut fk Jionwit brigade.
Our country is remarkable for the early development of her
people; and this feature is "well exemplified in the Army of the
Cumberland. A large proportion of our generals, of our subordi-
nates in command, of our men of responsible position, and of our
gallant rank and file, are young men, the flower of the Great
West. The North and the East have also given to us many of
their valorous sons. A marked character among the latter is the
subject of this sketch.
James St. Clair Morton was born in the year 1829, in the city
of Philadelphia. His father, Dr. Samuel George Morton, well
known to science in Europe and in our own country as a natu-
ralist and ethnologist, was the author of " Crania Americana,"
and other noted works upon that and kindred subjects. General
Morton was educated at the United States Military Academy at
West Point, and graduated, in 1851, second in a class numbering
forty-two members. His first military duty was performed at
Charleston, South Carolina, in 1851-52, as assistant engineer, in
the completion of Fort Sumter and a variety of harbor improve-
ments. He was next employed as engineer in the construction
of Fort Delaware and of other river and harbor improvements
in Delaware River and Bay. Subsequently he was made as-
sistant professor of engineering at West Point, which position
he filled for a period of two years, when he was appointed by
the Treasury Department engineer and superintendent of the Xew
York light-house district. Upon the completion of the neces-
sary work of that district, he was selected by the Department
of the Interior as chief engineer of the Potomac Water-Works,
180
.J. Liri'INCOTT & CO PKTT.A'D-
BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES ST. CLAIR MORTON. 181
and charged with, the duty of superintending the finished por-
tion of the Washington Aqueduct.
In I860, in pursuance of an act of Congress, General Morton
was selected by the Navy Department to make an exploration
of the Chiriqui country, Central America, to test the practica-
bility of an inter-oceanic railroad-route across the Isthmus at a
point midway between the present Panama and Nicaragua
routes. With a party of eight white persons as assistants, and
a squad of Indians hired as laborers, the expedition set out upon
its romantic though perilous journey, in the midst of the rainy
season. The country had never been explored by whites, and
presented to the small band a continuity of matted jungle, dense
forest, rapid rivers, and steep precipices. The journey was suc-
cessfully accomplished, and an available railroad-route found.
The expedition crossed mountains eight thousand feet in height,
— the loftiest peaks of which commanded a view of either ocean,
— and traversed swamps of vast extent, through one of which
they were eight days in cutting their way. For days they
subsisted solely upon cocoanuts ; and monkeys, huge alligators,
boa-constrictors, and the myriads of tropical insect and animal
life, were their constant attendants and visitors. The sun
poured its rays upon them vertically, and each person lite-
rally dwelt in his own shadow The several months thus occu-
pied by General Morton and his associates constitute an epoch
in their lives never to be forgotten. A recital of those scenes
now sounds more like romance than reality.
When General Morton returned to Washington, he was placed
in charge of the entire work of the Washington Aqueduct. In
March, 1861, he was sent to the Gulf of Mexico, for the purpose
of putting the fortifications of the Dry Tortugas in a state of
complete defence. These works are built upon a coral reef or
island which rises about two feet above the surface of the Gulf of
Mexico. The fort is planned to mount over four hundred guns,
and is considered the strongest on the continent and the key to
the Gulf.
1*2 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Having been prostrated by a return of Cbagres fever, General
Morton was compelled to return North to recruit his health.
Upon hi« recovery, in May, 18(32, he reported for duty to Major-
General Halleek, and was assigned as chief engineer to the Army
of the Ohio, under General Buell. In that capacity he made
the campaign of 18(32, being busily engaged in superintending
the building of bridges, stockades, and other defences upon
railroads and pikes between Nashville and Huntsville.
Upon the march of General Buell' s troops to Kentucky, Cap-
tain Morton was ordered to remain at Nashville and superintend
the erection of fortifications in conjunction with Generals Negley
and Palmer, it having been represented by him and others to
General Buell that with proper fortifications the place could
be successfully held. He pushed forward their construction
most vigorously, employing the soldiery, and "pressing" the
negroes of Nashville and vicinity, and teams of all kinds,
without stint or scruple. The colored population of that city
have probably not yet forgotten the suddenness with which
his men gathered them in from barber-shops, kitchens, and even
churches, and set them at work upon St. Cloud Hill, where was
then a combination of rock and forest, but where now rise the
frowning battlements of Fort Negley, commanding the entire
city and surrounding country. The erection of this and other
works unquestionably contributed greatly to the safety of the
city, the rebel army not venturing an attack.
Upon assuming command of the Army of the Cumberland,
General Kosecrans organized the Pioneer Brigade, as related
elsewhere in this chapter, and placed General Morton in com-
mand. From that time until the present writing his labors
have been constant and arduous, — at times dangerous. At the
battle of Stone Eiver he acted a conspicuous and gallant part,
proving himself equally the brave soldier and the skilful engi-
neer. The following special mention of the action of the Pioneers
and their commander upon that occasion is copied from General
Eosecrans's official report : —
BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES ST. CLAIR MORTON. 183
"Among the lesser commands which deserve special mention for distin-
guished service in the battle is the Pioneer Corps, a body of seventeen hun-
dred (1700) men, composed of details from the companies of each infantry-
regiment, organized and instructed by Captain James St. Clair Morton, Corps
of Engineers, Chief Engineer of this army, which marched as an infantry
brigade -with the left wing, making bridges at Stewart's Creek, prepared and
guarded the fort at Stone River on the nights of the 29th and 30th, supported
Stokes's battery, and fought with valor and determination on the 31st, holding
its position until relieved ; on the morning of the 2d advancing with the
greatest promptitude and gallantry to support Van Cleve's division against
the attack on our left ; on the evening of the same day, constructing a bridge
and batteries between that time and Saturday evening. The efficiency and
esprit de corps suddenly developed in this command, its gallant behavior in
action, the eminent service it is continually rendering the army, entitle both
officers and men to special public notice and thanks, while they reflect the
highest credit on the distinguished ability and capacity of Captain Morton,
who will do honor to his promotion to brigadier-general, which the Presi-
dent has promised him."
The promise of the President was faithfullj- redeemed, and
Morton was nominated and confirmed brigadier-general, much
to the satisfaction of his many friends and acquaintances. Since
the battle of Stone Kiver the Pioneers have been " the" observed
of all observers." General Morton planned the bridges and
fortifications of Murfreesborough, which have been constructed
with hardly a dollar of cost to the Government beyond the usual
army expenses. The town is defended, as a base, and the work
has given confidence to our army, and assured the secessionists
of that region that we have gone there to stay, and intend to
hold old Tennessee to the Union with triple hooks and bands of
steel.
The principal characteristic of General Morton is his indomi-
table energy, coupled with extensive information and practical
experience. He is out among his men early and late. If any
special duty calls, he is always at hand. He does not say, " Go,"
but, "Come." This was recently exemplified at Stone Eiver.
where his new railroad-bridge was in danger of being swept
away during a sudden freshet by the accumulation of drift-wood
against the piers. Not satisfied with the progress of the work,
he rushed into the water waist-deep, adjusted ropes to the
184 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
logs and trees, and gave the command to " heave away." He
is the author of several pamphlets treating of military subjects,
most of which have been published by the War Department
in its official reports, and also of a new theory respecting fortifi-
cations, which has occasioned considerable debate in military
circles.
As we have already remarked, one of the most noticeable
traits of the people of our country is their early development ;
and Brigadier-General Morton, with many other young generals
and high officials in the Army of the Cumberland, may be cited
as apt illustrations of the fact. The honors of such young
men are true and lasting, — having been won through dangers,
toils, and privations ; and their grateful countrymen will freely
acknowledge that they were well deserved.
THE STAFF.
Lieutenant Cornelius Y Lamberson, Assistant Adjutant-
General, was born in New York City, and is now twenty-six
years of age. Previous to the war he was in business at
Chicago, Illinois, where his family still reside. He entered the
service April 17, 1861, and was with the first company that
occupied Cairo, as first lieutenant in the 19th Illinois Infantry.
He was in the Missouri campaign, and in General O. M. Mitchel's
campaign through Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama, also in
the skirmishes of Tuscumbia and Leighton, Alabama, and Rey-
nolds's Station, Tennessee, and participated in the battle of Stone
River.
Lieutenant Abram Pelham, Quartermaster, is a native of
Delaware county, New York, and is now thirty years of age.
His residence is Tecumseh, Michigan. He entered the service
November 7, 1861. "With his regiment he served under General
LIEUTENANT JOHN B. REEVE. 185
Buell in Kentucky and Tennessee, most of the time acting as
quartermaster. He was with the army at Nashville when Gene-
ral Eosecrans assumed command, and was afterwards in the
battle of Stone Eiver. His rank and position is that of first
lieutenant in the 13th Michigan Volunteers.
Lieutenant Eilbern "W Mansfield, Commissary of Subsist-
ence, is a native of Stanbridge, Canada East, and is twenty-sis
years old. His residence is in Otsego, Michigan, where before
the rebellion he was a law-student. October 24, 1861, he enlisted
in the 13th Michigan Volunteers as a private. He served through
Buell's campaigns, and was in the battles of Shiloh, Stevenson,
Alabama, and Stone Eiver.
Lieutenant Thomas J. Kirkman, Inspector, was born in
Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1837, and at the time of the outbreak
of the rebellion was an attorney-at-law in his native town. May
7, 1861, he entered the service in the 21st Illinois Infantry, and
served in Missouri and Arkansas under General Curtis, with
General Eosecrans in Northern Mississippi, and with General
Buell in the fall of 1862. He has been in the following skir-
mishes and battles : — Mount Washington, Fredericktown, Perry-
ville, and Stone Eiver.
Lieutenant John B. Eeeve, Aide-de-Camp, is a native of Bush
county, Indiana, twenty-eight years of age, and enlisted in the
37th Indiana Eegiment on the 10th of September, 1861. He
served under General Mitchel in Kentucky, Tennessee, and
Alabama, and was present at the cannonading of Chattanooga
by General Negley in June, 1862. During the investment of
Nashville by the rebels in October, 1862, he was on duty with
the garrison, and in the battle of Stone Eiver took an active
and gallant part. He is a farmer by profession.
Prancis Pearsall, Assistant Engineer and Volunteer Aide-de-
Camp, is a native of Pennsylvania, and resides in Philadelphia.
ISO ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
His ago is thirty-one; and he is a merchant and manufacturer as
well as engineer. He served with General Morton in Central
America and at Fort Jefferson, Key West. He joined the army
at Nashville about the 20th of November, 1862, as assistant
engineer, and in the battle of Stone Eiver rendered valuable
service.
THE PIONEEK BEIGADE.
A new feature in the Army of the Cumberland is the Pioneer
Brigade. The war for the suppression of the rebellion has
peculiar difficulties and necessities. The armies are so large,
and the territory traversed by them is so extended, that the
construction and repair of roads, bridges, and raihvays have
become matters of serious, often of vital, importance.
Early in the war, General Eosecrans saw the necessity of an
arm of the service which should be organized specially for the
performance of mechanical and pioneer duties, and upon taking
the command of the Army of the Cumberland he organized the
Pioneer Brigade from the ranks of the 14th Army Corps, by the
following general order : —
" General Orders, ~No. 3.
"Head-Quarters 14th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland,
Bowling Green, November 3, 1862.
" There will be detailed immediately, from each company of
every regiment of infantry in this army, two men, who shall be
organized as a pioneer or engineer corps attached to its regi-
ment. The twenty men will be selected with great care, half
laborers and half mechanics. The most intelligent and ener-
getic lieutenant in the regiment, with the best knowledge of
civil engineering, will be detailed to command, assisted by two
non-commissioned officers. This officer shall be responsible for
all equipage, and shall receipt accordingly.
THE PIONEER BRIGADE. 187
" Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to mass this
force : -when orders are given for such a movement, they must be
promptly obeyed.
" The wagons attached to the corps shall carry all the tools,
and the men s camp-equipage. The men shall carry their arms,
ammunition, and clothing.
" Division quartermasters will immediately make requisitions
on chief quartermasters for the equipment, and shall issue to
regimental quartermasters on proper requisition.
"EQUIPMENT FOR TWENTY MEN ESTIMATE FOR REGIMENT.
Six Felling- Axes. Six Hammers.
Two Half-Inch Augers.
Two Inch Augers.
Two Two-Inch Augers.
Twenty lbs. Nails, assorted.
Forty lbs. Spikes, assorted.
One coil Eope.
One Wagon, with four horses or
mules.
Six Hatchets.
Two Cross-Cut Saws.
Two Cross-Cut Files.
Two Hand-Saws.
Four Hand-Saw Files.
Six Spades.
Two Shovels.
Three Picks.
" It is hoped that regimental commanders will see the obvious
utility of this order, and do all in their power to render it as
efficient as possible.
" By command of Major-General Bosecrans.
" Arthur C. Ducat,
" Lieutenant- Colonel, and Acting Chief of Staff.
" Official : —
" A. A. A. G."
The troops detailed in accordance with the above order num-
bered about three thousand men.
The duties assigned to them were the repair and construc-
tion of roads and bridges, the manoeuvring of the pontoon-bridge
equipage, the erection of fortifications, and, generally, the duties
of sappers and miners. The distinction between their duties
and those of the Michigan regiment of mechanics and engineers
188 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
of the same army is that the Pioneers move with the advance
of the army, all the work that is required there devolving upon
them, while the latter is chiefly employed on the lines of com-
munication.
The Pioneers, having been assembled in a camp of instruction
at Nashville, were consolidated and organized as a brigade, the
object being to enable the various descriptions of labor and
workmanship demanded by the exigencies of a large army to
be executed with more harmony and system, with less incon-
venience, and with greater despatch than could be attained were
it necessary to call upon each regiment in the army, whenever
a bridge, a block-house, or a field-work had to be constructed,
for its detail of mechanics suitable for the work, its share of the
tools, materials, &c. A great difficulty would have been met
with in endeavoring to concentrate the labor of the Pioneers,
had they not been consolidated, in the details from each regi-
ment not being able to rendezvous with their tents or cooking-
utensils, seeing that each two men would belong to a separate
mess in their regiment ; nor could they have been organized, so
as to draw their rations, to post guards, and to do military duty
as it should be done, — viz. systematically and under the direction
of the same officers. Many other sources of confusion and
delay and bad work will present themselves to the commanding
general ; but enough has been mentioned to prove the soundness
of his order consolidating the details of pioneers.
In that order it was required that the Pioneer details from
the " centre" grand division of the army, now the 14th Army
Corps, should constitute the first battalion, those from the
" right," now the 20th Army Corps, the second, those from the
"left," now the 21st Army Corps, the third. Each battalion
was subdivided into ten or twelve companies of eighty or a
hundred men, each of which was formed by aggregating the
details furnished from the four or five regiments composing
a single brigade. The field and company officers of the bat-
talion were assigned according to rank, — the ranking lieutenant
in each acting as lieutenant-colonel, and so on, the ranking
THE PIONEER BRIGADE. 189
lieutenant in each brigade detachment of eighty or a hundred
men acting as captain of the pioneer company constituted by
such detachment.
The campaign of Murfreesborough gave constant employment
to the Pioneers ; and the results of their labor show that the men
and the organization are well adapted to the requirements of
the service. Their constructions have been substantial and
scientific, and are executed in a uniform style.
The system of administration for the safe-keeping and trans-
portation of the immense store of implements and materials
necessary on a campaign remote from supplies has proved judi-
cious. As a unit, the brigade has on the battle-field proved itself
as soldierly as any other troops in the army, and when sepa-
rated into detached parts, working at distant points and on long
lines of road, its discipline has always been observed.
There are at present in the ranks of the Pioneers sufficient
proportions of the following-named trades and specialties, — viz.:
military engineers, civil engineers, railroad engineers, surveyors,
architects, sailors, draftsmen, printers, bridge-builders, car-
penters, machinists, millwrights, wheelwrights, coopers, black-
smiths, saddlers, sawyers, woodmen; and there is no description
of work that an army in the field can require, in all the multi-
plied occasions which arise in an enemy's country, that cannot
be executed with despatch by the brigade, which is fully
equipped with the proper tools for all purposes.
The Pioneer Brigade now comprises four battalions, numbering
about three thousand eight hundred effective men. It has some
fifty wagon-loads of tools, implements, and building and con-
structing apparatus of all descriptions. There is also attached
to the brigade a pontoon-train of eighty boats, forty of which
they can move at one time in line of march. A system of order
and celerity has been adopted by which this brigade can plan
and superintend work in two hours' time from the commence-
ment, employing ten thousand men in its execution.
The labors already performed by this brigade are immense. It
has fortified every railroad-bridge between Gallatin and Nash-
190 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
ville and between Nashville and Murfreesborough, and in such
a manner that the enemy have not as yet risked a single attack
upon them. In and about Nashville it performed very important
work, especially in completing and perfecting the works of Fort
Negley, rendering it one of the strongest fortresses in the West.
As our army advanced upon the enemy from Nashville, the
brigade erected two bridges over Stewart's Creek, obtaining a
portion of the timbers by tearing down some large log houses in
the vicinity During one night it threw a temporary bridge,
some eighty feet in length, across Stone Eiver, upon which troops
crossed and re-crossed. Since the battle the brigade has built
two fine bridges over Stone Eiver near Murfreesborough, at
points where the pike and railroad cross that stream.
Its last work has been, with the assistance of details of troops
of the line, the erection of the fortifications at Murfreesborough,
— said to be the largest and finest field-works upon this continent.
The several massive forts, the thousands of feet of high embank-
ments upon every hand, the long lines of warehouses for the
storing of army supplies, alongside of which railroad-tracks
have been laid, and the comfortable houses (frames) which have
been torn down elsewhere and re-erected within those works,
all speak volumes in praise of the efficiency of the Pioneers.
It must not, however, be inferred that the work upon the fortifi-
cations is performed by them alone. The heavy earth-work —
the digging, the wheeling and ramming — is done by details of
soldiers and by hired' refugees and contrabands. During several
weeks some seven thousand workmen were thus at work upon
these fortifications, the Pioneers planning and superintending,
and executing the wood-work, &c. of the magazines and block-
houses.
Not only as composed of faithful workmen, but also of brave
soldiers, is the Pioneer Brigade known throughout the Army of
the Cumberland. As will be seen elsewhere in this volume, it
occupied most responsible and important positions during the
battles of Stone Eiver. During the hottest of the battle of the
31st, Avhen the fortunes of the day wavered between contending
THE PIONEER BRIGADE. 191
hosts, the Pioneers -were ordered by the general commanding
to hold an important position with their battery (the Chicago
Board of Trade Battery), which was successfully accomplished,
the enemy being repulsed three times at that point with signal
slaughter.
The membei's of this organization are proud of its success
and its deserved popularity The men are ever industrious and
cheerful, and ready at a moment s call. So true is it that labor
in camp, as well as at home, is the polishing process, to develop,
preserve, and brighten the physical and mental forces. The
Pioneer Brigade is a complete success, — fully realizing all that
was expected of it by its practical, far-seeing originator, Major-
General Eosecrans. ISTo such body of skilful, energetic, intel-
ligent men can be found in all rebeldom, — a little army of patriots
who fight for their country equally well whether armed with
the musket, the broad-axe, or the spade.
c$h;st IJluhtigatt Qrttjginwr ({orp and its (Officers.
This notable regiment Avas organized September 12, 1861, and
left the State December 17, 1861. Crossing the Ohio River, it
reported to General Buell, commanding the Army of the Ohio,
and encamped near Louisville, December 18, 1861. Colonel
Innes, with three companies, Avas ordered to report to General
McCook; Lieutenant-Colonel Hunton, Avith three companies, to
General Thomas; Major Hopkins, with two companies, to Gene-
ral Nelson; and Captain Yates, Avith tAvo companies, to General
Mitchel. Each of these generals commanded separate divisions
of what was then the Army of the Ohio. The store-houses and
forts at Green River Avere built by this command; and, in com-
pliment to the colonel, one of the forts was named by General
McCook Fort Innes. Miles of road were constructed by Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Hunton's command, in order to enable General
Thomas to reach Mill Spring. Had it not been for their energy,
the ammunition and supplies could not have reached General
Thomas's troops. Major Hopkins's command was with General
Nelson, and for its excellent service was highly complimented
by the general. Captain Yates's command built several bridges,
and cleared the road from Green River to Bowling Green of all
the obstructions placed there by the rebels. So rapidly was
this work done that the march of the column was not inter-
rupted. These two companies, supporting Loomis's Battery,
were the first troops to enter Bowling Green. They rendered
most efficient service in crossing the army over Barren River,
the bridges being gone. When Buell's army arrived at Nash-
ville, the regiment was ordered to duty under Colonel Innes;
but so highly did General Mitchel value the detachment of
Captain Yates that he persuaded General Buell to allow him
192
0o».onEiifjWf
3 ©
S:FfTSEIi<: mf 3TJLPSR
LIPPINCGTT & CO PHILALA
FIRST MICHIGAN ENGINEER CORPS AND ITS OFFICERS. 193
to retain them. The eight companies under Colonel Innea
opened and repaired the Tennessee & Alabama Eailroad as far
as Columbia, Tennessee, thus greatly facilitating the shipment
of supplies for Buell's army, then on the march to Shiloh. They
also built several road-bridges ; and the rapidity with which they
performed their work enabled General Buell to reach the field
of Shiloh in time to rescue the army of General Grant. In front
of Corinth the Michigan Engineers were busily engaged in
building roads, planting siege-guns, erecting hospitals, &.c.
Captain Yates's command in the mean time was engaged with
General Mitchel in Northern Alabama, who acknowledged that
he was indebted to them for his supplies being always furnished
and communication being kept open. Between Corinth and
Decatur Colonel Innes's command repaired the railroad-track,
and built two thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight feet of
bridging, at an average height of forty feet, in thirty days.
After the evacuation of Corinth, the engineers marched along
the line of the Memphis & Charleston I'ailroad in advance of the
whole army, and opened the road as far as Bear Creek. At this
place they were attacked by a rebel force, which they quickly
dispersed. They then opened the railroad as far as Decatur.
On the 3d day of July they arrived at Huntsville, and were
joined by Captain Yates's detachment. The regiment then
proceeded to open the Xashville & Chattanooga Eailroad to
Murfreesborough, building a large bridge at Cowen's Station,
several smaller ones at different points on the road, and clear-
ing out the tunnels. They opened the Tennessee & Alabama
Eailroad in an almost incredibly short space of time, building
a bridge over Elk Eiver six hundred and fifty feet long, three
bridges over Eichland Creek, each one hundred and forty feet
long and thirty feet high, and rebuilding twelve hundred feet
of trestle-work sixty feet high, — the most extensive piece of
railroad trestle-work in the "West. They also cleared out a tun-
nel three-quarters of a mile in length, which completed the
opening of the road from Huntsville to Nashville.
At Stevenson, Alabama, the regiment built one hundred pon-
13
194 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
toon-boats in three days, which, however, were rendered useless
by the falling back of Buell's army to Kentucky. Upon the
evacuation of Stevenson Lieutenant-Colonel Hunton's three
companies were the last troops to leave the post, and were
highly complimented by the general commanding for the manner
in which they discharged their duties, having destroyed every
thing that could be of use to the enemy, and burned the railroad
and other bridges as fast as crossed by the rear trains.
While at Stevenson, Colonel Innes, with five companies, was
ordered to open the Louisville & Nashville Eailroad, recently
destroyed by the enemy; but while so engaged, having built
three hundred feet of bridging and laid several miles of track,
they were called off to take the advance of the entire army,
which position they occupied throughout the campaign.
At Bowling Green the regiment was engaged in strengthening
the fortifications at that place. Major Hopkins's three com-
panies were in the hottest of the fight at Chaplin Hills (Perry-
ville) ; while the rest of the regiment, with the commands of
Major-General Crittenden and the late lamented General Sill,
were not idle.
On taking leave of the Army of the Ohio, General Buell made
personal mention of Colonel Innes, Lieutenant-Colonel Hunton,
and Major Hopkins, complimenting them highly and giving the
regiment great credit. They were the only field-officers of
whom he made personal mention, and the regiment was the only
one which he mentioned specifically.
The regiment arrived at Nashville November 7, 1862, when
Colonel Innes was desired by General Eosecrans to open the
Louisville & Nashville Eailroad to Gallatin, and also to build the
three bridges over Mill Creek on the Nashville & Chattanooga
Eailroad, — all of which was accomplished in the short space of
two weeks.
On the 1st of January, 1863, while the battle of Stone Elver
was raging, the Michigan Engineer Eegiment was stationed at
Lavergne for the purpose of protecting the supply-trains of
the main army.
FIRST MICHIGAN ENGINEER CORPS AND ITS OFFICERS. 195
At one p.m. of that day they were attacked by General
Wheeler's cavalry and a battery of artillery, the force number-
ing four or five thousand men. Single-handed and alone, the
regiment fought the rebels for four hours from behind breast-
works of brush-heaps and rails, when the enemy sent in a flag
of truce demanding an immediate and unconditional surrender.
But the brave colonel told the officer bearing the flag to say to
General Wheeler, '• We don't surrender much." They again
attacked, were repulsed, and left the field covered with their
dead. This was the first instance in the history of the war
where a force attacked in this manner did not surrender.
By this gallant fight the entire rear of the army and nearly
all its baggage-train were saved. General Bosecrans in his
official report gave the regiment credit for whipping ten times
its number, and characterized the affair as one of the most bril-
liant of the war.
While at Lavergne, the regiment wielded the axe vigorously,
and furnished sufficient tics to relay three miles of railroad-track.
They were then ordered to Murfrecsborough. After remaining
at Murfreesborough a few days, the officers requested General
Bosecrans to let the regiment open the Nashville & Chattanooga
Bailroad from Nashville to Murfreesborough, promising to do
it in ten days. On the ninth day the cars ran into Murfrees-
borough. A citizen company had been for six weeks endeavoring
to open the road, but had been almost daily driven off by guer-
rillas.
Colonel Innes next requested permission to open the Ten-
nessee & Alabama Bailroad to Franklin. The work was done
before the general commanding was aware it had been com-
menced. The regiment has since constructed within the
notable fortifications at Murfreesborough a large store-house
capable of holding five million rations, a magazine one hundred
and forty feet long, thirty-two feet wide, twelve feet high, and
bomb-proof, and an ordnance-building one hundred feet long, thirty
feet wide, and fourteen feet high, — all within thirty days' time.
Its officers claim that there has not been an engagement of tbe
196
All MY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
army, from the battle of Mill Spring to the battle of Stone
River, in which the regiment or some portion of it has not been
engaged. The Engineer Regiment is recognized as an inde-
pendent corps, is not brigaded, and reports direct to the com-
manding general of the department.
Since the regiment has been in the service, they have laid
over ten thousand lineal feet of railroad, built a number of high-
way bridges, erected store-houses, and made over twelve miles
of corduroy road at Shiloh, Mill Spring, and elsewhere. But
one man has ever been injured while at work; and he is now on
duty The effective force of the regiment, May 1, 1863, is eight
hundred men.
OFPIOEKS OP THE FIKST MICHIGAN ENGINEEKS.
Colonel William P Innes entered the service September 12,
1861. By profession a civil engineer, he was engaged for a
number of years on railroads in the State of New York. In
1853 he went to Michigan, and became largely engaged in the
railroad-operations of that State. At the time of his entering
the service he was chief engineer and superintendent of the
Amboy, Lansing & Traverse Bay Railroad. This is the largest
" land-grant" railroad in the United States, except the Illinois
Central. His residence is at Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Lieutenant-Colonel Kinsma A. Hunton entered the service
September 12, 1861. Previous to that time he was engaged on
various railroads in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In
1853 he removed to Marshall, Michigan, as master-mechanic of
the middle division of the Michigan Central Railroad, which
position he left to enter the service. Residence, Marshall,
Michigan.
FIRST MICHIGAN ENGINEER CORPS AND ITS OFFICERS. 197
Major Exos Hopkins was formerly extensively engaged in
manufacturing at the East. In 1854. business brought him to
Michigan, where he has since resided. He became identified
with this regiment on its first organization, leaving a large
and lucrative business to devote his energies to the service of
his country. Eesidence, Jackson, Michigan.
Major John B. Yates, a graduate of Union College, has been
all his life actively engaged in civil engineering. He commenced
his career in New York. He accompanied Colonel Innes to
Michigan in 1853, and has been with him ever since. He en-
tered the service as captain of Company A. He was promoted
to be junior major. January 1, 1863, for gallant conduct at
Lavergne. Eesidence, Ionia, Michigan.
Surgeon William H. De Camp graduated at Geneva (New
York) Medical College in 1847. After practising medicine in
Western New York for eight years, he went to Michigan, and at
the time of his joining the service he left a large and lucrative
practice in the city of Grand Eapids, where he resides.
Assistant Surgeon Willoughby O'Donoughue graduated at
Albany (New York) Medical College in 1850, and practised four
ye»rs in the New York hospitals. In 1854 he moved to Michigan,
where he has since resided. He entered the service September
12, 1861. Eesidence, Albion, Michigan.
Junior Assistant Surgeon Willard B. Smith graduated at
the Medical College, Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1861. He was
appointed by Governor Blair, December, 1862. Eesidence, Ann
Arbor, Michigan.
First Lieutenant Henry F. Williams, Regimental Quarter-
master, entered the service as a private in Company I, September
15, 1861. He was appointed sergeant-major September 18, 1861,
commissioned as second lieutenant January 30, 1862, as first
198
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
lieutenant July 30, 1862, and appointed regimental quarter-
master December 1, 1862. Eesidence, Grand Eapids, Michigan.
Second Lieutenant Charles W Calkins, Adjutant, entered
the service, as a private in Company B, September 26, 1861.
He was promoted to sergeant-major January 30, 1862, was com-
missioned as second lieutenant July 30, 1862, and appointed adju-
tant December 1, 1862. Eesidence, Grand Eapids, Michigan.
mr*
^A.OEW. STA/^
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T- EL«tP °
Etl£a ly V;
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THE CAVALRY SERVICE AND ITS OFFICERS.
$Rajor-<£enwal Satid £. ^tattUg.
David S. Stanley, Major-General of Volunteers, and Captain
in the 4th Eegular Cavalry, -was born in Cedar Valley, "Wayne
county, Ohio, June 1, 182$. His father was a farmer. At the
age of fourteen, upon the death of his mother, he became a
member of the family of Dr. L. Fairstone, a physician of the
county, with whom he remained until he was nearly nineteen.
He then began in earnest the study of medicine ; but, before he
had completed or fairly begun his course, he was, in the spring
of 1848. appointed a cadet at the Military Academy at West
Point, by the member of Congress from that district, Hon. Samuel
Lahm.
Entering the same summer, he graduated July 1, 1852, stand-
ing eighth in a class which numbered about one hundred and
twenty at first, but graduated only forty-two. Among his
classmates were Major-Generals McCook, HartsutT, Slocum, and
Sheridan, and Brigadier-Generals Hascall, Crooks, and "Woods.
Five members of the class were from Ohio, and all of them are
now generals in the Federal service. After graduating, he was
brevetted second lieutenant in the 2d Dragoons, — now the 2d
Cavalry, — and for one year attended the school of instruction
at Carlisle Barracks. In the spring of 1853 he was detailed as
assistant to Lieutenant "Whipple, in charge of the survey of a
route for the Pacific Eailroad along the 35th parallel, by way
of Fort Smith and Albuquerque, JSTew Mexico. Upon this ser-
vice he remained nine months, crossing the continent to San-
tiago, California, by a then new and unexplored route, starting
199
200 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
from an Indian village north of the Gila Eiver, and going by
way of the Mohave Valley to San Bernardino. Having in
the mean while been promoted to a second lieutenancy, he
returned to Washington at the close of his services in this expe-
dition, in company with the present rebel General Hardee.
Lieutenant Stanley's company was then stationed at Fort Chad-
bourne, Texas, whither he proceeded and remained one year on
ordinary garrison duty.
In the spring of 1855, two regiments of infantry and two of
cavalry were added to the army, in accordance with an act of
Congress authorizing such increase. To command these new
forces, officers were selected in equal proportions from civil life
and from the army. Lieutenant Stanley now received a com-
mission as first lieutenant in the 1st Cavalry, of which the late
Major-General Sumner was colonel. The regiment rendezvoused
at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Territory, and Lieutenant Stanley
was assigned to Company D, of which General George B.
McClellan was then captain. Ill health, however, would not
allow him to join bis command; and he was transferred to duty
at Newport Barracks, where he remained during the winter and
spring. Thence he was ordered to take charge of the recruits
at Governor's Island, New York harbor, and proceed with them
up the Missouri Eiver to join the force of General Harney, then
commanding an expedition against the Sioux Indians. At the
conclusion of this, he rejoined his regiment, then on duty in
Kansas, engaged in preserving peace and order in the Territory,
which was being ravaged by the two opposing parties, border-
ruffians and jayhawkers. In pursuit of one or the other of
these, Lieutenant Stanley marched over the Territory, from one
border to another. The lieutenant-colonel of the regiment was
the present rebel General Joseph E. Johnston, who, to do him
justice, took a bold, manly stand against the border-ruffians
overrunning Kansas. A large force from Missouri, under
command of Dave Atchison, threatening Lecomplon and Law-
rence, he interposed to save them, assuring the Hissourians that
they could only succeed in their attempt by walking over the
MAJOR-GENERAL DAVID S. STANLEY. 201
force under his command. As this consisted of a full battery
and a regiment or two, he thought they would find it a rather
difficult thing to do. In this position Colonel Johnston was
sustained by Lieutenant Stanley, with the other officers of his
command, and the invading force, under these circumstances,
deemed it advisable to retire. The fall and winter were spent
in similar efforts to quiet the distracted Territory.
In the spring of 1857, Lieutenant Stanley was married to
Miss Anna M. "Wright, daughter of Surgeon YT right, U.S.A.,
of Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Soon afterwards he was
engaged in an expedition against the Cheyenne Indians. The
forces marched in two columns, which joined each other at
Pike's Peak, on the spot where Denver City now stands. At
that time, however, it was an unbroken wilderness, the presence
of gold not being even suspected. From this point the expedi-
tion started on pack-mules, with twenty days' provisions, which
were made to last two months. Supplying itself with buffalo-
meat by the way, the expedition, after a most remarkable trip,
came upon the Indians on Solomon's Fork, who were drawn up
in line of battle about two hundred yards distant, — an unusual
circumstance, and perhaps the first instance of the kind on record.
Colonel Sumner at once ordered a sabre-charge, which put them
to flight with the loss of several killed. This, with the destruc-
tion of their village, compelled them to sue for peace. Upon
returning from this expedition, he was ordered to the Indian
Territory west of Arkansas, and in the spring of 1858 was en-
gaged in scouting, making several expeditions, in one of which
he surprised a party of Comanches, killing several of them and
scattering the remainder. For gallant conduct in these opera-
tions he was highly complimented by General Scott, in general
orders. The next summer and winter he was stationed upon
the frontiers of Northern Texas.
At the outbreak of the rebellion, having previously been pro-
moted to a captaincy, he was stationed at Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Here he rendered inestimable service to the Government by
assisting in the successful abandonment of Forts Smith, "Wachita,
202 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Arbuckle, and Cobb. Notwithstanding the large rebel force in
Arkansas and Texas, all the ammunition, clothing, and other
property of the Government was safely brought away. With
the garrisons of these forts he marched from Fort Cobb to Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas, being one month on the road. Upon
reaching the latter place, Captain Stanley found the rebellion
under full headway and Missouri in a blaze of excitement.
Many officers were joining the rebels, and many were uncertain
what to do. The times were dark, the prospect gloomy ; but he
wavered not a moment. From the first he was uncompro-
misingly loyal; and now, with his whole heart in the work, he
gave his influence and his aid to the support of the Government.
As a first step, he marched his command to Kansas City, Mis-
souri, and took possession of that place. A considerable force of
rebels had gathered at Independence, under the ostensible com-
mand of Colonel Hollaway, an old United States officer. The
State of Missouri, though much excited, had not actually seceded
from the Union, and there was really no war in the State, except
that carried on by bushwhackers and guerrillas not as yet in any
regular service. Under such circumstances, the gathering at
Independence partook more of the character of a mob than of a
military camp. Still, as it might prove the germ of something
formidable, Captain Stanley determined to ascertain its real
character and the intentions of those composing it. Accord-
ingly, a few days after arriving at Kansas City, he proceeded*
with a flag of truce to Independence, and had an interview
with Colonel Hollaway. While engaged in remonstrating with
the latter upon his course, Captain Stanley observed that the
rebels were closing in around him and his command. He directed
Colonel Hollaway' s attention to it, and asked him if his men did
not mean to respect the flag of truce. Upon this Hollaway
stepped up and waved the men back with his hand; but they
were intoxicated and maddened with liquor, and either misun-
derstood the motion or purposely disobeyed it, and fired upon
Captain Stanley and his company, killing Colonel Hollaway and
one of the Federal soldiers. The interview had taken place in
MAJOR-GENERAL DAVID S. STANLEY. 203
a narrow lane, and the rebels had ranged themselves upon each
side of it. The day was hot, dry, and dusty, and Captain Stanley's
men, in making their escape, raised such a cloud of dust that
their exit was not noticed by the rebels, who continued a rapid
firing across the lane, killing and wounding a considerable
number of their own men. Discovering their mistake, they
spent the night in a fierce quarrel among themselves, and the
next day, disgusted with this experience, retreated southward
to join Price. Colonel Hollaway was acting in good faith, and
fell a victim to the drunken fury of the men whom he could not
restrain.
Shortly after this, Captain Stanley crossed the river and cap-
tured a large squad of rebels on their, way to Price's army.
Marching southward with General Sturgis in pursuit of Price,
he joined General Lyon at Clinton, Missouri, and participated in
the affair at Dug Springs and the battle of Wilson's Creek. In
this engagement he won due credit by his gallant conduct and
by the skilful manner in which he handled his men. He also
accompanied the expedition which captured Forsyth, Missouri,
and there had a horse killed under him. After the battle of Wil-
son's Creek he returned with his command (the 4th Cavalry) to
Eolla and St. Louis, and afterwards joined General Fremont in his
march to Springfield. During the summer he received several
offers of a colonelcy from Illinois regiments, and also one
from an Iowa regiment, all of which he declined; and on the
28th of September, 1861, he was appointed a brigadier-general
of volunteers. During a part of the following winter he was
unable to take the field, because of a broken leg, caused by his
horse falling with him. Upon his recovery he was assigned to
General Pope, then on his expedition against New Madrid. At
the latter place General Stanley's division was the first to occupy
the trenches in front of the enemy's position, which compelled
them to evacuate the town. It engaged in the operations at
Island Xo. 10, and was the second to cross the Mississippi to the
Tennessee shore at the time of the capture of that place.
After this he moved with the remainder of Pope's army down
20-4 ARMY OF TUE CUMBERLAND.
the river to Fort Pillow, and, its capture being deemed imprac-
ticable, returned and ascended the Tennessee Eiver, in pursuance
of orders from General Halleck at Corinth. Here General
Stanley had command of the 2d Division of the Army of the
Mississippi, a part of which was engaged in the battle of Far-
mington. May 2S, 1802, in a second engagement, he repulsed
an attack of Cleborne's division upon our left wing. The fight
was a desperate one, in which two of Stanley's batteries were
captured by the enemy and were retaken in a few seconds
thereafter. With his division he entered Corinth after the eva-
cuation, and joined in pursuing the fleeing rebels as far as Boone-
ville. Eeturning to Corinth, the division remained in camp
until the latter part of August, when it occupied the railroad
from Iuka to Decatur. After the battle of Iuka, in which it
was engaged, it returned to Corinth and participated in the battle
at that place. Here General Stanley commanded the left of the
centre, supporting and occupying the ground about " Battery
Robinette." It was the first time his troops had had occasion
to use the bayonet; but the two regiments of his division which
charged used it well. After the rebels retreated, General Stan-
ley joined in the pursuit to Bipley, forty miles south, when
the army was ordered to return to Corinth. Had the pursuit
been continued, he is confident the entire rebel army would
have been scattered or destroyed, and Yicksburg would have
been occupied and held.
Upon General Eosecrans's assignment to the command of the
Department of the Cumberland, he applied for the transfer of
General Stanley to the command of the cavalry in that depart-
ment, which request was granted, and he joined the army at
Nashville in November, 18G2. Since then he has been engaged
in many raids, skirmishes, and heavier engagements, — a more
detailed account of which will be found in the history of the
operations of the Army of the Cumberland, as narrated in this
volume. By his cavalry the enemy were first driven out of
Franklin, where a considerable fight occurred. He next made
pursuit of Forrest, then drove the rebels from Liberty and
COLONEL ROBERT H. G. MINTY. 205
Bradyville, and, lastly, was engaged in the battles of Stone River
and Franklin. At the battle of Stone River he added largely
to his already great reputation by the marked ability and skill
which he displayed. Of his services there General Rosecrans
thus speaks in his official report : —
" Brigadier-General Stanley, already distinguished for four successful
battles, — Island Xo. 10, May 27, before Corinth, Iuka, and the battle of Corinth,
— at this time in command of our ten regiments of cavalry, fought the enemy's
forty regiments of cavalry, and held them at bay, and beat them wherever
he could meet them. He ought to be made a major-general for his services,
and also for the good of the service."
General Stanley is now in the prime of early manhood, and
bids fair to give yet many days of gallant and honorable service
to Lis country. In the annals of this war no brighter record
than his can be found. Bold and dashing, his action is tempered
and guided by skill and prudence, which make the successful
commander.
Colonel llotort JJ. <G. gRinfg.
Colonel Robert H. G. Minty, 4th Michigan Cavalry, com-
manding the 1st Cavalry Brigade, was born in the county of
Mayo, Ireland, on the 4th of December, 1831. On the 9th of
January, 1849, he was commissioned ensign in the 1st West
India Regiment of the British Army, in which he served for five
years in the West India Islands, British Honduras, and on the
west coast of Africa. In September, 1853, he retired from the
English service, in consequence of a severe attack of inflammation
of the liver, contracted at Sierra Leone, and came to America.
On the call being made for cavalry regiments, he joined the 2d
Michigan Cavalry as major; but before that regiment left the
State he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the 3d Michigan
Cavalry, and on the 28th of [November, 1861, took that regiment
to Benton Barracks, at St. Louis. His command formed part
206 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
of the Army of the Mississippi, which marched from Commerce.'
Missouri, on the 1st of March, 1802, under General Pope, and
it took an active part in the capture of New Madrid on the 13th
and of Island Xo. 10 on the 23d of March.
After the arrival of the Army of the Mississippi before Corinth,
Colonel Minty was engaged in constant skirmishes with the
enemy He commanded the cavalry in the first battle of Far-
mington, and was favorably mentioned for his conduct on that
occasion by Major-General Pope, in General Orders No. 104, of
the 4th of May, 1862. On the 4th of July he was again favor-
ably mentioned in General Orders No. 81, by Major-General
Eosecrans, for having at Twenty-Mile Creek, — south of Black-
land, Mississippi, — on the 16th of June, attacked and defeated
four times his number of rebel cavalry, — his force consisting of
one hundred and sixty-eight officers and men of his own regi-
ment, the enemy's of Brewer's and Lay's regiments of mounted
infantry, numbering eight hundred and seventy men. On the
4th of July, he commanded an expedition of one hundred and
eighty-one men who marched from Eienzi to Salem, Mississippi,
a distance of fifty-three miles into the enemy's country, return-
ing after an absence of six days, with a loss of only two men.
On the 21st of July he was commissioned colonel of the 4th
Michigan Cavalry, then about to be organized. He left the 3d
at Tuscumbia, Alabama, on the 1st of August, 1862, having up
to that time led the regiment in thirty-six battles and skirmishes,
in every one of which it had been successful. He opened camp
in Detroit, Michigan, on the 14th of August, and on the 28th
mustered in eleven hundred and eighty-seven enlisted men, and
the full quota of officers. Contracts were at once awarded for
the purchase of horses, the last of which were received on the
morning of the 26th of September; and at ten o'clock a.m. the
entire regiment started for Kentucky, and arrived at Jefferson-
ville, Indiana, on the 28th, where there was considerable delay
in procuring supplies; but on the 10th of October the regiment
marched from Louisville for Perryville, leaving tents, wagons,
and camp -equipage of every kind behind them. They joined
COLONEL ROBERT H. G. MINTY. 207
General Buell at Danville on the night of the 13th, and marched
at one o'clock on the morning of the 14th, taking the advance
in the attack on Stamford. Subsequently they followed Bragg
as far as Crab Orchard, and were then sent in pursuit of John
Morgan. At Munfordsville Colonel Minty was joined by the
entire cavalry force under Colonel Kennett, and, after an un-
availing chase of ten or twelve days, was, on the 7th of Novem-
ber, detached, and ordered to report to General Crittenden at
Gallatin. He crossed the Cumberland the same afternoon,
drove in the enemy's pickets, and sent one company to Nash-
ville, where it arrived in safety, much to the surprise and grati-
fication of General Bosecrans. At three o'clock next morning
the infantry and artillery crossed, when Colonel Minty imme-
diately mounted and advanced on Lebanon, driving the enemy's
pickets for seven miles, and went into town at a gallop with
five hundred and forty-three men, driving out Morgan with
seven hundred and fifty men and two pieces of artillery, and
capturing nine wagons, twenty-six mules, five thousand bushels
of wheat, and large quantities of clothing and provisions of
every kind. From that time until the 22d of November he
scoured the country in every direction, having constant skir-
mishes with the rebels.
On the 22d of November, he was ordered to Nashville to re-
port to General Stanley, chief of cavalry, and was assigned to
the 1st Brigade, Colonel E. M. MeCook commanding. Constant
picket-duty and skirmishing, with two or three important and
successful expeditions, occupied him while at Nashville. On
the 23d of December, Colonel MeCook obtained leave of absence,
and Colonel Minty was assigned to the command of the brigade.
On the 26th the army advanced from Nashville, the 1st Brigade
in advance, on the Murfreesborough pike, met the enemy five
miles out, and fought and drove them to Lavergne that night.
Heavy skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry took place every
day until the 29th, when the army arrived before Murfrees-
borough. The 1st Brigade, nine hundred and fifty strong, fought
Wheeler, "Wharton, and Buford, with two thousand five hundred
208 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
men and two pieces of artillery, for three hours, on the olst
of December, — General Stanley leading one and Colonel Minty
two charges, — and drove the rebels from the field with great loss.
From that time until the present the cavalry arm of the
Army of the Cumberland has been continuously at work, con-
stantly engaged and, almost without an exception, successful.
Some of its most important expeditions and operations we will
briefly mention.
On the 10th of January, the 1st Brigade, eight hundred strong,
started in pursuit of Forrest, who had gone towards Harpeth
Shoals with fifteen hundred men, and drove him across the
Harpeth. The rising of that river rendering further pursuit
impossible, they returned to camp after an absence of ten days,
during which time seventeen men were badly frost-bitten.
On the 31st of January, the 1st Brigade,with the 4th U.S. Cavalry
and part of the 3d Brigade, under Colonel Minty, marched with
three days' rations. On the same day the 7th Pennsylvania
made a sabre-charge, killing three and wounding forty-nine of
the 8th Confederate Cavalry and taking a large number of
prisoners, of whom ninety-four were sent the next morning to
Murfrecsborough. Forrest and Wheeler having gone to the
attack on Fort Donelson, the cavalry followed them for the pur-
pose of cutting off their retreat, but, learning near Charlotte that
they had escaped through Centreville, returned to Murfrecs-
borough, having been absent fourteen days, the only casualties
being two men wounded, and having captured one hundred
and forty-one prisoners, including two colonels, one major, and
fourteen other commissioned ofiicers.
On the 3d of March, the 1st and 2d Brigades, and two com-
panies of the 4th U.S. Cavalry, under the command of Colonel
Minty, moved out with four days' rations, and met the enemy,
four hundred strong, at Bover. The 7th Pennsylvania, one hun-
dred and seventy men, supported by the 4th Michigan and 4th
Regulars (in all, four hundred and thirty-seven men), charged
and drove them back on an encampment of six hundred more at
Unionville, charged again, and drove them all at a gallop to
COLONEL ROBERT II. G. MIXTY. 209
within five miles of Shelby ville, where they ran into the in-
fantry pickets and captured seven of them. The result of this
dash was sixty-four prisoners, seventeen wagons, forty-four
mules and harness, forty-three tents, and a large quantity of
commissary stores. The command then marched to Franklin,
and took the advance in the attack on "Van Dorn at Thompson's
Station, south of Franklin, where the squadron of 4th U.S.
Cavalry and sixty men of the Tth Pennsylvania drove Arm-
strong's rebel brigade off the ground, killing five and taking
thirteen prisoners. Crossing Eutherford's Creek in the face of
Forrest's force, and driving him from the field with heavy loss,
Colonel Minty followed Van Dorn to Duck Eiver at Columbia,
where the destruction of the bridge prevented further pursuit.
The 1st Brigade had the advance in the pursuit of the enemy
to and attack on his position at Snow's Hill, east of Liberty,
where the rebels met with a most signal defeat.
On the 20th of April, the 1st, 2d, and 3d Brigades, and the 4tb
U.S. Cavalry, under Colonel Minty, formed part of the expedition
to MeMinnville under General Eeynolds. Colonel Long, with
the 2d Brigade, destroyed the railroad about twelve miles west
of MeMinnville, and burned a train of cars and a large quantity
of bacon. The Tth Pennsylvania took the advance in going into
McMinnville, which place was entered at the gallop, completely
surprising the rebels. Colonel Martin (rebel) was killed, and
Major Dick McCann wounded and taken prisoner, in a charge
made by Lieutenant Thompson, of the Tth Pennsylvania, with
the advance-guard, twenty-five men. One hundred and thirty
prisoners were taken, three railroad-bridges and large quantities
of army stores were destroyed, in addition to what was burned
by the mounted infantry under Colonel Wilder, and the expe-
dition returned to camp, after an absence of six days, without
the loss of a man.
14
210 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Colonel (t\i £ong.
Colonel Eli Long, of the 4th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, was
born in Woodford county, Kentucky, June 27, 1836. His ances-
tors were from Wales on his father's side and from Germany
on his mother's side, and his grandfather Long was among the
early emigrants from Yirginia to Kentucky. In January, 1852,
he entered the Military Institute near Frankfort, Kentucky.
Graduating at this institution in June, 1855, he went to Wash-
ington City, where he found employment in the Bureau of Con-
struction under the Secretary of the Treasury and the imme-
diate charge of Major A. H. Bowman, U.S. Engineer. He was
assistant computer on the Treasury extension, and made the
working drawings for the vault in the Treasury Building.
On the 27th of June, 1856, he was appointed second lieutenant
in the 1st U.S. Cavalry, at the instance of Secretary Guthrie,
and joined his company (H) at Lecompton, Kansas, in Septem-
ber, remaining nearly two months in that Territory. He was
then detailed on recruiting service, and stationed at New Albany,
Indiana, where he remained until April, 1857, when he rejoined
his command at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In May he joined
the column under General Sumner, then colonel of the 1st U.S.
Cavalry, at a point very near Denver City, Colorado Territory.
During this campaign he was distinguished by being the only
white person in the command who killed an elk, — which he
did after a long and desperate struggle, and great personal
danger.
After the return of the Cheyenne expedition in the fall, Lieu-
tenant Long was stationed at Fort Eiley, Kansas, during the
winters of 1857 and 1858, and was the first officer to escort the
mail, in the month of December, 1858, to the crossing of the
Arkansas Eiver by the road to Santa Fe, New Mexico, a trip
of nearly five hundred miles, for one hundred and fifty miles of
which he was exceedingly ill, compelled to lie down in an
ambulance provided for him. He succeeded, however, in get-
COLONEL ELI LONG. 211
ting his command safely back to Fort Riley, with the exception
of six mules, most of which were frozen to death at night when
tied up to the wagons. On one expedition his company was
armed with Burnside's carbine, and he was ordered by the Ord-
nance Department at Washington to make a report upon them,
which he did, receiving a letter of thanks for his "excellent and
intelligent report" from the Chief of Ordnance at Washington.
Changes and improvements were made in that arm in accordance
with his suggestions; and those improvements appear on the
Burnside's carbines issued by the Government at the present
day.
In January, 1859, he made a march from Fort Riley of some
two hundred and fifty miles through Kansas Territory, on which
several teamsters and others — including himself — were frost-
bitten, some of them severely. In the spring he marched, with
a portion of his regiment, to the vicinity of the crossing of the
Arkansas River by the Santa Fe road, where he formed a camp
for the protection of the road, and remained there until the
next fall, when the command, with the exception of Lieutenant
Long and forty men, returned to Fort Riley. In the mean
time war had broken out with the Kiowa Indians, and they had
already killed some twelve of our people, including one lady
and a mail-party, the most of whom were buried by Lieutenant
Long, who was left behind with these forty men to escort two
mails from Walnut Creek to the crossing of the Arkansas River,
through the country of the Kiowas and the Comanches. This
duty he performed, marching twenty-five miles per day for more
than twenty days. Lieutenant Long was in command of his
company upon an expedition to establish Fort Wise, Colorado
Territory, and hauled the first load of timber to build that post,
— a work which was complimented by European papers. This
post was built with hardly any other implements or materials
than those furnished by the woods and rock-beds. Here he
remained until November, 1861, without any thing especial
occurring except the capture by him in the summer of 1861, at
a point some thirty miles southeast of Fort Wise, of a mounted
212 ARMY OF TIIE CUMBERLAND.
and well-armed company of thirty-eight rebels en route from
Denver City, Colorado Territory, to join Price in Missouri. They
were taken completely by surprise, Lieutenant Long and forty-
one of his men (dismounted) being within less than fifty feet of
the party, with carbines cocked and at an aim, before they
knew he had left the post. In this expedition he marched one
hundred and twenty miles in thirty-two hours, Avith the loss
of but one horse out of fifty-five, and captured fifty-two horses
and mules. There were five or six murderers in the party,
and a considerable number of horse-thieves, all of whom were
safely lodged in jail at Denver City. "When it is remembered
that this party, had they not been apprehended, would probably
have captured and destroyed two Government trains of un-
guarded wagons, each loaded with ordnance and other stores,
and worth from one hundred and fifty thousand to two hundred
thousand dollars, en route to New Mexico, it will be acknow-
ledged that it was a most important capture. In November,
1861, he went to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and remained there
with his command until the 10th of February, 1862, when it was
ordered to report to General Buell in Kentucky.
Arriving at Louisville about the 16th of February, Lieutenant
Long served on Buell's escort until he was relieved by General
Eoseerans. He was in the battle of Perry ville until one o'clock
in the day, when he was called in by General Buell. He was
also with his regiment at the battle of Stone River, where
he was wounded, while at the head of his company, in the
left arm. On the 22d of February, 1863, Lieutenant Long
was appointed colonel of the 4th Ohio Cavalry, on the re-
commendations of Generals Stanley and Eoseerans. Some
two weeks after he took charge of the regiment, about two
hundred men under his command, and a smaller number of
the 3d Ohio Cavalry, defeated a brigade of rebel cavalry at
Bradyville, Tennessee, his regiment taking fifty prisoners.
Again, at Snow Hill, near Liberty, Tennessee, with about one
hundred dismounted men of his regiment, Colonel Lono- de-
feated a part of three regiments of rebel cavalry, killing and
COLONEL WILLIAM B. STOKES. 213
wounding several, and driving them more than a mile through
a thick wood and across a winding ridge.
In General Keynolds's late expedition to McMinnville, Colonel
Long, in command of the 2d Cavalry Brigade, one hundred men
of the 2d Kentucky Cavalry, and one company of the 1st Middle
Tennessee, — in all about five hundred and fifty men, — burned a
trestle-work on the Manchester & McMinnville Eailroad, seven
miles from Manchester, and three or four others between that
and the large trestle-work at Morrison's Station, including the
latter ; also a locomotive, a train of cars, and the railroad depot,
marching over forty-five miles in one day, and capturing many
rebel soldiers on the road.
Colonel William |}. ^toltes.
"William B. Stokes, colonel commanding the 1st Middle Ten-
nessee Cavalry, was born in Xorth Carolina in 1814, and removed
to Tennessee in 1818. He was raised a farmer, and has lived in
the neighborhood of his present home — Liberty, De Kalb county
— since his first settlement in the State. He has long been in
public life, having twice represented his county in the Legisla-
ture, and De Kalb and "Wilson counties in the State Senate for
one term. He bas ever been a Whig in politics, and at the time
South Carolina seceded he represented the fcmrth district of
Tennessee in the United States Congress. When the war broke
out, he took a decided stand for the Government, and has been
an unconditional Union man ever since. He worked and spoke
earnestly against separation, and was the only ex-member of
Congress in Middle Tennessee who made a regular list of ap-
pointments for public speaking and kept them until the very
day of election.
The State having seceded and his Congressional term having
expired, he remained in private life until July 22, 1862, when
he was commissioned colonel, with authority to raise a cavalry
214 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
regiment. lie had scarcely enlisted a single company when he
was put on duty by the Government, and has been almost con-
stantly in active service up to this time. His regiment was
recruited rapidly, almost entirely in Middle Tennessee, and has
rendered important service, particularly by furnishing a large
proportion of the guides and scouts necessary for the various
expeditions that are continually sent into the adjacent country
Colonel Stokes has been in many skirmishes and smaller engage-
ments, routing Colonel Bennett's guerrillas in October last, and
participating in the battle of Lavergne, and in General Xegley's
fight on the Franklin pike, during the investment of Nashville.
In the Stone Eiver battles, from first to last, he was actively-
engaged, making a remarkable charge upon a largely superior
force of rebel cavalry under Wheeler, on Wednesday evening,
December 31, driving them for the distance of a mile, killing
many and capturing a large number of horses. Upon the retreat
of the rebels, with his regiment he followed them eight or ten
miles on the Manchester road, constantly and sharply skirmish-
ing with their rear.
On the 14th of March, 1863, ill health compelled him to resign
his command, but, having again become able for duty, he was
on the 16th of April, at the earnest request of his neighbors and
friends and the men of his regiment, recommissioned, and again
assumed command of his regiment. During the time he was
out of the service, he accompanied Colonel Wilder on his expe-
dition to Snow Hill, camping one night within a mile of his own
house. The next morning he proceeded thither with four or
five men in the advance, and succeeded in capturing a number
of rebel pickets who were breakfasting there. This was done
by an ingenious device. One man was dressed in " butternut,"
and, advancing cautiously, beckoned to the rebel picket to come
to him. Xot suspecting any danger, he did it readily enough,
and when he reached the place was quietly shown a number of
concealed men and ordered to drop his gun. Resistance being
useless, he had no alternative; and this operation was repeated
until the whole were secured.
CAPTAIN ELMER OTIS. 215
Colonel Stokes is but one of several thousand Tennesseeans in
the Union service. Their patriotism is self-sacrificing, and allows
nothing to stand in its way For their country they have aban-
doned their home, family, friends, fortune, — every thing. Es-
caping from rebel despotism at the risk of their lives, they have
shown their devotion to principle and their love of liberty by
fighting for it. The services they have rendered, and are every
day rendering, are invaluable. Their perfect knowledge of the
country admirably fits them for guides and scouts; and as such
they are constantly employed with manifest advantage to the
service. In every contest they have acquitted themselves cre-
ditably ; and many have sealed their devotion to the Union by
their blood. When the history of this war is fully made up, no
brighter page will be found than that on which is recorded the
story of these loyal Tennesseeans, clinging to the Government
and the faith of their fathers with a zeal and determination
which cannot fail to excite the admiration of posterity
Captain (timer Otis.
Captain Elmer Otis, of the 4th United States Cavalry, was
born February 27, 1830, in Westfield, Massachusetts, and was left
an orphan at an early age. His grandparents moved to Hun-
tington, Lorain county, Ohio, when he was three years old, where
he was raised by them to work on a farm. In the beginning
of 1849 he procured, by his own exertions, an appointment at
West Point, through the influence of Hon. Joseph M. Eoot, M.C.
of that district. He graduated in 1853, in a class numbering
fifty-two, and received a commission as brevet second lieutenant
in the 1st United States Infantry. He served in Texas at
different points until the middle of March, 1855, when he was
promoted to a second lieutenancy in the 4th United States In-
fantry, and ordered to join his regiment, then serving in Oregon.
ZlO ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
At this time four new regiments were being raised, two of
cavalry and two of infantry. Having a partiality for cavalry
service, he applied in person to President Pierce, and obtained
the appointment of second lieutenant in the 1st United States
Cavalry. He was promoted to a first lieutenancy on the 28th of
February, 1856, and joined his company about the 1st of May
the same year. Soon after he was detailed to take a company
of recruits, belonging to the 1st Dragoons, to New Mexico, and
marched them there, arriving with horses in good condition.
He met their regiment about seventy miles from El Paso, turned
over the recruits, and returned to Fort Leavenworth in October,
and found himself detailed for recruiting service and ordered to
proceed to Eock Island, Illinois, and open a rendezvous. He
arrived there about the 1st of November, and remained until
about the 1st of April, 1857, when he was ordered to return to
his regiment at Fort Leavenworth, where it was preparing for
a trip across the plains. The company to which he belonged
formed a part of the force under Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph E.
Johnston, for running the southern boundary of Kansas, as well
as to co-operate with other troops against the Indians. This
expedition returned to Fort Leavenworth the last day of Oc-
tober, and Lieutenant Otis remained in garrison during that
winter, meanwhile making several small expeditions through
Kansas with the object of preventing lawless bands from accom-
plishing their raids for plunder, &c. On the 18th of March,
1858, two companies of the 4th United States Cavalry were
detailed upon the Utah expedition under the command of Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Hoffmann. Lieutenant Otis's force was one of
the companies detailed. He arrived at Fort Bridger, Avith
supplies for the army, on the 9th of June. Luring this trip
the command encountered several severe snow-storms, and on
the morning of the 1st of May the snow was two feet four
inches deep on a level. These two companies of Lieutenant
Otis's regiment were the advance-guard of the army that marched
into Salt Lake City. After making here several reconnoissances,
the two companies started back on the 6th of August, and arrived
CAPTAIN ELMER OTIS. 217
at Fort Leavenworth on the 22d of October, having marched
over three thousand miles in one year.
About the 1st of May, 1859, Lieutenant Otis with his force
started, under command of Major John Sedgwick, on an expe-
dition against the Kiowa Indians, and chased the Indians all
summer, but came up with only a small party, all of the war-
riors of which were killed but two, and the squaws and children,
together with about forty ponies and mules, were captured.
During this summer, about the 1st of August, his command was
ordered to establish and build Fort Wise (now Fort Lyon), on
the Upper Arkansas. He arrived in the vicinity about the 28th
of same month, established the post, and commenced laying
stone for the quarters and stables on the 1st day of September.
By the end of the month the horses of the four companies were
in good stone stables; and the last of October found the men in
comfortable stone houses.
Here Lieutenant Otis continued until the 1st of May, 1861,
when he was promoted to a captaincy. About the same time he
was left in command of the post, with six companies, and so
remained until the 22d of November, when he received orders
to take the two companies of the 4th United States Cavalry and
proceed with them to Washington. He left Fort Wise on the
25th, and arrived at Fort Leavenworth the 18th of December.
Here he reported to Major-General Hunter, and went into camp
until further orders at Fort Leavenworth. On the 10th of Febru-
ary he received orders to report to General Buell at Louisville,
and from thence was sent to West Point, at the mouth of
Salt Biver.
About the middle of July, on his own application, General
Buell assigned Captain Otis to duty, to report to Major Granger,
at that time commanding the post of Louisville. He was then
placed in command of Park Barracks. His regiment was sub-
sequently the escort to General Buell, and accompanied him
until he was relieved, in October last, by General Bosecrans.
Captain Otis was during several months on General BuelPs
staff as chief of couriers. He immediately instituted a system
218 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
of posts and relief stations connecting different points, somewhat
upon the French courior system, and which he continued under
the command of Major-General Eoseerans. In this way he has
sent despatches thirty-two miles in two and a half hours.
Notwithstanding his position as chief of couriers, Captain
Otis still retained command of his regiment. At Nashville he
received authority to recruit from the volunteers to fill his
thinned ranks. About the last of November, recruiting was
commenced, and the regiment was filled up, .and two more
companies raised according to the new organization. He also
obtained six hundred fresh horses, rearmed and equipped the
whole regiment, and drilled his men very thoroughly.
This regiment was employed in running all the courier lines
of different posts of the army, and, besides, formed the escort
of General Eoseerans until he arrived in front of Murfrees-
borough. On the 4th of January, Captain Otis was ordered to
report to General Stanley, chief of cavalry, and was relieved as
chief of couriers upon his own application.
For gallant conduct and valuable services during the battle
of Stone Eiver, Captain Otis and his command were specially
mentioned by the general commanding. Since then he has been
constantly in the field except during a short period of illness ;
and his dashing, well-drilled cavalry, under General Stanley,
have often made their mark upon the enemy. Captain Otis's
record is an honorable one, showing years of active and zealous
service in behalf of his country.
©*
' f*-Wl|_UAM P-
EngTavtd "by J.I Buztre, NewTor:
J.B.LIFFIHCOTT & CO.PHILATV
SKETCHES OF NOTABLE OFFICERS.
William B. Hazex, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, was
born in "West Hartford, Windsor county, Vermont, in the year
1830. His father, Stillman Hazen, was a grandson of General
Moses Hazen, a native of Connecticut, whose commission as
brigadier-general bears the oldest date of any of that grade in
the first Federal army of the Bevolution. He was early asso-
ciated with Generals Ethan Allen and Israel Putnam in their
public services; and the friendship of the families was further
strengthened by the marrying of the father of the present
General Hazen to a direct descendant of " Old Put." When the
colonies had achieved their independence, General Hazen and
his two brothers, both of whom held commands in the army,
emigrated to A'ermont and located there the land granted for
their valued services. The parents of General Hazen removed
to Hiram, Portage county, Ohio, in 1833, and settled upon the
farm which they now occupy. Here a family of three sons and
three daughters have been reared. The sons and a grandson —
all of the family capable of bearing arms — are now officers in the
Union army. General Hazen was reared a farmer, receiving
such an education as the limited means of his parents could
command, until nearly twenty-one years of age, when, after
much fruitless effort, he obtained the appointment of cadet at
the national military school at West Point. At the time of
entering this institution — in September, 1851 — he was within two
weeks of the limit which would have rejected him. In 1855
219
220 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
he graduated most creditably, and in July of the same year was
appointed brevet second lieutenant 4th United States Infantry.
Two months after this he was promoted second lieutenant in
the Sth Infantry; but before informed of this promotion he had
started to join his company in the 4th Infantry, then serving in
California and Oregon. In October, the month of the commence-
ment of the famous Indian wars of 1856, '57, he joined his com-
pany at Fort Inge, on the head-waters of the Sacramento, and
on the following day was leading his men to Fort Lane, Bouge
Eiver, where the war had already become serious. Keeping
the field during this campaign, he served creditably until April,
1857, when he joined his new company in the 8th Infantry at
Fort Davis, Texas. Here he was soon actively engaged with
the Comanches of "Western Texas. He commanded successfully
in five fights, until, in December, 1859, in a hand-to-hand contest
with the Indians, he received a dangerous wound, the ball passing
through the left hand, entering the right side, and passing into
the muscles of the back, where it yet remains. Eight days
afterwards, Lieutenant Hazen with his little force reached the
settlement of Western Texas; but it was not until February,
1860, that, having submitted to repeated surgical operations, he
was sufficiently recovered to set out for the Northern States.
This closed the uniformly successful Indian service of the subject
of this notice. Enterprise in the conception and energy and
capacity in the execution of his plans were sufficiently apparent
to attract the notice of the commander-in-chief of the army, and
he was upon four occasions complimented in general orders.
General J. E. Johnston, then assistant inspector-general of the
army, in his report of the inspection of Lieutenant Hazen's
post, commended that officer's " activity, perseverance, and
courage" in his successful expeditions against the Indians; and
the people of Texas, upon the occasion of his departure, after
receiving his wound, held a public meeting at San Antonio, and
adopted resolutions expressing their sense of the importance of
his services to the State, and presenting him an elegant sword.
The resolutions were as follow : —
BRIGADIER-GENERAL WILLIAM B. HAZEN. 221
" Whereas, Lieutenant W- B. Hazen, U.S.A., in his services for the pro-
tection and defence of our Western frontier from the ravages of hostile
Indians, by his uniformly prompt, timely, and determined action in their
pursuit, by his deeds of marked daring and bravery in their encounter, — of
which he bears the unmistakable evidence in a dangerous wound received
in his last Indian engagement, and which for a time threatened to prove
fatal, — and by his repeated success in the recovery and restoration to our
suffering frontier settlers of their stolen property, has deservedly won the
confidence, high esteem, and admiration of the people of Texas, and espe-
cially of those upon the extreme frontier and of this community, and alike
distinguished himself as a true and gallant officer, winning a high position
in the army.
'• Resolved, That the thanks of this community and the entire frontier are
hereby tendered him.
" Resolved, That as an evidence of our appreciation of his distinguished
services, and a token of our sympathy for his suffering and wounds, and as
an acknowledgment of his noble gallantry, a sword be presented him.
" Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be forwarded to the Secretary
of War."
In consequence of the wound mentioned, twelve months' leave
of absence was granted Lieutenant Hazen, with permission to
travel in Europe. The expiration of that time found him with
his arm still in a sling, but applying for duty; and in February,
1861, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Infantry Tactics
at West Point Military Academy. In that capacity he served
until his entrance upon the volunteer service in the present war.
In June, I860, he had been brevetted first lieutenant for meri-
torious services, and on the 1st of April, 1861, was promoted
first lieutenant in the 8th Infantry. May 14, 1861, he was
appointed captain of the 17th Infantry, but declined, having
at the same time been promoted to a captaincy in his own
regiment.
At the breaking out of the rebellion, Captain Hazen could not
remain contentedly from the field of active service, and made
strenuous efforts to obtain a release from duty at West Point.
His ability was recognized in his own State, and, when the call
for the first three hundred thousand men was made, many gentle-
men of influence were anxious to have him in the army of volun-
teers which Ohio was then putting into the field. This influence
availed, after the failure of his own efforts, and Captain Hazen
222 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
was granted leave of absence to take command of the 41st Ohio
Volunteer Infantry. This regiment was organized at Cleve-
land; and when Colonel Hazen joined it for duty, September 15,
1861, the enlistment of the men was not half accomplished.
Taking it in this state, he conducted with a vigorous hand its
recruiting, organization, and instruction, — assuming himself the
entire schooling and drilling of the officers and sergeants until
they were competent to instruct the men.
Being ordered to Gallipolis, on the Ohio Eiver, then threatened
by the rebels of Western Virginia, Colonel Hazen projected an
important movement upon them at a point beyond the reach of
the Union troops at that time in Virginia, but, although asking
no force but his own regiment, failed to obtain permission of the
department commander to march into his territory In De-
cember, 1861, Colonel Hazen, with his command, joined the army
then organizing at Louisville, Kentucky, under Major-General
Buell. During these and subsequent marches and changes of
station, the system of instruction of Colonel Hazen was care-
fully attended to; and when the regiment reached Nashville, in
February, 1862, each company officer could drill the battalion,
and had been instructed in every duty pertaining to his position.
On the 6th of January, 1862, General Hazen was placed by
General Buell in command of the 19th Brigade of the Army of
the Ohio, including his own regiment, and belonging to General
Nelson's (4th) Division. The care and labor that had been
bestowed upon his regiment was extended to the entire brigade
now under his command.
At the battle of Shiloh, April 7, 1862, Colonel Hazen acted
a conspicuous part. His brigade, arriving upon the field at the
conclusion of the first day's fight, was immediately put in line,
and, with the rest of Nelson's division, moved upon the enemy at
daylight. General Hazen's skirmishers opened the second day's
fighting on the left of the army; and for an hour his brigade was
engaged under a sharp fire before the action became general.
During this time, being in advance of the other troops, he was
obliged to protect his position from flank attack, which he did
BRIGADIER-GENERAL WILLIAM B. HAZEN. 223
successfully, and finally led his brigade in so fierce a charge that,
although one-third of the officers and men were struck down
before reaching the rebels, they forced back both of the enemy's
lines, and captured a battery at the second line. During the
subsequent operations of General Halleck at Corinth, and in the
campaign of General Buell in Northern Mississippi and Alabama,
Colonel Hazen served with his brigade. In the operations in
Kentucky during the fall of 1862 his brigade performed many
important services, driving the rebels sharply from Danville on
the 12th of October. In the subsequent pursuit he was intrusted
with the advance of General Crittenden's corps from Mount
Vernon to London, — for eight days fighting with and driving
Bragg's rear-guard through the passes of the mountains, until
recalled from the pursuit.
The prominent part taken by General Hazen in the operations
immediately preceding 'the battle of Stone Biver, and in that
struggle, have been presented to the public in every complete
published account of them. From the time of leaving Nash-
ville until the battle, his brigade was twice engaged with the
enemy; and in the great contest he maintained through the
day the position taken in the morning. The official acknow-
ledgment of the brilliant service there rendered is contained in
the report of General Bosecrans. It was nothing less than the
protection of the left of the army from being turned under
simultaneous attacks by superior forces in front and flank, and
this at the critical period of the fight, when, the right wing and
centre having been driven back, General Bosecrans was exerting
every power to form a new line. On the 2d of January he com-
manded a portion of the troops that drove Breckinridge's men
from the field. When the army took position at Murfreesborough
after the battle, Colonel Hazen's brigade was selected to hold the
town of Beadyville, twelve miles from the army, <3n the extreme
left, and the most dangerous post in the line.
The subsistence for cavalry, artillery, and baggage-animals
was drawn from the country in front ; and, though this was con-
stantly occupied by Morgan's and other cavalry forces, no loss
224 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
was sustained. On the contrary, the enemy were constantly
annoyed by expeditions against them, resulting in the capture
of greater or less numbers of men and horses. On the 2d of
April an expedition in command of General Hazen surprised
a rebel camp at "Woodbury, killing three and capturing about
twenty-five men and horses, the entire baggage-train, with camp-
equipage, &c, and dispersing the whole force.
From these operations and those during the pursuit of Bragg
in Kentucky, " Hazen's Brigade" is probably better known
among the rebels than any other in the army. It has never
been attacked, though the enemy has often had four times its
strength within a day's march. Finally, the general, always
daring, has never attempted to lead his men against the enemy
and failed : the rebels have never seen the backs of his men.
General Hazen received his commission as brigadier-general
of United States Volunteers in April, 1863, after being three
times nominated to the Senate by the President. He had for
more than a year held a general's command, and had led it through
two great battles and several minor operations. In treatment
of subordinates, possessing in a remarkable degree the faculty
of quickly and accurately judging the character and fitness of
men, no one is kinder to those who make faithful effort to per-
form their duties, whether successful or not, but there are none
more severe with those who wilfully neglect their obligations.
Understanding thoroughly every detail of official duty, there is
no portion of a soldier's life too trivial to receive his attention.
"With a vigilance that during three years of active service has
never left him a moment unprepared or liable to surprise, a
quickness to perceive and readiness to strike a weak point, —
with a hearty love of the flag his fathers fought for, and, in the
discharge of duty, an honesty not to be tampered with, — Bri-
gadier-General William B. Hazen gives high promise that his
future service will increase in value with the enlargement of
the means intrusted to his control.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL WILLIAM P. CARLIN. 225
I)riigad«r-<Sflwra! (tutttliam §. felm.
Brigadier-General William P Carlin was born in Greene
county, Illinois, November 24, 1829. In 1846, at tbe age of
sixteen, be entered tbe United States Military Academy at West
Point, wbere be graduated in 1850. He was assigned to tbe
6tb Eegiment U.S. Infantry as brevet second lieutenant, and
joined bis company at Fort Suelling, Minnesota Territory, in
October, 1850. In 1851 be was promoted to tbe second lieu-
tenancy of Company H, 6tb Infantry, tben stationed at Fort
Eipley, Minnesota. Nearly four years Avere passed at tbe latter
post and in tbe Indian country. In October, 1854, bis regiment
was ordered to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, wbere it remained
till March, 1855, wben it scouted over tbe Western plains on tbe
Sioux Expedition under General Harney. Having passed
tbrougb tbat expedition, be was stationed at Fort Laramie, Ne-
braska Territory, as quartermaster and commissary of tbe post,
and was occasionally in command of detachments and com-
panies in expeditions against tbe Indians. In the summer of
1857 he commanded a company in the expedition of Colonel
Sumner against the Cheyenne Indians, who were defeated and
routed in a battle on Solomon's Fork, Kansas Territory, August
29. 1S57 In September, 1857, he, with his company, was ordered
into Kansas to protect tbe legal voters at the October election.
In tbe spring of 1858, tbe 6th Infantry was ordered to join the
Utah Expedition under General A. S. Johnston, tben encamped
at Fort Bridger, Utah Territory Lieutenant Carlin acted as
commissary of the regiment until its arrival near the North
Platte Eiver, near Bridger's Pass of the Eocky Mountains, when
be, with forty men, was selected by tbe commanding officer to
accompany tbe engineer company, under command of Lieutenant
J. C. Duane, to open tbe road through that pass, to build bridges,
ferries, &c. The regiment arrived at Fort Bridger about the 1st
of August, 1858, when it was learned that the Mormon trouble
15
226 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
had been adjusted. The regiment then received orders to pro-
ceed to California. The journey was resumed, and the regiment
arrived at Benicia, California, on the 15th of November, 1858,
having marched two thousand two hundred and fifty miles
during the season. Lieutenant Carlin's company, after a rest
of three weeks, proceeded north to the head of Eussian Eiver,
and was stationed in that region of Indian country for eighteen
months. For nine months of the time, Lieutenant Carlin was
in command of Fort Bragg, a military post on the Pacific coast
and on the Mendocino Indian Beservation. From July, 1860,
to September 1, Lieutenant Carlin — having been promoted to a
captaincy on the 2d of March, 1860 — was on recruiting service
for the Begular Army. On the 15th of August, 1861, he was
offered the colonelcy of the 38th Illinois Yolunteers, which was
accepted. He had previously been elected lieutenant-colonel of
a New York regiment, and had been proffered the lieutenant-
colonelcy of an Iowa regiment, — which were declined, as he had
intended if he entered the volunteer service to go with men
from his native State. Immediately after organizing his regi-
ment it was ordered to Ironton, Missouri, where Colonel Carlin
assumed command, being the senior officer present. The force
consisted of the 21st, 33d, and 38th Begiments Illinois Infantry,
and four companies of the 1st Indiana Cavalry. About the
14th of October, the rebel forces in Southeast Missouri made
demonstrations of attack against Pilot Knob, and, as a prelimi-
nary, attacked the guard at the Big Biver bridge, on the Iron
Mountain Bailroad. A large portion of the force under Colonel
Carlin being detailed to guard this railroad, his available
force was not deemed sufficient to advance against the rebel
forces, which had been concentrated, about the 15th of October,
at Fredericktown, twenty-one miles southeast of Pilot Knob,
and which were estimated at six thousand, under General Jef-
ferson Thompson. General Fremont, commanding that depart-
ment, being absent from St. Louis on his march for Springfield,
Missouri, his adjutant-general, Captain McKeever, took the
responsibility of ordering the 8th Wisconsin Volunteers, and
BRIGADIER-GENERAL WILLIAM P. CARLIN. 22 i
part of the 24 th Missouri Volunteers, with four pieces of artillery,
to reinforce Colonel Carlin at Pilot Knob. The last of these
forces arrived at the Knob on the 18th of October, and it was
Colonel Carlin's wish to march against the enemy on the day
following; but, the officer in command of the artillery having
insisted that it was necessary to drill his horses, it was decided
to delay one day. The forces marched on the 20th of October,
and arrived at Fredericktown on the morning of the 21st.
But the rebels had very hastily retreated, in consequence of
having received information of the movement against them from
Cape Girardeau, under Colonel J B. Plummer. Plummer had
sent a despatch to Colonel Carlin, calling for reinforcements,
which despatch was intercepted by Thompson, who, not expect-
ing an attack from Carlin, supposed that its possession would
prevent the command of the latter from co-operating with
Plummer. Thompson finally concluded to attack Plummer, and
returned to the vicinity of Fredericktown and commenced the
battle. The rebels were totally routed, the forces of Carlin and
Plummer having formed a junction at Fredericktown about an
hour before the fight began. This defeat of Thompson destroyed
the rebel power in Southeast Missouri, except at the post of
New Madrid, which they held until captured by General Pope
in the spring of 1862.
Soon after General Halleck assumed command of the Depart-
ment of the Missouri he appointed Colonel Carlin commander
of the district of Southeast Missouri, which position he held
till March, 1862, when he was relieved by General Steele. Colo-
nel Carlin next commanded a brigade, under General Steele,
in the expedition into Arkansas, and marched as far as Jackson-
port, when he was ordered with the 21st and 38th Illinois
Volunteers to Corinth, Mississippi, via Cape Girardeau, Mis-
souri. He made forced marches to Cape Girardeau, and embarked
immediately for Hamburg Landing^ where he arrived on the 24th
of May. Joining General Pope's army, he was at Farmington
when the rebels evacuated Corinth, and participated in the pur-
suit of the enemy to Booneville, Mississippi. After returning
228 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
from this pursuit, his command — a brigade of General Davis's
division — formed part of an expedition towards Holly Springs,
but was recalled before reaching that point, and till August was
stationed in the vicinity of Jacinto, Mississippi. About the 10th
of August, Colonel Carlin's brigade, with the remainder of the
division, then under command of General E. B. Mitchell, was
ordered to join Buell's army in Tennessee. Marching via Iuka,
Eastport, Florence, Columbia, and Franklin, it arrived at Mur-
freesborough, Tennessee, about the 1st of September. After a
rest of a day or two, the command proceeded to Nashville, and
thence to Louisville, by forced marches. From Louisville Colo-
nel Carlin marched with Buell's army to Perryville, Kentucky,
where he was engaged in the battle of October 8, 1862. Colonel
Carlin's brigade distinguished itself in that battle, as will be
seen by reference to the official reports of General Mitchell,
commanding his division, General Gilbert, commanding the
corps, and General Buell, commanding the army Colonel Carlin
continued his march to Crab Orchard, Kentucky, and from thence
to Bowling Green, — where General Eosecrans assumed supreme
command, — and subsequently to Nashville, Tennessee. When
the army of General Eosecrans moved towards Murfreesborough,
on the 26th of December, Colonel Carlin commanded the 2d
Brigade of General Davis's division, which had a sharp engage-
ment with the rebel cavalry, under General Wharton, at Knob
Gap, near Nolensville. Colonel Carlin's brigade here charged a
strong position of the enemy, held by artillery and dismounted
cavalry, and gallantly carried the position, capturing one gun
and a few prisoners. On the 30th of December his brigade had
a severe engagement with the enemy near Murfreesborough.
On the 31st it passed through the terrific engagement of that
day, and continued before the enemy till their retreat on the
night of the 3d of January. Colonel Carlin's command suffered
more severely during this series of engagements than any other
in the army The official reports of Brigadier-General Davis,
* commanding the division, and of General Eosecrans, commander-
in-chief, afford sufficient evidence of the gallantry of that bri-
THE SCANDINAVIAN REGIMENT AND ITS COLONEL. 229
gade, consisting of the 21st and 38th Illinois, 101st Ohio and
15th Wisconsin, and the 2d Minnesota Battery. Colonel
Carlin was, subsequently to the battle of Stone Eiver, pro-
moted to the rank of brigadier-general, and still retains the
command of his old brigade.
SThe ^candtnarian lUjjmunt and its Colonel.
One regiment in the Army of the Cumberland — the 15th
Wisconsin Volunteers — is composed entirely of Scandinavians,
mostly Norwegians. With the exception of Company A, en-
listed in Illinois, and Company K, from Minnesota and Iowa,
the regiment was raised in the State whose name it bears. Its
organization, which was effected about the 1st of October, 1861,
was mainly due to the efforts of its colonel, Hans C. Heg.
On the 2d of March, 1862, it left Camp Eandall, at Madison,
Wisconsin, for the seat of Avar. Forming a part of the expe-
dition against Island No. 10, it was the first regiment that landed
on the Tennessee shore on the 8th of April. On the 31st of
March, being yet quartered on transports, in company with the
27th Illinois, under the command of Colonel (now General) Bu-
ford, it started on an expedition against Union City, Tennessee,
where there was a rebel force about fifteen hundred strong.
The town and camp were completely surprised on the morning
of April 1, and the rebels driven in every direction. Nearly one
hundred horses and mules, several wagons, and all the camp-
equipage were captured, without the loss of a man by the
attacking party. On the 11th of June, eight companies of
the regiment left Island No. 10 for Union City, and thence
marched to Corinth and Jacinto, Mississippi, where they were
attached to Colonel Carlin's brigade, in which they remained*
until recently.
2o0 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Since the regiment joined Colonel Carlin's brigade, the his-
tories of the two have been identical. It marched with Gene-
ral Mitckol's division from Iuka, Mississippi, by way of Florence,
Alabama, and joined Buell's army at Murfreesborough on the
1st of September. Continuing with the Army of the Ohio, it
endured all the hardships of the rapid march to Louisville.
Leaving that city on the 1st of October, it participated in the
battle of Chaplin Hills (or Perryville) ; and Company B of the
regiment, deployed as skirmishers, were the first to enter the
village of Perryville the morning after the engagement, Sub-
sequently it took part in a skirmish near Lancaster, Kentucky,
where a few of its men were slightly wounded. Beaching Xash-
ville as a portion of General Eosecrans's army, it left that
city on the 26th of December, as a part of General McCook's
corps. On the same day, in company with the remainder of
the brigade, it charged on a rebel battery at Knob Gap, and
captured one gun and carriage, four horses, and three prisoners,
Colonel Heg being the first man to reach the gun. In the battle
of Stone Eiver it played a conspicuous part, passing through
that long and bloody contest with the cool courage and deter-
mined valor that have ever characterized its action, winning
encomiums from the brigade commander, Colonel Carlin, and
others, at the time.
On the 29th of April, by command of General Eosecrans, it
was transferred from the 2d to the 3d Brigade of the 1st Divi-
sion, on which occasion the following order was issued by Bri-
gadier-General Carlin : — -
" Special Order No. 2.
"Head-Quarters 2d Brigade, 1st Divisiox, 20th Army Corps, April 29,1863.
" The general commanding the brigade has to regret that the interests of
the service have induced Major-General Rosecrans, commanding the depart-
ment, to transfer the 15th Wisconsin Volunteers, Colonel Hans C. Heg, from
this brigade.
" In parting with this regiment, the general commanding tenders to both
4 officers and men his sincere thanks for the soldierly and honorable manner
in which they have conducted themselves on all occasions. In camp they
have been obedient and faithful to duty, and on the battle-field they have
THE SCANDINAVIAN REGIMENT AND ITS COLONEL. 231
had no superiors in gallantry. They may feel assm'ed that they will carry
with them the best wishes of the general commanding and the other regi-
ments of this brigade.
" By order of Brigadier-General W. P. Carlin,
" Commanding 2d Brigade.
" Samuel P. Voris,
" Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General."
Though the Scandinavians in this country now number about
one hundred thousand, scattered through the various States of
the Union, but mostly in the Northwest, the 15th Wisconsin is
the only regiment of its kind in the service of the United States;
and it is as especially representing this vast, enterprising, and
rapidly increasing portion of our population that it is worthy
of notice. But, though it be the only regiment representative
of their distinct nationality in the field, thousands of Scandina-
vians have joined our armies, and may be found in every regi-
ment organized in the Northwest. They are among the best
and bravest of our soldiers. Descendants of the sturdy vikings
of medieval times, they have in the long lapse of years lost
none of that daring valor, power of endurance, and remarkable
coolness in times of excitement, which characterized their an-
cestors. Next to bravery, their most marked quality is calm-
ness. Always cool and collected, they act with the same delibe-
ration and forethought in the trying hours of danger as in the
transactions of every-day life. Temperate and virtuous, obe-
dient and well disciplined, they are in every respect model
soldiers, and challenge the admiration and respect of all whose
good fortune it is to mingle with them. Long may they live
to enjoy that freedom of speech and of thought for which they
are so nobly contending ! And not less than America's own
sons will they be honored in the days of returning peace, —
when the sword shall once more be beaten into a ploughshare
and the spear into a pruning-hook.
Hans C. Heg, Colonel of the 15th Wisconsin Volunteers, com-
manding the 5th Brigade, 1st Division, 20th Army Corps, was
born near the city of Drammen, in Norway, December 21 1829.
232 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
In 1840 his father, Evan H. Heg, came to America and settled
near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, being one of the first emigrants from
Norway to this country In 1849 the subject of this sketch,
then twenty years of age, proceeded to California by the over-
land route, where he spent two years, returning in 1851. From
that time until 1859 he resided near Milwaukee, engaging prin-
cipally in farming and merchandising, and became one of the
prominent business men of the State. In 1859 he was nomi-
nated by the ^Republican State Convention of "Wisconsin for the
office of State Prison Commissioner, and was elected by a large
majority. This office he filled, with credit to himself and profit
to the State, until he entered the service in 1861. That year
Colonel Heg was nominated for the same office by both the
Union and Eepublican conventions; but he preferred to serve
his adopted country in a different sphere, and called upon his
countrymen to rally around his standard for the defence of the
Union and the Government. While yet in civil life, he was
appointed by the Governor major of the 4th Eegiment of Wis-
consin State Militia, and in October, 1861, entered the service
as colonel of the 15th Wisconsin Volunteers. ,
Since that time his history is identified with that of the regi-
ment. With it he has served constantly and faithfully. Always
at the head of his men, — the post of danger as well as of honor,
— he has won their love and esteem by his cheerful participation
in all their sufferings and privations. At the battle of Stone
River he was with his regiment from first to last, never despond-
ing for a moment, even when affairs seemed most discouraging.
His services there and elsewhere have not escaped the notice of
his superiors, and he has been highly complimented in the official
reports of General Carlin. He is now in a position where his
abilities as a military commander can be of even more service
to the Government than heretofore, having on the 29th of April,
1863, been assigned to the command of the 5th Brigade, 1st
Division, 20th Army Corps, to which his regiment was at the
same time transferred.
Colonel Heg possesses the peculiar characteristics of his coun-
COLONEL JOHN T. WILDER. 233
tryinen in a marked degree. His bravery, demonstrated in
many engagements, is unquestioned. It is not, however, the
reckless daring of an unskilled and careless man, but the cool
and determined valor of a competent, thoughtful commander.
He is prudent, but not timid; deliberate, but not slow in move-
ment. In person he is of medium size, rather slender, and with
features more than ordinarily prepossessing. With the courage
he has the power of endurance so natural to the Scandinavian,
and is as well calculated to share the hardships and privations
of a march as he is to direct the movements of his command.
Colonel John $. aaltldcr.
John T. "Wilder, Colonel of the 17th Indiana Infantry, com-
manding the 1st Brigade of Mounted Rifles, was born in Ulster
county, Xew York, in the year 1830. His is decidedly a fighting
family. His groat-grandfather. Seth Wilder, lost a leg at Bunker
Hill; and his grandfather, Seth Wilder, Jr., then sixteen years
old. served in his father's stead, and participated in the battles of
Saratoga, Monmouth, and Stony Point, in the latter of which
he was wounded by a bayonet-thrust. In the War of 1812 his
father, Reuben Wilder, raised a company of light horse, and
fought at Plattsburg and Sackets Harbor. He is still living,
and, though lacking but a year of the allotted threescore and
ten, his patriotism has not dimmed in the lapse of years, as is
evidenced by the fact that he recently wrote from his home in
Kingston. Xew York, to his son, asking permission to come to
Murfreesborough and serve upon his staff.
The subject of our notice was educated as a civil and hydraulic
engineer, and at the age of nineteen moved to Columbus, Ohio,
where he remained three years. Eemoving in 1852 to Greens-
burg, Indiana, he engaged in the machine and foundry business,
in conjunction with his more scientific professional pursuit of
234 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
hydraulic engineering. In this he has been more extensively-
engaged than any other one man in the West, — in almost every
principal town of which he has built mills, both steam and water.
His labors extended beyond the State of his residence to Illinois,
"Wisconsin, Western Virginia, and even Tennessee, in which he
has constructed several mills, and where he now owns several
hundred acres of land. His nine years of work may be thus
summed up. He has built over one hundred mills, has sent en-
gines (all built by contract) to every part of the West, has con-
structed several large hydraulic works, and has been granted three
patents on turbine water-wheels. When the war broke out, his
business was in a flourishing condition. He had become a
proficient in hydraulics, and was recognized as an authority in
such matters to so great an extent that he was sent for as a
witness and to act as umpire from all parts of the country. In
politics he had been a Democrat ; but when Mr. Lincoln was elected
he fired a salute for him as his President, notwithstanding the
objections of many of his brother Democrats. At the first sign
of war he cast two steel six-pounder guns and donated them
to the State. Artillery not being desired at that time, he inte-
rested himself, and was mainly instrumental, in raising the first
three-years regiment from the State, of which he was appointed
lieutenant-colonel.
Leaving his extensive shop and foundry, employing one
hundred hands, — which, it may be remarked, is still in constant
operation, — in charge of his foreman, he accompanied his regi-
ment, then commanded by Colonel Haskell, to Western Vir-
ginia. Lieutenant-Colonel Wilder, however, was in command
at Cheat Mountain and Greenbrier, and in all the severe skir-
mishes and fights under Generals Eeynolds and Eosecrans. His
regiment, the 17th Indiana, killed John A. Washington, was
very prominent in the repulse of Lee, and at Greenbrier covered
the retreat of General Eeynolds, building, repairing, and main-
taining the roads over which our forces moved. In December,
1861, Colonel Wilder marched with his regiment to Louisville,
and accompanied Buell's army through all its varied fortunes.
COLONEL JOHN T. WILDER. 2C5
Soon after the evacuation of Corinth he was taken ill with
typhoid fever, and was compelled to absent himself from the
field for nearly three months, the disease proving at one
period nearly fatal. Soon after he recruited a company for his
regiment, and also assisted in raising a regiment of thirty-
days men, of whom six hundred and forty-one were enlisted
during one day, to serve in Kentucky and repel the rebels at
Henderson, — the same gang who had crossed into Indiana
and had again recrossed the river. The men were raised, as
stated, in less than twenty-four hours, and in forty-eight hours
were armed, equipped, and in Kentucky, two hundred and
sixty-five miles from Greensburg, Colonel Wilder accompanying
them.
In September, 1802, in command of less than four thousand
men, — of whom only twenty-two hundred were fit for duty, —
he made his memorable defence of 3iuni'oi'dsville, repulsing a
desperate attack of the rebels, nearly ten thousand strong,
under General Chalmers, and maintained himself until he was
surrounded by a force of twenty-five thousand, with forty-five
cannon, under the personal command of General Bragg. By
this brilliant and gallant defence Colonel Wilder gained due
credit as a gallant and determined officer in whom confidence
could be placed in time of need. For two months he was a
prisoner, when he was paroled, and went to Washington, where
he procured an immediate exchange, and at once rejoined his
regiment.
When General Eosecrans assumed command of the Army of
the Cumberland, Colonel Wilder was assigned to his present
brigade, consisting of the 17th, 72d, and 75th Indiana, and the
98th Illinois. In Deceniber he was stationed at Gallatin, Ten-
nessee, and on the 17th of that month joined in the pursuit of
Moiyan on his last raid, in company with General Eeynolds's
division. After the battle of Stone Eiver he escorted a train of
one hundred and twenty wagons from Cave City to Nashville.
Since then he has been constantly engaged in raids and expe-
ditions through the country, scarcely having a day of rest from
236 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
active service. Determining to mount his brigade and thus
beat Morgan at his own game, Colonel "Wilder began, with six
horses, to capture others for his men. On one expedition — the
first — to Liberty and Lebanon he obtained some six hundred, on
the second, about seven hundred, and on the third, five hundred
and seventy-eight. Gradually others have been procured, and
three regiments are already finely mounted; and before this is
seen by the reader the fourth will, without doubt, be simi-
larly fortunate. He has also procured an ample supply of fine
mules for a battery of six rifled ten-pounder guns, also for
one of four twelve-pounder mountain-howitzers; and this has
been done without a dollar of' expense to the Government.
During the entire winter, and until the 1st of April, no corn or
forage was drawn by this brigade for its animals, — they supply-
ing themselves from the surrounding country
Colonel Wilder's brigade is an independent command, — and
in more senses than one. It builds its own wagons, — ironing
them from the wrecks of others scattered along the road, —
shoes its own horses, and makes its own coal for its forges.
Each man carries a hatchet with a handle two feet in length,
— whence they have acquired the sobriquet of 'i The Hatchet
Brigade." Their hatchets are described as handy and effect-
ive both in bivouac and in fight. Bach company also makes
for itself a fine mess-chest. Every teamster, cook, and extra-
duty man in the brigade is a negro, and every white is an effect-
ive soldier in the ranks. The colonel is a firm believer in the
friendship and good will of the negroes. He relates numerous
instances in which they have exhibited these qualities and
rendered valuable service, among which is the following.
Upon one of his expeditions, during a dark, rainy night, he was
visited in his camp by a very black negro woman, about twenty
years of age, and married, — the property of one Hawkins, a
large farmer living six miles from Lebanon, Tennessee. She had
walked the whole distance to his camp — six miles — in the mud
and rain for the purpose of telling him where there were several
barrels of salt hidden behind her master's garden-fence, as well
COLONEL JOHN T. WILDER. 2d t
as to reveal the locality of a certain cave where were concealed
a number of horses and mules and some guns. " I could not
help bringing her in with me," said the colonel; and he added,
"The negroes are our best friends."
Colonel "Wilder is emphatically "what may be called a live
man. He realizes the nature of the struggle in which we are
engaged, and enters into the work with all his mind and
strength. He believes in fighting, and plenty of it. Peace-
upon-any-terms sticklers, and rebel sympathizers, meet with no
sympathy from him. He was the first one to suggest the idea
of having the soldiers appeal to their friends at home to unite
in an earnest, hearty support of the administration in its efforts
to crush the rebellion. To this end he used his influence among
the Democrats in the army; and they co-operated with him, —
with what result is known to the whole loyal Xorth. Pure
patriotism has impelled him in his course. His whole time and
energies are devoted to the work. In addition to his salary, he
has expended over seven thousand dollars for the cause, — having
equipped from sixty to seventy men at his own expense. Still
in the prime of life, understanding the nature of the enemy
with whom he is contending, fertile in invention, and prompt in
execution, Colonel Wilder and his mounted brigade cannot fail,
in the days yet to come, to add largely to their already wide-
spread reputation.
The brigade is composed as follows : — the 17th Indiana, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Jordan, 72d Indiana, Colonel Miller, 75th In-
diana, Colonel Eobinson, and the 9Sth Illinois, Colonel Funk-
houser. It is called the First Mounted I'ifles, and its services
are in constant demand. Scarcely an expedition goes out of
which it does not form a part; and wherever it goes it is sure to
" make its mark." The rebels have learned to respect and fear
it; and the name of its gallant leader has already become
throughout the South a synonym for all that is bold and daring.
238 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
(lionet ftalMiam f . ^ioujgMm
Colonel William L. Stoughton, 11th Michigan Volunteers,
is a native of the State of New York, and was born March 2,
1827. Moving with his family to Ohio in 1839, he was educated
at Madison Seminary. In 1849 he went to Michigan, and on
the completion of his legal studies was admitted to the bar, and
practised law till the fall of 1861. For four years he was prose-
cuting attorney of St. Joseph county, and had the reputation of
being an able criminal lawyer. He was also a member, and one
of the secretaries, of the National Kepublican Convention in
1860, which nominated President Lincoln, and took an active
part in the subsequent canvass. In the spring of 1861 he was
appointed United States District Attorney for the district of
Michigan, and held the office till the fall of that year, when he
resigned, and accepted the appointment of lieutenant-colonel in
the 11th Michigan Infantry, and in April, 1862, was appointed
colonel.
During the spring and summer of 1862 he was on duty in
Tennessee and Kentucky. On the invasion of Kentucky by John
Morgan in July, he was sent with the 11th Michigan to intercept
him, if possible. He reached Cave City the next evening after
Morgan's raid was known at Nashville, and made a forced march
to Glasgow to attack him ; but he had left five hours before the
regiment arrived, and his command, being mounted on the best
of stolen horses, escaped. From this point commenced the cele-
brated chase of Morgan through the State of Kentucky, in
which our infantry constantly pressed the marauder, driving him
from every point, but unable to make him fight. After this
he was ordered to Nashville with his regiment, where he was
assigned to General Negley's division, and was in Nashville
during the blockade. In the course of the siege he was sent by
General Negley , with three regiments and one section of artillery,
sixteen miles down the Cumberland Kiver, on a foraging expedi-
tion and reconnoissance. When near Fort Eiley, the train was
COLONEL J. W BURKE. 239
fired into by guerrillas, who were speedily put to flight. On
reaching the road between the bluffs and the river, it was found
to be cut away, leaving only a bridle-path, with trees felled
across it to prevent the passage of wagons. "With great labor
the obstructions were removed, and the road bridged so as to
allow the train to pass. On reaching the opposite side, the head
of the train was again fired into by guerrillas; but they were
repulsed and driven across the river, and an abundance of forage
obtained. On the return of the train, the enemy made a spirited
attack from a bend in the river opposite the bluffs, but were
repulsed with the loss of sixteen killed and wounded. Colonel
Stoughton was subsequently at the battle of Stone Eiver, —
where he acted a gallant and conspicuous part, — and was ap-
pointed provost-marshal of the post on the occupation of Mur-
freesborough. This position he has filled with notable success.
(Tolonel 3. Ml. Durte,
Or the 10th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (Head-Quarters Guard),
was born in Westport, county ilayo, Ireland, in the year 1836,
and was educated for the English service, in which four of his
elder brothers had reached high rank and distinction. Politic-
ally opposed to the Government and policy of Great Britain,
and belonging to that class of young men whose genius and
efforts in the cause of Irish nationality made the ill-timed Eevo-
lution of 1848 celebrated, he abandoned all idea of serving in
"her Majesty's forces," and emigrated to the United States,
where he devoted himself to the study of law, and practised
his profession at the Cincinnati bar for three years before the
breaking out of the war.
He commenced his military career as chief of staff to General
William Lytle, commanding at Camp Harrison, and assisted that
gallant officer in organizing some of the finest regiments Ohio
sent into the field. Shortly after the call of the President for
240 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
three-months troops, the Irish citizens of Cincinnati resolved to
raise a regiment and send it to the field in defence of the Govern-
ment. The Montgomery Eegiment (10th Ohio) was thus organ-
ized, — composed mainly of this class of citizens, — counting
among its officers some of the most promising and brilliant
young men of the city. The regiment was commanded by
Colonel (now General) William H. Lytle, — Colonel Burke enter-
ing as major. The regiment was among the first to leave for
the war in "Western Virginia, and served under General McClel-
lan during his short campaign, until General Eosecrans took
command.
Colonel Burke was put in command of an outpost, — a posi-
tion requiring much tact and energy, — and soon gained the atten-
tion and confidence of his keen-sighted general. His regiment
was the advance-guard of General Eosecrans's forces when the
army marched to the Gauley Eiver to engage the rebels under
General Floyd, and distinguished itself highly at Carnifex Ferry,
where it charged the works of the rebel general, mounting eight
guns and defended by three thousand infantry The brave
Lytle was severely wounded within a few feet of the rebel
redoubt, and the command of the regiment devolved upon
Burke, who fought his men with the utmost courage and obsti-
nacy until night put an end to the contest, when the rebel general
retreated in confusion, leaving his works and large quantities of
stores, ammunition, and arms.
The campaign in that region having been terminated by the
expulsion of Floyd, "Wise, and Lee, the regiment was ordered to
Kentucky, and fell under the command of the lamented General
Mitchel, serving with that officer in his brief but brilliant
career in Northern Alabama. " The 10th" acquired the title
of "the bloody 10th" at the battle of Carnifex Ferry; and the
impression gained ground wherever they marched that it was
composed of wild, lawless men: so that, it is said, citizens
fled at the approach of the regiment, to return surprised that
their horses and property were left unharmed. This impres-
sion prevailed particularly in Huntsville, Alabama; and great
COLONEL J. W. BURKE. 241
was the consternation anions: the citizens when Colonel Burke
was announced as provost-marshal and his regiment as provost-
guard. But the discipline and fine bearing of the regiment soon
dispelled that impression.
When the Federal forces under Buell followed Bragg into
Kentucky, the " 10th Ohio" was assigned to the division of
General Rousseau, of ]\XcCook's corps, and at the battle of Perry -
ville was honored with the advance of the army. The gallant
bearing of the regiment at that fight formed a theme for the
admiration of the country It went into action with five hun-
dred and twenty-eight men, and lost two hundred and sixty-
three killed and wounded. Surrounded at one time by masses
of the enemy, their numbers diminishing at every step, the regi-
ment cleared its way to the point where a great portion of the
line had fallen back and taken up the final position of the day.
Immediately on General Bosecrans assuming the command of
Buell's army, he assigned to the regiment the highly honorable
position of Head-Quarters and Provost Guard to the Army of the
Cumberland, — a compliment well deserved by the gallant fellows
who followed him with such devotion in his earlier campaigns.
At the battle of Stone River Colonel Burke and his command
received the laborious and responsible task of keeping open the
communications. Posted at Stewart's Creek, a short distance
from the field, it protected large army-trains, rescued one from
the rebel cavalry, — which it finally drove away, — kept open the
line of communications, and returned to the army over two
thousand stragglers who were found skulking to the rear. For
these gallant services the general commanding publicly thanked
Colonel Burke and his regiment, — an honor any officer might
well covet. He also received the following despatch from head-
quarters : —
"January 2, 1862, 8 o'clock a.m.
" Lieutenant-Colonel Burke : —
"The general commanding instructs me to say that your despatch is re
ceived, and that your conduct is highly gratifying to him.
" Respectfully, yours, &c.
"Frank S. Bond, A.D.C.
" By command of Major-General W- S. Rosecrans."
16
2-42 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
In his official report General Eoseerans says : —
" The 10th Kegiment of Ohio Volunteers, at Stewart's Creek, Lieutenant-
Colonel J. W. Burke commanding, deserve especial praise for the ability
and spirit with which they held their post, defended our trains, secured
their cars, chased away Wheeler's rebel cavalry, saving a large wagon-
train, and arrested and retained in service some two thousand stragglers
from the battle-field."
The special correspondent of the " Cincinnati Gazette," speak-
ing of the gallantry of the regiment, pays it the following high
compliment : —
" To the heroic conduct of Colonel Burke at Stewart's Creek, where, with
his unconquerable 10th Ohio, he so gallantly held his ground and repulsed
the masses of Wheeler's rebel cavalry, is due the saving of an immense train
of supplies, the loss of which, at a time when the army was reduced to
horse-flesh and a scanty supply of hard crackers, might have been attended
with the most disastrous consequences. Neither is it too much to say that
his success, and that of Colonel Innes, of the Michigan Mechanics and Engi-
neers, saved our army from an assault in the rear by the whole force of the
enemy's cavalry."
In a short sketch like the present it is impossible to do justice
to Colonel Burke and his brave men. The regiment, though
decimated in number by its many fierce contests, has a well-
earned reputation for discipline, dash, and fine appearance.
THE DEAD OF OUR ARMY.
We have concluded our sketches of the living; and it is meet
that we close this portion of the "Annals" with a tribute to the
noble dead of the Army of the Cumberland. Fallen heroes ! —
sleeping upon the banks of the lonely river, upon adjacent
cotton-fields, and among the cedars which skirt its meandering
waters, they yet live in the memories of their surviving com-
rades. Unable to present their loved features in these pages,
yet who of us who knew them so well can ever forget them ?
Perhaps two thousand of our gallant band have " slept the sleep"
upon the battle-fields of Stone Elver, or have since languished
and pined away unto death from wounds there received. Let
the monument stand, an offering of the army and of the people,
emblematic of their lineaments, their heroism, and their sacrifice.
The following sketches of prominent officers slain at the battle
of Stone Eiver, December 31, 1862, will be read with a deeper
interest than any other chapter in this volume.
Uripttier-toerat Joshua Wtta&xm £itl.
(by a lady contributor, CANANDAIGUA, NEW YORK.)
Joshua "Woodbow Sill, the youngest brigadier-general in the
army, and the only Union general slain at Murfreesborough, was
the second son of the Hon. Joseph Sill and Elizabeth, daughter
of Joshua Woodrow, of Hillsborough, Highland county, Ohio.
He was born December 6, 1831, in the city of Chillicothe, where
243
244 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
his father— a native of Northeastern Xew York— has resided
since the year is 14.
Joshua's early education was watched over by his father, who
spared from an active legal practice time necessary to give his
son much instruction. As a child he was gentle, obedient, and
studious; and before reaching the years of manhood he succeeded
in mastering both rapidly and thoroughly some of the most ab-
struse sciences, particularly mathematics ; while his proficiency
in Latin and Greek, in standard English and French literature,
gained for him the approbation and admiration of all. His
father intended him for the legal profession ; but this he de-
clined, and, at his own request, was in 1S49 appointed a United
States Cadet from the Chillicothe Congressional District.
His life at West Point was remarkable only for the attention
he bestowed on his studies and his strict performance of every
required duty. He ranked among the first and best scholars,
and graduated third in his class. Chosen for an ordnance ap-
pointment, he was in 1854 stationed at Watervliet Arsenal,
West Troy. The following year he was recalled to West Point
as one of the instructors. Two years passed, and he was
ordered to Pittsburg Arsenal, where for a few months, awaiting
further orders, he occupied himself with drafting for and testing
ordnance. In May, 1858, he sailed for Vancouver, Washington
Territory, to superintend the building of an arsenal there ; but
the Arancouver Island difficulty with the British Government
prevented its construction. In September he returned, and
was again stationed at Watervliet, but a few months afterwards
was ordered to Fort Leavenworth. There his long-cherished
intention of leaving the army took effect. Sill was willing to
wield a sword when his country required it, but he could not
endure the inactivity of army-life in times of peace.
Early in the spring of 1860 he gave notice of resignation;
and in September of that year he accepted the Professorship of
Mathematics and Civil Engineering in the Brooklyn Collegiate
and Polytechnic Institute,— a position he filled with distinguished
ability For a few months he seemed happy in his congenial
BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOSHUA WOODROW SILL. 245
occupation and duties ; but, as the time drew near when his re-
signation must be either perfected or withdrawn, the threatening
aspect of affairs greatly disturbed and engrossed him. Many of
our ablest statesmen believed the peril of civil war would be
averted. Sill sought, and finally accepted, the advice of reliable
military friends, and perfected his resignation. Still he was not
content : a presentiment that the time would soon come when he
must part from all the enjoyments of his new profession caused
him anxious thought. The news of the bombardment of
Sumter, flashing through the land, startling and firing the indig-
nation of every patriot, found him calmly, quietly prepared.
He resigned his professorship, and offered his services to the
Governor of Ohio. In May, 1861, he was summoned to Colum-
bus, and made assistant adjutant-general of the State, in which
department he aided in the organization of the Ohio forces. In
August, 1861, he was commissioned colonel of the 33d Ohio
Volunteers. He accompanied General Nelson in his Eastern
Kentucky expedition. After his return, his regiment being
assigned to General Mitchel's division, Sill was placed in com-
mand of a brigade. He was promoted to the rank of brigadier-
general, and confirmed by the United States Senate, July 29,
1862. After the promotion of General Alexander McD. McCook
to the rank of major-general and to the command of an army
corps, Sill was assigned to the command of a division. This
division he led with consummate skill and energy; and, although
engaged in constant skirmishing with the enemy, such was his
vigilance and dexterity that he sustained but trifling losses.
Upon the reorganization of the army under Major-General Kose-
crans, he was assigned to the command of a brigade in General
Sheridan's division. He fell at the head of this brigade, with
which he had three times checked the furious onset of the rebels
upon our right wing on the disastrous Wednesday of the battle
of Stone Kiver.
Gifted with more than ordinary abilities, he had by unwearied
and successful culture trained them to a high degree of perfec-
tion. The unsullied purity of his life was rare and admirable.
246 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
He was gentle and sensitive to excess : yet in unswerving in-
tegrity, cool practical sagacity, chivalrous courage, and unyield-
ing resolution, he verified his title to the noblest attributes of
to J
manhood.
It is an eloquent tribute that, when their brave leader fell, his
men s^ave way to no shallow ebullition of sorrow. As the word
passed down the line, there ensued no disorder, no confusion.
Moved as one man by one fierce impulse of vengeance, they
pressed forward and crushed the enemy who had slain him.
His loss, though keenly felt, should not be selfishly mourned.
Through duteous self-sacrifice the brave, the gallant Sill has
entered "the noble army of martyrs."
Gtotojwl Julius §. (Smtcsrk'.
Colonel Julius P. Garesche (Chief of Major-General Eose-
crans's Staff) was born in Cuba, of American parents. He
entered West Point at the age of sixteen, and graduated in
1841, at twenty. He was married in 1849 to Miss De Laureal,
of St. Louis. He served some years in Texas, and in Mexico
during the war. During eight years previous to the rebellion he
was on duty in "Washington City as assistant adjutant-general.
Upon the commencement of the war he became anxious for
active service. He declined, however, a commission as brigadier-
general, — not wishing to accept such an appointment until he
had won it on the field. He Avas made chief of staff to General
Eosecrans upon the latter's taking command of the Department
of the Cumberland, and immediately proceeded to the "West and
entered upon his duties.
His life in the army has been one of work, and the services
rendered by him to his fellow-officers and his country have been
of the most important character. As chief of staff he was an
invaluable aid to his commander, through his long experience
and practical knowledge of martial affairs. Eemarkably well
COLONEL JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 247
versed in military law as regarded matters of rank and customs,
precedents of courts-martial, &c, his decisions were universally
respected; and his published orders are yet spoken of, among
our army officers, as models of correctness, precision, and elegance
of diction. As a man, modest, unobtrusive, kindly to all, and
easy of access to both high and low, — to the humblest private
as well as to the bearer of the sword and epaulette, — he was
loved by all, — all mourn his loss.
A Washington correspondent of the "National Intelligencer"
thus alludes to Colonel Garesche : —
"On one of the days of battle before Murfreesborough, during a critical
moment of the conflict, Colonel Julius P. Garesch6, chief of General Rose-
crans's staff, was killed. There are things connected with the life and cha-
racter of this gentleman, and with the years of his residence in this city,
which make it fitting to allude to his death more at length than we have
heretofore done, and, in a few words of special reverence to his memory, to
call the attention of our citizens to the loss they have suffered in his fall.
"Of the high esteem in which he was held by the officers of the army
nothing need be said. The grief expressed by his companions in the service
sufficiently attests their appreciation of his stainless character and important
services. His life in this city, to those who knew him best, seemed one
continued act of charity. Prior to the war, when the duties of the Adjutant-
General's office were not so pressing, his evening hours were almost in-
variably devoted to visiting the poor and sick. He sought for them in their
homes, learned the history of their lives, consoled them in sorrow, and
administered to them when in want. He denied himself many of the sim-
plest comforts of life that he might be better enabled to alleviate the suffer-
ings of the unfortunate. In the exercise of his charity he was at all times
delicate as a true gentleman, generous as a perfect Christian. There are
incidents in his life, familiar to a few, of such great heroism of virtue as
would win for him, if widely known, the applause of all men. One of these
we will relate. He learned of a family destitute of means and smitten with
the small-pox. He visited them, finding the father beyond hope of recovery
and one of the children dying. They were entirely deserted. Colonel
Garesche visited them regularly, obtained for them the consolations of re-
ligion, stood by the bedside of the man when death closed his sufferings,
and held the dying child in his arms while the priest administered baptism.
Nor was this all. He went to three different undertakers, and each one
refused to assist him to bury the dead. He applied to the city authorities,
and was referred to one who conducts pauper funerals. He obtained this
man's services, but defrayed the burial-expenses himself, lest the feelings of
the widow should be hurt if her husband was buried as a pauper at the
city expense. When one who had a right to remonstrate chided him for this
248 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
exposure of himself and his family, this was his simple answer : — ' I felt it
to be my duty ; I could not help it.'
" It was a splendid thing to die as he died, — suddenly, in the front of
battle, in a deadly crisis of the day, fighting for a cause most pure and true ;
and it was proper that for such a man there should be reserved so grand a
death. Yet in this there was nothing half so greatly heroic as the watching
by the bedside and at the burial of that wretched victim of infection and
the baptism of that smitten child.
" He was one of the founders of the Society of St. Vincent of Paul in this
city, and was at the time of his departure the president of one of its con-
ferences. He was a man of simple, unaffected piety, and untiring in chari-
table works. Those who knew him from youth never knew of him an evil
deed or word. His wife and little ones, in their sudden bereavement, have
the sincere sympathy of our citizens and of every officer, of whatever rank,
in the army, and also the tears of many who in similar affliction found in
him a consoler and a friend."
The manner of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Garesche is
well known. He was by the side of his general during the
storm, advising, cheering, and executing orders. Calm yet
courageous of heart, during that day he was observed, at an
opportune moment, to retire to a private place, scan a page of
his pocket-Bible, and to move his lips in prayer. He seemed,
then, fearless of death : may we not say he was ready and willing
to die for his country ? Towards the middle of the day, while
galloping over an open cotton-field upon a special mission, his
head was blown away by a cannon-ball, a fragment of the lower
jaw only remaining, his blood and brains being spattered over
his attendants. Brigadier-General Hazen, one of the gallant
spirits of that hour, and of the truly brave and pure of our
army, thus writes : —
"In Camp, Readyville, Tennessee, June 4, 1863.
•'Author of 'the Annals.'
" Dear Sir : — At your request I pen you a few lines respecting poor
Garescb.6. When killed, as you know, he was left just as he fell, there being
no time then to give attention to the dead. About ten minutes after Colonel
Goddard informed me of his death, I chanced to pass the spot where he lay.
He was alone, no soldier— dead nor living — near him. I saw but a headless
trunk: an eddy of crimson foam had issued where his head should be. I at
once recognized his figure, it lay so naturally, his right hand across his breast.
As I approached, dismounted, and bent over him, the contraction of a muscle
extended the hand slowly and slightly towards me. Taking hold of it, I
COLONEL JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 249
found it warm and lifelike. Upon one of the fingers was the class-ring,
that (to me) beautiful talisman of our common school. This I removed ;
and, also taking from his pocket his Bible, I then parted with all that re-
mained of one who in life was my dearest friend, and possessed of the highest
virtues that grace the brave and honest man. There was no time for tears.
I soon after sent an aide-de-camp, with men, who carried the body through
the shower of iron that ceased not to rain upon that spot during most of
that day, to a place where, whatever might be the fate of battle, it would
be recovered. Yours, very truly,
" W- B. IIazex."
The loss of Garesche was a shock to the army and to the
country. Being killed within a few feet of General Eosecrans,
the event thereby assumed a peculiar significance, and no battle-
field death of this war has occasioned more thought and remark.
His remains were buried in a little graveyard which chanced
to be near where he fell, and after a few days were raised and
taken to Cincinnati. His funeral honors are thus mentioned by
the Cincinnati " Commercial" of January 14, 1863 : —
"Honors to Colonel Garesche\
" The remains of this gallant officer reached our city early yesterday morn-
ing. The Young Men's Sodality received and escorted them to St. Xavier's
Church, on Sycamore Street, where they were laid in state.
'• A magnificent requiem mass was chanted over the body, the brother of
the deceased, Father Garesch§, S.T., being the celebrant. Rev. C. O'Dris-
coll, S.T., followed in a short panegyric.
" Guards were posted during the day, and a stream of visitors continued
until the body was removed. About five p.m. the escort to accompany it
to the depot was formed, in the following order : —
" Advance Guards.
Band.
Sis companies of Infantry, in columns of platoons, with arms reversed.
Hearse.
Pall-bearers.
Band.
Young Men's Sodality.
Carriages.
" The procession was several squares in length, and, after a short detour,
it proceeded to the Little Miami depot. The body will be forwarded imme-
diately to the family of the departed hero, who reside in Washington City."
250 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Colonel (Bforge <R Roberts.
Colonel Eoberts, 42d Illinois Volunteers, commanding 3d
Brigade, 3d Division, 20th Army Corps, was born in Westchester
county, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1833. After the necessary
preparation, he entered the sophomore class at Yale College,
and graduated in 1857 Adopting the law as his profession, he
studied in his native county, where he was admitted to the bar,
and continued to practise until the spring of 1859, when he
removed to Chicago. There, while in the successful exercise of
his profession, he determined to enter the army, and, in company
with David Stuart, began recruiting for the 42d Eegiment Illi-
nois Yolunteers. On the 22d of July he received his commission
as major of the regiment, and on the 17th of September was
elected lieutenant-colonel. Upon the death of Colonel Webb,
December 24, 1S61, he was chosen colonel. AVith his regiment
Colonel Eoberts took part in the well-known march of General
Fremont to Springfield, after which the 42d went into quarters
at Smithtown, Missouri. After the fall of Fort Donelson, the
colonel proceeded with his regiment to Fort Holt, near Cairo,
where he held command of the post, at that time garrisoned
by the 42d Illinois, 8th Ohio, and a battery of the 2d Illinois
Artillery Thence he was ordered to Columbus, after its eva-
cuation by the enemy, and next proceeded to Island Xo. 10,
where he performed most valuable service during a night-expe-
dition, in spiking a number of guns.
Here Colonel Eoberts first made his mark, as one of the
heroes of the army. Seeing that the boats could not pass the
island unless the upper battery was silenced, the muzzles of the
guns of which were but a few inches above the water, and which
could have sunk any boat which might try to pass, he conceived
the idea of spiking the guns. On the dark and stormy night
of April 1, 1*02, when almost a hurricane lashed the waters of
the Mississippi, he embarked, with but forty men of his re^i-
COLONEL GEOKGE W. ROBERTS. 251
merit in five small boats, upon that perilous expedition. Its
success is history. The regiment was next ordered to Fort
Pillow, and from there accompanied General Pope up the Ten-
nessee and took part in the engagement at Farmington. He
distinguished himself in that battle, where he with Company B,
42d Illinois, covered the retreat.
At the siege of Corinth he was in the advance, and was one
of the first to enter the rebel fortification. In the pursuit
of the rebels to Booneville and Baldwin he gained special
praise from General Bosecrans for the rapidity with which he
advanced.
He then served under Brigadier-General Palmer, and marched
from Decatur to Xashville, in command of the 1st Brigade, 1st
Division, of the Army of the ^Mississippi. Colonel Boberts dis
tinguished himself in several skirmishes with the rebels while
intrusted with this command, particularly during the siege of
Nashville and its bombardment, November 5, 1862, in which he
repelled the enemy from every point assigned to him to defend.
Wearied with garrison-life, he soon after applied to General
Bosecrans for more active duty, and was ordered to report with
his brigade to General Sheridan. On the morning of December
30 he had the advance of the 20th Army Corps, and his skir-
mishers drove the rebels to their breastworks. On the 31st his
brigade fought most bravely, engaging two rebel divisions at
once, — one in front and one on the right flank; and not till a
third division of the rebels came on his left flank and rear did
his troops fall back. He then changed front along the Wilkerson
pike, and, while gallantly inspiring his men with his words and
deeds, a fatal ball struck him, wounding him mortally. One in-
cident is worthy of mention. "While a rebel division (Cleborne's)
were driving some of our regiments before them, he asked per-
mission from General Sheridan to charge upon the enemy,
— which was granted. Galloping up before the 42d Illinois, he
waved his cap and ordered them to fix bayonets. The men, filled
with enthusiasm at this exhibition of bravery by their loved
commander, rushed upon the rebel ranks with irresistible vehe-
-01 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
mence, and the enemy broke and fled in great confusion. The
discomfiture of the rebel force at that moment was most oppor-
tune. It delayed their renewed attack upon our right wing for
a considerable time, thus permitting the reforming of our broken
columns, and, unquestionably, greatly contributed to stem the
adverse tide of fortune, and to the achievement of the final
victory.
Colonel Eoberts needs no further eulogy. He yet lives in the
memory and affections of our army.
QMonct %mnitv £tom.
(by a CONTRIBUTOR, TIFFIN, OHIO.)
The 101st Eegiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized
under the call of the President for three hundred thousand addi-
tional volunteers, in July, 1862, rendezvoused at Camp Mon-
roeville, and was mustered into the service of the United States
on the 30th of August, with Leander Stem, of Tiffin, as colonel.
It was ordered to active duty in Kentucky on the 5th of Sep-
tember, to assist in the defence of Cincinnati, then threatened
by the rebel forces under command of General Kirby Smith.
It was subsequently ordered to Louisville, and accompanied
the army of General Buell in the pursuit of Bragg through
Kentucky The regiment was present at the battle of Perry -
ville, and, in connection with the 31st Brigade, to which it was
attached, took part in the splendid action of the division com-
manded by General Mitchel. The coolness and courage exhi-
bited by Colonel Stem on this occasion elicited high praise from
his superior officers, and gained for him the admiration and con-
fidence of the men of his command. This regiment also took a
prominent part in the brilliant engagement at Knob Gap on the
first day of the advance of General Eosecrans from Xashville
COLONEL LEANDER STEM. 253
upon iMurfreesborough. Here again the perfect self-possession
and indomitable courage of Colonel Stem was the subject of
general remark among the officers who witnessed his conduct,
and of enthusiastic praise among the men of his regiment.
The 101st was again hotly engaged at the battle of Stone
River, where it suffered severely Early in the morning of the
31st of December — that disastrous day of battle — Colonel Stem
fell, mortally wounded. His gallantry, conspicuous on all previous
occasions, hefe shone out with uncommon excellence. He fell
while cheering on his men, close to the loved colors of his regi-
ment, lamented by his superior officers and by the officers and
men of his command, who felt for him the most devoted attach-
ment and cherish his memory with the most affectionate ten-
derness.
The great epochs of history have always been marked by
singular contrasts. While, on the one hand, the heart of the
philanthropist has been sickened by the corruption of partisan
leaders and the desolation of war, on the other it has been
cheered and strengthened by the patriotism and heroic courage
of those who have stepped nobly forward between their country
and its peril. This truth has been eminently exemplified in the
present rebellion. While some have labored energetically to
destroy the most beneficent civil Government ever organized,
others have displayed the most disinterested patriotism and self-
sacrifice in its defence. The subject of this sketch is a signal
illustration.
Colonel Leander Stem was born in Carroll county, Maryland,
and was the third son of Jacob Stem deceased. When our
country and Government were assailed by treason and rebellion,
he manifested an intense interest, not as a mere party politician,
but as a true friend of humanity. For years his hearty sym-
pathy with human rights had led him to fear for free institu-
tions while witnessing the plotting of their enemies. He felt it
his duty to enlist in the military service of his country, and was
appointed colonel of the 101st Regiment of Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, and was with his regiment in the army, under the
-04 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
command of 3Iajor-General Eosecrans, at [Nashville, Tennessee.
He was wounded and captured at the battle of Stone Eiver, on
the 31st of December, 18G2, and died at Murfreesborough, in a
rebel hospital, January 6, 1863.
At the time he fell, his regiment was surrounded on three
sides by the enemy, and was the last of the brigade to retire
from the field. His last words on the field, while endeavoring
to rally his men, were, " Stand by your colors, boys, for the
honor of old Ohio \"
Colonel Stem was a man of most pleasing and urbane deport-
ment, and interesting and improving in his social intercourse.
As a legal advocate he was successful, and prosecuted his pro-
fession with acknowledged untiring industry He will be missed
and lamented the more for the gallant and heroic manner in
which he offered himself up on the altar of his country. The
following article from the Sandusky (Ohio) " Eegister," an-
nouncing his death, is a truthful tribute to his memory : —
" The death of Colonel Stem of the 101st Regiment, in the recent and
terrible battle near Murfreesborough, is not one of the least important losses
sustained in that bloody conflict. Though not a military man, unlearned in
the art of war, he was a true man and a gentleman.
" Respected, esteemed, and trusted by all who knew him in all the busi-
ness and social relations of private life, he had become alike respected and
trusted by the men composing his regiment. The manliness of his nature,
the good sense and sound judgment which he displayed in the performance
of his military duties, and the interest which he felt in the men under his
command, had made him what a colonel should be, — both the commander and
the friend. The 101st Regiment, in the death of Colonel Stem has suffered
an irreparable loss. Yet doubtless the influence of his example and_ his life
will long be felt by them. But if his loss be irreparable to them, what is it
to his family and friends ? The hearts of the many who have suffered like
bereavement only can estimate it.
" Colonel Stem is another of the victims of the accursed treason and
rebellion which so many are now engaged in covering with a cloak of ex-
cuses and the drapery of palliation ! How many more victims shall yet fall,
God only can tell 1"
THE DEPARTMENTS
OF THE
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
A DAY AT HEAD-QUARTERS.
The Army of the Cumberland we will estimate, in round
numbers, at fifty thousand men, — an extensive family, whose
subsistence, discipline, and health are the daily care of its com-
mander.
We are encamped at Murfreesborough, — have been located
there for five full — but not solitary — months. Why so long a
stay there ? involves a combination of answers which the author
does not feel called upon to give as " in duty bound." But the
reasons are sound, as the result has shown. General Eosecrans
moves when he is ready ; and he knows the full meaning of that
word. In all his military movements, without a single excep-
tion, he has made his " good ready," and by that sign has he
conquered. In "Western Virginia, at Iuka and Corinth, Mis-
sissippi, at Murfreesborough, and now upon his march into the
vitals of central rebeldom, he prepared for victory, and so care-
fully and practically, that he has not yet failed in his advance,
nor has he lost a foot of the ground, thus gained, by a forced
retreat. When he moves on, it is to conquer and to possess.
Say you, good reader, that here is a digression, and that we
are no further on in our chapter than Murfreesborough ? Not
so. We do not propose to journey : we have aimed to " spend
the day" at General Eosecrans's head-quarters with his bustling
family. So sit you down, and, if it be your wont, fill up and light
your pipe, ply your crochet, or unroll your knitting, and let us
witness a day of in-door army life and appreciate this stated
preparation for victory.
17 257
258 ARMY OF TIIE CUMBERLAND.
Let us first make ourselves masters of the position. Our
army is drawn around Murfreesborough, in an elliptical circle,
one and a half miles in diameter. "Cpon first entering the
town, after the battle, this circle was much more extended, —
say four miles in diameter, some of the division head-quarters
being three miles from the court-house. This was needless j and
the general commanding wisely reduced his lines, to avoid un-
necessary travel, teaming, and picket-duty. So here we are,
our divisions posted at every point of the compass from the
court-house; and walk where we may, in any given direction,
by day or by night, at the outer line of pickets (for we have
town-pickets, street-patrol, &c. in addition) we are sure to bring
up against a soldier, gun in hand, pacing his walk of fifty to two
hundred feet, with a commanding " Halt !" And thus it is that
if those " boys" on picket but do their duty, nor man, nor dog,
nor rabbit, hardly, can steal into or out from this devoted town.
We may add that far beyond the general picket-line, on every
road, lane, and field susceptible of approach, we have posted
cavalry pickets, singly, by groups, or in squads, as may be
deemed prudent : so that surprise is impossible.
Thus surrounded by his great family, General Rosecrans has
his head-quarters in the heart of the town. He has taken
possession of the Keeble residence (if the author remembers the
name correctly). It is a fine, two-story, country-town house,
with a large, pretty garden attached. Its owner was a lawyer,
county clerk, and secessionist, and now holds a position in the
rebel army. He fled with Bragg after the Stone River defeat,
during the memorable Saturday night, taking his wife and
smallest children. The flight we know was sudden; it could
not have been in the least anticipated by him, for on the next
Monday, upon our entering, his house was found filled with
family goods, as though he and his had simply turned the key
and gone upon a stay-over-night visit. Of course this was all
quite convenient, even to the kitchen-quarters, which shone with
burnished stove-ware. Also gleamed there the ivories of a
group of great and small Africans, mainly of the feminine
A DAY AT HEAD-QUARTERS. 259
gender. These were not quite so convenient, and were " sent to
the rear." General Eosecrans and staff, who had been almost
constantly in the rain and mud for ten days, now luxuriated
upon white sheets and spring-mattresses, and " Philip," his
steward, concocted dinners from army rations which were " fit
to set before a king" in war-times. Truly, the "Yankee in-
vaders" had arrived, and not only at this house, but at Colonel
Eeady's, — where General John H. Morgan had been married to
his daughter, in the presence of Jefferson Davis, Bragg, Bishop
Polk, and other rebel potentates, three weeks before, — and at
the other best houses in the town.
True, these " Yankees" had only come to the possession and
enjoyment of their "rights," after all. This house is but a con-
catenation of Yankeeism pure and (now) undented. Look
about with us for a moment. It was planned by a " Yankee,"
or patterned after some pretty iSTorthern double-story-porch-
and-wing. It was built by educated " Yankee" labor, we are
sure. It is painted with Xorthern oil and lead. Every carpet
comes from the land of " white slavery," as also the tasty window-
curtains, the bedspreads, and the snowy pillow-cases. See you
those genuine "Yankee" mirrors and elegant picture-frames
and mantel-ornaments? And, alas ! we " see ourselves as others
see us," by reflection from those highly polished black marble
fire-fronts, wrought by miserable Vermont "mudsills" from
quarries away up under the shadows of the old Green Moun-
tains. AVhy, the elegant chair you sit in, friend, and the sofas
and tables and stands and what-nots before you, were manu-
factured by low plebeians in the greasy town of Cincinnati ;
the clear white table-ware you notice spread out for dinner was
sent here by some firm of sand-treading, clam-baking Jerseymen ;
while the knife and fork you may soon be invited to ply so
industriously " grew," like Topsy, alongside of a counterfeit
nutmeg, in some lowly vale of Connecticut. And open the
carved doors of those showy library cases. Ah ! what a con-
centration and intensity of Yankeeism ! The brain of a Kent
and of a Story finely preserved in Massachusetts calf for
260 ARMY OF TIIE CUMBERLAND.
Keeble; the glories of Irving and Bancroft and Willis, gor-
geously clothed in "purple and fine linen" and tipped with gold
by enterprising Northern publishers. Here, there, upon every
shelf, are stored emanations of Xorthern art and genius, almost
heaven-born, so beautiful and rare are they, by which are
brought to view the lights and shadows of far-away foreign
lands, the images of grand old mountains and the flashings of
darksome ocean-caves, the fire-flash and the roaming buffalo of
the prairie, the thunders of Niagara, Titus breaching the walls
of fated Jerusalem, the landing of Christianity and democracy
from the Mayflower upon the lonely rock, and Angelo's grand
conception of the Eesurrection. The possession of all this,
the creation of Yankeeism, adorning hundreds of mansions in
the " sunny South," and relieving the tedium of many a lazy
hour, is the boast, while the creators are the sneer, of a race
of uncreative aristocrats. Yes, here, there, everywhere, is the
sign of the "Yankee," — in every pane of glass and in every nail
of this house " we live in ;" and where, then, the impropriety of
the Yankee coming to his own ?
Surely here has been another digression. But what then?
— we are getting slowly on, and to step aside and pluck a
fragrant flower now and then relieves the tedium of a journey.
The preliminaries settled, we are ready to spend our " day at
head-quarters." We are there at nine o'clock in the morning,
— no sooner ; for the general arises at eight, and has just break-
fasted. Ah ! rather slow, say you ? Well, no, — considered in the
abstract. Great men have great ways, or, at any rate, various
ways. Franklin arose at four to make ready to harness the
lightning and drive sky-high. Humboldt arrived at four hours
of constitutional sleep along about midnight. Per contra, the
grandest brains of an age have incubated in bed after late
breakfast-hours, and the finest poem of a century was written
upon a stale pillow at hours as late as eleven o'clock in the fore-
noon. And there was Newton, who arrived at immortality just
after an afternoon nap under an apple-tree. However, before
A DAY AT HEAD-QUARTERS. 261
we conclude, we believe the " earliest bird" of a reader will not
be severe upon our general's breakfast-hour.
The day of our devotional general commences, we are sure,
with the morning prayer. This we have not seen, but, knowing
him, we know it to be true. After breakfast the first business
in order is the morning reports of any thing stirring " on the
front" during the past dark hours. Then reports from his
chiefs of staff of what large matter on hand for to-day. Then
comes the supervision and signing of important orders to corps
commanders, or to the commanders of posts at Franklin, Nash-
ville, and elsewhere. And now begin to flock in the daily round
of visitors, — generals, colonels, and captains, upon this or that
errand, or for verbal instructions. A heavy army contractor
(perhaps heavy in a double sense) must confer with Mm, — is not
satisfied with the views or decision of an underling. An old,
rich planter is in trouble, and obsequiously squirms into the
general's presence, unless, more likely, he has sent his wife, a
sallow, plain, dejected-appearing woman. She was once, no
doubt, a pretty Southern belle; but Southern flowers fade as
early as they bloom. By this time there has assembled a crowd
of people, — officers upon errands, sutlers in trouble, and women
with children, and the distinct entity yclept " young ladies," all
after passes, or the restoration of property or other "rights;"
and all desire a full conference with the general upon their tiny
affairs, but are mainly attended to by his polite and excellent
aids.
Thus the busy work goes on, let us say, until two o'clock
p.m., when the general and his staff officers, with perhaps some
distinguished visitors from " abroad," will mount and take a
view of the camps, inspect the progress of the fortifications, or
call at the quarters of one of his sub-commanders. This is the
gala-hour at head-quarters. They have excellent horses; and
why not ? They are dressed very neatly, as they should be, —
for then the general is " to be seen of men ;" and we all know
the value of good example. As he rides along the lines, where
the troops are drilling by regiment or battalion, vociferous
262 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
cheering- always erects him; and along the fortifications the
same. For .stretched all around him is a great army of men who
love their commander as but few are loved, and he has shown
a full return of affection for them, and that he is ever ready to
do battle with them, and, if it is to be, to die by them.
The dinner-hour at head-quarters is four o'clock p.m. That
might seem rather after the " St. Nicholas" and " Continental"
style. But then it is the supper-hour also, — two meals per day;
and thus the style is peculiar to our general. After dinner
come a leisure hour and a siesta, a cigar and the daily papers.
And as Sol marches flaming down the western slope, with his
banner of light softly streaming in golden bars through the
cedars and among the rocks of the yet torn and crumpled battle-
field, and melts away beyond the forests which skirt the lonely
river, the lamps are lighted; and now commences the second,
and really the most important, half of the day.
From this time until long past midnight a continued stream of
business pours into head-quarters. A hundred letters and notes
are to be dictated, or to be perused, studied, and answered. Eeports
of many kinds; of courts-martial, as to " family jars;" of provost-
marshal's matters of trade, passes, and concerning refugees and
deserters; of sub-commanders respecting the enemy's move-
ments along their fronts; to hear a written report of some spy
just come in, and, if important, to see and question the man ;
to read and consider and answer telegrams from Nashville,
Louisville, and Washington, often of vast importance; to confer,
privately, with one or a group of his generals, and occasionally
to hold a grand council of them; to have a kind, fatherly talk
in private with some brave but erring officer; to call an old
favorite— perhaps General Thomas, the " Nestor" of the camps
— into " his corner," wheel around his chair against intrusion,
and, in an under-tone, submit some important fact or uncertain
point, and ask for an opinion which he knows well how to value,
— all this goes on, and much more! Ah! here are decisions
being made and plans laid affecting the lives of hundreds, and
perhaps of thousands, of human beings, — which involve, pos-
A DAY AT HEAD-QUARTERS. 263
sibly, the fortunes of an army, the fate of a government, or
even those liberties which are the natural birthright of a great
people.
While thus spending our day at head-quarters, good reader,
you will be pleased to observe, we doubt not, the gentleness,
almost quietness, which pervades the premises. The officers of
staff, the visiting officers, and the secretaries, clerks, and order-
lies in attendance, are neatly dressed, and are gentlemanly in
their deportment. No shouting, nor loud talking, nor rude,
boisterous laughter. An oath is rarely heard, — a loud one, never.
The inordinate use of liquors is rarely noticeable, — is frowned
upon. Due respect is paid to the Sabbath-day, the general
attending his church-meeting invariably in the forenoon. We
have not heard an angry word pass between members of this
household during many months. Among the higher officers of
our army, respect, confidence, and affection is the very general
rule : the exception is rare. Especially has this been the case
since the battle of Stone Eiver. That great furnace of affliction
seemed to purify and bring together in closer bonds the Army
of the Cumberland. Hen's hates and ambitions, passions and
vices, assumed at least a much milder form, as though all were
living in perpetual remembrance of those awful hours and of
the dead. And the private soldier was thus equally affected
with the officer. Truly, after that trial we had a better army
of better men. As with our army, so it will be with the nation :
— the gold is purified by the refiner's fire. Meriting this great
trial as a people, we are being tried. And if we prove our-
selves worthy of preservation, so will we be preserved, and
will march on, higher and higher up the scale of national
existence.
'■ Like master like man," is the trite saying of olden time; and
it holds equally well in the new. The pleasing results just stated
are easily traceable to their source. A cursing and carousing
commander-in-chief gathers around him kindred spirits. The
Christian and the gentleman, when invested with might and
power, surrounds himself with the good and the true, "whose
264 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
ways arc pleasantness and their paths peace." Such has been
our path, you will concede, kind reader, during our day's visit
at head-quarters. Let us now retire, presuming it to be three
o'clock in the morning, — an average hour of retiring for our
general during the past eight months. And, while retiring,
will you not join with him in what you may be assured is his
earnest prayer to God, that peace and unity may soon be
restored to our beloved and distracted country ?
Wfa Quartermaster's gcpttinmtt
The department of widest range in an army is that of the
quartermaster. Upon its promptness and efficiency the success
of all military operations in a great measure depends. The
duties committed to its officers are most important, involving
vast pecuniary responsibilities, and requiring for their faithful
discharge the utmost energy and ability. The Quartermaster-
General, in his late report, graphically and tersely sums up these
duties as follows : —
" Upon the faithful and able performance of the duties of the
quartermaster an army depends for its ability to move. The
least neglect or want of capacity on his part may foil the best-
concerted measures and make the best-planned campaign im-
practicable. The services of those employed in the great depots
in which the clothing, transportation, horses, forage, and other
supplies are provided, are no less essential to success and in-
volve no less labor and responsibility than those of the officers
who accompany the troops on their marches and are charged
with the care and transportation of all the material essential to
their health and efficiency. The quartermaster's department is
charged with the duty of providing the means of transporta-
tion by land and water for all the troops and all the material
of war. It furnishes the horses for artillery and cavalry, and
for the trains; supplies tents, camp and garrison equipage,
forao-e, lumber, and all materials for camps; builds barracks,
hospitals, wagons, ambulances; provides harness, except for
artillery horses; builds or charters ships and steamers, docks
and wharves; constructs or repairs roads, bridges, and railroads;
clothes the army; and is charged generally with the payment of
all expenses attending military operations which are not ex-
265
20b ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
pressly assigned by law or regulation to some other depart-
ment."
The business of the department naturally divides itself into
three sub-departments, as follows : —
1. Clothing, camp and garrison equipage.
2. Transportation by land and water, with all its means and
supplies.
3. Eegular and contingent supplies for the army and the
department.
The business which falls under the first head is immense; but
only general statistics can be given with safety and propriety.
Of tents, the regulations allow to each general in the field three;
to each staff officer above the rank of captain, two ; to each cap-
tain or other staff officer, one ; to every two subalterns of a com-
pany, one ; and to every fifteen foot or thirteen mounted men,
one. The latter number are also entitled to two camp-kettles,
five mess-pans, two hatchets, two axes, two pickaxes, and two
spades.
Each soldier is allowed a uniform amount of clothing as stated
in the published table in the regulations, or, in lieu thereof,
articles of equal value. One sash is allowed to each company
for the first sergeant, and one knapsack, haversack, and can-
teen to each enlisted man. Commanders of companies draw
the clothing of their men, and the camp and garrison equipage
for the officers and men of their company. Other officers draw
their camp and garrison equipage upon their own receipts.
When clothing is needed for the men, the company commander
procures it from the quartermaster upon requisitions approved
by the commanding officers. Clothing is usually drawn twice
each year, but sometimes, in special cases, when necessary. The
price at which each article of clothing is furnished is ascertained
annuallj', and announced in orders from the "War Department;
and when any soldier has drawn more than the authorized
allowance, the excess is charged upon his next muster-roll.
Officers furnish their own clothing, but may purchase from the
quartermaster, at the regulation prices, such articles as may be
quartermaster's department. 267
necessary for their own personal use, upon certifying to such
fact. Xo officer's servant, however, unless a soldier, is allowed,
to draw or wear the uniform clothing issued to the troops, ex-
cept under-clothing and shoes, of which, when there is no other
means of procuring them, a reasonable supply may be purchased
of the quartermaster upon the officer's certificate to that effect.
Under the second division are included all the animals,
wagons, ambulances, forage, steam and sail vessels, boats, rail-
roads, and cars in use in the army. In the Army of the Cum-
berland tbere are about three thousand wagons, most of which
are six-mule teams. One wagon is allowed to each regiment,
ten to the brigade, and in the batteries one to each gun. In
addition to these regular trains, there are also several extras.
In the order of march, one hundred wagons extend over a mile
of road; and if all the wagons in this department were formed in
one line, they would extend thirty miles. The number of ambu-
lances is about six hundred. The horses and mules number
about fifty thousand head. These are purchased at an average
cost of one hundred and ten dollars for horses and one hundred
and five dollars for mules, and are also impressed from the
surrounding country. Within the last three months a great
number have been obtained in this way, many of which have
been used in mounting Colonel AVilder's brigade. Three regi-
ments have been furnished thus, and the work is still going
on. Only about one-fourth of these are paid for, — disloyal citi-
zens not being compensated therefor. Large as is the number
taken by our forces, it has been greatly exceeded by the rebels,
who from the beginning have supplied their armies by a system
of most merciless impressment. The statistics of the losses of
animals are not ascertainable. At the battle of Stone River it
is estimated that over five hundred artillery horses were killed,
and over one thousand belonging to the cavalry and wagon-
trains.
Twelve pounds of hay and ten pounds of grain constitute the
daily ration of each horse or mule. The amount necessary to
supply such an army as that of the Cumberland is almost
208 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
beyond belief, and must be seen to be realized. At present
(April 20, 1803) tbe quartermaster bas on band some twenty-
four thousand bales of bay and some two hundred thousand
sacks of grain, stored away in houses and piled up out-of-doors.
Tbe hay costs at base of supplies about twenty-five dollars per
ton, and corn one dollar and twenty-five cents per bushel.
For three months the army was entirely supplied with forage
from the country in which it was quartered. For every thing
thus taken receipts are to be given, and upon proof of loyalty
the party holding a receipt is entitled to a voucher for the
amount. In many cases, however, receipts are not given at all,
or it is done in an improper manner, or they are lost ; and the
proportion really paid for will not exceed one-fourth of the
whole. Tbe average cost of the feed for each animal is about
thirty cents per day.
The railroad from JMurfreesborough to Nashville is a military
road, and is operated entirely by the Government superintend-
ent and the quartermaster. All the freight for the army has
been transported over it, and it has more than paid its way.
Fifty car-loads — or three hundred tons — are daily brought to
Mlurfreesborough from Nashville. Over the Louisville & Nash-
ville road, which is taxed to its utmost capacity in transporting
Government freight, the regular rates are paid. The road from
Murfreesborough to Nashville has been in constant operation
since the 1st of March ; bas been interrupted only once, when a
train was captured and burned by the rebels. For passage
and freight private persons pay regular rates.
All steamboats are bought or chartered by the quartermaster.
This branch of the business is mostly transacted at Louisville ;
but a number were purchased at Nashville, by the chief quarter-
master, to be transformed into gunboats for the Cumberland
Eiver service. For this item alone an immense amount of
money is expended, a large part of the supplies for the army
having been brought to Nashville by river.
The third division includes the regular and contingent sup-
plies of the department, — hospitals, barracks, and quarters, fuel,
quartermaster's department. 269
stationery, secret service, and the numberless incidental ex-
penses of the army.
Of fuel the consumption is enormous. Since the 1st of
January one hundred and fifty thousand bushels of coal have
been received at Xashville. It is estimated that six hundred
thousand bushels will be used there before the river rises, next
winter; and this amount was contracted for, to be delivered
before the water becomes too low for transportation. In this
estimate the quantity needed to supply the two hundred and
fifty forges in the field is not included. Since the army arrived
at Nashville — November 1, 1862 — eighteen thousand cords of
wood have also been consumed, and to this must be added the
large forests that have been cut down and burned, of which no
account is kept and for which no payment is made, and at least
two hundred miles of fencing, mostly cedar rails. Board fences,
and all lumber found in the country, are taken to make bunks,
cots, and coffins. The coal costs at Nashville about fifteen cents
per bushel, and the wood four dollars per cord.
The quartermaster also furnishes the stationery used in every
department of the army, builds the warehouses at every post,
repairs, refits, and furnishes all houses and offices for army use,
provides all hardware and such building material as nails, glass,
rope, &c, with all the machinery used, fits up hospitals for the
sick, and furnishes coffins for the dead. He pays the mileage
of officers, the expenses of courts-martial, the per diem of extra-
duty men, postage on public service, the expenses incurred in
pursuing and apprehending deserters, of the burials of officers
and soldiers, of expresses, interpreters, veterinary surgeons,
clerks, mechanics, laborers, and cooks.
The secret service alone requires about ten thousand dollars
per month. The Quartermaster's Department at Nashville em-
ploys in the neighborhood of three thousand men as mechanics
and laborers. These are engaged in shoeing horses, repairing
wagons, making and repairing harness, and in divers other ways.
Probably an equal number are similarly employed at Murfrees-
borough. The wages of white teamsters are from twenty-five
270 ARMY OF THE CVMBERLAXD.
to thirty dollars per month. Xegroes, or '• contrabands," are
paid ten dollars per month. The latter are generally familiar
with the management of mules, and are preferred by wagon-
masters to careless white drivers. By their use in this service
alone, nearly four thousand effective men have been added to
the ranks of this army, and forty thousand dollars per month
saved on their wages.
The policy in regard to the employment of negroes has been
entirely changed. The principle now is, " keep all we got, and
get all we can." Many of them are good mechanics and very
shrewd. Negro women are worth five dollars per month to
wash and work for the hospitals. In the performance of this
labor their services are invaluable, and the Government can well
afford to board and clothe them and their children. Cooks are
allowed to each company; and for this purpose negroes are also
employed as fast as competent ones can be found.
Still, the number of citizens necessarily employed in the differ-
ent-departments of an army is immense. Quartermasters, com-
missaries, provost-marshals, provost-judges, and chiefs of police,
if not themselves civilians, must have capable clerks who are,
at wages varying from seventy-five to one hundred dollars per
month. Then there are wagon-masters, agents, teamsters,
scouts, and spies, all of whom come under the supervision and
pay of the quartermaster. The money with which these pay-
ments are made is sent to the chief quartermaster from the
Treasury Department, in answer to his requisitions, which are
sufficient in amount to meet the anticipated monthly expenses.
Full monthly reports are made to the chief quartermaster, by
the corps quartermasters and each quartermaster in the service,
of the expenditures of that month and the requirements for the
next. The system is an admirable one, enabling the head of
the department to know at a glance the amount of expenditures,
the amount of stores on hand, and the amount, both of money
and stores, necessary to be supplied. Still, with all the care and
system possible, the labors of the chief quartermaster are in-
cessant. He must maintain a constant watch over the river and
THE CHIEF QUARTERMASTER. 271
railroad transportation, and anticipate every want of the army.
With the commissary and the ordnance officers, he has to admi-
nister the affairs of, and provide for, a city, as it were ; but upon
him alone falls the duty of transporting the supplies and stores
of the other two.
When General Bosecrans assumed command of the Army of
the Cumberland, it was destitute of nearly every thing. Now it
is abundantly supplied, — better, perhaps, than any other in the
field. Xothing that could add to its health, comfort, or efficiency
is wanting. Well clothed, fed, and paid, and well provided with
camp equipage, it is in the best possible condition for effective
service. This change, as gratifying as it is beneficial, is due
mainly to the energy and perseverance of its chief quartermas-
ter, seconded in all his efforts by the general commanding — by
each of whom its value and importance are fully recognized.
THE CHIEF QTJAKTEKMASTEE.
Lieutenant-Colonel John W Taylor, Chief Quartermaster
of the Army of the Cumberland, was born in Saratoga count}*,
Xew York, February 22, 1817. His father— John W Taylor —
was for twenty years a member of Congress from the Saratoga
district, and was twice Speaker of the House. He is well known
in the history of the country as one of the few who foresaw to
what the country was tending through the continued agitation
of the slavery question, and the disposition on the part of the
South to make "the peculiar institution" supreme, and made
the first speech in the House against the admission of Missouri
as a State unless the question of slavery extension over free
territory could thereby be permanently settled.
Colonel Taylor removed to Illinois in 1838, and has been a
resident of the West since that time. At the time of entering
the service, he resided in Dubuque, Iowa, where for several years
2/2 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
he had been extensively engaged in business. In Northern
Illinois and Iowa he is well and favorably known as an
energetic, honorable business-man, and a gentleman of taste
and refinement. June 22, 1861, he was appointed assistant
quartermaster, with the rank of captain, being the second
appointment to the quartermaster's department of the volun-
teer service. He was assigned to duty in the "Western Depart-
ment at Tipton, Missouri, then the principal interior depot of
supplies for General Fremont's army. Thus Captain Taylor's
first experience in the quartermaster's department was at this
important post ; and the business was so well conducted as to
call forth the commendation of 'Major Allen, the chief quarter-
master of the department, and to induce General Pope, then in
command of the District of Central Missouri, to relieve him
from that duty and order him to report to him as his chief
quartermaster, in which capacity he remained with him during
the whole of that general's Western campaign. The efficiency
of the Army of the Mississippi bears testimony to his energy,
prudence, and foresight.
"When General Pope was ordered to Virginia and General
Eosecrans was assigned to the command thus vacated, Captain
Taylor was retained in his position. Upon General Eosecrans
assuming command of the Army of the Cumberland, Captain
Taylor, having gained the highest reputation for energy and
efficiency in his department, was not permitted to leave Corinth
until a peremptory order was issued from the "War Department
at Washington that he should be relieved and report to
General Eosecrans. On the 13th of November, 1862, he was
announced as Chief Quartermaster of the Department of the
Cumberland, and on the next day promoted to a lieutenant-
colonelcy Since his entry into the service he has, without the
loss of a day, been on constant and laborious duty at his post.
In the battles of Corinth and Stone Eiver he was constantly
at the side of General Eosecrans, and the highest commendation
of his coolness and bravery during the latter engagement is
found in the fact that the commanding general, in his official
ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER'S CLERK. 273
report, gives him the place of honorable mention next to the
lamented Colonel G-aresche. The fact that, notwithstanding
its great distance from the base of supplies, the frequent inter-
ruption of railroad transportation, and the long period during
which the Cumberland Eiver was unnavigable, the army has
been so well supplied, reflects credit upon Colonel Taylor, its
chief quartermaster.
THE ASSISTANT QUAETEEMASTEE'S OLEEK.
H. A. Hanson, Esq., has been the chief clerk and cashier of
this department during the entire administration of Colonel
Taylor, and, as a faithful, energetic, and most accommodating
official, merits brief mention in this connection. A native of
Massachusetts, reared in the Western States, and now residing
at Dubuque, Iowa, he has mingled amidst the scenes of camps
and shared their ills, excitements, and alarms, and has faithfully
played his part in the drama of civil war, — keeping his accounts
and disbursing vast amounts of money, monthly, to the general
satisfaction of the army and the people.
<$ht (Commissarg Department.
The Commissary Department is the great heart that sends
the life-blood bounding through the veins of an army. Other
departments are useful and necessary, but this is absolutely in-
dispensable. To it the soldier looks for his daily food; without
it no army could exist, no victories would be won. The wise
commander will see that the haversack, not less than the car-
tridge-box, is well filled ; for the hungry soldier, however abun-
dantly supplied with powder and ball, is lacking in the one great
essential to success, — physical strength and endurance. The
immense importance of such a bureau, supplying the nerve and
sinew of an army, caring for the lives and health of thousands
of men, and involving such vast consequences as the fate of a
battle or the result of a campaign, will be seen at a glance. Few
of those inexperienced in military life, however, have any de-
finite conception of its practical workings; and it is with the
design of giving to the public an inside view of this department,
as it exists in the Army of the Cumberland, that it is made the
special subject of this chapter.
As remarked, the business of the Commissary Department is
to supply the army with subsistence, or food. Of this subsistence
the regulations provide that each man shall be entitled to a
certain fixed amount daily, which amount is designated "a
ration." Rations consist of beef, — salt and fresh, — pork, bacon,
flour, pilot or hard bread, corn-meal, coffee, sugar, beans, peas,
rice, hominy, molasses, vinegar, soap, candles, and desiccated
vegetables. The latter are usually potatoes, cut, scalded, dried,
and put up in barrels. "When thus prepared they have very
much the appearance of coarse corn-meal, and are used as a
preventive of scurvy. Each day's ration — subsistence for one
274
THE COMMISSARY DEPARTMENT. 2(0
man — in bulk averages three pounds in weight. A ration of
whiskey — one gill daily — is allowed in cases of excessive fatigue
and exposure, but is issued only on special order. The negroes
in camp also draw rations, principally made tip of bacon, corn-
meal, and molasses. All of these rations, forming the entire
subsistence of the army, are under the charge of the Chief
Commissary, by whom the corps commissaries are supplied ; and
these in turn supply the division commissaries. Brigade officers
draw from the division commissaries, and regimental from bri-
gade officers. The men draw their rations by companies; and
they are then divided among the messes. The cost of each
ration at 3Iurfreesborough, including transportation, is about
twenty cents.
All provisions are purchased by contract, proposals to furnish
them having been invited by public advertisement. The salt
meats and fresh beef for the Army of the Cumberland are
brought from the north side of the Ohio Eiver. About one
hundred head of cattle are used per day; and they arrive in
lots of some five hundred at a time. Those now at Murfrees-
borough came from Chicago, and nearly all that are used are
from Illinois. The pilot-bread is chiefly made in Cincinnati, New
Albany, St. Louis, and Chicago, and its average cost is about
five cents per pound. The quartermaster provides transporta-
tion for all subsistence from the place of delivery by the con-
tractors, to the army, and the buildings in which to store it.
The special duty of the commissary is to keep watch of the
amounts on hand, maintain a full supply, and notify the quarter-
master to furnish transportation and storehouses when needed.
The supply of corn-meal is constantly kept up. Large quantities
of the kiln-dried article are brought from the North, and a mill
is constantly in operation at Murfreesborough manufacturing
it. When in camp, the entire army is supplied with fresh bread
three days out of five. On the march the hard bread is used
exclusively Each brigade is, as a general thing, supplied with
portable bake-ovens, with all the necessary appliances, such as
kneading-troughs, baking-pans, &c. The yeast used is made of
276 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
hops and, when they can be obtained, potatoes. Troops who
have been some time in the service make mud ovens, wherever
they are camped, similar to those found in primitive settlements.
Their construction is easy and simple, and when completed
they answer every purpose of a larger and more pretentious
structure. A pile of wood is built up to fix the size and shape
of the oven, and braces are put across the top to prevent the
roof from falling in. The whole is then plastered over and
covered thickly with mud, the wood burned out, and the result
is a good oven, which lasts much longer than one would suppose.
The heat cracks it sometimes, it is true, but the cracks are
speedily stopped with mud, and the whole is as good as new
again. The advantages of these ovens can hardly be estimated;
for nothing contributes more to the health and strength of an
army than good bread. In an emergency, troops can subsist
upon it alone.
In camp each man consumes very nearly the whole of his
rations. Whatever is saved by not drawing full rations is called
the company savings, for which they are allowed a commutation
in money. Each full company can save about fifteen dollars per
month while in camp, and more when on the march, as but little
over half the army ration is then consumed. The more active
an army, the less the expense of transportation and subsistence;
for the reason that men at leisure think more of their wants
than they would if busily engaged. This is a matter of every-
day experience with all classes of men. Any one who has ever
travelled on a steamboat will acknowledge its truth at once.
It is astonishing how little troops will sometimes subsist on
when in active service. One of our generals recently re-
marked, in speaking of the retreat from Huntsville last year,
that he did not see how his men lived. They had scarcely any
rations at all, — just enough to call them such, — and yet were in
fine health and spirits. This explains why armies that march
the most have the least sickness. They eat less and exercise
more. The food of a soldier is strong and hearty, and is in-
THE COMMISSARY DEPARTMENT. Zii
tended to produce stout and healthy men; but in camp too much
is eaten and too little done to insure good health.
Of late, onions have been largely introduced as an article of
food. These and potatoes are eagerly desired by the men, — so
much so that if they could be constantly supplied with them
they would be willing to forego one-fourth of their rations.
Twenty thousand bushels of potatoes and ten thousand bushels
of onions could be consumed in the Army of the Cumberland
every month, with incalculable advantage to the men composing
it. And yet, strange to say, they are so scarce that it is difficult,
and at times impossible, to procure them in any thing like suffi-
cient quantities. This, too, when the quarter of any county in
the Ohio Valley — say. five thousand acres — will grow enough
to feed the entire army for a whole year. Potatoes cost now
(in the latter part of April, 18G3) one dollar a bushel,— the con-
tract price at the Ohio River, — and onions two dollars a bushel.
At these prices the farmer can produce no more profitable crop.
It is estimated that from eight hundred to one thousand bushels
of onions can be grown on a single acre, — which, even at one-half
the present prices, would prove most remunerative to the pro-
ducer. Forty acres, thus planted, could be easily cultivated by
a few contrabands, and, with half the labor expended on the
more usual crops, be made doubly and trebly more profitable.
These suggestions are thrown out in the hope that they may
meet the eye of some one who will appreciate their importance,
and induce him to take some steps towards remedying the
scarcity which has called them forth. These vegetables are
necessary to the health of the soldier. "Without them and
others, scurvy will inevitably make its appearance and the effi-
ciency of the army be totally destroyed. But, if the war con-
tinues, the supply must be largely increased, or it will be abso-
lutely impossible to furnish them, except in quantities too
limited to be useful. Already prices have more than doubled,
and are steadily increasing. The subject is worthy the attention
of ]STorthern farmers. The country is at war; and while the war
continues, all the energies of the people should be directed to its
278 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
prosecution. Such articles as are needed in the army should be
produced to the exclusion of others, — especially when profit as
well as patriotism prompts to such a course.
But potatoes and onions are not the only vegetables that are,
or can be, used with similar beneficial results. Beans have
become a staple article of food. Some two hundred and fifty
bushels are used daily in this army; and so great is the de-
mand that the price has risen from seventy and eighty cents
to two dollars and eighty-eight cents a bushel. Sourkrout and
pickles are also excellent anti-scorbutics, and are issued pro rata
in lieu of other things, when procurable. But there is always
a deficiency of these articles. The people should see that more
of them are put up, and that less is allowed to waste and rot.
They, too, command a good price, and with a little care an
abundant supply for the whole army could be furnished. An-
other very excellent article, both common and cheap, is canned
tomatoes. These can be used with great advantage at all times,
and are especially desirable in hospitals. The necessarily coarse
and substantial army fare, when long used and unvaried, wears
upon the constitution and eventually breaks it down. These
vegetables afford a variety, and prevent all injurious results, and
thus save the lives of thousands of soldiers. The Government
does every thing in its power to furnish a sufficient quantity;
but upon the people at home the soldiers must mainly depend for
them. The demand will always exceed the supply, and, unless
more of them are grown, prices will necessarily rule too high
to make them as abundant in the army as could be wished.
Other things being equal, the regiment that has the best cooks
will be the healthiest and most effective. One good cook is
worth ten doctors ; as may easily be seen by an examination aud
comparison of the different messes in camp. One of our Penn-
sylvania regiments was especially noticed for the unusually
healthy and contented appearance of the men. Inquiries re-
vealed the fact that it was supplied with an excellent cook,
whom the officers declared they would rather have than all the
doctors in the army. This is a point which has been too much
THE COMMISSARY DEPARTMENT. 279
neglected, but is now coming to be better understood and appre-
ciated. Many of the negroes wbo flock to the camps are fine
cooks, and as such are very generally employed, to the manifest
benefit of the men and an equal advantage to the service.
The Commissary Department of the Army of the Cumber-
land has been managed with signal ability. "When General
Eosecrans assumed command at Bowling Green, depots were
at once established at that, place. As it advanced towards
Nashville, a depot was established at Mitchellsville, the then
terminus of the railroad-route. "When Nashville was reached,
the supply of provisions was found to be scant, and immense
quantities had to be transported by wagon-trains a distance of
thirty-five miles. Even after the railroad was completed, this
wagon-transportation was continued, and brought to the city
large amounts of subsistence in addition to the many car-
loads that came daily by rail. By earnest and unremitting
efforts during the delay at Nashville, thirty days' provisions
were accumulated, and the army began its advance towards
Murfreesborough, which it could not have done without this
supply The battle of Stone River and the period of rest
necessarily following consumed nearly all of this stock, and new
stores were gathered at Murfreesborough and Nashville. Taking
advantage of the high water in the Cumberland, immense car-
goes of every thing eatable were brought to Nashville and
thence forwarded by rail to Murfreesborough. Many otherwise
unoccupied houses in either city are filled from cellar to roof
with commissary stores; and even then much of it is unhoused.
The visitor at Murfreesborough is struck upon his arrival with
the enormous piles of hard bread he sees near the depot. He
has heard of a mountain of stuff, but never before so fully
realized it. One mass is larger than a common two-story house,
and around it are clustered other and smaller heaps, reminding
him of the out-houses surrounding some stately mansion. Were
all communication cut off with the North, the Army of the
Cumberland, with the supply now on hand, together with what
can be gathered from the surrounding country, could easily
280 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
subsist itself for six months, and on short rations for a longer
time. Such an accumulation inspires confidence in the masses
of the soldiery. It tells of a foresight promising well for the
future, and leaves no room for the disheartening influences
which invariably attend an uncertain and irregularly-supplied
commissary. They know that all which can be done for them
will be done; and, with such assurance, they will put their hands
boldly to the musket and look not backward until the end of
their march shall have been reached.
THE CHIEF COMMISSABY.
Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Simmons, Chief Commissary
of the Army of the Cumberland, is a native of Pennsylvania,
born in 1826. His residence is St. Louis, Missouri, and he is by
profession a lawyer. He entered the service May 1, 1861. He
was appointed by General Nathaniel Lyon chief commissary
on his staff, with the rank of captain. For several months,
however, Claiborne F. Jackson, the Governor of the State, re-
fused to issue any commission to him, the raising of the Missouri
volunteers being in opposition to the Governor's wishes. During
the organization of these troops he was stationed at the St. Louis
Arsenal, and remained there until January, 1862. He was then
ordered to St. Charles, where he acted as quartermaster and
commissary for the post and the district of Northern Missouri,
supplying the troops along the railroads with subsistence. Here
he remained until after the fall of Fort Donelson, when he was
ordered to the latter place, and became connected with the army
of Tennessee under General Grant. Accompanying it to Pitts-
burg Landing, he was present at the battle of Shiloh, and until
the evacuation of Corinth issued rations to three divisions of
the army. Upon the assignment of General Eosecrans to the
command vacated by General Pope, Captain Simmons was
THE CHIEF COMMISSARY. 281
ordered to report to the former, and by him was assigned to
duty as chief commissary of the Army of the Mississippi. In
this position he remained through the campaign in Northern
Mississippi, and was present at the battles of Iuka and Corinth
and in the pursuit to Eipley. "When General Eosecrans was
ordered to the command of the Department of the Cumberland,
Captain Simmons was retained on his staff as chief commissary,
with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
In his new department the duties devolving upon him were
peculiarly onerous, owing to the disordered condition in Avhich
matters were found. The preceding account of the commissary
department will show that its head sustains a responsibility
hardly second to any in the army. At all times his services are
very important, but in time of battle even more so, — if such a
thing be possible. He must always be ready to issue when
called upon, whether it be by day or night. He must also
exercise a careful foresight with a view to meet contingen-
cies of every kind. In short, it requires a peculiar talent,
which every man does not possess, to become a practical, suc-
cessful commissary. It is no small matter to cater for fifty
thousand men and to so arrange that a full supply shall always
be on hand. The efficiency and capability of the chief commis-
sary of this army may well be inferred from the length of time
he has held the position, and the universal satisfaction given by
him, to which no word of comment need be added.
She §i;ou0st-gflarsM (Scttcntt's gcprtment.
This department of the Army of the Cumberland savors less
of "villanous saltpetre" and the sword than others: yet without
it an army would be grossly incomplete, and, but for the varied
scenes of interest, of mirthfulness, and of sorrow there witnessed,
camp-life would lose many of its rare concomitants, and the
lesson of civil war would not be wholly learned. The provost-
marshal is the social, internal regulator of the army. To him fifty
thousand soldiers and the constantly changing crowd of citizens,
strangers, and refugees throng for " passes" to go here and to go
there. The entire trade of sutlers, merchants, cotton-dealers,
and speculators of every name and kind comes beneath his
notice and is subject to his " permit." Does a soldier commit
an offence, or a trader sell liquor and other contraband goods ?
his case is also submitted to this official. Drunkenness upon
the streets and highways is rolled into his presence, and thence
is sent to be duly reduced and sobered off within the purlieus
of the guard-house. Horse-thieves and house-breakers, swindlers
and tricksters, street-loafers and the entire genus of camp-fol-
lowers are brought to him for justice; and usually it is meted
out to them to the full measure of their deserts.
And there, too, other and sadder scenes are of daily occur-
rence. A fond father or doting mother has come from the far
West to find some trace of a loved and lost one who has fallen
beneath the weight of wounds or disease, and whose body is
resting somewhere in the red soil of Tennessee, and now they
ask permission to undertake the sorrowful search, and crave
assistance therein. A refugee family, a destitute wife and half-
clad little ones, have just come in from rebel-cursed regions; and
they are cared for, and the husband and father, who is probablv
282
THE PROVOST-MARSHAL GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. 283
a soldier or laborer in the Union army, is to be found. A motley
throng of men and women crowd his office-door, each awaiting
an audience to tell the tale so common, — that a soldier has taken
the last horse or cow or pig, or has invaded the peaceful sanc-
tity of the chicken-roost. And here comes a procession of Union
refugees, men and boys, who have fled for their lives; have lain
hidden among the hills, rocks, and cedars of Eastern and Middle
Tennessee to avoid the merciless conscription of the Southern
leaders. They have reached our outer picket-posts in the dark-
ness of night, and have been forwarded to the provost-marshal,
by whom their names and statements are taken and themselves
sent to the refugee-barracks to find food, shelter, and employ-
ment Avithin our lines.
But all is not sadness. The ludicrous treads closely after the
scenes of sorrow ; and here we see still another procession enter-
ing the streets of Murfreesborough. These are contrabands,
and truly a motley group ; and they, too, are wending their way
to the central dispensatory of army law and order. Negroes
there are, big and little, old and young, in color black, blue-
black, and yellowish tawny, or a mixture of all combined.
They are on foot, and early travellers; for the dew has dampened
the single coarse skirt of the negresses and their children, but
not their ardor, and the dust of the road has adhered to the wet
garment knee-high, giving a peculiarly expressive color to the
fabric. The women invariably toil along with babies in their
arms; the men and the larger boys and girls trudge past, laden
with bundles of grotesque form and appearance ; while the little
picanninies mix in and patter on as would a flock of young
quails in a wheat-field. Perhaps this scene is varied, the intel-
ligent fugitives having borrowed " ole massa's" best horse, or mule,
or yoke of cattle, and the large farm-wagon, in the night-time,
and are coming in, bag and budget in hand, eyes shining and
mouth agrin, and tattered duds flaunting in the breeze like
banners on outer walls. These, likewise, are conducted by the
guard in charge to that sanctuary of rest and fount of know-
ledge, the office of the provost-marshal.
284 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Let us edge our way in at the door, and see what is to be seen
within. Here is a special room, with clerks, and chairs, and
desks, at one of which is seated the provost-marshal general, in
the person of Major "William M. Wiles. Perhaps— in fact, very
probably — he is confronted by a number of elderly ladies and
gentlemen who are so desirous of going beyond the lines to visit,
to transact business, or to see sick children. They are peace-
able, quiet folks, and have had nothing to do with this war.
True, the ladies' husbands or sons are off in the rebel army;
but how are they to blame for that ? they query. Or may-be a
bevy of prettyish young ladies, fair Eves of the South, are
awaiting his answer to their application for a pass to lovers in
Dixie or to dry-goods stores in Nashville or Louisville, and
upon his refusal, most courteous and proper, a thousand daggers
flash from beneath indignant eyebrows, and emotional skirts
and furbelows grandly sweep from the hateful Yankee presence!
Or perhaps — oh, rare chance, indeed ! — the room may be empty
of visitors; and then we will see the head of the department
busily engaged in poring over the voluminous papers of some
intricate case that has been referred to him for examination and
report.
Passing into the next room, we see the rougher crowd of
speculators, sutlers, visitors, and soldiers, each one elbowing his
way to the first assistant provost-marshal general, Captain
Cosper, for a pass or a permit, or for authority to do something,
to get something, or to see about something. A sutler wishes per-
mission to replenish his stock with a hundred boxes of wine, of
which half will very probably be whiskey labelled " Heidseck"
or " Sparkling Catawba." The captain glances up, character-
istically strokes his beard, and intimates that a hundred boxes
is rather a large supply, — enough to make a whole division drunk,
much less a single regiment.
" Oh, no ! It's a very harmless article, and very necessary.
The officers must have it, they say. They are bilious, have
fever and ague, are always dry, and want something for a tonic.
THE PROVOST-MARSHAL GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. 2S5
4
Here's their permit to sell it, and a recommendation for the
shipment."
The captain meditates, and perhaps the sutler gets his per-
mit, and perhaps he does not : more probably the bill is cut
down a half or a quarter, and the limited quantity is allowed to
come, to the delight of his customers and to his own profit. A
seedy -looking individual of the butternut species prays for a
pass, says he is a non-combatant, " don't take neither side, — this
a'n't his war, — was agin it at the start, but when he found the
Union was destroyed was bound to jine the South, as he lived thar,
— would have no objection to the old Union as 'it was,' " and so
on, ad nauseam. He is summarily passed out-of-doors with the
complimentary ejaculation, '' He's a fraud." Some better-dressed
representative of a former uppertendom seeks a similar favor,
and presents a letter in which he is described as the soul of
honor and integrity, but never a word said of his loyalty, — of
which he very probably has not a spark in his composition; and
ten chances to one he follows in the footsteps of his more
illiterate predecessor. A soldier wishes to visit a neighboring
camp, an officer is going to Nashville or Louisville, a citizen
would like to visit the hospital; and so, with one and another,
the captain and his clerks are busy the livelong day, listening,
questioning, and writing.
Instill another apartment are other assistants and clerks, in
charge of Second Assistant Provost-Marshal General Captain
Goodwin. He is dealing with refugees and taking their names
and statements, or questioning some disorderly soldier, or exa-
mining the case of some refractory or thieving negro, or wringing
unwilling truth 'from some suspicious native who has drifted or
leaked into our lines as a spy The several clerks are busy
copying statements, filing affidavits, examining papers, listening
to complaints, or writing orders as dictated by their superiors.
Every thing is life and activity, betokening the fact that here is
neither time nor place for idle hands or minds.
Attached to this department is the office of provost-judge, — a
position not recognized by the regulations, but created by Gene-
286 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
ral Eoseerans as a necessary auxiliary to the provost-marshal.
The labors and duties of its incumbent somewhat resemble those
of a police justice in our larger cities. Witnesses are sworn,
papers .examined and carefully preserved, and a regular docket
is kept, in all cases involving the liberty or property of in-
dividuals, for future reference and mutual justice and protection.
At first a single person was sufficient to dispose of all business
brought before this branch of the department; but it steadily
and constantly increased from day to day, necessitating the
appointment of a number of assistant judges, all of whom now
find ample employment.
All day long does the motley throng, which must be seen to
be fully understood and appreciated, crowd the portals of the
provost's office ; nor do his labors cease upon the going down
of the sun or when the Sabbath-day comes. The imperative
calls of necessary business and the claims of suffering humanity
alike render the duties of the provost-marshal general of our
army, and those of his assistants, most varied, arduous, constant,
and perplexing. The author has passed many hours there in
witnessing scenes which he will ever remember, — scenes of the
ludicrous and the saddening, of liveliest joy and deepest sorrow,
of hope and of despair, the whole forming a moving mirror
of all that attends battle-conflicts, deserted homes, and ruined
families, and which, combined, present a grand, fearful pano-
rama of that civil war now raging in the midst of and con-
suming a rebellious people.
William M. Wiles, Major and Provost-Marshal General of
the Army of the Cumberland, was born in Columbus, Bar-
tholomew county, Indiana, August 29, 1836, and has ever since
resided there. In June, 1X61, soon after the breaking out of the
rebellion, he relinquished a profitable copartnership in the drug-
business, and in connection with a fellow-townsman, Isham Keith,
— a gallant young hero who was killed at the battle of Perry -
ville, Kentucky, October 8, 1862, — enlisted a company, of which
he was chosen first lieutenant. After serving several months in
THE PROVOST-MARSHAL GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. 287
the campaigns of Missouri and Arkansas, Keith was made major
to fill a vacancy, and First Lieutenant "Wiles became captain of
his company. He was detailed as aide-de-camp and provost-
marshal general upon the staff of Major-General Eosecrans at
Corinth, Mississippi, in May, 1862. In this position his services
were so acceptable that he was retained in it upon the assign-
ment of his general in-chief to the command of the Department
of the Cumberland. He has passed through the heat of three
tremendous battles — Iuka, Corinth, and Stone Eiver — unharmed,
but with imminent peril and several narrow escapes. His cool-
ness and courage have been fully tested, and his ready business
tact, coupled with an indomitable energy, admirably fit him for
the position he occupies. Added to all is a fund of good humor
and genial kindness which never fails him, even when most
besieged by sleeve-pulling pertinacity or harassed by impor-
tunate audacity, which would be remarkable in a philoso-
pher of the oldest school, and is much more so in one whose
years still verge upon the spring-time rather than the summer
of life.
Elias Cosper, Captain in the 74th Illinois Yolunteers, and First
Assistant Provost-Marshal General, is a native of Ohio, but
resides in Eockford, Illinois. His age is thirty-nine. His busi-
ness was that of a banker, which he surrendered at the call of
duty, leaving a profitable position, an interesting family, and a
delightful home. Failing health was about to compel him to
leave the service, when his many friends induced him to accept
his present position, to which he was detailed November 14,
1862.
Eobert M. Goodwin, Captain in the 37th Indiana Volunteers,
and Second Assistant Provost-Marshal General, was born in
Franklin county, Indiana, in 1836. At the beginning of the war
he was engaged in a lucrative law-practice, which he resigned,
and enlisted as a private in a company forming in his county.
On the organization of the company he was elected first lieu-
•SOO ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
tenant, and afterwards succeeded to the captaincy "With his
regiment he participated in the campaign of Generals Buell and
Mitchel in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama, during the spring
and summer of 1862. Upon Buell's retreat, his regiment was
left at Nashville, and remained there during the investment. In
the battle of Stone Eiver he acted a gallant and conspicuous
part. He was detailed to his present position February 22, 1863
This chapter is appropriately introduced by the preceding
illustration of the field-hospital at Murfreesborough, Tennessee.
The cut is a faithful representation of the scene as taken from
a distant stand-point: yet it fails to give — as would any single
plate of its size and comprehensiveness — that vivid impression
imparted to the visitor by a personal inspection, as he walks
through the city of tents, with its broad streets, its alleys and
walks, the streets neatly worked up and rounded at the centre,
with gutters upon each side, and channels being also formed
around each tent and house, and leading to main sluice-ways.
Sidewalks of plank, cinders, gravel, &c. are laid along each
street. The head-quarters' medical tents, the surgery, the house
erected for hospital and sanitary stores, the post-office and
news-depot, <fcc. occupy prominent positions in the centre of the
village, from which the ground slopes away gently in every
direction. Adjoining the hospital village on the west— for a
village it is — is a garden comprising thirteen acres of rich bottom-
land, which lies in a bend of Stone Eiver, in which, as we write,
may be seen a vast amount of " garden-truck," half perfected, and
most luxuriant in growth. The river sweeps along the front of
the village, and its " levee" presents an animated scene, at most
hours of the day, of negro servants washing clothing and bed-
ding, others "packing" water to the town, droves of horses and
mules from distant camps being led to the stream upon the
opposite side, to drink, and a multitude of invalid soldiers walk-
ing about, lounging upon the banks, angling, &c.
During the month of May, 1863, this hospital accommodated
an average of eleven hundred patients ; and it has proven a great
success. As the season advanced, the ill-ventilated store-build-
289
2fJ0 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
ings of Murfreesborough became quite unsuitable for hospital
purposes; and the benefit ensuing to the sick and wounded sol-
dier from the cool and always fresh air of the clean, new tents
was speedily apparent. This hospital was conceived and planned
by the Medical Department of our army, and the grounds were
thus scientifically laid out by the engineer corps of the Pioneer
Brigade, all under the personal care and inspection of our
humane and greatly interested commander-in-chief.
During the battle-week at Stone Eiver, the Medical Depart-
ment nobly sustained itself as an essential — in fact, vital — branch
of the army. Regimental and brigade surgeons invariably fol-
lowed their commands on to the sanguinary fields, and many
were taken prisoners while operating amid groups of the fallen.
The ambulance-trains were notably well handled, being drawn
up in lines, and, upon the cessation of hostilities in any given
direction, were rushed in, loaded with our wounded, and hurried
away to the general hospitals in the rear. As an instance of
celerity and efficiency, we may mention that within two hours
after the battle of Friday evening, January 2, when Breckin-
ridge's left wing was repulsed, our ambulance-trains had gathered
the wounded, several hundred in number, by searching over up-
wards of a hundred acres of ground, after dark, and had them
in hospital. And we might add, further, that by eleven o'clock
of that night our dead were all decently buried.
The great American rebellion affords grand as well as ter-
rible spectacles. The history of previous wars, of either ancient
or modern times, presents no parallel to many features of the
one now raging. We can especially instance one feature, — the
humanity and tenderness of our nation for its wounded and
enfeebled soldiers. Raising of armies was not an only thought.
The surgical case accompanied the sword, and the cartridge was
no more plenteous than lint and bandage. Medical men of
professional reputation and high social character abandoned
home and business, and accompanied the youth of their section
to the battle-field; while the noble women of the land labored
in their behalf with energy and success commensurate with the
THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 291
occasion. "We need not dwell upon the fact — which has already-
become historic — that never was there a Avar in which such
magnificent military hospital preparations were made, and so
faithfully carried into effect, as the one now upon us.
The hall-hospitals at Nashville merit brief mention, as repre-
sentative of that class which are located in buildings in cities
and towns. The largest and best-ventilated store-buildings
in the city were taken : if containing goods, they were at
once vacated, and, where they were objectionable, partitions,
shelving, &c. were removed. Walls were Avhitened, floors
thoroughly scoured, and neat cot-bedsteads were made of suit-
able height and ranged in exact lines through the long rooms.
Comfortable beds were prepared, — blankets spread upon ticks
filled with fresh straw, — with a soft pillow in a clean white slip.
Spittoons, &c. were at each bedside; and the author has heard
more than one sharp reprimand fall upon some thoughtless or
careless wight who had lodged saliva upon the floors. Several
hospitals of this character exist in Nashville at the time of this
writing, and, no doubt, in mamT of our large cities and towns.
By such means and efforts hundreds of valuable lives have been
saved, — to the praise of the people of this nation, as represented
by their various sanitary commissions, volunteer nurses, and the
Army Medical Department.
The surgeon who performs his duty faithfully and with skill
occupies a laborious, difficult, and most responsible position. No
less with him than with the commander upon the battle-field,
the lives of the soldiers are intrusted to his care. Hospital
scenes, daily to be witnessed within the lines of the Cumber-
land District, of faithful surgeons moving about at all hours of
the day and night, examining, operating, dressing, prescribing,
compounding, supplying delicacies, writing letters, breathing
out to the afflicted spiritual consolation and hope, receiving last
messages, and, finally, closing the eyes in death — and, oh !
how many of such have been witnessed ! — have won for the
Medical Department of our army the lasting affection and gra-
titude of its members. Many names, thus eminent, could be
292 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
cited in this connection ; but to do so, and necessarily of only
a part, would be invidious, and we forbear. Nor is it incum-
bent upon us to notice disreputable instances which may have
occurred in this department, where fraud, intemperance, and
professional murder can be charged to the wolves of the medi-
cal fraternity. They have been but few — very few — in the Army
of the Cumberland ; and we pass them by.
Those who witnessed surgical operations at the noted "Brick-
house Hospital" during and after the battles of Stone Eiver
will never forget many of those scenes. There were the head-
quarters for cases requiring amputation; and at times three
tables were thus in requisition. Human limbs and pieces of
flesh were cast outside of the house, through the windows, and,
to use the words of a friend, "would fill a cart-load." The
floors of the premises " ran rivers of blood," and the surgeons
and attendants, in their dress and appearance, resembled
butchers at work in the shambles. The long lines of graves, of
both Union and rebel soldiers, now coursing down the sloping
field in the rear of that " Brick-house Hospital," attest the
many sad results of battle, in which these humane and skilful
efforts to save were unavailing. The picture we have drawn is
harrowing to the soul ; but it needs be thus brought home that
we may realize the deepest and most terrible ordeal of the army
surgeon.
The Medical Department comprises 159 surgeons, 260 assistant
surgeons, 84 contract physicians. There were 2500 attendants,
as stewards, clerks, cooks, and nurses, on duty in our 35 general
hospitals. The patients usually numbered 13,000, which was
augmented to more than 20,000 by the battle of Murfreesborough.
Our army has about 500 ambulances. Dr. Eben Swift, Surgeon
U.S.A., until recently chief of the department, entered the army
in 1847 He served during the Mexican War under General
Scott, as aide to the surgeon-general, and established hospitals
at Churubusco, Chapultepec, and at the city of Mexico. Since
then he has been constantly on duty, and had charge of the
Medical Department at the battle of Stone Eiver.
Sfte &rtitt*rg gtrvitt.
In the history of warfare no changes are more remarkable
than those wrought by the improvements in artillery. From
the first rude cannon used, to those employed at Stone River, is
a long stride; and it would be interesting to trace the grada-
tions through which this feature of warfare has passed. But
the limits of this chapter forbid; and we can only give a brief
description of the various kinds of artillery in use in the Army
of the Cumberland, and a sketch of two or three of the more
prominent officers connected with that department.
The importance of this arm of the service will be readily
appreciated. Without it, in modern days, no battle worthy of
the name has been or can be fought by an army Upon its
efficient management vast results depend; and yet outside of
the army little is known concerning it. If the reader of this
sketch shall obtain a clearer idea of the number and character
of the guns used in one great battle, as well as of the kind,
weight, and cost of the powder and projectiles expended, the
object of the author will be fully attained. For prudential
reasons, no reference will be made to the present condition of
this department of the Army of the Cumberland; and the battle
of Stone River has been selected as the basis of remarks under
this head.
The artillery of the Department of the Cumberland, at the
opening of the battle of Stone River, consisted of thirty-nine
batteries, — heavy and field, — of which twenty-seven batteries of
field-guns only were in the engagement.
It was divided as follows : —
293
294 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
RIGHT WIXG.
Chief of Artillery, Major Charles S. Cotter.
1st Division — Chi f of Artillery, Captain 0. F. Pixxev.
5th Wisconsin Battery Captain 0. F. Pixxev.
2J Minnesota Battery Captain W- A. Hotchkiss.
8th Wisconsin Battery Captain T. J. Carpexter.
2d Division — Chief of Artillery, Captain W P. Edgartox.
E Company, 1st Ohio Artillery Captain W- P. Edgartox.
5th Indiana Battery Captain P. Simonson.
A Company, 1st Ohio Artillery 1st Lieutenant E. B. Beldixg.
3d Division — Chief of Artillery, Captain A. K. Bush.
G Company, 1st Missouri Artillery Captain H. Hescock.
4th Indiana Battery. Captain A. K. Bush.
C Company, 1st Illinois Artillery Captain C. Houghtalixg.
CENTRE.
Chief of Artillery , Captain 0. II. Mack.
1st Division — Chief of Artillery, Colonel C. 0. Looms.
1st Kentucky Battery Captain D. C. Stone.
1st Michigan Battery Lieutenant G. W Van Pelt.
II Company, 5th Artillery, U.S.A 1st Lieutenant F. L. Guenther.
2d Division — Chief of Artillery, Captain F. Schultz.
M Company, 1st Ohio Artillery Captain F. Schultz.
G Company, 1st Ohio Artillery 1st Lieut. Alexander Marshall.
M Company, 1st Kentucky Artillery.... 1st Lieut. A.A.Ellsworth.
LEFT WING.
Chief of Artillery, Captain John Mendexhall, U.S.A.
1st Division — Cliief of Artillery, Major T. Race.
10th Indiana Battery Captain J. B. Cox.
8th Indiana Battery 1st. Lieut. George Estep.
6th Ohio Battery Captain C. Bradley.
2d Division — Chief of Artillery, Captain W. E. Standart.
B Company, 1st Ohio Artillery Captain W. E. Staxdart
M Company, 4th Artillery, U.S.A 1st Lieut. C. C. Parsons.
II Company, 4th Artillery, U.S.A 1st Lieut. C. B. Throckmorton.
F Company, 1st Uhio Artillery Captain D. T. Cockerill.
3d Divisio7i— Chief of Artillery, Captain George R. Swallow.
7th Indiana Battery Captain G. R. Swallow.
THE ARTILLERY SERVICE. 295
3d Wisconsin Battery 1st Lieut. C. Livingston.
26th Pennsylvania Battery 1st Lieut. A. J. Stevens.
PIONEER BRIGADE.
Chicago Board of Trade Battery Captain J. II. Stok.es.
CAVALRY DIVISION.
D Company, 1st Ohio xlrtillery 2d Lieut. N. M. Newell.
The armament was as follows : —
RIGHT WING.
Eleven James rifled guns.
Seventeen six-pounders, smooth-bore.
Ten twelve-pounder howitzers.
Eight ten-pounder Parrott guns.
Four twelve-pounder light (Napoleon) guns.
CENTRE.
Four James rifled guns.
Three six-pounder smooth-bore guns.
Four twelve-pounder howitzers.
Twelve ten-pounder Parrott guns.
Four twelve-pounder light (Napoleon) guns.
Two six-pounder Wiard guns.
Two twelve-pounder Wiard guns.
LEFT WING.
Six James rifled guns.
Twelve six-pounder smooth-bore guns.
Ten twelve-pounder howitzers.
Sixteen ten-pounder Parrott guns.
Four three-inch Rodman guns.
PIONEER BRIGADE.
Two James rifled guns.
Four six-pounder smooth-bore guns.
CAVALRY.
Two three-inch Rodman guns.
It will be observed tbat seven different kinds of cannon were
used in this battle, viz. : —
The twelve-pounder light gun.
296 army or the Cumberland.
The six-pounder smooth-bore.
'• six-pounder James rifled gun.
" three-inch Eodman rifled gun.
" ten-pounder Parrott rifled gun.
" "Wiard rifled gun.
" twelve-pounder field howitzer.
The twelve-pounder is a smooth-bore gun, made of bronze,
called light twelve-pounder to distinguish it from the old heavy
twelve-pounder, upon which it is an improvement. It was
modelled from the French gun, and was introduced into our
service in 1857. The improvements were suggested by the
present Emperor, and the piece is generally known as the
Napoleon gun. Its range is about fifteen Imndred yards.
The six-pounder smooth-bore gun is the United States model
of 1844, made of bronze, and previous to the present war was
used in most of our field-batteries. Its range is about twelve
hundred yards.
The James rifled gun is the United States smooth-bore, rifled
by General James, of Ehode Island. The original name — six-
pounder — is still preserved, although the elongated projectile
weighs eleven pounds. James's invention refers more to the
projectile than to the gun itself, his method of rifling presenting
nothing that is new. The length of the projectile is twice its
diameter, the front part conical, the rear portion made something
like a wheel-hub, having a cylindrical cavity open towards the
rear, and several cavities leading from this to the exterior, like
the mortises of a hub which receive the spokes. A collar of
lead encircles the exterior, and over this is a broad band of tin.
The whole is covered by a wrapping of canvas steeped in oil.
The projectile is made of such a size as to enter readily the bore
of the piece. When the cartridge in the rear is ignited in
firing, the expansive gases generated by the combustion of the
powder enter the cylindrical cavity and the mortises of the
projectile, and create a pressure against the wrapping, which
yields, is forced into the grooves, and the projectile in its
passage through the bore of the piece assumes the rifled motion.
THE ARTILLERY SERVICE. Z\) I
The oiled canvas lubricates the grooves and prevents them
from becoming " leaded." Its extreme range is abont three
thousand yards.
The three-inch Eodman rifled gun is made of wrought iron
and named after the inventor, Captain T. J. Eodman, United
States Ordnance Corps. The projectiles used in it are generally
the Hotehkiss and Schenkl. They are both elongated, with
conical points. The former has a collar of lead encircling it
near the base. The base consists of a cup-shaped piece of
metal, which is driven forward by the force of the powder in
firing; and the rim, entering between the projectile and the
leaden collar, forces the latter into the grooves and secures the
rifled motion. The Schenkl projectile is terminated in rear by
a conical spindle, around which fits a cylinder of papier mache,
which when driven forward by the explosion of the powder is
forced into the grooves, and the rifled motion is communicated
to the projectile, ilhe extreme range of this gun is about five
thousand yards.
The ten-pounder Parrott rifled gun — named after the inventor,
Captain E. P Parrott, proprietor of the West Point Foundry,
New York, and formerly an officer of the army — is made of cast
iron, with a band of wrought iron shrunk on around the rear
portion of the gun, to strengthen it. Its projectile— also the
invention of Captain Parrott — is made of cast iron, with a cup-
shaped piece of wrought iron attached to the base of the cavity
towards the rear. This cup is expanded into the groove by the
force of the powder, and the rifled motion thus secured. The
range is the same as that of the three-inch Eodman gun.
The Wiard rifled gun — named also after the inventor — is
made of steel. The same kind of projectiles are used as in the
Eodman gun. The range of the six-pounder Wiard is very
nearly the same as that of the ten-pounder Parrott.
The twelve-pounder howitzer is the United States model of
1841, — a short bronze piece for throwing shells, case-shot, and
canister. Its range is about one thousand yards.
There were in all 20,307 projectiles thrown at the battle of
293 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Stone River. The average -weight of metal in a projectile is
ten pounds, and the average charge of powder one and a half
pounds. The entire weight of metal thrown was, therefore,
203, U70 pounds, and the quantity of powder 30.300} pounds.
Assuming seven cents as the average price per pound for the
different projectiles, the cost would be $14,214.90. Twenty
cents per pound for the powder would amount to $0,072,10.
Total, $20,287.00. This is taking the most economical view of
the subject.
In the battle of the 31st of December, 1862, the following
guns were taken by the enemy : —
8 James rifled.
6 twelve-pounder howitzers.
9 six-pounder smooth-bores.
2 ten-pounder Parrotts.
1 six-pounder "Wiard.
2 twelve-pounder Wiard.
1 James rifled (disabled).
Total, 29
The following were captured from the enemy : —
1 Napoleon.
2 ten-pounder Parrotts.
2 twelve-pounder howitzers.
1 six-pounder smooth-bore.
Total, 6
With the foregoing interesting and instructive statistics,
furnished for this work by the Chief of Artillery, we take leave
of the subject.
THE CHIEF OF AKTILLEKY.
Colonel James Barnett, of the 1st Ohio Artillery, Chief
of Artillery of the Department of the Cumberland, is a native
of the State of New York, and is forty-two years of age. From
THE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY. 299
boyhood he has resided in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. He
was educated to the hardware-trade, and for many years has
been a member of the hardware jobbing-house of George
Worthington & Co., of that city.
At the beginning of the war he was in command of an inde-
pendent artillery organization, and tendered its services to the
State authorities. After the fall of Fort Sumter they were
accepted, and on the 21st of April, 1861, the Governor of Ohio,
by telegraph, ordered the command to report at Columbus.
In accordance with this order, Captain Barnett, with a full
company of men, and six guns, started the next morning, and,
arriving at Columbus, proceeded, without halting, to Marietta,
Ohio, where the guns were mounted, horses, &c. procured, and
all fitted for service. Upon the occupation of Western Virginia
by the Federal troops, one section of this battery moved with
Colonel Steadman, of the 14th Ohio, by way of Parkersburg,
and two sections by way of Benwood, to Grafton. During the
three-months campaign these guns were constantly on duty, at
Grafton, Philippi, Laurel Hill, Carrick's Ford, and other points.
At the expiration of their term of enlistment the command
returned to Columbus, and were honorably mustered out of
service in the month of July.
In August it was decided to organize the 1st Begiment of
Ohio Light Artillery, and Captain Barnett was commissioned as
its colonel. This organization, consisting of twelve field-batte-
ries of six guns and one hundred and fifty men each, was per-
fected, and the regiment was fully equipped and put into the
field by January 1, 1862. The colonel reported to General
Buell at Louisville, and upon the arrival of the army at Nash-
ville, in March, he was placed in command of the artillery
reserve of the Army of the Ohio, in which capacity he served
until ordered to Ohio in July on recruiting service. Having
obtained the requisite number of recruits for his regiment, he
was assigned to duty in September upon the staff of General C.
C. Gilbert, at that time commanding the centre corps of the
Army of the Ohio. After the battle of Perryville the colonel
300 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
was transferred to the staff of Major-General McCook as chief
of artillery, which position he filled until November 24, 1862,
when he was designated by General Rosecrans as chief of artil-
lery for his department.
In the battle of Stone River, as well as in many previous
ones. Colonel Barnett was constantly and actively engaged, and
is mentioned with especial commendation by General Rosecrans
in his official report.
THE AETILLEEY CHIEF OP THE 20TH CORPS.
Major Charles S. Cotter, Chief of Artillery for the 20th
Army Corps, is a native of Ohio, and was born September 20,
1827. Before the war he followed the silver-plating trade, and
was doing a prosperous business. He was also captain of an
independent artillery company, consisting of one gun and
twenty-five men.
Hearing of the attack on Fort Sumter on Sunday, he closed
his shop on Monday, and called a meeting of his company for
the same evening. They voted to offer their services to the
Government ; and on Tuesday Captain Cotter reported to
Governor Dennison. From that day to this he has not entered
his place of business. His company was ordered immediately
to Virginia, where he participated in the Kanawha Valley cam-
paign under Brigadier-General Cox. At Scrag Creek the battery,
consisting of two rifled pieces, was engaged, fired seventy-nine
rounds, and dismounted three of the enemy's four guns. At
Tyler Mountain a skirmish occurred, in which, Avith his battery,
Captain Cotter burned the rebel steamboat Julia Moffatt.
In September, 1861, he enlisted a full six-gun battery at
Ravenna and Cleveland, which was the first full one to go
from Ohio. Passing through Kentucky and Tennessee, it
reached Shiloh, but, being in the reserve, was not actively
engaged. During the siege of Corinth he took part in a severe
THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 301
fight, in which four of his pieces fired two hundred and seventy-
nine rounds, repulsing the advance of a brigade of the enemy
and killing a number of them, — forty dead bodies having been
found on the field. He then marched to Huntsville and Battle
Creek. He was promoted major June 9, 1862. About the 1st of
October he was assigned to Major-General McCook as chief
of artillery. At the battle of Perryville, October 8, he had
charge of twenty-six pieces, used them constantly, and lost
none of them. Xear dusk he rode to the rear for a supply of
ammunition; and while he was thus absent from the front our
forces fell back a few hundred yards. Xot noticing this on his
return, — it being too dark to distinguish more than the outline
of men and animals. — he rode directly into the Confederate lines
— they havmg advanced — and was taken prisoner by 3Iajor-
General Polk in person. That night the enemy retreated, and
he was carried with them to Harrodsbm-g, where he was de-
tained as a prisoner for three days, and then paroled, when he
regained our lines.
Eeturning to Ohio, he was ordered to Camp Chase, to take
charge of the paroled artillery troops. Here he remained until
he was exchanged, reporting to General MeCook for duty
February 15. 18G3. He was at once appointed chief of artillery
of the right wing of the Army of the Cumberland, or 20th
Army Corps.
THE CHIEF OP OEDNANCE.
Captain Horace Porter (Ordnance Corps, U.S.A.), Chief of
Ordnance, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1837.
In June, 1855, he entered upon the five-years course at "West
Point, and in June, 1860, he graduated third in a class of forty-
one. He was appointed brevet-lieutenant of ordnance July 1,
1860, second lieutenant April 22, 1861, first lieutenant June 7,
1861, and captain March 3, 1863.
At the opening of the war he was a bearer of despatches
302 ARMY OF THE CVMBERLAND.
from Xew York to "Washington, and was subsequently on duty
at Washington and at Watervliet Arsenal, Xew York. In
October, 1861, he sailed with General T. W Sherman's expedi-
tion to Port Eoyal, South Carolina, and at the bombardment of
Fort Pulaski was chief of ordnance and artillery. At the attack
on Seeessionville, James Island, South Carolina, June 16, 1802,
he was slightly wounded. In July, 1862, he joined the Army
of the Potomac as chief of ordnance to General McClellan. In
the following October he was assigned to the staff of General
Wright, commanding the Department of the Ohio, as chief of
ordnance, and in January, 1863, was appointed to a similar posi-
tion on the staff of General Eosecrans, Department of the
Cumberland.
ghe Jtrmg JJijgnat and SFetograpft £mrto.
The Signal Corps of our Army is composed of officers and
enlisted men, detailed from different regiments, with special
reference to their fitness for the duties required of them. The
officers are instructed in the use of the signals used before they
go into the field, and are forbidden to carry with them any thing
that would give the enemy information leading to the discovery
of the system in case of capture. The object of the organiza-
tion is to keep up constant communication between the different
parts of the army and the different commanding generals, and
to closely scan and discover the movements of the enemy. For
this reason, the officers are furnished with powerful telescopes
and marine glasses, and are usually located on the tops of high
elevations, or other commanding positions.
When General Kosecrans assumed command of the Army of
the Cumberland, he adopted the signal system and reorganized
the corps. The officers and men were ordered to report to
Captain Jesse Merrill, Chief Signal Officer of the Department,
and were divided into parties, put in charge of competent di-
rectors, and assigned to the different army corps for duty. On
the march from Xashville to Murfreesborough, officers were con
stantly on the alert, collecting and communicating intelligence.
During the twenty-four hours previous to the battle of Stone
Itiver, communication was kept up from front to rear on the
Murfreesborough pike, and on Tuesday, while our army was
fighting its way to what was afterwards its line of battle, short
lines of communication were maintained.
Soon after the occupation of Murfreesborough, two brigades
were sent in the direction of McMinnville and Woodbury, —
one as far as Eeadyville, twelve miles, and the other to Cripple
303
304 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Creek, eight miles, from Murfreesborough. Between tbese two
points, and a little north of the pike, is a high mountain, called
Pilot Knob, and on its summit had been established a signal-sta-
tion called '' Fort Transit." This point commands the surround-
ing country in all directions for miles ; and many items of inte •
rest and importance were reported by the officers on that station
They communicated with the central station in the cupola of the
court-house at Murfreesborough; and daily and nightly, on these
stations, flags and torches could be seen waving information and
orders from one point to the other. As the lines of the army
were extended, communication in the same way was opened
between the different points. The station on the court-house
at Murfreesborough communicates with one at Lavergne, fifteen
miles distant, and one near Triune, seventeen miles distant.
From the latter point a line of stations connects it with Franklin,
and from the former communication can be bad with Nashville
whenever desired. ^
Major Albert J. Meyer, Signal Officer of the Army, has re-
cently added greatly to the efficiency of bis department by
sending to Murfreesborough a signal telegraph train. This
train consists of six substantially-built wagons, each containing
a telegraph instrument, tool-chest, axes, reels, &c. Three of
the wagons also contain five miles of wire each; the other three
have fifteen empty reels, used in reeling up the wire after being
laid out. The telegraph instruments are the most complete for
field-purposes ever put in operation, and much superior, both in
matter of economy and reliability, to others now in use. The
dial-instrument is used and the electricity is generated at the
time of operating, and without the use of acid. The instrument
is contained in a box which can be carried by one man, and its
mechanism is so simple that it is ready for use the instant the
station in the field is selected. Three lines were put in opera-
tion at Murfreesborough, running to the corps commanders'
head-quarters. The wire used is insulated by gutta-percha, and
can be run out on the ground, hung on fences or trees, or put on
poles. It is rolled upon reels, in one-mile sections, and, in run-
THE ARMY SIGNAL AND TELEGRAPH SERVICE. 305
ning it or rolling it up, the horses are kept at a steady and rapid
trot. This field telegraph is a recent invention, scarcely more
than a year old; but it has been successfully used on the Poto-
mac, and was of inestimable service at the attack on Fredericks-
burg in December last. The principal object aimed at in its use
is to keep open a constant communication of the different com-
mands of an army with each other and with head-quarters, and
also to connect the army, or any portion of it, with the signal-
station, which, from the necessity of its location on some high
and commanding point, is almost invariably at some distance
from the camp.
The full details of the system are, of course, known only to
the initiated; for in its secrecy lies its success. A general idea
of its character and management may be given, however, with-
out injury to the service. In the first place, then, elevated posi-
tions are chosen, between which communications are made by
means of a flag in the daytime and of a torch at night. The
alphabet of the code consists of certain definite figures, different
combinations of which represent the different letters of the
ordinary English alphabet. Of these figures there are but few,
a sufficient variety being obtained by different combinations of
the same figures. Thus, 11, 14 may mean A, while 14, 11 may
mean D ; and so on. Each figure of the alphabet is represented
by a definite number of dips or wavings of the flag or torch,
thus enabling the experienced in the art to read messages at
almost incredible distances with surprising rapidity.
To enable the reader more fully to understand the workings
of the system, let him accompany the author to the signal-sta-
tion in the cupola of the court-house at Murfreesborough. Here
he will find two windows, one looking towards Fort Transit,
nine and a half miles to the east, and the other towards Triune,
seventeen miles to the west. By the side of each is a telescope,
firmly fixed and bearing upon the station opposite. Outside of
the opening is a platform, upon which the man waving the flag
or torch stands. It being desired to open communication, the
flag is waved to and fro until seen and answered by the other
306 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
station, — which is generally but a moment or two, as somebody
is always on the watch at the glass. The officer in charge seats
himself at the glass, and, having observed the answer to his
signal, calls to the man on the platform the figures which he
wishes represented or waved. Thus, for example :
3_ll; 21—5; 2—31—11; 1—43—5; 22—31; 14—22—23;
1—43—5; 11—1—42; 1-^2—2; 23—11; 1—11; 5—55.
The substance of the above message is to inquire if a certain
officer has arrived at a certain place, as expected. In what
seems scarcely more than a single minute after the last word
is sent, the answer comes from Fort Transit, and is read by the
officer at the glass.
For the transmission of messages, different-colored flags are
employed, as best suits the state of the atmosphere. There are
now in use at Murfreesborough one black with a white centre,
one white with a red centre, and one all red. Sometimes one
can be plainly seen and recognized when another cannot be
seen at all : hence the variety. As already said, there are two
stations in the court-house at Murfreesborough, to which are
assigned two officers and four men. The stations are kept open
all the time, night and day, officers being constantly on the
watch at the glass. "When the station is " called" by one of the
outlying stations, the officer in charge by whom the message is
to be received and answered, if below in his office, is notified by
the tapping of the court-house bell, two strokes calling him to
one station, and three to the other. All messages sent and re-
ceived are written out and copies of them preserved, which are
often called for as evidence in courts-martial, &c. Messages
received were formerly delivered at head-quarters by orderlies,
but are now sent by the newly-arrived telegraph train.
The system now in use in all the Union armies was invented
by Major Meyer, the Signal Officer of the army, since the begin-
ning of the present war, the one previously in use having become
valueless because of certain officers of the corps having gone with
the South. The rebels, too, have a system, invented or per-
fected by one Alexander, formerly a lieutenant under Major
THE ARMY SIGNAL AND TELEGRAPH SERVICE. 307
Meyer, but now understood to be a brigadier-general in tbe
Confederate service. Our army system differs from that of the
navy, in that the latter is worked by a series of preconcerted
and set phrases, while by this any thing that can be written
can be telegraphed with astonishing rapidity and certainty. A
message of twenty words can be sent in five minutes, and an-
swered in as many more. As an illustration of its workings, a
single example will suffice. In the latter part of March, Major-
General Palmer made an expedition to Woodbury, twenty-two
miles from Murfreesborough, and in less than thirty minutes
after he entered the town General Rosecrans was informed of
the fact by means of the signal corps. The commanding general
at once despatched to him certain orders; and in an hour from
the time of sending them he was informed by General Palmer
that they had been received and the troops disposed in accord-
ance with them. The use of the field telegraph will materially
add to the rapidity with which messages can be transmitted,
by dispensing with the necessity of couriers between the head-
quarters of commanders and the signal-station.
The alphabet is not difficult to learn; but constant practice is
required to enable the operator to send and receive messages
without hesitation. The labor required of the corps is confining,
but not severe. For days there may be little to do, and, again,
both officers and men may be constantly employed during both
the day and night. They sleep when they can, and are expected
to be ready at a moment's -warning. Messages, in very clear
weather, can be read between Triune and Pilot Knob, twenty-
seven miles, or between the Knob and Lavergne, twenty-five
miles, without being repeated at Murfreesborough; and they
have been sent direct from the Knob to Nashville, forty-five
miles; but this distance is too great for the glasses now in use,
and is not considered entirely reliable. In addition to the ordi-
nary duty of transmitting messages, the officers and men of
the corps act as scouts, keeping a constant watch upon the
movements of the enemy, as they are able to do from their
308 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
commanding location, and reporting the results of their observa-
tions to head-quarters without delay.
The Signal Corps of the Army of the Cumberland is under
the direction of Captain Jesse Merrill, of the 7th Pennsylvania
Eeserve. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and an attorney by
profession. He entered the service as second lieutenant, and
served as such in the Army of the Potomac until January, 1862,
when, having learned the code, he was detailed to the Army of
the Cumberland to introduce it there and instruct the requisite
number of officers and men in its mysteries. He is a thorough
master of the system, and has rendered it highly effective, as the
reader may judge from the foregoing account.
The Murfreesborough station is under the charge of Captain
C. E. Case, of the 36th Indiana, and T. J. Kelly, of the 10th Ohio
Infantry The telegraphic train is under command of Lieu-
tenant D. Wonderly, of Philadelphia, assisted by Lieutenants S.
F. Eeber and D. F. Jarvis. The corps of the department con-
sists of about forty officers, and, inclusive of the telegraphic train,
about one hundred and forty enlisted men, all of whom are
detailed from their respective regiments for this service; and
thus the signal service is rendered at but a trifling additional
cost to the country.
£he Jirmg Pail
Army Mail-Wagon escaping from Guerrillas at Lavergne.
A soldikr's life is a life of privation. Like the migratory
patriarchs of the olden time, he is only " a sojourner in the
land;" but, unlike them, his wife, his children, and his household
gods go not with him in his wanderings. Their homes were
ever present with them ; his can only be far away, in the forests
of the free North or on the wide prairies of the West. " Home
is where the heart is," sings the poet. " The heart is where
home is," says the soldier; and not the daily stir of camp-life,
not the march, with its ever-changing scenes, not even the
309
310 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
deadly shock of battle, can banish from his thoughts the dear
ones whom he has left behind. Who, then, shall tell the heart-
longings for home, for family, and for friends that crowd his
hours of leisure and of rest ? At dead of night, as the sentinel
paces his lonely round, his mind is busy with fondest memories.
Wrapped in his blanket, with only the stars above him, the
soldier'B weary body finds rest in sleep : yet he wanders from
warlike scenes. No moonbeam brighter in its silvery flood than
is his dream of that far-off home, where the good old father and
mother sit by the chimney-corner and talk of their boy who has
gone to the war, — where the loving wife presses the babe to her
breast and gently whispers the story — alas ! how true ! — of its
absent father, — where the maiden sleeps with dreams as pure
and sweet as those in which he asks, "Are they of me 1" and
hers seem to answer, " Yes."
In the Army of the Cumberland there are fifty thousand men
to whom this is no fancy sketch. They have been absent from
their homes weeks, months, and even years. The interim has,
perhaps, been fruitful of change in the dear home-circle. A
mother, a wife, a child, has departed to the spirit-realm; the
wedding-feast has been prepared in the household; or may-be
another flower is blooming amid the family garland, unseen as
yet by the war-worn father. With what eagerness, then, must
not a visit to that home be desired ! With what earnestness
must not a furlough be sought! But we are in an enemy's
country, a hostile army confronts us face to face, and furloughs
must necessarily be denied. We may think and dream of home ;
but that is all. This privation, this heart-sickness, is the bane
of a soldier's life.
Much, however, may be done to alleviate it. If we may not
revisit those who nightly gather around the fireside, we may
look upon their lineaments as painted by the sunbeam in its
passage through the dark chambers of the camera. If we can-
not whisper our thoughts and read the answer in loving eyes
before the lips can give utterance, we can substitute pen for
tongue, and, in return, gather from the thickly-covered page at
THE ARMY MAIL. 311
least a part of what we would so dearly love to hear. As sight
is the best of all God's gifts to man, and hearing the next, so the
next best thing to a visit is a letter from home. Its influence on
the soldier can hardly be overestimated. It is a messenger of
love and hope, bringing words of comfort and cheer in those
dark and trying hours which come alike, at times, to all. If it
be in answer to tidings of victory, words of praise nerve him to
still more daring deeds of valor. If of defeat, it bids him not
despair, but, with faith in God and his own good sword, press
persistently on to the inevitable triumph that awaits him. Un-
certainty and suspense are ended, positive knowledge of home-
affairs reigning in their stead. Discontent gives place to cheer-
fulness, and with firmer hope, higher aspiration, he re-enters
upon his daily duty. A happier man and a better soldier, his
country not less than himself is indebted for the change to the
Army Mail.
At the outset it became evident that regular mails could not
be supplied to our armies in the field through the usual agency
of the Post-Office Department. Eailroads were torn up; river-
navigation was often interrupted, and became at all times
dangerous; old mail-routes were suspended; mail-matter
destined for the army accumulated at the distributing offices
and at the termini of the regular routes, in hopelessly confused
heaps, to be forwarded only at long intervals. Grave complaints
unavoidably arose, and it became necessary to devise a military
mail-system which, independent of, yet acting in concert with,
the civil department, would supply the deficiency. Among the
first to notice the evil and apply the remedy was Major-General
Eoseerans. Himself a practical soldier and appreciating a
soldier's minor wants, it is with him a settled policy to minister
to the mind as well as to the body. In Western Virginia his
efforts to secure regular mail-facilities to his men were attended
with partial success ; but it was not until called to the command
of the Army of the Mississippi that he was enabled to inaugurate
a thoroughly complete system of daily military mails. •
Immediately on his arrival at Corinth, he appointed Colonel
312 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
William Truesdail his army mail agent. Messengers were at
once placed upon the boats and railroads between that place
and Cairo. An efficient general travelling agent — P W Currier,
Esq. — was engaged ; and it was one of his special duties to visit
the various distributing offices at Louisville, Cincinnati, Chicago,
St. Louis, and Cairo, and furnish them with accurate lists of
the divisions, brigades, regiments, and smaller commands con-
stituting that army, and to have forwarded from those offices
bushels, and in some instances wagon-loads, of mail-matter
found piled beneath tables and counters or stowed away in
drawers, barrels, and back rooms.
Upon assuming command of the Army of the Cumberland,
General Eosecrans found it in a worse condition even than had
been the Army of the Mississippi in respect to mail-matter.
Eecently marched up from Alabama, through Kentucky and
Tennessee, to the Ohio River, and now back again to Bowling
Green, the troops had been almost everywhere in turn and
nowhere long. Battles, skirmishes, and forced marches had
followed each other in rapid succession ; divisions and brigades
were scattered here and there ; and even regimental commands
were divided between widely distant stations. No accessible
record of their movements and localities had been preserved,
and it had been found simply impossible to forward the long-
looked-for mails. Thus thousands of soldiers and officers, as
well as privates, had been weeks and months without tidings
from home or friends, while tons of mail-matter lay moulder-
ing in distant post-offices. To bring order out of this chaos
was again the difficult duty of Colonel Truesdail, which was
speedily accomplished, aided by his assistant, Mr. Currier, and
other agents. Messengers were appointed and teams were
arranged, and a system improvised ready for operation when
the army should advance into the enemy's country. F. C.
Herri ck, Esq., an experienced employe of the civil department,
was appointed army postmaster, — whose duty it was to move
with the army and receive and distribute the mails, with in-
structions to operate in harmony with the United States mail
THE ARMY MAIL. 313
authorities and have for his sole object the prompt delivery of
the mails to the soldiers.
At this time, it will be remembered, Nashville was invested
by the rebels, and for two months all communication with the
North suspended. Not until our army reached that city was it
relieved from the dearth of mail-matter. True, certain private
parties had attempted to run the gauntlet with small letter-
mails ; but failure and loss of teams and mails had been the
result. Now, however, daily mails were regularly received and
sent, greatly to the joy of all. The Government then brought
the mails only to Mitchellsville, Tennessee, distant from Nash-
ville thirty-live miles. Between these places bridges had been
burned and tunnels blown up by the rebels, rendering the rail-
road unavailing for several weeks. The mail-wagons were at
once put on; and for two months a heavy mail passed each way
through a wild guerrilla country, accompanied by a strong
cavalry escort! Arrived at Nashville, it was at once distributed
and sent to the various division, brigade, and regimental head-
quarters. Some idea of the business thus transacted may be
gathered from the fact that not unfrequently twenty thousand
letters were mailed at the Nashville office in a single day, besides
two or three bushels of photographs, daguerreotypes, &c. From
eight to twelve hundred dollars' worth of stamps were sold daily,
and nearly all of them to the army.
When the advance towards Murfreesborough began, the army
was again thrown beyond the reach of the Government mails;
and again recourse was had to the army wagons and messengers,
and daily trips were made, sometimes with, but oftener with-
out, an escort. The route was through a dangerous country
infested with roving bands of rebel cavalry : yet during many
weeks the mails were thus carried safely and regularly, and in
that time not a mail-bag, or, to the knowledge of the writer, a
single letter, was lost. Early in March the railroad between
Nashville and Murfreesborough was reopened; and since then
daily mails have been received from and sent to Nashville by
the army postmaster with great regularity, the Army of the
314 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Cumberland receiving its mails more promptly and with less
confusion, probably, than does any other army in the field.
Upon an average, twenty-two thousand letters — amounting in
bulk to fifteen bushels — leave the Murfreesborough military
office daily, to be duly mailed in the United States distributing
office at Nashville, from whence they are sent over the regular
mail-routes to their respective destinations. The equally large
mails received are sorted and distributed, by means of the mail-
wagons, among the various camps and military offices with
creditable energy and despatch.
In a correspondence of such magnitude it is idle to say that
complaints do not arise. In spite of every care, letters will fail
to reach their destination ; but the wonder really is tbat so few
are lost. In the Department of the Cumberland, embracing
"Western Kentucky and Middle and Eastern Tennessee, there are
not less than twelve divisions, thirty-seven brigades, and more
than two hundred regiments, besides independent organizations,
such as pioneers, engineers, the signal corps, sharpshooters,
batteries, scouts, hospitals, convalescent camps, &c. &c. Imagine
the perplexity, then, of the army postmaster as he puzzles his
brain over thousands of letters addressed, in the most unread-
able band, after this style : — " Mr. John Smith, Co. A, Eosecrans
Army;" " Lt. Tom Jones, 3d Div.;" " Capt. Brown, 2d Brigade;"
"Major Thompson, 21st Begt.;" and wbich he is expected to
forward "in haste." The only possible disposition of such
letters is to send them from regiment to regiment, until fre-
quently they are literally worn out in their fruitless search for
an owner.
Thus far the practical workings of the system have fully
realized the most sanguine expectations of its originators. The
cheerfulness imbued and the confidence inspired are well worth
its entire expense; but, aside from these, the Government is
abundantly remunerated for every outlay by the extra revenue
derived from the thus largely-increased correspondence. With
regular mails three letters are written where one would be with-
out; and under the present system it only requires proper direc-
THE ARMY MAIL. 315
tion to insure prompt delivery. The simplest and plainest
address is the best. The name, the title (if any there be), the
company, the regiment, the State from which it comes, the arm
of service to which it belongs, and the army or corps of which
it is a part, comprise all that is absolutely indispensable to
secure the safe and speedy delivery of army letters. The num-
bers of the brigade and division are not necessary; but it is better
to add them if known. The same may also be said of the par-
ticular locality at which the command is stationed, and the
route which the letter is to take. But such an address as this
is sufficient : — " Eobert Jasj^er, Co. H, 21st Eegt. Illinois Infantry,
Army of the Cumberland, via Louisville, Ky " " Cavalry" or "Ar-
tillery" may be substituted for " Infantry," as occasion requires.
The distributing officers are furnished with lists of the regiments
comprised in those armies whose letters they receive and
forward, as well as their stations; and it is only necessary to
know the particular army to which it is to go to insure the
transmission of a letter thereto, and the company and regiment
in that army, to secure its speedy delivery to the owner upon its
arrival there.
A single incident will illustrate the occasional dangers of the
military mail-service. During the week of battles at Stone
Eiver, the most important mail-matter was sent to and fro at
considerable risk of capture from the rebel cavalry that had
succeeded in getting between Xashville and the rear of our army
and were burning wagon-trains on the road. On the evening
of December 31, the day of the heaviest fighting, intelligence
came that our shelterless men were wellnigh exhausted from
continued exposure to storm and mud. Colonel Truesdail at
once ordered a mail-wagon to be filled with choice refreshments
for the general's head-quarters, which, with important mail-
matter, he intrusted to the charge of S. A. Esterbrook, Esq., one
of the oldest and boldest of the army mail-messengers. By ten
o'clock, " Brooks," as he is called, was ready to start on his
journey. Arrived at the outer pickets, he is told by the guards
that the road is alive with rebel cavalry, that he will certainly
316 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
be captured, and they flatly refuse to pass him beyond the
lines. His protest is of no avail, and back he comes to the office.
Colonel Truesdail, much disappointed, writes a peremptory order
to pass the mail-wagon, assuming all risk himself. Again
"Brooks" sets forth, and passes the pickets, but is scarcely out
of sight or hearing when he meets a motley crowd of flying
teamsters, pedlars, and camp-followers, each telling a more dread-
ful tale than the preceding of discomfiture to our arms, dangers
along the road, raids of rebel horsemen, and flames of burning
wagons. So strong the tide and so unanimous the story that
" Brooks," concluding further advance fool-hardy, and, in this
case, discretion certainly the better part of valor, again retraces
his way, and at two o'clock in the morning is once more in
Nashville.
The colonel had just retired, and was sleeping when " Brooks"
came thundering into the office. Awakened by the noise, he is
possibly a little vexed. Certes, he walks the room excitedly in
rather scanty attire, — the shortness of army shirts being pro-
verbial. Ere long, oaths fly about like feathers in a gale; and
finally the intimation is heard that " Brooks is afraid*." A still
more wrathful explosion now occurs, " Brooks" declaring that
wagon, mail, messenger, and driver will start again, and this
time go without fail to Stone River or to a much hotter
place. "Yes," says the colonel, "go on: put 'em through; let
the rebs get you if they can, — I want 'em to get you; but, if
they do, lose your mails, destroy your despatches, and burst
in your liquors, 'em !"
A third time our man starts, resolved to " do or die." It is
almost dawn as his wagon rattles up the hill overlooking
Lavergne, and a strange and fearful sight greets him at its
summit. For a mile and a half the road is quite straight,
descending a long slope into the valley in which Lavergne is
built, and beyond the town again ascending a similar ridge. As
far as eye can reach, the flames of burning wagons leap wildly
up into the darkness, made tenfold darker by their lurid light.
No living form is visible, — only the whitened surface of " the
THE ARMY MAIL. 317
pike" and the sombre cedar thickets by its side. The authors of
this havoc are lurking near by, or, more probably, are making
good their escape with such plunder from our trains as can be
carried on the backs of captured mules. Danger is ahead; but
there is no escape : only the speed of his horses can save our
driver now. Their mettle is of the best, and serve him well as
he sweeps along like the wind, turning quickly out and in to
avoid the burning wagons, listening all the while with bated
breath for the whistling of bullets and the tramp of pursuing
cavalry. The valley is reached, the town passed, the hill gained,
and he is safe, and, the journey ended, he meets with a hearty
welcome at head-quarters. His was a narrow escape, as but
half an hour previously that road was lined by a thousand rebel
cavalry An illustration of this scene precedes this chapter.
"When the Army of the Cumberland advanced southward
from Bowling Green, the troops were gradually withdrawn from
stations in Kentucky and elsewhere, and massed in the direc-
tion of Nashville, an aggregate of thousands, however, being
unavoidably left behind on detached service, in hospitals, and
absent on furloughs. Meanwhile an entire reorganization of
the army was effected, — scarcely a regiment or battery remain-
ing in its old brigade or division.
When Nashville was reached, and for weeks thereafter, not a
day passed without the return of hundreds of these absentees
to rejoin their commands, of whose whereabouts officers and
privates were often alike ignorant. The military offices in the
city were besieged with crowds of anxious inquirers, and for a
time all was confusion. At length so great became this daily
influx, and so considerable the time required to attend to it,
that the general commanding committed the business to the
care of the Chief of the Army Police; and to the usual crowd
thronging the police office was now added this motley array of
soldiery, too often weak and weary, and always without food
or shelter.
Colonel Truesdail at once set about adjusting the difficulty in
a speedy and practical manner. A tent was pitched on the
vacant lot adjoining the police building, and an active and in-
telligent agent there duly installed as Army Director. The
proper authorities were consulted, and an accurate schedule of
the new army organization compiled. Messengers were de-
spatched to ascertain the exact locality of each command, and
lost soldiers were notified, by handbills posted through the city,
to report themselves at this tent. The plan worked well, and
318
THE ARMY DIRECTORY.
319
the military offices were soon rid of what had become an in-
tolerable nuisance. The streets were cleared of stragglers, and
the soldiers — many of them just discharged from hospitals, and
sorely travel-worn — were promptly forwarded to their respect-
ive camps. When the army moved to ilurfreesborough, the
same difficulty was experienced; and an office was opened there,
with a like good result. The department thus at first tempo-
rarily organized is yet continued, and is known as the Army
Directory or Intelligence Office.
The cost to the Government of the office, which experience
has proved to be a necessity in a large and ever-fluctuating army,
is very slight, only a single clerk being needed. The benefits
derived therefrom are incalculably great. Persons seeking for
friends in the army have only to inquire at the directory to
ascertain their whereabouts. Full and reliable burial-lists also
may be found there, by means of which relatives in quest of
the remains of deceased soldiers can at once be pointed to their
resting-places. Xot only lost soldiers are set right, but the
hundreds of citizens, sanitary commissioners, nurses, traders,
and others visiting the army are furnished with information
indispensable to them in an army spread over two hundred
miles of territory, and which is attainable in no other way. The
good thus done, the suffering avoided, and the facilities afforded
" the stranger within our gates" can be fully appreciated only
by those who have mingled in the confusion of camp-life as
witnessed during this rebellion.
©he ^rmg (fthaptatns.
No class of men connected with the army have heen the
subject of more hasty and ill-advised criticism than the chap-
lains. Their office and mission have been pronounced a failure
by the depraved and thoughtless, and they have been classed
as useless and an encumbrance, whose only aim and end
was to draw their pay Not unfrequently, discouraged at the
results of their labors and doubtful of future success, some of
our best chaplains have turned their backs upon the army and
returned to their homes. At first blush, the assertion that but
little good has been accomplished in this branch of the service
in proportion to the numbers engaged and the means expended,
would seem to be supported by observation and experience ; but
a candid examination of all the circumstances bearing upon the
case will demonstrate its utter injustice. Were the army chap-
lains and their labors judged from a true stand-point, there
would not be wanting words of gratitude and praise from every
pen and tongue. But, their triumphs not being blazoned abroad
on flaming banners, the influence they exert working secretly
and without ostentation, the seed they sow not being followed
for many years, perhaps, by the springing grain and the ripen-
ing harvest, they have been decried by men ignorant of the
good they have accomplished.
The disadvantages and difficulties of the chaplain are almost
innumerable. In every camp there will be found some bad men,
whose influence goes far to neutralize that of the most faithful
chaplain. Many officers are careless of the teachings of Chris-
tianity, and the soldier too often follows where his commander
leads in the walks of every-day life as well as on the battle-
field. In camp the restraints of home and society are removed,
320
THE ARMY CHAPLAINS. 321
and wild passions hold a fiercer sway. Yice abounds on every
hand, temptation to sin is everywhere present; and opposed to
it all is oftentimes only the single voice of the chaplain. Under
such circumstances, even favored with every assistance and
encouragement, his task would be a herculean one, in which
the chances of failure and success would' be evenly balanced.
But of assistance he has none, and of encouragement far too
little. Congress provided for chaplains, and the people doubt-
loss supposed that in so doing they had secured spiritual instruc-
tion and solace to our soldiers and the blessing of God upon our
arms. But they made no provision for the accomplishment of
this work. Xo system of duties is prescribed by the regula-
tions, and thus they have no authoritative claim upon the time
and attention* of officer or private. Each chaplain is thrown
upon his own resources, to do as best he can. By incessant
labor he may accomplish much ; but, with his opportunities cir-
cumscribed or totally restricted, according to the taste of those
to whom he is subordinate, with the vile influences of camp-
associations working against him, it is no matter of surprise
that many a chaplain fails to accomplish all that may be ex-
pected or desired.
It is seldom, however, that the chaplain has to encounter the
direct opposition of any of his superior officers. Many of- the
latter are Christians ; and many more have so much regard for
the gospel and its teachings that they take pains to render their
chaplain every possible assistance. In such cases his success
is proportionably greater, his influence more potent for good,
and the results of his efforts more apparent. It is not of the
outspoken opposition of either officers or men that the chaplains
most complain. It is rather the bad influence of their example
working upon that spirit of imitation which in army life be-
comes almost second nature. To combat this is their most
serious task, requiring the exercise of the utmost patience,
perseverance, and faith. Despite these difficulties and vexa-
tions, however, they labor on, and their labors are rarely
wholly in vain. The good they do, the influence they exert
21
322
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
upon those around them, the suffering they alleviate, the
wounds of body and spirit they bind up, may not now be fully
known and appreciated; but there will come a day when in the
light of perfect knowledge their labors will be recognized and
rewarded.
That there are unworthy and incompetent chaplains in the
army is not to be denied. Through base means and influence,
some such have crept into the service, and some may have
fallen away, even, as did Judas Iscariot from among the chosen
twelve. Those who thus fail and fall attract special atten-
tion, and by them the remainder have too often been judged.
The majority are earnest, industrious, God-fearing men, by
whom every opportunity for good is faithfully improved.
That they work for pay only is abundantly disproved by the
fact that few of them save any thing from their salary. The
numberless calls upon them by the sick, the wounded, and
the destitute would consume an income vastly larger than that
of a chaplain. Theirs is a labor of love and duty, for which,
they have left the comforts of home to endure the dangers and
inconveniences of camp-life, and for which they can find their
reward only in an approving conscience.
For various reasons, many chaplains have resigned and gone
home. Some were unfortunate in manner and style. Xot every
clergyman can succeed in the camp. The soldier must be in-
terested,— his attention withdrawn from all outside influences to
the words of the preacher. A peculiar style of delivery is
necessary. A monotonous " sing-song" tone will effectually ruin
any camp-preaching. The eye, the hands, the posture, the
tongue, the brain, and, above all, the Holy Spirit, are essential
elements in all sermons, and especially those intended for the
camp. Energy and industry, a buoyant spirit which no diffi-
culties, no opposition, can daunt, and a faith that no temporary
failures can cast down, are necessary qualities in every success-
ful army chaplain. The motto inscribed upon his banner should
be the divine injunction, " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do,
do it with thy might."
THE ARMY CHAPLAINS. 323
On account of the constant changes occurring in the positions
of the troops in this department, it is impossible to preserve a
complete register of the chaplains in the Army of the Cumber-
land. The following list comprises those who participated in
the ': Chaplains' Council," whose first session was held in Mur-
freesborough, Tennessee, beginning April 1, 1863.
Keys. Hiram Gilmore; E. A. Strong, 3d Ohio; T. E. Cres-
sey, 2d Minnesota ; W H. McFarland, 97th Ohio ; J. C. Thomas,
88th Illinois; John J. Height, 58th Indiana; William S. Cresap,
10th Indiana; Ed. Keller, 15th Missouri; J M. Green, 81st In-
diana; Hooper Crews, 100th Illinois; J. A. Frazier, 73d Indiana;
B. E. Baker, 3d East Tennessee; L.H. Jamison, 79th Indiana;
T. O. Spenser, 89th Illinois ; J. M. "Whitehead, 15th Indiana ; O.
P. Clinton, 21st Wisconsin ; A. S. Lakin, 39th Indiana ; J.
Poucher, 38th Ohio; E. F. Pelo, 30th Indiana; W II. Eodgers,
69th Ohio; II. W Shaw, 29th Indiana; Thomas M. Gunn, 21st
Kentucky; W M. Ilaight, 30th Illinois; G. S. Stuff, 42d Illinois;
Lewis Baymond, 51st Illinois; Thomas B. Van Home, 13th Ohio;
W S. Hearker, 86th Indiana; I. F Eoberts, 44th Indiana;
James II. Bristow, 5th Kentucky; O. Kennedy, 101st Ohio; N.
P Chariot, 22d Indiana; E.D. Wilkin, 21st Illinois; H. A. Pat-
tison, 11th Michigan; John W Chapin, 59th Ohio; Jesse Hill,
72d Indiana ; W Price, 2d Kentucky ; W II. Black, 23d Ken-
tucky; John II. Lozier, 37th Indiana, post chaplain at Mur
freesborough.
In addition to the above, there are several others, who, for
various reasons, could not be present at the council. Among
these are remembered the names of Eevs. Father Trecy, chap-
lain at head-quai-ters ; Father O'Higgins, 10th Ohio; Father
Cooney, 35th Indiana ; S. Layton, 17th Indiana ; 1ST. M. Patterson,
42d Indiana; John Dillon, 18th Ohio; J M. Morrow, 99th Ohio;
Isaac Moufort, 68th Indiana; L.F.Drake, 121st Ohio; Wm.
Cliff, 98th Illinois; Jacob Cooper, 3d Kentucky; Chaplain Mat-
thews, 11th Kentucky; L. E. Carson, 38th Indiana; Chaplain
Alington, 94th Ohio ; J. W. Lane, 80th Indiana; and Levi Walker,
60th Illinois.
324: ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Of the above-named chaplains thirty-two are Methodists, six
are Baptists, six are Presbyterians, three are Catholics, and one
is a Campbellite. The religions denominations to which the re-
mainder belong are unknown to the author.
The chaplains' council chose for its president Eev. E. A. Strong,
of Ohio, and for secretary Itev. John J. Height, of Indiana. Be-
fore concluding an interesting session of three days, the council
adopted the following resolutions, which were reported by a com-
mittee consisting of Chaplains Lozier, of Indiana, Pattison, of
Michigan, and Black, of Kentucky, as an expression of the sen-
timents of the meeting.
"Resolved, That we, as chaplains of the United States army, in the De-
partment of the Cumberland, at this our first meeting, express our unfeigned
gratitude to Almighty God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, for the preserva-
tion of our lives and health in the midst of the ravages of war and disease.
for all the good we have been enabled to accomplish in the cause of religion
and humanity since we entered the service, and for the general health and
indomitable courage of our officers and soldiers and their success in the field
of battle.
" Resolved, That in the transfer of the Anglo-Saxon race to this Western
world, in the enunciation of the political faith of our country, in the forma-
tion and adoption of our Federal Constitution, in our signal victories in the
p"ast on the field of battle and our present achievements, we recognize the
hand of God, and we firmly trust that the heaven-inspired principles of
American liberty shall not only be more firmly established in our own coun-
try, but shall become the settled political faith of the world ; and that we
regard the ultimate triumph of these principles of more value to us and our
posterity than all the sacrifices involved in the present struggle.
" Resolved, That we heartily approve the sentiment of the late Senator
Douglas, that there are but two parties in this country, — the friends and the
enemies of the nation, — and that every man who does not sustain every
measure necessary to uphold the Government is a traitor at heart, and that
we have no sympathy with such persons, whether found in the North or
South. He that is not for the Government is against it, according to the
principles enunciated by our Lord Jesus Christ.
" Resolved, That the history of the past, the present aspect of things, and
a brightening future, strengthen our determination to still labor and pray
for the success of our President and military authorities in their efforts to
save our country.
"Resolved, That we more than ever look on the work of chaplains in the
army as of great necessity, utility, and responsibility, and that nothing shall
discourage us in our work of faith and labor of love, but we will pursue
our calling with the patience of hope, fully appreciating the approbation of
THE ARMY CHAPLAINS. 325
our own respective officers and regarding their co-operation as a powerful
auxiliary in the accomplishment of our work.
"Resolved, That we extend our sincere sympathies to all who have suf-
fered or are suffering either from the wastings of disease, the terrible
ravages of battle, or the crushing sorrow of the loss of friends, and in our
prayers we will ever commend them to the God of all grace and consola-
tion.
"Resolved, That we appeal to all who claim the exalted title of ministers
of the gospel in this nation to use their influence wherever they go to sustain
the principles and sentiments embodied in the foregoing resolutions, and to
impress on all men the duty of rendering 'to Caesar the things that are
Ca?sar's, and to God the things that are God's.' "
The renowned fighting as well as praying Methodist preacher,
Colonel Granville Moody, of the 74th Ohio, occupied a seat in
this council, and by his words of fervid eloquence more than
once stirred the hearts of his younger brethren in the work.
Quite a number of the chaplains are detached from their regi-
ments and placed on duty in the various hospitals. The chap-
lains thus detailed are under the general supervision of Eev.
John Poucher, of the 38th Ohio, one of the most faithful and
laborious of the fraternity It is in the hospitals that the chap-
lains find their most promising field of operations. Here eager,
willing ears are ever ready to listen to their words of hope and
consolation. Many a spirit, not less sore than the wounded
body, is soothed and calmed by their kind ministrations. In
the future, long after the war is over, and when only its
saddening memories remain, many a former soldier of the Army
of the Cumberland will invoke a blessing upon the faithful
chaplain who visited and cared for him when prostrated by
sickness or wounds.
As an instance of valuable services rendered by the army
chaplains, we may mention that during the battles of Stone
ITiver, Chaplain Lozier, of the 37th Indiana, was constantly on
the ground, assisting in the removal of the wounded, exposing
himself in the most fearless manner to the shower of shot and
shell. His services upon that occasion were of inestimable
value, as can be attested by many who but for him, helpless and
326 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
wounded as they were, might have met their death at the feet
of the trampling hosts rushing on to the fray
It would be pleasant and just to extend this chapter and make
particular mention of other chaplains enumerated in the fore-
going catalogue ; but a volume would hardly suffice to do them
justice, and to discriminate would be unwise and unjust, where
all are worthy. That there are diversities of gifts among them
is beyond question, and that some are more abundant in labors
than others is equally true. To some are also accorded greater
opportunities than to others ; and by these only should they be
judged. When they who read these lines have arrived at a
practical realization of the difficulties encountered by these
voluntary exiles from the refinements of home, and when they
shall know, in the full perfection of knowledge, all the good
resulting from their services in the field, the camp, and the
hospital, then may they pass their verdict upon them. But
until then let no one say that the army chaplaincy is a failure.
GENEKAL KOSECEANS'S CHAPLAIN.
Bev Father Trecy, chaplain of the 19th Eegulars and at
head-quarters, is so well known throughout the Army of the
Cumberland, and so generally respected and beloved, that we
need offer no apology for introducing a brief mention of him in
this work. He has been with this army from the beginning,
his cheering counsel and benign countenance imparting pleasure
and confidence wherever we meet him, whether in the camp,
or during the dusty march, or upon the battle-field. Among the
sick, the wounded, and the dying, be they Catholic or Protest-
ant, saint or sinner, his labors are constant, and freely given,
" without money and without price."
He was born in Ireland in 1826, and with his parents and
family he emigrated to the United States in 1836, landing at
GENERAL ROSECRANS'S CHAPLAIN. 327
Philadelphia, and shortly afterwards removing to Lancaster,
Pennsylvania. In 1844 he commenced study for the ministry,
and was ordained at Dubuque, Iowa, in 1851. For a short time
thereafter he had charge of the parish of Dubuque. In Sep-
tember of that year he was sent to the " Garry Owen" settle-
ment, twenty miles back of Dubuque, where he labored during
a period of four years, collected a congregation, and planned and
accomplished the erection of a large stone church-edifice.
In 1 s 54 Father Trecy was sent by Bishop Loras, of that
diocese, to the country bordering upon the line between Iowa
and Nebraska, where he collected several congregations or colo-
nies. Thence he also made repeated visitations to the military
posts of Fort Randall, Fort Pierre, Fort Kearney, and Fort
Leavenworth, -and to several of the Indian tribes of those re-
gions. His travels during this period of five years extended
over a vast region of country, and included a tour through
most of the Southern States. During this time he also suc-
ceeded in collecting and establishing considerable congregations
of his people at Council Bluff, Sioux City, St. Johns, and
Omaha City.
In l^iiU. Father Trecy, at his own request, was sent to the
South, his health having become affected by his labors and
exposures in the Northwest. He arrived at New Orleans the
evening previous to the day of the election of President Lincoln,
and heard Mr. Yancey make his notable disunion speech at the
base of the Henry Clay monument. Thence he proceeded to
Mobile, and joined that diocese, and was sent out over the State
of Alabama upon a missionary tour. At Huntsville, North
Alabama, he found many of his people, who were scattered and
neglected, and resolved to stay there for a time and aid them in
building a church. His labors were successful, and he planned and
commenced a building, — which had progressed to the windows
of the main story, when the rebellion began and caused a sus-
pension of the work. The edifice was designed to be of cut
stone, and one of the finest in that section of country.
Father Trecy was always a Union man, firm and con-
328 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
stant ; and so were his entire congregation at Huntsville, except-
ing three families, who owned slaves, more or less. His minis-
terial course, however, was kind and conciliatory, his whole aim
being the spiritual good of his people and to build the church.
After the fall of Fort Donelson the general hospitals for the sick
and wounded rebel soldiery were located at Huntsville. Hun-
dreds of them were brought there and placed in negro pens and
sheds ; and their condition soon became shocking. Father Trecy
was now constantly in attendance at these hospital-barracks.
Alas that the same cannot be said of the rebel ministers and the
secession ladies of that city ! His complaints respecting the
filthy condition of the hospitals met with no response, except that
permission was given him to remedy the evil as best he might.
He employed laborers, cleansed the premises thoroughly, pro-
vided bathing-tubs, and solicited donations to meet the expenses
thus incurred. His widely diffused benevolence was duly appre-
ciated by the hospital inmates and by most of the citizens of
Huntsville; but, sad to state, there were narrow and illiberal
souls in that region who charged these benevolent deeds to
interested motives, declaring that Father Trecy was aiming to
" Eomanize the hospitals" !
Upon the approach of the Federal forces, under General O.
M. JVlitchel, these rebel hospitals were broken up, and the
inmates were taken to Atlanta, Georgia, and Courtland, Ala-
baman—many of them dying from the effects of this sudden re-
moval. Soon after, the battle of Shiloh occurred, and Father
Trecy Avas solicited by the people of Huntsville to go to that
place with medical and hospital supplies for the wounded of tho
rebel army. The forces of General Mitchel arrived at Hunts-
ville soon after, — upon hearing which he started to return to
that town, travelling about two-thirds of the distance on foot,
and the remainder upon a mule. During the stay of the Federal
army at Huntsville he was kind and courteous to all. Many
well remember meeting him there often among our suffering
soldiers in the hospitals, during the occupancy of Huntsville by
the Union troops. To the eternal shame of the rebel Protestant
GENERAL ROSECRANS's CHAPLAIN. 329
ministers of that city be it here recorded that while Father
Treey was visiting the_ sick and attending the funerals of the
dead, they were, for the public security, kept under close guard
at the court-house, as the only means of restraining their rebel-
lious tempers. The only ministerial courtesies then extended
to any of our chaplains were from Father Trecy, the priest of
Huntsville. "When the army retreated northward, Dr. John E.
Goodwin, of the 37th Indiana Volunteers, was left there in
charge of the sick who could not be removed; and many were
the deeds of kindness done to him and his patients by the same
loyal-hearted priest. Such manifestations of Christian charity,
however, did not suit the tastes of the chivalrous rebels, and
Father Trecy soon had to flee for his life to the lines of
General Eoseerans.
Shortly after the battle of Iuka, he returned to Huntsville to
look after his personal effects. He was twice taken prisoner
while on the way, and was each time in imminent danger of
maltreatment. His journey was without profit, and he returned
to Corinth; and from that time to the present writing he has
remained with Major-General Eoseerans as his constant and
faithful friend and spiritual adviser.
Father Trecy is no bigot : he meets all men with kindly
spirit. His aid and charity are extended without question in
barracks and hospitals. He was present upon the battle-fields
of Iuka, Corinth, and Stone Eiver, ministering to the dying.
His gentle bearing and pure and simple mode of life is the
exemplar of his religious teachings, and proves a constant yet
pleasing rebuke to profanity, intemperance, and kindred vices,
too common in army life; and his influence upon the young men,
especially at the general's head-quarters, is very beneficial.
One of the most impressive scenes of the war was the cele-
bration of high mass by Father Trecy in a rude log cabin upon
the battle-field of Stone Eiver, on Sunday morning, the 4th of
January, 1863, — the day after the retreat of the rebels from
Murfreesborough. It was a beautiful morning, — the first after a
week of rain-storms. Dead soldiers and horses were still strewn
330
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
over the fields, and burial-parties were engaged at their solemn
task. The general in command, his staff and guests, assembled
in and around that rude cabin, while the holy rites were cele-
brated, and a short address delivered by our chaplain from the
text, —
" In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great
mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted,
because they are not." — Matthew ii. 18.
Every heart was touched, and the pent-up feelings of strong
men who had striven in these scenes of battle sought relief in
tears.
This memorable occasion is happily illustrated at the com-
mencement of this sketch.
®\\t JSanitarg Commission.
When the volunteer soldiers of the loyal States first took the
field to aid in suppressing the present rebellion, the spontaneous
inquiry arose in the hearts of those who remained at home,
What can we do for the cause and for the soldiers of the Union?
The appalling blunders of the English in the Crimean War, and
the terrible mortality resulting therefrom, had called the
attention of medical and military men to the necessity of better
sanitary measures for preserving the health of armies than had
before been adopted. The best medical men of the Union im-
mediately took counsel, availed themselves of all the informa-
tion which the system — or want of system — in other armies
afforded, and, with the approval of the President, the Secretary
of War, and the Surgeon-General, organized the United States
Sanitary Commission.
The objects of its organization were primarily the preserva-
tion of the health of the soldiery while yet well, and their resto-
ration to health when sick. For tbe first a system of general
inspection was adopted, through which all information collected
from reliable authorities and extended experience was dis-
tributed through the army; frequent inspections of camp and
hospitals by competent medical men, suggestions as to camp
police, care of the men, condition of every thing pertaining to
the comfort and health of the men, their food and the manner
of cooking it, &c. &c, made to the medical and other officers of
each regiment, with the hope of securing a generous spirit of
rivalry among the regiments, each striving to secure for itself
the reputation of being the best policed and the most perfect in
the army.
For the second purpose it established agencies throughout the
331
332
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
arm}- for the distribution to the sick and wounded of such
articles of necessity and luxury us were contributed by the
people or purchased by funds donated to the Commission, — it
being one of the fundamental principles of the organization
that in all its work it should be eminently national, making no
distinction between different classes of suldiers, and should act
in harmony with the regularly constituted military and medical
authorities and be auxiliary to them, — that it should be, in
fact, to the regular military and medical organization of the
army what equity is to law: while the one is bound by neces-
sary and rigid laws, adopted for the general good, but which
bear with crushing hardship upon particular cases, the other
should be flexible, ready to adapt itself to every emergency
which may arise and leave no single case of suffering without
a remedy.
At the same time, aid societies were established in the cities,
villages, and townships of all the loyal States, and in almost
every town and hamlet busy fingers were preparing articles of
necessity, comfort, and luxury for the soldiers, which were for-
warded by irregular and uncertain channels of communication,
often injured or ruined before reaching their destination, often
lost by the wTay, and often appropriated in a manner not in
accordance with the wishes of the donors.
But, before the Department of the Cumberland was esta-
blished, the United States Sanitary Commission had so perfected
its agencies and systematized its mode of distribution of stores
as to secure the confidence of the people; and to it the greater
part of the local aid societies of the North had determined to
intrust their contributions for general distribution, — the donors
becoming convinced that they could best provide for the regi-
ments in Avhich they had an especial personal interest by
uniting in a general effort to provide for all. The limits of this
chapter will permit of only a brief notice of the work of the
Sanitary Commission in this department of the army, through
the agencies thus noted and the means thus supplied.
Medical inspectors, selected with care, and of established
THE SANITARY COMMISSION. 333
reputation, have passed from regiment to regiment throughout
the department, aiding the surgeons in charge in securing the
adoption of all precautions and sanitary measures which expe-
rience has shown to be essential or conducive to the preserva-
tion of the health of the soldiery By these inspectors careful
and elaborate reports have been made of the sanitary condition
of every regiment, the kind of camp-police maintained, and the
extent to which all the regulations of the service looking
towards the preservation of the health of the men and the care
of the sick have been observed, and the apparent influences
thereby exerted upon the health of the men and the efficiency
of the army, which reports have been forwarded to Washington.
A more frequent but similar inspection has been made of the
general hospitals in the department, in which the inspectors
have united with the surgeons in a joint effort to discover
and remedy all defects in the general management of the
hospital.
For the distribution of sanitary stores purchased by the Com-
mission and intrusted to it by the managers of the patriotic
'•aid societies" of the Xorth and West, depots have been esta-
blished at important points in the department occupied by the
Union forces, with competent and efficient storekeepers in
charge. It has been the purpose so to locate these that every
hospital and regiment could be supplied from them, and to
secure to each its appropriate share. In distributing these
stores, the agents of the Commission have acted upon the pre-
sumption that these stores were designed for the sick soldier,
and primarily for the enlisted soldier, but that in places where
the impossibility of furnishing delicacies has placed the officer
and soldier in this respect on an equality, both should be treated
alike and each receive a share. They have found by expe-
rience that these supplies — the articles of diet especially — must
reach the sick, if they reach them at all, through the surgeons
in charo-e, who are and must be held responsible for the diet as
well as for the medicine administered to their sick, and who
will not, and with safety to the patients cannot, allow outside
334 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
volunteer agents to decide what they shall eat or drink, or to
administer to them articles of diet without their approbation
and direction. Compelled, thus, to act through the surgeons or
abandon this part of their work, or, on the other hand, to dis-
tribute to the well man the articles designed for the sick, the
agents have found, Avhat they believed to be true in the begin-
ning, that as a class the surgeons of the army are deserving of
the confidence of the donors, are as honest, efficient, and com-
petent a class of workers as can be found in the army, and for
this very purpose as reliable agents as could be selected for so
large a field of operations.
To enable the agents to account for all stores which have
passed through their hands, and to fix where it justly belongs
the responsibility of wastage and misappropriation should they
occur, a full account is kept, showing where, when, to Avhom,
and for what purpose, the goods have been distributed, and who
has assumed the responsibility of their appropriation. Upon the
establishment of a depot of stores, the surgeons in charge of
hospitals and regiments are notified of the fact, and requested
to send in an informal requisition, stating the number of their
sick and naming the articles needed for their comfort. The
quantities of each to be furnished are filled in by the store-
keeper in accordance with the supply on hand and the number
of sick to be supplied, and the surgeons requested to call agaiiv
for further supplies when they are exhausted. Every evening
the requisitions thus filled are charged in general account to
the hospital. or regiment receiving them, and the requisitions are
filed. These accounts are at all times open to the inspection
of any one interested, and, if charges of misappropriation arc
made, enable the agents to investigate them with a certainty
of reaching a correct conclusion. Special cases of- want are at
once relieved by the agents of the Commission, wherever found;
and on the same record an account of goods thus given out is
kept, and the name and regiment of the recipient noted. By
this means a steady and constant supply is afforded, which is
distributed without confusion and without partiality, and an
THE SANITARY COMMISSION. 335
accumulation of stores in safe depots is secured for emergencies.
In the rooms at Murfreesborough there is at present a large supply
of hospital clothing, concentrated beef-tea, and other articles, not
now especially needed, but indispensable in case of a battle, and
which, from the facilities for transportation afforded by Govern-
ment, to be furnished at a moment's notice should a battle
occur, will be used to feed and clothe the wounded before the
news of the engagement can reach the home of a single soldier.
"With the present mode of distributing these stores in this
department, it may be confidently asserted that ninety per cent,
of those received for general distribution reaches the sick enlisted
soldier. That some are misappropriated, and some are stolen,
is unquestionably true. And when the people who contribute
them remember that, with all their locks and bolts, their sheriffs
and constables, their marshals and police at home, in every ward
and township, they are compelled to try, every week or every
month, some one among them for stealing, they ought not to be
surprised that this vice is not entirely eradicated from the army, —
unless, indeed, they regard it as a great moral reform association,
with the power of working miracles in that direction, — which is
not the general impression here of the character of army in-
fluences. On the whole, it is a matter of surprise and gratifica-
tion to see how large a percentage of these stores does actually
reach the sick ; and it is believed that all that is now needed
to satisfy their wants as completely as this can be done in the
field is a more constant and liberal supply.
A single instance will illustrate the benefits derived by the
army from this part of the work of the Commission. Early in
April it became apparent that the army was seriously suffer-
ing from a long destitution of vegetable diet. Scurvy, or in-
dications of it, appeared in almost every regiment, and the
medical officers of the army became apprehensive of very serious
results unless a remedy could be promptly applied. Some of
them joined with the agents of the Commission in appropriate
representations to the central office of the "Western Department
at Louisville, and to the branch associations in the principal
336 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
cities of the West, Potatoes, onions, pickles, &c. were sent for-
ward, in response, in sueli liberal quantities that the agents having
their distribution in charge could say to all the surgeons of the
army, " Let none of your men, whether in hospital or in quarters,
suffer for the want of these vegetables. Give them to all,
whether excused from duty or not, who show any symptoms
of the approach of this disease. The supply will be kept up."
It was kept up, thanks to the generous patriotism of the people;
and the plague Avas stayed.
To relieve the anxiety of friends of the army at home, the
hospital directory of the Commission has accomplished much.
A statement of the working of the directory as it is, instead
of a history of the labor of establishing it, must suffice for the
limits of this article. Blanks for the morning reports of hos-
pitals are furnished by the Commission to all the general hos-
pitals in the West. The morning report shows all changes for
the preceding day in the hospital, the name, rank, company,
regiment, and disease of all who are admitted to the hospital,
who die in it, or are transferred to other hospitals, or discharged
to return to duty. The series, commencing with the establish-
ment of the hospital, will furnish a hospital history of every
soldier admitted to it. After being recorded at each post, these
morning reports are forwarded from all the posts to the office at
Louisville, where they are consolidated, recorded, and indexed:
so that any one interested in the condition or fate of any soldier,
by giving name, rank, company, regiment, in letter or tele-
graphic inquiry, can ascertain whether he has been admitted
into any hospital, and, if so, his full hosjntal histoiy To make
this directory a more perfect source of information, the list of
casualties in different engagements, as they are made from time
to time to the medical director of the department, are copied,
and the copies forwarded to Louisville. If inquiries are made
alter soldiers whose names appear neither on the hospital re-
cords nor the records of casualties, or if more specific or general
information is desired, the matter is written or telegraphed to
the agent nearest the camp of that particular regiment, who
THE SANITARY COMMISSION. 337
promptly furnishes all desired information, if it can in any way
be obtained. Many aching hearts are daily relieved by the
prompt and reliable intelligence they obtain in this manner
from distant friends; many sick in regimental hospitals are
thus visited, and their condition communicated to inquiring
friends ; the last parting words and farewell messages of many
are gathered up and forwarded to bereaved homes, to be garnered
in life's most precious memories.
Another and not less important work of the Commission in
this department has reference to the care of the discharged sol-
dier. Too often in other armies the discharged soldier, worn
put or broken down by hardships, and no longer fit for service,
has been ruthlessly shuffled otf as an excrescence, and been
" turned out," like an old horse, to die. Munificently as our
Government has provided for the soldiers, it has left much to
be done by other agencies in this particular. Many of the
discharged soldiers are crippled by wounds or prostrated by
disease; and to such a ride in the ordinarily crowded railroad-
car from Murfrcesborough to Louisville, even when stimulated
by the hope of meeting again the loved ones at home who have
been long awaiting their return, has terrors more appalling
than they ever experienced in the hardest fight. For such
cases the Commission lias fitted up hospital cars, both on the
Louisville & Nashville and the Nashville & Chattanooga Kail-
roads, which are run in connection with the regular trains, but
in charge of an agent of the Commission. The cars on the
Chattanooga road have recently been burned; but new ones are
now building, with India-rubber springs, kitchen attached to the
car, sleeping-berths, and every convenience that can be suggested
for the comfortable carriage of the sick and wounded.. These
are the cars of honor, into which those alone are received who
have been disabled or have worn themselves out in their coun-
try's service, and in which all their wants are carefully provided
for. The soldier, taking one of these cars at Murfreesborough,
on the arrival of the train at Nashville is received into the
" Soldiers' Home," over the railroad depot, a hotel established
22
o-jS ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
by the Commission for his special entertainment, where the
exhibition of his discharge-papers or his crutch settles all bills,
and where he receives all necessary aid in obtaining his pay,
is directed on his route home, where to find similar places of
entertainment at every necessary stopping-place on the way,
where he can obtain food and lodging without charge, and, if
entitled to a bounty or pension, or if he has any Government
claim growing out of his military service, is directed to the
proper parties, who will make out his papers without charge
and forward them to the claim-agent of the Commission at
"Washington, who will secure as early attention to them as prac-
ticable, and, when allowed and paid, the soldier receives the whole,
amount, without any deduction for attorney or claim-agent's
fees. If — as daily happens — on the presentation of his discharge
and final statement at the paymaster's office in Nashville the
soldier finds that he cannot obtain his pay, on account of some
informality in these papers, so that, from some careless erasure
or other cause, he would be deprived of a part of that which is
justly due him, he returns to the Soldiers' Home, and his papers,
with a memorandum of the defects to be remedied, are returned
to Murfreesborough or to the ofiice nearest to his regiment, and
the agent writes immediately to the regiment, procures the
necessary corrections and returns them by the next train to
the soldier in the Soldiers' Home, who then receives his pay and
goes on his way rejoicing. Visits to the regiments for this pur-
pose and to answer the inquiries from the hospital directory or
from friends at home, who write directly to the different offices,
aid the agents in securing an impartial distribution and faithful
application of the stores, as they thus learn the condition and
wants of the regiments. Thus brought directly in contact
with the men, in and out of the hospitals, they can accurately
ascertain how far they are supplied by the stores furnished, and
promptly investigate any alleged case of misapplication.
If the soldier finds his own way to the city, on arriving at
Nashville he sees conspicuously posted through the streets a
handbill, of which the following is a copy: —
THE SANITARY COMMISSION. 339
" discharged soldiers will find a resting-place and food without charge,
also all needed assistance in regard to their papers and pay, at the Soldiers'
Home of the United States Sanitary Commission, over the station-house of
the Xashville & Chattanooga Railroad.
"L. Crane,
" Special Relief Agent U.S. Sanitary Commission.
"March 11, 1863."
This guides him to the same asylum and place of relief, when
the same helping hand is extended and the same kindness shown
him as is here related. This bill, too, has attracted the notice
of thousands of others, who else had been ignorant of the great
work the Sanitary <_ ommission is performing, and by them has-
been made the subject of favorable comment.
It is found that these different branches of the work can be
carried on systematically and without confusion, each one aiding
in the work of all the others, and each seeking, as far as possible.
to relieve every discovered Avant of the soldier. The agents
have received the cordial co-operation of all the military and
medical authorities of the department, and have had promptly
extended to them every facility needed for the successful prose-
cution of their work.
In the hospital cars, and under the care of the agents of the
Commission, are also forwarded the sick and disabled soldiers
who, under the recent order of Surgeon-General Hammond, are
transferred to the general hospitals nearest their homes. *A11
who have lived their allotted three months in hospital are
placed within reach of their friends: from the hospitals of Nash-
ville alone over one thousand have already been sent forward ;
and very many of them Avill owe their lives to the careful
provision made for their comfortable transit by the Commis-
sion, and to the attentive care of its accomplished agent, — Dr.
Barnum, — who has charge of this branch of the work.
The Commission also, without any extra expense or increase
of its agencies, has provided for sending home the bodies of
all soldiers who die in this department, if desired so to do by
the friends of the deoeased, when the undertaker's charges —
340 ARMY (IF T11K CUMBERLAND.
at rates loss than the ordinary prices — are deposited to the
credit of the Commission in Louisville, Chicago, Cincinnati, or
Cleveland, and the name, rank, company, and regiment of the
deceased soldier furnished. The agents of the Commission see
that the work is promptly and properly done and the body for-
warded. This saves to the friends the entire cost of a visit to
the army, and enables them to secure the last remains of the
soldier to be deposited with his kindred, at times when the
exigencies of the service prohibit visits to the army for that
purpose.
In part, also, the hospital gardens are the work of the Com-
mission. It has furnished the seed to plant them, and the im-
plements for their cultivation; and its agents have labored
jointly with the medical director of the department, and with
the surgeon in charge of the general field hospital near which
the largest one is located, to secure thorough cultivation. One
garden near Murfreesborough comprises about forty acres, most
of which is already planted. A general variety of garden vege-
tables is cultivated by convalescent and contraband labor, under
the direction of a competent gardener, detailed for the purpose
from the 101st Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Already the fruits of
this garden are beginning to come in. The health of the con-
valescents is improving from this cause, added to their light
labor in the garden. In the long hot days of summer, when
the*Xorth cannot furnish vegetables which will bear transporta-
tion to the army, the supply of potatoes, onions, beets, carrots,
peas, beans, lettuce, radishes, turnips, tomatoes, cabbages, cucum-
bers, melons, squashes, corn, &c. &c, from the hospital gardens,
will be of incalculable benefit to the sick, and will supply a
want which at that time could be supplied in no other manner.
The other garden is at Nashville, and will there prove of equal
value.
The general commanding the department has given emphatic
testimony to the value of the work thus accomplished, in the
following letter of approval, which is accompanied by one from
Colonel Moody, of the 74th O. V I. Tl
THE SANITARY COMMISSION. 341
sample of many such, voluntarily sent to the agents of the
Commission.
"testimonial op major-general rosecrans
"Head-Quarters Department op the Cumberland,
"Murfreesborough, February 2.
"The general commanding presents his warmest acknowledgments to the
friends of the soldiers of this army, whose generous sympathy with the
suffering of the sick and wounded has induced them to send for their com-
fort numerous sanitary supplies, which are continually arriving, by the
hands of individuals and charitable societies. While he highly appreciates
and does not undervalue the charities which have been lavished on this
army, experience has demonstrated the importance of system and impar-
tiality, as well as judgment and economy, in the forwarding and distributing
of these supplies.
"In all these respects the United States Sanitary Commission stands
unrivalled. Its organization, experience, and large facilities for the work
are such that the general does not hesitate to recommend, in the most urgent
manner, all those who desire to send sanitary supplies, to confide them to
the care of this Commission. They will thus insure the supplies reaching
their destination without wastage or expense of agents or transportation,
and their being distributed in a judicious manner, without disorder or inter-
ference with the regulations or usages of the service. This Commission acts
in full concert with the medical department of tlu? army, and enjoys its con-
fidence. It is thus enabled with few agents to do a large amount of good at
the proper time and in the proper way. Since the battle of Stone River it
has distributed a surprisingly large amount of clothing, lint, bandages, and
bedding, as well as milk, concentrated beef, fruit, and other sanitary stores
essential to the recovery of the sick and wounded.
"W- S. Rosecrans,
"Major- General commanding Department."
" LETTER OF COLONEL MOODY.
"Murfreesborough, Tennessee, February 5.
"Dr. A. N. Read, Inspector United States Sanitary Commission:
" Sir: — I desire to express to you, and through you to the generous and
patriotic donors sustaining the Sanitary Commission, my high appreciation
of the works of love in which they are engaged. As I have visited the
various hospitals in this place, and looked upon the pale faces of the suf-
ferers, and marked the failing strength of many a manly form, I have rejoiced
in spirit as I have seen your benevolence embodied in substantial forms of
food, delicacies, and clothing, judiciously and systematically distributed by
those who are officially connected with the army.
" If the donors could only know how much good their gifts have done, and
could but hear the blessings invoked upon their unknown friends by the
342 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
suffering ones, they would more fully realize the divine proverb, ' It is more
blessed to give than to receive.'
" We would advise all who wish to extend the hand of their charity so as to
reach the suffering officers and soldiers who have stood ' between their loved
homes and foul war's desolation,' to commit their offerings to the custody
of 'the United States Sanitary Commission,' an organization authorized by
the Secretary of War and the Surgeon-General, having the confidence of the
army, and affording a direct and expeditious medium of communication with
the several divisions of the army, free of expense to the donors and entirely
reliable in its character. It is also worthy 'of special note that the g< >ods
intrusted to the Commission are distributed to those who are actually sick
or convalescent, and this is done under the security of the most responsible
persons in its employ, and through regularly established official agencies in
the army. If the patriotic donors of the several States would direct their
contributions into this channel, it would save much expense of agencies,
blend the sympathies of Union men of the several States, and prevent un-
patriotic distinctions in the patients in the hospitals, who are from every
regiment and from every State. Side by side they fought and were wounded,
and side by side they suffer in the hospitals, and the Commission, through
appropriate agencies, extends its aid alike to the sons of Virginia and Penn-
sylvania, Ohio and Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee, Michigan and Mis-
souri, thus giving prominence to our cherished national motto, 'We are
many in one.' As an illustration, the other day an agent of a Wisconsin
society came to a hospital with sanitary goods for Wisconsin soldiers, and
went along the wards making careful discrimination in behalf of Wisconsin
soldiers, but soon saw that it was an ungracious task, and handed over his
goods to the United States Sanitary Commission. Learning this, one of the
Wisconsin soldiers said, ' I am glad of that ; for it made me feel so bad
when my friends gave me those good things the other day, and passed by
that Illinois boy on the next bed there, who needed them just as much as I
did; but I made it square, for I divided what I got with him.' Brave,
noble fellow ! his was the true spirit of a soldier of the United States. We
have a common country, language, religion, interest, and destiny ; and we
should closely weave the web of our unity, so that the genius of liberty
may, like Him 'who went about doing good,' wear 'a seamless garment.'
We believe in the constitutional rights of States, but most emphatically
believe in our glorious nationality, which, like the sun amidst the stars, has
a surpassing glory and is of infinitely greater importance, and should be
cherished in every appropriate form of development.
"Granville Moody,
"Colonel commanding 7-ith Regiment <>. V.I.
If it be asked who has sustained the Commission in this
work, furnished it means and money to carry it on, and con-
tributed the clothing, dressings, articles of diet and luxury dis-
THE SANITARY COMMISSION. 343
tributed, take the census of the people of all the loyal States,
deduct therefrom the names of those who are sympathizers
with the rebels in their effort to overthrow the Government,
and the residue of the names will be those of the donors. Or
if it be asked who among the ladies of the North — for in a
great measure this is their work — are deserving of especial
mention for their patriotic and zealous efforts, it may be truth-
fully answered, the record of their names would occupy too
much space for the limits of this chapter or volume, and it
would be invidious to give the names of a few to the exclusion
of many others equally worthy
Of the agents of the Commission who have been brought in
contact with the officers and soldiers of this army, a few words
may be appropriately added.
Among these, as entitled to the first place, as he is first in
rank, stands the accomplished secretary of the Western Depart-
ment of the Commission. Dr. J S. Newberry, of Cleveland,
Ohio, more recently of Washington. His superior scientific
and general knowledge, his comprehensive mind, and his general
acquaintance with the best men of the whole country, pointed
him out upon the organization of the Commission. At the be-
ginning he was placed in charge of the Western Department,
comprising the whole of the army west of the Alleghanies,
and has ever since' had the superintendence of that large
field. He has selected the agents, assigned them their duties,
established posts, kept up the communication between the Com-
mission and the people by public addresses, letters, and reports,
exhibited the working and wants of the Commission, and at all
times has discharged duties not less arduous and comprehensive,
and hardly less important, than those of the military com-
mander of a department. His energy and devotion to the
work, his judgment, accurate in deciding, prompt in executing,
have endeared him to the people and the army, and all agree
that, for once at least, the right man has been assigned to the
right place.
When the army of the Union first entered Kentucky, Dr. A.
344 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
N Bead, a physician of high standing and long experience was
summoned by telegraph to assume the duties of inspector for
the Commission and follow the army in its progress South.
He immediately gave up a lucrative practice, and has since
labored incessantly and efficiently in the various departments
of the West. "When the Department of the Cumberland was
established, the general superintendence of the work of the
Commission in that department was intrusted to him. Under
his management there has been no conflict or jealousy between
the Commission and the authorities, mutual confidence has cha-
racterized their intercourse, and the whole work of the Com-
mission has been so thoroughly systematized and perfected
that it is difficult to say in what particular it can be improved.
His head-quarters are for the present at Nashville, — although
he makes frequent visits to all parts of the field, and when an
engagement occurs is sure to be promptly at hand, aiding in
the care of the wounded and directing his subordinates in the
distribution of stores.
Mr. J. H. Eobinson, of Cleveland, Ohio, is the storekeeper at,
Nashville. Mr. L. Crane, assisted by Mr. Merwin, — for a long
time the storekeeper at Murfreesborough, — has charge of the
Soldiers' Home at Nashville.
At Murfreesborough, M. C. Eead, Esq., an attorney from
Northern Ohio, has the general charge of the work, aided by
Mr. Crasey, the attentive storekeeper.
The medical inspectors have no local head-quarters, but follow
the army. Dr. Castleman and Dr. Bettleheim, thorough workers,
and men of marked ability, are now with the army, acting in
that capacity, and are just completing a renewed and systematic
inspection of the whole army.
In closing this chapter, a few words may appropriately be
added respecting female help in the hospitals. The Commission
sends no ladies into the field as its agents, we are informed, but
wherever it finds them doing a good work aids and encourages
them. To the volunteer labors of many ladies the sick in the
hospitals at Murfreesborough owe much,— many, their lives ; all,
THE SANITARY COMMISSION. 345
very many comforts. Their labors here are especially mentioned
because the writer has been stationed at this post and is not so
familiar with their work elsewhere. They have not come here
to control the hospitals, to assume authority over the surgeons
and attendants; they have not come to gain a reputation or
newspaper notoriety, but to do good as they should find oppor-
tunity Assuming cheerfully such duties as the surgeon in
charge assigned them, they have from day to day prepared the
food of the low-diet patients, superintended the cooking and
washing for all, aided much in securing neatness and cheerful-
ness throughout the hospitals, and, when the wards are pnt in
order for the day, by their frequent visits and encouraging con-
versation with the sick and wounded have cheered their hearts,
alleviated their loneliness, and have prompted many a poor
soldier to thank God for the sunshine they have brought to his
despairing heart.
(jThc $rmg police and its (Thief.
The police and scout service — one of the most interesting and
important departments of the army — can have no better or more
appropriate introduction than a sketch of the life of its origin-
ator and head.
"William Truesdail, Chief of Police in the Army of the Cum-
berland, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, January 9,
1815, of American parents. At the age of eleven years he was
bound to a merchant of Erie, Pennsylvania, at fifty dollars a
year and three months' schooling, — but got no schooling. In
the fall of 1835 he was elected deputy sheriff and police justice.
While holding these positions, he devoted much attention to
police-matters, and gained quite a local reputation for the skill
displayed in investigating and developing numerous complicated
and startling cases of fraud and crime. In a single instance
nearly thirty thousand dollars was recovered by his agency.
In the fall of 1836 he engaged in real-estate speculations, and in a
short time cleared over fifty thousand dollars, having at one period
between forty thousand and fifty thousand dollars cash in bank.
In the general failure of 1837 this fortune was lost, with the
exception of two or three thousand dollars. In 1838 he was
appointed specie teller by the directors of the United States
Branch Bank at Erie, and was confirmed as such by '.Nicholas
Biddle, president of the parent institution. Six months after-
wards he was made travelling agent for said bank, and continued
in its service until its failure in 1841.
He then turned his attention to merchandizing at Erie, and
remained in that business until 1847 By this time he had
again accumulated a handsome competence, which was mostly-
lost in the crisis of the same year. We next hear of him as a
//„ l^Ao
rt -
< C
r B.LIPPINCUTT & ''(i PHILADA
THE ARMY POLICE AND ITS CHIEF. oil
contractor on the Lake Shore Eailroad, from Erie to the Penn-
sylvania State line, where he continued some two years, and
until the road was nearly completed, finishing in that time four
miles of heavy cut and realizing a handsome profit from his
contract. In 1849 the Panama Eailroad Company was organized ;
and in the fall of that year he made an arrangement with John
L. Stephens, and others, of New York, to go out and superintend
the building of the road across the Isthmus, at a salary of six
thousand dollars a year and expenses paid. He left New York
in November, 1849, taking with him two hundred and fifty men,
having arranged for the forwarding of subsequent instalments
of laborers in similar numbers. He remained on the Isthmus
one year, in which time he completed the work across the
Chagres swamp. Through all the terrible mortality which at-
tended the construction of that work, and by which many thou-
sands of lives are known to have been lost, his health was not
materially affected by the climate. Of the fourteen hundred
men, however, who were sent out to him, not more than three
hundred returned alive. On his arrival at New York he was
highly complimented by the Board of Directors, and was offered
ten thousand dollars a year to return and superintend the com-
pletion of the enterprise. He accepted the proposition; but
before the arrangements were fully effected the balance of the
work was let to a private company.
In the fall of 1851 he proceeded to the West as the agent of
H. C. Seymour & Co., and took charge of the western division
of the Ohio & Mississippi Eailroad, in conjunction with Pro-
fessor O. M. Mitchel (late Major-General Mitchel, deceased), who
was then chief engineer and bond commissioner of that great
work. When the road was located and the money secured to
build it, in company with others, he took large contracts in its
construction, and built over sixty miles of the road between
Sandoval and St. Louis. "The same company, composed of three
capitalists, subsequently built the St. Louis & Belleville Eail-
road, fifteen miles in length, the St. Louis & Alton Eoad, twenty
miles in length, and the North Missouri Eoad for some sixty
348 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
miles. These projects occupied some twelve years, and re-
sulted largely to the profit of the contractors, although much
of it was lost by the failure of the various companies to meet
their payments. In these and many of his earlier operations
the colonel lost heavily, indeed ; but he never failed, — was never
unable to meet promptly and fully all his obligations, — a fact
alike remarkable and creditable in a business career of such
great and varied extent.
In 1860, with two others, he embarked in the construction of
the railroad from Kew Orleans to Houston, Texas, a distance of
three hundred and twenty miles, and had completed and put it in
operation from Houston to the Sabine Eiver — one hundred and
ten miles — at the outbreak of the rebellion. This great road, in
which the colonel will have an immense fortune upon the return
of peace and good times, is intended to be a national Southern
route, connecting New Orleans with the Rio Grande, and thence
across the country to the Gulf of California and the mouth of
Yuba Eiver. It crosses the Delta of the Mississippi and the
high level plains of Texas, which latter were found so smooth
and ready for the track that it was laid upon the grass for some
sixty miles, the earth from the ditches at the side forming the
filling between the ties.
Upon the fall of Fort Sumter the secession element in the
State became too strong to be endured by Northern men, and
early in May, soon after the violent deposition of Governor
Houston, Colonel Truesdail left Texas and came to Missouri.
Upon General Pope taking command of the army in North-
western Missouri, he was appointed military superintendent of
the North Missouri Railroad. Soon after, General Pope was
recalled to St. Louis; and the colonel then contracted to supply
General Grant's army with beef, and continued the business
under General Jefferson C. Davis, and again under General Pope
when he re-entered the field. With him he also had charge of
the police and secret service, the scouts and couriers, and the
forwarding of mails and despatches; and in these and other
labors he performed valuable service in that wild, interior
THE ARMY POLICE AND ITS CHIEF. 349
country. Throughout the New Madrid, Island No. 10, and Fort
Pillow campaign, in the trip up the Tennessee, and during the
operations in front of and beyond Corinth, he remained. with
General Pope, by whom the worth of his great services was
freely and constantly acknowledged. "When the latter general
was ordered to Virginia, he invited Colonel Truesdail to go with
him; but, preferring to remain in the West, where his family
reside and his property is, and where he believed he would be
more useful, he declined the invitation.
General Eosecrans, upon assuming command of the Army of
the Mississippi, retained the colonel in his position. The com-
pletely unsettled condition of affairs in Mississippi at that time
gave room for the display of his peculiar genius. The army mail
and police service were irregular in their workings, and scarcely
more than nominal in their existence. A new and complete
organization of each was soon effected. Military mail-agents
were placed on the boats and trains, and offices opened all
along the route between Cairo and Corinth. A police system
was put into operation that began at once to be felt throughout
the army and all the country within our lines. The first arrest
made under it was that of a high official in General Grant's em-
ploy, who was convicted of the fraudulent appropriation of seve-
ral thousand dollars, and sentenced by that general to two years'
imprisonment. Colonel Truesdail continued in this department
until the assignment of General Eosecrans to the command of
the Department of the Cumberland, when he was induced to
accompany the general to his new field of operations, — although,
personally, he was disinclined to longer service, having now
been actively and constantly engaged since the beginning of
the war, absent all the while from his home and family
At Bowling Green the army mail system was organized, and
policemen were put at work, not only there, but in the larger
tcwns along the line of the Louisville & Nashville Eailroad,
and a surprising amount of knavery, smuggling, and guerrilla-
ism was discovered. Upon reaching Nashville the .police busi-
ness at once assumed vast proportions. The city was full of
350 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
violent and confessed rebels, most of whom were both smugglers
and spies, as opportunity offered. The army had drawn thither
its usual corrupt and festering element of camp-followers. The
entire community was rotten, morally and socially. Murder,
robbeiy, drunkenness, and all the nameless vices of reheldom
and war, were openly and shamelessly rampant. The Govern-
ment was victimized at every turn. Horses and mules, stolen
from neierhborina; farms and stables, were hawked about the
streets for purchasers, at prices ranging from ten to fifty dollars
per head. Arms were pilfered and sold for a trifle. Boots,
shoes, uniforms, camp-equipage, ammunition, and supplies of
every kind, serviceable to the rebel army, were daily sent
beyond our lines in every possible way that the ingenuity of
bad men and women could devise.
In our necessarily contracted space we cannot hope to give
even an outline of the work accomplished by the army police.
Suffice it to say that in a short time its influence was felt in
every part of the city and army. His patrols were upon every
road leading from the city, arresting and searching rebel emis-
saries, and at times confiscating considerable amounts of con-
traband goods. His detectives were in every hotel, and upon
cars and steamers. Assuming the role of rebel sympathizers,
they were introduced into the proudest and wealthiest secession
families. Passing themselves off, in many cases, as spies of
Wheeler, Bragg, and Morgan, they acquainted themselves with
the secrets, the hopes, and the intentions of that entire people.
Men were also busy among our own camps, detecting army vice
and fraud. Their searching eyes were on the several army
departments, hospitals, theatres, houses of ill-fame, and every
centre of public interest. A minute report of all these investi-
gations and their results would thrill the land; but better that
it be not told to blanch the cheek and chill the heart of many
a true wife and fond parent.
Many offenders thus detected were vigorously dealt with;
and yet the police records of the department reveal instances
of young men made wiser and better by the kindness shown
THE ARMY POLICE AND ITS CHIEF. 351
and the advice given them. Humane, benevolent, and far-seeing,
yet prompt to visit with merited punishment the hardened
offender, none more ready than our Chief of Police to temper
justice with mercy. The many instances of charity to the
destitute, of forgiveness to youthful follies of the young men
■whom he has aided and counselled, of widows and orphans he
assisted to fuel and bread during the hard winter at Xashville,
of the young women found in male attire whom he and his
assistants have decently clothed and sent to their homes, and
of deserted children for whom he has found asylums, would of
themselves fill many pages of this work.
In brief, the influence of the army police Avas felt in every
ramification of army and city life throughout the Department
of the Cumberland. True, errors and wrongs may have been
committed by its officials; many an arrest may have been made
without good reason therefor, and many goods seized that ought
to have been untouched; true, many bad men may have wormed
themselves into its service ; but, where such has been the case,
none more ready to make restitution, none more severe in
punishment of official treachery and knavery, than its justice-
loving chief. All in all, he has done well, and has exercised the
utmost care in the selection of his subordinates. For be it
always remembered that there are but few men fitted for the
business of a detective, and a still less number are found who
will follow it. In large cities, and with armies, the detective is
a necessity ; and yet it is a profession whose follower is and
must be one continued counterfeit. Bad men can make it de-
testable; but pure-minded, upright officers, operating secretly
and in disguise though they may, can perform their duties with
marvellous certainty in the detection of crime, with incalculable
benefit to the public, and without injury to the innocent.
That the most worthy motives actuate the subject of this
sketch in all his official dealings, the author has abundant reason
to know. Colonel Truesdail (he is called " colonel" by general
consent, though a civilian and quite regardless of titles) is pos-
sessed of a handsome private fortune, which thus far has been
3;>2 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
diminished, rather than increased, by hfs army labors. Though
a Southern man as regards the location of a great portion of
his property and by reason of many years' residence in the
slave States, he has been an original and uncompromising friend
of the Union.
The results of the army police operations have been immense,
both in gain to the Government and prevention of crime. Hun-
dreds of horses and mules have been seized and turned over to
the quartermaster's department. Scores of smugglers and spies
have been detected and punished, thus largely curtailing this
under-ground trade, alike beneficial to the rebels and detrimental
to us. Large amounts of goods and medicines have been con-
fiscated and sold, where the parties implicated were found fla-
grante delicto ; and thus this branch of the army has considerably
more than repaid its entire cost to the Government. Connected
with it, also, is the spy department, from which a line of com-
munication has been constantly maintained throughout the rebel
States, to the extreme limits of the Southern Confederacy This
interesting feature in its operations, systematic as it is under
the watchful eye of the Chief of Police and under the personal
direction of the general commanding, must, for obvious reasons,
be imagined rather than described.
To illustrate the efficiency of the army police, a few of the
very many cases of smuggling, spying, and treachery which it
has developed are related elsewhere in this volume. They are
compiled from the records; and, strange and improbable as some
of them may seem, they are essentially truthful narratives of
actual occurrence. Indeed, the facts are necessarily greatly
abbreviated in a publication so comprehensive as this, the mi-
nutiae— the smaller lines and threads which contribute to the
beauty of the woof — being unavoidably omitted.
As may be readily supposed, such an extensive arm}* organiza-
tion ere long attained considerable notoriety. It marshalled its
friends and its enemies in almost regimental numbers. Even
in the army it has been violently assailed, — not only by the
vicious in the ranks, but by officers whose evil deeds were not
THE ARMY POLICE AND ITS CHIEF. 353
past finding out. If any direct charge was made, however, to
General Eosecrans, it was at once and fully investigated ; and
in no one instance has the charge been maintained, as affecting
the good character of its chief or of his principal aids. The
breath of calumny has been even wafted to the Presidential
ears, and the newspapers of last spring contained the announce-
ment that a special commission had been appointed at Wash-
ington to investigate the operations of the police of the Army
of the Cumberland. Many weeks elapsed, and this was not
done. At the solicitation of its chief and his assistants, Gene-
ral Eosecrans then appointed a special inspector, Captain Temple
Clark, formerly a member of his staff in Mississippi, and now
chief upon the staff of Brigadier-General Johnson, to examine
into the operations of his army police, and report. A portion
of that report is herewith subjoined; and it constitutes an
appropriate conclusion to our chapter : —
"Nashville, Tenn., June 2, 1863.
" Major: —
"In compliance with your instructions, I have made a thorough exami-
nation of the books and papers connected with the Army Police Office and its
operations in this department since its first organization, and I respectfully
submit the following report as the result of my investigations.
" In arriving at facts and conclusions, I have taken advantage of every
source of information at my disposal, except that of instituting a ' court of
inquiry' and putting witnesses under oath.
"I find that the records of the operations of this institution, together with
all important papers and vouchers connected therewith, have been kept with
correctness and system, so that almost any official act of its employes can
be easily traced from its inception to its result. This order and system
greatly facilitated my investigation, and reflects credit upon the chief and
his subordinates.
" The number of employes in this department, including scouts, spies,
policemen, judges, clerks, mail-agents, &c, has at no one time exceeded
fifty, although a much larger number appear to have been employed during
the term of its existence, — most of them for short periods only. The expenses
of the department from the middle of November, 1862, to June 1, 1863, are '
as follows : —
"For mail-service, six months and a half, $3,320; for salaries of clerks,
scouts, and policemen in secret service, §00,564.55; making a total of
expenses, including the military custom-house at Nashville, of $69,884.55 ;
23
354 ARMY OF TIIE CUMBERLAND.
of which amount the sum of $52,024.25 expenses up to May 1 have been paid,
and the vouchers received and on file.
"The balance of $10,960 is for the expenses and disbursements for the
month of May, not yet settled, though the amount is ascertained.
" Much of this last amount is for service rendered prior to the 1st of May
last, and principally for secret service.
" The Army Police Department has seized and turned over to authorized
agents of the Government, up to June 1, 1863, property to the value of
$438,000.
" This property consisted of arms and ordnance stores, which have been
turned over to ordnance officers ; medical stores to a large amount which
were found in the act of being smuggled through the lines to the enemy, —
some of it stolen from our hospitals, — all being turned over to the medical
director ; and large quantities of goods and merchandise, which has been
turned over to the custom-house officer and to the quartermaster.
" There has been placed in the hands of the United States District Attor-
ney, with testimony for confiscation,. the following property: —
" Stock of goods of Stewart & Co., Nashville, $25,000 ; stock of goods of
Morgan & Co., Nashville, $35,000 ; stock of goods of Wilder & Co., Louis-
ville, $80,000 ; gold from Mr. Lee, $109,000.
" For all the property thus disposed of, proper receipts and vouchers have
been taken, and are now on file in the office, an abstract of which is here-
unto annexed.
" Had the sphere of its usefulness ended here, the record of the army
police would show well, and amply justify the wisdom of the commanding
general in its establishment ; but the great pecuniary profit arising to the
Government from this institution is the least of its advantages ; and the
record of its services shows a long array of benefits to the army and the
Government, only known to the members confidentially engaged in its
service.
" The most important of these I propose to enumerate.
" 1st. Through the agency of the secret police, especially selected for
the service required, many rebel spies and smugglers have been arrested
and brought to justice within this department, and information obtained
and transmitted leading to the arrest of many more outside of the
department.
"2d. The detection and prevention, to a great extent, of stealing in the
army by officers and men ; more particularly the stealing of horses and
mules, at one time very extensively practised by both citizens and soldiers,
now almost entirely suppressed through the successful vigilance of the
army police. Over five hundred horses and mules stolen from the Govern-
ment have been recovered by this organization and turned back to the
proper channel.
" 3d. Discovering frauds on the soldiers, attempted to be perpetrated by
Northern houses through the agency of swindling advertisements and the
circulation of obscene prints and books. These last have been seized to a
THE ARMY POLICE AND ITS CHIEF. 355
large extent, and destroyed, and a considerable amount of money which
was being transmitted to these impostors has been returned by the police
to the respective owners through army postmasters. A record has been
kept, showing that each sum thus stopped and returned was duly received.
" 4th. A perfect system of detection, reaching to the closets of traitors,
and discovering who were the secret enemies of the Government within our
lines, and guarding against their treasonable operations.
" 5th. The employment of skilful scouts and spies to operate within and
about the enemy's lines and furnish intelligence for the information of the
commanding general. These men have been carefully selected for their
peculiar duties. Most of them are well acquainted with the country and
the inhabitants where they operate, and possess tact, self-possession, and
nerve to a high degree.
" 6th. A record of the character and political sympathies of nearly every
adult inhabitant of the section of country through and in which the Army
of the Cumberland has operated.
"7th. Knowledge and investigation of secret political societies, North
and South, having for their object opposition to the Government and the
prosecution of the war.
" 8th. The detention and return of deserters, — of whom more than eight
hundred have been arrested by the army police alone, and over two-thirds
of whom would not have been reached through other sources.
" 9th. Discovering and forwarding lost or stolen property belonging to
officers and soldiers. The value of property so recovered and forwarded, or
turned over to the authorized Government officers, exceeds $100,000.
" 10th. Detection and exposure of fraud and irregularities in the military
hospitals and other army departments, and the great improvement in the con-
dition of our hospitals, which is chiefly due to the able medical officers more
recently in charge of these institutions ; yet a good share of credit is due to
the detection, exposure, and punishment of grave abuses therein by the
agents of the army police, who first occasioned the reforms by showing the
necessity therefor.
" 11th. The Army Directory, a record showing every regiment and
detachment in the Department of the Cumberland, — in what brigade,
division, and corps, and where stationed. This record is continued and
every change noted. It contains also the name rank, company, and regi-
ment of every officer and soldier who dies in the department, whether in
camp or hospital ; where he died, and where buried ; the cause of death,
and any circumstance necessary to be recorded as to the disposition of his
effects, &c. The record has an alphabetical index attached.
" 12th. The transmission of the mails done under the direction of its
chief and by the employes of the army police. The mails have been
delivered with surprising regularity and safety to every division and brigade
in the army.
"That an institution like the army police, so vast and varied in its
operations, assailing so many in their pecuniary, personal, and political
356 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
interests, should have powerful and numerous enemies, is not to be wondered
at ; and that this enmity should develop itself in complaints and accusa-
tions is natural.
" Knowing this condition of public sentiment, I have inquired among all
classes of people for the grounds of complaint against this institution.
While I heard many general charges asserted and suspicions insinuated by
persons who upon general principles or from personal motives believed
that wrongs had been perpetrated and that the members of the army
police were guilty of dishonest practices, I was only able to hear of one
definite charge.
" This was a case where a valuable carriage — the property of a young
lady — was said to have been seized and confiscated by the army police and
then appropriated to the private use of members of the police force. The
person making the statement to me merely gave it as a rumor, saying that
he knew nothing of the facts, and had no positive reason for believing it,
he making the statement only because I was asking for charges.
" An investigation showed that the carriage in question was the property
of a secession family, the head of which had gone South : it was found
secreted in separate parts and places, was taken by the police, and imme-
diately turned over to the custom-house officer, who receipted for it and
subsequently sold it at auction for five hundred dollars, and the proceeds
were turned over to the Government.
********
"I would therefore earnestly recommend that the army police be continued
as a branch of your department. Professional villains can only be matched
by professional detectives. The one turns every resource of his nature,
mental and physical, to the successful perpetration of crime ; and he can
only be circumvented by one who concentrates all his powers to detection
and prevention.
" Very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
"Temple Clark,
" Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General,
" Special Inspector."
HISTORY
OF THE
ORGANIZATION, THE EXPEDITIONS, AND THE BATTLES
OF THE
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
CONTENTS.
ORGANIZATION AND EARLY OPERATION'S.
ADVANCE TO BOWLING GREEN AND NASHVILLE.
OCCUPANCY OF NASHVILLE.
BATTLE AND SURRENDER OF HARTSVILLE.
WHEELER'S DEFEAT BY MATTHEWS'S BRIGADE.
CAPTURE OF FRANKLIN.
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
WHEELER'S REPULSE AT LAVERONE.
OUR ARMY AT MURFREESBOROUGH.
FORAGING AND SCOUTING EXPEDITIONS.
REBEL REPULSE AT FORT DONELSON.
BATTLE OF SPRING HILL.
SUCCESSFUL EXPEDITION OF SHERIDAN'S DIVISION.
BATTLE OF MILTON.
EXPEDITION OF WII.DER'S BRIGADE.
VAN DORN'S ATTACK ON FRANKLIN.
CAPTURE OF MCMINNVILLE.
EXPEDITION TO NORTHERN GEORGIA.
ADVANCE UPON TUI.LAHOMA, AND REBEL RETREAT
FROM TENNESSEE.
ORGANIZATION AND EARLY OPERATIONS OF
THE ARMY.
A comprehensive history of our army, however brief it may
be, necessarily carries the reader back to the commencement
of the rebellion, — from whence we follow it, from its incep-
tion, and through the campaign of General Buell, down to the
present time. The few pages thus occupied will be as valuable
as interesting.
The beginning of what is now the Army of the Cumberland,
the nucleus around which our magnificent army has aggregated,
was a small body of Kentucky volunteers, assembled, under
Colonel — now Major-General — Eousseau, at Camp Joe Holt, near
Louisville, Kentucky, in the spring and early summer of 1861.
From this force was organized the Louisville Legion Infantry,
the 2d Kentucky Cavalry, Stone's Battery of Artillery, and
two companies of infantry which proved to be the beginning of
the 6th Kentucky Infantry Eegiment.
Prior to the assembling of this force, General Eousseau, in
the Senate of Kentucky, was the fearless and eloquent advocate
of loyalty to the Union. His words were confirmed by his
deeds. He descended from his place in the Senate, and, raising
the banner of his country, called upon all true Kentuckians to
rally around it. In answer to his call there was soon assembled
a force of nearly two thousand men. This was in the day when
public opinion in Kentucky was unsettled; her Governor was a
secessionist, and anxious to join the State to the " Confederacy;"
her trusted commander of the organized Militia State Guard,
359
860 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
now the rebel General Simon B. Buckner, was plotting treason,
aiming to commit his force to a position in opposition to the
Government. Many of her leading citizens were avowedly and act-
ively disloyal, some of them, in the end, joining the rebel forces
then assembling just beyond the southern border of the State,
and all were using their whole influence to entice others to
follow their wild example. The great body of citizens, however,
did not openly favor the rebellion, nor the transfer of the State
to the Confederacy : some were intimidated, probably, by the
clamor, and hence declared themselves neutral ; some adopted
neutrality as a principle, others as an expedient: the first
declared that Kentucky had nothing to do with the quarrel,
which the belligerents might fight out at their leisure, and that
they would repel by force of arms either party should they
attempt to enter the State. This was tantamount to secession ;
for it assumed that the State was not a part of the nationality
of the United States, but a nation of itself, with a right to stand
aloof while other States, considered to be other nations, were
contending around her. Those who resorted to this neutrality
as an expedient hoped by that course to save the State from
being prematurely committed to the rebellion during the first
agitation, as had been done in Tennessee, North Carolina, and
other States.
But beyond and above all these were the valiant few who
patriotically proclaimed their brave and unconditional loyalty
aloud, and flew to arms in answer to their country's call. The
men under Eousseau, who assembled at Camp Joe Holt, were of
this stamp. As early as June, 1861, there was a considerable
force thus assembled; and they were speedily organized and
accepted into the service of the United States. Such were also
those raised, about the same time, by the late Major-General
Nelson, at Camp Dick Bobinson, in Garrard county, a more
eastern part of the State. To these should also be added the
two Kentucky regiments previously raised, who were at that
time serving in "Western Virginia.
In May, all Kentucky within a hundred miles south of the
ORGANIZATION AND EARLY OPERATIONS. 361
Ohio River had been made a military department, and Briga-
dier-General Robert Anderson had been assigned to its com-
mand. Early in September, he established his head-quarters at
Louisville; and just about that time the rebel enemy on the
Mississippi invaded the State, taking possession of Hickman
and Columbus. They then intended to strike at once for
Paducah, on the Ohio River; but Federal troops from Cairo,
belonging to General Fremont's command, had anticipated
them. But the day ever memorable in the annals of Kentucky
and of the Army of the Cumberland is the 17th day of Sep-
tember. 1861. On that day war was fully inaugurated in the
region of country lying between the Alleghanies and the Mis-
sissippi, and on that day General Rousseau's men from Camp
Joe Holt, the initial element of the Army of the Cumberland,
marched out to repel invasion. The rebel General Buckner,
starting from Camp Boone, in Tennessee, just beyond the Ken-
tucky line, attempted to reach the Ohio River at Louisville by
the Xashville & Louisville Railroad. He meditated a surprise.
There had been no intimation of his coming; but the train from
Nashville due in Louisville early in the evening did not arrive,
and the telegraph-wires had that day been cut. The managers
of the road, suspecting no more than an ordinary accident, sent
out a train to relieve the one expected. This did not return;
and then a single engine was sent out. The trains had been
seized by the enemy; but from the single engine a fireman
escaped, and soon returned to Louisville with the news, having
obtained a hand-car. General Anderson sent orders at once to
Rousseau to move out with his men on the road, they, with the
Home Guards of Louisville, being Anderson's only available
force. The camp was on the opposite side of the river, and the
order was brought in person by General "W T. Sherman, second
in command to Anderson, at nine o'clock in the evening. By
eleven o'clock they were all across the river, excepting a num-
ber of cavalrymen, who were not yet mounted, and were left
behind with orders to come on the next day, bringing with them
the tents, camp-equipage, and supplies. The men were in high
362 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
spirits and the best order. The rumbling of the artillery-
wheels and the regular tramp of the march of the men through
the streets of Louisville, like that of an army of veterans, were
the only sounds that broke the stillness of the night. There
was nothing like tumult, and no sign of disorder. Such of the
citizens as were wakeful remember the solemn sound ; but few
were awakened from their slumbers. As soon as the cars could
be made ready, the troops were taken off, and accompanying
them a good force of the Home Guards of Louisville, who
turned out with infinite spirit, in unexpectedly large numbers.
General Sherman commanded the whole, General Anderson
remaining in Louisville to obtain reinforcements and forward
them as they might arrive. But this might not have foiled the
enemy in his purpose, perhaps, had it not been for the spirited
act of a loyal and intelligent young man of Bowling Green.
The trains with Buckner's army arrived and were detained for
a time at that place : he quietly set out, and, at a point a few
miles down the road, displaced a rail, — in consequence of which
the engine left the track and the rebel expedition was delayed.
This gave time to General Anderson, which he improved well,
as has been already stated. The enemy, nevertheless, got as
far as Elizabethtown, forty miles from Louisville; but there he
heard of the coming of the opposing force, and his heart failed
him. He had employed agents to destroy a high bridge over
the Rolling Fork of Salt Biver, by which the progress of our
forces was impeded, — but not long; for Rousseau, on foot, led his
men through the deep stream and onward. Buckner now
thought proper to retire, and subsequently intrenched himself at
Bowling Green, which place he held until the time of the fall of
Fort Donelson.
General Sherman established his camp on Muldraugh's Hill,
about three miles north of Elizabethtown, leaving guards at
each important point in his rear; and there he awaited the
gathering of such forces as could be obtained from contiguous
States. In a few days they began to come : among the first
were the 2stb, 6th, and 39th Indiana Regiments, respectively
ORGANIZATION AND EARLY OPERATIONS. 363
under Colonels Scribner, T. T. Crittenden, and Harrison; the
49th Ohio, under Colonel Gibson ; the 24th Illinois, under Colonel
Hecker ; and two companies of the 15th United States Eegulars,
under Captain P T. Swaine. These were in due time followed
by other regiments; and this was the embryo of that army
which, under the successive commands of Anderson, Sherman,
Buell, and Rosecrans, has done such eminent service to the
country, which by its gallant deeds has so glorified our country's
history, and which on the battle-field has never met with a
reverse.
When General Anderson, on the 28th of May, 1861, first took
charge of this army, his command was called the " Department
of Kentucky," and it comprehended so much of the State of
Kentucky as lay within a hundred miles of the Ohio River. On
the 11th of August it was extended over the whole S*tate of Ken-
tucky and the State of Tennessee, and was named the " Depart-
ment of the Cumberland." In October, General "W T. Sherman
took command, General Anderson's health failing. In Novem-
ber, Sherman was relieved by General Buell, and the limits and
title of the department were again changed to the " Department
of the Ohio," and now comprehended the States of Ohio,
Indiana, and Michigan, all of Kentucky lying east of the
Cumberland River, and the State of Tennessee. The Depart-
ment of the Missouri, commanded by General Halleck, lay
west of the Cumberland; and in the following March, General
Halleck's command was extended eastward to a north-and-south
line passing through Knoxville. This command was called
the "Department of the Mississippi;" and in June this depart-
ment was made to include the whole of Kentucky and Ten-
nessee. The particular command of General Buell was called
the "District of the Ohio," General Halleck having issued an
order in April to the effect that the army of General Buell, as
well as those of Generals Grant and Pope, would retain their
original titles and organization. Until November 24, 1862, the
title and limits of the District of the Ohio were retained. At
that date there was a new arrangement of departments and of.
oG4 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
commanders. Tennessee east of the Tennessee Kiver and Northern
Alabama and Georgia were made a department, under the name,
revived, of " Department of the Cumberland," into which Ken-
tucky was again transferred. The Department of General Rose-
crans is now essentially the same, though heavily reinforced,
as that of the District of the Ohio which General Buell com-
manded.
As has been stated, our army, as formed under Generals
Anderson and Sherman, was but a small beginning. Under
General Buell it grew to formidable dimensions and an excel-
lent organization, holding defensively such parts of Kentucky as
the enemy had not-gained possession of previous to its creation,
and striking from time to time telling blows. Such blows were
the battles of Piketon, Prestonburg, Middle Creek, Pound Gap,
Eowlett's Station, and Mill Spring. The armies of Buell and
Grant, and Commodore Foote's fleet of gunboats, made their
simultaneous and masterly advance on the whole front of the
enemy, extending from Columbus to Bowling Green, — of which
the main features were the reduction of Forts Henry and
Donelson in the centre, the capture of Nashville on the
enemy's right, and the subsequent compulsory evacuation of
Columbus on his left, which was speedily followed by the reduc-
tion of Island No. 10, in the Mississippi, by the gunboats and
the co-operating army of General Pope.
On the 23d of February the army of General Buell entered
Nashville ; and there the general prepared for a continued ad-
vance southward to occupy Middle Tennessee and Northern
Alabama and to co-operate with the forces of General Chant
against Corinth. The forces of the latter were carried by trans-
ports up the Tennessee Kiver to Savannah and Pittsburg Land-
ing. Leaving a portion of his force under General O. M.
Mitchel to advance directly south to Alabama, — which he subse-
quently did most gallantly, — General Buell led his main army
towards the Tennessee Kiver to join General Grant, and on
the very hour of its arrival to plunge into the midst of the
fight at Shiloh. How opportune his arrival it is needless now
ORGANIZATION AND EARLY OPERATIONS. 365
to tell. One day later, and who can tell how nearly fatal the
disaster would have been ? and one day earlier might have
secured a victory with the most important consequences. The
enemy, foiled and defeated, retired precipitately to his strong-
hold at Corinth. General Halleck now arrived and assumed
command in the field, and the advance towards Corinth was con-
tinued, the army of General Pope, having reduced Island No. 10,
being added as a reinforcement. Late in May, Corinth was
evacuated; and the Army of the Ohio returned eastward in
June, to rejoin the portion detached under General Mitchel in
Northern Alabama. The line of communication with Louis-
ville— a distance of three hundred miles by railroad — had been
kept open meanwhile by a portion of the Army of the Ohio, on
which the army depended for its supplies, excepting so far as
the country furnished them. The Cumberland and Tennessee
Rivers were of little value for navigation in their then low stage.
So much of these roads as lay in Tennessee and Alabama were in
a hostile country; and even Kentucky was subject to guerrilla
raids of formidable character. In addition, garrisons were to be
maintained at Nashville and other prominent places. The part
of the army not thus employed encamped at Battle Creek and
at other points in the vicinity of Chattanooga, threatening the
rebel army of General Bragg at that place.
Such was the situation in July and part of August ; and a
great battle was expected daily A battle was not, however,
the purpose of the enemy unless attacked; for he was organizing
an irresistible force with which to overrun Kentucky, to hold
Louisville and the large towns on the Ohio Biver, and perhaps
to capture Cincinnati. With this intent, the large army of
Bragg began its march northward ; and, to thwart his purpose,
Buell had to release his hold on the country he had conquered,
and to follow. He called in his forces from their several posts,
and fell back on Nashville in a line parallel with the march of
Bragg. At this city, where defensive works had been con-
structed within the month previous, he reorganized his forces
with reference to the pending emergencies, left a small garrison
866 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
there under General Xegley, with orders to defend the place at
every hazard, and pursued his rapid march towards Louisville,
desiring to reach it in advance of his powerful enemy, who had
three days the start. He effected this, — but at the cost of tho
sacrifice of the brave garrison at Munfordsville, — and secured
his depots and protected his trains from the longing desires of
the enemy. At Louisville he received heavy reinforcements,
principally of new troops collected there, and again turned his
face southward. On the 8th of October, near Perryville, a
part of his army encountered the enemy and defeated him in
the battle of Chaplin Hills. The army of Bragg, so magnificent
in its preparation for the conquest of Kentucky, Avas defeated in
its prime purpose, and now began its retreat from the State.
There was dissatisfaction at this result, however. The nation
was almost overjoyed that the invasion had been repelled ; and
yet nothing less than Bragg's annihilation would suffice. Three
weeks after this battle, General Buell was relieved. General
Eosecrans assumed command on the 30th of October, and the
army continued its march southward under its new commander.
Thus plainly and briefly have we sketched the origin and
early career of what is now the " Army of the Cumberland."
The little force of Kentuckians that marched out under Bous-
seau to repel the invasion of Buckner was the germ that grew
into the army which saved Kentucky and occupied and held for
a season Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama, which fought
and won at Shiloh, and then returned and drove Bragg with a
new rebel army from Kentucky. It has gathered strength by
additions; but every regiment which has ever belonged to it is
with it still, excepting such as have been retained in Kentucky,
a part of the district to which until last November the army
belonged. The generals who now command our three army
corps, — Thomas, McCook, and Crittenden, — and hundreds of our
best officers, all grew up with it while it was advancing to its
present dimensions.
ADVANCE TO BOWLING GREEN AND NASHVILLE. 367
ADVANCE TO BOWLING: GKEEN AND NASHVILLE.
Br General Orders jSTo. 168, from the War Department, of date
October 24, 1862, all of the State of Tennessee lying east of the
Tennessee River, and such portions of Xorthern Alabama and
Georgia as should thereafter be possessed by the United States
forces, were erected into the Department of the Cumberland.
Forts Henry and Donelson were subsequently added to this
territory, inasmuch as they completely commanded the water-
communications of the new department and had no necessarily
intimate connection with the contiguous departments of Generals
Grant and "Wright. The troops now nearly a year under the
command of Major-General Buell, and collectively known as the
"Army of the Ohio," were by the same authority designated
" The Fourteenth Army Corps." The command of this depart-
ment and corps was assigned to Major-General Rosecrans, then
at the head of the Army of the Mississippi, and just emerged
from the smoke and carnage of the bloody and victorious fields
of Iuka and Corinth.
In obedience to these orders, the new commander left Corinth
on the 26th of October, and proceeded to his future field of labor.
Passing two days with his family at Cincinnati, he reached
Louisville on the 30th, and assumed command upon the same
day. A short resume of the circumstances under which this
change was made, and a brief glance at the condition of the
army thus consigned to the leadership of General Rosecrans, may
not prove uninteresting, and will materially aid the reader in
arriving at just conclusions as to the amount and value of the
labor since performed within the lines of the department.
The successful escape of Bragg from Kentucky had greatly
disappointed and somewhat disheartened the country March-
in or his ragged regiments within sight of the Ohio River, he
threatened both Cincinnati and Louisville, and yet, without
sufficient force to capture either city, and, in all probability,
:3GS ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
abandoning all hope of doing so, be employed bis time in feeding,
clothing, and mounting bis destitute men from the richly-stored
granaries and well-stocked farms of the Green Eiver country
General Buell, with a celerity for which he has not been given
credit, had rapidly countermarched, and, throwing his troops into
Louisville, was once more, with a largely increased army, in
front of the enemy. On the 1st of October the Army of the
Ohio was ready to move, and again, with high hopes of meeting
and crushing the invading foe, set its face southward. Before
this largely superior force Bragg retreated, eventually escaping
into Tennessee in full possession of all his plunder. True,
he had fought and lost the battle of Chaplin Hills ; but it
was a contest of his own seeking, in which, at the price of
nominal defeat, he was entirely successful in the accomplish-
ment of those ends to secure which he made the attack. To
us it was a barren victory, dearly bought with the lives of
hundreds of our best and bravest men. As a splendid illus-
tration of heroic valor it will forever live in history; but it
does not rank among the important and decisive battles of
the rebellion.
It was now apparent that the ground gained by our arms in
the South had been abandoned to the enemy; and, with the
single exception of Nashville, garrisoned by the small divisions
of Generals Negley and Palmer, but invested by a strong
rebel force who were confident of its early capture, there was
nothing to show as the result of nearly nine months' weary
campaigning. Need it be wondered at that the spirit of complaint
and discontent of the nation, which for months had with diffi-
culty been repressed only by the hope that a crowning victory
would speedily atone for the errors and follies of the past,
again became rife, not only among the people at large, but
even in the army? The Administration could not long with-
stand the complaints and refuse to grant the wishes of those
upon whom it was dependent for support in its struggle to
maintain unimpaired the integrity of the Union. Accordingly,
while his columns, returning from their unsuccessful pursuit of
ADVANCE TO BOWLING GREEN AND NASHVILLE 369
Bragg, were yet on the march towards Nashville, General Buell
was relieved.
The Army of the Ohio was nominally large and effective. No
labor nor expense had been spared in its creation and perfection.
To it, while Bragg was yet in Kentucky, every available regi-
ment and battery in the "West had been drawn, as also the
splendid legions which during the preceding spring had swept
the rebel hordes out of Kentucky, planted the Stars and Stripes
upon the dome of the Capitol at Nashville, turned defeat into
victory at Shiloh, and overrun the whole of Northern Missis-
sippi and Alabama. Surely it must constitute an army whose num-
bers and discipline would render it irresistible. So thought they
who remembered only the men and material of which it had been
composed, but were unmindful of the fearful manner in which
its ranks had been thinned by disease, battles, and the nameless
vicissitudes of war. In every respect it was largely overesti-
mated. Nearly seven thousand of its numbers, disheartened and
dispirited, had deserted. More than twenty-six thousand were
absent by authority. The consolidated semi-monthly report for
November 15, two weeks subsequent to the change of com-
manders, shows that a total of thirty-two thousand nine hundred
and sixty-six officers and men — at least one-third of the whole
army — were absent from their commands! Of these nearly ten
thousand were sick in the hospitals of the West ; the remainder
were away on furlough or detached service, or had deserted. The
army was composed in about equal proportions of veteran
soldiers and raw recruits. The former were poorly clad and
equipped, the latter inexperienced in drill or discipline,, with
officers often ignorant and sometimes incompetent. To add to
the general incompleteness and inefficiency, there was a sad
lack of cavalry ; and even the small force of which the depart-
ment could boast were so wanting in all the essentials of that
branch of the service that they could be said to belong to it
only because they wore its uniform and were mounted. To sum
up all, briefly, the spirit of the army was broken, its confidence
24
370 ARMY OF THE CUMB1-L1LAND.
destroyed, its discipline relaxed, its courage weakened, and its
hopes shattered.
Such were some of the peculiar circumstances under which
General Kosecrans assumed command. "With a larger and more
perfect army the task before him would have been difficult : it
was rendered doubly so by the events to which allusion has
been made. True, success had hitherto attended him in his
military undertakings; but even this was a disadvantage, inas-
much as there was danger of its raising the hopes and expecta-
tions of the public to an unreasonable extent. He was pro-
foundly conscious of all this ; but any evidence of despondency
or hesitation on his part will be sought in vain. He entered
upon his duties with characteristic promptness and energy, and,
tarrying but twenty-four hours in Louisville, he pressed on to
Bowling Green, and there established his head-quarters on the
1st of November.
The divisions of the 14th Army Corps were concentrated at
Bowling Green and Glasgow, with the exception of the two at
Nashville, defending that city, as before stated. Bowling Green
— seventy-two miles from Nashville — was the present terminus
of the Louisville & Nashville Bailroad, and the temporary depot
of supplies. The Cumberland Eiver was at a very low stage, and
the subsistence and equipments of the army had to be brought
by rail from Louisville over a road running through an un-
friendly country Our troops at Nashville were short of sup-
plies, and before an advance could be made in that direction it
was necessary that the railroad should be rebuilt; and then only
by the greatest exertions could the army be supplied with pro-
visions in sufficient quantities, so limited were the available
means of transportation. Information touching the movements
and designs of the enemy was difficult to obtain ; but it was
satisfactorily established that Bragg was yet in East Tennessee,
marching towards Chattanooga with the purpose of ultimately
concentrating his army at Murfrcesborough, thirty-two miles
southeast of Nashville, and that Breckinridge was already posted
at the latter place with a strong division.
ADVANCE TO BOWLING GREEN AND NASHVILLE. 871
To become acquainted with, and gain the confidence of, his
army, — to inspire it with all its former pride and zeal, to fill its
thinned ranks, to perfect its organization and discipline, and to
thoroughly clothe and equip it, — to extend his lines of railroad-
communication, to procure and accumulate at convenient depots
the requisite stores and supplies, to increase his knowledge of
the country and the enemy, and, in short, to prepare for an
active and vigorous campaign, — was the work to which General
Eosecrans now addressed himself. In the words of one who is
himself a gallant soldier, he "toiled terribly," night and day,
scarcely taking for himself needed rest or allowing it to his
subordinates.
Five millions of rations were sent forward from Louisville
as fast as the limited capacity of the railroad would permit.
Courier-lines were established between the different camps and
garrisons of the department. Information concerning the topo-
graphy of the country was collected, and military maps were
made. Pioneer corps were organized in each command for the
purpose of building bridges and repairing roads. Negroes were
made useful as teamsters and laborers, as opportunity offered.
Eeviews of the divisions in the vicinity were held, and men and
equipments examined with earnest scrutiny. The new troops
were drilled incessantly. And, finally, authority was sought
and obtained from the "War Department to promptly muster out
of or dismiss from the service " officers guilty of flagrant mis-
demeanors and crimes, such as pillaging, drunkenness, and mis-
behavior before the enemy or on guard-duty," as essential to the
maintenance of discipline and good order.
Having thus inaugurated measures looking to the improve-
ment of his infantry in discipline and efficiency, the general
next vigorously applied himself to the reorganization and per-
fection of his cavalry. It was soon apparent that its feeble and
unserviceable condition was owing in part to the want of
capable officers to instruct and to lead them. Accordingly, he
asked for the appointment of Brigadier-General David S. Stan-
ley, with whom he had served in Mississippi, as his chief of
o,2 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
cavalry ; and that officer, in compliance with this request, -was
relieved from the command of a division of the Army of the
Mississippi and transferred to the 14th Army Corps. A requisi-
tion was also made for five thousand revolving rifles : three
thousand— all that the arsenals could supply — were obtained.
Five thousand mules were ordered for pack-trains; but months
elapsed before they were procured. An attempt was also made to
perfect this arm of the service by combining with it light field-
batteries for rapid movements; but the Government had not
troops to man them, and it eventually became necessary to
mount infantry and instruct them in this service.
General McCook's division was ordered to move, on the 4th, to
Nashville, and, if possible, to reach that city by ten o'clock on
the morning of the 7th. Upon receipt of information that the
enemy were preparing to make an attack in force on the place
they had so long invested, his columns were in motion by day-
light on the 4th, and on the afternoon of the 6th had reached
Edgefield Junction, twelve miles distant, when the thunder of
heavy guns in the direction of Nashville hastened still more his
rapid progress, and, pressing on, General Sill's division reached
the Cumberland opposite the city at eight o'clock on the next
morning, — two hours in advance of the designated time. The
threatened attack had been made the day before, but had failed,
as we have elsewhere fully narrated. This arrival relieved the
city of all apprehension of further trouble, and established
direct and regular communication with the head-quarters of
the army.
By the 6th the railroad had been reopened to Mitchellsville,
and supplies of all kinds were hurried forward with the utmost
rapidity. Heavy supply-trains were put upon the road, and
thus General McCook provisioned his own men, as well as the
garrison of Nashville. The army was divided into the grand
division, known as the Eight, the Centre, and the Left, com-
manded respectively by Major-Generals McCook, Thomas, and
Crittenden. The various columns were at once ordered for-
ward; and in ten days from the time General Eosecrans assumed
OCCUPANCY OP NASHVILLE. 373
command, the whole army, with new life and energy instilled
into every department of it, was moving with irresistible power
towards the capital of Tennessee, in search of an enemy who
had already twice escaped from its grasp. A vast amount of
preparatory labor had been performed, plans for the ensuing
campaign- matured, communications established and suitably
guarded, the army reorganized, and now its commander was
ready to advance.
Accordingly, on the morning of the 10th of jSTovember, the
head-quarters at Bowling Green were broken up, and the
general and his staff proceeded by rail to Mitchellsville, whence,
mounting their horses and escorted by a squadron of the 4th
United States Cavalry, they rode to Xashville, reaching the city
about nine o'clock the same evening. Head-quarters were im-
mediately established in the Cunningham House, a large and
elegant residence, whose owner was a quartermaster in the rebel
army.
OCCUPANCY OP NASHVILLE.
There was work to be done. It was a rebel city, occupied as
conquered territory, and swarming with traitors, smugglers, and
spies. Of its male inhabitants a large number were in the rebel
army, and its women, arrogant and defiant, were alike outspoken
in their treason and indefatigable in their efforts to aid that
cause for Avhich their brothers, sons, and husbands were fighting.
The city, in fact, was one, vast " Southern Aid Society," whose
sole aim was to plot secret treason and furnish information to
the rebel leaders. To purify this tainted atmosphere, to esta-
blish order by the application of military law, and to impress
this people with a sense of the strength and power of the
Government, was the task to which General Eosecrans assidu-
ously devoted himself while waiting for the accumulation of
sufficient food, clothing, ammunition, and camp-equipage to
make a further advance.
374 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
The police and secret-service department was organized and
put into successful operation. The secret haunts of treason
were penetrated, and its agents dragged forth to exposure and
punishment. Smugglers and spies were pursued with a vigor
so relentless that detection became the rule and escape the ex-
ception. Goods were seized and their owners sent to prison or
expelled from the department, thus virtually putting an end to
that contraband trade which had been of incalculable benefit to
the rebels. All sutlers were ordered to their regiments, and it
was announced that the Government would afford protection
and trading privileges to all who would subscribe to an oath
prepared for the occasion, and give bond with proper security for
its faithful observance. Questions having arisen concerning
the nature and binding force of this oath, they were definitively
settled by an explanatory circular from head-quarters ; and many
embraced the opportunity thus afforded of procuring protection
for themselves and property.
With all this care for the civil affairs of the department, the
army was not neglected. No effort was spared to perfect it in
drill, discipline, and equipment. An efficient signal corps was
established. A new system of inspections was devised and
adopted. A more careful attention to the proper performance
of guard-duty was strictly enjoined. Sutlers were checked in
their illegal and injurious practices. The authority obtained
from the War Department to dismiss from the service incom-
petent and drunken ofiicers was freely exercised. A cowardly
trick of voluntarily surrendering to the enemy to be paroled,
and thus escape the service, was summarily ended by the pub-
lication and subsequent enforcement of an order directing that
all thus practically guilty of desertion should have their heads
encased in white cotton night-caps, and, thus publicly branded
as cowards, be marched through the streets and camps and
sent North. The effect of this discipline was soon apparent;
and in the six weeks spent at Nashville a long stride towards
perfection was mado by the army, thanks to the energy of its
commander and the fidelity of its officers.
OCCUPANCY OF NASHVILLE. 375
Meanwhile the enemy was sharply watched. His movements
were for a time veiled by the strong cavalry force which he
had thrown in front and which prevented our spies and scouts
from obtaining ready entrance within his lines. The bridge
across the Tennessee was known to be burned, and Bragg was
said to be rebuilding it. The crowds of refugees thronging to
our lines to escape the conscription, which the rebels were
rigidly enforcing, reported that the road from the Tennessee
to Murfreesborough was lined with camps. Still, it could not
be definitely ascertained where the rebel general proposed to
make a stand. Many believed that he would not attempt resist-
ance to our advance on the north side of the Tennessee Elver,
but would fall back from Murfreesborough to Chattanooga.
But his movements and intentions were ere long developed by
refugees, and the spies in the employ of Colonel Truesdail, Chief
of the Army Police. In the latter part of November, Bragg was
reported as having taken position in the rear of Stewart's Creek,
nineteen miles from Nashville, with a force of sixty thousand
effective men. His left rested on the Franklin pike, and his
right on the Lebanon pike. His front was covered with strong
cavalry vedettes, extending from the Lebanon pike to a point on
the left of Xolensville, intersecting the Murfreesborough pike
eleven miles from Nashville, and distant from our outposts
scarcely two miles. Morgan, with a heavy force of cavalry
and mounted infantry, covered his right, and Forrest his left,
while Wheeler was posted at Lavergne and Wharton at Nolens-
ville. His right wing was commanded by Kirby Smith, his
left by Hardee, and the centre by Polk.
With his cavalry, in which he was immensely superior, the
enemy constantly annoyed our outposts and forage-trains. The
provision-trains between Nashville and Mitchellsville were con-
stantly watched, and sometimes pounced upon, involving the
loss, during the three weeks preceding the completion of the
railroad, of a few men and wagons, — but were compensated
for by equal captures on our side, however. Our cavalry was
growing daily more efficient, and brisk skirmishes were of con-
376 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
stant occurrence. Colonel John Kennett, acting chief of cavalry,
captured large quantities of rebel stores, and eventually forced
Morgan across the Cumberland. On the 27th of November he
drove a large body of the enemy in confusion for some fifteen
miles on the Franklin pike. The same day General Kirk, with
a portion of his brigade, ran Wheeler out of Lavergne and
destroyed a number of store-houses used by the enemy. Our
loss was eleven wounded; that of the rebels was unknown, it
■ being only ascertained that Forrest was among their wounded.
The same evening Colonel Eoberts, of the 42d Illinois, surprised
a captain and squad of Morgan's men on the Charlotte pike,
capturing the entire party, with their arms, equipments, and
horses. About this time the enemy suddenly crossed the Cum-
berland near Hartsville, and captured a forage-train and the
men accompanying, but were pursued by Major Hill, with a
squadron of the 2d Indiana Cavalry, who succeeded, after a
pursuit of eighteen miles, in recapturing the train, releasing
the prisoners, and killing about twenty of the rebels.
On the 26th of November the railroad was completed from
Mitchellsville to Nashville, and was immediately employed in
hastening forward supplies. Up to this time it had been barely
possible to subsist the army by running wagon-trains to that
point, much less to attempt to accumulate supplies for the
future. With railroad-communication re-established to Louis-
ville, a vast improvement in this regard was expected. The
supply soon began, but very slowly, to exceed the daily con-
sumption, and in time, it was hoped, a sufficiency would be
collected.
Thus far, in all the skirmishing, the rebels had gained no ad-
vantage. In fact, they had of late been badly worsted in their
attacks upon our trains, &c. These successes — small, it is true,
for the enemy avoided any contest of greater magnitude — in-
spired the army with hope and confidence. But now a reverse
was in store that more than balanced all these minor advantages,
and, in a measure, covered our arms with misfortune, if not
THE BATTLE OF HARTSVILLE. 377
disgrace, which stung our troops to the quick and filled them
with a restless longing for action and revenge. This was
THE BATTLE OF HAETSVILLE.
The main body of the centre division of our army did not
advance to Xashville, but remained in the vicinity of Gallatin,
to protect our line of communication to Louisville. General
Dumont's division was stationed at Castilian Springs, in front
of Gallatin, and he had thrown forward a brigade to Hartsville,
for the purpose of guarding a ford and watching the road to
Lebanon. This movement had been directed by General Thomas,
and the brigade — the 39th — had taken position on elevated
ground, where it was supposed they would be able to maintain
themselves against a largely superior force. This post was
first commanded by Colonel J. R. Scott, of the 19th Illinois, but
on the 2d of December he was succeeded by Colonel A. B. Moore,
of the 104th Illinois. According to Colonel Moore's official
report, the brigade consisted of the 104th Illinois, the 106th and
108th Ohio, the 2d Indiana Cavalry, one company of the 11th
Kentucky Cavalry, and a section of Knicklin's Indiana Battery,
— in all, 1805 men. The troops were all new and untried, with
the exception of the cavalry and artillery. Other authorities
have placed the number at 1984; but the discrepancy is of no
importance. The 2d and 40th Brigades were at Castilian
Springs, about nine miles distant.
On Saturday, December 6, General John H. Morgan, of the
Confederate Army, left Prairie Mills, eight miles south of Leba-
non, Tennessee, and twenty-five from Hartsville, for the purpose
of attacking the latter place. His force is stated by Colonel
•Moore at over five thousand, comprising six regiments of
cavalry and two of mounted infantry (the 2d and 9th Ken-
tucky;, and fourteen pieces of artillery, besides a consider-
able number of rebel citizens. Colonel Moore had not more
than twelve hundred effective men, the balance being sick or
on guard-duty with a provision-train. On Saturday night
378 ARMY OF TIIE CUMBERLAND.
Morgan encamped within five miles of Hartsville, and at early
dawn the next morning; moved to the attack. His advance-
guard were clothed in Federal uniform, thereby completely
deceiving Colonel Moore's vedettes, and capturing all of them
without firing a gun. The enemy moved between Hartsville
and Castilian Springs, and at sunrise were descried by one of
the camp-guards, while approaching in the rear. A company
of skirmishers threw itself forward and, by a sharp fire, checked
the enemy, who approached cautiously, fearing stratagem.
Time was thus given our troops to form in line of battle on the
crest of a hill to the right of the camp. The enemy dis-
mounted and, forming in compact line, moved forward, not-
withstanding a heavy but scattering fire from Moore's line,
and soon gained a protected position behind a fence at the foot
of the hill on which our men were posted. The guns of
Knicklin's battery were well handled, but the fire of the enemy
was so destructive that the Ohio regiments were panic-stricken
and gave way. The 104th Illinois stood its ground manfully for
a time, but, being unsupported, was forced to yield to superior
numbers. Strong cavalry detachments were harassing their
flanks, and, after an hour and three-quarters' desultory and
irregular fighting, the whole force was surrendered. The rebel
cavalry had already dashed into the camps and made prisoners
of the sick, straggling, and detached soldiers there found. Our
loss in the affair was fifty-five killed and one hundred wounded.
The enemy's loss was not far from the same. About thirteen
hundred prisoners, two field-pieces, and a quantity of arms,
ammunition, camp-equipage, and transportation, thus fell into
the hands of the rebels. The defence was deemed unskilful,
and the surrender premature. The fact that our troops had but
just entered the service should be remembered in palliation,'
and their bravery has since been amply attested upon bloody
battle-fields.
WHEELER DEFEATED BY MATTHEWS'S BRIGADE. 379
WHEELEK DEFEATED BY MATTHEWS'S BEIGADE.
Ox the 9th of December another brigade was attacked by a
strong force of rebel cavalry, mounted infantry, and artillery,
all under the command of Brigadier-General Wheeler; but the
result was vastly different. On that day Colonel Stanley
Matthew-, of the 51st Ohio, commanding the brigade, moved
out upon the Murfreesborough pike with a large foraging-train
guarded by the 51st Ohio, the 35th Indiana, the 8th and 21st
Kentucky, and a section of Swallow's 7th Indiana Battery.
Leaving the pike to his right, he crossed Mill Creek at Dobbins's
Ferry, detailing a sergeant and ten men of the 21st Kentucky to
guard the crossing. The train was filled, and just on the point
of returning, when a sharp musketry-fire was heard in the
direction of the crossing. Colonel Matthews immediately has-
tened on with the 51st Ohio and 35th Indiana, and, finding the
enemy advancing through the woods in heavy force, at once
opened fire, and, after a severe encounter, drove them a con-
siderable distance, thus saving his picket-guard. Meanwhile
the train and the remainder of the force had come up, and
would have been a rich prize; but Colonel Matthews had no idea
of allowing its capture by the rebel force, though apparently
doubly superior to his own. Accordingly, with the Kentuckians
protecting the rear and the Ohio and Indiana regiments in
advance, he began a brisk march homeward. A short distance
had been traversed, when the enemy was again discovered on
the rear, moving forward rapidly and in strong force. No re-
sistance was offered until they were within close range, when
they were met by a fire from the Kentuckians so heavy and
well directed that they recoiled. Soon reforming, they ad-
vanced and attacked again, but more cautiously than before,
upon Matthews's flanks, and the fight became general. Their
attempts to press his flanks, and a desperate effort to break his
lines, were unsuccessful. The enemy was again driven back,
380 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
and in a few moments fled from the field. Our loss in the
encasement was five killed, thirty-five wounded, and four
missing. The rebels subsequently confessed to a loss, on their
part, of one hundred. The brigade marched safely to the
city, and was warmly congratulated for the gallantry it had
displayed.
General Stanley arrived and reported for duty about the
middle of Xovember. He at once organized the cavalry into
two divisions, taking command of the first himself, and placing
the second in charge of Colonel John Kennett. The revolving
rifles had now arrived and been distributed, and the men were
anxious to try them. To gratify them, General Stanley, with a
considerable force, on the 11th of December, moved out on the
Franklin pike, having in view a reconnoissance and the
CAPTUKE OF PKAUKLItf.
Soon after passing our outposts, skirmishing began with the
enemy, and was continued all day, the latter's cavalry being
chased and scattered in every direction. By night, Stanley and
his men, tired and jaded, were beyond Triune, seven miles west
of Murfreesborough, having destroyed two camps, dispersed
numerous bands of the enemy, and captured a considerable
number of rebel troopers and horses, with no loss to themselves.
In front of them, at Nolensville, there was a large rebel force.
Bragg, with his main army, was at Murfreesborough, and
Buckner was in their rear, with his division. The attempt was
hazardous, but General Stanley proceeded with his original
design of making a dash at Franklin, and taking the garrison
by surprise at night, if possible. The latter part of the plan
was accidentally defeated. The enemy having been apprized
of his presence, Stanley waited until daylight, when he ad-
vanced cautious^ upon the town and drove in the rebel pickets.
The 7th Pennsylvania formed line on the north bank of the
Harpcth, a little to the right of where Fort Gilbert now stands,
and opened fire on the enemy. Company I, of the 4th Michi-
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 381
gan Cavalry, dismounting, took position near the bridge and
opened fire on the mill; the remainder of the 4th Michigan
dismounted under cover of the rising ground on which the 7th
Pennsylvania were formed, advanced at the double-quick, passed
the position of the 7th Pennsylvania, waded across the river,
and drove the rebels from the town. Colonel Minty was the
first man across the river, and, as he scrambled up the south
bank, he took prisoner a rebel officer. The 4th Michigan had
passed through the town and were following the enemy out on
the Columbia and Carter's Creek pikes, on foot, before any of
the mounted men had crossed the river. The enemy left one
captain and four privates dead in the town, and ten severely
wounded. Fifteen or twenty prisoners were also captured.
General Stanley occupied the town an hour or two, destroyed
a flouring-mill, captured a number of rebel horses, &c, and
returned to his camp.
BATTLE OP STONE KIVEE.
The loyal people of the North were anxiously awaiting tidings
of great events in the Department of the Cumberland. Far
removed from the scene of action, they could not be expected to
appreciate the vast amount of labor performed and the really
wonderful progress made during the six weeks' stay at Nash-
ville. To their minds, activity was indicated only by the shock
of great battles, the thunder of artillery, the crash of musketry,
and the groans of the dying. Nearly two months had elapsed
since General Eosecrans assumed command, and no great re-
sults had as yet been realized by his grand army. From every
side a pressure now began to bear upon the general command-
ing, urging a forward movement, especially after the re-esta-
blishment of railroad-communication with Louisville.
All such outside and — as our national experience has proven
— improper influences, however, were firmly resisted by General
Eosecrans. He declared that he would not move until the
3S2 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
proper time, — that war was a business which not every one could
understand, — and that he would not be driven by public clamor
into a movement which his judgment could not approve. For
many days after this impatience began to be manifested, the
army was in no condition to move. It could not have moved
more than three days without halting for supplies. On the 5th
of December, nine days after the completion of the railroad, but
five days' provisions had been accumulated ; and with so scanty
a store it would have been unwise and criminal to move the
army from its base of supplies into the heart of the enemy's
country. In his official report of the battle of Stone Eiver,
General Eosecrans alludes to the difficulties under which he
labored, and explains satisfactorily the reasoning by which he
was guided.
By Christmas thirty days' provisions had been collected and
stored in Nashville; and now the general deemed it prudent to
move. It had been satisfactorily ascertained, by means of spies
and refugees, that the enemy had prepared his winter-quarters at
Murfreesborough, and had sent one portion of his large cavalry
force into West Tennessee to annoy General Grant, and another
into Kentucky to destroy our railroad-communication. Polk's
and Kirby Smith's forces were at Murfreesborough, and Hardee's
corps was on the Shelbyville and Nolensville pike, between Triune
and Eagleville. The enemy had been purposely deceived as to
General Eosecrans's intentions, and supposed that he was going
into winter quarters at Nashville, his force having been mainly
collected in front of that city and extending over a strip of
territory about ten miles in width. Under all these circum-
stances, it was adjudged that the time for an advance had
arrived, and on the 24th of December orders were issued to the
different columns to move at daybreak on the next day, Christ-
mas. This announcement was received by the army with great
satisfaction. For good reason, however, the orders were coun-
termanded late that evening, after every preparation had been
made for the morrow's advance.
On Christmas night a consultation was held at head-quarters.
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 383
at which the general announced that the army would move the
next morning, and that the order and direction of the movement
would be as follows : —
McCook, with three divisipns, to advance by the Nolensville
pike to Triune.
Thomas, with two divisions (ISTegley's and Eousseau's), to
advance on his right, by the Franklin and Wilson pikes, threat-
ening Hardee's right, and then to fall in by the cross-roads to
Xolensville.
Crittenden, with "Wood's, Palmer's, and Van Cleve's divisions,
to advance by the Murfreesborough pike to Lavergne.
With Thomas's two divisions at Nolensville, McCook was
to attack Hardee at Triune ; and if the enemy reinforced Hardee,
Thomas was to support McCook.
If McCook beat Hardee, or Hardee retreated, and the enemy
met us at Stewart's Creek, five miles south of Lavergne, Crit-
tenden was to attack him; Thomas was to come in on his left
flank, and McCook, after detaching a division to pursue or
observe Hardee, if retreating south, was to move with the
remainder of his force on their rear.
General Stanley was to cover the movements with his cavalry.
Dividing his force into three columns, he ordered Colonel Minty,
with the first brigade, to move upon the Murfreesborough pike
in advance of the left wing. The second brigade, in charge of
Colonel Zahn, of the 3d Ohio Cavalry, was directed to move on
the Franklin road parallel to the right wing, protecting its right
flank. The reserve, consisting of new regiments, General Stanley
himself would command, and precede General McCook's com-
mand on the ISTolensville pike. Colonel John Kennett was
assigned to the command of the cavalry on the left; and the 4th
United States Cavalry, Captain Otis commanding, was reserved
for courier and escort duty.
The morning of the 26th was dark, dreary, and rainy, but the
camps were none the less scenes of active and busy prepara-
tion, and in due season the columns were in motion. McCook
advanced on ISTolensville, Johnson's and Sheridan's divisions
384 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
moving upon the direct road, and Davis's division marching by
way of the Edmonson pike to Prim's blacksmith-shop, whence it
struck for Xolensville by a country cross-road. The advance
of Davis s and Sheridan's commands encountered the enemy's
columns about two miles beyond our picket-line; and from that
point to Xolensville there was constant skirmishing. The
enemy, occupying the .town in considerable force, were driven
out, and retired to a rocky range of hills about two miles beyond,
through a defile in which (known as Knob Gap) the Xolensville
and Triune pike passes. Here they made a stand, lining the
slopes with skirmishers and placing a six-gun battery on a com-
manding position. A sharp fire was opened upon them by our
batteries, and they were then gallantly attacked in front by
Carlin's brigade and driven from their position with the loss of
one gun and a number of prisoners. After taking possession
of the defile and the hills, the right was encamped for the night,
Johnson's division having arrived at Nolensville, without inci-
dent worthy of mention, at four o'clock. The loss of the right
during the day was about seventy-five in killed and wounded.
The centre, consisting of Eousseau's and Xegley's divisions
and Walker's brigade of Fry's division, and numbering thirteen
thousand three hundred and ninety-five effective men, was to
encamp that night at Owen's Store, on the Wilson pike. Kous-
seau did so ; but Xegley, hearing heavy firing in the direction of
Xolensville, left his train with a guard to follow him, and pushed
on with his troops to the assistance of Davis, who was hotly en-
gaged at Knob Gap. Walker's brigade camped at Brentwood,
no enemy having been met during the day.
General Crittenden, in command of the left wing, thirteen thou-
sand two hundred and eighty-eight effective men, moved along
the Murfreesborough pike, Palmer's division in advance, fol-
lowed by Wood's. Several miles north of Lavergne, a small
town about equidistant from Xashville and Murfreesborough,
portions of the enemy were encountered by our cavalry in the
advance, and a running fight at once began. The country be-
tween Murfreesborough and Xashville was peculiarly favorable
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 385
to the enemy in resisting and retarding our advance, — a small
force being able to cheek the progress of a larger one. Large
cultivated tracts occur at intervals on either side of the pike;
but between these tracts are dense woods, often interspersed
with almost impenetrable cedar thickets. The resistance the
enemy was thus enabled to offer prevented our troops from
gaining the commanding heights south of Lavergne on the first
day, and so delayed their arrival at Lavergne that the neces-
sary and customary reconnoissance could not be made. To
guard against surprise, however, a regiment from each brigade
was thrown well forward as a grand guard, and the front and
flanks covered with a continuous line of skirmishers.
General Eosecrans, with his staff and escort, left Nashville at
mid-day, in the midst of a drenching rain, and rode rapidly
towards General MeCook's head-quarters; but it was long after
dark when the camp of the right wing was reached. McCook
reported Hardee in his front, at Triune, seven miles distant, and
said that he expected a stout resistance the next day. He was
directed to move at daylight and push the enemy hard; and the
general-in-chief took his leave, reaching his own camp at about
one o'clock in the morning.
General McCook was ready to advance by dawn the next
morning; but it had rained all the preceding day and night, and
a dense fog, which prevented any thing being seen at a distance
of one hundred and fifty yards, greatly retarded operations.
The columns had moved about two miles when they encountered
the enemy's cavalry, infantry, and artillery. The fog at this
time was so thick that friend could not be distinguished from
foe,-our cavalry being fired upon by our infantry skirmishers on
the flanks. The enemy being conversant with the ground and
our troops strangers to it, and having learned that Hardee's
corps had been in line of battle all night, General McCook
deemed it inadvisable to advance until the fog lifted.
He accordingly halted the column until one o'clock, when, the
fog having disappeared, an advance was immediately ordered,
and the enemy's cavalry were driven forward. On nearing
25
386 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Triune, it was found that the main portion of the forces had
retired, leaving a battery of six pieces, supported by cavalry, to
contest the crossing of "Wilson's Creek, a stream with steep and
bluff banks, which could be crossed only with great difficulty,
the enemy having destroyed the bridge. General Johnson,
against a sharp resistance, finally gained a position overlooking
Triune, and opened fire upon the rebels, who were formed in
line, with their centre in the village. A few shots were suffi-
cient to confuse them, and their battery, with the cavalry, fled
down the Eagleville road. It being now nearly dark, and a
severe and driving rain-storm having set in, they were pursued
no farther. Johnson's division then crossed, and camped beyond
Wilson's Creek, repairing the destroyed bridge. Sheridan's
division also camped near the village, and Davis bivouacked at
the junction of the Balle Jack road with the Nolensville pike.
On the centre, General Thomas moved Eousseau to Nolens-
ville ; but the heavy rains had so damaged the cross-roads that
he did not reach that place until night. Negley remained at
Nolensville until ten o'clock, when, having brought his train
across from "Wilson's pike, he moved to the east, over an exceed-
ingly rough by-road, to the right of Crittenden, at Stewarts-
borough, on the Murfreesborough pike. Walker retraced his
steps from Brentwood, and crossed over to the Nolensville pike.
The troops of the left were roused an hour and a half before
dawn, and, getting their breakfast as speedily as possible, were
formed in line and under arms before it was light. The enemy
still occupied the opposite heights, and early in the morning
began dropping an occasional shell into our lines, — thus proving
the wisdom of the precautions taken. At eleven o'clock the
left began its march to obtain possession of Lavergne, that being
the first object. The enemy were strongly posted in the houses,
and on the wooded heights in the rear, where they were enabled
to oppose our advance by a direct and cross fire of musketry.
Hascall's brigade advanced across an open field, and, quickly
driving the rebels from their position, continued their forward
movement, supported by Estep's 8th Indiana Battery. The
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 387
enemy availed themselves of every opportunity to dispute their
progress, but could not materially retard it. They continued to
press forward through the densely-wooded country, in a drench-
ing rain-storm, till the advance reached Stewart's Creek, dis-
tant some five miles from Lavergne, — a narrow, deep stream.
flowing between high and precipitous banks, and spanned by a
wooden bridge, of which it was a matter of cardinal importance
to secure possession.
The enemy had lighted a fire upon it, but had been pressed
so warmly that the flames had not yet communicated to the
bridge. The skirmishers and the 3d Kentucky Volunteers —
Colonel HcKee — dashed bravely forward, under a steady fire
from the opposing forces, threw the combustible materials
into the stream, and saved the bridge. AVhile this gallant feat
was being performed, the left flank of the leading brigade was
attacked by cavalry. The menaced regiments immediately
changed front to left, repulsed the attack, and a company of the
100th Illinois succeeded in cutting off and capturing twenty-five
prisoners with their arms, and twelve horses with their accou-
trements. The result of the day's operations was twenty
wounded in Hascall's brigade, and some twenty-five prisoners
taken from the enemy. The enemy fell back in great disorder
from Stewart's Creek, leaving tents standing on the southern
bank of the creek, and the ground strewn with arms.
This was Saturday night. On Sunday there was no move-
ment, the troops resting, except Eousseau's division, which was
ordered to move on to Stewartsborough, and Willich's brigade,
which had pursued Hardee as far as Eiggs's Cross-Eoads, and,
having determined the fact that Hardee had gone to Murfrees-
borough, returned to Triune. During the day General Eose-
crans visited the front, and observed the enemy from the north
bank of Stewart's Creek. A battery supported by a consider-
able force of mounted infantry was in plain sight, upon an
elevated position in the road about a mile south of that stream,
and the woods nearer its bank were swarming with rebels.
The ground on the opposite side was admirably calculated for
388 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
defence; and it was the general conclusion that the enemy
-would, in force, resist our crossing. Proper dispositions were
made in view of the anticipated engagement, and, after a brief
visit to General Crittenden's quarters, the general returned to
his head-quarters, now at Lavergne.
Leaving the second brigade of Johnson's division at Triune,
General McCook marched on the 29th by the Balle Jack road
towards Murfreesborough, but, the road being very bad, the com-
mand did not reach Wilkerson's Cross-Eoads (five miles from
Murfreesborough) until late in the evening. His command was
encamped in line of battle, Sheridan's on the left of Wilker-
son's pike, Davis's division on the right of the same road, "Wood-
ruff's brigade guarding the bridge over Overall's Creek, and
the two brigades of Johnson's division watching the right.
Believing that the enemy intended giving battle at or near
Murfreesborough, he ordered the brigade left at Triune to join
the main body, which it did the next day.
Negley's division crossed Stewart's Creek, two miles south-
west and above the turnpike-bridge, and marched in support of
the head and right flank of Crittenden's corps, which moved by
the Murfreesborough pike, to a point within two miles of Mur-
freesborough. The enemy fell back before our advance, con-
testing the ground obstinately with their cavalry rear-guard.
Eousseau remained in camp at Stewartsborough, detaching
Starkweather's brigade, with a section of artillery, to the
Jefferson pike crossing of Stone Eiver, to observe the move-
ments of the enemy in that direction. Walker reached Stew-
artsborough from the JSTolensville pike about dark.
Crittenden's corps advanced, Palmer leading, on the Murfrees-
borough pike, followed by Negley, of Thomas's corps, to within
three miles of Murfreesborough, having had several brisk skir-
mishes, driving the enemy rapidly and forcing him back to his
intrenchments, saving two bridges on the route. About three P.M.
a signal-message from General Palmer said that he was in sight
of Murfreesborough and the enemy were said to be evacuating.
An order was sent to General Crittenden to send a division to
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 889
occupy Murfreesborough. Harker's brigade was directed by
the latter to cross the river at a ford on his left, where he sur-
prised a regiment of Breckinridge's division and drove it back
on its main lines, not more than five hundred yards distant, in
considerable confusion ; thus he held this position until General
Crittenden was advised that Breckinridge was in force on his
front, when, it being dark, he ordered the brigade to recross the
river, — a hazardous movement, but skilfully executed, with the
loss of two killed and three wounded, — and reported the circum-
stances to the commanding general on his arrival, by whom
his action was approved, the order to occupy Murfreesborough
having been based on the information that the enemy were
retreating from Murfreesborough. Crittenden's corps, with
Xegley's division, bivouacked in order of battle, about seven
hundred yards from the enemy's intrenchments, our left ex-
tending down the river some five hundred yards. The Pioneer
Brigade, bivouacking still lower down, prepared three fords,
and covered one of them, Wood's division covering the other
two.
At half-past three o'clock on the morning of the 30th,
General McCook received orders to rest the left of his line
on the right of Xegley's division, and to throw his right for-
ward until it became parallel, or nearly so, with Stone Biver,
the extreme right to rest on or near the Franklin pike. At
half-past nine the right wing began its march down the AVil-
kerson pike towards Murfreesborough. Soon after crossing
Overall's Creek, the enemy's infantry pickets were encountered,
and heavy skirmishing ensued. The line then moved forward
slowly, as the enemy, under cover of heavy woods and cedar
thickets, stubbornly contested every inch of ground. About
noon, Sheridan's division joined Negley's right, the other divi-
sions coming up on Sheridan's right, thus forming a continuous
line, the left resting on Stone Kiver, the right stretching in a
westerly direction and resting on high wooded ground a short
distance to the south of Wilkerson's Cross-Boads, and nearly
390 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
parallel with the enemy's intrenchments thrown up on the
sloping land bordering the northwest bank of Stone Eiver.
Van Cleve's division being in the reserve, Eousseau's division,
with the exception of Starkweather's brigade, was ordered up
from Stewartsborough, reaching the position occupied by the
army about four o'clock in the afternoon, and bivouacked on
the Murfreesborough pike in the rear of the centre. During
the morning, Negley's division was obliqued to the right, and
took up a position on the right of Palmer's division of Critten-
den's corps, and was then advanced through a dense cedar
thicket, several hundred yards in width, to Wilkerson's Cross-
Eoads, driving the enemy's skirmishers steadily and with con-
siderable loss.
The left was early in line of battle, Palmer's division on the
right of the turnpike, his right resting on Negley's left, Wood
occupying that part of our front on the left of the pike extend-
ing down to the river, and Yan Cleve in reserve to the rear and
left. This position was maintained without material change
during the day, though the skirmishing was sometimes heavy,
particularly on the right, where McCook was approaching.
The entire cavalry force, except those detailed for escort and
courier service, was engaged in guarding the flanks of the army.
Some skirmishing occurred, but nothing of any importance.
Just before ^idnight, General Stanley, with the 1st Tennessee
and Anderson Cavalry, went back to Lavergne, for the purpose
of protecting our communications. The commanding general
remained with the left and centre, examining the ground, while
General McCook moved forward from Wilkerson's Cross-Eoads.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, General McCook announced
his arrival on the Wilkerson pike, joining Thomas, and the fact
that Sheridan was in position there, — also that Hardee's corps,
with two divisions of Polk's, was on his front, extending down
towards the Salem pike.
Thus, on the night of the 30th of December the army of
General Eosecrans, of forty-three thousand men, were drawn
up in front of Murfreesborough, facing an enemy of considerably
BATTLE OP STONE RIVER. 391
greater force. His line was continuous, about three miles in
length, describing an irregular figure, with reserves in position,
and whose extreme right bore away from the left towards the
southwest at an angle of about thirty degrees. The left rested on
Stone Biver, and the right on high wooded ground south of and
near the Franklin pike. The extreme right brigade (Willich's)
was formed at nearly right angles to the main line, making a
bend towards the rear, to guard against a flank movement.
The right wing occupied a wooded ridge with open ground in
front, and was separated from the enemy by a narrow valley
varying in width from two hundred to four hundred yards,
which latter was covered by dense cedar thickets and oak
forests. The centre was posted on a rolling slope in advance,
joining Crittenden's right and HcCook's left. The right bri-
gade of the left wing rested upon a wood, the next stretched
across an open cotton-field into a thin grove, and the left bri-
gades were also partially covered by timber, with open ground
in front. The enemy occupied a commanding crest in the open
field, perhaps eight hundred yards distant from our line.
In rear of our line the country was undulating and rough,
excepting on the left. Behind the right wing and centre there
were alternate fallow fields, fences, and dense cedar thickets and
ridges. Behind the left there was an undulating corn-field, rising
into a crest which faced the enemy. On the right of the pike,
going south, there was an irregular cotton-field, swelling to a
crest and then falling off into thick-skirted swamps towards the
north and into an open marsh towards the south, with its
southern base fronting the centre of the enemy's right.
The railroad on high ground, to the left of the pike, the turn-
pike on low ground, intersected the left wing on Palmer's left,
and crossed each other near the rebel line in a depression form-
«
ing a sharp triangle, the base of which, a half-mile in the rear,
was about five hundred yards wide. About half-way between
the two lines were the walls of a brick dwelling, now famous as
" Cowan's burnt house," occupying a knoll.
The enemy's right intersected Stone Eiver nearly parallel
392
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
with our left front, and rested upon the heights east of the river,
the extreme right obliquing to correspond with the course of
the river towards our left. The left of their right and their
centre were in position behind intrenchments on the crest of
the cotton-field, sloping gradually towards our front and abruptly
towards their rear. Their left was prolonged on a rocky ridge
south of the Franklin road, and covered the roads going south-
ward towards Shelbyville. The river was fordable at any place
where it could be reached, so that, if necessary, the enemy could
retire across it without trouble, and, with it in their front, could
offer serious resistance to our forces should they attempt to
advance across it.
The following diagram will enable the reader to understand
at a glance the positions of the two armies as they came together,
faced in line of battle, on the evening of the 30th and morning
,of the 31st.
DIAGRAM I.
:ass' » *
Positions of Contending Forces, December 31, 1862, 5 o'clock A.M.
At nine o'clock that night the corps commanders met at head-
quarters, and the following plan of battle was presented to them.
McCook was to occupy the most advantageous position, re-
fusing his right as much as practicable and necessary to secure
it, — to receive the attack of the enemy, or, if that did not come,
to attack himself, and thus to hold all their force on his front.
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 393
Thomas and Palmer -were to open with skirmishing, and gain
the enemy's centre and left as far as the river.
Crittenden was to cross Van Cleve's division at the lower
ford, covered and supported by the sappers and miners, and to
advance on Breckinridge.
"Wood's division was to follow by brigades, crossing at the
upper ford, and. moving on Tan Cleve's right, to carry every
thing before them into Murfreesborough.
"This." said General Eosecrans in his official report, "would
have given us two divisions against one, and as soon as Breckin.
ridge had been dislodged from his position, the batteries of
Wood's division, taking position on the heights east of Stone
River, in advance, would see the enemy's works in reverse,
would dislodge them, and enable Palmer's division to press them
back and drive them westward across the river or through the
woods, while Thomas, sustaining the movement on the centre,
would advance on the right of Palmer, crushing their right,
and Crittenden's corps, advancing, would take Murfreesborough,
and then, moving westward on the Franklin road, get in their
flank and rear, and drive them into the country, towards Salem,
with the prospect of cutting off their retreat and probably
destroying their army.
"It was explained to them that this combination, insuring us
a vast superiority on our left, required for its success that Gene-
ral McCook should be able to hold his position for three hours;
that, if necessary to recede at all, he should recede as he had
advanced on the preceding day, slowly and steadily, refusing his
right, thereby rendering our success certain."
The disposition of our forces on the morning of the 31st was
as follows. To the left of the Nashville and Murfreesborough
pike, one brigade of Wood's division formed the left of the
Federal line; Palmer's division was deployed to the right of the
pike, leaving two brigades of Wood's and the whole of Van
Cleve's division as the reserve of the left wing; then the
centre, with JSegley's division deployed, and Rousseau's in re-
serve, but so located as to be available at the extreme left as
394 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
well as the centre. The three divisions of the right wing were
deployed, extending the line a considerable distance beyond the
Nolensville pike. The cavalry — two brigades — were equally
divided upon the flanks.
At daybreak the troops breakfasted and stood to their arms,
awaiting the order to move. The movement was begun on the
left by Van Cleve, who crossed at the lower fords, Wood pre-
paring to sustain and follow him. But meanwhile the enemy
had apparently, and as if by some wonderful fatality, anticipated
General Kosecrans's plan, and during the night had massed his
forces heavily in front of our right, advanced at early break of
day, and with great vigor threw himself upon the extreme right
of General McCook's line. Pressing rapidly forward in heavy
columns, though losing largely at every step, he fell upon
"Willich's and Kirk's brigades of Johnson's division, who, after
a desperate but unavailing contest, were driven back and
crumbled to pieces, leaving Edgarton's and part of Goodspeed's
batteries in the possession of the rebels. Edgarton had pre-
viously sent his horses to water, and they were still unhitched.
He had barely time to put them in harness when they were
shot ; and, after firing a dozen rounds and having every horse
killed, his guns and himself fell into the enemy's hands. Fol-
lowing up this advantage, the enemy fiercely attacked Davis's
division, and, after desperate fighting, dislodged Post's, Carlin's,
and "Woodruff's brigades. Johnson's division, in retiring, in-
clined too far to the left, and also were- too much scattered to
make a combined resistance. The ground over which it passed,
however, covered with the enemy's dead and those of our own
men, showed that the field was warmly contested. Several
times the lines were reformed and resistance was offered; but
the columns of the enemy were too heavy for a single line, and
the division in every case was compelled to fall back.
The right and centre divisions of the right wing having thus
given back, the attack was made with redoubled fury up'on
McCook's left, Sheridan's division. Here the enemy met with a
successful resistance for a time ; but, the line on his right having
BATTLE OF. STONE RIVER. 395
given way, Sheridan was exposed in front, flank, and rear.
Twice the heroic division changed front and hurled back the
overwhelming mass of foes, and, when outflanked and nearly
encircled, with every brigade commander killed or wounded.
was retired in good order. Negley's division, hard pressed and
out of ammunition, was also compelled to give way, and, with
Sheridan, fell back through the cedar thickets.
Our right wing was now thoroughly broken, and its retiring
divisions almost doubled backward upon the left. All had
fought desperately, but all had been driven from their position.
Eleven guns of Johnson's division and six of Sheridan's had
been captured by the enemy. Hundreds of men had been killed
and wounded, and nearly two thousand made prisoners. The
enemy had gained sufficient ground in our rear to wheel his
masses to the right and throw them upon the right flank of the
centre, at the same moment attacking Xegley and Palmer in
front with a greatly superior force. The original plan of battle
of our commander-in-chief was now utterly useless, the whole
order of battle being changed ; and so furious and persistent
had been the assault and advance of the enemy that all this
had occurred within scarcely two hours.
A forward movement of Palmer's division, to occupy a favor-
able crest preliminary to the grand assault by the left wing,
was already in progress, when it was prevented by intelligence
of the disaster to the right. While Xegley's division was en-
gaged, the reserve of the centre (lying behind the right brigade
of the left wing) was ordered forward to his support. Eousseau's
division moved into the cedars in Negley's rear and commenced
its deployment. It was discovered at this critical moment that
it was difficult, if not impossible, to move the artillery from the
narrow roads which had been cut through the thicket into a
position where it could be used to advantage. The deployment
of the infantry was effected, but without engaging, save a bat-
talion on the right, which was suddenly assailed in flank by the
enemy and partially confused. The entire division was moved a
considerable distance to the rear, and finally formed upon favor-
396 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
able ground directly in the rear of the right of Crittenden's
wing. Negley, of course, could do nothing less than fall back
then : his line had, in fact, already yielded for want of support.
Sheridan's glorious resistance and the firmness of Negley's men
had, however, covered the perambulations of the reserve, and
that force was in readiness to receive the enemy.
At this stage it became necessary to readjust the line of
battle to the new state of affairs. Eousseau and Van Cleve's
advance having relieved Sheridan's division from the pressure,
Negley's division, and Cruft's brigade from Palmer's division,
withdrew from their original position in front of the cedars, and
crossed the open field to the east of the Murfreesborough pike,
about four hundred yards in rear of our front line, where
Negley .was ordered to replenish his ammunition and form his
reserve in close column. The right and centre of our line now
extended from Hazen to the Murfreesborough pike, in a north-
westerly direction, Hascall supporting Hazen, Eousseau filling
the interval to the Pioneer Brigade, Negley in reserve, Yan
Cleve west of the Pioneer Brigade, McCook's corps refused on
his right and slightly to the rear on the Murfreesborough pike;
the cavalry being still farther to the rear on the Murfreesborough
pike and beyond Overall's Creek. Palmer's division, the right of
Crittenden's line, was the only one still remaining in the origi-
nal position.
The position of General Bosecrans was now in the form of a
crotchet, the shorter line being Palmer's division. The left of
this division, now the left of the army, was to the left of and at
right angles with the Nashville pike, in a scanty grove of oaks,
covering an inconsiderable crest between the pike and the rail-
road, which intersected at an acute angle, about four hundred
yards in front. Stone Elver, crossing the pike some distance
farther to the front, ran almost parallel and very near to it,
within three hundred and fifty yards of Palmer's position, where
it turned squarely to the left, and, continuing this course for
several hundred yards, again turned and swept around towards
the rear. The portion of the stream in front of Palmer's left
BATTLE OP STONE RIVER. 397
was deep, with but one narrow ford, thus forming an excellent
flank defence. Between Palmer's two brigades in the front line
was an open field of three hundred yards (the left brigade had
occupied this field; but its commander, seeing the impossibility
of sustaining an attack in low, open ground, within musket-
range of the enemy's cover, had moved to occupy the favorable
crest mentioned), the right brigade lying in the skirt of cedar
wood.
Palmer's division had sustained one attack successfully, and,
while General Eosecrans was forming bis new line, was assailed
with extreme ferocity in front and upon the right flank, then
exposed by the falling back of Xegley The right brigade was
forced back in turn, exposing the left brigade to a flank attack
and rendering the whole position critical. But Hazen, at the
head of the left brigade, maintained his position with unflinch-
ing courage and good success, until the forces on his right were
overwhelmed and driven back. When this occurred he was ex-
posed to fire in flank and rear, and to the attempts of the enemy
to charge in front. Its commander had but one regiment to
protect this flank, but was furnished with two battalions from the
division reserve. It required terrible fighting to beat back the
enemy's double lines in front and flank; it cost a third of the
brave brigade; but every moment the enemy was held back was
worth a thousand men to the main line. General Eosecrans
improved the time so well, in hurrying troops to the new posi-
tion, that when the enemy assailed that line the fresh divisions
of Tan Cleve, Wood, and Eousseau, and the artillery massed on
a commanding point, not only repulsed them, but they were
charged while retiring by one of Crittenden's brigades. The
enemy had also miscalculated the temper of Hazen's brigade,
and Bragg was obliged to report, as he did in his first despatch,
that he -had driven the whole Federal line, except his left,
which stubbornly resisted."
The force that followed to engage the new line, when Negley
fell back, was undoubtedly designed to operate in conjunction
with the one now endeavoring to crush the short arm (Palmer's
398 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
division) of the crotchet line, and the two would then take the
main Federal line in front, flank, and rear, before its formation
was complete. The plan was well devised ; for, with the division
protecting the left of his army removed, General Eosecrans's
prospects would have been hopeless. The persistence and des-
perate energy with which the enemy pressed this point indicated
that they were fully aware of the advantage success here would
give them.
A single brigade of thirteen hundred men, a mere handful in
comparison with the huge masses hurled against them, foiled
every effort of the enemy at this vital point. For this scarcely
less than miraculous result the country is indebted to the un-
flinching courage of the men and the ability of their commander,
who manoeuvred them with wonderful skill. When the enemy
withdrew, the right of the brigade was swung to the rear,
bringing it behind an embankment of the railroad, which
formed a good breastwork and enabled it successfully to with-
stand subsequent flank attacks. In the temporary cessation of
fighting which ensued, General Eosecrans strengthened the
point with infantry and artillery.
But the battle was not yet ended. The enemy had been
repulsed with terrible loss ; but it was hardly possible that he
would yield the signal advantage his success in the earlier part
of the day had given him, without at least one more desperate
struggle. Evidently unwilling to abide the test of a single
attack and repulse, he came forward again in solid columns ; but
it was now too late. Eosecrans had been personally on the
fie^ld, and had newly formed his entire line of battle, having
discovered the enemy's object. McCook's troops and Negley's
division had been reformed in the new position. The enemy,
though inflicting severe losses, was unable to force the line
again, and was driven back with great slaughter. The right of
his line, when it came up to assault for the fourth and last time
Hazen's position on the left, was shattered and broken by a
single volley, — such a change had repeated repulses made in the
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 399
morale of troops that had fought with such frenzied desperation
in the morning.
The day was now nearly spent. The confidence of the enemy
was obviously shaken by the bitter experience of the last three
hours. Still he exhibited a bold front and threatening aspect.
Again his forces were heavily massed in front of the centre,
as though the hazard of another assault would be attempted.
But our artillery played upon them so effectively that only a
small force could be urged up to the range of our musketry, and
they were speedily driven back. An answering effort was
made by their artillery, which opened upon our lines terrifically;
but at sunset the roar of battle had ceased, and only the occa-
sional booming of a single cannon or the more frequent but less
heeded rattle of musketry disturbed the stillness of the night
that was fast settling down upon that field drenched with the
blood of thousands and thickly strewn with dead and dying.
"The day closed," said General Eosecrans, "leaving us mas-
ters of the original ground on our left, and our new line advan-
tageously posted, with open ground in front, swept at all points
by our artillery. We had lost heavily in killed and wounded,
and a considerable number in stragglers and prisoners; also
twenty-eight pieces of artillery, the horses having been slain,
and our troops being unable to withdraw them by hand over
the rough ground; but the enemy had been thoroughly handled
and badly damaged at all points, having had no success where
we had open ground and our troops were properly posted. — none
which did not depend on the original crushing of our right and
the superior masses which were in consequence brought to bear
upon the narrow front of Sheridan's and Negley's divisions, and
a part of Palmer's, coupled with the scarcity of ammunition,
caused by the circuitous road which the train had taken and
the inconvenience of getting it from a remote distance through
the cedars."
Head-quarters were established that night in a log hut on the
right of the road, within short artillery-range of the rebel front,
and there a conference of the generals was held. Some of them
400 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
wore rather despondent; but not one advised retreat. All
seemed to await the decision of the commander, with confidence
in its wisdom. Indeed, there was much to sicken the heart, —
much to depress the bravest and most sanguine of men. The
day had begun in disaster, and it was not yet retrieved. More
than seven thousand men were missing from our ranks. Many
of the regiments had lost two-thirds of their officers ; scarcely
one had escaped without loss. Willich and Kirk, Johnson's
ablest brigadiers, were not present : the first was a prisoner,
the second desperately wounded. Sill, Schaeffer, and Eoberts,
Sheridan's brigade commanders, were dead. Wood and Van
Cleve were disabled. Ten colonels, ten lieutenant-colonels, and
six majors were missing, — dead, wounded, or prisoners. Of line
officers the number gone was terrible. Sheridan alone had lost
seventy-two officers. Out of fourteen hundred, the United
States .Regular Brigade had lost twenty-two officers and five
hundred and eight men. The enemy held nearly two-thirds of
the battle-field and one-fifth of our artillery. Communications
were interrupted in our rear, and some of the subsistence-trains
which had been ordered back to Nashville, to be out of our way
and of danger, had been destroyed by rebel cavalry. Artillery
ammunition was scant, and the rebel cavalry hovering in the
rear made the obtaining of further supplies uncertain. The
soldiers were weary and hungry, and now lay shivering in the
cold December air, without fires. It was a gloomy night, —
gloomy long before midnight, when the gathering clouds
stretched across the heavens and poured upon the contending
armies a deluge of rain, as if weeping over the slaughter.
The second position of the two armies, at the close of the battle
of the 31st, is illustrated in the diagram on the opposite page.
The advantage was with the enemy thus far, and it was
deemed probable that he would renew the attack in the morning :
the question was how and where to meet him. The rebel
leaders — as was subsequently ascertained — had no doubt that
General Eosecrans would attempt to fall back on Nashville.
But he had no such thought. Mounting his horse, he rode to the
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
401
rear, examined the country, returned, and said to those about
him, ;' Gentlemen, we conquer or die right here." If forced to
fall back, he concluded that a successful stand could be made on
the south bank of Overall's Creek; but he had no idea of taking
DIAGRAM II.
Lines of Contending Forces on the Night of December 31, 1862.
that position until driven to it. He found that he had ammuni-
tion enough for another battle, the only question being where
it should be fought. By his personal exertions he had that day
checked the tide of a terrible disaster, reformed his army in the
face of the attacking enemy, rolled back their columns with
appalling slaughter, and, if he had not achieved a great victory,
had prevented a signal defeat. The same determination and
hope which had inspired him in the darkest hours of that day's
conflict were with bim still, and, with unshaken reliance upon
his trusty soldiers and implicit faith in a guiding Providence,
he determined to fight and to conquer.
The consultation having resulted thus, arrangements were
planned for the morrow. It was decided, in order to complete
our present lines, that the left should retire two hundred and fifty
yards to more advantageous ground, the extreme left resting on
Stone Eiver, above the louver ford, and extending to Stokes's
battery. Starkweather's and "Walker's brigades arriving near
the close of the evening, the former bivouacked in close column,
26
402 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
in reserve, in the rear of McCook's left, and the latter was
posted on the left of Sheridan, near the MurfreesDorough pike,
and next morning relieved Van Cleve, who returned to his posi-
tion in the left wing.
It was also determined to await the enemy's attack in that
position, to send for the provision-train, and order up fresh
supplies of ammunition, on the arrival of which, should the
enemy not attack, offensive operations were to be resumed.
At daybreak on Thursday (New-Tear's day), General Eose-
crans had his army in a position against which the enemy might
have hurled his masses in vain. McCook's corps was disposed
thus : — Davis on the right, Sheridan joining him on the left, and
Johnson in reserve. Walker's brigade, relieving Van Cleve,
was succeeded on Sheridan's left by Starkweather's brigade.
Thomas's position was not changed. Crittenden had reunited
his command, bringing them all together on the left of the turn-
pike, and took up a new line of battle about five hundred yards
to the rear of the former line; HascalPs division rested its
right on the position occupied by Stokes's battery, and its left
on Palmer's right ; Palmer rested his left on the ford, his right
extending perpendicularly towards the railroad, thus bringing
the line at right angles to the railroad and turnpike, and extend-
ing from Stokes's battery to the ford.
The enemy making no demonstration in the morning, Crit-
tenden, in accordance with orders, sent Colonel Sam Beatty,
with two brigades of Van Cleve's division, across Stone Eiver, to
hold a bill overlooking and commanding the upper ford, a mile
below the railroad-bridge in front of Murfreesborough. During
the day repeated attempts were made by the enemy to advance
upon the centre ; but they were kept back by a heavy artillery
fire, and once were severely repulsed by Morton's Pioneer Bri-
gade. About two o'clock in the afternoon, having previously
shown signs of movement and massing on our right, the enemy
appeared at the extremity of a fields a mile and a half from the
Murfreesborough pike; but the presence of Gibson's brigade,
with a battery, occupying the woods near Overall's Creek, and
BATTLE ON STONE RIVER. 403
Xegley's division and a portion of Kousseau's on the Murfrees-
borough pike, opposite the field, put an end to this demonstra-
tion. The day closed with a similar demonstration on "Walker's
brigade, which ended in the same manner.
About eight o'clock on Friday morning, while the Pioneer
Brigade were making crossings at the railroad, the enemy
opened a sharp and rapid fire from four heavy batteries on the
east side of Stone Paver, and at the same time made a strong
demonstration of attack a little farther to the right ; but a well-
directed fire of artillery soon silenced his batteries, while the
guns of "Walker and Sheridan put an end to his effort there.
General Eosecrans still had faith in his proposed movement
of throwing his left wing into Murfreesborough, and early in
the afternoon rode towards the river to examine the position of
Crittenden's left, across the stream, — the position being held by.
Van Cleve's division, supported by one of Palmer's brigades.
At about three o'clock a double line of rebel skirmishers was
seen to emerge from the woods in a southeasterly direction,
advancing down the fields, and were soon followed by heavy
columns of infantry, battalion front, with three batteries of
artillery The only battery on that side of the river was
speedily placed in position, and at once opened upon the enemy.
Their line, however, advanced steadily to within one hundred
yards of Van Cleve's front, and began a furious attack. Their
assault had all the vigor and rapidity that characterized the
grand operation of Wednesday upon McCook. Van Cleve's
division was driven from its position by overwhelming numbers,
its fire scarcely lessening the speed of the advance, and retired
in considerable confusion across the river, closely followed by
the enemy. On came the entire right wing of the rebel army,
in three heavy lines of battle, sweeping down the slope of a
wide cotton-field, and to the very edge of the river.
Meanwhile, General Crittenden's chief of artillery had massed
his batteries along the rising ground on the west side of the river,
so as to sweep and enfilade the enemy, while our own left wing
was well posted for their reception, and reserves were on their
404 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
waj\ Fifty-eight cannon wore soon pointing across the water
and pouring forth their fiery streams of death. General Eose-
crans had his army well in hand for a movement in any direc-
tion, and to quickly reinforce. A rapid counter-movement was
made against the flank of the advancing enemy. The firing
from both artillery and musketry was incessant, and the
slaughter terrible. On came the rebel masses; and, as our
artillery ploughed furrows through their columns, they were
seen to close up, men rushing forward from the rear ranks to
fill the gaps. So near was their approach that here, there, all
along their front, their troops were seen to drop, incessantly,
and occasionally by twos and threes, from the showering bullets
of our musketry Their front ranks were seen to waver, — the
fire had become so murderous. Pushed and cheered on by
their rear lines, they again advanced. A few yards farther
down the glade, and again they wavered, and again they stag-
gered on. A third tim.e, and when almost at the river's brink,
they stopped, some of them even stepping into the water. It
was too much for human endurance : they gave way As our
troops now sprung upon them with the bayonet, fording the
river, they began to fall back, — their retreat soon becoming a
rout. They fled back over the ground upon which they had
advanced, helter-skelter, throwing down their guns and all that
would impede their flight. Our troops pushed after them up-
wards of half a mile, with cheers upon cheers, which were soon
taken up and repeated along our entire line. The lost ground
from which Yan Cleve's forces had been driven was left far in
the rear, and the rebels retreated beyond their original lines,
having lost in forty minutes two thousand men. General Davis
took one of his brigades and crossed at a ford below to attack
the enemy on his left flank, and, by General McCook's order,
the rest of his division followed ; but when he arrived, two
brigades of Negley's division, led by the glorious 19th Illinois,
and Hazen's brigade of Palmer's division, had pursued the flying
enemy across the field, capturing four pieces of artillery and a
stand of colors. Darkness was now upon us, and put an end to
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 405
the pursuit, or the enemy would have been followed into Mur-
freesborough. Crittenden's entire corps, however, passed over,
and with Davis occupied the ground of our advance, which was
formidably intrenched during the night.
This defeat of Breckinridge, so terrible in its mortality, im-
parted a new aspect to the situation. The Union army was
exultant, and the more so because of its misfortunes on the 31st.
The enemy had repeated his grand, sudden, and dashing attack
upon the other wing of our army, and had been defeated.
Long after dark, volleys of musketry were fired from the ad-
vance-pickets of the two armies, — so near were they stationed, —
when rounds of cheers would go up from our lines, extending
from one extremity to the other. What was the rebel plan of
attack upon this occasion it is difficult to surmise. We have
Bragg' s version of it in his official report, in which he dis-
ingenuously attempts to lessen it in importance. His troops
apparently aimed to cross the river with a rush and a storm,
seize our batteries amid the confusion, as they did on our right,
two days before, and drive back our left upon its centre, thus
gaining the high ground we occupied on both sides of the river;
from which position we constantly threatened their right, with
nothing to prevent our swinging around and flanking or driving
it, gaining their rear, and, over open and unobstructed fields,
pushing in to Murfreesborough. The rebels were as greatly
depressed by this result as the Federals were encouraged. Their
first onset we had repelled after eight hours of unparalleled fight-
ing, and had inflicted upon them even the greater loss; and their
second had been nipped almost in the bud. The two armies had
measured strength, and they were vanquished. The next day
Bragg and his generals took council, and resolved to retreat, —
and at night, — to avoid another, battle. This decision was made
in the forenoon. At three o'clock p.m. of that day, the rear rebel
columns began their march from the battle-field, and through
Murfreesborough towards the Tennessee Eiver, leaving their
front ranks in battle-line and keeping up brisk picket-firing at
times, to cloak their retreat. Soon after dusk, their rear columns
406 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
of exhausted and dispirited troops moved out from their in-
trenchments, and ere midnight of Saturday, January 3, 1863,
amidst a wintry and tempestuous rain-storm, the grand army of
Bragg, which had gone out to speedily annihilate Koseerans or
drive him back to Xashville and there besiege and capture him,
had passed through Murfreesborough, — their rear columns a
mob,— moving through mud and slush and darkness, — the con-
fusion being worse confounded by the pelting storm and the bustle
of hundreds of rebel townsmen and farmers, with vehicles of all
descriptions, hastily laden with household stuff, who until a few
hours before had been assured that all was going well, — that
Bragg's army was victorious, and that Koseerans was in full
preparation for, if not in full tide of, retreat. The history of
the retreat of Bragg's army, and the attendant fright and flight
of the people of Murfreesborough and vicinity, afford a rare
theme for pen and pencil. But to resume our narrative.
Soon after the battle just described, rain set in, and at day-
break next morning it was pouring down in torrents. The roads,
camps, and fields were a wide expanse of mud; and military
operations on any considerable scale were impossible. The
ploughed ground over which the left was to have advanced was
impassable for artillery, and the ammunition-trains did not arrive
until ten o'clock. It was, therefore, determined to make no ad-
vance ; but batteries were placed in position on the left, by which
the ground could be swept, and even Murfreesborough reached,
by the Parrott guns. The enemy kept up a constant picket-firing
along the front, which at last became so annoying that General
Koseerans, in the afternoon, ordered the corps commanders " to
clear their fronts," — which was speedily effected. General Kous-
seau s front, however, was still harassed by the sharpshooters
occupying the woods to the lei't of the Murfreesborough pike
and "the Burnt House." A number of his men having been
killed and wounded, General Thomas and himself obtained per-
mission to dislodge them and their supports, they covering a
ford. A sharp fire from four batteries was opened for ten or
fifteen minutes, when Kousseau at dark sent two of his regiments,
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
407
which, with Spear's Tennesseeans and the 85th Illinois Volun-
teers, who had come out with the wagon-train, charged upon
the enemy, and, after a sharp contest, cleared the woods and
drove him from his trenches, capturing from seventy to eighty
prisoners.
The following diagram illustrates this advance of Breckinridge
upon our left, his retreat, and the advance of our troops to a
new position. The positions on our right were not changed by
this battle ; and thus both armies rested when the rebels evacu-
ated Murfreesborough.
DIAGRAM III.
Lines of Contending Forces on January 2, 1863.
Tbe next day being Sunday, it was probable that no offensive
movements would take place on General Rosecrans's part. The
night was no improvement on the previous one. It still rained
incessantlj- Every thing possible was done for the wounded,
who had suffered greatly from the inclemency of the weather.
About midnight, signs of a freshet appearing in Stone River,
the left wing was withdrawn to the east side before daylight.
Sunday dawned fair. Ere long news was brought that the
enemy had fled ; and the army rested, with the exception of the
burial-parties and the cavalry, the latter following the enemy to
reconnoitre.
Early Monday morning, General Thomas advanced into
408 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Murfreesborough, driving the rear-guard of the rebel cavalry
before him six or seven miles towards Manchester. McCook's
and Crittenden's corps, following, took position in front of the
town, occupying Murfreesborough. It was now ascertained that
the enemy's infantry had reached Shelbyville by twelve m. on
Sunday; but, owing to the impracticability of bringing up sup-
plies, and the loss of five hundred and fifty-seven artillery horses,
further pursuit was deemed inadvisable.
Of the results of the battle of Stone Eiver we give the follow-
ing general summary "We moved on the enemy with 41,421
infantry; 2223 artillery ; 3296 cavalry : total, 46,940. We fought
the battle with 37,977 infantry; 2223 artillery; 3200 cavalry:
total, 43,400. "We lost in killed, 92 ofiicers; 1441 enlisted men:
total, 1533. "We lost in wounded, 384 ofiicers; 6861 enlisted men :
total, 7245. Total killed and wounded, 8778'— being 20.03 per
cent, of the entire force in action. Our loss in prisoners was
less than 3000. The enemy's force is estimated by General Eose-
crans at over 62,000; and the reasoning by which he supports
the estimate would seem to be conclusive.*
Thus ended the series of skirmishes and two grand battles at
Stone Eiver in front of Murfreesborough. The result of the
enemy's retreat was the loss to the rebellion of Middle Ten-
nessee and all hopes of an immediate lodgment upon the navi-
gable waters of the Cumberland and Tennessee Eivers. Also
it secured Kentucky from rebel advance in force, save by cir-
cuitous and hazardous marches through East Tennessee and the
gaps of the Cumberland Mountains. Their retreat was truly a
death-blow to the hopes of the rebel citizens of Nashville and
throughout Tennessee and Kentucky. Up to that period the
secessionists were confident that Bragg's great army would
vanquish Eosecrans and drive him from their soil. Their sur-
prise and bitter sorrow over his defeat were depicted on many a
clouded brow, and were described by themselves in hundreds
* In the Appendix to this work we publish the official reports of Generals
Eosecrans and Bragg, for future reference and candid criticism.
BATTLE OF STONE KIVER. 409
of intercepted letters. Above all, the result at Stone Eiver
destroyed the self-confidence of Bragg and his army. His troops
■were mainly from Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Missis-
sippi,— confessedly the best fighting-men of the so-called Con-
federacy. And these men were here upon their own threshold,
— battling, as their leaders would fain make them believe, for
their homes, their altars, ana their firesides. The rebels had
not yet fathomed the hollowness of their belief that each one of
them was equal to three or even five of Eosecrans s men. How
soon and how effectually this error was cut up by the roots, is
attested by those awful battle-scenes and their clearly defined
result. This point is thoroughly elaborated by Captain W D.
Bickham in his thrilling little volume entitled " Bosecrans's
Campaign with the 14th Army Corps," from which work we
copy as follows : —
" Bragg, confident in the superb discipline of his army, had
misconceived the fighting qualities of our men. He assumed that
at least half of Eosecrans s forces were raw, and therefore unre-
liable. He, therefore, not only concluded to give battle at Stone
Eiver, but it is asserted that he was preparing to fall suddenly
upon the divisions at Guxllatin, menacing Xashville with a suffi-
cient force to prevent Eosecrans from sending succor to the
forces at the former points.
" It is certain that he was sanguine of success, and his defeat,
although compensated in some degree by his success of Wednes-
day, was a sore disappointment. Had he been satisfied to with-
drawT from Murfreesborough Wednesday night, the prestige of
victory would have remained with him for a little while, though
he would have been bitterly pursued and at all hazards. Bragg's
mode of fighting was characteristic of the Southern people. It
was all dash, and the admirable discipline of his troops told
fearfully at every onset. They charged with splendid daring.
But it was evident that they were best in onset. They did not
at any time display the staunch stand-up fighting pluckiness
which distinguished our troops. Where two lines were con-
fronted in the field, man for man, the superiority of our troops
410 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
was at once made manifest. Northern phlegm was too much
for Southern fire. Their troops fought ferociously, ours with
bitter determination. Now and then some of our regiments,
galled to death by their marksmen, would rush infuriately for-
ward and drive every thing before them. The rebels never
attempted to resist a charge, though our troops resisted mad
charges by them repeatedly. They overwhelmed the right-wing
and the 3d division of the left by avoirdupois, — not by fighting.
Their grand tactics were conspicuous in this battle as they were
at Gaines's Mills, where they defeated Fitz-John Porter, who, if
he had possessed the skill Qf Eosecrans, would have utterly
defeated the enemy, though vastly outnumbered by them. The
rebel artillery practice was very fine. They had exact range
all over our position. It was often remarked in the midst of
battle that their gunners were very skilful. Nevertheless, the
superiority of our artillery was established. Their sharpshooters
were their most formidable arm. They swarmed in the forests,
and during Wednesday there was not a point on the battle-field
that was not within their range. Half of our ofiicers who were
wounded were struck by them. In McCook's front they had
constructed platforms among the branches of the trees, from
which to practise their devilish arts. Their mounted infantry
were also signally serviceable to them. Without them their
cavalry would not have been able to cut our communications so
successfully. In fine, the rebels again illustrated in this battle
the fact that they had thoroughly devoted themselves to war,
— that they had rejected all theories; that they had adopted
the wisest maxims of warfare, and had accepted the admonitions
of experience. It was curious, however, that Bragg, whose
reputation as an artillery officer stood highest in that branch
of the service, should have been so thoroughly beaten with his
favorite arm."
The contest at Stone Eiver was one of the most memorable
of the war up to that period. Nor has a battle since been fought
attended with such mortality, such heroism, and such directly
important results. As more recent events have shown, it de-
wheeler's repulse at lavergne. 411
stroyed the rebellion in Tennessee and struck a death-blow at
the heart of the pretentious Southern Government. The loyal
people of our country were paralyzed while the battles raged,
and were correspondingly electrified at the result. The follow-
ing telegraphic despatches transmitted to General Eosecrans
breathed the heartfelt thanks of a grateful people to the heroes,
dead and living, of Stone Eiver : —
"Washington, January 5.
"To Major-General Rosecraxs: —
" Your despatch, announcing the retreat of the enemy, has just reached
here. God bless you and all with you ! Please tender to all, and accept for
yourself, the nation's gratitude for your and their skill, endurance, and
dauntless courage. A. Lincoln."
" Washington, January 9, 1863.
"Major-General Rosecraxs, Commanding Army of the Cumberland: —
'' General : — Rebel telegrams fully confirm your telegrams from the battle-
field. The victory was well earned, and one of the most brilliant of the war.
You and yuur brave army have won the gratitude of your country and the
admiration of the world. The field of Murfreesborough is made historical,
and future generations will point out the place where so many heroes fell
gloriously in defence of the Constitution and the Union. All honor to the
Army of the Cumberland ! Thanks to the living, and tears for the lamented
dead. H. W. Halleck."
WHEELEE'S KEPULSE AT LAVEEGNE.
While the battle was raging before Murfreesborough, a most
brilliant and decisive affair occurred at Lavergne, — which, the
reader will remember, is a small village lying midway between
Murfreesborough and Xashville, on the direct pike.
The 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics had been left at
that place to protect communication, and had taken position on
an elevated piece of ground in the rear of the village, surround-
ing themselves with a barricade of cedar brush, much in the
nature of a common brush fence. The command numbered
three hundred and ninety-one, officers and mem About two
o'clock in the afternoon, the rebel General "Wheeler, who had
412 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
been busying himself in destroying trains upon the road, sud-
denly appeared before Colonel Innes's improvised fort with a
force of about three thousand men and two pieces of artillery,
demanding an immediate surrender. This was refused, and a
charge made upon the garrison ; but the rebels were spiritedly
repulsed and driven into the neighboring thickets. Seven times
the enemy attempted to carry the flimsy work, and seven times
they were driven back with heavy loss. The scene was at
times thrilling beyond description. The rebel horde, exas-
perated at the successful resistance of the little force, dashed
their horses against the circular brush fence, which was only
breast-high, with infuriate shouts and curses. But the Michigan
troops were cool and determined : they loaded fast and aimed
well, and, as the troopers rushed on upon all sides, they were
met with staggering volleys almost at the muzzles of the
muskets. Horses and riders recoiled again and again, until
they despaired, and soon swept away through the dense forests,
leaving over fifty of their dead upon the field, which were
buried by our forces. The ground all around that small circle
of cedar brush was strewn with dead horses of the rebel
troopers, and with their clothing, guns, &c. Truly, this was
one of the most gallant affairs of the campaign.
Meanwhile Colonel Innes had sent a messenger to Colonel
Burke, at Stewart's Creek, five miles to the south, for assist-
ance. The latter, with a portion of his regiment (the 10th
Ohio), hastened rapidly to the scene of the conflict; but before
he reached it the enemy had fled. For the gallantry displayed
in this engagement, the Michigan Engineers Eegiment was sub-
sequently highly complimented by the commanding general.
OUK AEMY AT MUEPEEESBOEOUGH.
Head-quarters were established in Murfreesborough on Mon-
day, the 5th of January, 1863. Taking up a position in front of
OUR ARMY AT MURFREESBOROUGH. 413
the town, our exhausted army calmly settled down into the
quiet of camp-life. The Pioneer Brigade and Michigan En-
gineers immediately began to rebuild the railroad and pike
bridges across Stone River, and to repair the road beyond. The
construction of a series of extensive earthworks, completely
encircling the town, was entered upon, with a view of making it
a base of future operations and an intermediate depot of sup-
plies. Foraging-trains scoured the country in every direction,
and collected grain and stock. A deserted mill was put into
operation, and the troops supplied with meal. Preparations for
advance movements were being made extensively; but the
rainy season, now setting in, effectually put an end to present
offensive operations. The constant and extraordinarily heavy
rains, however, were not without beneficial results. The Cum-
berland River rose rapidly, and for months was navigable.
Supplies were hurried forward and began to accumulate in large
quantities at both Xashville and Murfreesborough. So passed
the months of winter and spring, but not in idleness nor un-
marked by important events.
On the 9th of January the army was divided into three corps
d'armee, — the 14th, 20th, and 21st, — commanded by Major-Gene-
rals Thomas, McCook, and Crittenden, respectively.
The limits of a single chapter will not allow a detailed ac-
count of the most important expeditions and engagements
which have occurred within the lines of the department; while
many interesting minor events must be entirely ignored. All
that can be attempted is an intelligible account of the consider-
able battles that have been fought, with allusions to some of the
many expeditions which have been sent into the surrounding
country in every direction.
414 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
FOKAGING AND SCOUTING.
The general and his officers were now occupied with the usual
routine of business. The quiet of camp-life was enlivened, how-
ever, by the almost daily outgoing and incoming of foraging-
trains, and occasionally the departure or return of a more
formidable expedition, — usually cavalry, sometimes infantry,
not unfrequently both. Of the former the experiences were
as varied as their number. On other pages some of the in-
cidents which befell those participating in them are related;
and it is only necessary to say here that they were almost in-
variably attended with success, bringing in large amounts of
wheat, corn, bacon, and stock. Of the larger expeditions a few
of the more noted, with their results, are briefly narrated in the
course of this chapter, and from them the character of the whole
must be determined. The enemy was not idle. His cavalry,
too, were out scouring the country, and occasionally our men
and wagons were picked up by him. The grand object of his
efforts was to cut off our communications and interrupt our
supplies. To this end, the steamers upon the Cumberland were
sharply watched, and more than one, in an unwary moment,
was captured, robbed, and burned.
On the 31st of January, Brigadier-General Jefferson C. Davis
with his division of infantry, and two brigades of cavalry, thirteen
hundred and twenty-eight men, under command of Colonel
Minty, left camp at Murfreesborough for an extended scout in
the direction of Eover, Bagleville, and Franklin. Colonel Minty
was ordered to proced to Versailles, where General Davis would
form a junction with him. Sending two regiments, under Colo-
nel Cook, to Middleton and Unionville, Colonel Minty proceeded
to Versailles, and there learned that a body of four hundred
rebel cavalry were at Eover. Proceeding to the latter place, he
drove in the pickets, charged upon the main body, and routed
them, driving them at a sharp gallop through the town, killing
one, wounding <forty-nine, and capturing forty-nine, — six of
FORAGING AND SCOUTING.
4l8
whom "were officers. Among the prisoners were thirteen wounded,
and all but one with the sabre. Not having heard from Colonel
Cook, Colonel Minty proceeeded to Unionville, driving the enemy
before him into and out of that town, and remained there
about an hour. At this time a messenger arrived from Colonel
Cook, stating that he had surprised a rebel force at Middleton
and captured Colonel Douglas, a captain, a lieutenant, and forty-
one men. The enemy had been reinforced and attacked him in
turn, and he was in need of reinforcements. Ordering him to fall
back to Eagleville, Colonel Minty joined him at that place, finding
there also General Davis and division, who had met no euemy.
The next day Colonel Minty proceeded to Peytonville, intend-
ing to cross the Harpeth near that place and form a junction
with General Davis near Boyce's Creek. Finding the bridges
burned and no ford near by. he took the road to Poplar Grove,
crossed at the ford west of the pike, and camped for the night
beyond the junction with the Eagleville pike. The next day
(February 2) he marched rapidly on Franklin, and found Gene-
ral Davis in possession of the place. Moving out on the Carter's
Creek pike, he camped five and a half miles from Franklin, on
the road leading to Hillsborough. On the 5th he jjassed through
Hillsborough, on the 6th moved forward to Kinderhook, and,
taking the road to Charlotte, camped after dark one mile south
of the road leading from Xashville to Centreville. During
the day Colonel Minty captured a colonel and major upon
Forrest's staff, and two lieutenants and twenty-three men of
Forrest's and Wharton's escort, one of them a courier with de-
spatches for the latter. On the 7th the force returned to Franklin.
On the 10th Colonel Minty camped on the north side of the
Harpeth, and on the 12th marched through Triune to Eagle-
ville. On the 13th General Davis returned to Murfreesborough;
and Colonel Minty, with five hundred men, moved on Kover,
drove the enemy out of that town, and arrived at Murfrees-
borough after dark. During the scout the cavalry captured
one hundred and forty-one prisoners, including two colonels, one
major, four captains, seven lieutenants, and one hundred and
416 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
twenty-seven enlisted men. The only casualties upon our side
were, one man severely and one dangerously wounded.
While this expedition was absent, events of greater magni-
tude were transpiring in another portion of the department.
On Wednesday, the 3d of February, the rebel Generals Wheeler,
Forrest, and Wharton, with a force of eleven regiments of
cavalry and nine pieces of artillery, suffered a
EEPULSE AT POET DONELSON.
On the 2d it was known that Forrest, with a command nine
hundred strong, had taken position at Palmyra, for the purpose
of interrupting the navigation of the Cumberland. Scouting-
parties were sent out to watch his movements, and early on the
morning of the 3d it was announced that the enemy was ad-
vancing upon the fort in force, both from above and below. The
garrison of that fort consisted of nine companies of the 83d
Illinois, a battalion of the 5th Iowa Cavalry, Flood's battery, and
some wounded men, — in all less than eight hundred, — under
the command of Colonel A. C. Harding, of the 83d Illinois. In
addition to the battery, consisting of four rifled pieces, a single
thirty-two-pounder siege-gun was mounted upon the northwest
corner of the fort, near the old court-house. The cavalry was
at once sent out on the different roads ; one company of the 83d
were deployed as skirmishers to the southward, near the out-
posts, and another on the ridge to the east, thus guarding the
main approaches to the position. At about half-past one, the
rebel commander sent in a flag of truce, demanding the sur-
render of the post and garrison, which was promptly refused;
and Colonel Harding began vigorous preparations for defence.
One gun of the battery was placed upon a hill on the Fort
Henry road, near the southwest corner of the fort, overlooking
Colonel Harding's encampment and the surrounding country
Believing that the enemy would attempt to cut off communica-
tion with Fort Henry and thus make this the key to his position,
Colonel Harding sent three companies of his regiment to sup-
REPULSE AT FORT DONELSON. 417
port this gun. Another gun, supported by two companies, was
ordered into position to the east of the rifle-pits, and a third
was stationed behind the redoubts, at the southwest corner of
the base. The siege-gun before mentioned as in position was a
pivot-gun, and commanded every approach. The enemy now
placed in position four guns, and opened a heavy fire upon the
gun at the east end of the rifle-pits and the force upon the
hill near the Fort Henry road. The companies of the 83d,
not acting as supports to the guns in position, were deployed in
a deep ravine on the west, where they were completely sheltered
from the enemy's artillery. The latter now had nine guns in
position, and were raining a constant stream of shot and shell
upon Colonel Harding's small forces, occasionally changing their
situation, in order to make their fire more effective. A heavy
force Avas now menacing the position commanding the Fort
Henry road, and the gun at the rifle-pits was sent to its defence.
The enemy next attempted a charge from the low ground
towards the river, but were driven back by the fire of the last
gun of Flood's battery, placed in position for that purpose. All
the guns were eventually concentrated on the hill, under the
direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, where they did good
execution until their ammunition was exhausted, when they
were retired with difficulty, as they had suffered severely in
both men and horses. In the end one was lost, but the remain-
ing three were brought safely off.
Forrest now led his large command of mounted men down
the river to a point near the jail, and then by the flank up the
street to the southward, forming them into successive lines of
battle, which filled the whole open space in front of the fort.
Eending the air with horrid yells, they advanced to the charge.
In an instant the siege-gun was double-shotted with canister,
turned upon them, and discharged into their ranks, blowing to
atoms one of their number who was within ten feet of its
muzzle, and making terrible havoc in the main body beyond.
The infantry from the ravine now poured a galling musketry-
fire upon the rebels at the crest of the ridge, and, with the aid
- 27
■418 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
of the siege-gun, still belching forth its double charges of canis-
ter, checked their advance. While the column yet wavered,
a bayonet-charge was ordered and the ground soon cleared, the
enemy leaving forty prisoners in our hands. Again and again
the charge was essayed, but each time was gallantly repulsed.
In the last attempt, Colonel McNairy, of Nashville, was shot
down while vainly endeavoring to rally his men, recoiling
before the deadly fire from the fort.
Our artillery had now been withdrawn to the rear, and the
force lying in the ravine near the siege-gun were ordered to the
support of the right, where the rebels were advancing in large
numbers. Advancing in line of battle, our forces drove the
enemy before them until they came within range, when the line
was halted and volley after volley delivered, till our ammunition
was exhausted. The line moved towards a point known as
"Mrs. Coble's House," where they were to some extent sheltered
by the crest of the bluff. The enemy's firing had now ceased,
and he was evidently preparing for another and final charge.
Destitute of ammunition and far inferior in numbers, the situa-
tion of Colonel Harding's force was critical; but he was prepared
for the emergency. A charge was Ordered towards the rifle-pits
and the ammunition. Advancing with wild shouts, the gallant
Illinoisians drove the rebels before them in every direction
and reached the position in safety. It was now too late for
their artillery to inflict serious injury, and our men were dis-
posed among the rifle-pits, where ammunition was distributed
to them. The siege-gun, short of friction-primers, was imper-
fectly spiked and abandoned. Colonel Harding, placing his
men to the best advantage, kept up a constant fire upon the
enemy until about eight o'clock in the evening, when another
flag of truce was sent in, Forrest again demanding a surrender,
and saying that they had not yet brought into action half their
number. The surrender was refused, as before, and the rebels,
deeming further contest useless, retired in confusion.
In this gallant defence against immensely superior numbers,
our loss was thirteen killed, fifty-one wounded, and twenty
BATTLE OF SPRING HILL. 419
taken prisoners, not including a captain and twenty-six men of
the command who were captured the same day while out on a
scout. We also lost one gun without the caisson, and twenty-
five mules and forty-two horses, killed, wounded, and captured.
The enemy's loss, as far as could be ascertained, was two hun-
dred and fifty killed, one hundred and fifty-five of whom were
buried by our forces, six hundred wounded, and one hundred
and five prisoners.
Thus far every thing had gone prosperously in the depart-
ment. Constant success had attended our arms in the numerous
skirmishes and scouts, and a large rebel force had been igno-
miniously defeated by a mere handful at Fort Donelson. The
same success might reasonably lie expected to crown our efforts
in the future, and the army was hopeful and enthusiastic, con-
fident in themselves and in their leaders. Foraging-trains still
went out, expeditions of cavalry still roamed at will through
the country, and all returned without disaster. The enemy
was heard of and seen occasionally, but seldom made a stand ;
and in time it began to be questioned whether he would fight at
all, after his experience at Stone River and since. So it con-
tinued for days and weeks, until suddenly the camps were
startled by the news of the defeat and capture of a brigade
at the
BATTLE OF SPEING HILL.
On the 4th of March, an expedition under the command of
Colonel John Coburn, of the 33d Indiana, and consisting of parts
of the 33d and 85th Indiana, 22d Wisconsin, and 19th Michigan,
numbering in all fifteen hundred and eighty-nine, together with
the 124th Ohio, and six hundred cavalry (detachments from the
2d Michigan, 9th Pennsylvania, and 4th Kentucky, under the
command of Colonel Jordan, of the 9th Pennsylvania), and one
battery of six small guns, was ordered to proceed from Franklin
to Spring Hill, ten miles south on the Columbia pike and thirty
miles from Nashville. About four miles out it met the enemy,
420 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
and after a sharp skirmish drove them back, without loss on
our side. Their loss was fifteen killed and wounded. Moving
forward about two miles, the enemy were again encountered, but,
owing to the lateness of the hour, the command went into camp.
On the morning of the 5th the force started early, the 124th
Ohio being left in the rear of the wagon-train, which was large.
After marching about two miles our cavalry met the enemy's
pickets and outposts, and severe skirmishing was kept up until
the expedition came in sight of Thompson's Station, the enemy
falling back. About half a mile from the station the railroad
approaches the pike on the west side and runs parallel with
the pike, between two high hills, for six hundred yards, when
it bears off to the west on a plain about half a mile wide, — hills
rising again on the south side of the plain, the station being
about half-way between the two ridges. When the point where
the railroad joins the pike was reached, the enemy opened fire
with a heavy battery.
Colonel Coburn at once formed his forces in line, ordered'one
section of the battery to take position on the hill on the left
of the pike, and deployed the 19th Michigan and 22d "Wisconsin
to support it. The other three guns took position on the hill
on the right, supported by the 33d and 85th Indiana. The
enemy had two batteries on the range of hills three-quarters of
a mile to the southward. The plain in front of our position
was cultivated, and there were some six lines of rail-fence
and one or two stone walls between us and the enemy, who
showed no front. Colonel Coburn ordered the 33d and 85th
Indiana to make a demonstration on the left of the enemy, to
draw him out if in force, and if not to charge his battery
These two regiments marched out from the cover of the hills in
columns of companies across the fields about six hundred yards,
under a galling fire from the enemy's batteries, being all the
while in plain view, having fences to tear down as they went,
and wholly unable to return the fire by a single shot.
Upon reaching the station our skirmishers soon unmasked
the enemy, and found at the foot of the hill, posted behind
BATTLE OF SPRING HILL. 421
stone walls, fences, and brush, two whole brigades of dismounted
cavalry. Seeing that it was impossible to advance farther, the
two regiments lay down and were covered by the buildings and
fences. Xo disposition to advance or attack, however, was
shown by the enemy. The incessant firing of their sharp-
shooters, to pick off our officers, seemed to content them. In
a few moments the regiments were ordered to retire to the hill
from which they had started, and Colonel Jordan was directed
to send two companies of cavalry to their support; but the latter
order, for some reason, was not obeyed. ]STo sooner had they
left their shelter than two regiments from Arkansas and Texas
started in fierce pursuit, firing rapid volleys of musketry into
the retiring ranks. The rebel batteries, meanwhile, were play-
ing upon them, and both regiments lost several in killed and
wounded. All this time they had been unable to fire a shot;
but as soon as they reached the hill they turned and drove
back the enemy faster than they had come, killing Colonel
Earle, of Arkansas. The rebels again rallied and charged, but
were again driven back. It soon became evident that Colonel
Coburn had encountered the whole of Van Dorn's and Forrest s
forces.
An advance was now made upon our left, where were sta-
tioned the 19th Michigan and 22d Wisconsin. The latter at
once opened fire upon the advancing enemy, and, the former
coming to its support, the enemy was repulsed, and held in
check for some twenty minutes. "When the 22d Wisconsin was
first attacked, that portion of the battery stationed on the left
of the pike started rapidly up the road, and, notwithstanding
the efforts of a staff-officer to induce it to stop and assist in
checking the enemy, then charging upon the 22d, continued its
retreat. Foiled in his advance here, Forrest at once made a,
circuit with his whole force, beyond the ground occupied by our
force to the east, with the intention to turn our left flank.
Colonel Coburn now brought the 19th and 22d on the west
side of the pike, and, leaving the 33d to protect the hill on its
south face, the 10th and 85th were formed, facing the enemy,
422 ABMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
east, at right angles, with the 22d in the rear of the 85th, except
three companies, which, with Lieutenant-Colonel Bloodgood,
had without orders retired from the field when the 22d received
the first charge, moving off by the left flank and joining the
retreating cavalry and artillery.
The four regiments had hardly formed in line, lying down
behind the crest of the hill, when Armstrong's brigade charged
from the east and the Texans from the south. The fighting was
now terrific. Our fire was reserved until the enemy were within
thirty paces. Three times they gallantly charged up the hill
from the east, and thrice were they forced back. In one of their
charges the 19th Michigan captured the colors of the 4th Missis-
sippi and four prisoners, and the contending parties were so
near each other that one man was shot by the soldiers of the
85th from the window of a schoolhouse as he was trying to get
in at the door. During this time one battery was throwing
shells into our lines, and, having got possession of the hill on the
east of the road, the enemy hurled grape and canister like hail.
The battle raged furiously. Still, it was a hopeless struggle.
Defeat was only a question of time. The ammunition was fast
giving out, and Forrest, having got between them and Franklin,
was closing in from the north. But officers and soldiers did
their duty. A new line was formed with all four of the regi-
ments, facing north, to meet the new foe, about three hundred
yards farther to the west and about the same distance to the
north.
Here Forrest was met and held in check until the last round
of ammunition was fired. The brave little force then fixed
bayonets, to charge and break the enemy's lines and try to
escape. But, just as they were about to charge, it was discovered
that Forrest had still another line in reserve, and a battery began
to open and form a new position. Escape was hopeless; and, to
avoid useless sacrifice of life, the command surrendered. Colonel
Coburn, during the trying engagement, was calm and collected,
displaying great energy and bravery He made the best fight
SUCCESSFUL EXPEDITION OF A DIVISION. 423
he could, and only yielded when further strife would have been
madness.
Of officers and men thirteen hundred and six were made
prisoners, and were sent south. The 85th Indiana had three
hundred men in the fight, and two hundred and twenty-nine were
taken. The cavalry were not engaged, and, with the artillery,
escaped with little, if any, loss. The enemy were all cavalry
and mounted infantry, but all fought on foot, every fourth man
holding four horses; and the force consisted of six brigades,
under Major-General Yan Dorn, Brigadier-Generals French,
Armstrong, Cosby, Martin, and Jackson. Infantry had no
chance of escape after the fight once began. Somebody evi-
dently blundered in the planning of the expedition, as Yan
Dorn s whole force had been at Spring Hill for three days before
Colonel Coburn left Franklin, and, not knowing that the brigade
had left Brentwood, were preparing to attack Franklin, and
had started the day before for that purpose.
SUCCESSFUL EXPEDITION OP A DIVISION.
While this battle was being fought, General Sheridan with his
division, and Colonel Minty, with a force of eight hundred and
sixty-three cavalry, were out on a ten-days scout. Colonel Minty
drove the enemy out of Eover and Unionville, pursuing them to
within five miles of Shelbyville, where the rebel infantry pickets
were encountered. During tbis chase fifty-one prisoners, seven-
teen wagons, forty-two mules, thirty-one tents, and two wagon-
loads of bacon and meal were captured. Our only casualty was
one man wounded. The colonel then fell back to Eagleville,
taking the captured property with him, and was there joined by
General Sheridan on the morning of the 5th. On the 6th he
moved towards Triune, and on the 7th towards Unionville. Four
miles beyond Eagleville he was ordered to return to Triune and
proceed to Franklin. On the 8th he arrived at Franklin, and
424 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
on the 9th marched out on the Carter's Creek pike to form a
junction with General G. C. Smith near Thompson's Station.
Six miles out, the enemy were met and driven to within a
mile and a half of Thompson's Station, where a force of seven
hundred cavalry were found drawn up in line. Declining fight,
however, they fled, closely pressed by the 4th United States
Cavalry and a portion of the 7th Pennsylvania. At Thompson's
Station the rebels were reinforced by Starns's regiment (the
3d Tennessee) ; but, after a short and sharp skirmish, the whole
brigade was driven from the field by two companies of the 4th
Cavalry and about fifty men of the 7th Pennsylvania, with a loss
of five killed and thirteen prisoners. Our loss was three killed
and one wounded. Camping that night at Springfield, we ad-
vanced the next day, and found General Smith at Butherford's
Creek, the bridges over which had been burned. The next day
the creek was forded higher up, Forrest and five hundred men
disputing the passage but being driven to the woods with loss.
The enemy had now dismounted, and advanced in line with their
battle-flag flying; but, perceiving that they were likely to be
surrounded, they rapidly remounted and fell back. Pursuing
them five miles towards the Lewisburg pike, Colonel Minty then
marched towards the Columbia pike. Upon reaching Duck
Eiver, it was found that Yan Dorn's whole force had crossed
during the day on a pontoon bridge and by the ferry-boat.
Accordingly, on the next day, the 12th, the expedition began its
return by way of Franklin and Triune, reaching Murfreesborough
on the afternoon of the 14th, the whole loss during the ten days
having been five killed and five wounded.
THE BATTLE OF MILTON. 425
THE BATTLE OP MILTON.
On the 18th of March an expedition, consisting of the 105th
Ohio, 80th and 123d Illinois, and 101st Indiana, a section of the
19th Indiana Battery, and Company A of the 1st Middle Ten-
nessee Cavalry, — the "whole amounting to a little over fourteen
hundred men, — under the command of Colonel A. S. Hall, of the
105th Ohio, left Murfreesborough in the direction of Liberty.
The same night the command occupied Gainesville, capturing
two prisoners. The next morning an advance was made towards
Statesville, at which place a slight skirmish ensued. The enemy
retired slowly down Smith's Fork on the pike, cautiously fol-
lowed by Colonel Hall, until a regiment of cavalry, with those
driven from Statesville, was found drawn up in line across the
pike. Colonel Hall thereupon rested his forces for a couple of
hours, which were occupied in reconnoissances. Becoming
satisfied that the enemy greatly outnumbered him, he deter-
mined to draw them as near Murfreesborough as possible,
and, accordingly, camping that night at Auburn, seven miles
from Liberty, the next morning took up a position near Milton,
which place is twelve miles northeast of Murfreesborough. Here
he made a stand, fought the enemy, commanded by General John
H. Morgan, and completely routed them, entailing upon that
rebel general the first thorough defeat he had met with. This
engagement was fought on the 20th of March, and has since
become famous as the battle of Milton.
Colonel Hall had scarcely taken position when the enemy's
advance made its appearance about fifteen hundred yards away.
Flankers were at once thrown out, and the section of Harris's
battery was ordered to open fire upon the rebels, who were ap-
proaching at a gallop. A few shells checked them; but the
main body now came in sight, and, having dismounted, advanced
on foot to the attack. Perceiving that the enemy outnumbered
him almost two to one, Colonel Hall slowly fell back to the crest
426 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
of the hill, where his men would have the advantage of an
admirable position, and could avoid at the same time the
possibility of being surrounded and compelled to surrender,
he, meanwhile, sending a messenger to Murfreesborough for
cavalry reinforcements.
The 80th Illinois was formed upon the right, the 123d Illinois
in the centre, and the 101st Indiana on the left. The 105th
Ohio was held in reserve as a support to the section of Harris's
battery, which was ordered to fire upon each rebel line as it
passed within range. The enemy now opened a fierce fire of
shot and shell from their battery, and also advanced in strength
on both our flanks. Morgan evidently hoped to be able to throw
Colonel Harris's men into confusion while they were slowly
retreating to the top of the hill, and made direct charges on
his lines for that purpose. The nature of the ground over
which he was compelled to pass was such, however, that he
could not keep beyond the range of Harris's artillery; and his
heavy columns passing to the left were two or three times cut
in two by its terrible fire. The 80th Illinois also poured in a
destructive volley, and so checked the enemy's ardor that all
the regiments were enabled to reach the position on the crest
of the hill without delay and in good order.
The enemy now advanced on the left in solid columns, making
a vigorous onset upon the 101st Indiana and the left wing of the
123d Illinois, but were driven back in confusion. A second time
they made a still more powerful attack. Some little confusion
was at first manifested in the ranks of the 101st; but it was only
for a moment, and the enemy were again driven back, with still
heavier loss. Failing in his attempts on the left, he now moved
in heavy force against the right, meanwhile opening a sharp fire
upon the centre from four pieces of artillery Here, too, he
was driven back with terrible slaughter. The soldiers of the
Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana regiments took deliberate aim, and
at several places were forced to a hand-to-hand fight. They
displayed the most invincible bravery. Our artillery was so
handled as to do splendid execution. One of the enemy's field-
THE BATTLE OF MILTON. 427
pieces, a rifled six-pounder, was shivered to atoms while a shell
killed the gunner belonging to another.
Failing to accomplish any thing on our flanks, the enemy
next made an attack on the rear; but there also he was met
and repulsed from the commanding position occupied by our
forces, in such a tremendous storm of shot that the guerrilla
gangs were literally mowed down. Again and again the rebels
persevered, but each time without success, until at length (it
being two o'clock, and the fight having lasted three and a half
hours) Morgan withdrew his command.
He still continued his artillery -fire, however, and once, having
received reinforcements, began a new and fierce attack, but ere
long withdrew in confusion. At half-past four his artillery
ceased firing, and the whole command left the field. He col-
lected most of his wounded, except those within our rifle-
range and those mortally injured, and carried them away with
him. Four captains, two lieutenants, and fifty-seven men were,
however, found upon the field, dead, or mortally wounded. Four
surgeons were also left to care for the wounded, by whom Colo-
nel Hall was informed that the wounded carried off the field
amounted to about three hundred, including General Morgan,
slightly wounded in the arm (his wound was afterwards found
to be a more serious one), Colonel Grigsby, right arm broken,
Lieutenant-Colonel Xapier, thigh broken and amputated, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Martin, flesh-wound in the back, and many other
officers of lower rank. Their total loss in killed and wounded
could not have been less than four hundred. Ten prisoners,
eight horses, and fifty-three stand of arms were captured and
brought into camp. Colonel Hall's loss was six killed, forty-
two wounded, and seven missing.
The courier whom Colonel Hall had sent for reinforcements
magnified the danger, representing that he was surrounded and
out of ammunition. Under these circumstances it was thought
advisable to send Colonel Minty, with two brigades of cavalry,
a brigade of infantry, and a battery, to the assistance of our
beleaguered forces. Colonel Minty pushed on with all possible
428 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
speed ; but when he arrived at the scene of the fight, Morgan
had left. It was already nearly dark; but Colonel Minty,
thinking that perhaps the rebels had not gone far, advanced
with his cavalry through the village and thoroughly recon-
noitred the surrounding country Not a rebel was in sight ; and
our cavalry returned to the hill and bivouacked for the night.
The next morning Colonel Minty despatched reconnoitring
parties to Gainesville, Statesville, and Liberty, all of whom
returned without having seen the enemy.
The enemy's force was variously estimated at from three
thousand five hundred to four thousand; but it was hardly so
large. In his official report Colonel Minty estimates it at about
two thousand two hundred and fifty, giving the number and
names of the regiments composing it. There were four regi-
ments of cavalry, averaging about three hundred each, and
three of mounted infantry, averaging about three hundred and
fifty each. The enemy also had one twelve-pounder rifled cannon,
one howitzer (both brass pieces), and two small mountain-how-
itzers. Colonel Hall returned to Murfreesborough on the after-
noon of the 21st, to receive the congratulations of the whole
army for his gallant fight and his complete victory over the far-
famed and not a little dreaded General Morgan.
EXPEDITION OF WILDEE'S BEIGADE.
Expeditions were now more frequent, scarcely a day passing
without the sending out or returning of one. The similarity of
their movements and results renders separate mention useless.
The most remarkable of them, however, have been made by
Colonel John T. "Wilder, of the 17th Indiana, commanding the
1st Brigade of Mounted Rifles. As a specimen of one out of
many, the following account is subjoined.
On the eve'ning of April 1, Colonel "Wilder started with de-
tachments of the following regiments, the 15th, 101st, and 123d
EXPEDITION OF WILDER's BRIGADE. 429
Illinois, on foot, commanded by Colonel Monroe, of the last-
named regiment, and the 17th and 72d Indiana and the 98th
Illinois, mounted, under Colonel Funkhouser. The brigade took
with it four mountain-howitzers and four rifled Parrotts.
The entire force proceeded north to the east fork of Stone
Eiver, where it encamped for the night. The next day, after
proceeding north for some distance in the direction of Lebanon,
while the foot kept the direct road, the mounted regiments
struck off to the right, scouring the country in all directions, —
the whole force concentrating at Lebanon and spending the
second night there. By different routes Colonel Wilder then
marched his forces towards the northeast, sending scouts north
to the Cumberland Eiver on all the principal roads. While one
part of the brigade marched on Eome, the other galloped into
Carthage, taking possession of both these places at the same
time.
After resting and scouting in this vicinity for some time, the
command again turned towards the south, in the direction of
Alexandria, up Canuy Fork and Smith's Fork, marching over
hills and mountains where the people had never before seen a
Federal soldier. Even artillery went rattling over by-roads where
scarcely ever a wagon bad gone before. Hearing that a body
of Wharton's cavalry had returned to Liberty and Snow Hill,
whence General Stanley had driven a similar force but a few
days before, Colonel Wilder laid his plans to capture them. His
plan was perfect, and its execution would have succeeded even
beyond his expectations, but for a mistake in a single road.
Those ordered to take the rear wheeled to the right into the
first cross-road, when they should have taken the second. This
brought them into the main road of rebel retreat near the rear
of their column, while the other would have placed them directly
in Wharton's front. Still, several officers and a number of
prisoners were captured. The position held by Wharton's bat-
talion was well chosen, and so strong that a hundred resolute
men ought to have held it against a thousand ; but it was aban-
doned without any show of resistance.
430 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Many Union families were found entirely destitute, and many
rebels with abundance. The goods of the latter were distri-
buted among the former, and many hearts made glad. To one
a dollar's worth of captured cotton yarn would be thrown ; to
another a tired-out horse or mule would be given ; and so the
expedition marched through the country, stripping the rebels
and supplying several families that had lost their all for the
sake of the Union. Able-bodied negroes who chose to accom-
pany the army were assured that they would find employment
and protection in the Federal army, and large numbers accom-
panied it on its return.
The result of the expedition was as follows : —
Five hundred head of good horses and mules ; eight thousand
dollars' worth of tobacco and cigars, paid for by the Confede-
racy only two days before ; four thousand dollars' worth of spun
yarn; about eighty-six tons of hay and forage; four thousand
bushels of corn ; a large quantity of flour and meal ; one hundred
and four prisoners, including eight officers who were enforcing
the rebel conscription; a rebel mail and mail-carrier, and one
hundred and ninety-four able-bodied negroes. The expedition
is recognized by all as one of the most brilliant and successful of
the campaign, reflecting great credit upon the gallant officer in
command.
An expedition, under command of General Palmer, to "Wood-
bury, also proved very successful, resulting in the capture of
sixty prisoners, one hundred horses and mules, a large quantity
of hay and corn, and a considerable amount of cigars and
tobacco.
VAN DOEN'S ATTACK ON PEANELIN.
Early in April, Major-General Gordon Granger, commanding
a portion of our army at Franklin, learned that an attack would
be made upon that place about the 9th or 10th of the month,
by a rebel force estimated at from fifteen thousand to eighteen
TAX DORN'S ATTACK ON FRANKLIN. 431
thousand, and commanded by Major-General Van Dorn. Gene-
ral Granger's force consisted of Brigadier-Generals Baird's and
Gilbert's divisions of infantry, fifteen hundred and ninety-four
men and sixteen guns, and Brigadier-General Smith's Cavalry
Brigade, eleven hundred and twenty-eight men. To these were
added a cavalry force of sixteen hundred men and two guns,
under the command of Major-General Stanley.
The only artificial defence was the fort, not yet completed,
but which mounted two siege-suns and two three-inch rifled
guns from the 18th Ohio Battery. Bising about forty feet
above the general surface of the country around Franklin, it
commands most of the approaches to the place north of the
Harpeth, and all from the south save that part of the plateau
covered by a few blocks of houses in the southeast part of
the town.
General Granger's camps were on the north side of the river,
about two-thirds of a mile distant. The river is between thirty
and forty feet wide, and about three feet deep, with bluff banks
from six to ten feet high, and can easily be crossed at several
fords either above or beknv Franklin. Thus the town is easy
of approach from every direction.
As the enemy was mounted and in large force, it was anti-
cipated that he would not attack directly in front, but would
seek to turn the flanks or gain the rear of General Granger's
forces. Accordingly, General Baird was directed to hold in
check any force attempting to cross the fords below the town.
General Gilbert was placed in position to meet any attack in
front or to reinforce either flank. General Stanley was stationed
four miles out on the Murfreesborough road, to guard the ford
at Hughes's Mill. General Granger's cavalry, under General
G. C. Smith, was held in reserve to reinforce General Stanley, if
necessary.
The day was propitious for the attack, — dark and smoky. The
wind, too, was high, and swept the dust from Franklin and the
dry roads into the faces of our men, so that at the distance of a
mile it was at times difficult to distinguish a line of horsemen
432 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
from a fence. The enemy advanced with great rapidity, — Van
Dorn on the Columbia pike, and Cosby on the Lewisburg pike,
while Starns and Forrest were sent around to gain Granger's
rear by a road crossing the Harpeth three miles east of the
town, known as the ]^ichol Mill Eoad. It was in anticipation
of this movement that General Granger had placed General
Stanley in the position he held. The first notice of Cosby's
approach was the firing of our pickets, who were driven in
about twelve o'clock, and fell back to the 40th Ohio, stationed
on the south side of the town and there performing guard-duty.
By this force the progress of the enemy was stayed for an
hour or more ; but it was finally compelled to fall back for want
of ammunition. The number of the enemy's dead and wounded,
however, show that our men made a gallant fight against im-
mensely superior numbers. In retiring they were followed into
town by Major Jones's Mississippi cavalry, few of whom lived to
return.
It was now about two o'clock, and a large force could be seen
forming near the railroad on the Lewisburg pike, while another
large force was collected between the Columbia pike and the
railroad, about a mile and a quarter from the fort. Our guns at
once opened upon the rebels stationed in the open field, and in a
short time compelled them hastily to retreat. The enemy then
posted two rifled guns in the edge of the woods, between the
railroad and Columbia pike, directing their fire at the fort and
General Granger's head-quarters, but without inflicting any
damage. A messenger from Brentwood stating that the enemy
had driven in General Morgan's pickets at that point, General
Granger now thought it possible that Van Dorn's real intention
might be to occupy his time and attention by a feint on Frank-
lin, and thus prevent any attack upon him, while he attacked
and captured the small force at Brentwood. To foil such a move-
ment, he ordered all the cavalry under General Smith to rein-
force General Morgan at Brentwood. After they had gone,
however, it was ascertained that a gang of negroes had at a
distance been mistaken for a rebel force, thus causing the alarm.
VAX DORN's ATTACK ON FRANKLIN. 433
It was now evident that the real attack was to be upon hi.s
front; but it was too late to order the return of the cavalry
force, which was to have supported General Stanley. To supply
its place, two regiments of infantry, and two guns, from Gene-
ral Gilbert's division, were ordered forward.
Before they had moved, however, word was received from
Stanley that he had crossed the river at Hughes's Ford, moved
to the Lewisburg pike, and attacked the enemy in flank. It
was here that Companies K and B of the 4th Cavalry dis-
tinguished themselves by one of the finest charges of the war,
capturing a full battery of six pieces and between two hundred
and three hundred prisoners, besides killing a large number,
including a captain and a lieutenant. The enemy were routed
at all points, with heavy loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners, —
the latter numbering between four hundred and five hundred.
Upon receipt of this information, General Granger at once
ordered Stanley's reinforcements forward on the double-quick,
so as to reach him before he was driven back. General Baird's
division was also thrown across the river. These movements,
however, were not quick enough. Yan Dorn, discovering his
precarious situation, abandoned his attack on Granger's front,
and, concentrating his forces against General Stanley, forced him
back, by the mere weight of overwhelming numbers, before his
reinforcements had time to reach him. The battery could not
be taken off, and was abandoned, four of the guns having been
spiked. Most of the prisoners were also recovered by the
enemy, — the cavalry only succeeding in bringing away thirty-
four, among whom were a captain and a lieutenant.
Having thus extricated himself from a dangerous position,
Van Dorn seems to have been satisfied with the day's work ; for
he immediately withdrew towards Spring Hill. His force was
ascertained to have been nine thousand cavalry and mounted
infantry, and two regiments of infantry Their loss in killed,
wounded, and prisoners was about three hundred, of whom about
eighty belonged to the latter class. The loss of Generals Stanley
and Granger was thirty-seven killed, wounded, and missing.
28
434 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
THE OAPTUKE OF McMINNVILLE.
On the 20th of April, Major-General J J. Beynolds, with his
own division, Colonel "Wilder 's Mounted Brigade, and seventeen
hundred and eight cavalry under the command of Colonel
Minty, left "Murfreesborough for McMinnville, to capture or dis-
perse any rebel force that might be at that place. The cavalry
camped that night between Eeadyville and Woodbury. At two
o'clock the next morning, Colonel Long, with the 2d Cavalry
Brigade, four hundred and eighteen men, was ordered to take
the road leading through Jacksborough, strike the railroad at or
near Morrison's as soon after half-past ten a.m. as possible, and
to destroy the trestle-work at that place. The Manchester train,
it was hoped, would be intercepted; but it escaped, though the
work was well done, nevertheless. At three o'clock a.m., Colo-
nel Minty, with the remainder of his command, marched for
McMinnville, and was followed by Colonel Wilder with his
brigade. About two miles from McMinnville, the 4th Michigan
and one company of the 1st Middle Tennessee, with two of
Colonel Wilder's mountain-howitzers, were detached and ordered
to move on the Smithville road, the main body moving along
the old McMinnville road. About half a mile farther on, the
rebel pickets were encountered. Forming in line, they opened
fire, but were charged and driven through the town. The
entire force thus dispersed was about seven hundred, — six hun-
dred cavalry, and the provost-guard, consisting of one hundred
and fifteen men of the 2d Kentucky and 41st Alabama Infantry.
These latter had left town with the wagon-train, by the Chatta-
nooga road, about an hour before Colonel Minty's arrival ; but,
by pressing hard, a part of the 7th Pennsylvania succeeded in
capturing three of the wagons and eight or nine of the men.
The cavalry scattered in every direction, part of them retreat-
ing at a gallop on every road leading from the town, and about
fifty taking the railroad-train which started as our forces entered
the place. In the charge made through the town by the ad-
THE CAPTURE OF MCMINNVILLE. 435
vance-guard, consisting of Lieutenant Thompson and twenty-
five men of the 7th Pennsylvania, Corporal Street mortally
wounded Lieutenant-Colonel Martin, of Johnson's Kentucky
Cavalry, laying open his skull by a sabre-stroke. General John
II. Morgan was riding by the side of Colonel Martin, and barely
escaped capture by the fleetness of his horse. The famous
Major Dick McCann was also wounded and captured, "but effected
his escape the same night from a guard of the 4th United States
Cavalry. Colonel Minty immediately sent the 3d Brigade and
the 4th Michigan after the train which had just left, with orders
to destroy it and also the new bridge over Hickory Creek. The
4th Eegulars were sent to the support of the 7th Pennsylvania,
on the Sparta and Chattanooga road. Colonel Minty then en-
camped for the night on the hill west of McMinnville, and early
the next morning was rejoined by the 2d and 3d Brigades and
the 4th Michigan.
On the 22d he camped at Snow Hill, and on the 23d passed
through Liberty and Alexandria, "Wheeler's, Wharton's, Har-
rison's, and Duke's brigades retreating before him. Camping
three miles west of Alexandria, he remained there until the
morning of the 25th, when he began his return, and, camping
that night near Cainsville, reached Murfrecsborough the next
afternoon. The expedition resulted in the capture of one hun-
dred and thirty prisoners (all but seven of whom were taken
by the cavalry), the destruction of the trestle-work below
Morrison's, the burning of the railroad-buildings, one loco-
motive, and two cars at that place, the burning of the railroad-
bridge across Hickory Creek and the capture there of a large
amount of bacon and other commissary-stores, the recapture of
fifteen of the 2d East and 1st Middle Tennessee Cavalry, and
also the capture of thirty horses, twelve mules, and three
wagons. A large amount of property and stores — including a
cotton-factory and other Government-buildings — was destroyed
at McMinnville by Colonel Wilder, — who also brought in a large
number of horses and mules. All this was effected without a
single casualty.
436
ARMY OF THE ( TMBERI.AND.
On the 27th of April, General Granger's escort — detachments
of the 7th Kentucky Cavalry, Major Vemouth, 6th Kentucky,
Colonel "Wickliff Cooper, and 6th Kentucky, Lieutenant-Colonel
Eoper, — in all, about five hundred men, commanded by Colonel
Watkins, of the 6th Kentucky — made a brilliant dash upon a
camp of rebels upon the Carter's Creek pike, eight miles from
Franklin. Moving at two o'clock in the morning, thej- com-
pletely surprised the rebels at daybreak, killing two, wounding
ten, capturing one hundred and thirty-two privates and six
officers, — three of them captains, and all of the 1st Texas Legion.
About one hundred and fifty horses, one hundred mules, eight
wagons, and an ambulance, were also among the trophies.
A large camp, covering several acres, was completely broken
up, and all the camp-equipage that could not be conveniently
transported was destroyed. Only a mile distant was another
and much larger camp, before which Colonel Watkins drew up
his men as though preparing to attack it. Under cover of this
demonstration, he withdrew with his captures, reaching Franklin
in safety.
EXPEDITION TO NOKTHEKU GEOKGIA.
While the expedition to McMinnville was being consum-
mated, still another was in progress, in another direction, with
a view to stir up the rebel enemy at their homes and to destroy
their army-supplies and lines of communication. Colonel A. J).
Streight, of the 51st Indiana Volunteers, was placed in com-
mand of the 80th Illinois and portions of two Ohio regiments,
which, with his own regiment, numbered about eighteen hun-
dred men, with instructions to proceed to Northern Georgia
and harass the enemy's rear in every possible manner. The
expedition was successful in accomplishing a part of its pro-
jected work, but was closely followed by superior rebel forces,
and, after five days of constant fighting, was compelled to sur-
render, its ammunition being exhausted and further resistance
EXPEDITION TO NORTHERN GEORGIA. 437
useless. Inasmuch as Colonel Streight and the commissioned
officers of his command have been refused an exchange and are
now confined in Southern prisons as common felons, we subjoin
the instructions given to Colonel S., upon which the expedition
was based.
"Head-Quarters Department of the Cumberland,
" Murfreesborough, April 8, 1863.
Colonel A. D. Streight, 51st Indiana Volunteers.
"By special field orders Xo. 94, Paragraph VIII., you have been assigned to
the command of an independent provisional brigade for temporary purposes.
After fitting out your command with equipments and supplies, as you have
already been directed in the verbal instructions of the general commanding
this department, you will proceed, by a route of which you will be advised by
telegraph, to seme good steamboat-landing on the Tennessee River, not far
above Fort Henry, where you will embark your command and proceed up
the river. At Hamburg you will communicate with Brigadier-General
Dodge, who will probably have a messenger there awaiting your arrival. If
it should then appear unsafe to move farther up the river, you will debark
at Hamburg, and without delay join the force of General Dodge, which will
then be en route for Iuka, Mississippi. If, however, it should be deemed
safe, you will land at Eastport and form a junction with General Dodge.
From that point you will then march in conjunction with him to menace
Tuscumbia ; but you will not wait to join in the attack unless it should be
necessary for the safety of General Dodge's command or your own, or unless
some considerable advantage can be gained over the enemy without inter-
fering with the general object of your expedition. After having marched
long enough with General Dodge to create a general impression that you are
a part of his expedition, you will push to the southward and reach Ilussel-
ville or Moulton. From there your route will be governed by circumstances ;
but you will with all reasonable despatch push on to Western Georgia and
cut the railroads which supply the rebel army by way of Chattanooga. To
accomplish this is the chief object of your expedition; and you must not
allow collateral or incidental schemes, even though promising great results,
to delay you so as to endanger your return. Your quartermaster has been
furnished with funds sufficient for the necessary expenses of your com-
mand. You will draw your supplies and keep your command well mounted
from the country through which you pass. For all property taken for the
legitimate use of your command, you will make cash payments in full to
men of undoubted loyalty ; give the usual conditional receipts to men whose
loyalty is doubtful ; but to rebels nothing. You are particularly commanded
to restrain your command from pillage and marauding. You will destroy
all depots of supplies for the rebel army, all manufactories of guns, ammu-
nition, equipments, and clothing for their use, which you can without delay-
ino- vou so as to endanger your return. That you may not be trammelled
438 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
with minute instructions, nothing further will be ordered than this general
outline of policy and operation. In intrusting this highly important and
somewhat perilous expedition to your charge, the general commanding places
great reliance upon your prudence, energy, and valor and the well-attested
bravery and endurance of the officers and men in your command. Whenever
it is possible and reasonably safe, send us word of your progress. You may
return by way of Northern Alabama or Northern Georgia. Should you be
surrounded by rebel forces and your retreat cut off, defend yourself as long
as possible, and make the surrender of your command cost the enemy as
many times your number as possible. A copy of the general order from the
War Department in regard to paroling prisoners, together with the necessary
blanks, are herewith furnished you. You are authorized to enlist all able-
bodied men who desire to join the 'army of the Union.' You must return
as soon as the main objects of your expedition are accomplished.
" Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"J. A. Garfield,
"Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff."
"additional by telegraph.
"April 9, 1S63.
"The written instructions you have received are designed to cover the
cases you allude to. It is not necessary that a manufactory be directly iu
the employ of the rebels to come under the rule there laid down. If it
produces any considerable quantity of supplies which are likely to reach the
rebel army, it is to be destroyed. Of course small mills, that can only sup-
ply the necessaries of life to the inhabitants, should not be injured. Any
considerable amount of supplies likely to reach the rebel army are to bo
destroyed. If you dress your soldiers in the costume of the enemy, they will
be liable to be treated as spies : you should not do this without the consent
of the men, after they have been fully advised of the possible consequences.
" (Signed) J. A. Garfield,
" Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff."
Thus instructed, Colonel Streight moved with his command
to near Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland River, by steamer9
from Nashville, and thence marched across the neck of country
to a point on the Tennessee Eiver near Fort Henry, while the
steamboats went down to the Ohio and came up the Tennessee
River to meet him. While thus crossing, his men scouted
through all that region for horses and mules, and soon the
entire force of the expedition was mounted. Proceeding by
steamers to Eastport, the force disembarked and marched up
EXPEDITION TO NORTHERN" GEORGIA. 439
the country, effecting a junction with General Dodge's force,
advancing upon Tuscumbia and defeating the rebel troops sta-
tioned there, with considerable loss to the latter. Colonel
Streight now pushed on to Xorthern Georgia, hoping to reach
Eome and Atlanta, and there destroy the rebel stores, machine-
shops, and magazines, render useless their railroads, and in
every way to commit irreparable damage to the rebellion, if
possible. The forces under General Dodge, meanwhile, turned
off southward to make a sweeping raid into rebel territory in
Xorth Alabama and return to their head-quarters at Corinth.
Colonel Streight was hardly under way when information of
his movements reached Forrest's and Eoddy's cavalry, which
were then within striking-distance, as it happened. They
moved on rapidly and, by pushing across the country, came in
upon the rear of the Federals ; and then commenced a running
fight of four days' continuance, during which there occurred
two severe battles and several spirited skirmishes, resulting in
considerable loss of life. — mainly on the part of the rebels, who
rushed into well-laid ambushes and were several times signally
repulsed. Upon one such occasion they lost two cannon, which
our forces took along with them and used with effect until the
ammunition was expended, when they were spiked and left
behind. Thus, for a distance of over one hundred miles, our
gallant troops marched towards the heart of the rebellion, doing
immense damage as they progressed, by destroying bridges,
large supplies of corn that had been collected for rebel army-
use, burning a large foundry where cannon and shot 'were being
cast for the Southerners, and stripping the country of what-
ever animals were needed for the expedition. Aside from this,
strict discipline was maintained, private property was respected,
and the people along the route were not needlessly harassed.
At length the rebel force in the rear became augmented to over-
whelming numbers, and, his ammunition being expended and
his men thoroughly exhausted, Colonel Streight surrendered his
command, at a point fifteen miles from Eome, Georgia. His
men, about thirteen hundred in number, were paroled and sent
440 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
to Virginia, where they were exchanged some two months after
their capture. He and his officers were retained and closely-
imprisoned, upon the demand of the Governor of the State
of Georgia, Avho claimed them as prisoners of state (felons),
alleging that they had incurred the penalty fixed by a statute
of that State for inciting slaves to rebellion. The charge was
made that, at the time of the surrender, negroes were found
with Streight's command, uniformed and bearing arms. Our
returned privates, however, deny the charge, — stating that but
very few — not more than five or six — negroes were with the
command, that those persons started with them from Nashville
as servants, &c, that they refused to permit negroes to accom-
pany or follow them during the march, and that at the time of
the surrender only one of these negroes could be said to be
armed, and he was carrying his master's (or employer's) sword,
as a servant.
So stands this matter at the present time of writing. For
this unjust detention and imprisonment our Government has
retaliated by refusing to parole or exchange rebel officers, and
hundreds of the latter have since accumulated and are now pining
in Northern prisons. In consequence of his detention, no official
report of Colonel Streight's expedition has been made; and the
author has gleaned the foregoing account from various sources,
and in the detail it may not be strictly accurate. The following
letter from Colonel Streight, addressed to Brigadier-General
Garfield, Chief of Staff, from his cell in the Libby Prison, Eich-
mond, Virginia, is all the official light as yet afforded us respect-
ing this expedition : —
" Richmond, Va., May 24, 1863.
" General: — I hope this may reach you; but whether the bearer of it
(Captain Brown, formerly of the gunboat Indianola) will be able to get it
through, I am unable to say.
" Though painful in the extreme, I am under the necessity of announcing
to you that after four days and nights of almost incessant fighting, — the
enemy being fully four thousand strong, commanded by General Forrest, —
we were compelled to surrender for want of ammunition. Our loss in the
several engagements, in killed and wounded, does not amount to more than
one hundred. I regret to say that Colonel Hathaway is among the killed .
ADVANCE UPON TULLAHOMA. 441
he fell, mortally wounded, on the evening of the third day, and expired in a
few moments. The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded— according to
actual count on some of the principal battle-grounds, together with the
most positive information obtained through one of my surgeons, who was
left in charge of our wounded — will amount to not less than five hundred in
killed and wounded ; among the latter is Captain Forrest (brother of
General Forrest), mortally. I am proud to say that the whole command —
both officers and men — acted nobly and gallantly, — drove the enemy from
the field in each and every engagement. I will be glad to give you all the
particulars when I have more confidence that they will reach you. We (tho
officers of my command) are now confined in the celebrated Libby Prison,
and hope you will exercise your influence and judgment in getting us
released as soon as possible, as our condition is any thing but pleasant. I
had forgotten to say to you that we captured in the first engagement two pieces
of artillery, which we used to good advantage until the ammunition was
expended, when they were spiked, the carriages destroyed and abandoned.
I had also forgotten to mention that a portion of our ammunition had become
damaged, which rendered our further resistance impossible at an unexpected
time.
" Truly, your friend,
" A. D. Streight.
" To Brig. -Gen. J. A. Garfield.''
ADVANCE UPON TULLAHOMA *
Upon the 23d of June, General Eosecrans issued orders for an
advance in force* upon the enemy the following morning at day-
break. His plan of operations was to create the impression of a
main advance upon the enemy's left and centre by feint move-
ments and demonstrations on our right with the lesser part of
the army, in the direction of Shelbyville, while the decisive blow
of the campaign was to be struck by rapidly marching with the
principal body upon the enemy's right, turning or pushing it
out of the way. and thence moving quickly, via Manchester,
*' From this point the operations of the army are given by the author as gathered
from verbal and unofficial reports, and may not be entirely accurate. Also, portions
of our forces may not be mentioned as they merit. The author hopes for indulgence
from the army, should this prove to be the case. The " Annals" were nearly ready
for publication, and to wait for the official reports would have occasioned material
delay.
442 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
upon Tullahoma, seizing the enemy's base at and lines of
retreat and communication from that point, and thus forcing
them to fight on our own terms, or surrender or scatter. To
General McCook's corps the part of making the first advance
from our right was assigned.
The three divisions of the 20th Corps were under arms before
sunrise on the 24th. Owing to the delay in receiving marching-
orders, General Sheridan's, which was to have the advance, did
not get under way on the Shelbyville road until about seven a.m.
It marched over that road, preceded by five companies of the
39th Indiana Mounted Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Jones,
until it came in sight of the enemy's outposts, when it halted
and bivouacked, according to orders, in the woods on each side
of the road, paying no attention to the desultory musketry and
artillery fire the rebels opened upon it at intervals. Johnson's
and Davis's divisions turned to the left when six miles out, as
ordered, and took the road to Liberty Gap.
Up to the morning of the 24th, there had been a long term, of
fine, cool, clear weather. The roads were dry without being
dusty; but the very hour the troops marched out of their can-
tonments rain commenced falling, as was the case also in De-
cember last, when the army moved out from Nashville upon
Murfreesborough.
Before daybreak on the 24th, Colonel Wilder's mounted in-
fantry struck tents, and were soon in motion along the pike
leading to Manchester. General Reynolds, Avith the remainder
of his division, followed. Later in the day, Generals Xegley and
Rousseau left camp in the same direction. Colonel Wilder was
directed to move forward to within a few miles of Hoover's
Gap, rest until the infantry should come up, and then to carry
the works. Nine miles from Murfreesborough the advance-
guard came upon the enemy's pickets. Two companies were
deployed as skirmishers, and the column moved forward, driving
the enemy before it. From the citizens and prisoners Colonel
"Wilder learned that the works commanding the gap, and care-
fully constructed under the supervision of Bushrod Johnson,
ADVANCE UPON TULLAHOMA. 443
■were not occupied at present; and he determined to move
forward and take possession before the knowledge of our move-
ment could reach the enemy and enable him to move into the
fortifications, which he successfully accomplished, driving back
the rebel outpost* and skirmishers and taking several prisoners.
This gap afforded strong defensive points at its entrance; but
so sudden was our appearance that the enemy made but little
resistance. Learning that the farther extremity of the gap
offered opportunity for serious resistance to our advance,
Colonel Wilder resolved to hurry forward and take position on
the hill that commanded the road and the enemy's camp. The
vanguard dashed forward and captured a train of nine wagons
on the way to the rebel camp, a drove of fine beef-cattle, and
twelve or fifteen prisoners. The long roll was heard in the
enemy's camp soon after his arrival, and he immediately dis-
posed his troops for battle. Captain Lilley, with his 18th In-
diana Battery, hurried forward and took position on a cleared
eminence used for pasturing-purpo^es, while the 12:Jd Illinois,
Colonel Monroe, moved up to its support. A howitzer was
planted on a less commanding eminence near the creek, and the
72d Indiana formed in line of battle near it. Colonel Jordan,
with the 17th Indiana, took position, while Colonel Funkhouser,
with the 08th Illinois, formed some distance to the right, but
on the same ridge. Soon after, the thunders of the artillery
announced the opening of the battle, and the replies of the
rebel gunners indicated a readiness to engage. Five regiments
of rebel infantry rose from the low ground near the stream, and,
cheering like men confident of easy victory and disposed to
inspire terror in their antagonists, came charging across the
rolling but open field towards the 17th. The enemy approached
within range, and received a volley from the 17th, that checked
but did not stay them. Supposing our guns exhausted, a cheer
followed the report, and they moved on. Again Wilder's ex-
haustless weapons — the Spencer Eifles (twelve-shooters) — pour
in their rain of bullets, and still the enemy press on. The
rebels were nearing the line in largely superior force, and the
444 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
colonel looked anxiously for assistance. The bayonet might
prolong the struggle, but ultimate capture seemed inevitable.
Not a man left the line. Comrades were falling rapidly; but
threatening disaster only nerved the men to greater exertion,
and they still bravely poured in their fire. Just as hope was
giving way, successive volleys on the right announced the
arrival of reinforcements. The enemy faltered, staggered back,
and, as if hurried to a decision by a united fire of the 98th and
17th, turned their backs and fled, leaving a large portion of their
dead and wounded on the field. The right of their line charged
our batteries ; but the 123d Illinois, rising from its cover, charged
over the crest, poured in a few well-directed volleys, and the day
was won. The importance of this victory was evinced by the
remark of the general commanding. He is reported to have said,
after examining the formidable position, " Wilder has saved us
thousands of men." The loss of the command, in the two hours'
fighting, was sixty-three killed and wounded. Deserters from
the enemy and prisoners captured gave their loss at over five
hundred killed and wounded; and among the former was Major
Claybrook, of one of the Tennessee regiments engaged. The
rebel forces engaged were LiddelPs, Wharton's, and Bates's
brigades, numbering fifteen regiments.
During this time brilliant work was being done at Liberty
Gap, through Avhich the command of Major-General McCook
was to pass in advancing upon Cleborne's division of the rebel
army. Since the battle of Stone Eiver, General McCook's troops
had longed for another trial of valor with the enemy. At
Liberty Gap it came to them at last, and most handsomely did
they improve it. Colonel Harrison, in the advance, with one
battalion of the 39th Indiana Mounted Infantry, discovered a
force of about eight hundred rebel infantry, about one o'clock
#p.m., when within a short distance of the entrance of the gap.
After dismounting part of his men and deploying them as skir-
mishers, he reported the fact to General Johnson, who directed
General Willich, whose brigade led the column, to drive the
enemy. General Willich at once halted his brigade and made
ADVANCE UPON TULLAHOMA. 445
the necessary dispositions. He then ordered the entire line
forward. It pushed on, under a heavy fire, through the open
fields, with loud cheers, and, with its flanks outreaching and
turning those of the enemy, had soon gained the hills and
driven the rebels into precipitate flight, capturing their tents,
baggage, and supplies.
General Johnson now ordered General "Willich to rally and
rest his brigade, and Colonel Baldwin's to take the lead and clear
the upper end of the gap from the enemy Advancing as
rapidly as the narrow valley permitted, Colonel Baldwin soon
found the enemy in force, afterwards ascertained from prisoners
to have consisted of an entire brigade of infantry and a battery
of artillery, in a strong position on each side of the road.
Placing the Louisville Legion (5th Kentucky) on the right and
the 6th Indiana on the left of the road, with skirmishers in
front and the 1st and 93d Ohio as reserves, and directing a
section of the 5th Ohio Battery, under Lieutenant Ellison, to
engage the rebel artillery, he moved to the attack under a
severe fire, and, after a short but sharp combat, drove the enemy
in gallant style from and occupied their position. *
On the following day General Johnson, in obedience to in-
structions, kept up the delusion of the enemy as to our real
intentions, by holding the position his command had won the
night before. In the forenoon Willieh's brigade was ordered to
picket the front. Its pickets kept up a brisk exchange of shots
with those of the enemy. Towards noon they commenced
feeling us by repeatedly advancing within range with skir-
mishers, supported by cavalry. They were driven back as
often as they advanced. At two p.m. they repeated their at-
tempt with a reinforced front of skirmishers, but again failed.
Between three and four o'clock they came to a formal attack
in line of battle. Simultaneously they posted a section of artil-
lery in front of our left, and another bearing upon our centre,
but still did not succeed in forcing back our picket-lines, which,
after being strengthened by the support-companies, counter-
charged, and drove the enemy several miles. At about three
446 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
o'clock the ammunition of the 32d Indiana and 89th Illinois
giving out, General Willich ordered the 15th Ohio to advance
in support into the front line. The men of the 15th divided
their ammunition with those of the 32d and the 89th, and the
three regiments thus kept the enemy in check.
Soon after, General Willich ordered the 49th Ohio behind the
centre of the line, and placed Goodspeed's battery upon a hill,
somewhat in the rear, where it opened a vigorous and effective
fire upon the enemy's artillery, and some houses sheltering rebel
infantry, on the opposite heights. At about the same time
General Willich sent word to General Johnson that the fight
was becoming serious.
Between five and six p.m., the ammunition of the 15th Ohio,
32d Indiana, and 89th Illinois being about exhausted, General
Willich ordered the 49th Ohio to charge. Upon returning from
captivity, General Willich had introduced into his brigade a new
form of attack by skirmishers. This the 49th now executed for
the first time in action. Upon the order to move forward, the
regiment advanced in steady line, cheered by the remainder of
the* brigade and joined by the men of the other regiments still
provided with a few cartridges, through the open woods, towards
the cornfields forming the valley across which the enemy had
been operating. Having arrived within close range, Colonel
Gibson gave the order, " Advance, firing." The regiment formed
in four ranks. The first rank delivered a volley, next the fourth
advanced to the front and fired, and then the second and third,
in succession. At the second volley the advancing enemy
wavered ; at the third and fourth they broke and ran.
General Johnson, in the absence of General Davis in conse-
quence of illness, had ordered General Carlin's brigade of the
1st Division, which had gone up the gap during the engagement,
to the support of the 2d Brigade. Advancing across the valley
with a dash, it came up on the right of the latter, after losing
from twenty-five to thirty men. General Davis, having left hip
sick-bed upon the first sound of battle, arrived in front just in
time to see the first charge of his men. Shortly after the ap-
ADVANCE UPON TUL1AIIOMA. 447
pearanee of Carlin's brigade, the enemy abandoned the contest.
The orders of our generals being only to check but not to attack
them, the fight ceased. In the earlier days of the war these
two affairs at Liberty Gap would have commanded the public
attention to a full extent. But, amidst the contemporaneous
struggles of mightier numbers for more important issues in other
parts of the country, they will pass as of minor importance.
We sum up the result of these movements as follows : —
Wilder s mounted infantry defeated a superior infantry force
at Hoover's Gap on the 24th, and on the same day Willi ch's
brigade of McCook's corps drove two regiments from a strong
position at Liberty Gap. The next day Willich's, Wilder's, and
Carter's brigades completely routed a rebel division under
General Cleborne. who is said to have fallen in the action. The
Union loss was forty killed and one hundred wounded.
These gaps were the key of the position, and their loss to the
enemy at once determined him to retreat; for as soon as Gene-
ral Boseerans advanced, through them, to Manchester and Win-
chester, he flanked Bragg, at Tullahoma; and the latter, with
Vicksburg and Port Hudson fresh in his memory, hastily eva-
cuated. Upon ascertaining this fact, on the 1st day of July
General Bosecrans threw forward his force in rapid pursuit,
Thomas moving on the Manchester road from Manchester, and
McCook on the one from Tullahoma. Thomas moved rapidly
in hopes of striking the enemy, moving nearly due east, to get
on the military road built by Bragg, parallel with and five miles
east of the railroad. This General Thomas failed to do until the
enemy was well beyond the angle and when he was crossing
Elk Biver. The division of General Negley encountered the
rear of Hardee at a point about four miles north of Elk Biver,
and skirmished with it all day, losing four or five men killed
and wounded. The enemy's rear-guard, under Wheeler, made
a stubborn resistance, delaying Negley so that the rebel trains
got beyond the river. During the night, by great exertions,
Bragg escaped with his reserve of artillery — twenty-six pieces
— across Elk Biver, at Estelle Springs, and reached Tin Moun-
44S ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
tains. The enemy, on both roads, burned the bridges, and the
rear-guard took up positions in hastily-built works on the oppo-
site side of the river. It was readily understood that this was
to delay our crossing as long as possible, in order to enable the
infantry and trains to get into the mountains. To aid them in
this, heavy rains came up, and the river rose very high.
General Crittenden, with a full corps, was sent by a rapid
march to take possession of the road leading from Dechard, via
Tracy City, to Chattanooga. This was successful, and forced
the enemy to take roads across the mountains.
On the morning of the 2d, General McCook crossed at the
mouth of Eock Creek, below the enemy's position in front of
our right, and thus flanked the road to Winchester and the
mountains. At the upper bridge, where Negley was, a similar
manoeuvre was made, with still better success. Eousseau and
Brannan were sent to the upper crossing to come down on the
rear of the enemy, whom Negley was to detain, — not to drive.
It was thought that Eousseau could cross by ten o'clock ; but the
swollen state of the river prevented, and only a few troops got
across in time. In the mean time a cavalry brigade came in
upon the right flank of the enemy Their firing was mistaken
for that of Eousseau, and Negley opened with two batteries on
the rebel position, one thousand yards distant. The first fire
dismounted one gun and killed several of the rebel gunners.
They were taken completely by surprise, and made but few
replies, retreating precipitately to the mountains. General
Turchin had engaged the rebel right, and after a fight of two
hours drove it and the entire rebel force from the field, killing
thirty-five of them. The fight only commenced at two p.m., and
the troops were unable to cross until the morning of the 3d.
They moved only a short distance, Negley encamping on the
battle-field, and Eousseau and Brannan on the bank of the river.
McCook in the mean time advanced, and occupied Winchester,
Dechard, and Cowan. On the morning of July 4, our whole
force advanced to the foot of the mountains at Cowan, to find
ADVANCE UPON TULLAHOMA. 449
»
the enemy gone, in full retreat upon Chattanooga and the
Georgia border.
Meanwhile Generals Stanley and Granger marched on and
took possession of Shelbyville, meeting with but little opposition
from retiring rebel skirmishers, and are reported as having
captured several pieces of cannon and some three hundred
prisoners, — among them a colonel and a lieutenant-colonel. The
Union citizens of Shelbyville greeted our troops with waving
of flags and expressions of delight. From thence General
Stanley has penetrated to Huntsville, Alabama; and we now
hold that entire section of country.
Bragg's retreat from Tennessee has demoralized his army,
and discouraged the rebel people of that section. "When the
order was given to his troops to relinquish the fortifications and
retreat in the direction of the Tennessee Eiver, the disaffection
that had existed among the Tennesseeans broke out in open
denunciation and unreserved expressions of determination to
abandon the cause and return to their homes. General Cheat-
ham's division of Tennessee troops is said td have dissolved,
and the flying fragments are making their way through the
mountains to the Federal lines. Sixty deserters came into Tul-
lahoma in one day and took the oath of allegiance. A colonel
of a Tennessee regiment, on announcing the order to retreat,
boldly avowed his intention of quitting the rebel service, and
advised his men to escape to the mountains and make their
way home.
We here close our record of the operations of the Army of
the Cumberland. It has saved Kentucky and recovered Ten-
nessee— two of the most valuable of the Southern States — to
the Union fold. Its operations have been uniformly successful,
and it has fought one of the greatest battles of modern times.
As we close, the note of busy preparation is heard upon every
band for an advance beyond the Tennessee Eiver, to free the
crushed Union men and to overwhelm the rebel traitors of the
Gulf States.
TuLLAHOMA, Tennessee, August 1, 1863.
29
POLICE RECORD
OF OPERATIONS OF
SPIES, SMUGGLERS, TRAITORS, ETC.
OCCURRING WITHIN THE LINES
OF THE
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
CONTEXTS.
A REBEL MINTS Sl09,000.
A NEST OF NASHVILLE SMUGGLERS.
THE HOLLOW-HEELED BOOT.
THE PSELDO "SANDERS."
DR. HUDSON" THE SMUGGLER.
NEWCOMER TFIE SCOUT.
GENERAL JOHN H. MORGAN'S FEMALE SPY.
N0RRI3 THE KIDNAPPER.
PHILLIPS, THE KENTUCKY UNIONIST.
MOORE AND BLUE, THE SCOUTS.
TRAINOR, THE TRAITOR WAGON- MASTER.
A SPr ON GENERAL JOHN H. MORGAN.
SPECIMENS CE REBEL LETTERS.
A CINCINNATI SPY.
TWO REBEL CONGRESSMEN'S WIVES.
JOHN MORFORD, THE SPY.
FRAUDULENT TRANSFER OF REBEL GOODS.
MR-'. Y 'S BOOTS.
MRS. MOLLY HYDE.
ADVENTURES OF TWO UNION SPIES.
THE MISSES ELLIOTT.
KILLDARE, THE SCOUT.
DEATH OF A REBEL GENERAL AND VILLAIN.
PRISON-EXPERIENCE OF A UNION SPY.
A NAMELESS SPY.
NASHVILLE AS A TYPE OF THE REBELLION.
ARMY POLICE RECORD.
A Kebel Minus One Hundred and Nine Thousand Dollars !
One of the most important and interesting cases upon the records of the
Police of the Army of the Cumberland occurred at Louisville, Kentucky,
about the time when Major-General Rosecrans was assuming its command
in October last. The Chief of his Army Police, and some of his assistants,
had hardly arrived in that city before they got upon the track of the case,
and fully developed the facts, which are as follow.
On the last day of October, 1862, as the mail-boat from Cincinnati to
Louisville was ploughing its way down the Ohio River, well thronged with
passengers, a party of three persons were to be seen in the saloon, seated
before a table, enjoying themselves over a friendly glass and whiling away
the hours with a game of euchre. The three were, comparatively speaking,
strangers, — had not met with each other previously. Either by accident, by
mutual attraction, or by spiritual affinity in the double sense (and whether
these small, yet great, events in life come by chance, or are foreordained,
we leave to casuists and philosophers to determine), it so happened that
these three persons took to cards and cocktails from nine o'clock at night
until two in the morning. One of these parties was Mr. John "VV Lee, a
well-dressed, smooth-faced, courteous, middle-aged gentleman, bearing the
appearance of a prosperous and well-regulated country merchant. The
second person was a resident of Cynthiana, Kentucky : his name or busi-
ness is of no importance, as the only figure he cuts in this story is — like
that of the deuce-spot in the game — to count. The third party at the tabic
was a detective ; and that is enough to know, gentle reader, to appreciate
fully the story.
The game of euchre proved the entering wedge for another kind of game.
The influence of cocktails and brandy-straight opened wide the door of
friendship and confidence, and Mr. Lee intrusted to the keeping of his new-
found acquaintance the weighty secret that he had in his charge a large
amount of gold and greenbacks in transitu to its owners .in Dixie. Mr.
Lee further intimated that he would like to purchase some twenty thousand
dollars' worth of goods to take to Kentucky to sell, and if he could get passes
and permits of the military authorities at Louisville to get his money and
goods through, he would be all right. Much conversation ensued that night
and during the following morning, the result of which was that Mr. Lee and
453
454 ARMY TOLICE RECORD.
his friend were to go into partnership in the merchandise, and the friend was
to be instrumental in getting the passes, or, if necessary, in running the
blockade. Franklin, Kentucky, was the point fixed upon as a good locality
for selling the goods, and, of course, the nearest and best point to rebeldom
in Tennessee for smuggling purposes.
Arrived at Louisville, Mr. Lee and his friend proceeded to the express-
office in that city, — the latter by invitation of the former. Passing along
the streets, Mr. Lee more fully explained that he had about one hundred
and sixty thousand dollars in gold and treasury notes ; that he had taken
English sterling bonds for his friends in Knoxville, Tennessee, to New York
and there cashed them ; that he had sold the bonds for thirty-two per cent,
premium ; that he had bought some gold at about the same rate of premium ;
that the money was to come to Louisville by express, and was there now,
very probably. Upon inquiry at the office Mr. Lee found this to be the
case. He asked the agent if jive bags of gold were there for John TV,
Lee. The agent replied, "No," and said, "Have you not made a mistake
in the number of bags?" Mr. Lee looked at his receipt, and said, "Yes;
there are seven bags." This was correct, and the agent expressed his
readiness to deliver it upon Mr. Lee procuring the usual identification. The
twain were rather nonplussed : however, Mr. Lee remembered that M. B.
Whiteside, Esq., of that city, knew him, and would vouch for him; and
they left the express-office. The detective volunteered to find Mr. White-
side. He did so ; and that gentleman remarked that he merely knew Mr. Lee,
but of his loyalty he knew nothing, and declined to vouch for or identify
him. The new friend, however, did not despair ; he saw Mr. Lee, reported
progress, or, rather, no progress, and said he had friends in the city whom
he would introduce, and who could not only identify, but also procure the re-
quisite passes. All now was well. Mr. Lee and friend smiled most pleasantly
in that very luxurious but rather one-sided apartment, the saloon of the
Gait House. But — alas for the evanescent bliss of the happiest of mortals !
— at this juncture a policeman tapped our tapsters on the shoulder, and they
followed him to the shades. Mr. Lee was informed that he was under
arrest ; that his money had been seized where it lay in the express-office ;
that he would not be confined, however, but liberated on his parole not to
leave the city. The new friend was hustled off to prison summarily, as an
old offender ; i.e. he was marched away from Mr. Lee under arrest ; and
then, most probably, set off to work up some other case of rascality, pos-
sibly a little sad at the loss of his prospective partnership in the country
store at Franklin, or, more possibly, smiling at the trick that Mr. Lee was
playing upon him, in holding out to him such an inducement to aid the
smuggler on his way.
There was now a shadow upon the countenance of John W. Lee aforesaid.
He paced to and fro through the public halls of the Gait House, as if
tormented by a perturbed spirit. The close observer might have noted
as much at a glance ; and one person there was, lingering around that
hotel, in and about, who was thus taking notes. He was a gentleman
A REBEL MINUS HIS GOLD. 455
familiar with the purlieus of the Gait House, and, probably, of many other
houses in the city of Louisville. Some trivial pretext for conversation soon
occurred, and this gentleman introduced himself to Mr. Lee as a paroled
Confederate surgeon and a Mississippian, who enjoyed the privilege of the
city through the interposition of influential friends. Our quondam surgeon
had also come heavily to grief, and at once proceeded to unbosom himself to
the interested Mr. Lee. He told him that, because of his prominence and
influence as a Southern Rights man, his name was not placed upon the
regular cartel for exchange, recently made out by Major-General Buell, that
he was about to proceed to Bowling Green, then the head-quarters of Major-
General Rosecrans, to have his name thus properly placed, and that he would
then proceed home speedily, and without taking the oath of allegiance to the
Federal Government.
This tale was pleasant to John "VV Lee. It was told with such earnest-
ness and unction, and was so well concocted, that it threw him completely
off his guard. Here was trouble with which he could heartily sympathize.
By this time the twain were cosily seated in the gentlemen's parlor of the
Gait House, and Mr. Lee seemed to crave for friendly sympathy in return.
To insure its extension, he gave this account of his affairs and their present
condition.
During the last autumn two persons from Kentucky passed through the
North and proceeded to the city of Augusta, Georgia. There they purchased
of Thomas Metealf English sterling exchange to the amount of nearly two
hundred thousand dollars, paying for it entirely in Confederate scrip, all
of which proved to be counterfeit. Upon ascertaining this fact, Metealf
at once sent to Knoxville for Lee, asking him to come to Augusta : he did
so, and it was agreed that he (Lee) should have thirty-three and one-third
per cent, of all the amount he could recover. This was a bright idea with
our Southern brother Metealf; for Lee was known at home as a good Union
man, and could travel about among the Yankees and hunt up the money
at will.
Mr. Lee was faithful and energetic in his search for the lost treasure.
Aladdin never rubbed his lamp with more ardor than did this gentleman seek
for sterling bonds or their proceeds. He found his way back to Morganfield,
Union county, Kentucky, on the 16th day of October, 1862. He crossed the
Southern lines upon passes furnished him by Metealf; and, of course, he
could pass through the United States upon the strength of his Unionism pure
and undefiled. He obtains an introduction to Mr. George R. Ellis, of that
town, — the latter being an officer, a constable or deputy sheriff, we believe,
— and hires his assistance to find two persons, by name, Frank Payne and
Martin Hancock, telling him that these persons had passed counterfeit Con-
federate money on the firm of Metealf & Co., of Augusta, Georgia, to the
amount of one hundred and sixty thousand dollars, or thereabouts ; that
they lived somewhere in that vicinity, and that he wished to find them.
Lee and Ellis, after a vigorous search, found Hancock in Henderson
county, and ascertained that Payne was either dead or had left the country.
456 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
They invito Hancock into a room, and Lee produces a letter from Metcalf &
Co. (And here, l>y the way, we should remark that the lifter gives two or
three different names of parties in Georgia who owned the sterling bonds.
In stating the case to the supposed Confederate surgeon, at the Gait House,
Louisville, he gave the owner's name as Thomas Metcalf, of Augusta,
Georgia ; and in stating it to Mr. Ellis — as we see by Ellis's affidavit — he
gave the owners' names as Whiteman & Co., of Augusta, Georgia.) This
letter Lee read to Hancock; it charged him (Hancock) and Payne with
passing off the counterfeit money. Hancock at once admitted the fact, and
then and there agreed to refund the whole amount involved to Lee, as agent
for the owners, informing him that the money was in New York City, and
that he would go on with him and make it all right. Lee then employed
Ellis to accompany them to watch Hancock and make all sure, agreeing to
pay him five hundred dollars for the service. The three soon started for
the East ; and at Cincinnati Hon. Judge Trigg joined the party as counsel,
procured by the far-sighted Lee. To be brief, they reached New York City,
and there recovered one hundred and forty-five thousand dollars in money,
and Hancock gave his note to Lee for fifteen thousand dollars, payable
three months thereafter at Nashville, Tennessee.
The party returned to Cincinnati, bringing the money in two large trunks,
which were so heavy that Lee feared they would excite suspicion, and there
telegraphed back to New York respecting the exchange of the gold for
Southern scrip, or something that would answer the purposes of the owner.
Mr. Ellis and Judge Trigg parted from Lee at Cincinnati, and the latter
came on to Louisville with the money, as related in the beginning of this
chapter.
So much for the story of John W Lee, told to our confidence-man, the
Confederate surgeon. The latter heartily sympathized with his friend, and
with the Southern owner, who, he hoped, would yet get his money from
the Federal clutches. The surgeon remarked, —
"I have a heartfelt interest in your case. I am a native of Georgia.
I know Thomas L. Metcalf, of Augusta, well, and he is a true, uncom-
promising friend of the South. He is very wealthy, — a heavy cotton-dealer
and ship-owner, &c. When the war broke out, Mr. Metcalf raised and
equipped a company called the Metcalf Guards, which company fought a.t
the first battle of Bull Run, and was, sad to say, almost annihilated."
"I am pleased to hear this," replied Lee, "and that Mr. Metcalf has
another friend here. But one thing let me caution you about: don't
breathe a word here about his Southern Rights course, as you respect
him and love the cause. Be very careful; for I shall now insist that he is a
good Union man, and think that I can thus get his mopey back and save my
portion of it."
The surgeon of the Confederacy promised faithfully to be silent on that
point. It was also further arranged that he would at once go to Bowling
Green, see Major-General Rosecrans, get his exchange papers adjusted,
and return to Louisville, when Lee would have letters ready for Mr. Met-
A XEST OF NASHVILLE SMUGGLERS. 45"
calf explaining the ills that had happened to their plan, which letters were
to be taken to the sunny South by the surgeon.
The story is told. Mr. Lee saw the surgeon no more ; nor did his old
steamboat friend again turn up. His money is now in possession of the
United States Government, and the trial of the case is pending, we believe,
in the United States District Court at Louisville. "When we last heard
from John W Lee, the good Union man, he had feed a lawyer for ten
thousand dollars to win the case, at Washington, where he expected to
get back his bargained share, thirty-three per cent, of the sum total. This
statement is compiled from the evidence of the two witnesses, — the surgeon
and Mr. Ellis of Kentucky, — and, if the facts are as thus stated, Mr. Lee
will have a happy time of it in recovering his percentage.
A Nest of Nashville Smugglers.
For many weary months after its occupation' by the Federal army, Nash-
ville was the great centre to which thronged all the hordes of smugglers,
spies, and secret plotters of treason, whom a love of treachery or of gain had
drawn to the rebel cause. The aid and encouragement received from the
wealthy Secessionists of the city enabled them securely and successfully to
carry out their designs, which, added to its proximity to the heart of the
Confederacy, made it a peculiarly advantageous base of operation. Through
them, lines of communication were kept open to every part of the South,
and the rebel army supplied with valuable goods and still more valuable
information. Their shrewdness and secrecy seemed to defy every attempt at
detection. The regular pickets, do what they would, found it impossible to
prevent the transportation of contraband goods beyond the lines ; and it was
only when mounted policemen were stationed on every road leading from the
city that a noticeable decrease in the operations of these aiders and abettors
of the rebellion became apparent. As an illustration of the beneficial eifects
of the new arrangement, and to show to what great results a trifling circum-
stance will sometimes lead, the case of the three Friedenbergs and the
developments to which it gave rise are here narrated.
On Sunday, the 28th of December, 1802, as two of these policemen were
patrolling the Murfreesborough pike, they saw coming towards the city a
buggy in which were seated three men. At first glance there was nothing
to distinguish them from ordinary travellers ; but when they had drawn near
enough to see the policemen, the youngest and smallest of the three jumped
from the buggy and made for the woods with desperate speed. This, of
course, excited suspicion, and he was at once pursued, but unavailingly.
His two companions, however, were halted and sent under guard to the
police-office. An examination of themselves and vehicle revealed the
presence of nothing contraband; the only thing found upon them being
458 ARMY TOLICE RECORD.
several hundred dollars in Southern money. Their names, they said, were
Besthoff and Friedenberg. They had been engaged in merchandizing at
Atlanta, Georgia, before the war, and had remained there until recently.
Finding they could no longer keep out of the rebel army, they determined to
escape ; had closed out their stock at what it would bring, and with the pro-
ceeds were now on their way North. Of the young man with them when
first seen, they either could or would say nothing more than that he was a
stranger whom they had found at Murfreesborough, and who had begged a
passage in their buggy to Nashville. Such was the substance of a very
pitiable story of hardships, suffering, and heavy losses, related with much
volubility and feeling, and, there being no evidence contradictory of it, or
warranting their further detention, — whatever private reasons there may
have been to suspect its truth, — they were released.
Attention was again directed to the young man — or boy, rather — who had
escaped. His hasty flight indicated something wrong, and detectives were put
upon his track. For several days nothing was heard of him ; but one morning
he was seen gliding stealthily through an alley in the city, and, chase being
made, was this time soon caught. He was found to be a German Jew, not
yet sixteen years old, but .bright and quick-witted far beyond what is
usual at such an age. An examination at the police-office disclosed upon
his person about six hundred dollars, which was taken from him. On being
questioned, he said that his name was James "Wilson ; that he formerly lived
in Cleveland, East Tennessee, but had been peddling in Atlanta, Georgia.
His story was much the same as that of Friedenberg and Besthoff ; he had
sold his goods, was anxious to get away and go to Germany, was tired of the
business, had lost heavily, &c As in the case of the others, this was reason-
able enough in itself, and he was about to be released, when a gentleman
sitting in the office — formerly a resident in the South, but now in the army
police service — called Colonel Truesdail to one side, and said to him, —
"That boy is lying to you, — is telling you a series of lies right along. I
know him, and know who and what he is. I saw him at Murfreesborough
peddling contraband goods, where he was generally known to be a smuggler,
and I recognized him at once while he was talking to you."
"Take him into another room, then," said the colonel, "and work upon
him. Talk sharp to him ; tell him that you know all about him, and how
you know it. Convince him that you have seen him in the South and know
what he was doing there, and then tell him that if he will own up, tell all
he knows about these smuggling operations, and disclose the names of those
engaged in it, we will return him his money and let him off without punish-
ment ; but, if he won't do that, we'll keep his money and send him to the
penitentiary."
This was done ; but the boy still persisted for some time in his original
story. Finding, however, that he really was known, and that it was likely
to fare hard with him, he finally yielded and made a new statement,
which was in substance as follows.
His name, he still said, was James Wilson, — this was afterward found to
A XEST OF NASHVILLE SMUGGLERS. 459
be untrue, — and he had been living in Cleveland, as he first stated, for two
years. He vras a nafive of Germany, and his parents still resided there.
About two months since he came to Nashville, — purchased goods, succeeded
in smuggling them through the Federal lines, and took them to Atlanta,
Georgia, where he sold them. The goods were purchased of Staddler &
Brother, No. 2 Public Square, and Kleinman & Co., on Market Street, and
consisted entirely of fine combs, for which he paid one dollar and twenty-five
cents per dozen. These he packed in two satchels, and, wishing to get them
out of the city, was introduced to one F. W Keller, residing about one and
a half miles out on the Zollicoffer Road, who took him and his goods out to his
house the same evening, with his children, as he carried them home from
school. Keller also took out with him at the same time a box of goods
which he said he had bought of the Friedenbergs. For helping him out,
Wilson. paid Keller fifty dollars, and received from him the next morning a
note to one Avis Brown, in which it was stated that the bearer was a smug-
gler who wished to get away as soon as possible, and requesting Brown to
assist him in doing so. From Keller's Wilson made his way, partly on foot
and partly on a horse which he purchased on the road, to Brown's, who
received him kindly and showed him the way. Thence he went to Franklin
and Murfreesborough, where he sold his horse and took the cars for Atlanta.
Here he sold the combs for one dollar each, and then returned by rail to Mur-
freesborough, where he met Friedenberg and Besthoff, with whom he came
to Nashville, arriving there — or rather in sight of the policemen — on Sunday,
the 28th of December. This trip occupied about twelve days, and proved
very profitable to him ; and it was now his intention to go home to Germany.
Respecting others engaged in smuggling goods through the lines, he said
that he knew a Mr. Wolff, living in Atlanta, who had recently purchased an
assortment of buttons, needles, pins, gold lace, &c, which he had carried out
in a two-horse wagon that had a false bottom to the bed, and taken to Chat-
tanooga, where the witness had assisted in unloading them. One A. Haas
had a two-horse carryall with a false bottom, and had the previous month
taken in it a load of goods from Nashville to Atlanta, where he also resided.
The false bottom, he said, was put into the carryall in Nashville. Leo Cohen
also had a false-bottomed wagon, which he had made in Nashville, and with
which he had smuggled a load of contraband articles to Atlanta. About
three months ago, a man living at Selma, Alabama, had come to Nashville
and purchased two wagon-loads of goods, which he took through the lines
with him to Chattanooga, whence he made his way to Selma. He knew, he
said, further, that Schwab & Co., a heavy firm in Nashville, had been engaged
in smuggling, but not to what extent. As to the Friedenbergs, &c, he did not
know, of his own knowledge, that they had been running goods through the
Federal lines, but he did know that Abraham Friedenberg had on several
occasions taken goods to the South from Nashville, and had seen him in
Murfreesborough and Chattanooga with them, and he knew that they were
the goods which he had seen loaded into a two-horse wagon, furnished
with a false bottom, at the store of B. F. Shields & Co., in Nashville, and he
460 ARMY TOLICE RECORD.
was afterwards told by Friedenberg that they had been sold by him in
Chattanooga and Atlanta. These were the only persons engaged in contra-
band trade of whom he had any knowledge.
Having thus fully revealed these matters, the boy was released, his money
returned to him, and himself sent North. The information given by him
was at once improved by the arrest of Keller, at whose house was found
and seized a large amount of dry goods and clothing. Keller, upon his
examination, stated that about five weeks previously he had come to the city
to sell some butter, and while at the market was approached by two Jews
named Friedenberg, who inquired where he lived. On being informed, they
asked him if he could not take out to his house some goods for them, for which
service they would pay him well. After some conversation, and on being
assured that there was no danger in it, he agreed to take them out, and came
the next day, as requested, with his wagon for them. The Friedenbergs
loaded the wagon with a large quantity of hoop-skirts and several small
boxes and bundles of unknown goods. These he carried to his house, and
the same evening another Jew, named Besthoff, came out with a new wagon,
drawn by two mules. Stopping there a few minutes, he went down the road,
and, returning the next morning, informed Keller that he had taken down a
load of goods in that wagon, concealed by a false bottom. He then requested
the Jew to take the goods from his house, or he would throw them out into
the yard. Besthoff said he would come back and get them on his return
from the city in an hour or so, — which he did, — loading them into the same
wagon which he had with him on the day previous, and giving him at the
same time an order on Friedenberg, written in Hebrew, for his pay. This
order was presented the next day, and the amount — five hundred dollars —
promptly paid by Friedenberg, who remarked that they would make fifteen
thousand dollars on that load. There were three Friedenbergs, all of whom
were in the habit of going out on the same pass which Besthoff had used,
and which was in one of the Friedenbergs' name. Whoever used it would
leave it at Keller's house, and he would take it back to town for the others.
At one of his visits to these Friedenbergs they induced him to take three
boxes of gray caps out and go with them to Murfreesborough, saying that he
could sell them there for five or six dollars each, and that they would divide
the profits with him. About ten days before Christmas he went with the
caps to Murfreesborough, where he found great difficulty in disposing of them
at all, but finally closed them out for one dollar each, in Confederate scrip,
which realized about seventy cents to the dollar. Here he met Besthoff and
Friedenberg, the latter of whom informed him that he was then going to
Atlanta, but that he would soon return, and would then want more goods
brought through the lines. Returning on Christmas day, Keller went
immediately to see the other Friedenbergs, who told him that they would
furnish him some goods to take out and sell, which would pay a great profit.
The arrangement proposed was that he should pay them the cost-price of the
goods when he took them to his house, and that they would pay him his
money back, and fifty per cent, in addition, when the goods should be delivered
A NEST OP NASHVILLE SMUGGLERS. 4G1
to their partner, the other Friedenberg, on his return from the South. To
these terms he agreed, and took out the goods which were found at his house
and seized there, and for which he had advanced over nine hundred dollars.
Abraham Friedenberg returned to Nashville, but, instead of coming for the
goods, as promised, went to Louisville, and the other Friedenbergs then said
that they would send somebody else to get them ; but before they could do so
their arrangements were broken in upon by his arrest and the seizure of the
goods. The Friedenbergs and Besthoff were all partners, — they had told
him so, many times ; also that they were smugglers, and did nothing else.
The goods which he carried out were sometimes taken under a quilt or
blanket in his market-wagon ; or sometimes he would put the boxes under
bundles of oats ; and when they were large he would throw manure over
them. He made five trips to bring out the goods, for which they paid him
the five hundred dollars. At the time he was about to start for Murfrees-
borough with the caps he did not keep it a secret, and about that time he met
one Salzkotter, who requested him to say to his partner Schwab, if he met
him, not to come back, for if he did the Yankees would catch him. Best-
hoff had told him that this same Schwab had made twenty thousand dollars
on hats which he had smuggled through the Federal lines in feather beds,
and that he and his firm — Schwab & Co. — had been engaged in the same
kind of business ever since the war began.
Keller also related the history of his acquaintance with the boy Wilson,
whose real name, as he had been informed by Friedenberg, was Solomon
Guthman. This did not differ much from the boy's own statement, but con-
tained the additional information that Wilson was connected with the Frie-
denbergs, always procured his goods from them, and seemed to be one of
them. He had made five thousand dollars, he boasted to Keller, by smug-
gling goods through the lines, and he was now going on to Philadelphia to
buy another stock, on which he would make five thousand dollars more.
Keller stated, in conclusion, that he was a vegetable gardener, and had been
doing well before the rebellion, but had found it impossible to make a living
since. He had been driven into this business through sheer poverty and
ignorance: he had no wish or design to injure the Government, — was not in
favor of the rebellion. By the seizure of the goods he had lost every thing
he had ; and, as they did not really belong to him, but to the Friedenbergs,
by whom he had been inveigled into carrying them to his house, he hoped
that the military authorities would force them to refund him his money, or
a portion of it, at least.
In consideration of all the circumstances, and believing that Keller did not
engage in the business for the purpose of aiding the rebellion, but rather
through actual fear of coming to want, and that he might be made of some
service to the Government, it was proposed to him that he should turn
around and assist in developing the case against the Friedenbergs and Best-
hoff, so as to secure their punishment and the confiscation of their goods.
If he would do this, and work faithfully, he was promised that he should
not be a loser by it, but should be remunerated for the money he had
462 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
advanced to the Friedenbergs. Keller gladly accepted the offer, and went
to work at once, following the matter up diligently and faithfully, and since
then has been almost constantly employed in the secret service. Through
his instrumentality Isaac and Mike Friedenberg were arrested, and some
nine hundred dollars in money, besides personal property, as watches, &c.
were found upon their persons and seized. Diligent search was made for
Abraham Friedenberg and Besthoff; but they had gone to Louisville to
purchase goods, and, by some means hearing of the affair, made good their
escape. At the same time a large stock of goods, valued at between four
and five thousand dollars, stored in the auction and commission house of B.
F. Shields & Co., was seized as the property of the Friedenbergs. Isaac
Friedenberg, when arrested, had little to say, further than to admit that he
had sold the goods to Keller, but claiming that he did not know that the
latter intended to smuggle them through the lines, though he did know that
Keller had previously taken goods to Murfreesborough to sell. Mike
Friedenberg, however, made quite a lengthy statement, which resulted in
the arrest of still other parties, and was in brief somewhat thus : —
In March, 1857, he went to Columbus, Georgia, and remained there,
engaged in merchandizing with his brother Isaac, until March, 1862, when
he came to Nashville. The reason of his leaving Columbus was that he did
not wish to enter the rebel army, and could not longer remain there without
doing so. He had not been back since leaving there, and his business there
was still in an unsettled condition. His brother Isaac was at that time in
Richmond, whither he had gone when the Federal army occupied Nash-
ville, and had written to him as he was about leaving Columbus to stop at
Nashville and take charge of the balance of a stock of goods which he had
left there. This he did, moving them first into the store of a Mr. Stein, and.
on the latter's leaving for New York, to the store of Shields & Co., where
he began selling them out. On the 16th of June, 1862, he was taken sick,
\nd for two months was unable to attend to any business. Just before this,
however, Isaac had returned from Richmond, and proceeded immediately to
New York to buy more goods. He returned, however, without any, and
Mike, on recovering, went himself to New York, and remained there two
months, when he again came to Nashville, reaching there on the 28th of No-
vember, 1862. In the mean time his brother Isaac had bought of two parties
in Nashville a considerable stock of boots, shoes, hats, caps, and gentlemen's
furnishing goods, which he then had in Shields's store, and which he said
belonged to himself, Mike, and their nephew, Abraham Friedenberg. After
his return from New York, Mike himself purchased from A. Laob & Co. a
lot of hats, which were still in the store of Shields & Co. when seized by the
police. Abraham Friedenberg was in partnership with himself — Isaac —
some five or six weeks, and then left them and went with Besthoff; but what
they did he did not know. One day Abraham Friedenberg came to him and
wished him to buy him a wagon and two mules, which he did, paying for
them four hundred and seventy dollars. The next day Besthoff came and
requested him to get Mr. Smith, a carpenter, to make a false bottom to the
A NEST OF NASHVILLE SMUGGLERS. 463
wagon. He said Mr. Smith knew all about making it, and that when it
was finished he — Besthoff — would call for it. Smith agreed to make, and
did make, the false bottom, as he desired, and Friedenberg afterwards saw it
in the wagon. Keller's arrangement for carrying goods out to his house
was entirely with Besthoff and Abraham Friedenberg. He carried out five or
six loads for them, and Abraham Friedenberg furnished the five hundred
dollars to pay him. Besthoff and A. Friedenberg loaded their own wagon —
the one with the false bottom — twice, and went with it into the country,
where they remained until December 28, when they returned, and in two
or three days afterwards went Xorth. Through them he became acquainted
with Keller, and sold him seventy-four dozen fine combs, which cost one
dollar and fifty cents per dozen, for two and a half or three dollars a dozen,
eighteen pounds of flax thread, and some other goods.
This testimony of Mike Friedenberg led to the arrest of John L. Smith,
who made the false bottoms, and who stated, on examination, that he was a
carpenter, and had a shop on the corner of Lime and High Streets. In the
latter part of February or about the 1st of March, 1802, a Mr. Salzkotter, of
the firm of Schwab & Co., merchants of Nashville, called at the shop and re-
quested him to make a false bottom in a light spring-wagon, and afterwards
sent the wagon to the shop, where the bottom was made and put in. The
way in which it was made was this. Side-pieces were put on each side of the
bed inside, and one through the centre, the whole length, and on these pieces
planed boards were secured, leaving between the two floors a vacant space of
from two and a half to three inches. When finished, Salzkotter himself came
after the wagon and took it away, but neither at this nor at any other time
did he say for what purpose he intended to use it. Since then he had made five
or six similar ones for other parties, all of whom had been introduced by this
same firm of Schwab & Co. He obj ected to making them at first, but finally was
induced to do so, though he knew it to be wrong. Salzkotter paid him five
dollars for the job ; Haas, the only one of the other parties whose name he
could remember, paid him ten, and the remainder fifteen dollars. After the
wagon for Salzkotter was finished, and before he took it away, he sent to the
shop a dray loaded with boxes, the contents of which he said he wished to
pack into his wagon. Smith gave him the key of the shop ; and during the
night they were unloaded and packed, — as the wagon was gone in the morning,
and the boxes were there empty. Mr. Smith did not know what was in
these boxes ; but Mahlon Jones, one of his workmen, testified that he helped
remove them from the dray, and, in so doing, one of them fell upon the
ground and was broken open, exposing the contents, which were quinine
and other medicines.
It was now Salzkotter's turn to receive the attention of the police, as a
smuggler and dealer in false-bottomed wagon-beds ; and some three or four
thousand dollars' worth of liquors and domestics were seized as belonging to
him. He was immensely indignant, of course, and unblushing^ endeavored
to lie out of the scrape in which he found himself. When questioned, he
stated most positively that he had been keeping books for Schwab & Co. in
4G4 ARMY TOLICE RF.COIIP.
Nashville for three years, until some three months previous, when the store
was closed. He had never been in partnership with Schwab. The firm-
composed of Schwab and his brother-in-law, H. Dreyfoos— owed him some
four thousand to five thousand dollars, for which he held their notes.
Schwab and his partner had both left the city, and he believed them to be
in Knoxville, where they had a branch house. They had left him about
one thousand dollars' worth of liquors to sell for them, and he had sold all
but about two hundred dollars' worth. He also had some two hundred
dollars' worth of liquors of his own, which they had given him in settle-
ment. He had never had made, for himself or anybody else, a wagon, car-
riage, or vehicle of any description, with a false bottom, and he did not know
anybody who had. He had never bought any wagon for himself or other
person, nor had he been, directly or indirectly, connected with anybody in
running goods through the lines to the enemy or to any disloyal persons.
Schwab & Co. had had considerable trade with the South, but it was all before
the war. Their books and papers were left with him to settle up,. and he
was to pay himself out of the proceeds. He never knew of Schwab having
had a wagon or carriage made for carrying goods through the lines. He
knew Mr. Smith, the carpenter, but had never visited his shop for the
purpose of having a false bottom made to a wagon or other vehicle. Of the
other parties who had testified concerning them he knew nothing. When
asked by Colonel Truesdail if he would make oath to this statement, he rose
from his chair and said he would. The colonel, however, would not allow
him thus to perjure himself, but immediately called up the witnesses Smith
and Jones, wdio reiterated in his presence their former statements, and
identified him as the man whom they called Salzkotter and who had several
times been to the shop for the purpose of having the false bottoms made.
Mike Friedenberg was then called in, and, in the presence of Salzkotter,
stated that his nephew, Abraham Friedenberg, told him to go to Mr. Salz-
kotter's store and inquire of him who could be hired to make a false bottom
to a wagon. Accordingly, he went to Salzkotter one Saturday, some five or
six weeks before, and made the inquiry, to which the latter replied that he
would introduce him to a Mr. Smith who would make it, but that Smith
would not make it if he went to him alone. After supper he called on Salz-
kotter by invitation, and together they went to Smith's, to whom he was in-
troduced, and with whom, in Salzkotter's presence, he made an arrange-
ment for the making of the false bottom. This testimony being rather
damaging, Salzkotter endeavored to weaken it by a cross-examination ; but
Friedenberg still persisted in his statement, and further said that the wagons
were made for the express purpose of smuggling.
The complicity of Salzkotter in the wagon-bed transaction was now fully
established ; and witnesses were next examined to prove that both he and
the house of Schwab & Co. had been extensively engaged' in smuggling
goods through to the rebels. Edward Spockel testified that he lived in
Nashville, knew Salzkotter well, and that the latter had told him some five
months previously that he had been smuggling goods from Louisville to
A NEST OF NASHVILLE SMUGGLERS. 465
Nashville. They were principally quinine and other medicines ; and he had
made eighteen hundred dollars on one trip. The goods were taken by a car-
riage to a way-station some distance from Louisville, and thence shipped by
rail to Nashville. Near Louisville he just escaped detection by saying that
the trunks contained only the clothing belonging to a family who were to
join him at the station. Salzkotter said that his father-in-law, Schwab, had
taken the goods South from Nashville and sold them, he being a partner in
the transaction. He further said that he had been South himself before this
occurred, and that he had cleared eighteen hundred dollars by the trip, — of
which he had one half and Schwab the other. He had often remarked,
laughingly, that they could make more money than the Union men, and
seemed to make no secret of his sending goods to the South.
David Kuhn, who had lived in Knoxville eight years, testified that he
knew the firm of Schwab & Co. Salzkotter was connected with them in some
way, but he did not know whether he had an interest in the store or not.
In Knoxville they sold liquors, cigars, and notions, but they had closed their
store some eight months before. It was the general belief, and he knew,
that the house was engaged in smuggling goods through the Federal lines.
He knew that they had brought goods from Nashville, but did not know
that they had brought them in wagons with false bottoms. Both Schwab
and Dreyfoos had told him they had smuggled goods through since they
closed their store, and in October, 1802, Salzkotter came to Knoxville in a
light spring-wagon, with goods, as was believed. His reputation was that
of a smuggler.
"William Miiller, who was formerly a clerk for Schwab & Co., corroborated
Kuhn's testimony, and added that it was common report that Schwab & Co.
and Salzkotter were in the habit of running goods through the lines by
means of wagons having a false bottom. While clerking with them, he had
heard the firm say that they were smuggling medicines and other goods
through the lines ; and he knew of pistols and knives having been sent to
the Knoxville house of Schwab & Co. early in 1862. Salzkotter went to
Knoxville in the summer of 1802 ; and it was the general report that he had
taken goods with him. It was his impression that Salzkotter was a silent
partner in the house, on account of having failed in business at Knoxville.
Salzkotter's case was now hopeless; and he seems at last to have given it
up himself, as he made no further efforts to avert punishment by holding out
against evidence so strong and positive. His liquors were turned over to
the United States Marshal for libel and confiscation in the United States
District Court, his domestic goods were put to immediate use in the hospi-
tals, and he was sent to the Alton Military Prison, but has since been re-
leased, and is now again in Nashville. His money — of which he had some
twenty-three thousand dollars — was not found, though long and thorough
/search was instituted for it. He admitted, however, afterwards, that the
officers came within an inch or two of the place where it was secreted. In
the case of the Friedenbergs, Isaac was imprisoned in irons for some time ;
but finally he and Mike were paroled not to come south of the Ohio River
30
46(5 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
again during the war. Their goods seized in the act of smuggling were
confiscated at once, and those in store at Shields & Co.'s were turned over to
the United States Marshal for libel and confiscation in the District Court.
Their watches and money, after deducting enough to repay Keller, were
returned to them. Smith, the carpenter, was released without punishment.
Thus ended this remarkable case, or rather series of cases, all resulting
from the trifling incident of a boy jumping from a buggy in which he was
riding, and escaping to the woods. It disclosed a vast network of fraud and
villainy, and resulted in the punishment of three persons, the pardon and
subsequent good behavior of numbers of others, and the confiscation of some
ten thousand dollars' worth of goods. But, more and better than all this, it
demonstrated the sleepless vigilance of the Government in the discovery of
guilt, however secret and well planned, and the heavy hand of justice not
yet too weak to visit upon the violators of its laws the full penalty so de-
servedly prescribed. It taught a lesson which could not but be heeded,
and disclosed a power which must be respected and feared, if not loved.
The Hollow-Heeled Boot.
In the earlier days of the rebellion there lived in Southeastern Missouri
one Ogilvie Byron Young. 'He was a wild, graceless scamp, rich in the
blood of his ancestors, but poor in purse. To the pride of Lucifer he added
the courage of FalstafF and the honor of Iago. A scion of Virginia's aristo-
cracy, he deemed himself a statesman from birth and an orator by nature.
Showy in manner and superficial in attainments, he could acWhe accom-
plished gentleman or the bullying braggart as best suited the occasion.
Vain, reckless, and boastful, he was scorned as a visionary enthusiast by
some, feared as a bold, bad man by others, but admired as a genuine
Southern cavalier of the old school by those who knew him least. Wildly
imaginative, but immensely unpractical, he plunged madly into the first
waves of rebellion, and, while Sterling Price was yet a Union general and
Claiborne F. Jackson a loyal Governor, dared to avow and advocate opinions
of the most ultra-Southern character. Fine-drawn theoretical arguments
on the right and duty of secession were spread before the people of the State,
in column after column of letters published in newspapers and to which
was attached the full signature, "Ogilvie Byron Young." The rough back-
woodsmen of his county were momentarily swayed by his presumptuous
clamor, and he was sent to the first Missouri State Convention. Here he
was the only member that took strong ground in favor of secession per se,
gaining thereby not a little notoriety. The State did not secede ; but Ogilvie
Byron Young did, and for some months he was not so much as heard from.
In the fall of 1861 he was arrested at the Spencer House, Cincinnati, as
a spy. In due time an indictment and trial followed ; but, though there was
THE HOLLOW-HEELED BOOT. 467
abundant evidence of guilt, lie escaped conviction by means of some tech-
nical informality in the proceedings. He was ordered to leave the city,
however, and did so. In the following spring he was found in Covington,
Kentucky, under an assumed name, aiding and abetting the rebels by fur-
nishing information, and was again arrested. He had been cautioned by
some one, it would seem ; for there was found nothing upon him in the way
of papers or letters to warrant his detention, and he was again released, to
again disappear from sight for some months.
In November, 1802, he is again met with, in Nashville, where he had been
for some weeks as a paroled prisoner, but acting all the while in his old
capacity of smuggler and spy. In this business he seems to have had
remarkable success, until his career was fortunately arrested by a com-
bination of circumstances and the watchful shrewdness of the army police.
About the last of that month Young was introduced to a gentleman
who represented himself as a hostage for the return of certain loyal Missis-
sippians captured at Iuka and treated by Price as traitors, contrary to the
terms of the cartel between the Federal and Confederate Governments. At
first he was shy and suspicious, but was finally convinced that his new
acquaintance was really what he purported to be, and heartily entered into
all his plans for the advancement of the Confederate cause. As his confi-
dence grew stronger, he remarked that he had been of more benefit to the
South, as a spy, than any brigade of rebel soldiers. He had encouraged de-
sertions in the Federal camps, and made out paroles in the names of Morgan
and Kirby Smith. The business was getting a little dangerous now, how-
ever, and he should get beyond the lines as soon as possible. He would
have gone long ago, only that he had expected to be saved the trouble and
expense of the trip by the fall of Nashville.
Our Iuka hostage then informed him that Mrs. Major Kanney — wife of
Major Ranney of the 6th Texas Regiment — was in the city, under his
charge, and just returned from Europe, whither she had been on diplomatic
business for the Confederate Government. She had in her possession very
important despatches, and was anxious to get safely through the lines with
them. Young said, in reply, that he would bring his influence to bear upon
the army officials in her favor, but in case she should be searched it would
be well to provide for such a contingency. There was, he said, in the city
a man by the name of Thompson, ostensibly a citizen, but really a rebel
lieutenant in Bragg's army, and now acting as a spy. He had made the trip
through the lines ten or twelve times, and could do it again. He was now
engaged in drawing a map of the fortifications around Nashville and pro-
curing information as to the numbers of the troops, &c, which should be
forthcoming in due season. These secret despatches of Mrs. Ranney's,
together with this map and other papers, could be hidden in the heel of a
boot, which would be made for them by a bootmaker of the city in the
employ of the Confederate Government. His name was C. J. Zeutzschell,
and his shop was on Union Street.
This plan was agreed to, and Young was to assist in the execution of it ;
408 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
in return for which, he was to be placed in a high position at Richmond.
Young's reputation, however, was not of the best, and the bootmaker would
do nothing for him, when called upon, without first making inquiries among
his friends and consulting with our hostage, for whom the boots were
wanted.
Accordingly, Zeutzschell came to his room one evening and said that
Young had been to his house and wished him to make a pair of boots and to
secrete important documents in them so as to defy detection. lie had no
confidence in Young's honor, and did not wish to do it for him. He knew
him as identified with the Confederates, indeed, but he was a bad man, low
in his habits and associates, never had any money, ite. He (Zeutzschell)
had been inquiring of the friends of the South — undoubted secessionists —
concerning him (our Iuka hostage), and was convinced that he was a gentle-
man and a true Southerner. He would do any thing to promote the cause, —
money was no object, — he would lay down his life for it. If Young could be
thrown off the track, he would make the boots and secrete in them a map of
the fortifications about Nashville. His brother-in-law, Harris, would go out
and see if any new ones had been erected. If not, he had a perfect plan of
them in his head, to prove which he immediately sat down and drafted one.
He remarked that he had recently sent several such to General Morgan. He
had made the boots for all the spies in the same way, and not one had ever
been detected. He had sent valuable information in a common pipe.
"Can you get a pass for your man?" asked our hostage. "Certainly,"
was the reply ; " as many as you like. There is a German at head-quarters
who steals blank passes for me, and I fill them up myself. I give him
whiskey for them."
He would like to go South, too, he said, in conclusion. He could describe
the fortifications so much better than in a map.
Both parties being satisfied, an agreement for the boots was made. Zeutz-
schell was to get the exact distances of the defences, the number and dispo-
sition of the troops, &c, and secrete them, together with Mrs. Itanney's
despatches, in the heel of one of the boots. This he did, according to
promise : the boots were made and delivered on the evening appointed.
Instead of reaching Generals Bragg and Morgan, as intended, however, the
maps, papers, boots, owner, maker, and spy, suddenly found themselves in
the hands of the army police, much to the astonishment and chagrin of all
parties concerned. Zeutzschell and Young were sent to the military prison
at Alton.
THE PSEUDO "SANDERS." 469
The Pseudo "Sanders."
Prominent among those thronging the head-quarters of Brigadier-General
Boyle, in the city of Louisville, one morning in November, 1862, might have
been noticed a bright, handsome woman, who seemed exceedingly anxious
for the success of some suit in which she was engaged. Her dress and
manner indicated that she belonged to the higher walks of life, but other-
wise there was nothing in her conduct or appearance by which a careless
observer would distinguish her from the hundreds of others who daily gather
at the office of a commanding general, seeking favors as numerous and
diverse as the applicants themselves. The practised eye, however, could
easily discern certain suspicious circumstances attaching to her and suggest-
ive of the idea that beneath all this pleasant exterior there might be an
under-current of deceit and treachery. But her story was plausible, her
manners winning, her conversation sprightly and interesting. The impres-
sion made by her upon all with whom she came in contact was in the
highest degree favorable, and it seemed both ungallant and unjust to harbor
the shadow of a suspicion that she was otherwise than a high-minded, honor-
able woman, who would scorn any of the petty meannesses of such frequent
occurrence within our lines.
It subsequently transpired that her name was Ford, that her husband was
a Baptist clergyman, — a man of ability and reputation, formerly editor of a
religious paper in that city, and now representative in the Confederate Con-
gress from that district of Kentucky. She herself belonged to one of the
first families of the city, and moved in the highest circles of an aristocratic
society. To a naturally brilliant mind, strengthened and polished by a
thorough education, were added the ease and grace of an accomplished
Southern woman. In the palmy days of peace she had been the centre of a
bright galaxy of wit and beauty, dispensing to her admirers a bounteous
hospitality, as genial as it was welcome. Now all was changed. These
social gatherings had long been discontinued, the family circle was broken
and scattered, her husband was a fugitive from his home, and she was seek-
ing from the Federal authorities permission to pass southward beyond their
lines and join him in his exile.
Lounging about the same head-quarters, on the same morning, with seem-
ingly no particular business or present occupation save to watch the move-
ments of others, was a quiet-looking man, who now and then cast sharp,
quick, and stealthy glances at this Mrs. Ford, apparently regarding her with
much interest. Presently, seeing her somewhat apart from the crowd, "he
approached, and, in a respectful, diffident manner, engaged her in conversa-
tion, which continued for some time, and, from the animated character it
gradually assumed, was evidently upon some subject in which both parties
were deeply interested. That it was of a confidential and private nature
was easily inferred from the caution maintained during its continuance. It
seems that, after some commonplace talk, the stranger informed her that
470 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
he was not what he then seemed, but in reality Captain Denver, of the Con-
federate army, visiting Louisville as a spy upou the movements of the
Federal army in that portion of Kentucky. Highly gratified at this intelli-
gence, the lady became very friendly, and at once invited the captain to visit
her house. The invitation so warmly given could not be declined without
apparent rudeness, and so was accepted, but with, as the lady thought, a
rather unnecessary and suspicious hesitation.
Whatever unwillingness the captain may have outwardly exhibited in
accepting the proffered invitation, he was not slow in availing himself of
its present privileges and prospective pleasures. Calling soon afterwards at
the residence indicated, he was cordially received by the family, whom he
found strong in their sympathy with the South. Conversation naturally
turned upon the war, and by a warm espousal of the Confederate cause he
soon succeeded in ingratiating himself into their confidence, and, by way of
showing his confidence in them, revealed his intention of presently escaping
through the Federal lines to the nearest Confederate command, taking with
him as large an amount of quinine, morphine, awd other medicines as he
could safely carry. Confidence thus implicitly reposed in the acquaintance of
but a few hours could not be otherwise than pleasing to the fair hostess ; and
surely a reciprocal confidence would be little enough expression of gratitude
in return. It was not safe ; it was not wise ; but " there can be no harm in
trusting so true and firm a Southerner as Captain Denver," thought Mrs.
Ford.
It was her purpose too, she said, to smuggle through the lines large quan-
tities of medicine, and at the same time carry to the Confederate authori-
ties valuable information of Federal movements and plans. Her husband
was in the South, and she apprehended no difficulty in procuring a pass
allowing her to go to him, so soon as the circumstances of her case could be
brought to the personal notice of General Boyle. The enterprise in which
both were about to engage now became the exclusive topic of a lengthy con-
versation, in the course of which the captain remarked that he had not suffi-
cient money to make as extensive purchases as he wished, and was desirous
of assistance from the friends of the cause in Louisville. Mrs. Ford thought
this need not trouble him. -She could arrange it to his satisfaction, and
appointed an interview for the next morning, at which she hoped to report
the complete success of her efforts. The evening passed rapidly, and the
captain took his departure, leaving his entertainers highly pleased with him
as a valuable acquaintance and colaborer in the cause of the South.
The same evening the captain chanced to meet in the office of the Gait
House an old friend, Dr. Rogers, surgeon on the staff of General Sterling
Price, a paroled prisoner, and now, by order of General Rosecrans, on his
way to Cairo to report to General Tuttle for transportation by the first boat
to Vicksburg. According to the terms of the cartel agreed upon by the
Federal and Confederate authorities, surgeons were held as non-combatants
and not subject to exchange; but the doctors, with others, found in the
hospital at Iuka, had been detained by General Rosecrans, in retaliation for
THE PSEUDO "SANDERS." 471
the arrest and imprisonment by General Price of certain Union soldiers in
Mississippi, and as hostages for their return. Their release had been
followed by his ; and he was now, as stated, en route for Cairo. At their
meeting the next morning, Captain Denver mentioned the doctor to Mrs.
Ford as his friend and an intelligent and accomplished gentleman, with
whom she would no doubt be highly pleased, at the same time remarking
that he was on his way South, and it would be greatly to their advan-
tage to go thither under his protection. To this she readily assented, and
desired the captain to procure her an interview with the doctor. This not
very difficult task was speedily accomplished, and the doctor called upon
her that evening. Some time having passed in conversational pleasantry,
the doctor adverted to the carrying of contraband goods, and spoke dis-
couragingly of its policy, saying that any thing of the kind would be a
violation of his parole and might lead to his arrest and imprisonment.
With apparent sincerity, Mrs. Ford promptly replied that though an enemy
of the Federal Government she was an honorable enemy, and would engage
in no enterprise to which the military authorities would refuse their
sanction.
The doctor seemed satisfied, and did not revert to the subject, but,
instead, imparted to her, in strict confidence, a secret of the utmost import-
ance. It will be remembered that some months previous to this, George N.
Sanders had successfully escaped from the rebel States and made his way
to England for the purpose of negotiating a Confederate loan. High hopes
of success, on his part, were entertained, and his return was anxiously
looked for by the rebels. Mrs. Ford, with her whole heart and soul in the
cause, was more sanguine even than her most sanguine friends ; and imagi-
nation can scarcely conceive the bright colors with which she painted the
future of the embryo Confederacy. Who, then, shall describe her surprise
and joy when told by the doctor that their friend Captain Denver was no
other than this same George N. Sanders, who had eluded the guard at the
Suspension Bridge and was now on his return to the Confederate capital ?
She was also informed that his mission had been completely successful, — that
the loan had been taken by the Rothschilds, and that Sanders had in
possession the evidence and documents connected therewith, all written in
eipher. She was cautioned against hinting a word of it to anybody, or even
intimating to Sanders that she knew him in any other character than as
Captain Denver. He would accompany them to Vicksburg in his present
disguise, and, until that point was reached, safety required that it should be
penetrated by no one, however friendly to the South. The interests at stake
were too vast to be hazarded by exposure to a mischance, which a single
careless word might bring upon them. In case, however, he should be
suspected, it would be their business to assist him in the secretion of his
papers.
The arrangements for the journey were discussed, and the suggestion of
the doctor warmly espoused by Mrs. Ford. Her eyes sparkled with delight
as she asked a thousand questions about Sanders : how he had managed to
4 IZ ARMY POLICE RECORD.
escape the vigilance of the Federals ; by what means he had accomplished
his mission ; what was the state of feeling in Europe, the prospects of recog-
nition, and so on. The doctor answered as best he could, and at length
took his leave to make final preparations to start the next evening. Passes
were obtained, tickets bought, trunks checked, berths secured in the
sleeping-car. Every thing bade fair for the successful termination of the
enterprise. The night was passed comfortably in sleep, from which they
were wakened, on arriving at Cairo, to find themselves under arrest. Denver
and Rogers were indignant, but Mrs. Ford trembled like an aspen-leaf,
and had the earth opened under her feet, revealing a bottomless chasm in
which she must inevitably be buried alive, she could not have been more
astonished and horrified. She could find neither tongue nor heart to utter
a word in defence, and was led away in silence. A personal examination
brought to light a number of letters and a large quantity of quinine concealed
about her clothes. The trunks were found to contain similar contraband
goods and much information of value to the rebels. Grieving will not
restore lost opportunities, nor bring to the surface sunken treasures : else
had not the hopes of Mrs. Ford been thus ruthlessly dashed to the ground,
her letters and goods fallen into the hands of her enemies, and the riches of
the Confederate loan taken to themselves wings and flown away.
After a protracted investigation, Mrs. Ford was sent South, — since which
time she has engaged in the business of publishing a book giving an account
of her experience and treatment under Federal rule. Captain Denver, alias
George N. Sanders, alias Conklin, it is needless to say, was simply a member
of the detective police of the Army of the Cumberland, and Dr. Rogers, of
Price's staff, also a member of the same corps.
Dr. Hudson the Smuggler, etc.
The stroller about Nashville and its vicinity, in some of his more extended
walks, may have noticed, on the summit of a considerable elevation about
three hundred yards north of the Penitentiary, a large white house, half
hidden in a beautiful grove of sugar-maples. The broad grounds in front,
with their well-filled flower-beds, winding walks, and neatly trimmed shrub-
bery, tell of wealth and taste combined. Apart from the business portion
of the town, with its constant hum, the air is redolent of perfume. Even
the winds, seemingly, pause to dally in luxurious idleness with the cedar-
boughs, and from t>he birds in the heavy-leaved magnolias are heard the
notes of gladness. Surely here, if anywhere, under the shade and in the
quiet of these magnificent trees, one could spend a life of happy content,
alike ignorant and careless of the noisy world beyond.
In character with the house and its surroundings was the family that
dwelt within, a few short months ago. Its head — Dr. J. R. Hudson — was a
DR. HUDSON THE SMUGGLER. 473
large, stalwart man, whose whitened hair and beard would have indicated
that fifty-odd years of life had weighed none too lightly upon him, had not
the signs of present comfort been visible in every feature of his cheerful
face. And, indeed, he had but few of the world's troubles to breast. The
possessor of an elegant residence, and the proprietor of extensive iron-
works near Harpeth Shoals, with three thousand acres of land attached
thereto, and the owner of slaves and other property, he could now well afford
to sit beneath his own vine and fig-tree, secure in the full possession of his
ample fortune, and look out almost unconcernedly upon the wild waves of
rebellion's stormy sea. His wife — a comely and interesting lady — was much
younger and smaller than himself, but not less the embodiment of an un-
troubled and self-satisfied mind. A bright, keen eye told of acuteness
and penetration, to which even her liege lord, physically great as he was,
must bend the knee of inferiority. Three daughters, and a son, the youngest
of all, constituted the family then at home. Two of the daughters were young
ladies grown, and the third was just on the verge of womanhood: they were
attractive in feature and manner, and possessed of many of those graceful
accomplishments which mark the perfect woman.
To such a family, dwelling amid such scenes of beauty, and in the enjoy-
ment of all that earthly riches could give, it would seem that the future
could not well be otherwise than an unruffled sea of happiness. But life,
like an ocean-voyage, is full of uncertainties. And so with this household.
At the very moment in which we have looked in upon them, they were
treading upon the threshold of a great disaster. But we will not anticipate,
further than to say that the story about to be told is a striking illustration of
that wild spirit which will peril all the blessings and comforts of life to
gratify a reckless malice and hate.
One afternoon in the first week of January, 1863, the doctor was visited
by a young lady, a Miss Roberta Samuels, a rebel sympathizer of Nashville,
in company with a young man whom she introduced as one of Ashby's
cavalrymen and a Confederate spy. In the most gracious manner the
doctor expressed his gratification at having such a guest under his roof.
The call being one of mere introduction, the visitor took his leave after
about an hour's conversation, in which his host somewhat guardedly ex-
pressed sympathy for the Southern cause, and invited him to call again
and often. In three or four days the spy called again, — this time in the
morning, remaining until after dinner. The doctor, for some reason, was
more communicative than on the previous visit, and, by way of showing
his hearty good will towards the Confederacy, related the story of his assisting
some fourteen rebel prisoners to escape from the penitentiary at Nashville
through the Federal lines. On a very dark night, he said, they came to his
house, where he secreted them until the way was clear, when he took them
into the fields, pointed out the Federal picketfires, and showed them
where they could slip by in the darkness without being seen. By one of
them — Samuel Y. Brown — he had also sent out a fine revolving rifle and
pistol and various other articles. He turned to his visitor, and asked, —
474 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
"Of what does your command stand in most need?"
" Pistols and ammunition," was the reply. '' And it is the principal part
of my business here to-day to make arrangements with you to get a supply
and have them run through the lines. You can help me, can't you ?"
"I am just the man to do i^" said he, earnestly, clapping his hand on the
knee of his companion. " How many can you manage to carry out ? I can
get you as many as you want."
" I can get through with fifty, I think."
"Well, I'll look around and see about them. The next time you come
I'll let you know, and I doubt not it will be all right."
The second day after, the doctor was again visited by this friend, who
brought with him a Mr. Walker, whom he introduced as a paroled Confede-
rate prisoner. They were gladly welcomed, and presented to the family in
the sitting-room. The doctor remarked that he had been too busy since the
last call to do any thing about the pistols, but he hoped "to get to work at it
Boon." He interested himself also in Mr. Walker's case, and asked him
if he did not wish to get away from Nashville by running through'the lines,
without waiting to be exchanged.
"If you do," said he, confidently, "I can get you through any time you
want to go. I can pass you out as one of the hands employed in my iron-
works down on the Cumberland River, or I can send you out as a carriage-
driver or wood-chopper. I have passed out several in these ways ; and some-
times I give a man an axe to go out to chop wood, and he quite forgets to
come back."
At this witticism all had a hearty laugh ; and a still more lengthy and
confidential conversation ensued, developing, however, nothing materially
different from the points already touched upon. Highly pleased, the party
at length broke up, with the promise on the part of the two Confederates to
call again in a week or ten days and make further arrangements about the
pistols, &c.
This appointment was kept according to agreement, — the two friends walk-
ing out to the residence one cold, rainy evening. They found that the
doctor had a visitor before them, — one Captain Redman, a Federal quarter-
master. This, of course, precluded the further transaction of the business
on which they came, and might have embarrassed a less politic man than
Dr. Hudson. He met the difficulty boldly, introduced them to the captain
as workmen from his iron-works, questioned them as to affairs there,
asked them if they had passes to go back, talked to them as Union men, and
took every occasion to mock and jeer at the rebels and their cause, slyly
winking, however, the while, at the two Confederates. Accompanying them
to the door, the doctor was told by the spy that he had just returned from
the steamboat-burning expedition near Harpeth Shoals, and that the Con-
federates were greatly in need of pistols ; they wanted fifty at once.
"You shall have them," he exclaimed, shaking his hand energetically.
"I have some Federal Government vouchers, to the amount of several
hundred dollars ; I am expecting to get the money on them every day ;
DR. HUDSON THE SMUGGLER. 475
and with it I'll buy the pistols. When shall I meet you to go and see
about them ?"
"I can't go at all. It will not do for me to be seen on the streets of Nash-
ville," was the reply.
" Sure enough ! But there's Mr. Walker, — he'll do just as well. I'll meet
him to-morrow, at eleven o'clock, at McNairy's store in Nashville, for the
purpose."
This was agreed to, and the parties separated for the night. The next
morning Hudson and Walker met, as proposed, and went directly to a gun-
smith's shop on Deadrick Street, kept by one William Rear. Rear was in
the front part of the shop when they entered, but, without a word being said,
all three walked through to the back room. Here the doctor, without intro-
ducing Walker, said, —
" I want fifty pistols for a friend of mine who is going to run the lines."
" I have but two," replied Rear, producing them.
'"What is the price of them?"
"Twenty-five dollars apiece."
"Well, I'll take them ; and I want you tj get some more right away."
Then, turning to Walker, he added, " I'll go out now and see if I can't get
some from Captain Redman's clerk ; and I will leave a line here to-morrow
morning, letting you know what I have done."
The two then left the shop, leaving the pistols until more could be pro-
cured. The doctor did not come to town the next day, as promised, nor the
day after ; and Walker began to fear that something had happened to him.
To set his mind at rest, he sent him a note, which was answered by the
doctor in person the next morning, at Rear's shop. In reply to Walker's
queries he said, —
" I couldn't get any pistols, as the teamsters and soldiers from whom I
expected to buy them were all gone. But I have something here that's
pretty good, I think," exhibiting a bullet-mould made to run twelve at a
time.
" You had better have some balls run with it," remarked Walker, as he
examined it carefully.
" I'll have a peck of them run at once ; and if you can't get them out, I
will. I can put them under sacks of bran, or I will keep them at the house
to load the pockets of prisoners when they run the lines. I can find ways
enough to get rid of them ; for Confederate spies and escaping prisoners
always stop at my house. In fact, they make it their head-quarters," he
said, laughingly, as he bade Walker " good-morning."
The doctor saw no more of Walker after this, — which he accounted for by
the supposition that he had made good his escape from Federal restraint.
Other parties and other business soon claiming his attention, he thought but
little about it, indeed. On the last Monday of January he was surprised
and pleased by a visit from his old friend the Ashby cavalryman and spy,
of whom he had lost sight for some time. The sitting-room being occupied
by a Federal soldier, — there as a guard to protect his property, — the doctor
47G ARMY POLICE RECORD.
and his guest retired to the parlor, where they had a long conversation
touching the matter in which both were so deeply interested. The former
was exceedingly communicative, and did most of the talking. He had re-
cently secured, he said, through a Dr. Ford, a pair of fine revolving pistols
and a revolving rifle, which his wife had taken out on the Charlotte pike to
Mr. Charles Nichols, residing fifteen miles from Nashville, and there left them
for a friend, who had doubtless got them by that time. He declared that
his whole time and attention were devoted to assisting the Confederate cause,
and that his principal object in taking the contract to furnish the Federal
hospitals with milk was that he might pass the lines at will with men and
materials to aid the South. He dwelt particularly upon the fact, and
boasted of it as a shrewd trick, that he was kind to the Federal sick and
wounded in order to pass as a good Union man and thus accomplish more
for the cause he was engaged in ; and it had been of great service to him ;
for he had been enabled to get many rebel prisoners and friends through
the lines on his own pass and in other ways. At one time he had on his
back porch eight Confederate soldiers just escaped from the penitentiary,
while he was entertaining four Federal officers in the house. His particular
aim was to keep arms passing into the guerrilla region on the Cumberland,
to harass steamboats and the rear of General Rosecrans's army, and thus
keep alive the spirits of the rebels. Towards the close of this conversation
he said to his visitor, —
"My friend Dr. Ford is afraid of being arrested by the Nashville army
police. Can you get him through the lines ?"
"Yes, I can; but it will be in a risky way. He will have to run his
chances, and may get shot," was the answer.
" Never mind, then : I can easily do it myself."
The spy now rising to take his leave, and intimating that he might not
see him again, the doctor accompanied him to the porch, where he stood in
his stocking-feet to say many parting words. When cautioned against it,
he merely replied, —
"I would be glad to walk to the State-House on my bare feet ten times, if
I could advance the Southern Rights cause by so doing."
Four days afterwards, on the morning of the 30th, a Mr. Newcomer called
at the doctor's house and presented him a letter of introduction from J.
Prior Smith, living twelve miles from Nashville, on the Hillsborough pike.
His business, as stated in the letter, was to obtain assistance in procuring
negroes, especially negro children, and running them through the lines
to Smith, to be sold at the South. The enterprise, if successfully managed,
would prove exceedingly profitable ; and the doctor entered heartily into the
arrangement. Having unbounded confidence in Smith, he was not at all
reserved in his expressions, but repeated much of what he had told to
Walker and the Confederate spy, ending by making an appointment to
meet Newcomer at Rear's shop, there to aid him in the purchase of
pistols to carry South. Here they found five pistols, — the same which had
been procured for Walker, but which were finally sold to Newcomer. The
DR. HUDSON THE SMUGGLER. 477
doctor also purchased on his own account several pounds of Minie balls to
send to the rebels. His -wife, he said, was now beyond the lines for the pur-
pose of taking out a fine horse which he had bought from a soldier for a
trifle. Newcomer advanced Eear money for the purchase of other pistols,
Hudson promising to see that they were forthcoming at the proper time, and,
just before leaving, made an arrangement with the latter to procure for
Smith the requisite number of negroes and run them through the lines. He
was to procure a pass for his driver and servants to go out into the country
for milk for the hospitals ; and in that way they could get the negroes out
and such other articles as Newcomer wished to carry with him, — the latter
acting as driver. (We should have stated, ere this, that Dr. Hudson had
quite a herd of cows, and supplied milk to the Nashville hospitals, to a con-
siderable amount, daily.) The doctor assured him that he could be relied on
in every emergency, and that he would not hesitate to do any thing to assist
the cause of the South.
The next day Newcomer called again, and paid the doctor two hundred
dollars, taking from him the following receipt: —
"$200.
" Received two hundred dollars of Mr. Newcomer, to be appropriated as
distinctly understood, or accounted for on sight, or sooner.
"J. E. Hudson.
" January 31, 1863."
The understanding referred to was that he should purchase pistols and
ammunition to be carried South by Newcomer. The nest day the doctor
showed Newcomer the pistols, a double-barrel shot-gun, and a place which
he called his arsenal, prepared by him for the express purpose of secreting
arms whenever he should deem it necessary, and which, he said, would
hold a thousand stand.
The doctor was now engaged heart and soul in the pistol and negro busi-
ness, and for the next two weeks held almost daily consultation with his
friend Newcomer as to the best means of procuring and getting them to
their destination. In a week or so they had obtained six likely boys, who,
Smith was informed, would be delivered at any place he should name outside
of the lines, and the doctor had procured the promise of four more. So far
every thing was progressing favorably ; but the operations were more limited
than suited the tastes of either, and each was constantly on the watch for some
opportunity of materially enlarging them. Meanwhile the doctor was visited
by numbers of persons representing themselves as paroled prisoners, spies,
&c, to all of whom he extended a welcoming hand. "With one in particular —
introduced by Newcomer as a spy of General Wheeler — he became very
intimate, and revealed to him his real sympathies and feelings quite at
length. To him he said, on his first visit, —
"lama strong Southern Rights man ; and not a day passes over my head
that I do not do something to assist the Southern cause. I am watched by
the detectives, I know, and have been frequently reported, but have not yet
been imprisoned, because I play my cards right. I have in my house fre-
478 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
quently, anil am friendly with, many Federal officers, and, -when reported, I
prove by them that the charge is false. I have aided in the escape of many
prisoners, but they have always thought me innocent."
Mrs. Hudson, however, did not seem as confident and easy as the doctor.
She repeatedly cautioned their new friend to be very careful, as they were
watched on all sides, and she had reason to suspect that certain suspicious-
looking men who had been there a few days since were nothing else than
spies sent there by some of the officers. She was assured by him that he
was sharp enough to evade any detectives that could be sent to watch him
or them, — at which she seemed satisfied and more at rest and confidential
than before. Some of their friends, she said, with great glee, had recently
escaped from the penitentiary, and intimated that she and a neighbor lady
had assisted them to do so, without, however, saying it in so many words.
The doctor made an appointment to meet him in town that day, — which he
did, and pointed out to him on the street a number of friends whom it would
do to talk to, gave him the names of others living in the country who would
be of great assistance, and invited him to visit him at his house often, and
to call upon him for any thing in his power to give.
At this time large numbers of negroes were employed upon the fortifica-
tions at Nashville ; and it was here that the doctor hoped to procure all that
he wished to run South. Accordingly, he called upon Dr. or Lieutenant D.
J. Deardurff, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General of the Engineer Camp,
and inquired if he could be spared some negroes long enough to build up and
repair his fence, — saying that he would be very much obliged if he could he
thus accommodated. The lieutenant replied that he might have them as
soon as they could be spared, calculating, however, that this would not he
until the works were finished, and not intending to let him have them until
then. Soon afterward he was instructed by higher authority to confer with
Dr. Hudson and consent to arrangements with him to furnish negroes,
and was informed that the doctor would call on him soon, — which he did in
four or five days. Being treated with some courtesy, he proposed the trap-
ping of boys from ten to fifteen years old, and said to the lieutenant that if
he would engage with him in the business and turn them over to him, he
could get at least one thousand dollars for every boy large enough to plough,
and for able-bodied men from fifteen hundred to two thousand dollars, and
that they would divide the proceeds equally. He further said that he could
get any kind of a pass he wished, as he had a farm outside the pickets, and
would have no difficulty in getting through and disposing of them as fast as
they could be furnished. Deardurff assented to the proposition, and told him
he could have as many as he wanted ; whereupon the doctor took his leave,
promising to call for them on the following Monday.
The next thing now was to see Newcomer, report his success, and make
arrangements for the future ; and for this he was not compelled to wait long,
as the latter called upon him that very evening. The doctor reported that
he had sounded Lieutenant Deardurff, with whom he had just taken dinner,
in regard to the negro-smuggling business, and that the lieutenant had
DR. HUDSON THE SMUGGLER. 479
agreed to go into partnership with him. He said, further, that he was
going to-morrow to see Dr. Seamore and try to get three or four little negroes
from him to take South, and also would go to Lieutenant Osgood and ask for
a pass for himself and servants through the lines, upon which, if he obtained
it, he would take out all the negroes he was to get from Deardurff and Sea-
more. Newcomer was highly pleased, and congratulated the doctor upon
his excellent management. He had just returned from outside the lines, he
said, and had taken with him six negroes, whom he had sent South.
" And while there," he continued, " I found a letter addressed to me from
General Frank Cheatham, enclosing five hundred dollars, with which he
requested me to purchase quinine for the use of his hospitals. I suppose I
can procure it from Drs. Cliff and Ermy, of this city, can't I ?"
"I am well acquainted with Ermy," replied the doctor; "and I don't
doubt I can get all we want from him."
" But how will we manage to get it through the lines ?"
" I think we can get Dr. Ford to carry it. At any rate, Ford, you, and I
will meet at Rear's to-morrow and arrange it all."
Newcomer was at the place appointed in due season, but found neither of
the others there. Somewhat disappointed, he sent a note to Hudson, asking
the reason of it, and received word that there had been a misunderstanding
about the place of meeting, with a request that he would call at his house,
as he was anxious to see him. Going at once, he was told by the doctor that
he had seen and talked with Dr. Ermy about the quinine, and that they could
have one hundred ounces for four hundred and seventy-five dollars. Hudson
had offered four hundred and fifty dollars, and Ermy said he would not ob-
ject, "as it was for suffering humanity," but his partner, Dr. Cliff, would
have four hundred and seventy-five dollars, which he had finally agreed to
give, thus closing the bargain. Newcomer expressed himself fully satisfied,
and was about to leave the house, when he was approached by Mrs. Hudson,
who said that there was in the penitentiary a Confederate officer by the
name of Russell, the son of an old friend of her husband, whom she was
very anxious to get out and run through the lines.
"Yes," said the doctor; "I would gladly crawl on my elbows from here
to the prison, the stormiest night that ever blew, if by doing so I could re-
lease him."
" If you can get him out, I give you my word that I will take good care of
him," was Newcomer's reply.
"I will see him, then, to-morrow," remarked Mrs. Hudson, "and tell him
that one of General Wheeler's spies is in the city, who will take charge of
him and see him safely through the lines if he can only get out of prison."
It was now the Monday on which the doctor had promised to call again
upon Lieutenant Deardurff, and he was prompt to fulfil his appointment.
The interview was a pleasant one ; and the doctor stated that he had made
all the necessary arrangement's, and was ready for business at any time,
asking, finally, —
"Do you see any chance of being caught in it?"
480 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
" No," returned the lieutenant ; " I can manage my part of it without
any trouble. So far as I am concerned, I have no fear at all, and am satis-
fied that if the thing is properly managed there is no danger in it.
Besides, didn't you tell me you could get a pass of any kind at any time
you wanted it?"
"Yes," he answered, at the same time taking out and showing a pass.
" I have one here. You see, it says, for myself and servants. I told them I
had a farm beyond the pickets, and, as I was just commencing work on it,
might want to take out more hands some days than others. They had better
make it 'servants,' I said, and then it would pass out any number, — which
they did ; and all I will have to do now will be to say that they are my ser-
vants. The pickets are changed every day; so they'll not suspect any thing:
and I think it's perfectly safe. At any rate, I'll risk it. If there's nothing
risked there'll be nothing won, you know. "We can make a very good thing
out of it, and nobody will be the worse for it ; because they are runaway
slaves, anyhow, whom their masters will never get again, and so will lose
nothing by our operations."
Other features of the plan were discussed for nearly three hours, when the
doctor asked Deardurff to order his horse and go with him to select the best
route to get them away, and also to call at his house and talk with his wife
about it. He did so, and found Mrs. Hudson considerably more shrewd than
her husband, but eventually gained her confidence, and was invited to dinner
the next day. He accepted the invitation, and was generously entertained by
the doctor and his family. During the meal, the former inquired if he could
let him have any number of negroes, from four to twelve, that evening or
night or the next morning, at any place that would suit.
" Do you know what you can do with them ?" queried the lieutenant.
" I'll take them out on the farm, and then see what can be done with them
and how many can be disposed of."
" If I were in your place I would go and see Prior Smith and two or three
others of your friends, and see what they say about it," continued Deardurff,
anxious to implicate as many as possible and at the same time convince
Hudson that he was very much in earnest about the matter.
" That's a good idea. I'll go to-morrow morning, and report to you im-
mediately on my return."
With this they parted, the one to go to his camp, the other to make ready
for his journey. Whether this was ever performed it is not necessary to
state ; but certainly it was not the next day, for the doctor had more import-
ant business with Newcomer, which he must have forgotten when making
this arrangement with Deardurff. The next morning Newcomer came early
with the money to buy the quinine which had been engaged of Dr. Ermy.
When told what he had come for, Hudson at once ordered his buggy, and
was just ready to start for the medicine, when his wife returned from the
city, bringing word from Dr. Ford to have nothing to do with it, as he had
reason to know that something was wrong. Mrs. Hudson also said that Dr.
Chalmers, of Hospital No. 15, had told her that she and the doctor were
DR. HUDSON THE SMUGGLER. 481
watched at head-quarters, and that passes were only given them for the pur-
pose of catching both of them, — that he had known it some time, and would
have told her sooner, only he had been cautioned not to say any thing about
it ; but, notwithstanding, that he would warn them of their danger. He was
surprised they were not already arrested ; and they must keep a good look-
out, or they soon would be.
" I don't believe a word of it," said Newcomer. "At any rate, I'll find out
before night whether any thing of the kind is in the wind, from one of Gene-
ral MitchePs clerks, who is in my employment."
At this both were much pleased, and said they felt perfectly safe so long
as they had such a shrewd friend to watch over them.
Newcomer called again that evening, and found the doctor as ready as
ever to assist in getting the quinine through ; but Mrs. Hudson was still
much alarmed. Promising to come again in the morning, he left without
making any arrangements about the matter. The next day he was informed
by the doctor that Deardurff had dined with him a day or two before, and
that all arrangements about the negroes had been satisfactorily agreed on
between them. Newcomer now said that he had seen the clerk he had
spoken of, and that he had told him there was nothing on file at head-
quarters against him or his wife, and that all Dr. Chalmers had said was
false. This made matters right again in a moment ; and Newcomer handed
to Hudson the five hundred dollars, taking for it this receipt: —
"$500.
"Received five hundred dollars, to be appropriated as directed and
understood.
"J. R. Hudson.
" March 6, 1863."
The doctor said he would get A. W Hendershot, a druggist of the city,
to take the five hundred dollars and buy the quinine from Ermy, and he
would send his servant to bring it to the house. Prom thence he would get
his wife and daughter — Mrs. Ward, who lived five miles out on the Char-
lotte pike — to take it beyond the lines to the house of the latter, and there
leave it for Newcomer. They would, he said, tie twine around the necks of
the bottles, and adjust them around their waists, under their clothes, and
thus carry them out of their lines safely. He then introduced Newcomer to
Mrs. Read, — wife of General Read of the Confederate army, — and gave him
several letters which Mrs. Ford wished sent South. The ladies were very
agreeable, showing him marked respect, inviting him to call often, and
assuring him that he would always be treated "as a friend indeed."
Hudson started at once to make arrangements about the quinine, and
Newcomer soon followed him.
The next day, Hudson said that he had bought the quinine, and that
fifty ounces were then hidden in his house, and that to-morrow he would
have the remainder there. Newcomer thanked him for his promptness, and
eno-ao-ed in conversation upon other matters. There was a Federal commis-
482 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
sary store burned in town last night, he said, and he believed it had been
done by some friend of the South.
" I have no doubt of it," said the doctor.
" If I knew who did it I would make him a present of one thousand
dollars."
" If that is all you want, I can find you as many men who will do that
kind of work as you wish. I will go and see about it to-morrow and let you
know."
" All right. I will pay well for it if it is well done."
"Well, I don't think it is any worse than to capture a train of wagons
loaded with the same kind of goods. I'd make the match to set the build-
ings on fire myself. It is easy enough to do, too. All that is necessary is
to take a piece of punk and wrap around it cotton soaked in turpentine ;
then set fire to the punk, and it will not blaze for hours after it is put in
the building ; so that a man will have ample time to get away before the fire
breaks out."
This ended the conversation and the acquaintance of the doctor and New-
comer, who will at once be recognized as the scout and detective. And here,
too, it may be stated — as has probably been already surmised — that Walker,
the Ashby cavalryman, and Wheeler's spy, the doctor's three friends,
were simply members of the army police. Before the doctor had time to
put into operation any of his plans for smuggling negroes or medicines
through the lines, he was arrested, together with his wife and the gunsmith
Rear. An examination of his house revealed a large amount and variety of
contraband goods, — among which were nine revolvers, three shot-guns, two
muskets, one rifle, three bags of bullets and buckshot, a large quantity of
domestic and woollen goods, three bottles of morphine, and ninety-nine
ounces of quinine. This latter, it seems, his daughter had refused to assist
in carrying beyond the lines, and therefore it was found just where he had
secreted it. Hudson and his wife were imprisoned — the former in the peni-
tentiary, and the latter at her house — while their case was pending. The
decision finally arrived at was to send them South beyond the lines, whither
they had aided to send so many others. Rear was released on parole and
bond, and is, we believe, still at large.
Thus was the home-circle broken up ; and where was once only happi-
ness is now misery. Though the guilt of the parents is not that of the
children, they feel its weight, and in sorrow must mourn it for many
days. "The way of the transgressor is hard," was said of him who violated
the laws of God's kingdom ; and it is not less true of those who rebel and
plot against a Government at once so beneficent and so powerful as ours. If
at any time, now or in the future, the fate of Dr. Hudson, his wife, and the
children upon whom his crimes have entailed sorrow, shall convey aught of
warning to others, the labor spent in compiling this chapter will not have
been in vain.
In this ease there were two ruling passions developed in the aged and
wealthy rebel, — one to aid the rebellion, and the other to make money for
NEWCOMER THE SCOUT. 483
himself. For the one, the plea of a mistaken, fanatical principle might
be offered as an apology, but for the other none can entertain the least
respect. The reader may exclaim against the seeming temptation resorted
to in this case ; but there was really no temptation. The detectives were
strictly enjoined in this, as in all other cases, simply to afford facilities to
the secret evil-doers of Nashville in this hour of general rebellion and
peril to the Government ; and the above record is evidence that they kept
within the line of their instructions. The schemes of Dr. Hudson were his
own, or arose incidentally from his surroundings. Had plans and schemes
been deliberately made up for him, one can hardly conjecture to what
extent his principles and feelings would have carried him.
Newcomer the Scout.
Harry Newcomer was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in
March, 1829. Born antl raised in a hotel, he was employed as a bar-tender
until he reached the age of about fourteen, when his mother died and his
father broke up housekeeping. Thus thrown out of present employment,
he soon afterwards went to Ohio, where he was apprenticed to learn the
milling business. Serving out his time, he continued at this some years,
until his brother-in-law, a Mr. Gates, — now County Auditor of
Ashland county, Ohio, — was elected sheriff, when he was appointed one of
his deputies. In 1857 he went to Cleveland, and was employed by Jabez
Fitch, United States Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio, as a detect-
ive officer. This situation he retained some three years, during which time
he was quite successful in developing several noted cases of crime and
bringing to punishment men who had grown gray in villany. One of these
cases is so remarkable in its history and character, and was productive of
such startling results, that the author thinks it worthy of a detailed narra-
tion, as an example of the skill displayed by our detective, and an illustra-
tion of the practical truth of the saying that " murder will out."
Information had been obtained by the authorities that a large business
was transacted in the manufacture and sale of counterfeit money in Geauga
county, Ohio. Though it was certain that the information was correct, it had
thus far been found impossible to obtain any positive evidence by which to
fix the guilt upon the suspected parties. By his previous operations New-
comer had acquired the reputation of being an ingenious and successful
detective, and it was determined to send him down to try his hand at the
case. He was instructed to make the acquaintance of an old blacksmith
named Jesse Bowen, who lived near a place called Burton Square in that
county. This Bowen, in addition to his trade, cultivated a small farm, and
had long been known as a lawless character, engaged in every manner of
fraud and crime, but had, nevertheless, managed to escape detection and
484 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
punishment. He was now some seventy-eight years old, and lived a friend-
less, unsocial life, his house being shunned by all who had any care for
their reputation and standing. To this man Newcomer introduced himself as
William H. Hall, an extensive manufacturer of and dealer in counterfeit
money. To substantiate this representation of himself, he exhibited large
quantities of counterfeit bills on various banks, — with an abundance of
which he had been furnished before leaving Cleveland. Two or three in-
terviews were had, in which he succeeded in so completely gaining confidence
that the old man gave him the names of all the parties in that vicinity
dealing in counterfeit money. He was then working a small patch of corn,
and as soon as he could finish hoeing that and cut and get in his hay, he
said, he would take him around and introduce him to them, when he could
easily dispose of all his money. Newcomer now went to work with the old
man, and assisted him about his corn and hay, that he might get through as
soon as possible. During this time he stayed with Bowen, sleeping up-stairs,
while the old man and his wife remained below. Scarcely a night would
pass that some one of the gang of thieves, robbers, and counterfeiters who
made this their head-quarters would not come and knock on the side of the
house. The old man would thrust out his head amd ask, "Who's there?"
If the password was correctly given, the door would open at once. By lying
awake at nights when he was thought to be asleep, sometimes getting out
of bed and listening at the window or peeping through the cracks in the
floor, Newcomer soon ascertained that this password was " Washington,"
heard much of- their conversation, learned their plans, and often saw them
buying counterfeit coin of Bowen.
Day by day the old man's confidence in him became stronger, until at
last he imparted to him all his secrets, took him to his shop, dug up from
one corner his tools, moulds, and other apparatus for coining money, and
explained to him the whole business. Newcomer now assisted him in the
manufacture of bogus coin, and soon they had a considerable stock on hand.
One clay the old man called him out into a small orchard near his house, and,
sitting down under an apple-tree, told him to take a seat beside him, as he
wished to talk with him.
"I have," began he, "something to tell you, — something I never told to
anybody before, not even to my wife. It seems strange, perhaps, that I
should tell it to you now, a comparative stranger, whom I have known but
a few days ; but I feel something within me that prompts me to it. Forty
years ago, when I lived in Vermont, my brother and myself murdered our
brother-in-law in the woods one day. He was a simple, shallow-witted
fellow, and was in the habit of wandering off by himself and remaining for
some time away in the woods. On one of these occasions we waylaid and
killed him. For a time nobody knew what had become of him ; but by-and-
by some portion of the body was found and identified, and we were arrested
as the murderers. Nobody had seen the murder done ; but there were certain
things tending to fasten the guilt on us, and the possession of the consider-
able property he left was supposed to be motive enough for the deed. The
NEWCOMER THE SCOUT. 485
evidence was entirely circumstantial ; but it convinced the jury : we were
convicted and sentenced to be hanged. The case was desperate, and it
seemed impossible to escape. The day of the execution was drawing
nigh, and we had about given up all hope, — when relief and release came
very unexpectedly. Some of our friends accidentally fell in with a man
in New Jersey who was the very image of the murdered man. His most
intimate friends could not have told them apart. I myself, when I first saw
him, was ready to sink through the floor with fear, thinking that our
brother-in-law had returned to accuse us. This man was brought into court,
and swore that he was the identical man whom we had been accused and
convicted of murdering. Nobody could gainsay it, and we were released.
He remained there just long enough for this, and then disappeared as mys-
teriously as he came, never having been seen or heard of since. My brother
remained in Vermont, and died there. What little property I had was
entirely used up in the expenses of the trial, lawyer's fee, &c, and I came
here to Ohio, where I have been ever since. I was poor, and this counter-
feiting business suited my taste, and I have been engaged in it, more or less,
during all the time I have lived here. Our case has been often published
and cited as a striking instance of the utter unreliability of the strongest
circumstantial evidence, and as a narrow escape from death of two innocent
men ; but nobody knew that we actually did kill him, and that his return
was all a made-up scheme to effect our release, based upon the extraordinary
likeness of the man to our murdered brother-in-law."
To say that Newcomer was not astonished and horrified at this strange
revelation of long-concealed crime would be to say that he was not human
in his sympathies and feelings ; but, whatever he may have thought and
felt, he artfully avoided any expression of it, and as speedily as possible
changed the conversation to other subjects. The old man's work was now
done, and the promised trip around the county was made. Some fifteen or
twenty dealers were visited and traded with. Newcomer bought, sold, and
exchanged counterfeit money with them, and thus gained their confidence
as fully as he had gained Bowen's. Many of them afterwards came to see
him at the house of the latter, where they had long conferences and together
laid out plans for future operations. The circle of Newcomer's acquaint-
ance rapidly increased, and soon numbered the more considerable counter-
feiters, burglars, horse-thieves, &c. of that whole region. Several weeks
passed in this way, when urgent business called him away, and he returned
to Cleveland to report progress to Marshal Fitch. Officers were immediately
despatched to the place, and five of the gang arrested, — among whom was
Bowen. Large quantities of bogus coin, together with the moulds and
metal used in its manufacture, were found in his shop. They were brought
to Cleveland and confined in jail, where Bowen was visited by many citi-
zens to whom he confessed that the facts as here stated were substantially
correct. They were all tried, convicted, and sentenced to the penitentiary, —
Bowen for six years, and the others for terms ranging from one to five.
During his stay in Cleveland, Newcomer was engaged in many other cases,
486 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
some of them of scarcely less importance than the one j net mentioned ; hut
they cannot even be alluded to in this brief sketch. Suffice it to say that he
obtained a wonderful local reputation for skill and sagacity in the develop-
ment of difficult and complicated cases, and that his services were in
demand in various parts of the country. In 1860 he went to Pittsburg,
where he made the acquaintance of Kobert Hague, Chief of Police in that
city, and was by him introduced to Biddle Roberts, — then United States
District Attorney, now a colonel in the Federal army, — who at once employed
him as a detective. At this time Campbell, an able and energetic
officer, as well as an accomplished and courteous gentleman, was Marshal of
the Western District of Pennsylvania. The wilds of Western Pennsylvania
had long been notorious as the hiding-place of innumerable thieves, counter-
feiters, and murderers. Many efforts had been made to break up their
gangs and rid society of so disgraceful an element, but, for some reason, they
had all ended in failure. The United States authorities were now determined
to make another attempt to discover the whereabouts and arrest the leaders
and members of this wide-spread association of criminals. It was a task in
which only the utmost ingenuity and enterprise could hope to succeed ; and
the subject of our sketch was selected as the proper person to whom to
commit it.
For half a century, a place in Butler county — known as the Stone House —
had been designated as the head-quarters of much of this villany. It was
in a wild, dreary region, at a crossing of public roads where stages were
in the habit of stopping for meals and a change of horses. About a mile
from this tavern, in a dense forest near the iron-mountains, lived the leader
and head of the gang, Charles Coventry by name, but known among his
confederates as "the Old North Pole." He was a desperate, daring man,
fearing nothing, and feared by all. Tall and heavy-built, — weighing at
least two hundred pounds, — dark-skinned as a negro, with a strong black
beard and a thick bushy head of hair, he was the very beau-ideal of a
reckless, law-defying bandit. To the lair of this "wild man of the woods"
Newcomer was sent, with instructions to ascertain as nearly as possible his
whereabouts, habits, and associations, and to obtain such other information
concerning him as could be gathered up about the neighborhood. Having
no recommendation to him, he could not at this time hope to do more than
this, as Coventry was too shrewd and practised a rogue to be easily caught.
His instructions were fully carried out, and he returned in a few days to
Pittsburg, reporting progress to the authorities. He had not seen Coven-
try, but had reconnoitred the neighborhood and prepared the way for
future operations in the same direction. *
While at Pittsburg two events transpired that gave him a foundation to
work upon in his second and more elaborate attempt. In themselves they
were trivial circumstances, and seemed to afford little promise of results ;
but give our detective the smallest fissure wherein to insert his entering
wedge, and he will speedily drive it to the head. The facts which New-
comer now eagerly seized were, first the arrest and imprisonment in Phila-
NEWCOMER THE SCOUT. 487
delphia of an intimate friend and former partner of Coventry's, on a charge
of counterfeiting, and, secondly, the opportune return to Pittsburg of an old
acquaintance and colaborer of his own, — Dr. Joshua Webb. The doctor was
acquainted with Coventry, and, in some way, had managed to ingratiate
himself into his confidence and esteem. It was arranged between Webb and
Newcomer that the former should at once go down to Coventry's house on a
visit and remain there for a time. In a week or so the latter would follow,
and introduce himself to Coventry as an acquaintance of Coventry's im-
prisoned friend and the bearer of a message from him to Coventry, — his
own character and standing being vouched for by Webb, should occasion
require. This programme was carried out, — Webb going down, and New-
comer following in a week after. On the way from the Stone House to
Coventry's nobody was seen but a little girl, who was coming from the
house and passed on down the hill to a buckwheat-patch, where a number
of men were at work cutting the grain. Newcomer went to the house,
climbed a high fence by which it was surrounded, and knocked at the door.
No answer being given, he shook it, tried the latch, attempting to open it,
but found it fastened. Concluding nobody was at home, he turned to retrace
his steps, and had just gotten over the fence again, when his attention was
attracted by a short, quick coughing, or rather hemming, of somebody
inside. The house was a story-and-a-half log cabin, of which only the lower
part was " chinked and daubed," — as it is called, — the crevices between the
logs of the upper portion being left open. It was through these that the
voice evidently proceeded ; and soon a nose and mouth made their appear-
ance at one of them. In a loud, hoarse whisper, the mouth said, —
"They're all down in the buckwheat. Don't look this way, but turn
around and look towards the woods, as if you were watching for somebody,
while I talk to you. It's rather dark up here, and you can't see me very
well ; but you know me, don't you 1"
"Yes, Doc : it's you, isn't it?"
"Yes. We've got the press up, and I am cutting out two-dollar-and-
a-half pieces. The old man is out cutting his buckwheat, and I am helping
him make coin. We'll soon have lots on hand."
"Well, Doc," replied Newcomer, gazing intently into the woods, "I'll go
back to the Stone House and come again when he's at home. You can say
that somebody came to the house, but you didn't know who it was, lest he
should accidentally have seen me and suspect something."
So saying, he walked slowly back to the tavern, and loitered about there
until evening, when he again went to Coventry's, and at some distance from
the house saw him sitting under a shed, talking with one of his confreres,
but was not seen by them. Near the house, meeting the girl whom he had
seen in the morning, he stopped and said to her, —
" Does Mr. Coventry live here ?"
" Yes," was the reply.
" Are you his daughter?"
" Yes, sir."
488 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
"Well, my little girl, won't you run back and tell your pa that there is a
gentleman here who wishes to speak with him for a moment?"
The girl did as requested, and Coventry came out at once, holding out his
hand in a very friendly way. Newcomer introduced himself as H. C. Myers,
and informed him of the situation of his Philadelphia friend. He had seen
him recently in prison, he said, and had been requested by him to call on
Coventry and tell him that he was in trouble, and was very anxious to have
him come and see him, if possible.
Coventry was surprised, and evidently uneasy. " He was one of the best
and keenest men in the business," said he ; " and it is very strange that he
should be jugged. I am very sorry about it, — would almost as soon be in pri-
son myself, and, if necessary, will spend every dollar I have to get him out.
But come ; let me introduce you to a friend of mine here."
Newcomer went with him to the shed where he had been sitting, and was
introduced to the man whom he had seen talking with Coventry a few mo-
ments previous. The latter accompanied the ceremony with the remark,
" He's all right, I know ; or my friend wouldn't have sent him to me." The
three talked together for some time, Newcomer all the while, with inimitable
tact, drawing him out and working upon his sympathies, until he gained his
confidence as completely as he had that of many others before. Wishing to
see and perhaps buy some of his wares, the old man went into the house and
brought out specimens of bogus coin and a pair of fine steel dies for stamp-
ing it, which Newcomer agreed to take at another time. Coventry gave him
the names of several other parties engaged in the same business, and recom-
mended him to them. Our detective now took his leave, first making a bar-
gain, however, to come again in ten days and purchase a large amount of
counterfeit coin.
At the time appointed, in company with Robert Hague and five police-
men, he started on his promised return. At Somerset they arrested a mer-
chant, one of the parties recommended by Coventry, and then proceeded on
their way. About three o'clock in the morning they had arrived within a
mile of his house, and there left the wagon, with two of the officers in charge.
Newcomer, with Hague and the other three, started towards the house.
Knowing the desperate character of the man, and that he always kept two or
three double-barrelled guns loaded ready for use, they did not seem to relish
the idea of marching boldly up to the house ; and, to avoid danger, Newcomer
proposed to go and decoy him out of his stronghold. The night being too
dark to distinguish persons, it was arranged that when they were heard
coming back along the path the officers should spring out and arrest the
foremost one. He went to the house and called Coventry out. The latter
was in bed, but soon came down, without stopping to put on his coat. He
seemed much pleased to see Newcomer, and asked him to come into the
house.
" No," was the reply ; " I can't, just now. I brought down a large lot of
ones and twos on the State Bank of Ohio, but I didn't know who I might
meet here, and concluded it wasn't quite safe to bring them to the house first
NEWCOMER THE SCOUT. 489
thing. So I left my satchels out in the woods ; and, if you'll get your coin, a
candle, and some matches, we'll go right out and make our exchange there."
Coventry assented, went into the house, and in a few minutes returned
with the coin and the steel dies, which he put in his pocket. They felt their
way along until they reached the place where the officers were concealed,
Newcomer dropping to the rear, and at this time being a considerable distance
behind Coventry, who was in his shirt-sleeves still, and the more readily dis-
tinguishable. Just as he was fairly opposite them, all four of the ambushed
officers jumped upon him, whereupon ensued a desperate struggle ; and it
was fully half an hour before they succeeded in getting the handcuffs upon
him. During all this time he kept constantly shouting, "I'm trapped! I'm
arrested !" &c, in order to alarm Webb, who was yet in the house, and give
him a chance to escape. He succeeded also in throwing away the dies, and,
though search was made for them the next day, they were never found.
Secured at last, he was placed in the wagon, and the whole party drove up
to his house, where an immense amount of counterfeit money, moulds, dies,
and a heavy iron press used for striking off bills, were found. Coventry was
subsequently tried, convicted, and sent to the penitentiary for five years.
Newcomer remained at Pittsburg through the administration of Marshal
Campbell, and for some time with his successor, Marshal Murdoch. On one
occasion he went to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and arrested nine counter-
feiters, with all their dies and instruments and a large amount of coin. Many
other smaller but interesting cases were developed by him, some sixty-eight
in number, and embracing every kind of vice and crime. Some jealousy hav-
ing arisen on the part of the city police, caused by his extraordinary success,
he deemed it inadvisable to remain there longer, and about two years ago
came to Chicago, where he had several interviews with C. P Bradley, Chief
of Police ; but, finding nothing important on hand or in prospect, he concluded
to return to Ohio. In Logan county, Indiana, he met with an officer recruit-
ing for the Eleventh Indiana Battery, who induced him to enlist in the same
as a non-commissioned officer. At Louisville he joined the battery, and came
with it to Nashville. Thence he accompanied Buell in his severe march
over almost impassable roads and through swollen streams to Pittsburg
Landing and Shiloh, — not arriving, however, in time to participate in the
battle. Thence he went to Corinth, remaining there until its evacuation by
the rebels, and thence to Huntsville and Stevenson, Alabama. Here, the
monotony of camp and stockade life becoming irksome, he began to vary it
by scouting on his own account. Frequently at night, after tattoo, he would
mount his horse, slip past the pickets, scour the neighboring country in quest
of information and adventure, and return again before reveille, his absence
seldom being noticed by any one. On one occasion something of more than
ordinary importance having come to his notice, he reported it to Colonel
Harker, of the 65th Ohio Volunteers, then commanding the brigade stationed
at that post, stating the means by which he had obtained the information,
and giving some account of his previous midnight scouts. The colonel,
highly pleased, at once gave him passes, and instructed him to continue the
business as he had time and opportunity.
490 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
Frequently he would go down to the Tennessee River in sight of the rebel
pickets ; and one night he concluded to cross the river and get a nearer view
of them. Striking the stream at a point three miles from Stevenson, he
built a raft of rails and paddled himself across. Crawling up the bank
through the bush, he came close upon the pickets, seven in number, without
being observed. After watching their movements a while and finding nothing
of particular interest, he returned safely as he went. Soon afterwards a negro
told him of an island in the Tennessee River, some ten miles below Stevenson,
on which a company of guerrilla cavalry were in the habit of rendezvousing
every night. This opened a large field of operations for our scout, and
he determined to visit the island forthwith. One afternoon, borrowing a
suit of butternut from a negro at Stevenson, he set forth in that direction.
The butternut clothes were carried under his saddle until he was fairly out-
side of our lines, when he exchanged his own for them and went on in
the character of a genuine native. Reaching the river opposite the island
after dark, he again constructed a raft of rails, fastening them together this
time with grape-vines, and shoved across the narrow channel to the island,
landing in a dense canebrake. Carefully feeling his way through this,
he came soon to a corn-crib, around which twenty-five or thirty horses
were feeding. It was now ten o'clock, and quite dark, but clear and star-
light. Examining the crib, the entrance was discovered about half-way up,
and our adventurer at once clambered up and put his head and shoulders
through. Careful listening revealed the presence of sleepers within. Putting
his hand down to see how far it was to them, it came in contact with the
body of a man. "Wishing to know in what direction he was lying, he felt
along carefully and came upon a pistol in his belt. "Working at this, he
soon drew it out, and, finding it a good Colt's revolver, put it into his pocket
and got down again. Exploring around, he came to a corn-patch and
a cabin near by, in which there seemed, from the noise within, to be a family
or two of negroes. Crossing to the south or rebel side of the island, he found
that the stream was much narrower there than on the other side, and that
close to the shore a number of boats and scows, in which the band crossed
and recrossed, were tied. It was now time to think about getting home, and
he circled around the crib and cabin to reach the place where he had left his
raft. "When he came in sight of it, there was also to be seen a human form
standing by the water's edge and apparently regarding the raft with no
little astonishment. In the uncertain light, it was impossible to tell whether it
was man or woman, white or black ; and there was nothing to do but wait
until it disappeared. Crouching "down amid the canes, he soon saw it
turn and begin to climb the bank directly towards him, and as a precau-
tionary measure took out the pistol and cocked it, though he could not
see or feel whether it was loaded or not. The person proved to be a negro,
and passed by, unconscious of the presence of any one so near, soliloquizing
to himself thus: — " Mighty quare boat dat ar; spec's some of Masser John's
work." This danger having passed, our self-appointed spy descended and
re-embarked on his raft. Lest any one should see him, he lay flat upon
it, paddling with extended arms, the whole presenting very much the appear-
NEWCOMER THE SCOUT. 491
ance of a floating mass of driftwood. By the time he reached the opposite
shore his butternut suit was pretty thoroughly soaked, but, without stopping
to dry it, he mounted his horse, which he found straying about the woods,
rode on to Stevenson, and reported to Colonel Harker. An expedition
for the capture of this band — afterwards ascertained to be Captain Roun-
tree's company — was just about starting, when orders were received to eva-
cuate the place and fall back to Nashville with the remainder of Buell's
army.
The battery went no farther backward than Nashville, remaining there
during the famous investment of the city and until the Army of the Cum-
berland again reached it. Meanwhile, Newcomer was occasionally employed
by General Negley as a detective ; but most of the time was spent with his
command. Early in December the police and scout system was fully organ-
ized and in successful operation. Our former scout, thinking that he could
serve the Government to better advantage in the business with which he
was so familiar, made application to (Sblonel Truesdail for employment as a
scout and spy. The colonel, pleased with his appearance and conversation,
at once made an engagement with him, and procured his detail for that
special service. Having previously made the acquaintance of one Cale
Harrison, a livery-stable-keeper, he now called on him, and, exhibiting a
forged certificate of discharge, told him that he was on his way to the rebel
army. Harrison, of course, was highly pleased to hear it, and gave him
some valuable hints and information for his guidance in the matter. There
was, he said, a man living on the Charlotte pike, by the name of Spence, whose
son was an aide-de-camp on the staff of General Polk, and who would
undoubtedly assist him in getting South and give him a letter of introduc-
tion to his son. In this event the road would be clear, and no difficulty
need be apprehended in making the trip.
Thus directed, he set forth from Nashville on a scout South, with saddle-
bags well filled with fine-tooth combs, needles, pins, thread, &c, and carry-
ing two fine navy revolvers. Going directly to Spence's, he introduced him-
self, said he had called by recommendation of Harrison, made known his
business, and asked for a letter to his son, on General Polk's staff. Spence
received him cordially, but would not furnish him with the desired letter.
He referred him, however, to J. Wesley Ratcliffe, living about one mile
from Franklin, on the Lewisburg pike, as a person likely to render him very
material assistance. This Ratcliffe was a rebel agent for the purchase of
stock and commissary stores, and was well known throughout the whole
country. Pushing on, he accordingly called at Ratcliffe's, and made his
acquaintance. When informed of his plans and purposes and shown the
goods, Ratcliffe was much pleased, and soon became very friendly, advising
him to go to Shelbyville, where such articles were greatly needed and could
easily be disposed of. Newcomer accordingly started for Shelbyville, and for
some time met with no incidents on the way. Between Caney Springs and
Rover, however, he fell in with a band of rebel cavalry belonging to General
Buford's command, who, on being made acquainted with his business, advised
492 AEMY POLICE RECORD.
him not to go to Shelbyville, as considerable trouble might be experienced
there. Their bushy shocks of hair suggesting that they were combless, he
offered his stock for sale, chatting meanwhile with them about matters and
things in general and in that vicinity in particular. Combs which cost two
dollars per dozen he sold for two dollars each, and other articles in pro-
portion, and, by the time his trading was finished, had ascertained that
General Buford was stationed at Rover to guard a large mill full of flour and
meal, — the size of his command, the number and calibre of his guns, and
other items of importance, and also what generals and troops were at
Shelbyville. The cavalrymen now wished him to go back to Nashville and
bring them some pistols on his return. This he agreed to do, and, having
obtained all the information he cared for at this time, turned his horse about
and once more set his face towards Nashville. The two pistols which he had
carried with him he had not shown, and still had them in his possession,
— which circumstance was the cause of a slight adventure on the way home.
He had proceeded but a little way when he met with a small squad of
cavalry, who halted him, as usual, and demanded his name, business, and
where he was going. These questions satisfactorily answered, he was next
asked if he had any pistols about him. He replied that he had two, and
was forthwith ordered by a rough-looking Texan to produce them, which
was hardly done before they were coolly appropriated by his interrogator.
Remonstrance was followed by abuse and threats of violence ; and it was
only by the intervention of the other parties that the matter was com-
promised by the sale of the pistols at fifty dollars each, and our traveller
allowed to go on his way rejoicing. Without interruption head-quarters
were reached, and a report of operations duly made.
Remaining two days at Nashville, he started again, with three pistols and
the balance of the old stock of goods. The first night was spent at Ratcliffe's,
and the next day both went to Murfreesborough in a buggy. Ratcliffe had
business to transact with the provost-marshal and a number of the generals
and inferior officers to see, and Newcomer was taken round and introduced
to all as a colaborer in the cause of the South. During his four days' stay
he was all over the town, through several of the camps, in many of the
houses, drank whiskey with General Frank Cheatham, went to a grand
party at the court-house, and made love to a dozen or more young ladies of
Secession proclivities, — aided in all this by a perfect self-possession, an easy,
graceful manner, and a winning face. In addition to pleasure-seeking and
love-making, he also drove a thriving business in the sale of pistols and
other contraband goods, and, with pockets filled with money and head stored
with information, returned with Ratcliffe to his house, and thence to Nash-
ville,— having first made an arrangement with the former to accompany him
to Shelbyville the next day. Arriving at Nashville after dark, he remained
there until morning, and then made preparations and started for a third
trip.
With a pair or two of cotton-cards, a lot of pistol-caps, and some smaller
knick-knacks, as passports to favor, he set forth once more to join Ratcliffe ;
NEWCOMER THE SCOUT. 403
but, having been unavoidably delayed in starting, he found him already gone.
Nothing was now to be done but to push boldly ahead in the hope of over-
taking him on the road or meeting him at Shelbyville. "With the exception
of Ratcliffe, not a soul there knew him. Trusting to good fortune, he travelled
on, and reached Shelbyville in due season without trouble. The usual ques-
tions were asked him by guards and pickets, to all of which he replied that
he lived in Davidson county, was going to visit some friends in the 44th Ten-
nessee Regiment, and had, moreover, a small stock of contraband goods for sale.
These answers proving satisfactory, he was passed through, and reached the
town early in the forenoon. Most of the day he spent in riding about, look-
ing into quartermasters' and commissary depots, inquiring the names of
officers, the number of troops, commanders, &c, until he had ascertained all
that he wished. By this time night was drawing near, and it was high time
to think about getting out of town ; for should he remain after dark he was
certain to be arrested. RatclifFe was nowhere to be seen ; and on inquiry he
was told that he had gone to Atlanta, Georgia, on the train, and that nobody
knew when he would be back. Here was a desperate state of affairs. Get
out of town he must, and to get out he must have a pass. It was easy
enough to come in, but very difficult to get out. Nobody knew him ; and,
in fact, for once in his life, he was at a loss what to do. While thus
troubled, he met some citizens of Davidson county who had been over
the river to the camps of Cheatham and McCown's division and were now
on their way to the provost-marshal to procure return passes. Misery loves
company, and, with long face, he told them his trouble, — dressing it up
with a considerable amount of fiction to suit the occasion. By way of
adding earnestness to his entreaty and to open a sure path to their sympa-
thies, he bought a bottle of whiskey and invited them all to drink with him.
The liquor warmed their hearts as well as stomachs ; and while hobnobbing
together he asked them if they wouldn't vouch for him to the provost-
marshal and thus enable him to procure a pass. Being now in a condition
to love the world and everybody in it, they promised to do so, and in due
season all went for passes. His seven newly-made friends found no difficulty
in their suit, their names being all written on a single pass ; but our scout
was left unnoticed. The attention of the provost-marshal was called to him,
when that functionary asked if any of them was personally acquainted with
him. Though rebels, they would not lie, — possibly they thought it was not
necessary, — and answered, "No," but they would vouch for him. But that
would not dov His situation now was worse than ever. He not only had
no pass, but had not the slightest chance of getting one. The whiskey
investment had proved a losing speculation ; and he knew not where to turn
for relief. The loungers about the office began to eye him suspiciously, and
even the dogs seemed disposed to growl and snap at him as having no busi-
ness there. The place was getting too hot for safety ; and his only hope of
escape was to hurry out and lose himself in the crowd.
His new friends were still outside, waiting for him ; and with them a long
consultation was held as to what had better be done about getting away, as
4*94 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
every moment added to his already serious danger. Finally, one of the party
suggested that he should go with them anyhow, — that the pickets would
not be likely to notice that his name was not in the pass, there being so
many already on it. In default of any thing better, this proposition was
agreed to, and all set out together. Newcomer, however, was still far from
easy about the matter, and was fearful that the plan would not work. As
they were journeying albng, he proposed to the one who had the pass that
he should be allowed to write his own name on the pass with a pencil, and
if any objection should be made to it they might say that he belonged to the
party but did not come in until the pass was made out, and that the provost-
marshal, to save writing a new one, had inserted the name in pencil-mark.
This was assented to and done. The amended pass carried them safely
through, and the last cloud of anxiety was lifted from his troubled mind.
Some twelve or fifteen miles having been passed over pleasantly, New-
comer purposely lagged behind and allowed the others to get far ahead,
when he turned off and struck across to the Lewisburg and Franklin pike.
Travelling on this about ten miles, he stopped for the night, with five of
Wheeler's cavalry, at the house of a man who had a son in Forrest's com-
mand. Starting the next morning betimes, he reached Katcliffe's the same
evening, but fourgl he had not yet reached home. Stopping a few moments,
he passed on through Franklin towards Nashville. He had gone some seven
miles, and was near Brentwood, when he saw four cavalrymen riding
furiously down a lane just ahead of him. They and our hero reached its
entrance at the same moment. The leader of the squad — who proved to be
Captain Harris, a scout of John Morgan's, and who, as well as his three
men, was very drunk — roughly halted him, and, riding up, pistol in hand,
shouted, —
" Who are you ? and where do you live 1"
" My name is Newcomer, and I live six miles from Nashville, near Brent
Spence's," was the ready, respectful reply.
Spence was well known to all, and no further trouble was apprehended ;
but the drunken captain was not so easily satisfied. He soon asked, —
"Where have you been? and what in the are you doing here?"
" I have been to Shelbyville to see Spence's son, and I took along some
contraband goods to sell."
"You can go back to Franklin with me, sir !"
Protestation was unavailing ; and without more ado he turned about and
all started towards Franklin. On the way Harris asked if he had any
arms with him, and, on being told that he had two fine revolvers and some
cartridges, ordered him to give them up, which was done. With a savage
leer he then said, —
"I know all about you. You're a Yankee spy. You have been
going backwards and forwards here so much that the citizens of Franklin
have suspected you for a long time, and have reported you. I am satisfied
that you are a Yankee spy ; and I am going to hang you, you. Bragg
has ordered me never to bring in spies, but to shoot or hang them like dogs,
NEWCOMER THE SCOUT. 495
on ;he spot ; and I am going to make a beginning with you, now, this very
night."
" If you do that," was the reply, " you'll take the life of a good and true
man. I can show by J. W Katcliffe that I am a true Southerner, that I have
done much good for the cause, — very likely much more than you have, — and
that I am doing good every day I live."
"Captain," said one of the men, "it may be that he is an important
man to our cause ; and you had better see Ratcliffe and inquire into his
case."
Harris studied a moment, and finally concluded to go with the prisoner to
Ratcliffe's and confer about the matter, — at the same time assuring him that
it was of no use, for he should certainly hang him anyhow. At Franklin
all stopped to drink, and Harris and his men became beastly drunk.
Reeling into their saddles, they were once more on their way to Ratcliffe's,
but had gone only a short distance, when Harris wheeled his horse and
hiccoughed out, —
"Boys, there's no use in fooling. I am satisfied this fellow's a
Yankee spy ; and here's just as good a place as we can find to hang him.
Take the halter off that horse's neck and bring it here."
It was indeed a fitting place in which to do foul murder. Not a house
was to be seen ; and the road wound through one of those cedar thickets
so dense that even in mid-day it is almost dark within them. It was now
night, and the sombre shade even more gloomy than ever, as Harris jumped
from his horse, and, taking the halter, made a noose of it, and, fitting it
around the neck of the unlucky scout, drew it up uncomfortably tight, until,
in fact, it was just about strangling him.
Now or never was the time to expostulate and entreat. In a moment it
might be too late ; and then farewell home, friends, and all the joys of life !
It is not hard to die in peace, surrounded by weeping friends, or even to
meet the dread king in the shock and excitement of battle ; but to hang like
a dog ! — the idea is sickening, appalling ; and it is no sign of cowardice to
shrink from it. One more effort, then, for life, even if it be to supplicate for
mercy from a drunken rebel.
" Captain," said he, with great feeling, " it is wrong to take a man's life
on so slight a suspicion. It is a vast responsibility to take upon one's self;
and you may do something for which you will be sorry by-and-by, in your
calmer moments, and for which you may be even punished when it comes
to the knowledge of General Bragg."
To which came the rough and heartless answer, "I know my business;
and I don't want any advice from a Yankee spy. When I do, I'll let
you know. Come along," shouted he, seizing the rope and dragging his
victim towards a tree. " I know my duty, and am going to do it, too. Come
on, men, and let's swing up this rascally spy."
They refused to come to his assistance, however, saying that they were as
ready as he to do their duty, but they wanted to be a little better satisfied
about the matter. It was only half a mile to Ratcliffe's, and it would be a
496 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
very easy thing to go and see what he said about it. Harris would not listen
a moment, and again ordered them to come and help him, which they dared
not longer refuse.
The case now appeared hopeless. Death stared him in the face, and life,
with all its memories and pleasures, seemed passing dreamily away. Look-
ing into the cedars hanging heavy with darkness, they seemed the
entrance to the valley of the shadow of death, beyond which lay the infinite
and mysterious future. On the verge of the grave life was yet sweet, — yet
worth striving for; and, as a last effort, the unfortunate man went up to
Harris, placed his hand on his shoulder, and asked him if he would promise,
on the word and honor of a gentleman, that he would go to General Bragg
and give him a true statement of the affair, narrating every circumstance as
it actually occurred. Then, turning to the men, he asked them if they
would do it, provided the captain did not. Less hardened than the captain,
they feelingly answered that they would ; and the earnestness with which
they replied was proof enough that they would make good their words.
This set the captain to thinking. He evidently didn't like the idea of
Bragg's hearing about it, and, after some moments' reflection, concluded to
go to Ratcliffe's and see what he would say. The rope was removed, and
they resumed their journey, — the captain still swearing it would do no
good, as nothing could save him, for he was bound to hang him that very
night.
Life still hung on a thread, however. In the afternoon, when Newcomer
had been there, Ratcliffe had not returned, and if he were not now at home
nothing would prevent Harris from carrying out his threat, which he seemed
determined to execute. That half-mile was the longest ride Newcomer ever
took. No lights were to be seen ; but it was near midnight, and it might be
that all were abed. Harris left the prisoner at the gate, in charge of the
other three, and went up to the house. He knocked on the window, and New-
comer thought it was the thumping of his own heart. Fortunately Ratcliffe
was at home, and came hurriedly to the door, without stopping to dress.
The two conversed in a low tone for some time, when Ratcliffe was heard to
exclaim, " I'll be if you do !" and instantly started down towards the
gate. Coming up to the prisoner, and throwing one arm around his neck,
while he took his hand in his, he said to him, —
" Great God ! Harry, how fortunate that I am at home !"
After they had talked a while together, Harris came up again, and called
Ratcliffe to one side, where they had another protracted conversation in
a low, whispering tone. While they were thus engaged, a large owl on a
tree near by began hooting, and was speedily answered by another some
distance up the road. The three men mounted their horses at once and
galloped to the road, shouting, at the top of their voices, —
" Captain, we're surrounded ! This is a trap. Don't you hear the signals ?"
The captain stepped to the road, listened a moment, and then, with a
volley of oaths, ordered them back for "a pack of fools to be scared at
an owl." Still quaking with fear, which did not entirely leave them until
NEWCOMER THE SCOUT. 497
they were fairly away from the place, they resumed their places, the owls
hooting lustily all the while.
Harris and Ratcliffe continued their conversation for a few minutes, when
the former came towards Newcomer with a pistol and some papers in each
hand, saying, as he gave them to him, —
" I release you, and restore your property, on the word of Quartermaster
Ratcliffe. He assures me that you are one of the most important men in
the South, and a secret agent of the Confederacy. I am very sorry that this
thing has occurred, and will make any amends in my power. If you desire,
I will go with you to the Charlotte pike as an escort, or will do you any
favor you may ask."
" No," said Ratcliffe: "he must come in and stay all night with me. I
can't let him go on to-night."
While standing at the gate, during this conversation, our released prisoner
sold his pistols .to the cavalrymen for Tennessee money. Just at this
moment, too, a squad of cavalry belonging to Starns's command came by.
One of them — to whom Newcomer had sold a pistol some weeks before —
recognized him at once, and shook hands with him very cordially. He
corroborated Ratcliffe' s statement, saying that Newcomer was on very im-
portant business for the South, which was rendered still more so by the fight
having begun at Stewart's Creek. A short time was passed in general con-
versation, when all left except Xewcomer, who hitched his horse to the porch
and went in with Ratcliffe. When sufficient time had elapsed for them to
be well out of the way, Newcomer said his business was of too much import-
ance to brook delay, and he must be off at once. Ratcliffe said if he must
go he could not urge him to stay. " I will go with you to your horse," said
he. " Meanwhile, take this to keep you from further trouble. If anybody
stops you again, just show them this, and you will be passed at once."
So saj-ing, he took from his pocket a large Government envelope, — of
which he had an abundance, — and wrote on it, —
" All right.
"J. W Ratcliffe."
Armed with this, he started again, and reached the pickets of the 5th
Kentucky Cavalry, who brought him into the city. It was nearly three
o'clock in the morning when he arrived at the police-office: but the colonel
was still up, and immediately telegraphed his report to head-quarters.
The next day, nothing daunted, he set out again, and went, as usual, first
to Ratcliffe' s, where he remained all night, — thence the next morning
travelled, by way of Hart's Cross-Roads and Caney Springs, to Murfrees-
borough, reaching that place on the Saturday evening closing the week of
battles at Stone River. Riding about the town, he observed that nearly
every house in it was a hospital. Every thing was confusion and excite-
ment. Immense crowds of straggling soldiers and citizens were gathered
about the court-house and depot. Commissary and quartermaster stores,
32
498 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
artillery, ammunition, and camp equipage, -were being loaded on the cars,
and trains were starting as fast as loaded. An evacuation was evidently on
hand, and that right speedily; and he determined to leave as smm as pos-
sible. The only trouble was how to get out. After wandering around some
time, seeking an opportunity, he came across a train of small wagons, with
which the neighboring farmers had come to take home their wounded sons
and brothers. Quick to embrace opportunities, he saw that now was his
chance to escape. Dismounting from his horse, he led him by the bridle,
and walked demurely behind one of these wagons, as though it was in his
charge. Clad in butternut, and in every outward appearance resembling the
others accompanying it, the deceit was not discovered, and he safely passed
all the pickets. It was now nearly two o'clock in the morning, and he rode
rapidly on, in a cold, driving rain, until fairly benumbed. Some nine miles
out, he came to a deserted school-house, which he unceremoniously entered,
leading his horse in after him. Within, a large fireplace and an abun-
dance of desks suggested the idea of a fire, and a huge blaze roaring and
crackling on the hearth soon demonstrated its practicability. The next step
was to wring the water out of his well-soaked garments and partially dry
them. Both horse and man enjoyed themselves here until near daybreak,
when he mounted again and rode on to Ratcliffe's, reaching there about
three o'clock Sunday afternoon. Here he remained a while to converse with
his friend, refresh the inner man, and care for his horse, — neither having
eaten a mouthful since the morning before. Ratcliffe was rejoiced to see
him, and wished him to remain longer; but he pushed ahead, and reached
Nashville late that evening, wellnigh worn out with hunger, fatigue, and
want of sleep. His report was immediately telegraphed to General Rose-
crans ; but he had been so long in making his way back that the general
did not receive it until he had himself entered Murfreesborough.
Late the next night he started again, with a single pistol and a small
stock of needles, pins, and thread. On Monday evening he reached Rat-
cliffe's, and, staying but two hours, rode on two miles farther to the
house of one M. II. Perryear, with whom he remained all night. Thence he
travelled, by way of Hart's Cross-Roads, towards Caney Springs, but before
reaching the latter place fell in with some of Wheeler's cavalry, with whom
he rode along friendly and companionly enough. Some of them were old
acquaintances and very confidential. They were, they said, just on their
way to burn a lot of Federal wagons at Lavergne and Triune, and, deeming
him a good fellow well met, invited him to go with them. Thinking that
there might be some chance to save the wagons, he declined the invitation,
urging the pressing nature and importance of his mission as an excuse. It
was soon found, however, that every avenue of escape northward was
guarded, and the whole country filled with the cavalry, of whom there were,
in all, about three thousand. There was nothing to do, then, but to leave the
wagons to their fate and push on, which he did, and, arriving at Caney
Springs, remained there over-night. The next morning the cavalry began
to loiter back from their marauding expedition in squads of from fifteen to a
NEWCOMER THE SCOUT. 499
hundred or more, and from them he learned the complete success of the
enterprise. Making the acquaintance of a lieutenant, he was told that
they were going at once to Harpeth Shoals, to burn a fleet of boats which
was then on its way to Nashville. This determined him to abandon the.
idea of going to Shelbyville, and he accompanied a detachment back as far
as Hart's Cross-Roads, where they went on picket-duty at a meeting-house
by the road. Bidding them good-day, he started on alone towards Ratcliffe's.
Stopping at Perryear's, he was told that Forrest was in Franklin, that the
roads were all guarded, and that there was a picket just at Ratcliffe's gate.
Perryear then gave him an open letter of introduction, recommending him
to all officers and soldiers of the Confederate army as a true and loyal
Southern man, engaged in business of the highest importance to the Govern-
ment. With this he again set out, and, as he had been told, found a picket
at Ratcliffe's gate. Requesting to be admitted, he was asked if he was a
soldier, and, on answering negatively, was passed in without hesitation.
Ratcliffe corroborated Perryear's statement, saying, furthermore, that Forrest
was very strict, and that it would be. much better for him to remain there
until they had all gone down the river.
"But," added he, " if you must go, I'll go with you as far as Franklin
and help you through."
The town was found to be full of cavalry, who were conscripting every man
whom they could lay hands on. Ratcliffe introduced his companion to Will
Forrest, — a brother of the general, and captain of his body-guard. The
captain was profuse of oaths and compliments, and, withal, so very friendly
that Newcomer at once told him his story and business, all of which was
endorsed by Ratcliffe. More oaths and compliments followed. The captain
was glad to know so important a man, and, by way of business, asked him
if he had any pistols to sell.
" No," was the reply ; " I have nothing but a single navy revolver, which
I carry for my own defence, and which I wouldn't like to part with. But I
am just going to Nashville for more goods, and, fearing trouble in getting
away, I thought I would come and see about it."
" Oh, I guess there will be none," said the captain. " The general wants
to know something about Nashville, and will be very apt to send you there
to get the information for him. Come ; let's go and see about it."
The two set forth, and found the general, surrounded by the usual crowd,
at his hotel. Calling him to one side, the captain pointed out his new
friend, and, explaining who and what he was, concluded by remarking that
he wished to go to Nashville for goods, and would bring him any informa-
tion he desired. The general, not just then in the best of humor, swore
very roundly that he knew as much about Nashville as he wanted to, — it was
men he wanted, — and concluded by ordering the captain to conscript his
friend into either his own or some other company. Turning on his heel, he
walked briskly away, leaving his brother to his anger and our would-be
rebel spy to his disappointment. The captain fumed with great, sulphurous
oaths, and consoled Newcomer thus wise : —
600 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
« He's a fool, if he is my brother. You are the last man I'll ever
bring to him to be insulted. But you sha'n't be conscripted. Come with me,
and I'll help you through. You can go with my company, but not as a
soldier, and I will send you to Nashville myself. My company always has
the advance, and there'll be plenty of chances."
Making a virtue of necessity, this proposition was gladly accepted, and all
started on the march. By this time Wheeler had come up and taken the
lead, Forrest following in the centre, and Starns bringing up the rear.
About eight miles from Franklin the whole command encamped for the
night, and our hero slept under the same blanket with Captain Forrest and
his lieutenant, a Texan ranger named Scott, whose chief amusement seemed
to oonsist in lassooing dogs while on the march, and listening to their
yelping as they were pitilessly dragged along behind him. Towards mid-
night, one of their spies— a Northern man, named Sharp, and formerly in
the plough business at Nashville — came in from the Cumberland River.
Captain Forrest introduced Newcomer to him as a man after his own heart —
" true as steel, and as sharp as they make 'em." The two spies became inti-
mate at once, and Sharp belied his name by making a confidant of his new
acquaintance. He had formerly been in Memphis, and acted as a spy for the
cotton-burners. More recently he had been employed with Forrest ; and now
he had just come from Harpeth Shoals, where he had learned all about the
fleet coming up the river, and to-morrow he was to guide the expedition down
to a place where they could easily be captured and burned. Early next
morning the march was resumed, and at the crossing of the Hardin pike
General Forrest and staff were found waiting for them. Upon coming up,
the captain was ordered to take his company down the Hardin pike, go
on picket there, and remain until eleven o'clock ; when, if nothing was to
be seen, he was to rejoin the expedition. These instructions were promptly
carried out, — a good position being taken on a hill some eight miles from
Nashville, from which could be had a view of the whole country for many
miles in every direction. About ten o'clock the captain came to Newcomer
and said he was going to send him to Nashville himself; at the same time
giving him a list of such articles as he wished, consisting principally of gray
cloth, staff-buttons, &c.
As may be imagined, no time was lost in starting, and still less in getting
into Nashville, where he arrived in due season to save the fleet. A force
was at once sent out on the Hillsborough pike to cut off the retreat of the
rebels, and another on the Charlotte pike to attack them directly. The
latter force succeeded in striking their rear-guard, and threw them into con-
fusion, when they hastily fled across the Harpeth River, which was at the
time very high. Our forces, being principally infantry, could not cross in
pursuit, but the troops on the Hillsborough pike succeeded in killing,
wounding, and capturing considerable numbers of them. The}- were
thoroughly scattered, however, and the fleet was saved, — which was the
main object of the expedition.
General Rosecrans had now been in Murfreesborough several days, and
NEWCOMER THE SCOUT. 501
Colonel Truesdail immediately on his arrival sent the scout to that place.
Here he made a full report, and, having received instructions for anothei
trip, returned to Nashville the next day to make ready for it. The only
item of interest on this trip was that at Eagleville he met Wheeler's com-
mand, by many of whom, and by the general himself, he was well and
favorably known. Here Wheeler employed him as a secret agent, and
gave him a permanent pass, which he still retains. Borrowing from one
of his officers one hundred dollars in Tennessee money, the general gave it
to him, and instructed him to buy with it certain articles which he men-
tioned,— among which were gray cloth and staff-buttons, always in demand
for uniforms. Stopping at Ratcliffe's on his return, he showed him the pass,
and related the circumstances of getting it, at which the former was highly
gratified, — " a?," said he, " you'll have no more trouble now, Harry."
At Nashville Wheeler's bill was filled, such not very reliable information
as Colonel Truesdail and General Mitchel saw fit to give was obtained,
and another trip began. Wheeler was now at Franklin, quartered in the
court-house. The goods and information were delivered, much to the grati-
fication of the general, who forthwith instructed him to return to Nashville
for more information and late Xorthern papers. So well known and highly
esteemed was our man now, that the cashier of the Franklin Branch of the
Planters' Bank of Tennessee, on this trip, intrusted to him to carry to the
parent bank the accounts and valuable papers of the branch, which he did,
delivering them at Nashville. On the way back he stopped at the house of
one Prior Smith, whom he knew as an ardent rebel and extensive negro-
dealer. Smith, naturally enough, inquired who his visitor was, and was
told the usual tale. He then inquired if a good business might not be done
in running off negro boys from Nashville, buying them cheap there or kid-
napping them, and if he wouldn't like to engage in it. Newcomer said that
it would doubtless be a splendid thing, but he did not dare to venture into it :
it was too public, and might endanger his other operations, more important
than any private speculations. Smith still insisted, and said he would give
ten dollars a pound for likely children, and would furnish him with a
letter of introduction to his " right bower" in Nashville. The right bower
proved to be Dr. Hudson, who was afterwards called on by Newcomer and
various other detectives in the secret service, as is narrated in a preceding
sketch.
Obtaining the papers desired by Wheeler, and various items of information,
Newcomer now set out on his sixth and last scout. At Franklin he found
that Wheeler had gone on to Shelbyville, leaving only a squad of cavalry
behind. That evening Ratcliffe and himself sat down and wrote out the
information, sealed it up with the papers in large Government envelopes,
and gave them to the lieutenant in charge of the company, who sent them
by a courier to Wheeler. Remaining all night with Ratcliffe, he returned
the next day to Nashville, where his services were needed in the develop-
ment of the Hudson and other important cases, full details of which are
given in other pages of this work. Since then he has been constantly
502 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
employed (is a detective, with equal credit to himself and benefit to the
Government.
In all the annals of police and spy life it will be difficult to find a career
marked by such uniform and brilliant success as has attended Harry New-
comer in his adventurous enterprises. He has never undertaken a case
whose mystery he did not solve. Friendly and companionable with his own
sex, he is equally a favorite with the ladies. With many a high-born rebel
lady he has held converse by the hour, she little dreaming, meanwhile, that
her strangely pleasant guest was a " Yankee hireling." "With a perfect
self-control and self-confidence, a quick perception, and a faculty of adapting
himself to circumstances on a moment's notice, he has proved one of the
most useful men in the secret service of the Army of the Cumberland.
General John H. Morgan's Female Spy.
On the 16th of December, 1862, while the rebel army was at Murfrees-
borough and the Army of the Cumberland at Nashville, a lady of middle
age and fine personal appearance was walking along the road leading from
the former to the latter place. Between Lavergne and Nashville, not far
from the Federal pickets, she was overtaken by a gentleman named Blythe,
— a Union man and a paroled prisoner, — who had that day procured a pass
from General Bragg to go to Nashville in his buggy. Seeing that she was
weary with long walking, he invited her to ride, and they proceeded in
company about three-fourths of a mile, when they came upon a party of
Federal and rebel officers, consulting about some matter under a flag of
truce. Blythe, because of his parole, was allowed to pass within the lines,
but the lady was detained outside until her case could be submitted to head-
quarters and permission obtained for her entry. While thus delayed,
Blythe overheard Lieutenant Hawkins, in charge of a rebel flag, saying to
her, in a cautiously modulated voice, "If they won't let you in you can go
across the country — about four miles — to my father's, and there they will
run you through the lines anyhow." This aroused his suspicions, and deter-
mined him to report her case at the Police Office, with his ideas of her cha-
racter, and the suggestion that a strict watch be maintained upon her
movements.
The next afternoon she was brought in, and immediately sent to head-
quarters. Here she gave her name as Mrs. Clara Judd, the widow of an
Episcopal clergyman who had died the year previous, leaving herself and
seven children, without property and in debt. She was on her return from
Atlanta, Georgia, whither she had been on a visit to her son, a boy, who
was living there and learning the printing-business. She wished to go to
Minnesota, where the remainder of her children were, and where she then
claimed to reside. Her story was told in so simple, artless a manner, and
GENERAL JOHN H. MORGAN'S FEMALE SPY. 503
with such an air of sincerity, that the sympathies of all present were
at once enlisted in her favor, — it not being in the heart of man to doubt, for
a moment, the truth of all she said. The examination ended, a pass was
given her to Louisville, and she was allowed to depart in peace. Prom the
Police Office she made her way to the Commercial Hotel, where she expected
to meet an old friend, but, finding that he was out of the city, and that the
hotel was too full to obtain lodgings, she went to a sutler of her acquaint-
ance, named Becker. He also was absent ; but she remained over-night
with his partner and wife, — Mr. and Mrs. Beaden. Knowing that Blythe
was at the Commercial Hotel, she wrote him a note, requesting him to call
and see her on important private business.
Early in the evening Blythe called at the police department, inquiring if
Mrs. Judd had come in, and was told that she had just gone, a pass having
been issued to her. He seemed disappointed, and remarked that they had
been fooled, — that in his opinion her story was essentially false, and she a bad
woman, whom it would be well to watch. His reasons for so thinking were
freely given, and, though they did not entirely destroy the confidence she
had inspired, they served to weaken it materially, and to excite doubts as
to the truth of her statements and the honesty of her intentions. Return-
ing to his hotel, the note from Mrs. Judd there awaiting him fully con-
firmed his previously-formed opinions. .So strong were they now, and so
solicitous was he to fathom and disclose the mischief which he felt to be brew-
ing, that he again went to the Police Office that evening, taking the note
with him and exhibiting it to the authorities there. He was advised to call
as requested, and endeavor to ascertain her true character and designs. He
did so, and found her at Mr. Beaden's, as stated. After some unimportant
conversation, she said to him, "Are you loyal?" His decidedly affirmative
answer she construed to mean that he was a friend to the South and favor-
able to its cause. It may here be explained that, though Blythe at his first
meeting did not recognize her, she at once remembered having seen him in
Murfreesborough, where he had been detained some eight or nine weeks
before he was allowed to proceed to Nashville. As he seemed while there
to be under no restraint whatever, she knew nothing of his being a paroled
prisoner and a Northern man. The fact of his having a pass from General
Bragg, taken in connection with certain remarks casually made by him, was
to her proof positive that he was a Southerner and a rebel, To this very
natural mistake she was indebted for all the misfortune that eventually
befell her.
Completely self-deceived, she immediately took him into her confidence,
and entered upon an explanation of her business and plans. She was going,
she said, to Louisville, for the purpose of purchasing quinine and other
medicines for the Southern Confederacy, together with a considerable
amount of dry-goods and groceries for herself and others. But this was
only a portion of her business, and of no importance in comparison with the
remainder. John Morgan was about to make a raid upon the Louisville &
Nashville Railroad, and was only waiting for information as to the strength
504 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
of the garrisons and the disposition of troops along its track, necessary to
determine the most available point of attack. This information she had
engaged to obtain and furnish to him on her return to Gallatin, where
certain of his men were to meet her, by appointment, on a fixed day.
This day was now at hand ; and accordingly she was anxious to start for
Louisville the next morning, so that she might have ample time to purchase
her goods and be back to Gallatin on the day appointed. Unfortunately,
however, her pass did not allow her to leave Nashville until the morning
after, and she wished he would try and exchange it for one allowing
her to go on the morrow. Blythe obligingly consented, and further said
that, as it would save her a good deal of trouble in Louisville, he would get
her a pass to go and return as far as Gallatin. With the old pass he imme-
diately went a third time to the office, stated his wish, and related the con-
versation that had passed between himself and Mrs. Judd. Colonel Trues-
dail gave him the desired pass, and insisted upon his accompanying her to
Louisville, at the same time instructing him to afford her every facility for
the perfection of her plans, but to neither encourage nor restrain her.
Blythe returned with the new pass according to promise. In the conver-
sation that ensued, he warned her of the danger of the business she was
about to embark in, cautioning her as to the watchfulness of the Federal
authorities, and endeavored to dissuade her therefrom. His advice, how-
ever, though well meant and kindly enough received, was of no avail. It
was her duty, she said, to do all that she could for the South ; and, as they
were God's chosen people, she was not afraid of any harm befalling her.
Seeing that she was determined in her purpose, Blythe affected a deep
solicitude in her welfare, and finally told her he would postpone his business
for the present and go with her to Louisville then, instead of waiting a few
days as he had intended. It would be a great accommodation, as well as
pleasure, to him, he remarked, laughingly, for then he could sit with her in
the ladies' car, — no small matter on a train literally jammed with passengers,
as that one usually was. Madam was highly pleased at this exhibition of
kindness, and with many thanks endeavored to show her gratitude therefor.
Thenceforward she placed implicit confidence in Blythe, and unreservedly
told him all her plans, together with much of her past history and experience.
This was her second trip, she said. The previous one had been quite profit-
able to her, and had enabled her to furnish a large amount of valuable in-
formation to the rebels.
Throughout the entire journey to Louisville she was ever on the alert
for the smallest scrap of information. At every station, out of the window
would go her head, and the bystanders be plied with guarded questions
concerning the strength of the place, means of defence, number of troops
and names of regiments there, &c. Blythe was evidently annoyed, and
time and again pulled her dress, begging her "for God's sake to sit down
and keep quiet," or she would attract attention and ruin both herself and
him. She replied that it was a part — and a very important part — of her
business to observe, make inquiries, and take notes ; she must do it.
GENERAL JOHN H. MORGAN'S FEMALE SPY. 505
At Louisville Blythe paid her every attention, assisted her in her purchases,
introduced her to one of the best dry-goods houses in the city, and went with
her to Xew Albany, where she bought several hundred dollars' worth of drugs
and medicines. Here she was well acquainted, — a fact which she explained
by saying that she had made purchases there before. These drugs she intended
to pack in a trunk with a false bottom, but was told by Blythe that it would
not be necessary, as he would see that her trunk was passed without exami-
nation. Occasionally he would absent himself for several hours, account-
ing for this by representing that he was engaged in buying a large stock of
goods, with which he designed returning immediately to Murfreesborough.
One day he was taken quite ill, and was attended and nursed by her in the
kindest manner. In addition to her confidence, he seemed now to have
gained her affections. She devoted herself to him as only women do to those
whom they love, — anticipating his slightest wishes, and providing for his
every want in the most warm-hearted and loving manner. Blythe's pre-
tended sickness was soon over, but it left him weak ; and he wished her to
remain at Louisville another day. No; she could not stay. Morgan's men
had made a positive engagement to meet her that night at Gallatin, and she
would not disappoint them for the world. She was to tell them, then and
there, all that she had seen and heard down the road, and to advise them where
to tap it. In return, they were to assist her in getting her trunks through
the lines, which could easily be done by putting them in the bottom of the
wagon-bed and covering them with fodder. Seeing that she could not be
induced to remain, Blythe determined to return with her. Flattered by this
mark of attention and appreciation, she was highly delighted, and more
affectionate than ever. Arrangements were at once made for the journey,
Blythe in the mean while visiting General Boyle, explaining the whole
matter to him, and procuring an order dispensing with the usual exami-
nation of baggage in their case, and also telegraphing to Colonel Trues-
dail, at Nashville, to have them arrested at Mitchellsville, just before reaching
Gallatin.
On the way back she was in the best of spirits, and could hardly refrain
from frequent exhibitions of her elation at the success of their schemes.
Blythe begged her to be careful, or she would expose herself and him to ruin.
" You know," said he, "if any thing should happen to you it will get me
into trouble, and that would make you feel bad ; wouldn't it ?" He asked
her if she was not afraid of being watched, — if she did not think she was
already suspected, — seeking by this means to prepare her mind for the arrest
which was soon to occur, and at the same time to allay any suspicions she
might otherwise entertain of his complicity therein. She replied that she
was, and that there was then in that very car a person whom she believed
to be watching- her. She betrayed considerable anxiety, and seemed quite
uneasy about the matter for some time, but finally fell into her usual care-
less mood. At Mitchellsville she took on board two large trunks of goods and
clothing, left there on her former trip because of her having had too many to
get safely away at that time without exciting suspicion. Just after leaving
AK.M1 l"ULiHJJ!i K.*i(Junr>.
Mitehellsville,Blythesaidtoher, "Now, this is a dangerous business you are
in ; and you may not get through. At Gallatin I shall leave you, but wril go
straight through to Murfreesborough; and if you have any word to send I
will take it with pleasure to anybody you may name." In reply, she wished
he would see Lieutenant Hawkins and tell him that she had arrived safely at
Gallatin with her goods, but that there was a larger force there than she had
expected to find, and she might be troubled in getting out; or, if Lieutenant
Hawkins was not then at Murfreesborough, he might tell any of Morgan's men,
and their general would be sure to get the news and devise some means for
her assistance. At this time, as well as on previous occasions, she seemed to
be on very intimate terms with Morgan and to rely implicitly upon him and
his followers. She further informed Blythe that her home was in Winches-
ter, Tennessee, but that she was on her way to Atlanta, Georgia, where her
son had a situation in the Ordnance department, and that the knitting-
machine purchased by her was intended as a pattern for the manufacture of
others, there being nothing of the kind in the South.
This conversation was scarcely concluded when both were arrested, and
Blythe — according to previous arrangement— roughly handled. Mrs. Judd
turned very pale, and was strangely excited; though she seemed more
affected by Blythe's situation and danger than her own. Blythe, however,
seemed to take it coolly enough, and as a matter of course, — which but the
more increased the sorrow of Mrs. Judd, it being for her only that he had thus
ventured and lost. But regrets were useless now, and both were brought on
to Nashville at once. Mrs. Judd was put under guard at a hotel, and
assured that Blythe would be hung the next morning. At this intelligence
she became quite distracted, begged and implored to be heard in his favor,
asserting with broken voice and tearful eyes that he was an innocent man and
that the guilt and blame of the whole transaction were hers alone. Making
no impression upon those about her, she went so far as to write and
send to head-quarters a petition that he might be spared from a punishment
he did not deserve. Blythe, of course, was released at once; but she did not
know it, and to this day remains ignorant of his real fate and location. Her
baggage was examined and found to contain many hundred dollars' worth
of contraband goods, — unquestionable evidences of her guilt. Among its
contents was a Bible, with Blythe's name written in it by herself, which she
had purchased in Louisville, intending to present it to him when they should
meet again in Murfreesborough.
The circumstances, when known, created not a little excitement in army
circles, and the case was personally examined by the general commanding
and his staff. The crime was the highest known to military law; the im-
portance of the consequences involved in the success or defeat of the
scheme, almost incalculable. In short, it was one of those little pivots on
which the fortunes of a campaign or the fate of an army might turn. For
such an offence the only adequate punishment was death; but the person
implicated was a woman; and that reverence for the sex which brave men
ever feel would not allow the application of so extreme a penalty. To pass
NORRIS THE KIDNAPPER. 507
her lightly by, however, could not be reconciled with a sense of duty ; and
it was deemed necessary to make an example of her, by confining her in the
military prison at Alton, Illinois, during the war, where she is at this
present writing.
Morris the Kidnapper,
One of the most marked results of the war has been the escape from rebel
masters of large numbers of slaves. Flocking to our camps, where they are
universally known as " contrabands," they have been made useful in a
multitude of ways by the Army of the Cumberland. As cooks, as waiters,
as teamsters, as laborers, in the hospitals, in warehouses, in stables, on the
fortifications, on steamers and railways, they have been constantly employed
with advantage to themselves and the Government. By as much as they
have been a gain to us they have been a loss to the rebels, who rely upon
them not only for their army labor but for the cultivation of their plantations
and the production of the supplies necessary for the support of their troops in
the field. At first no particular caution seemed to be exercised to prevent
their escape, or any considerable efforts put forth for their recovery. Their
whilom masters were apparently content to let them go or stay as they
pleased, congratulating themselves that it was simply so much pork and
corn-bread saved when they abandoned the lean larder of a Southern plant-
ation for the ample store of a Yankee camp. Those left behind were
enough for all their present needs, and too many to be decently fed and
clothed from the scanty crops and scantier stocks of the Southern Con-
federacy.
"With the last New Year, however, another policy seems to have been
inaugurated, either by the civil authorities at Richmond or by the military
leaders in camp. Whether it was that the number of fugitives had become
alarmingly large, or that the influence of the emancipation policy was
feared, whether it was the dread of an armed insurrection or a general
stampede to the Federal lines, or whether it was all of these combined, that
caused this change of policy, is not easy, and not necessary, to determine
here. Suffice it to say that measures were at this time taken to remove
into the interior and southward these slaves in Tennessee and other border
States that could be reached, and to recover from the Federal lines as many
as possible of those who had escaped thither. The spies and scouts of the
secret service soon scented this new game, and were on the alert. It was
found that considerable rewards had been offered in Murfreesborough and
other places in the Southern Confederacy for the delivery of negroes within
the rebel army lines. Emissaries were found in Nashville, engaged in trap-
ping and carrying away by force such likely negroes as they could lay their
508 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
hands upon,— at the same time acting as spies and furnishing the rebels
■with important information.
Measures were at once taken for the detection and punishment of those
engaged in this nefarious traffic. A suitable person was despatched to
Franklin, Tennessee, where resided several men formerly well known as
extensive negro-dealers, for the purpose of obtaining reliable information
of the parties in the business and the means by which it was carried
on. With one of these men — J. Prior Smith, who had one million dollars
of Southern money for investment in negroes — this agent became very inti-
mate, and finally engaged to purchase for him men, women, and children.
For likely children from one to eight and ten years of age he was to be
paid ten dollars per pound ; and for every man and woman that he would get
out of Nashville and vicinity he was to be liberally rewarded. Smith also
gave him letters of introduction to two prominent citizens of Nashville, both
of whom entered cheerfully into the scheme and suggested various means of
carrying on the business. One of them — Dr. J. R. Hudson — was particularly
interested, and for months busied himself in kidnapping young boys and
running them South. He tampered with the officers of the engineer corps
in charge of the fortifications then being constructed, offering them half the
profits, or five hundred dollars each, for every man they would permit him
to steal out of their squad of laborers. He would procure passes for him-
self and servants to go out to his farm, and the servants would never come
back. He would send them out with his wood-wagons, and when once
beyond the lines they would be passed on to their destination and sold.
His speculations, however, were interfered with materially by the Army
Police ; but he was indefatigable in the business, and only ceased trapping
negroes when trapped himself.
It was found, too, in addition to this organized scheme of theft in which
these unprincipled speculators were embarked, that some of the night police
of Nashville, employed by the city government, had engaged in a similar
business. Scarcely a night passed but some fugitive slave was arrested and
jailed by them, on the demand of pretended owners or their agents. For
such services they were paid from five dollars to one hundred for each
arrest. James A. Steele testified that he had caught, within three weeks,
six negroes, for which he had received about one hundred dollars in all.
J. F. Ingalls testified that he had assisted in the arrest of six negroes for
Dr. Oden, and received for the same ten dollars. James Hinton paid him
forty dollars for arresting ten negroes belonging to a relative. He had also
been approached by other parties, and been offered from fifty to two hundred
dollars each for the arrest of other negroes, many of whom were in Govern-
ment employ. William Mayo was paid sixty-six dollars for arresting a man,
a woman, and two children for Watt Owens. Mr. Gillock was to pay him
from fifty to seventy-five dollars for arresting his negro woman. Mr. Everett
paid him twenty-five dollars for a like service, Mr. Hatch ten dollars, and
Mrs. Cunningham had offered him twenty-five dollars to get back a woman
for whose arrest she had already paid fifty dollars, and who had again
NORMS THE KIDNAPPER. 509
escaped. Similar revelations were made by other policemen and officers of
Nashville.
The records of the Army Police Office abound with cases of reported ab-
ductions,— one of which may serve as a sample of the remainder. In the
pleasant little village — or " city," as it is styled — of Edgefield, just across the
Cumberland River from Nashville, resided, before and in the early days of
the war, a certain Rev. Dr. McFerran, or, as he was commonly called,
Preacher McFerran. The fortunate possessor of a score or more of negroes, he
was also otherwise blessed with an abundance of this world's goods. Waxing
wealthy and fat, he fared sumptuously every day, until the approach of the
Union army, when, having preached the gospel according to Jeff Davis, he
found it advisable to travel southward. His departure was considerably
hurried, — too much so to allow of his taking with him the larger and more
valuable portion of his movable property, — the negroes above mentioned. Left
to shift for themselves, they did much as they pleased, — some running away
and others remaining. About a year afterward McFerran turned up at Con-
nerville, Alabama, and began to think it would lie a good idea to have his
negroes there too ; they certainly would be worth considerably more than
where they were. He accordingly cast about for some means of getting
them out of Yankee hands and into his own.
He puts himself in communication with one Silas Norris, — a carpenter by
trade, living in Edgefield, and who for some years had been acting as
constable. Xorris being a man that will do any thing for pay, however
dirty the job, an arrangement is made between them by which McFerran
is to get his negroes, — all that are left of them, seven in number, — and Norris
eight hundred dollars. Norris at once begins preparations, and, as a first
step, buys a wagon, for which he pays thirty-five dollars, lie engages two
men — William Bradlove and James Stuart — to go with him, and promises
the former one hundred and the latter two hundred dollars for their services.
The next thing, and the most difficult, is to catch the negroes and load them
into the wagon. They lived in a cabin about two miles from Nashville,
outside of the picket-lines. The most feasible plan seemed to be to go in
force and capture them at night. Accordingly, he takes with him five men,
— some of them armed, — and in the middle of the night makes a descent
upon their cabin, and has them in his hands before they fairly know what
is the matter. Four of the men he chains by locking their legs together
with trace-chains, and fastens them together by twos. In an adjoining
cabin are four other negroes, belonging to James Anderson, son-in-law of
McFerran, in three of whom Norris claims to have some interest. While
his hand is in, he concludes he may as well take them along too, and they
are surprised and secured in the same way. Resistance is vain : yet they
struggle as best they can, howling, begging, and imploring not to be taken
" down Souf." They might as well appeal to a stone. He knows no mercy,
and shows none. Once in the wagon, they are driven off as rapidly as his
four horses can draw them. By twisting and turning from one road to
510
ARMY POLICE RECORD.
'<t*/>e/
Norris kidnapping Negroes
another, he evades the Federal forces, and in about eight days reaches his
destination, Huntsville, Alabama, when the negroes are turned over to their
ministerial master and Norris receives his reward.
This was during the last weeks of December, 1862. On his return the
next month, Norris was arrested, and, after a careful examination, convicted
of kidnapping and sent to the military prison at Alton, where he yet
remains. His well-merited punishment had a good effect, — largely diminish-
ing the number of similar transactions, previously of such common occur-
rence ; and the subsequent energetic movements of the Army Police have
wellnigh ended the business within the bounds of their operations.
PHILLIPS, THE BOGUS KENTUCKY UNIONIST. 511
Phillips, the Bogus Kentucky Unionist.
The arrest of the parties mentioned in the sketch headed " The Pseudo
Sanders," which will be found on preceding pages, was for a time the
town talk. Gossips discussed it in every conceivable aspect, and Rumor
found employment for her hundred tongues. The hotels, the steamers, the
railways, the bar-rooms, and even the streets of Cairo, Illinois, were full
of it. It penetrated the sanctity of private residences, and sat down with
their inmates around the family hearth. The doctor and captain were soon
recognized, pointed out, and everywhere made the cynosure of wondering
eyes. Speculation was busy with their probable fate, and expressions of
sympathy or scowling looks of contemptuous indifference greeted them, ac-
cording to the character and feelings of those whom they saw and met. Mrs.
Ford, too, was not forgotten in all this. Pitied and despised in turn, she
was thought and spoken of by many ; but, not being visible to the rabble,
she was hardly the object of so much interest as her two companions.
On the evening following the arrest, while the doctor was comfortably
ensconced within an arm-chair in the sitting-room of the St. Charles, he was
accosted by a fine-looking, elderly gentleman, who introduced himself
as Mr. Phillips, of Louisville, Kentucky. For the liberty thus taken he
apologized by saying that he had heard him spoken of as a Confederate sur-
geon under arrest and in trouble, and that if he could be of any assistance
to him he would most cheerfully render it. He lived, he said, three miles
from Louisville, just outside of the Federal lines, and was there known as
a Union man of the straitest sect, — so much so that General Boyle had
given him a pass to come into the city and go out at will. He had taken
oaths of allegiance — bitter and detestable as they were — out of policy,
and for appearance's sake. His heart, however, was with the South, in
whose service part of his family now were. His son-in-law, Dr. Keller, was
chief surgeon on Hindman's staff, and his own son held a position in the
rebel army. He owned a plantation in Mississippi, which had formerly been
well stocked with negroes. He had heard, however, while at home, that the
Yankees had overrun the plantation and run off the negroes, and that most
of them had been brought up the river to Cairo. He had at once procured
from General Boyle a pass to Cairo and a letter of introduction to General
Turtle, in which he was endorsed as a sound, thorough-going Union man, in
whom all confidence could be placed, and stating also that he was now
in search of certain negroes supposed to be in Cairo, and that any assistance
rendered him in their recovery would be considered a particular favor by the
writer, who regarded it as no more than an act of justice to a loyal man. On
the strength of these representations he had recovered the negroes, and was
now only waiting for a boat to take them home with him. In the mean while, if
he could be of any service, he had only to mention it. He had some money
left, and if it was money the doctor wanted, it was at his command. If
there was not enough of it, he would procure more for him. He would sign
512 ARMY POLICE RECORD
a bond, would endorse any statement, would make any sort of representations
to General Tuttle in his behalf, and, with the character given him by his
letters of recommendation, he thought he could arrange the matter with the
general and procure his release.
The doctor thanked him warmly, but said that it would be of no use, as it,
■was beyond the power of General Tuttle to do any thing in the premises. He
had been implicated in smuggling contraband goods through the lines, and
had been ordered to be sent back to General Rosecrans, to be dealt with for
the violation of his parole. His own case was bad enough, to be sure ; but it
was not for himself he cared. His life was worth nothing, and he would die
any time to serve the Confederacy: it did not matter whether he ever
returned to the land of his love. It was not for his own sake he wished
it, but to relieve the sufferings and save the lives of his companions-in-arms.
There was a great scarcity of all kinds of medicines in the South, and hun-
dreds were dying for the want of them. He had hoped, in his poor way, to
do something for them, but he had been betrayed by a pretended friend. But
even this failure, involving the consequences it did, was a small matter com-
pared with the detention of his fellow-traveller. That was a public calamity
which it was of the utmost importance to remedy at once ; for, to speak confi-
dentially, Captain Denver was not Captain Denver at all, but George N.
Sanders, just returning from England with the acceptance of the Confede-
rate loan, by the Rothschilds, in his pocket. This he had managed to save
from the general confiscation; and if any way could now be devised to
get him away and through the lines immediately, all would yet be well, and
the Confederacy financially be recognized as an independent nation. As for
himself, he had no particular desire to go again to Nashville if it could be
avoided, but Sanders must be helped through at all hazards, without refer-
ence to himself or anybody else. Some time previously, it will be remembered,
the noted George N. Sanders escaped to England through Canada ; and this
tale was concocted to correspond with that event and seem plausible.
During this narration Phillips was deeply interested, and at its close
so much excited that he could hardly speak. After gazing abstractedly for a
few moments, he invited the doctor to his room, where they could talk more
privately and with less danger. There he repeated that, though professedly
Union, he was heart and hand with the South, and always had been.
He had aided it at every opportunity, — had smuggled through clothing, medi-
cines, arms, and ammunition, had acted as a spy, and when Bragg was
threatening Louisville had sent his negroes to him, time and again, with
valuable information, and on one very important occasion had gone himself.
His earnest professions of loyalty had completely deceived the Federal
authorities, and he was trusted by General Boyle as a friend, and the stand-
ing thus acquired had made him of considerable service to his Southern
friends, and he had expected to continue in his assumed character somewhile
longer ; but now he thought he could do more good by throwing off the
mask.
"Come straight back to Louisville with me," he said. " I will put you
513
and Sanders both through, and go myself in the bargain. I am tired of
Yankee rule ; don't care a for them, and ask no odds. I've got money
enough, every thing I want, and can get along -without them. It will be
easy enough to get away. Nobody will suspect me, and I can get a pass
from Boyle to go anywhere. I've got some, of the best horses in the country,
— can't be beat for speed and bottom ; and we will fix up a light wagon, fill
it with medicines most needed, and be away beyond reach before anybody'll
think of such a thing as pursuit."
The doctor assenting, an immediate return to Louisville was agreed upon,
where the three were to meet again and make all necessary arrangements
for the trip. On reaching that city, the doctor went at once to see General
B: >yle, when the following colloquy ensued : —
" General, do you know a man by the name of Phillips, living some three
miles out of town?"
" Oh, yes. very well. He's a particular friend of mine."
"Do you know his wife and his daughter Mrs. Dr. Keller?"
" Yes, — know the whole family."
"What is their position, general, on the war question?"
" Oh, they are loyal. He's one of the very best Union men we have
in Kentucky."
"Ah ? But, general, what would you think if I should say I had made an
arrangement with him to poison you?"
" That you were mad as a March hare."
" Well, I don't mean to say that I have exactly any thing of that kind
against him ; but I do say that he is not a Union man at all, but, on the con-
trary, a rebel and a spy."
" How do you know that ?"
"Oh, simply enough. He told me so himself; that's all. I met him in
Cairo a day or two since, and we had a long talk." (Here the doctor nar-
rated the circumstances, and gave the conversation as it occurred.) " I'll fix
it upon him in any way you wish. He shall give money to anybody you
name, to buy contraband goods and medicines with. He shall leave his
house on any night you say, in any kind of a wagon you say. You shall
examine that wagon, and in it you shall find contraband goods. You shall
arrest him at any point you please, and you will find our man Conklin
[Denver] in the wagon, blacked and disguised as a negro. You shall find
upon him letters to Southern rebels ; or you may secrete yourself behind a
screen and hear him tell his own story, how he has deceived you, how
he smuggled goods through to the rebels times without number, how he
kept Brair^ informed of what was going on last summer, and how he
is now preparing to go South with an amount of medicines, important
despatches, &c."
" Good God ! Is it possible that he is such a man ? I would have staked
my life on his loyalty and good faith. But can't you stay and work the case
up for me ?"
" I will stay to-morrow and do what I can; but the next day I must be in
33
514 ARMY TOLICE RECORD.
Nashville. I will arrange matters so that your own men can fix the whole
thing upon him, but I am expected back day after to-morrow, and dare not
stay longer."
" I don't like to trust them : it's too important a case. I'll telegraph to the
Chief of Police, and, if your business isn't a matter of too much importance,
get permission for you to stay a few days. How will that do ?"
■' Very well."
The doctor then took his leave, and the next morning was shown a
despatch authorizing him to remain in Louisville so long as General Boyle
should require his assistance.
That day Phillips came to see the doctor at the Gait House. The project
was discussed more at length, and a plan of operations partially agreed upon.
At length Phillips said to the doctor, —
" Do you know my son-in-law, Dr. Keller?"
" Very well ; have seen him a hundred times."
•' Do you know his wife?"
"Yes: I met her frequently in Memphis. She was connected with some
aid society there, and I saw her often about the hospitals."
" Did you ? She's at my house now, and will be crazy to see you."
The doctor saw that he was getting himself into a scrape. Known to
Mrs. Keller by another name and in another character, how should he meet
her now, in new garb and guise, without revealing the deception and
frightening away his game ? The only escape from the dilemma was to put
a bold face on the matter, and by sheer audacity overcome any difficulties
or obstacles that might be thrown in his way by reason of old acquaintance.
He would be very happy to meet the lady, he said, but could not call on her.
He did not think it wise to leave the hotel, and especially to go beyond the
lines. It was only a matter of courtesy that he was allowed the liberty
he enjoyed. Charged with breaking his parole, strict military usage would
demand close confinement under guard, and he was anxious to do nothing to
which the 'least exception could now be taken. Any further mishap to him
would endanger the success of their new enterprise, and it was vitally
important that Sanders should get through this time without fail. If his
daughter could be induced to call upon him at the Gait House, it would
confer a personal favor upon him, and would relieve him from the necessity
or temptation of doing any thing incompatible with the terms of his parole
and the strictest sense of honor. Phillips acknowledged the justness of this
view of the case, and promised that Mrs. Keller should visit him the next
day.
Sure enough, the next morning in came Mrs. Keller. Hardly had
she alighted from her carriage when the doctor welcomed her in his most
graceful manner.
" How do you do, Mrs. Keller ? I am delighted to see you. How well
you are looking ! How are the children ? When did you leave Memphis ?
How long have you been in Louisville ? When did you hear from Dr.
Keller ? How did you leave all the friends in Memphis V
515
And so for full five minutes the doctor launched at her question after
question, with the utmost rapidity of his rapid utterance, scarcely giving
her time to hear, much less answer, the first before her attention was called
to a second, a third, and so on, until she was so hopelessly confused and per-
plexed that she could say just nothing at all. By the time she had re-
covered, the doctor, with diplomatic skill, had diverted the conversation into
new channels, still giving her no time to advert to their acquaintance in
Memphis and the spirit of change which had since come over him. At
length, by shrewd management, she edged in this simple question : —
" When did you see Dr. Keller last?"
The road now being clear, the doctor answered more at leisure, but not
less elaborately : —
" It has been a good while, — some five or six months. I have been a pri-
soner three months or more, and General Hindman had gone to Arkansas
some time before I was captured, and I have not seen the doctor since
he left with the general."
" I had no idea you had been so long a prisoner. How did you happen to
be taken ? and how did you escape ?"
"We were taken in the Confederate hospital at Iuka. Ordinarily, sur-
geons are not treated as prisoners, but are considered non-combatants. We,
however, were retained as hostages for the return of certain Federals im-
prisoned by General Price in violation, as the Yankee commander alleged,
of the rules of war and the cartel agreed upon by the contending par-
ties. A very intimate friend of mine, — Dr. Scott, — also of the Confederate
army, and captured with me, married a cousin of the Federal General
Stanley ; and through the influence which this relationship gave him we
were released on parole, the remainder being still in captivity."
The doctor then proceeded with a relation of the occurrences of the past
two or three days, dwelling particularly upon the unfortunate detention of
Sanders. Mrs. Keller's sympathy was at once excited. She entered
warmly into their plans and purposes, and freely offered every assistance that
it was in her power to render. She would go herself, but circumstances over
which she had no control would not permit it. She had a younger, unmar-
ried sister, however, who was very anxious to accompany them, and she
would dress her in boy's clothes to avoid suspicion and trouble.
Just then Phillips himself came in, flushed with excitement, and eager to
be off at once. His whole mind was bent on the enterprise, and he could not
be easy until they were fairly started. His arrangements were all perfected,
and he knew just where he could buy every thing he wanted; he would take
the articles out to his house a few at a time, and nobody would imagine any
thing out of the way. He could easily make two trips a day ; and it wouldn't
take long at that rate to load the wagon. He wanted every thing ready, so
that they could be off at a moment's notice.
"Certainly," said the doctor, thoughtfully; "it will be well to have every
thing ready. But since I saw you last I've been thinking about this thing of
carrying contraband goods with us, and I've about concluded it won't do.
516 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
It is true that the medicines would do an immense amount of good— possibly
save many lives ; but there's Denver: he must be got through, anyhow It
won't do to risk any thing. "We must have a sure thing of it this time.
Then, again, I don't want to act in bad faith by violating my parole. Our
people want such things badly enough, but they must get them in some
other way. It will be glory enough for us to get Denver through : 'twill be
better than winning a battle ; whole generations will rise up and call us
blessed. Don't let us attempt too much and spoil it all. Better avoid all
needless risk, and stick to one thing. We are made men if we succeed
in that."
But Phillips was not convinced. He didn't believe there was any risk
at all, and wasn't going with an empty wagon,— not he. It should be
packed as full as it could hold with drugs and other needed goods. He had
money, and was going to use it; and if he, the doctor, was afraid to go with
him, he might find some other means of getting there.
To this, the doctor only replied that he still thought it unwise, but he was
not the man to back out of any enterprise. Still, he would not violate his
parole, — would not knowingly engage in any contraband trade. But Denver
was under no such restraint, and, said the doctor, —
" You had better talk with him. He knows just what is wanted. lie's a
mild, quiet fellow, however, and never intrudes himself upon anybody's
notice. He wouldn't think of suggesting such a thing; but if you furnish
him money he'll buy just what can be used to the best advantage. He can
buy and you can load the goods ; but I don't want to know any thing
about them. You can be ready to start on such a day, and I will meet you
at some station on the railroad and take passage with you there."
Phillips was satisfied with this, and at once sought out Denver and gave
him one hundred and fifty-five dollars, — all the money he had with him, —
directed him to a particular store where he could get all the quinine, &c.
that he wanted, told him to buy as much as he thought best and pay this
money down as an earnest of good faith in making the purchase. In the
mean while he would draw from the bank as much more as would be needed,
and with it he could settle the bill the next day. Denver went as directed,
but found that the merchant would sell him nothing without a special permit
from General Boyle. This was reported to the doctor, who promised to have
that obstacle removed without delay
While Phillips and Denver are arranging other matters, the doctor goes to
General Boyle, reports progress, and asks him to issue a permit for the sale
of the quinine. The general hesitates, doesn't exactly like to do it, and
finally asks if they can't mark some boxes " quinine," nail them up, load
them into his wagon, and have them found there when arrested. " But no,"
he continues: "that won't do at all. He'd beat us in that game. We
couldn't show that he had any thing contraband in his wagon. Of course
he'd deny it, and it would be necessary for us to prove it. Can't we borrow
enough to answer our purposes?"
" Possibly ; but it would be better for the Government to buy it, if you
MOORE AND BLUE, THE SCOUTS. 517
won't let him do it. It would be worth more than five or six hundred dollars
to get rid of such an arrant old ^raitor and spy."
" I guess we can get along by borrowing."
The borrowing project very nearly defeated the whole matter, by the delay
incurred ; but the quinine was finally obtained, given to Denver, and safely
packed in Phillips's wagon. Every thing was now ready for a start. The
doctor took the cars for the place of meeting, and Phillips set out in his
wagon, Denver, disguised as a negro, driving. The doctor arrived safely at
the appointed rendezvous ; but not so Phillips. He was scarcely well started
when he was arrested and brought back to Louisville. Too proud and
haughty to betray the least emotion, there was no "scene" at any time
during his arrest or examination, and he vouchsafed not a word in his own
behalf. Defence there could be none. His guilt was too patent for doubt.
Conviction followed as a matter of course ; and, instead of finding a home on
his Mississippi plantation, he became an involuntary recipient of the widely-
dispensed hospitalities of Camp Chase.
Moore and Blue, the Scouts.
Romance in real life is not less abundant than in novels. The history of
many a man unknown to fame, if written and published, would prove in-
finitely more fascinating to the reader than thousands of the pages of fiction
so eagerly devoured. In times of peace these heroes of unwritten adventure
are seldom withdrawn from the quiet into which they have settled, and the
story of their lives — told only to a few friends — passes at their death, with
all its wonder and romance, into the great storehouse of unremembered
things. Not so in these days of war. The active, the bold, and the daring
have opened to them an unlimited field for the exercise of their peculiar
characteristics. They are brought into contact with thousands to whom
they would otherwise never have been known, their history is told and heard,
and ultimately finds its way to the public in the columns of the newspaper
or the pages of the book. Thus has it been with the two whose names head
this chapter. Theirs has been a strange, varied, and sometimes lawless life.
Together they have wandered over many wild and unknown regions, passed
through many scenes of interest and danger, and, by the experience and
sagacity thus acquired, made themselves of no little service to their country
during the present war. Firm and constant friends in all their adventures
and trials, their story is not less remarkable for its intrinsic interest than
as that of a modern Damon and Pythias.
In 1856 two young men — Frank M. Blue, formerly of Michigan, but now
from Illinois, and Henry W. Moore, of Brooklyn, New York — met in Leaven-
worth City, Kansas, whither they had come for the purpose of pre-empting
land in that Territory. Taking a fancy to each other, they set out for the
518 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
interior in company. At Ossawatamie they met John Brown, joined him
in scouting after border-ruffians, and participated in the light at Hickory
Point, where Brown, his son, and twenty-seven men routed forty of them
strongly posted in a blacksmith's shop, by backing up against it a load
of hay and burning them out. Leaving Brown, they next went to Jennison s
camp at Mound City, which was made in such a shape as to resemble a group
of hay-stacks. "While here, they, in company with eight others, crossed the
Missouri River, surprised the town of Rushville, captured thirty border-
ruffians and a number of the citizens, broke their guns, and carried away
their horses, money, watches, &c. Afterwards they joined the Utah Expe-
dition under General A. S. Johnston, and with it went through to Salt Lake
City. Leaving there on their own responsibility, the fame of the Mexican
silver-mines attracted them to Puebla, where they remained four months in
company with a mixed crowd of miners, Indians, and Mexican peons.
Having accumulated a considerable amount of silver, the spirit of adventure
led them to Santa Fe, where, some of the party getting themselves into a dif-
ficulty, a hasty flight northward became necessary. Procuring a Mexican
boro (jackass), and loading him with a few crackers and their personal
effects, they set out for Fort Union, one hundred miles distant. Here they
procured a mule and crossed over to Bent's Fort, where they joined the
Kiowa Expedition under Major Sedgwick. Returning from this, they pro-
ceeded to Camp Floyd, and thence across Kiowa Pass to Pike's Peak, where
they "jumped" a claim and went to mining. Here they spent the summer,
and in the fall hired to Joe Doyle, a Mexican trader and ranchero,
to go down the "Waifoma River and oversee his peons and take charge
of his herds. Remaining all winter on his ranch, they went again next
spring to Leavenworth, and hired as riders to the California Overland Ex-
press Company, in which business they remained until the outbreak of the
rebellion.
"With the prospect of active service, they could not stand idly by and
see others engaged, and accordingly recruited ten men, with whom they
joined Captain "William Cleaveland's independent company for the defence of
the Kansas border. Their first exploit was a dash into De Kalb, Missouri,
where they captured twelve or fourteen prisoners and forty horses and mules.
A large party, however, pursued them, overtook and captured them at
Atkinson's Ferry, carried them to St. Joseph, and lodged them in jail. The
good people of St. Joseph were very anxious to have them tried and sent to
the penitentiary at once ; but there was no court in session, and the only
recourse was to lock them up in the jail, where they did not remain long.
The guard was made drunk with drugged whiskey, the negro cook was bribed
with a twenty-dollar gold piece to steal the keys from the jailer, the door
was unlocked at midnight, and the whole party walked out just ten days
after they had been incarcerated. One John Seelover, a friend, had a skiff
near at hand to cross them over the river, and a conveyance on the other side
to take them to Atchison the same night. The next night, nothing daunted
by their recent jail-experience, the same party crossed in a flat-boat to
MOORE AND BLUE, THE SCOUTS. 519
Missouri, captured from the rebel farmers horses enough to mount them-
selves, and returned again, after*giving the people thereabouts a good scare.
The evening following, a negro came to their head-quarters at Pardee, eight
miles from Atchison, and said that his rebel master, John Wells by name,
and living twelve miles south of St. Joseph, was to leave the next morning
for Price's army with two wagon-loads of goods and a coffin full of arms.
The company started over immediately, the negro acting as guide. The
rebel was found, and so were the goods, consisting of bacon, flour, sugar,
coffee, tobacco, whiskey, powder and lead, but no arms. Demand was made
for the latter, but the prisoner denied having any. A lariat was then thrown
over his neck and drawn tight for a few minutes, when he disclosed their
place of concealment, — a newly-made grave, with head and foot board, — -in
which were found twenty stand of arms of all kinds, and a box of pistols, all
of which were taken to Fort Leavenworth and turned over to the United
States Government.
Many other expeditions were made, until Cleaveland and his band were
known and feared all over that country. On one of these it was ascertained
that Major Hart, of Price's army, was at his home, fifteen miles from Weston,
with ten men. The company immediately set forth to capture them, a
woman — Mrs. Chandler — acting as guide. The major, his men, and the
stock on his farm, were taken and carried to Geary City, Kansas, where the
stock was just put away and twelve men left as a guard over the prisoners,
when forty Missourians rode up and demanded their surrender. Chandler,
who stood in the porch, said they would never surrender, — when he was shot
dead, eleven bullets being found in his body. His wife and the remainder
fired from the house, and picked them off so fast that they were compelled to
retire to Fort Leavenworth, eight miles distant, whence they brought up a
company of the 1st Missouri Cavalry, under Captain Fuller, to their assist-
ance, and finally succeeded in capturing the little garrison. They were
taken to the fort, and, no one appearing against them, were speedily released
by Major Prince, of the U. S. Regulars, commanding the post. Not long
after this, Moore, Blue, William Tuff of Baltimore, and Cleaveland, dashed
into Kansas City and levied a contribution of some thirty-three hundred
dollars in coin upon two secession bankers who had rebel flags flying at their
windows. They were pursued, but made their escape, divided the money
equally, and all four went to Chicago to spend it, which they did most
liberally, and in June, 1861, returned to Leavenworth.
Here Moore and Blue, who had become fast friends, separated, the latter
going into Missouri on several jay hawking expeditions, and the former acting
as guide to General Sturgis and participating in the battles of Dug Spring
and Wilson Creek. Moore relates many interesting adventures which befell
him while thus engaged, of which one is here given as an illustration of his
shrewdness and foresight. Having been sent by General Lyon to ascertain
about certain guerrillas that were lurking about the country, he dressed him-
selt in butternut uniform and set out. Thinking, however, that he might
be captured on the trip, he determined to avail himself of a trick he
520 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
had somewhere read of, which was to take a large minie ball, cut the top
off, hollow it out, and then take the other part and make of it a screw to fit
on again, thus forming a kind of little box. He then took a piece of parch-
ment paper, and, writing on it in a peculiar hand a commission in the
secret service of the Confederate army, and signing to it the name of General
Price, enclosed it in the bullet, screwed it up, and started on again. He had
gone but a little way when, sure enough, he fell into the hands of Sy
Gordon's guerrilla band, who proposed hanging him at once. Gordon told him
he had orders to hang all such suspicious characters as he was, and that he
should do it. Moore replied that he had very littfe to say, but he wished he
would do him the favor to take that bullet to General Price after he had
hung him. Gordon seemed much amused at so trifling a request, and said
to his prisoner that he must be either crazy or a fool. When informed that
there was more about the bullet than he had any idea of, he insisted that he
should be shown what it was ; but Moore refused, saying that he was sworn
to say nothing about it. Gordon was non-plussed for a while, but, examining
the bullet very closely, soon saw the trick, unscrewed the top, and took out
and read the contents. Turning to Moore, he told him he was " all right,"
and furnished him with a better horse than he then had, on which he at once
started back. On arriving at camp, he related his adventure, whereupon a
body of cavalry was sent out in pursuit, and the next day succeeded in cap-
turing a number of the band.
Late in the fall Moore and Blue again met in Leavenworth, and both went
towards Springfield as guides and spies for Lane and Sturgis's commands. On
Christmas-day both were sent by General Steele into Price's camp, whither
they went, and returned on January 3, 1862. Four miles from Warsaw they
found Christmas was being celebrated by a ball, at which many rebel officers
were present. In company with some rebel teamsters, they devised a plan to
scare these officers off, and secure to themselves the field and the girls, by
rushing up to the house and shouting, at the top of their voices, " The Feds
are coming ! the Feds are coming I" The plan worked admirably : the
officers rushed away in hot haste, — one even falling into the well, — and our
plotters were left in full possession of the premises. Coming back to Sedalia.
they were engaged by Colonel Weir as guides. Going ahead one day to select
a camping-ground, they came to a house where was a man very hospitably
inclined, asking them to stop, put up their horses and feed them with corn,
of which he had plenty. Representing that they had been pressed into the
service, but were in heart with the rebels, their entertainer grew confidential,
and told them something about himself, — that he acted as a spy, carried
despatches wrapped in a cigar, &c. The information thus obtained from him
contributed to the capture, by General Pope, at Blackwater, of thirteen hun-
dred rebels with all their equipments. They accompanied General Pope on
his expedition to Warrensburg, where he captured Colonel Parke's rebel
force, and then returned to Kansas, where they jayhawked for a month
or two. Going again to Missouri, they learned that Quantrill's guerrilla
band was in the vicinity of Independence. With eleven comrades, they went
THE SCOUTS. 521
there, captured the town, quartered themselves in the court-house, and badly
frightened the people, who thought, of course, that they were only the
advance-guard of a larger body behind. Quantrill soon came into the place
with forty-five men, and demanded their surrender. This was refused, and
a skirmish commenced, the occupants of the courthouse firing out of the
doors and windows, and finally succeeding in dispersing the besiegers, who
went off for reinforcements. The thirteen now thought it best to retire,
which they did, skirmishing for one and a half miles to a stone fence, when
the guerrillas mounted. The jayhawkers now ensconced themselves behind
the fence. Holding their position until dusk, they then scattered, having
killed five and wounded seven of the guerrillas. Pursuit was made by the
latter ; but the darkness enabled them to escape, and they soon put an
effectual end to it by cutting the telegraph-wire and stretching it across the
road from fence to fence.
The twain now joined Generals Curtis and Sigel as couriers, and made
several dangerous trips between the army and Rolla, carrying despatches
each way, on one of which Blue was taken prisoner and held as such for six
weeks. Both accompanied General Curtis in his terrible march through
Arkansas to Helena, and met with many stirring adventures by the way.
One day while they were riding in company with Newton Blue, a brother of
Frank and also a scout, they came suddenly upon five rebels in a lane, with
whom they stopped and talked for some time, representing themselves as
Southern men. The rebels soon heard a bugle behind them, however, and,
Ruspecting that all was not right, made a charge upon our scouts, who killed
three of them and captured their horses, the remaining two falling into the
hands of the Federal advance. At Helena they engaged in buying cotton
for the speculators, and in one of their excursions were captured by the
guerrillas. Pretending to be rebels, they joined a portion of Jeff Thompson's
gang, and, remaining with them eleven days, obtained much information
concerning him. Having had enough of guerrilla life, they planned an escape,
in this wise. An old negro, of whom they knew, was just going into Helena
with a load of cotton for sale. By him they sent word to General Steele of
an arrangement which had been made to rob him on his return of the pro-
ceeds of the cotton. The message was carried and delivered faithfully, and
on his way back the negro was robbed, as proposed, of his eleven hundred
dollars in greenbacks, which were found hidden away in his boots ; but just
as fhe thirty-one guerrillas were dividing the spoils, the second battalion of
the 1st Missouri Cavalry dame up and captured the whole party, all of whom
were subsequently sent to St. Louis as prisoners.
From Helena Moore and Blue next went to Columbia, and then to Corinth,
where they detected and arrested two counterfeiters, making a great haul of
counterfeit St. Louis city treasury warrants and gold dollars, both of which
were well executed. Accompanying Colonel Truesdail's police force to Louis-
ville, they there played the rebel, and hunted out Palmer and Estes, who
burned the ammunition-steamers at Columbus and were afterwards sent
to Camp Chase. With our army they came on to Nashville, and afterwards
522 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
ran as mail-messengers, — a very dangerous service. Getting on the track of
a Land of guerrillas between Bowling Green and Nashville, they piloted
a cavalry force to the neighborhood, and captured a considerable number,
who were brought to Nashville and were properly dealt with. They next
made a successful spy-trip to Murfreesborough, going by way of Lavergne
and crossing at Sanders's Ferry. Dr. Goodwin, of the rebel army, whom they
had fallen in with on the way, vouched for them, and they passed the pickets
into the town readily enough. Once in, they made the circuit of the town
and camps, obtaining all the information they could, and then began to think
of getting back. It was arranged that Moore should go to Chattanooga for
further observation, while Blue would return to Nashville and report what
they had already seen and heard. With this understanding, both went at
once to the provostrmarshal's office for passes. At that time Captain
"William Brenton was provost-marshal, whom they found somewhat crabbed
and chary of words. Making known their wants, they were saluted in this
manner : —
" Want a pass to Chattanooga, do you ? Lots of people in that fix. What
d'ye want to go there for ?"
" We want to join Jack Jones's cavalry company," replied Moore, at a
venture, who had heard of such a company.
" If that's all you want, you needn't go to Chattanooga for it. Jones and
his company are here now."
This was a new and not pleasing phase of affairs ; and, to add to their diffi-
culty, Captain Brenton called Jones in at once, and told him here were two
men who wished to join his company, and he'd better have them sworn
in right away. Fairly caught in their own trap, there was no escape, and,
trusting the future to good luck, they yielded to their fate, and were sworn in.
Three days afterwards, they with three others were detailed to duty on the
second picket-line, and determined to take advantage of this opportunity and
make their escape. Some distance from their station was a house where
whiskey could be obtained at exorbitant prices ; and Moore and Blue proposed
to their companions that if they would go and get the whiskey they would
pay for it, and guard the post during their absence. This was agreed to ; and
the whiskey-seekers were hardly out of sight when our two scouts rode off
in hot haste to the outer pickets, two guards being on duty in the road, the
remainder of the pickets being near by at their fire, and their horses tied
close at hand. They were accosted by the guard with the usual —
" Halt ! who comes there ?"
" Friends, with the countersign !" was the answer.
" Dismount; advance, one, and give the countersign," was now the order.
Our scouts had foreseen this, and planned accordingly. Hence they rode
up briskly to the pickets ; and while they pulled and tugged upon the bridle-
reins to hold in their fiery steeds, the spurs upon their heels were doing
equally good service in urging the animals forward, and they could not
be stopped until abreast of the pickets and nearly touching their opposing
muskets. Moore then leaned forward, without dismounting, as if to give the
THE SCOUTS. 523
password, and suddenly jerked to one side the bayonet and loaded gun of
the nearest guard, while with his other hand he shot him dead with his
pistol, suddenly drawn from his holster. The ball penetrated the forehead,
the guard falling over backward, his mouth wide opened. Blue at the same
time drew a pistol and shot the other guard dead in his tracks, and away
they flew down the road, and were speedily lost in the darkness and distance.
The rest of the rebel pickets did not pursue them, but our scouts could hear
them shout after them long and loudly, "Oh, you infernal Yan-
kees \" &o. &c. The scouts soon took to the woods, travelling all night
in the direction of Nashville, and meeting with no further adventure until
soon after sunrise, when one of them espied a moving object in their front,
at a considerable distance. A second glance revealed it to be a " butternut,"
with gun in hand, who at that instant glided behind a tree and took delibe-
rate aim at them. Our scouts, who were also in butternut, were not taken
aback. Keeping on at an easy horse-walk, and apparently noticing no one,
one of them begins to sing, in a brisk, cheery voice, a verse of the "Dixie"
song, ending, —
" In a Southern land I'll take my stand,
And live and die in Dixie," &o.
As they neared the butternut, he was observed to lower his gun and
emerge from behind the tree. When abreast, he accosted the twain : —
"Halloo, boys! which way?"
"All right! — taking a little scout this morning," was the answer.
The " butternut," who was a rebel scout or guerrilla, was now near them,
unsuspecting, and inclined to be inquisitive and sociable, his gun over his
shoulder. But our men were in haste, and had a vivid remembrance of that
previous moment when he had drawn a bead on them, in such a cold-blooded
manner, from behind the tree. One of them draws his revolver as quick as
thought and shoots him dead ; and again they ride forward briskly for a while,
and eventually reach the Federal lines near Nashville in safety, but through
dangers to be feared upon every hand, from behind each tree, or rock, or
bush, — as they were traversing debatable land, between two great contend-
ing armies, and known to be swarming with scouts, spies, and troops, and
especially rebel guerrillas or " partisan rangers."
Acting as secret policemen and detectives, they now assisted in develop-
ing several important cases, a full mention of which would fill many pages
of this work. Occasionally they varied their daily routine by acting as
guides to cavalry expeditions, in which they rendered efficient service. One
of their adventures in Nashville is worth relating.
After the battle of Stone River large numbers of rebel prisoners were sent
to the city and allowed their parole, whereupon the wealthy secessionists of
the place seized every opportunity to feed, clothe, and encourage them. One
day, as Moore and Blue were walking down High Street in the dress of Con-
federate prisoners, they were invited into an elegant residence and were
kindly entertained by Miss Hamilton, one of the reigning belles of Nashville.
Conversation naturally ensued concerning the relative merits and demerits of
524 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
the North and South, in the course of which Miss Hamilton said she had
done every thing in her power to aid the Southern cause. She had sent
letters of encouragement, she said, and also a Southern flag, through the
lines. She told them of an old Irishwoman who was in the habit of carrying
out goods in a market-wagon which had a false bottom. She said, too, that
Governor Andy Johnson once had her brought before him and gave her a
severe lecturing, but she soon talked him over, and persuaded him into
giving her a pass to go two miles out of the city to see her aunt, and that
when once beyond the lines she went to the rebel army at Murfreesborough.
She further said that a Mrs. Montgomery, who lived two miles out on the
Franklin pike, had taken out more goods than anybody else in Nashville.
When she went to Murfreesborough she took out with her letters, and had
given to Southern soldiers coming into Nashville large quantities of clothing,
and finally demonstrated her good will by presenting Moore with a fine pair
of pants and other clothing and a pair of new boots. In return for these
acts of kindness, Colonel Truesdail sent her the following letter of thanks : —
" Office Chief Army Police, January 10, 1863.
"Miss Hamilton, High Street: —
"Dear Miss: — Please accept my grateful acknowledgment for your kindness —
during the arrival of a large number of Confederate prisoners in the city from the
battle of Stone River, and their stay here — in calling into your beautiful residenee
one of my secret police, and for the kind and benevolent treatment you extended to
him. Also for the new suit of clothes and the cavalry boots given him, the valuable
information of your labors in the Confederate cause furnished to him, and the know-
ledge afforded me of your persevering energy as a spy and smuggler. I shall endeavor
to profit by it, and may have occasion to send another officer to you.
"Respectfully,
"William Truesdail,
" Chief Army Police."
After this they accompanied a cavalry police expedition for the purpose
of capturing Captains Young and Scruggs, — the leaders of a band of
guerrillas on White's Creek, who were a terror to the whole country. They
were at the house of an old man named McNeill, which was surrounded
and a demand made for Young and Scruggs. There being some sixty
troops to back the demand, the old man did not dare to deny their presence,
and, without deigning any reply, turned at once, went into the house, and
bolted the door. This slight barrier was speedily broken down, and the
crowd rushed in. Search was made everywhere, — down stairs and up, under
beds, in chimneys, and under the floor ; but neither Young nor Scruggs was
found. As a last resort, they went to the girls' bedroom ; and there — in bed,
between two full-grown young women — the valiant Young was found snugly
hidden away. He was unceremoniously dragged out, and Scruggs in the
mean while having been found in a hay-loft, both were taken to Nashville,
and are now in the penitentiary at that place, awaiting their trial.
For the last five months Moore and Blue have been constantly engaged in
TRAINOR, THE TRAITOR WAGON-MASTER. 525
the investigation and development of many minor cases ; and both look
forward to yet many days of adventure for themselves and of usefulness to
the Government.
Trainor, the Traitor Wagon-Master,
Ix the early part of February, 1863, there was boarding at the City
Hotel, in Nashville, a lady of ordinary appearance and apparently about
forty-five years of age. Her husband and three sons were in the rebel Mor-
gan's command, and she was known by the proprietors of the house and by
Mrs. "Winburn — the wife of one of them — as entertaining strong sympathy
for the Confederate cause. In reality, however, she was a Union woman,
and in the employ of Colonel Truesdail, Chief of the Army Police. From
the position of her relatives, and her former place of residence, aided by her
expression of Southern sentiments, she was considered a genuine secession-
ist, and had completely won the favor of Mrs. Winburn, by whom she was
made a friend and confidante. Mrs. W told her on several occasions how
much aid she and others of her lady friends had rendered to the Confederates,
and how much more they intended to do for them. "When visitors arrived
at the City Hotel and made known their Southern sympathies, she was in-
troduced to them as entertaining the same sentiments, and at once admitted
to their confidence and councils. In this way she learned the existence
there of a club, or rather association of persons, of rebel tendencies, the
members of which made use of a certain password, without which none
could gain admittance to their meetings, and this password was " Truth and
Fidelity."
About the middle of February there arrived at the hotel from Louisville a
certain Mrs. Trainor, who was there joined by her husband, John Trainor,
— the latter understood to have formerly been master of transportation in the
Ordnance Department of Major-General Buell's army. Mrs. Trainor was
introduced by Mrs. Winburn to her confidential friend our detective as
one who had at heart the welfare of the Southern Confederacy, and Mrs.
Trainor presented her to Trainor, her husband, saying that he too was a
friend of the South and ardently desired its success in the struggle for in-
dependence. This interview proved the precursor of many others, in which
Trainor and his wife made many interesting statements concerning them-
selves and the assistance which they had rendered to the rebel army.
From Trainor she thus gained the following remarkable information. In
the fall of 1861, he said, he had run the Federal blockade and brought from
Louisville to Nashville, for the use of the Confederate army, several wagon-
loads of arms, ammunition, drugs, and medicines. These he had purchased
in Louisville, — the arms and ammunition from a Mr. Bull, and the drugs and
medicines from Dr. Pile. While in Nashville on this business, he made the
acquaintance of General Zollicoffer, who advised him to abandon the
526 ARMY TOLICE RECORD.
neutral position he then occupied in regard to the war and engage in the
service of the Confederates. This he agreed to do ; and, the better to accom-
plish 'his ends, he was to obtain the position of Master of Transportation in
the Ordnance Department of the Federal army. On his return to Louisville
he had applied for the situation, which was given to him. Since then he
had improved the advantages it oiFered, by following the Federal army down
into Alabama with wagon-loads of contraband goods, which, according to
previous arrangement, he disposed of at different places. During the whole
Buell campaign the rebels knew, at all times, the strength of the escort which
accompanied him, and if they did not capture his train it was not his fault.
In the different skirmishes between the two armies he so managed that his
train was never in its right place, and frequently the rebels would capture a
portion of it, but would not take him prisoner, as it would be against their
own interests to do so.
He regretted very much that the Confederates had not captured a train
of one hundred and sixteen wagons, once under his charge, while General
Buell was on his march to Kentucky in September last. He had requested
Mrs. "Winburn to inform Generals Morgan and Forrest where they could
find the train and how many men the escort numbered. This she did ; and
he was so sure they would capture the train that he took Mrs. "Winburn and
his wife along for some distance from Nashville to see the fun of the capture.
He had with him a young man — formerly in the Confederate army, but at
that time in his employ — who was so disappointed because the train was not
captured that he blew up and destroyed twenty-five of the wagons as they
were passing over a certain bridge, and this, he said, was done with his own
knowledge and consent, and partially at his suggestion.
After General Rosecrans assumed command of the Army of the Cumber-
land, Trainor said he began to purchase from Federal officers and soldiers,
and from others who would sell them, pistols for General Wheeler, Dick
McCann, and the guerrilla bands in the country. Some of them he carried
to the rebels himself, and the balance he sent by a man named Kevins, who
lived in Kentucky and had a contract to furnish cattle to the Federal army.
This Nevins usually had with him some of Morgan's men, through whom
he kept the Confederates continually informed of the number and move-
ments of Federal troops along the line of the Louisville & Nashville Rail-
road, and he had acted as guide for Kirby Smith when the latter invaded
Kentucky last fall. Trainor further said that he (Trainor) now had charge of
the army transportation at Nashville, and that about the time of the battles
at Stone River he was in the rebel camp and gave information. At this
the lady remarked, —
" That accounts for the success of the Confederates in capturing so many
of the Federal wagons."
" You may come to what conclusion on that subject you please," answered
Trainor.
The young man, he continued, who was with him at the time of Buell's
retreat and blew up the twenty-five wagons, was still in his employ ; and one
TRAINOR, THE TRAITOR WAGON-MASTER. 527
night not long since, by his management, five hundred mules belonging to
the United States had stampeded and mysteriously disappeared from their
corral. Many other interesting things which the young man had done for
the benefit of the Confederate Government Trainor related with relish, and
seemed desirous to impress upon the mind of his hearer that he himself was
at all times anxious to serve the rebels and injure the Federal Government
in every possible way. Seeing this disposition on his part, she suggested
that he could now do more good by purchasing arms, quinine and other
medicines for the use of the Confederate army than in any other way, and
adding that she had a friend in Louisville who was a secret agent for that
very purpose, and who would assist him in getting them South.
Trainor replied that he had then on hand one and a half pounds of
quinine and two or three splendid pistols, which he would like to send
South, and that he could procure any quantity of pistols if the money was
furnished to purchase them.
The lady then proposed to buy his pistols and quinine, if he would deliver
them to her friend in Louisville, who would send them through the lines.
Trainor assented, and sold her the quinine and four pistols, for which he
received from her two hundred dollars. He also proposed to, and did, write
to Mr. Bull and Dr. Pile, of Louisville, requesting them to furnish the secret
agent above mentioned such quantity of quinine, pistols, and knives as he
might wish for the Confederate service. He further said that he had a friend
by the name of Kellogg, in whom he had confidence, and for whom he had
obtained a pass and transportation to Louisville, and that he would send the
quinine and pistols by him, instead of by his wife, as had been previously
arranged. Implicit faith could be reposed in Kellogg, as he had recently
engaged in running horses to the Confederacy, and was now trying to assist
a rebel prisoner to escape from the penitentiary. His friend Mr. Bull,
continued Trainor, had a brother who was chief clerk in the Quartermaster's
Department of the Union army, and as good a secessionist as his brother,
and who had a much better chance to serve the South than he had. He
thought the Federals would have a good time whipping the Confederates,
when many of the important offices of the different army departments were
filled by friends of the latter.
The reason assigned for sending the quinine and pistols to the South by
the way of Louisville was that it afforded less chance of detection than to
send directly from Nashville, as the Federal army had a vigilant police, and
it was almost impossible to get them through the lines in that direction.
Accordingly, as agreed, Trainor, about the middle of March, did send to
Louisville, by his friend Kellogg, the quinine and pistols that had been
purchased of him, and which, on their arrival, were delivered to the supposed
secret agent of the Confederacy, as will hereafter be related.
About the same time there arrived at the City Hotel a gentleman repre-
senting himself as Dr. Dubois, an agent of the Confederate States Army, and
just from Bragg's command. As he had with him a genuine pass, signed
by General Bragg and countersigned by General Breckinridge, his state-
528 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
inent was readily accepted as true by the proprietors of the hotel and its
habitues. For nearly a week after his arrival he was confined to his room by
a severe sickness, during which he was carefully nursed by Mrs. Winburn.
As soon as recovered, he was introduced by Mrs. W. to Trainor, as a friend
of hers who had just come to Nashville from Bragg's army to purchase
medicines and goods to be sent South through the Federal lines. Dubois at
once expressed his desire of purchasing pistols and medicines, and requested
Trainor to assist him.
Trainor eagerly assented, and said, "I will furnish you nine."
"But I want and must have more."
"Well, I will get them for you, and will leave them at Mrs. Davidson's,
sis miles out on the Charlotte pike. Some of my army-wagons are going
out that way after wood, and I can easily carry them with me."
Mrs. Winburn had previously sold Dubois three pistols, for which she had
been promised twenty-five dollars each, two of which Trainor took with him
to his camp to add to those he had there, and to take them all out together
as soon as possible. Dubois said that he would conceal in the muzzle of the
third pistol important information, written in cipher, and a letter to General
Cheatham, telling him that a lot of pistols had been procured through the
influence of Captain Trainor, and were now on their way South, to which
was added a request that he would set Trainor right with the Confederates
when they got possession of Nashville. This pistol Trainor called for and
carried away the next evening, but on the day following returned and said
that he was totally unable to carry them out to Mrs. Davidson's, as he had
expected to. Dubois then told him he had a friend who would take them
out, and he might bring them back to the hotel, — which he agreed to do the
next evening.
He came as he had promised, bringing with him eight revolvers on his
person, some of them in his waist-belt and some in his boot-legs. As he
handed them over, and while Dubois was putting them under the blanket
on the bed, he remarked that he had on several occasions taken out on his
person as many pistols as he had just brought in. Mrs. Winburn, who was
present, boasted that she had taken out four blankets on her person, and that
a lady friend had carried out beneath her skirts, in the same way, a cavalry
saddle. While this conversation was still progressing, all parties, including
Mrs. Winburn, Trainor, and Dubois, were arrested, the latter being ironed
and sent out, — ostensibly to prison, but more probably to some other field of
operations, where his skill in detecting rebel smugglers and spies might be
made equally useful.
Mrs. Trainor had already returned to Louisville, and had been there some
days. The medicines which had been forwarded by Kellogg were in her
possession, and she was anxiously awaiting a visit from the secret agent of
the Confederacy, to whom she could deliver them and make with him
arrangements for the purchase of more. She had been telegraphed by her
Nashville friends that he would call on her in a few days ; and, as some time
had elapsed since the receipt of the despatch, she began to wonder why ho
TRAINOR, THE TRAITOR WAGON-MASTER. 529
did not corne. One day, as she was returning in a carriage to her house, in
what is known as California Suburb, on Fifteenth Street beyond Kentucky
Street, she espied coming from it a well-dressed, handsome-appearing young
man, who wore conspicuously a large red-white-and-red cravat. As he came
opposite to the carriage, he hailed the driver, and asked, —
" How far are you going ?"
"Just to yonder house," replied the coachman, — pointing to Mrs. Train-
or's, the house he had just come from.
•' Very well : I will wait here for you, then, and go back with you."
During the time occupied in this colloquy, and as long as she could see
him from the carriage-window, Mrs. Trainor eyed him earnestly, as though
she suspected he was the person she was so anxious to see. Nothing was
said, however, and on reaching home she went in and found on the table a
note for her from one H. C. Davis, stating that he was the secret agent of
the Confederacy, that he had just called to see about the medicines, and was
sorry to find her out. The signature to the note was "Truth and Fidelity,"
— a sure guarantee that there was no deception in the matter. Meanwhile
the coach had returned to where the prospective passenger was left standing,
when that gentleman took his seat inside and directed the driver to turn
around and go again to the house he had just left. Mrs. Trainor met Davis
at the door and welcomed him most cordially. Holding out her hand, she
said, —
" I thought as much. I was sure it was you when I first put my eye on
you."
" Why, madam, what could have made you think so?"
" Oh, that cravat ! Nobody else would wear it. But you must be careful
about it. It isn't safe. You'll be suspected."
"Oh, I guess there's no danger. I have friends enough in Louisville to
take care of me."
The two then entered the house and engaged in earnest conversation.
Davis said that he was just about shipping some goods to the South, and he
would like to send what medicine she could furnish along with them. He
made it a practice to make as few shipments as possible, in order to avoid
suspicion.
It was all ready, she said, and he might have it as soon as he wished.
Davis made arrangements to have them delivered at an appointed time,
and proposed the purchase of a large quantity in addition to that she had
brought from Nashville. She entered eagerly into the business, and said
she would ascertain at what prices she could obtain quinine, morphine, and
pulverized opium. The next day she reported that she could get them from
a man named Tafel, who kept a small prescription-store, — the quinine for
six dollars an ounce, the morphine at eight dollars an ounce, and the pul-
verized opium at fourteen dollars a pound. Davis thought this rather high,
but said he would take them at that price. He wanted a thousand ounces
of quinine and smaller quantities of the others. After making arrange-
ments for the purchase of the medicines and a supply of pistols, — which was
34
530 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
to be furnished by Mr. Bull at thirty dollars each,— Davis went to the city to
prepare for their shipment South.
The next evening he called again to invite Mrs. Trainor to the theatre,
and was told that there was a difficulty about the medicines. Tafel was
fearful that he could not make so large a purchase on his individual credit,
and that he wished the money advanced to buy them with. Davis replied
that he never did business in that way. He would pay cash on delivery,
and if Tafel could not furnish them on those terms they must look elsewhere.
Mrs. Trainor thought there would be no difficulty about it. Tafel was to
procure them of a wholesale druggist named Wilder, and the matter could
doubtless be arranged to the satisfaction of all concerned. In fact, she
could safely promise that it should be ready by the next afternoon. At his
next visit, Davis was told that the medicines had been purchased, and were
ready for delivery, when and where he pleased.
He wished them delivered at her house, he said, early the next morning.
He was all ready to ship, and was only waiting for them. Mrs. Trainor
engaged that they should be there without fail, and Davis returned to the
city, having first arranged with a Federal soldier whom he found at her
house — a deserter from the Anderson Cavalry — to go South and act as a
scout for General Breckinridge in his expected movement into Kentucky.
The next morning, instead of himself coming to receive the goods as he had
promised, he sent out a force of policemen, who reached there just as the
wagon containing the medicines drove up to the door. Mrs. Trainor, the
driver, and the deserter were taken into custody, and the former was sent
immediately to Nashville. The wagon was found to contain drugs — mostly
quinine and opium — to the value of about five thousand five hundred dollars
according to the wholesaler's bill, and eight thousand eight hundred dollars
at Tafel's prices. The pistols did not come, Bull having failed to procure
them. Wilder and Bull were also arrested, and the store of the former
seized, with its contents, valued at from fifty thousand to seventy-five
thousand dollars. Tafel's prescription-shop was converted by General
Boyle into a medical dispensary for the hospitals of Louisville, and is now
used as such. Since her arrest, Mrs. Trainor has been heard to say that she
was fearful that secret agent of the Confederacy was only "one of Trues-
dail's spies," in which supposition she was more than usually correct, he
being no other than our old friend Newcomer, who played so important a
part in many of the cases here and elsewhere recorded.
The following statement of the army policeman who was sent from Nash-
ville to Louisville to arrest Mrs. Trainor and her cotemporaries and abettors
in crime sheds additional light upon this remarkable and important case : —
" As per instructions of Chief of Army Police, at Nashville, I proceeded
to the house of Mr. John Trainor, in Louisville, Kentucky, where I arrested
Mrs. Trainor, Mr. Tafel, a deserter, and one other gentleman. They were
put under arrest and placed in the guard-house. Mrs. Trainor was put
under guard at her own residence. Next morning they — Mrs. T. and the
three gentlemen — were brought to Nashville, under guard. The house at
TRAIXOR, THE TRAITOR WAGON-MASTER. 531
Louisville was searched, where was found a military saddle, which wag
taken ; also between eight thousand and nine thousand dollars' worth of
quinine and opium was taken, — as per bill found with them, — which said
articles were ready to be sent to ' Dixie.' During that night I had various
conversations with Mrs. Trainor, in all of which she stated her object to
be to make money, for which she undertook the risk. On my return on
the train from Louisville to Nashville I brought eight persons as witnesses
in the Trainor case and connected with Wilder, the smuggling firm. At
various previous interviews had with Mrs. Trainor, she declared that her
husband was not implicated in the smuggling, &c. with herself. But she
afterwards confessed he was, — stating she had bought quinine, arms,
equipments, &c, and shipped to him at Nashville, to be sent through the
lines. After having made her final statements, — during which time she was
kept in confinement some two or three weeks under guard, with strict
orders allowing no person to converse with her, — -she was notified that
she could see her husband. Upon being admitted to the room, she embraced
him, and then fainted, and was in that condition for several minutes. She
was accompanied by her two small children, — a girl and a boy, aged five and
seven years. The manacles were taken off from Trainor prior to Mrs. T.
and the children's entrance. The proper restoratives were administered to
her by myself, — the husband being greatly alarmed, saying, ' Do you
think she will recover?' Is it not a very long time to remain in this con-
dition ?' ' I am afraid she will die,' &c. "When the restorative took effect,
his countenance lighted up with joy. After she was fully restored, a
friend who was present, and myself, retired and left them to each other's
society. They were together during the whole day, and at night wore
separated, — he being sent to jail and Mrs. T. to her quarters, there to await
the final decision of Major-General Rosecrans."
The evidence against Trainor as a smuggler is conclusive. As regards
his confessions to the female detective at the City Hotel, Nashville, of the
crime of treason while in the employ of the United States Government
under General Buell last year, no further proof has been as yet discovered.
"When arrested, the bearing of Trainor was defiant to the last degree : he
laughed scornfully at the officers and men who stood near or around him,
and retained the same bold manner during his several days' imprisonment at
the police office.
At the time of this writing (May, 1863) the decision in the case of Trainor
has not been made public, if arrived at. He may have concocted all that
story of his betrayals under Buell to tickle the ears of silly people ; but
probably not. The Chief of Police was shocked at the revelation, and
desired cumulative evidence of its truth beyond the confidential confession
of the wretched party to his detective. So far as possible, this was obtained,
and "Dr. Dubois" was put upon the track, resulting in confirming the state-
ment of the first detective in every respect, so far as it extended.
In this connection comes up the case of Wilder, the wholesale and retail
druo-dealer of Louisville. His immense concern has been closed, and his
532 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
goods will probably be confiscated. His greed and his rebel sympathies
have proved his ruin. As one item against him, it is certainly true that he
had coats manufactured and on hand stuffed and quilted with quinine,
which he sold to spies and travellers and traders to be taken South. The
property thus confiscated in this case alone will defray the expenses of the
Army Police for several months.
A Spy on Morgan and Wife and his Nashville Kin.
One of the most interesting cases of spying that has occurred in our army,
though perhaps not so important as some others, was that in which a shrewd
young Union soldier, whom we will name Johnson, was the actor, and by
whom the notable General John H. Morgan and family were completely
duped, as the following pages will reveal.
"Nashville, February 8, 1863.
"STATEMENT OF A. B. JOHNSON IN RELATION TO GENERAL MORGAN, ETC.
" I am a personal acquaintance of General John II. Morgan ; he is
acquainted with my family in , Kentucky. I saw him at, Lexington.
I met him with about one hundred men about three miles from Stewart's
Ferry, on the Wilson pike, on Tuesday, one week ago. He was pleased to see
me, and, after due conversation, I agreed to scout for him. I came down with
him to Stewart's Ferry, where he captured five Federal soldiers in the follow-
ing manner. General Morgan and his men had on United States uniforms ;
on reaching the ferry-boat, he saw the Federals on the opposite side of the
river. He was hailed by the Federals, Captain Powell saying, ' "What com-
mand are you ?' He answered, ' 9th Kentucky.' Then Morgan asked
him, 'What command are you?' They answered, ' Scouts from Nashville.'
When Morgan asked him, ' What news V ' Nothing of importance.' Then
Morgan ordered eleven men aboard the ferry-boat, and sent them across and
captured five men, and shot one wlio tried to escape. We left, and went to
near Lebanon that night, next day to Liberty, and the next day (Thursday)
to McMinnville, where I stayed four days, when I came to Liberty on
Tuesday, where I was arrested by some of Morgan's men, and taken to
Woodbury, where I was released by Colonel Clark, and then went to Ready-
ville. From there I went to General Crittenden's head-quarters, and thence
to General Rosecrans's head-quarters ; and there I was ordered to report to
Colonel Truesdail, at Nashville.
" My instruction from General Morgan was to go to Nashville, deliver
letters to his (Morgan's) "friends in Nashville, and then to learn whether
there were any commissary stores at the Chattanooga & Nashville depot ;
to see Mrs. Hagy if she knows of such commissary stores, and also ascer-
tain where the commissary stores in Nashville are, particularly, and how all
the steamers lie in the river, how many gun-boats, and how they lie in the
A SPY ON GENERAL MORGAN AND WIFE. 533
river. For this information, promptly delivered, he -would give me five
hundred dollars in greenbacks. He very pointedly charged me to beware of
TruesdaiPs detective police, &c. I saw Mrs. Hagy to-night, after advising
with Mrs. Cheatham, who advised me to put on United States uniform,
which I got of Colonel Truesdail, and went and saw Mrs. Hagy and others,
and to visit all parts of the city to obtain the information the general
directed. A shoemaker — first house on the left-hand side of Church Street
after you leave the penitentiary — is making boots for me with false bottoms
for carrying despatches. I have not his name: it begins with ' H.'
(Signed) "A. B. Johnson."
" NOTE FROM CHIEF OF POLICE TO GENERAL ROSECRANS.
" General -. — I have sent Johnson back with information not very in-
viting to General Morgan : *yet I am of the opinion the latter will make a
raid upon some point in your command within ten days. He has a chain of
scouts this morning extending from Stone River, perhaps into the city, all
the way through to Lebanon, Greenville, Smithville, and McMinnville,
his general head-quarters. One hundred of his men were at Stone River
last night, I am informed.
" Yours, &c, William Truesdail,
"Chief of Army Police."
The spy Johnson was sent back to Morgan with proper instructions, made
his trip successfully, returned, and reported as follows : —
liI left Nashville February 9th, and stayed at Stewart's Ferry that night;
next morning went four miles beyond Beard's Mill ; next day went five
miles beyond Liberty. On the 12th went to McMinnville to General
Morgan's head-quarters. "When I went into his office, the general was not
there, but his brother — Charlton Morgan — was in. He said to me, 'Is it pos-
sible that you have got through ?' He then called one of the boys, and sent
word to the general that a man wanted to see him on important business.
The general came over, and, as he came in, said to me, ' Mr. , I am
very glad to see you.' He then turned to his brother, and said, ' I told you he
would go through, Charlton. I am hardly ever deceived in a man.' I told
him that I had some things for his wife from Mrs. Dr. Cheatham. He then
invited me over to Dr. Armstrong's, where he was boarding. We went in,
and he introduced me to his lady, saying, ' Here, my dear, is the gentleman
I told you of; he is just from Nashville.' She invited me to be seated ; and the
general then asked me for information about Nashville. I told him that they
were receiving heavy reinforcements there, — that there were fifty-seven trans-
ports lying at the levee, loaded with troops and provisions. He asked me if
they had not been burned yet. I told him they had not. He says, ' Well,
they will be.' He asked when I would be ready to go to Nashville again ;
534 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
and I told him I was ready at any time. He asked me if I did not want
some money ; I told him I did ; and he gave me one hundred dollars, — part in
Confederate and part in greenbacks and Tennessee money. He then said
he wanted me to leave on Sunday or Monday for Nashville. On Monday I
started from McMinnville. He told me to find out how many troops there
were here, where they were going to, and how many transports there were
here, and their location. Also how many gun-boats there were here, and
whether they lay above or below the railroad-bridge. He said for me to
get all the information I could of the movements, location, and number of
the army. Monday night I stayed at Mr. Bradford's, five miles the other
side of Liberty ; next night stayed at Widow Buchan's, five miles beyond
Lebanon ; next, stayed two miles this side of Green Hill ; next day (Thurs-
day) came to Nashville. While I was in the general's office at McMinnville,
Colonel Clarke, commanding Duke's brigade, came in and asked the general
if the troops could not be paid off before going to Kentucky. Morgan said
they could be paid. He asked the colonel if he wanted any money. The
colonel said, ' Yes ;' that he wanted commutation for fifty days. In marching
they do not issue rations. Heard Major Steel say that the command would
be at Sparta in the morning. Learned from officers at McMinnville that there
were near twenty-five thousand troops at Tullahoma, that they were fortify-
ing there and at Manchester and Shelbyville, and that Breckinridge was at
Manchester. While at McMinnville I saw the telegraph-operator, who in-
vited me to his office. He was just sending to Bragg the news I had brought.
While in his office, he received a despatch from either Richmond or Charles-
ton, saying that France had interfered, and that commissioners were to meet
in Central Mexico.
(Signed) "A. B. Johnson."
When Johnson started on this trip, he carried a letter from Mrs. Dr.
Cheatham, of Nashville, to her sister, — Mrs. General Morgan, — Mrs. Cheat-
ham supposing our man to be one of them and all right. He brought back
an answer, which we copy, as follows : —
" MRS. JOHN MORGAN TO MRS. DR. CHEATHAM.
"My dearest Sis: — I was made very happy last Thursday by the recep-
tion of your sweet letter, and felt almost as if you were with me : each little
article had been purchased by yourself, and put up by your own hands.
My "best of husbands came hurrying over from his office with the detective,
knowing how happy he could make me. We read the letters and feasted over
them ; and as I untied each bundle he sat and watched my delight with eyes
full of pleasure. Oh, I do wish you knew him well ! you could but love him ;
and I often tell him the same thing of you. It will be a happy day when
we can return home again and not see all the dear ones left there com-
pelled to submit to the despotism of Yankee rule. My life is all a joyous
dream now, from which I fear to awaken ; and awake I must, when my
husband is called to leave me again. But he says that shall not be soon ; he
A SPY ON GENERAL MORGAN AND WIFE. 535
keeps his command constantly at work, but will not take more rest him-
self. Did you know he was within five miles of you a week or two ago ?
You would have had a visit from him in your own home, but for one little
circumstance, — of which I will tell you when I do many other things which
in these uncertain times cannot be written. Allie is not now with us.
Horace took her to Knoxville, where she had been intending to go for some
time previous. My husband is with the army : and with this portion of
the army we may have to move at any moment. My husband says he wants
me to remain with him, and of course I much prefer it. They say we are
a love-sick couple : at any rate, I know my liege lord is devoted to me, and
each day I am forced to love him more. His disposition is perfect. I know
you will say, sis, that every topic I commence runs into praise of my hus-
band ; but the truth is, I cannot help it, and one of these days you will not be
surprised at it. I never knew whether you received my letters written from
home or not. I sent you several ; and in one my husband added a post-
script and directed it. If you have ever received it, you could not have mis-
taken the handwriting on the Utile slip of paper. The man who took it was
very much amused at you, and told us every thing you said ; he also saw
mamma and papa, but did not make himself known. I wish very much I
had the things you sent to mamma for me : I really need them : for a bride,
my wardrobe is very scant. You could not have sent me any thing, sis,
more acceptable than the things you did send; and I am sure I can say the
same for Allie. I miss her very much: she is not married yet, although it
has been published recently in the Mobile papers. I will send her one of
the skirts, perhaps, and other things you sent, immediately. The general is
delighted with his fur collar ; he says you are a great sis. He has really been
in love with you since the first time he saw you. He has searched his trunk
through to find some trophy for darling little Mattie S. He is at it now, but
I think he cannot find any thing : I sent his trunk of trophies to Knoxville
for safe-keeping. He sends a great deal of love to you, and says, ' Tell sis to
kiss her sweet children for me a thousand times.' I can correspond with
you almost regularly now, sis ; and it is such a comfort to me to be able to
hear from you all. I will send letters to you for mamma, and get you to
send them to her. There is another charm of my darling husband : he leaves
nothing undone to contribute to my happiness, and he knows nothing will
please me more than to hear from you. The bearer of this goes principally
cm my account. We are very comfortable here : my new brothers have all been
with me, and I love them very much ; Mrs. D. is coming this week. Write
me something, please, of Uncle Sam's family ; he writes to me about twice a
week, and I should like to give him some news of his family in my next
letter. Give a great deal of love and a kiss to brother Will for me, and to
aunt and cousin Myra. Sis, do you realize that I am married? What
would I not give to see you, and for you to know my dear husband and see
our happiness ! I have been writing most of the time, sis, with the room
full of men talking to the general on all sorts of business, and I have all the
time had one ear open : so I think you will have a crazy letter to read.
536 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
"What about the gowns, sis, I wrote for ? This man can bring out any thing,
sis, you desire to send ; and I should be so much obliged to you if you will send
me two pair of slippers, Nos. 4 and 43, and some pins, large and small. I could
write all evening, but the man must start to-night. I will write si 'On again.
If ynu cannot get the green dress the general sent for, get a lilac one: I
prefer it, at any rate. I knew nothing of his sending before : he did it as a
surprise for me. I have a gay riding-habit, sis, and can get nothing to trim
it with. It is cloth, very handsome, and I should like blue velvet to trim it
with. The man is sitting waiting, and asks me to tell you he is not a ' de-
tective.' He is as true as steel, and would do any thing for the general. I
must close now. I have some things I would like for you and brother Will
to have, but I am afraid to send them. Please write me a good, long letter ;
we enjoy them so much. Perhaps Cousin Myra would write too : I wish she
would. Kiss the darlings for me a thousand times, and their uncle. You and
dear brother "Will must kiss each other for me. How I wish I could see you !
Good-bye. God bless you !
" Your devoted sister,
" P.S. — Allie is not married, and does not expect to be, that I know of. In
Dixie paper, as every thing else, is getting scarce."
(postscript, by general morgan, to his wife's letter.)
"My dear Sister: — You cannot imagine how very anxious I am to see
you again. Have you forgotten our first meeting? Had hoped to have seen
you some days since, but accident alone prevented. The bearer can explain
the cause of my failure. Mattie talks of you all the time, and is so anxious
to see you. Kiss your sweet little girl for her new uncle, and tell her I love
her a good deal. Regards to the servants. It would be folly for me to tell
you how very happy I am, knowing Mattie as j-ou do.
"Your affectionate brother,
(postscript no. 2.)
"I came very near forgetting, sis, a very important thing which I want to
tell you of. It is this : I have made me an elegant evening dress, cut it out by a
low waist that I happened to have with me, and it fits me so nicely, and is so
stylish, that the general is so proud of it he will not consent to let my letter
go without this postscript. He brought the dress from Kentucky for me.
Is his own taste. It is a beautiful rose deschaum color. I wore it to the
ball given in honor of us last Friday night, with a black lace flounce round
the bottom, headed with black and pink velvet, a black lace vest and sleeves,
and a fall of black lace around the waist. It was magnificent, and very
much admired. The ball was an elegant affair, — beautiful decorations and
delicious supper, two magnificent bands of music from Tullahoma, and
scores of gay, handsome officers. I wished for some of the pretty girls of
A SPY ON GENERAL MORGAN AND WIFE. 537
Nashville to enjoy it with us. I had a splendid time, and, of course, was
something of a belle, — as the ball was in honor of the bandit and his bride.
I think now I can rival Mrs. McK in evening dresses, but would prefer
not being under the necessity. Alice has made her a handsome riding-
habit. The Confederacy teaches us industry, does it not? I think the
general would try to preserve the wonderful dress in alcolwl, if he thought
the color could be retained. I have the dress you sent to me : it is made
becomingly and handsomely. I don't care to undertake another : my repu-
tation is established on one. You will see your friend, who carries this, often ;
and I wonder if you will enjoy it as much as I will. I ride every evening
on horseback with the general, and enjoy it so much. I have written quite
a postscript. Brother "Will, don't laugh at it. I have so much to say I
cannot bear to close. "Will, I will see you some day, I hope ; and then what
a time we will have talking! This is full of love. Good-bye again.
"Your devoted sister,
"P.S. — Please send me some large hooks and eyes, and a corset, — if pos-
sible, No. 21. Sis, please send me some black stick pomatum : I want it
for my husband."
This letter, after being duly read, discussed, and copied in the office of the
Chief of Police, at Nashville, was delivered by the "brave fellow" in person,
at the house of Cheatham, in the small hours of the night. That he was
hugely welcomed who will doubt? The parlor tSte-d-tete, the wine, &c, is
imaginable. lie promises them to return to General Morgan in a day or two.
They agree to have letters ready, some little articles for Mrs. General Morgan,
tfcc. ; also they will apprize their friends, who will send many letters by him.
At the appointed time "our man" gets at their house a large packet of
letters, and the following articles for Mrs. Morgan. It will be seen, by the
way, that the articles are all base "notions" of "Yankee" make: —
100 Envelopes (white and nice).
6 quires Letter and Note Paper. t
IIalf-doz«n Black Stick Pomatum.
1 gross Hooks and Eyes.
2 packs Pins.
2 pairs Slippers.
1 copy Godey's Lady's Book for March, 1863.
The letters were mainly harmless epistles of family matters and gossip.
The following letter and postscript, from Mrs. Cheatham to Mrs. General
Morgan, will repay a leisurely reader's perusal: —
(To Mrs. General Morgan.)
" Nashville, Feb. 20, 1863.
" My darling Mattie : — At half-past two last night the door-bell rang, and
53S ARMY POLICE RECORD.
who should it be but 'our man'? He looked so bright, and with a triumph-
ant air handed me a letter from Mrs. M. ' You know that handwriting,
madam?' 'Oh, yes!' said I. 'Sit here on the sofa by me, and tell me
every tiling.' I looked at the letter and talked to him at the same time.
Bless your dear heart ! I can see your bright, happy face before me now,
but I can't write. I shall never get over not seeing you a bride ; and when
I attempt to write, it is so unsatisfactory I am inclined to throw my pen
aside and cry, instead of writing. I have so much time for reflection, dear
Mattie; and sometimes I am very sad, but would not for worlds cast a
shadow upon your bright horizon. You are very happy, and ought to be,
for you have every thing to make you so. Don't you remember, though, I
fell in love with your dear, good husband first? You didn't see him on the
turnpike, with the blouse and coon-skin cap on. That day I was so excited
about old Mrs. Flowers and her flag. He looked so amused. The fiery
ordeal I have passed through since that day ! All my spirit is gone. I am
as submissive as a whipped child (except sometimes). Oh, if this man
should be caught, and hung as a spy, it would kill me. For Heaven's sake,
Brother J., don't come to Nashville ! It would frighten me to death. I
cannot bear to think of your running such risks. Why, if they were to take
you they would put you in an iron cage and carry you all over the country.
I was so thankful you did not come. My dear husband is at Louisville,
and that road is to be destroyed. If they would only wait until he gets
home ! I came very near going with him. I wish I had ; then we would
have been taken prisoners together, and been carried to ' Dixie.' I should
have said to them, 'Please take me prisoner.' I hope Dr. C. will send
Penny on to you. She is coming with him. She entreated to be sent for ;
and, without consulting papa, Dr. C. went. Eliza and Caroline are in Cin-
cinnati. I hear from mamma very often. She writes cheerfully. Ell is
still with her. I sent for Cous. Nina this morning, and we have had a good
time together. She is writing to you. I wish you could have passed on us
this morning. We had a good laugh about the silk dress from Kentucky.
Do you know the ' Feds ' say he took fifteen hundred dollars' worth of fine
silks from Elizabethtown ? Mrs. Fogg says she wants one : so you must not
make them all up. I regret very much not having a dress ready-made to
send you, but will have the next time I have any letter ready fir you.
Now, since I know I can send them, I shall always be thinking of getting
ready. If they don't catch that poor man! I am miserable about him
now. We don't see the bright side here, Mattie. It is nothing but gloom.
When our prisoners come in we are sad, and go to work to clothe and feed
them. These horrid prisons would make your heart sick. Hospitals on
every street ; and our poor wounded Confederates, how they did suffer !
Many of them froze to death at Camp Douglas. Even the Journal spoke
of their sufferings, but blamed the Confederate authorities. They were
sent from here on boats that severe weather. Many of them were in a
dying condition when they started. Dr. has resigned in disgust. I
believe he is a good man. He took me to Murfreesborough after the battle,
A SPY ON GENERAL MORGAN AND WIFE. 539
■when old Mitchell would not even allow mothers to go to look after their
wounded sons. Poor Mrs. McNairy has Frank's body in the house yet. It
was embalmed. She is afraid to bury it. Johnny Kirkman was buried by
his mother's side. What do your army people think of that Fort Donelson
affair ? From our point of view it seems to have been a miserable 'faux
pas.' I can't understand Wheeler's being major-general of all the cavalry
in Tennessee. Won't you explain ? You must take time, dear Mattie, and
write me a long, satisfactory letter. Write me more of Alice and Horace.
Tell me of General Hardee. Mamma is very fond of him. Has Hor. good
clothing? I cannot forgive myself for not sending him; but it never
occurred to my mind once that Bragg would retreat from Murfreesborough.
I expected to see Rosecrans's army flying through Nashville, and ours enter
in triumph. The disappointment was terrible and miserable. Poor old
Rutherford county ! Such devastation ! The people have been robbed of
every thing. Speaking of robbing, my horses have been taken. I never
expect to have another pair, for when the war is over all the horses will be
dead. I prized my horses very highly, and tried so hard to keep them !
How does Margaret behave, Mattie? I hope she makes herself useful to
you. If she is good, give her a kind remembrance from me. My servants
are the wonder of all my acquaintances. They are just as good as they
have always been. I did not finish my letters to-day, and was constantly
interrupted whilst writing. It is now almost the hour for 'our man' to
come. Dr. C. did not come to-night. I am some troubled for fear the road
will be torn up to-morrow and he will be detained. I send you, dear Mattie,
the few little articles you sent for. There are very few really nice things in
Nashville. Our old merchants have nothing. I send you some paper, and
shall expect many good, long, sweet letters. Write me all about yourself
and your dear husband. What would I not give to see you ! Cous. Nina
sends much love, and will write the next time. I send you some letters to
mail for our friends. Read this one for Charleston. Mrs. W. will write you
all about ' Uncle Sam's Family.' Try and send me some Southern papers,
Mattie ; they would be so acceptable. I cannot write more now. Good-bye.
"Your devoted
" Sis.
(Postscript to Gexeral Morgan.)
"Dear Brother : — Another little word for you. I am very anxious to see
you, but you must not come whilst the /be is near.
" I need not say, take good care of Mattie. I know you will send me a
letter whenever you can. If you could only witness the eagerness with
which I receive them, you would feel fully repaid. We have so little to cheer
us. Good-bye. Kiss Mattie for me.
"Affectionately,
" Sis.
«p.S. — Nashville affords no English pins. I send Yankee ones. I must
540 ARMY TOLICE RECORD.
see you wear that ball-dress you made yourself. Take good care of it. I
send yuu Godey, hoping it will prove acceptable in Dixie.
(Additional to Mrs. General Morgan.)
"Sunday, Feb. 22, 1863.
"My darling M.: — 'Our man' did not get off yesterday, as he expected:
so I cannot refrain from sending you a postscript, which I expect will quite
equal yours in length. How I long to be with you ! I do not realize that
you are married, although your husband has taken a deep hold upon my
affections. You know the reason — because Mattie is so devoted to him ; and
then he tells me he is so happy. Dear M., you think the honeymoon will
never pass, don't you? I feel a little inclined to tease you, but I won't.
There is that plaguey door-bell ! I never sit down to write but some one comes.
Oh, 'tis some music good neighbor Fogg has left for Mattie. There is the
bell again ! I have to go down. Now it is a man from Louisville, with
messages from Brother Will. Poor Brother Will ! he has had an annoying
time. If he does not come to-night, I shall give up looking for him. He
sent the children a box of candy, and they send some to aunty. Matty S.
says there is a bonnet for you and a hat for Uncle M. The dear little crea-
ture wonders how mamma will send it. I told Rich a Federal officer would
send it out with a flag of truce. He believes it. M. S. looks wise, and
guesses better. I started with M. yesterday to have their photographs
taken for you, but it commenced raining. I will have them taken, and
send you. I must have a good likeness of General M. in return. The one
I have is not good : it is something like the one you had with whiskers.
He only wears moustache now. Do you want that black pomatum to black
it? I send you six sticks. Is that enough? I could get no blue velvet, Mattie,
for your riding-habit. How would blue cloth answer ? Your gowns are not
finished. You shall have them next time, but must not wear them. They
are too thin for winter. I fear you will not like the corset ; but it is the
best I could get. Do you want gloves ? Make a memorandum, and I will
fill it if I can. What has become of Kate and Mary It. ? Their mother is
very anxious to hear from them. I send you some letters that I hope you
can send. Mrs. W is crazy, I think. [ Puss !] She says she is going South.
You need not be surprised to see her at your 7*ead-quarters very soon. I do
not make a confidant of her. I feel very uneasy about 'our man.' I gave
him a note to papa. He lost yours. It frightens me for any one to run such
risks. I am very glad 'accident prevented' that visit from your husband.
He must not wear Federal uniform again. He will think, I am sure, it is
well I am not a soldier's wife. I send you Rosecrans's order. I am afraid
of him and his 'detectives.' Times are not as they used to be when Xegley
was commandant.*
" Sunday Xiyht. — Brother Will has come at last. Penny declined coming
* Xo army police then. — Author.
A SPY OX GENERAL MORGAN AND WIFE. 541
with him. The deceitful creature ! I hope mamma will be fully satisfied
now that there is no hope of getting her. [A slave.] Will went to gratify
mamma. I have been writing this letter all day, Mattie. Have had a
visit from a Fed. officer since I commenced, and now Cous. Bob and Will
C. are sitting with us, all smoking pipes. I am almost suffocated. Will
has told me of Brother John's visit to Springfield last summer or fall.
There is a report here that Dave Yandell is dead. I hope it is not true. Do
you think you can answer all my questions, dear M. ? Mrs. Fogg expresses
great interest in you. Don't forget to send her a kind message in your next
letter. Xina was much gratified at your kind mention of her. Poor Will
will never be himself again. He walks very badly. Aunt Em is very
miserable. Brother Will sends bushels of love, dear M., and wishes he could
be with you. 'Tis now very late, and the man has not come. May -be he is
a prisoner, and will never see this. Mattie, do you always pray for peace?
It is my most earnest prayer. God bless you, and protect you and your
noble husband !
"Your devoted
" Sis.
'• I will try and get you some paper like this. ' The man' says you want
some. I used to write to Brother Charlie on this paper. My liege-lord says
I must stop writing to-night. I must obey. Good-night."
Xot only were the ladies thus wickedly deceived by "our man," but Gene-
ral John Morgan was so completely sold by this — his own — spy, that we
may reasonably suppose he has had his ears measured repeatedly of late, to
ascertain their increased length. The following facts will show how Mor-
gan's brother lost his liberty and "our man" came within view of a halter.
Coming into Xashville on his second trip, he brought a letter from Captain
Clarence Morgan (the general's brother), addressed to their mother, in
Kentucky, to be mailed at Xashville. This letter advised the mother that
its writer would be at Lexington, Kentucky, upon a certain day, and desired
her to meet him there. This letter also contained the following note, — from
the devoted Charlton Morgan to his lady-love, as it would seem: —
"McMinnville, Feb. 14, 1863.
*" Dear Mollie :— Meet me at Lexington. I will be there in four or five
days. Charlton."
Directed to
" Miss Mollie Williams,
Care of Mrs. Mary Atkinson,
Bussellville, Kentucky."
Of course, this letter came to the hands of the inevitable Colonel Truesdail,
542 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
and he forthwith advises General Boyle, commandant at Louisville. The
latter sends a force and arrests Captain Morgan, and he vras sent to Camp
Chase as a prisoner of war or a spy, — we are not positive which.
Keturning on his third trip to Morgan's head-quarters at McMinnville,
"our man" found himself in trouble at once, and under arrest, as a traitor to
the South. General John Morgan had received the day before a copy of the
Nashville "Union," containing an account of the arrest and imprisonment of
his brother in Ohio. He well remembered that Johnson had that letter in
charge, and he could not imagine any other cause for the calamity than
Johnson's betrayal of the trust. But "our man" was equal to the emer-
gency. He swore by all that was blue above that he had faithfully carried
the letter and placed it in the Nashville Post-Office, — which was true enough.
"You know full well, general," said he, "that old Truesdail and his
gang- have the complete run of affairs at Nashville ; and if Captain Morgan
was captured because of that letter, they must have read it while in that
office. That the letter went to your mother is plain ; for it seems she got it,
and met your brother; and it was by watching her that they caught him."
What could Morgan say? Johnson was discharged from arrest. But
matters were not easy, as before. Morgan was cloudy and ill at ease.
Finally, Johnson was sent to Tullahoma and court-martialed, was tried,
and discharged for want of convicting evidence. " Our man" was now satis-
fied that his rdle was about ended, however. Suspicion once attaching to a
spy, his work is done and his neck is spanned by the halter. It is only the
blind, generous confidence that suspects nothing that serves the ends of the
successful scout. Johnson returned to Nashville speedily and secretly.
"While at Tullahoma, however, he made the acquaintance of the rebel Gene-
ral Forrest, who wished to employ him as a scout, with apparently full
confidence in his loyalty to the South. But one trial by court-martial
was enough for Johnson.
Arrived at Nashville, he reported at midnight to the Chief of Police.
The next day he was publicly arrested on the streets, as a spy of John Mor-
gan, and thrown into the penitentiary, where had just been confined a large
number of Nashville rebels, preparatory to being sent to the North and to
the South. He obtained their confidence and sympathies, and "dug up"
some items of much interest to the Union cause.
Eacy Eebel Letters.
The history of the Army of the Cumberland, and of the rebellion, would
be incomplete, and the future historian would be robbed of one of his
spiciest subjects, should we fail in preserving a sample of the letters of
the bitter, shrewd, wild, reckless women of the South. That they are dis-
covered so plentifully by our secret police and through ordinary military
RACY REBEL LETTERS. 543
capture, &c, is no reason why their existence should be ignored. The action
of the secession females of the South has already become history in outline
and in notoriety: let us devote a page or two of the "Annals" to the minu-
tiae of the subject.
It is no wonder that the separated Southrons should write to and fro
through our lines. Divided husbands and wives, parents and children
far apart, sentimental bathers in moonlight, and revellers in absent lovers'
dreams, most naturally take to pen and paper. Fully sympathizing with
hundreds of aching hearts, the Chief of the Army Police devised many
plans, and afforded convenient facilities, for the carrying of these soothing
epistles. The Nashville Post-Office, and other adjacent post-offices, were
open to their reception ; and old Uncle Samuel took them along, as usual,
in his capacious mail-pouches, over hill and dale. But ah! the many mid-
night hours spent by prying clerks and secretaries in dampening the gum of
those envelopes, opening and reading the outpourings of Southern traitors'
hearts, and airing the amorous sighs and tears of lovelorn maids and swains !
Not only this, but Colonel Truesdail established a special "grape-vine" mail
for Nashville and vicinity rebeldom, — so accommodating, indeed, that he
actually employed daring Southron spies to evade the Yankee pickets, run
the lines, and bring to the secesh doors at dark hours of night, or through
back alleys and cellar-ways at mid-day, the dear missives from the South.
Thus has he sent messengers from his office directly into their very parlors
and inner chambers, where wines, gold, and rich gifts were lavished upon
them with unsparing hand.
The following letter, discovered while passing through the Nashville Post-
Office, was written by a rebel officer. We entitle it
A Gossiping Letter.
April 5th, 1S63.
" Mrs. McW-
"Mrs. General Bragg has been dangerously ill at Winchester, Tenn. The
general wrote Sweazy a few days since that the crisis was past, and she
was now believed to be out of danger. The ' soldier' and S., you perceive,
are, as ever, on favorable terms, and friendly. Mrs. General Morgan has
been spending most of her time recently with her husband, at McMinnville,
Tenn., where she visits the hospitals daily, in company with the general,
to the gratification of all the boys. Miss Alice thinks so much of General
Hardee that she actually kisses him whenever they meet.
"Miss Lady Ewing, daughter of Hon. Andrew Ewing, told me a few days
ago that the gentleman at whose house Miss Alice is stopping in Winchester
says that he saw Miss Keady embrace and kiss General Hardee. The
gentleman in question supposed the stranger, from his appearance, to be
Miss Ready's father: so he advanced, and said, —
" How do you do, Col. Ready?'
544 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
" Col. Ready, indeed!' exclaimed Miss Alice. 'Allow me, sir, to intro-
duce to your acquaintance my friend, Gen. Hardee.'
" Astonishing as you may deem this, it can hardly be questioned, as Miss
Lady herself said the gentleman himself told her what is herein related,
and says the scene transpired at his own house.
" Hardee is eminently a devotee of society,— emphatically a lady's man.
Last week he visited Iluntsville, it is said, to see Mrs. Williamson, your
classmate at the Nashville Academy. However, the general is quite gene-
ral in his attentions to the ladies generally, and it is difficult to locate him.
"Mrs. M., of Clark, has returned to Kentucky. She expects to be back in
Dixie soon. She promised to write you from her old home. She passed
here in company with Mrs. Gen. Helme. Is a young lady in years and
appearance, of medium size, pleasant manner, and frank, cordial address,—
not petite, yet handsome, and withal a woman of attractive social qualities.
She is stopping in Athens, East Tennessee. So is Mrs. Gov. Foote. Mrs.
E. M. Bruce, wife of an M. C. from Kentucky, in Confederate Congress,
resides here. She dresses splendidly, and appears on public occasions
glittering in diamonds. She attended a soiree given Gen. Johnston some
time since at this place, and it was remarked by all that she wore on that
occasion more jewels than any lady had ever been known to wear in the
South before. Her husband you may remember as a large Government
contractor and pork-packer at Nashville during the early stages of the
existing Revolution. He is very wealthy. Mrs. General Breckinridge is
at Winchester. She is of a quiet, retiring disposition, and few have ever
seen her there. Col. Wm. Breckinridge's wife is at Lexington. Sweazy
has been contriving letters to her by the under-ground mail line. She was
Miss Desha. His first wife was a Miss Clay, daughter of Charles Clay, and
grand-daughter of great Harry of the West. You know the Breckinridges
always marry into the oldest and most intellectual families.*
"Mrs. Gen. Joe Johnston is at Jackson, Mississippi, but the general is at
Tullahoma. Mrs. Gen. Buckner is with her husband at Mobile. Mrs. Gen.
Wm. Bate is at her father's, in Huntsville. Mrs. Gen. Withers is at
Shelbyville. So is Mrs. Gen. Geo. Massey. Mrs. Maj. Stevenson, Mrs.
Maj. Cunningham, and Mrs. Maj. Schon are with their husbands, at
Atlanta, Georgia. Maj. Gen. McCown, of Tenn., is under arrest for
sending off one of his staff without Gen. Bragg's permission: so the
newspapers state. Col. Burch Cook has resigned his commission in the
C. S. Army: cause, bad health. Col. John Savage has resigned, because
Lt. Col. Maurice J. Wright, his junior, was promoted over him. Public
opinion justifies Savage's course. He is said to be very bitter in abuse of
Gov. Harris and others. Though not popular personally, yet all admit that
a better colonel than Savage was cannot be found in either army, while all
equally agree that few, if any, would surpass him.
" As Brigadier-General Bob Foster and his brother William make this place
* Mrs. Bruce, above spoken of, has her chapter in this work. — Authob.
RACY REBEL LETTERS. 545
head-quarters, Mrs. Boiling, of Nashville, is here. It is said she is treated
with so much kindness (!) by Federals and others at Nashville, that she con-
templates an early return to the capital. At all events, such is the street-
gossip, and is credited here. Henry Watterson, editor of ■ Chattanooga
Rebel,' is said to be very much in love with Miss Fogg, sister to the A. Q. M.
Col. Reece, formerly paymaster in the Army of Tennessee ; ditto Miss Rut-
ledge. Lt. Cooper, of Georgia, it is said, is the fortunate suitor for the hand
of Mullie Bang. Capt. Frank Green will be married to Miss Pattie so soon
as the war ends. The Misses Ewing, of Nashville, are here, and receive
much attention, of course. Yours, respectfully, visits them when he can,
but not often. We hear funny — yes, very facetious — reports concerning a
Miss B , of Edgefield. We have it in Dixie that she has been enlisting
soldiers in our ranks. Is it so ? We hear But no matter ! We defer
interrogations for those who write to us. The Southern prisoners, when out
from Nashville, all have something to tell about Nashville girls. One tells
us he heard Miss Bellie curse a Yankee soldier.
'• Dave Jackson passed here recently, en route to Richmond. When he
returns, will hand him his mother's letter. Joe Pickett is in Charleston.
Tom Conk left here on the 30th of March for La. He was well, — well pleased
with his visit to all. J. Jr. is sick. He has been confined to his room for two
weeks. He has some kind of fever — nothing serious. Should he become
seriously ill, will advise his father's family. Dr. Smith is at Winchester.
He has letters from Edgefield dated 23d March. Shelby Williams is here,
and wishes his wife to know he is well. Neil Brown, Jr., is travelling as
special messenger for Major Bransford, Chief of Transportation at this place.
Tom and Tully are with Capt. Cheney at Tullahoma. All quite well.
Mr. McWhisten, at Kingston, and his father-in-law at Talladega, both well.
John Green has gone to Atlanta to live. Rawworth and Morgan remain.
Ike, Dan, Gabe, and Allen are here — all well. Moss Goodbar is in distress.
lie has not received his , and his has been broken up. The wagon
gentleman is thought to be doing well. He is at Gainesborough. His sister's
letter was forwarded to him. He sends us many newspapers. Mr. Darrah,
of Breckinridge's staif, is in Lagrange, Georgia, making love to Miss Lucy
Seifer. Maggie S. and Fanny C. are both well, and both wish to return.
Bob B. has been advised to tell them to stay where they are— the former, at
least — until . Tom Cook's ambrotype and Dave Jackson's photographs
are here in our keeping for their friends and relations at home."
The foregoing letter was addressed to Mrs. Dr. A. G. McWhorter, residing
at Edgefield, opposite Nashville, a noted admirer of Southern "rights," and
an uncompromising rebel, whose husband we have heard mentioned as a
surgeon in the Confederate army.
The following are extracts from letters written by rebel citizens of Nash-
ville, to be sent through our lines, and which were intercepted and passed
upon or pigeon-holed by the Chief of the Army Police, as was deemed
advisable.
35
543 ARMY TOLICE RECORD.
(A Lady in Connecticut to her mother, Mrs. B. Pringle, at Charleston, S.C.
Sent by Mrs. Cheatham to Mrs. Morgan, to be mailed.)
[Extract.] — "Recent events show so plainly that, if man proposes, God
disposes. You can imagine how I shuddered when I heard Federal officers
tell their friends how easily my dear old home is to be captured ; their plan
being to run their iron monsters so close tinder Sumter that her guns cannot
be depressed, while they fire their Satanic balls of 450 pounds each at her
walls, and crumble them as they wish. You know these iron boats fire two
guns from one side, making a discharge of 900 pounds, they say, upon
Sumter. God grant that your noble B. [Beauregard] knows more about this
than the ' Feds' imagine !"
We have not space to spare for the insertion of the above letter, entire, as
it merits. Its author, to judge her by her letter, is one of the wildest rebel
w mien yet put upon our record, — albeit she is enjoying all the rights, privi-
leges, and comforts of a Connecticut home. The Chief of Police very
greatly regrets that he was unable to ascertain her name and publish it in
this connection. There was no signature attached to the letter.
(From "Gertrude," at Nashville, to Prank S. Scott, February 19,1863.)
[Extract.] — "When will redemption from these despots come to us?
When — how long — ere with shouts of joy we shall make the welkin ring at
the entrance of our South' s noble boys f Come ! We crouch to the foe, and
await but your coming to spring up and help you to strike for liberty !"
(From Gertrude to "Rob," February 19, 1863.)
[Extract.] — " To say you were in the battle of Murfreesborough, that
admits you into the confidence and hearts of all Southern friends. Bravely,
boldly, gloriously, knights of imperial valor, you withstood the overwhelming
numbers of the Huns, who indeed have proved the ' scourge' of God. From
atrocities committed, they place themselves in history with the Flemish
banditti under William de la Mark ; and our defenders climb to the summit
of chivalry and nobility's heights, and o'ershadow the Scottish Archers'
Body-Guard, who existed and fought at the same date in history. Perhaps
ere this reaches you another Golgotha will sadden the land, already draped
in ' trappings of war.' Once more our sacred soil will receive to its keeping
those caskets rifled of the pearl which makes them so beautiful, so dear to
friends and associates. Not many sweet smiles and kindly words are wasted
on the icould-be elegant officers of the grand Federal Army. Arrests are
RACY REBEL LETTERS. 547
still being made, Donigan & Calhoun being the last victims I have heard
of. 'Tis said they are to be held as hostages for two Yankee pedlars taken
by General J. H. Morgan. The penitentiary received them as inmates.
Forty-six escaped a night or two since, one being a spy for the general just
mentioned. Frank McNairy and Johnnie Kirknian's remains have been
brought up and buried. The former had not been treated as we heard."
(From " Nannie," Balcony Place, Nashville, February 20, 1S62, to
Dr. L. T. Payne, per Dr. AVilliams, S.C.A.)
"You have doubtless heard of that unfortunate affair at Fort Donelson,
which resulted in a defeat, with the loss of some gallant officers, among
whom were my brother-in-law's youngest brother and nephew,— the choicest
flower of our land. So young, too ! But the hardest of all is, after treating
the corpse with every indiynity possible, they [the Federals] refused even a
Christian burial: not a prayer at the grave, nor any demonstration what-
ever!"
(From Mrs. Williams [Nashville], Home, February 20, to her husband,
Robert A. Williams.)
" Poor Colonel Frank's [meaning Frank McNairy] remains are still at his
mother's. She is almost a maniac, and cannot decide what to do. as he has
been denied the right of a Christian burial. Is it not sad ?"
[X.B. — General Rosecrans refused any other than a respectful private
burial.]
(From , Nashville, February 20, 1863, to her sister, Mus. H. J. Jones.)
' ' Can it be that the South regards with suspicion all who are in Nash-
ville ? If so, I do not know who they may regard as true : certainly not
those who have fled from Nashville, leaving it to be no less than a Union
town. There is more good accomplished by remaining here and bearing the
brunt of this terrible time — of holding up the hands of those who fall —
than to take a musket into the ranks. This town now is settled alarmingly
with Northern people ; and although the old residents may stand firm, of
course they will ever (if voting should be allowed) be outnumbered. Frank
McNairy has not been buried yet. They are afraid to do so, for fear of some
violence from the base Tennessee [Union] troops. You know that foolish
and unfortunate advertisement for bloodhounds has exasperated Governor
Johnston, and unjust vengeance is muttered."
548 ARMY POLICE RECURD.
»
(From Mrs. Dr. Hall to her brother in the Confederate Army.)
[Extract.] — "The detective police system here exceeds any thing you ever
saw. Not wishing to fall into their hands, I have not even asked for a pass
these three months."
The foregoing letters and extracts may well be preserved, as evidence of
the course of Southern women.
A Cincinnati Spy.
For several months past the Army of the Cumberland has known a jovial,
smiling, wide-awake personage (a native of the " Green Isle," but who is
remarkably well cut-and-dried and seasoned, nevertheless), by the name of
M. E. Joyce. He corresponds for different Northern papers, visits around
among the camps, is always in with his laugh and his story, and is as fond
of accompanying an expedition, sharing danger, and having a rough time,
as "any other man."
"Who of our army officers does not remember little Joyce, — or " Jice," as
we term him ? That he is useful as well as ornamental, and that his brains
were put in pretty nearly the right place, let the following facts be ample
proof.
In November last, while plodding in the vicinity of Nashville, crossing over
from one camp to another, our hero was picked up, or, rather, pulled down,
from his horse by some rebel guerrillas or patrols. He was rather taken
aback; but for an instant only. He was soon entirely "aisy" with them, —
telling them all sorts of a story, and, as he states it, "letting on secesh like
the d 1," as a butternut citizen. Satisfied that he was "a good enough
Morgan" for them, he was not retained long; and he hastily scrambled
back to the city, highly elated with his adventure.
"Hark'ee, now, Joyce; you are just my man," said Colonel Truesdail.
" You can go to Murfreesborough without any trouble, — can get me the
information we desire. I will get you a good horse and outfit, and pay you
three hundred dollars for the trip, if you are quick and smart."
The newspaper-man's chuckle rounded into an attentive period, as he
pondered over the idea, and heard all about the "how to do it" from the
Chief of Police. He was to ride boldly up to the rebel lines and claim to be
the regular correspondent of the Cincinnati "Enquirer," — a man of con-
servative sentiments, who was friendly to the South, was opposed to the
war, was in the Union army as regular correspondent, had written some-
thing to offend General Koseerans, and the latter had imprisoned and abused
him ; and he was now determined to injure Rosecrans and his crowd all he
could. Joyce liked the idea. It was novel and feasible,— would take
him into tall company, and would pay well. Joyce, therefore, prepared ;
A CINCINNATI SPY. 549
and about the 25th of November last he sallied forth as boldly as would the
knight of La Mancha, and as happy as Sancho, his squire, when at his best
estate, as "governor of an island."
The joke and Joyce succeeded admirably. He was taken to Murfrees-
borough, and into the august presence of Bragg. He told his tale with an
air of injured innocence, and swore great oaths of vengeance against the
"stupid Dutchman," the leader of the Yankee fanatics and cowards at
Nashville, &c. His assertions were partially borne out by one of General
Bragg's principal officers, who stated that he had recently seen an account
in a Nashville or Louisville paper of a difficulty with some writer of the
Cincinnati "Enquirer," whom the Union commander had imprisoned and
then banished from his army lines.
Bragg was not a little pleased at the incident. A tyrant in his own
"bailiwick," he was gratified to hear of the malignant fanaticism and injus-
tice of the opposing commander.
"I am glad to see you, sir," he said, addressing the humble representative
of Cincinnati, "for I respect jour occupation and admire the men who
employ you. The Cincinnati Enquirer' is the only paper in the West that
does the cause of the South even common justice. I will protect you within
my lines, and render your stay as comfortable as possible."
Mr. J< yce was thankful and at ease : he always is. He was again slightly
severe on the "Dutchman" in command at Nashville, and on the "Abolition
fanatics" of the North, and, now that he was in the proper position, it
should not be his fault if he did not write home to the Cincinnati "Enquirer"
some homely truths, pro bono publico. His only fear was that he would
not be able to send his productions to the "Enquirer."
"Never fear about that," replied General Bragg: " I will see to that. My
man John Morgan is superintendent of the railroad-system in the Southwest,
and will get your letters through by first trains."
Pleased with the conceit, Bragg and Joyce both smiled over a nip of quite
new and sharp Robertson county whiskey. Supper being announced, Joyce
was invited to the table, and, with the usual modes+y and timidity of his
ancestry in the ascendant, he sat down to his rations of beans, coffee, and
corn bread. Bragg and his staff were there assembled, and the tale of Joyce
was again unfolded to admiring auditors. After supper Joyce retired to a
vacant corner, and with pen and paper he toiled for an hour, writing up one
of the most scathing and glowing diatribes upon low-lived "Dutchmen" and
high-toned gentlemen, the horrors of war, the blessings of peace, and the
ignorance and folly of Northern Abolitionists and fanatics. The epistle was
properly enveloped, addressed in style (for Joyce is an elegant and rapid
penman) to the editor of the Cincinnati " Enquirer," and handed to an aide of
General Bragg's to be forwarded by the Morgan line ; and thus ended the task
of our quondam correspondent. He strolled over the town in company with
an under-officer or two, and a fair cigar. To his companions he expatiated
largely upon Nashville army affairs and Northern sentiments and sympa-
550 ARMY TOLICE RECORD.
thics; and it need not he specially set down, for aught we know, that he told
any more of "whoppers" than the time and occasion would warrant.
Next day the man of the "Enquirer," after breakfasting with some officers
at Bragg's head-quarters, set out to view the town, as per assurance of the
officers that he was quite at liberty to do. The railroad-depot, the store-
houses, the outer works, &c, were visited, in the most indifferent and uncon-
cerned manner. Ere long, however, some military officer, dressed up in a
little "brief authority," accosted our explorer after items and demanded
that he give an account of himself.
" To the divil with ye! An' is it the likes of you that is afther stoppin'
me and axin' me name an' business? Go to Major-General Bragg, an' he'll
tell ye who I am !"
The officer was not to be thus put aside : he collared Joyce forthwith, and
led him to the provost-marshal's office, near by, supposing him to be a shirk-
ing soldier or skulking conscript. The provost-marshal was of the same
opinion.
"I'll send you to your regiment. What is it?" asked the marshal.
"You'll not do the likes at all, now," said Joyce ; " for I don't belong to
any."
"Oh, ho! you don't? Then you're just the man I want ; for I know of a
regiment that has just room for you," replied the marshal.
Matters began to look serious for Joyce. The town was all astir, for this
was but a few days before the battle of Stone River. He told his story to
the marshal,, and it was agreed that if he should go back at once to .Bragg's
head-quarters and get a pass, or endorsement, it would be all right. Joyce
did so; and an actual pass was granted to him, over Bragg's sign manual,
giving him the run of the town, — which pass Joyce showed to the marshal
with considerable glee and, withal, a slight taste of impudent defiance.
After looking about the town, our correspondent took the cars for a trip
down towards Bridgeport, — was away two or three days, going as far as
Atlanta, Ga., ascertained the general condition of the rebel rear, and
returned to Murfreesborough. Again he basked at times in the presence of
General Bragg and his officials, and wrote lively and caustic philippics for the
able " Enquirer," and sat at Bragg's table and discussed the war and his mut-
tons. And, to cap the very climax of absurdity and impudence, our man
mounted his "Rosinante" — the horse he sallied forth with from the police
stable at Nashville — and rode out to one or more of the grand division reviews
with President Jefferson Davis, Bragg, and his escort, — Davis being then on
his Southern tour.
It was now time for Joyce to be off, while his budget was full of news and
the signs were favorable. Some officers invited him on the night of the review
to go out with them to see some fair maids and have a good time. The girls
were at an out-of-the-way place ; and the less said about their chastity the
hotter, — so reports Joyce. Arrived there, the party dismount, hitch their
horses, and make themselves agreeable within-doors. Joyce watches his
TWO REBEL " CONGRESSMEN'S" WIVES. 551
opportunity, slips out for a moment, unties the horses and turns them loose
in the darkness to prevent possible pursuit, stealthily mounts his own horse —
or, more probably, the best one of the lot — and makes off for dear life. He
was fortunate enough to elude the pickets, the night being very dark ; and
ere morning he made his way across to the Cumberland River, and thence
to the Federal lines.
His information was received with the liveliest satisfaction, and the joke
thus perpetrated upon both Bragg and the Cincinnati "Enquirer" was the talk
of the day. Its importance can be estimated when we state that the Union
army advanced towards Murfreesborough a short time after his return. His
statements were corroborated by two other spies just in from Murfrees-
borough, and two days after his return there came into our lines a most
respectable citizen, previously and now a merchant of Murfreesborough.
who also confirmed Joyce's story, not only as to his army information, but
as to the rtle he had played and the manner in which it was done.
There is something more than a joke left in the mind of the thoughtful,
patriotic reader. There is a future, when the actions, the motives, and the
errors of men will be truly judged by posterity. That time will soon come
throughout the United States, if it is not already here. The editors of the
Cincinnati "Enquirer" will be arraigned before that bar of enlightened, patri-
otic public opinion, and the question will be asked, Where was their influ-
ence during the darkest hours of the slaveholders' rebellion against liberty
and human rights as guaranteed to their descendants by the Revolutionary
fathers ?
Two Eebel " Congressmen's" "Wives.
Ox the evening of the 26th of December last, a carriage containing two
ladies and three children, and trunks and packages betokening the party to be
travellers, came to the picket-line of the Army of the Cumberland, some four
miles out from Nashville, on the road leading from Murfreesborough. Being
utter strangers, and having no pass or permission to enter our lines, they were
sent in to head-quarters under guard, as is the invariable rule.
Arrived in Nashville, the carriage was driven to the office of the Chief
of Army Police, and the case was investigated by the provost-judge, in con-
junction with the Chief of Police. The facts elicited were as follows, and
were freely and candidly stated by the ladies.
Their names, Mrs. L. B. Bruce and Mrs. E. B. Burnett, — late residents of
Kentucky. Their husbands, they said, now resided within the lines of the
Southern Confederacy, — were at that time in or about Richmond, Virginia, in
attendance upon the so-called Confederate Congress, of which body they
claimed to be members, representing two Congressional districts of the State
of Kentucky. These men had been members of the United States Congress
for those districts at the breaking out of the rebellion. They seceded and joined
552 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
the Confederate Congress, declaring at the same time that Kentucky had
also seceded. For thirteen months past these ladies had lived within the
lines of the new Government, they stated, their husbands being thus "in
Congress" a portion of the time : the balance of the year they had dwelt in
East Tennessee, as near to " the old Kentucky home" as they could well get.
In reply to queries of the provost-judge, the ladies stated that they had
come to our lines in order to pass through to their homes in Kentucky.
When informed that he feared this might not be permitted, they were appa-
rently astonished.
"What! stop women and children from passing to their homes?" they
exclaimed.
Even so. But they were assured that their cases should be stated to the
general commanding, whose decision would be final. The ladies were
much distressed at the thought of being prevented from "going home."
Mrs. Burnett said she had two little sons in Kentucky, and all her relatives
and friends, whom she had not seen for thirteen months, nor heard from
for many weeks. Mrs. Bruce said she was the daughter of ex-Governor Helm,
who resided at Elizabethtown, Ky. She must go home to her parents, for a
cause that was plainly apparent, — her approaching confinement.
The day had been raw and cold, for it was mid-winter, and the ladies and
children were chilled, tired, and dismal in feeling indeed. They were made
as comfortable as possible before a cheerful fire. Some remnants of Christ-
mas confectionery, stowed away in the pigeon-holes of the judge's desk,
were distributed to the little ones, who devoured them as only children can.
Remarking their glee, one of the mothers observed, —
"Ah, sir! that is the first candy they have had for a long time. There is
none to be had where they have just come from."
The ladies further stated that they presumed they would remain
permanently in Kentucky. When told that this would involve entire
separation from their husbands, they looked blank astonishment ; and they
knew not what to answer when informed that if allowed to pass on to
Kentucky they probably would not be permitted to return. They appeared
to realize very feebly, if at all, the actual condition of their section of the
country, — and had been of the opinion that, as ladies and non-combatants,
they could pass about as freely as in times past.
They stated, also, that they had taken this latter step of their own accord, —
their husbands neither advising nor restraining them. Mrs. Bruce said her
husband had expressed to her his fears, or doubts, when they parted, that
perhaps the Federals would not receive them within their lines.
The pseudo-Congressmen had come with their wives and babes to Mur-
freesborough, and there left them and returned to East Tennessee and Rich-
mond,— to their warm and congenial nests in that mansion of political bliss,
the Confederate Congress, composed of Virginia and Carolina negro-drivinw
aristocrats.
AVithout detaining the ladies and their little ones longer, they were
driven to the St. Cloud Hotel, and the best in the house was speedily at
TWO REBEL " CONGRESSMEN'S" "WIVES. 553
their disposal. The Chief of Police made up his report of the facts, and
sent it forthwith to the general commanding. The report, ere midnight had
elapsed, elicited the following response. For the sake of brevity we omit
the formalities and signatures of the documents : —
"Sib: — In your report of this evening you state that two ladies, their chil-
dren and baggage, with vehicle and driver, came to our lines without permit
to enter ; that they were apprehended and reported to your office. Their
statements made in writing are to the effect that they are the wives of men
prominent in aiding and abetting the rebellion, who now seek protection from
a great and good Government which their husbands are aiming to destroy.
" The Provost-Marshal General will provide conveyance for these ladies and
their children beyond these lines in the direction of Murfreesborough, from
whence they say they came ; or they may be carried quite to Murfreesbo-
rough, upon the pledge of the ladies, for themselves and for their husbands and
friends, guaranteeing the safe and speedy return of the driver and carriage.
" By command of," &c. &c.
Early the next morning the following order was handed in to the ladies'
rooms, at their hotel : —
" The ladies herein referred to — Mrs. Bruce and Mrs. Burnett — are respect-
fully informed that, in accordance with the foregoing order of the general
commanding, a conveyance will be in attendance upon you at eight o'clock
to-morrow (Saturday) morning, to convey you as indicated.
"Respectfully, yours," &c.
So far had the case progressed, when an unseen difficulty sprung up.
This day the Federal army was under orders to march on to Murfreesborough,
and the awful scenes of the tragedy of Stone River were about to
commence. No hack-driver nor team could be hired in Nashville to
take the party back to Murfreesborough, for fear of trouble— conscription,
confiscation, etc. — upon the road, lined as it was with rebel guerrillas and
thousands of rebel troops. At length the Chief of Police procured one of
his own employes, and pressed the horses and carriage of a colored hack-
man, upon the ladies' giving the following document to satisfy the unwilling
driver: —
" Nashville, Tenn., December 27, 1862.
"Mr. George F. Moore. — Sir: — This is to assure you that you, in under-
taking to drive us to Murfreesborough, will not be molested by the forces or
pickets of the Confederate Army ; and we guarantee your safe and speedy
return to Nashville upon the day following our arrival at Murfreesborough,
or at safe quarters for us within the Confederate lines.
"Mrs. L. B. Bruce.
" Mrs. E. S. Burnett.
554 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
While giving this assurance to their driver, the ladies cried as if their
hearts would break at their disappointment and unlucky predicament. They
complained of the destitution and discomfort of life at the South, and of
their long absence from children, parents, &e. ; and there was much sym-
pathy expressed for them by the officers at head-quarters, who, nevertheless,
acknowledged the justice and necessity of the action of their general. The
Chief of Police having made all needful arrangements, the carriage was
ordered up, when a heavy rain-storm set in, continuing until after dinner,
and their departure was postponed until the next day. Perceiving the scanti-
ness of the children's clothing, &c, he gave the ladies permission to purchase
such articles of personal comfort as they might desire, — a privilege eagerly
accepted. They shopped for two or three hours during that afternoon, each
purchasing some twenty dollars' worth of small articles, for which they
gave orders on their relatives in Kentucky to the obliging storekeepers, the
ladies being quite without money, it seemed.
The next morning the rain was falling briskly, — a continuous drizzle. The
carriage was at hand, and the party was ensconced therein, they receiving
due attention from several officers about head-quarters. New blankets were
purchased, to wrap around the children and to stop up the cracks of the
carriage-doors. It was a miserable day ; the army was in motion, too, and
there was fighting going on out on the Murfreesborough pike, cannon-
ading being heard at intervals. A circuitous route of over forty-five miles
must be travelled to avoid the armies. The carriage drove away upon its
tedious, dreary journey, and at nine o'clock that night entered the town of
Murfreesborough. There all was on the qui vive. The rebel army was pre-
paring to meet General Rosecrans on Stone River, a mile or two north of
the town, and the people feared that the place might be destroyed ere the
contest was decided. After inquiring all over the town, shelter was at
last found for the exhausted party. But times were stirring. People were
fleeing. Our Congressmen's wives and little ones were among the early
birds next day, leaving Murfreesborough before daylight for their husbands
in Richmond, Virginia, or in East Tennessee, by the five o'clock train. One
of them remembered her pledge, and spoke to an officer about her driver.
The officer may have promised ; but that was all. The next day our man
was allowed the run of the town ; but as for a pass through the lines to Nash-
ville, nobody had any ears for his case. The battles of Stone River com-
menced a day or two afterwards, and the driver and his team were pressed
to haul in wounded soldiers from the battle-field to the town hospitals.
When the rebel army evacuated in the night, they carried off his horses and
vehicle, and would have taken him, he thinks, had he not hidden himself
in an old outbuilding or house and escaped the notice of their press-gangs,
which swept over the place, taking the active negroes and able-bodied white
men with their army.
Upon the Union troops entering Murfreesborough, the most joyful man of
the hour was this carriage-driver. As for the team, it was gone, none knew
whither, and must be paid for. The non-return of our driver also frustrated
TWO REBEL '; CONGRESSMEN'S" WIVES. 555
a very nice little arrangement our police had planned, — to make a good spy
of the driver on the rebel movements at Murfreesborough !
Some weeks now elapsed, and the matter had quite passed from mind
(except an occasional dun from the poor darkey at Nashville, whose carriage
and horses were gone, and for which he was promised payment), when the
Chief of Police learned that these ladies — or at least one of them — had
arrived in Kentucky ; and, without any desire to harass rebel women, but
simply to recover the value of the lost property, to pay it over to its owner,
he resolved to investigate the matter still further.
The discovery was accidental; and we relate it as an apt illustration
of the importance of apparent trifles, all through life. John Morgan's gang
had made their raid into Kentucky, destroying the Louisville & Nashville
Railroad, some two weeks before, and stages were now running between the
break, where two very high trestle-work bridges were destroyed, at Mul-
draugh's Hill. One morning, at Elizabethtown, before daylight, the stage-
agent overheard two negro hostlers conversing about affairs at " Mass'r
Helm's," while currying their horses. Says one of them, — a bright, likely
slave, owned by ex-Governor Helm, of that town, —
" I say, Joe, somefin gwine on at massVs house. Did yer know dat?"
" What is it, Bill ? Didn't know of nuffin."
""Well, ole massr's daughter, Mrs. Bruce, has jest slipped in from de
S.juf ; and quite a time dar last night, shore."
The stage-man was from Nashville, and conversant with the facts above
related. He questioned the negro, and learned that Mrs. Bruce had got
home secretly, via the Cumberland Gap route. As the train went down
to Nashville next day, he saw the provost-judge of the department on
the train, by mere chance : he also happened to remember, as a simple
incident, the conversation of the negroes ; and he asked, for information,
whether the general had revoked his decision respecting the traitors' wives.
Proper steps were now taken ; and thus, ere the lapse of many days, the
vigilant Chief of Police was officially apprized that one of these ladies — Mrs.
Bruce — had arrived at Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and was then at her
father's house. He reported the case to head-quarters, with the following
order as the result: —
"Sir: — Your report respecting the return of one, and probably of two,
ladies, — Mrs. L. B. Bruce and Mrs. E. S. Burnett, — wives of two notable
rebels, formerly of Kentucky, and now assuming to be members of Congress
in the so-called Congress of the rebels at Richmond, "Virginia, claiming to
represent the loyal State of Kentucky therein, has been submitted to the
general in command.
"You state in said report that one of the ladies in question, after having
been refused entrance within these lines at Nashville, and having been sent
back to the rebel army at Murfreesborough in December last, has since
then passed into Kentucky through the Cumberlands without permission of
the United States Government or military authorities, and is now in our
556 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
midst, in the enjoyment of rights and privileges due only to loyal citizens,
the husband of this lady meanwhile being still at his nefarious work of
violence against the nation and fraud upon the people of Kentucky.
"As appears from documents in the office, copies of which are hereto
annexed, the ladies in question were furnished with a carriage and two
horses and a driver, to convey them from our lines back to Murfreesborough,
they guaranteeing safe and speedy return to head-quarters of the same.
You report that said property was never returned, but was taken South by
the rebels when they evacuated Murfreesborough several days thereafter.
Also you report the special guarantee to the driver of the carriage (a copy
of which is also hereto annexed) was not in the least observed by the ladies
in the premises nor by the rebel authorities, and that said driver was held
as a prisoner, and hid himself in a building when the rebels evacuated Mur-
freesborough, to prevent their forcing him away as a prisoner or conscript.
'"This exceeding bad faith on the part of the ladies above named, coupled
with their act of stealing within our lines against the express order in their
ease, has received the serious consideration of the general commanding.
"You are herewith ordered to send a competent officer to where they may
chance to be, if within this department, and there demand and receive
speedy and full payment for the value of the said horses and carriage, and
also proper compensation to the driver for his wrongful detention, the
amount being left to your judgment, or others who knew the property and
its value ; and, in case of refusal of said persons so to do, you will have them
arrested at once and sent to these head-quarters.
"If not in this department, you will confer with proper authorities where
they are. You will, further, prepare a full statement of the case, together
with a copy of this order, and transmit the same to Brigadier-General Boyle,
presenting the case to him as to whether he deems such persons, under such
peculiar circumstances, entitled to residence within his lines.
" You will report especially to these head-quarters your action in these
premises.
" By order of," &c. &c.
In accordance with the above order, an officer was sent to Kentucky, who
found one of the "Congressmen's" wives at the house of her father,
ex-Governor Helm, in the full enjoyment of all the blessings — peace, com-
fort, and dry-goods — vouchsafed to her people by the good old Union. The
lady prayed that she might be allowed to stay. Her father begged and
implored. He paid nine hundred dollars cash for the lost horses and carriage ;
and the lady was permitted to remain, as a matter of humanity. Thus ended
a chain of events which at the time created no little remark in official army
circles ; and, although of no remarkable importance as respects war results,
these cases may well be preserved as matter of minor history for future
reading, which will " point a moral or adorn a tale."
As will be seen by reference to "A Gossiping Letter," in this volume,
written by a rebel officer to a secesh lady of Nashville, our friend Mrs.
Bruce soon returned to the land of Dixie, where she has since cut a very
MORFORD, THE DARING SPY. 557
superior figure, through the aid of silks, jewelry, &c., that she was able to
purchase at Louisville and eastward, probably from the pay of the bogus
Congressman her husband, and from his army contracts with the Southern
clique of masters.
Morford, the Daring Spy.
'■John* Morford" — so let us call him, good reader — was born near
Augusta, Georgia, of Scotch parents, in the year 1832. A blacksmith by
trade, he early engaged in railroading, and at the opening of the rebellion
was master-mechanic upon a prominent Southern road. Being a strong
Union man, and making no secret of it, he was discharged from his situation
and not allowed employment upon any other railroad. A company of
cavalry was also sent to his farm, and stripped it. Aggrieved at this whole-
sale robbery, Morford went to John H. Morgan, — then a captain, — and in-
quired if he would not pay him for the property thus taken. Morgan
replied that he should have his pay if he would only prove his loyalty to the
South. Morford acknowledged this to be impossible, and was thereupon
very liberally cursed and vilified by Morgan, who accused him of harboring
negroes and traitors, and threatened to have him shot. Finally, however,
he was content with simply arresting him and sending him, charged with
disloyalty, to one Major Peyton.
The major seems to have been a somewhat talkative and argumentative
man ; for upon Morford's arrival he endeavored to reason him out of his
adherence to the Union, asking him, in the course of a lengthy conversation,
many questions about the war, demonstrating, to his own satisfaction at
least, the necessity and justice of the position assumed by the seceded
States, and finishing, by way of clenching the argument, with the inquiry,
''How can you, a Southern man by birth and education, be opposed to the
South?" Morford replied that he saw no reason for the rebellion, that the
Union was good enough for him, that he should cling to it, and, if he could
obtain a pass, would abandon the Confederacy and cast his lot with the
North. The major then argued still more at length, and, as a last resort,
endeavored to frighten him with a vivid description of the horrors of "negro
equality," — to all of which his hearer simply replied that he was not afraid;
whereupon, as unskilful advocates of a bad cause are prone to do, he
became very wrathy, vented his anger in a torrent of oaths and vile epithets,
and told Morford that he ought to be hung, and should be in two weeks.
The candidate for hempen honors, apparently not at all alarmed, coolly
replied that he was sorry for that, as he wished to live a little longer, but,
if it must be so, he couldn't help it. Peyton, meanwhile, cooled down, and
told him that if he would give a bond of one thousand dollars and take the
558 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
oath of allegiance to the Southern Confederacy he would release him and
protect his property. After some hesitation, — no other plan of escape
occurring to him, — Morford assented, and took the required oath, upon the
back of which Peyton wrote, " If you violate this, I will hang you."
"With this safeguard, Morford returned to his farm" and lived a quiet life.
Buying a span of horses, he devoted himself to the cultivation of his land,
seeing as few persons as he could, and talking with none. His house had
previously been the head-quarters of the Union men, but was now deserted
by them ; and its owner endeavored to live up to the letter of the obligation
he had taken. For a short time all went well enough ; but one day a squad
of cavalry came with a special written order from Major Peyton to take
his two horses, which they did. This was too much for human nature ; and
Morford, perceiving that no faith could be placed in the assurances of those
in command, determined to be revenged upon them and their cause. His
house again became a secret rendezvous for Unionists ; and by trusty agents
he managed to send regular and valuable information to General Buell, —
then in command in Tennessee. At length, however, in May, 1862, he was
betrayed by one in whom he had placed confidence, and arrested upon the
charge of sending information to General Crittenden, at Battle Creek. He
indignantly denied the charge, and declared that he could easily prove him-
self innocent if released for that purpose. After three days' confinement,
this was assented to ; and Morford, knowing full well that he could not do
what he had promised, made a hasty retreat and fled to the mountains,
whence, some days afterwards, he emerged, and went to McMinnville, at
which place General Nelson was then in command.
Here he remained until the rebel force left that vicinity, when he again
went home, and lived undisturbed upon his farm until Bragg returned with
his army. The presence in the neighborhood of so many officers cognizant
of his former arrest and escape rendered flight a second time necessary.
He now went to the camp of General Donelson, with whom he had some
acquaintance, and soon became very friendly there, — acting the while in
the double capacity of beef-contractor for the rebel army and spy for General
Crittenden. Leaving General Donelson after some months' stay, although
earnestly requested to remain longer, Morford next found his way to Nash-
ville, where he made numerous expeditions as a spy for General Negley.
Buell was at Louisville, and Nashville was then the Federal outpost. Mor-
ford travelled about very readily upon passes given him by General Donel-
son, making several trips to Murfreesborough and one to Cumberland Gap.
Upon his return from the latter, he was arrested near Lebanon, Tennessee,
about one o'clock at night, by a party of four soldiers upon picket-duty at
that point. Halting him, the following conversation occurred : —
"Where do you live?"
" Near Stewart's Ferry, between here and Nashville."
"Where have you been, and what for?"
" Up to see my brother, to get from him some jeans cloth and socks for
another brother in the Confederate army."
MORFORD, THE DARIXG SPY. 559
"How does it happen you are not in the army yourself? That looks
rather suspicious."
" Oh, I live too near the Federal lines to be conscripted."
""Well, we'll have to send you to Murfreesborough. I reckon you're all
right ; but those are our orders, and we can't go behind them."
To this Morford readily consented, saying he had no objection; and the
party sat down by the fire and talked in a friendly manner for some time.
Morford soon remembered that he had a bottle of brandy with him, and
generously treated the crowd. Further conversation was followed by a
second drink, and soon by a third. One of the party now proposed to
exchange his Rosinantish mare for a fine horse which Morford rode. The
latter was not inclined to trade; but objection was useless, and he finally
yielded, receiving seventy-five dollars in Confederate money and the mare.
The trade pleased the soldier, and a present of a pair of socks still further
enhanced his pleasure. His companions wore also' similarly favored, and
testified their appreciation of the gift by endeavoring to purchase the balance
of Morford's stock. He would not sell, however, as he wished to send them
to his brother at Richmond, by a person who had given public notice that he
was soon going there. A fourth drink made all supremely happy ; at which
juncture their prisoner asked permission to go to a friend's house, only a
quarter of a mile off, and stay until morning, when he would go with them
to Murfreesborough. His friend of the horse-trade, now very mellow,
thought he need not go to Murfreesborough at all, and said he would see
what the others said about it. Finally, it was concluded that he was
"right," and might; whereupon he mounted the skeleton mare and rode
rejoicingly into Xashville.
On his next trip southward he was arrested by Colonel John T. Morgan, just
as he came out of the Federal lines, and, as his only resort, joined Forrest's
command, and was furnished with a horse and gun. The nest day Forrest
made a speech to his men, and told them that they were now going to capture
Xashville. The column immediately began its march, and Morford, by
some means, managed to have himself placed in the advance. Two miles
below Lavergne a halt for the night was made; but Morford's horse was
unruly, and could not be stopped, carrying its rider ahead and out of sight.
It is needless to say that this obstinacy was not overcome until Xashville
was reached, nor that when Forrest came, the next day, General Xegley was
amply prepared for him.
At this time Xashville was invested. Buell was known to be advancing
towards the city, but no scouts had been able to go to or come from him. A
handsome reward was offered to any one who would carry a despatch safely
through to Bowling Green, and Morford undertook to do it. Putting the
document under the lining of his boot, he started for Gallatin, where he
arrived safely.
For some hours he sauntered around the place, lounged in and out of bar-
rooms, made friends with the rebel soldiers, and, towards evening, purchased
a small bag of corn-meal, a bottle of whiskey, a pound or two of salt, and
5G0 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
some smaller articles, which he threw across his shoulder and started up the
Louisville road, with hat on one side, hair in admirable disorder, and,
apparently, gloriously drunk. The pickets jested at and made sport of
him, but permitted him to pass. The meal, &c. was carried six miles, when
he suddenly became sober, dropped it, and hastened on to Bowling Green,
and there met General Rosecrans, who had just arrived. His information
was very valuable. Here he remained until the army came up and passed
on, and then set out on his return on foot, as he had come. He supposed that
our forces had gone by way of Gallatin, but when near that place learned
that it was still in possession of the rebels, and so stopped for the night in a
shanty between Morgan's pickets, on the north side, and Woolford's (Union),
on the south side. During the night the two had a fight, which finally cen-
tred around the shanty, and resulted in driving Morford to the woods. In
two or three hours he came back for his clothes, and found that the contend-
ing parties had disappeared, and that the railroad-tunnels had been filled
with wood and fired. Hastily gathering his effects together, he made his
way to Tyree Springs, and thence to Nashville.
For a short time he acted as a detective of the Army Police at Nashville,
assuming the character of a rebel soldier, and living in the families of
prominent secessionists. In this work he was very successful ; but it had too
little of danger and adventure, and he returned again to scouting, making
several trips southward, sometimes without trouble, but -once or twice being
arrested and escaping as best he could. In these expeditions he visited
McMinnville, Murfreesborough, Altamont, on the Cumberland Mountains,
Bridgeport, Chattanooga, and other places of smaller note. He travelled
usually in the guise of a smuggler, actually obtaining orders for goods from
prominent rebels, and sometimes the money in advance, filling them in
Nashville and delivering the articles upon his next trip. Just before the
battle of Stone River he received a large order to be filled for the rebel
hospitals, went to Nashville, procured the medicine, and returned to McMinn-
ville, when he delivered some of it. Thence he travelled to Bradyville, and
thence to Murfreesborough, arriving there just as the battle began. Pre-
senting some of the surgeons with a supply of morphine, he assisted them
in attending the wounded for a day or two, and then went to a hospital tent
in the woods near the railroad, where he also remained one day and part of
another. The fight was now getting hot, and, fearful that somebody would
recognize him, he left Murfreesborough on Friday, and went to McMinnville.
He had been there but little more than an hour, having barely time to put
up his horse and step into a house near by to see some wounded men, when
two soldiers arrived in search of him. Their description of him was perfect ;
but he escaped by being out of sight, — the friend with whom he was sup-
posed to be declaring, though closely questioned, that he had not seen and
knew nothing of him. In a few minutes pickets were thrown out around
the town, and it was two days before he could get away. Obtaining a pass
to Chattanooga at last, only through the influence of a lady acquaintance,
MORFORD, THE DARING SPY. 581
with it he passed the guards, but, when once out of sight, turned off froru
the Chattanooga road and made his way safely to Nashville.
General Rosecrans was now in possession of Murfreesborough, and thither
Morford proceeded with some smuggler's goods, with a view to another trip.
The necessary permission was readily obtained, and he set out for Woodbury.
Leaving his wagon outside the rebel lines, he proceeded on foot to McMinnville,
arriving there on the 19th of January last, and finding General John H.
Morgan, to whom he represented himself as a former resident in the vicinity
of Woodbury ; his family, however, had moved away, and he would like per-
mission to take his wagon and bring away the household goods. This was
granted, and the wagon brought to McMinnville, whence Morford went to
Chattanooga, representing himself along the road as a fugitive from the
Yankees. Near Chattanooga he began selling his goods to Unionists and
rebels alike, at enormous prices, and soon closed them out at a profit of from
four hundred to five hundred dollars. At Chattanooga he remained a few
days, obtained all the information he could, and returned to Murfreesborough
without trouble.
His next and last trip is the most interesting and daring of all his adven-
tures. Making a few days' stay in Murfreesborough, he went to McMinn-
ville, and remained there several days, during which time he burned Hickory
Creek Bridge, and sent a report of it to General Rosecrans. This he man-
aged with so much secrecy and skill as to escape all suspicion of complicity
in the work, mingling freely with the citizens and talking the matter over
in all its phases. From McMinnville Morford proceeded to Chattanooga,
and remained there nearly a week, wrhen he learned that three of our scouts
were imprisoned in the Hamilton county jail, at Harrison, Tennessee, and
were to be shot on the first Friday in May. Determined to attempt their
rescue, he sent a Union man to the town to ascertain who was jailer, what
the number of the guards, how they were placed, and inquire into the
condition of things in general about the jail. Upon receipt of his report,
Morford gathered about him nine Union men, on the night of Tuesday, April
21, and started for Harrison. Before reaching the place, however, they
heard rumors that the guard had been greatly strengthened ; and, fearful
that it would prove too powerful for them, the party retreated to the moun-
tains on the north side of the Tennessee River, where they remained con-
cealed until Thursday night. On Wednesday night the same man who had
previously gone to the town was again sent to reconnoitre the position.
Thursday morning he returned and said that the story of a strong guard was
all false: there were but two in addition to the jailer.
Morford' s party was now reduced to six, including himself; but he resolved
to make the attempt that night. Late in the afternoon all went down to the
river and loitered around until dark, when they procured boats and crossed
to the opposite bank. Taking the Chattanooga and Harrison road, they
entered the town, looked around at leisure, saw no soldiers nor any thing
unusual, and proceeded towards the jail. Approaching quite near, they threw
themselves upon the ground and surveyed the premises carefully. The jail
36
502 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
was surrounded by a high board fence, in which were two gates. Morford's
plan of operations was quickly arranged. Making a prisoner of one of his
own men, he entered the enclosure, posting a sentinel at each gate. Once
inside, a light was visible in the jail, and Morford marched confidently up to
the door and rapped. The jailer thrust his head out of a window and asked
what was wanted. He was told, " Here is a prisoner to put in the jail."
Apparently satisfied, the jailer soon opened the door and" admitted the twain
into the entry. In a moment, however, he became alarmed, and, hastily
exclaiming, "Hold on!" stepped out.
For ten minutes Morford waited patiently for his return, supposing, of
course, that he could not escape from the yard, both gates being guarded.
Not making his appearance, it was found that the pickets had allowed him to
pass them. This rather alarming fact made haste necessary, and Morford,
returning to the jail, said he must put his prisoner in immediately, and
demanded the keys forthwith. The women declared in positive terms that
they hadn't them, and did not know where they were. One of the guards
was discovered in bed and told to get the keys. Proving rather noisy and
saucy, he was reminded that he might get his head taken off if he were not
quiet, — which intimation effectually silenced him. Morford again demanded
the keys, and the women, somewhat frightened, gave him the key to the
outside door. Unlocking it, and lighting up the place with candles, he
found himself in a room around the sides of which was ranged a line of
wrought-iron cages. In one of these were five persons, four white and one
negro. Carrying out the character he had assumed of a rebel soldier in
charge of a prisoner, Morford talked harshly enough to the caged men,
and threatened to hang them at once, at which they were very naturally
alarmed, and began to beg for mercy. For a third time the keys to the inner
room, in which the scouts were, were demanded, and a third time the women
denied having them. An axe was then ordered to be brought, but there was
none about the place: so said they. Morford saw that they were trifling
with him, and determined to stop it. Snatching one of the jailer's boys stand-
ing near by the collar, and drawing his sabre, he told him he would cut his
head off if he did not bring him an axe in two minutes. This had the
desired effect, and the axe was forthcoming.
Morford now began cutting away at the lock, when he was startled by
hearing the word " halt !" at the gate. Of his five men two were at the gates,
two were inside as a guard, and one was holding the light. Ready for a fight,
he went out to see what was the matter. Thei sentinel reporting that he had
halted an armed man outside, Morford walked out to him and demanded, —
"What are you doing here with that gun?"
"Miss Laura said you were breaking down the jail, and I want to see
McAllister, the jailer. Where is he?" was the reply.
" Well suppose I am breaking down the jail: what are you going to do
about it?"
" I am going to stop it if I can."
" What's your name ?"
MORFORD, THE DARING SPY. 563
" Lowry Johnson."
By this time Morford had grasped the muzzle of the gun, and told him to
let go. Instead of complying, Johnson tried to pull it away ; but a blow
upon the neck from Morford's sabre soon made him drop it. Morford now
began to search him for other weapons, but before he had concluded the
operation Johnson broke away, leaving a part of his clothing in Morford's
hands. The latter drew his revolver and pursued, firing five shots at him,
sometimes at a distance of only six or eight paces. A cry, as of pain,
showed that he was struck, but he managed to reach the hotel (kept by his
brother), and, bursting in the door, which was fastened, escaped into the
house. Morford followed, but too late. Johnson's brother now came out
and rang the bell in front, which gathered a crowd about the door ; but
Morford, not at all daunted, told them that if they wanted to guard the jail
they had better be about it quick, as he was going to burn it and the town
in the bargain. This so frightened them that no further demonstration was
made, and Morford returned to the jail unmolested. There he and his men
made so much shouting and hurrahing as to frighten the people of the town
beyond measure ; and many lights from upper-story windows were extin-
guished, and the streets were deserted.
A half-hour's work was necessary to break off the outside lock, — a splendid
burglar-proof one. Morford now discovered that the door was double, and
that the inner one was made still more secure by being barred with three
heavy log-chains. These were cut in two with the axe; but the strong lock
of the door still remained. He again demanded the key, and told the women
if it was not produced he would murder the whole of them. The rebel guard,
Lew. Luttrell by name, was still in bed. Rising up, he said that the key
was not there. Morford now ordered Luttrell to get out of bed, in a tone
so authoritative that that individual deemed it advisable to comply. Scarcely
was he out, however, before Morford struck at him with his sabre ; but he
was too far off, and the blow fell upon one of the children, drawing some
blood. This frightened the women, and, concluding that he was about to
put his threat in execution and would murder them surely enough, they
produced the key without further words. No time was lost in unlocking the
door and releasing the inmates of the room. Procuring their clothes for
them and arming one with Johnson's gun, the whole party left the jail and
hurried towards the river. Among the released prisoners was a rebel with a
wooden leg, the original having been shot off at Manassas. He persisted in
accompanying the others, and was only induced to go back by the intimation
that " dead men tell no tales."
Crossing the river in the boats, they were moved to another place at some
distance, to preclude the possibility of being tracked and followed. All
now hid themselves among the mountains, and the same Union man was
again sent to Harrison, this time to see how severely Johnson was wounded.
He returned in a day or two, and reported that he had a severe sabre-cut on
the shoulder, a bullet through the muscle of his right arm, and two slight
wounds in one of his hands. Morford and his men remained in the moun-
564 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
tains until all search for the prisoners was over, then went to the Cumberland
Mountains, where they remained one day and a portion of another, and then
proceeded in the direction of McMinnville. Hiding themselves in the woods
near this place during the day, seeing but not seen, they travelled that night
to within eleven miles of Woodbury, when they struck across the road
from McMinnville to Woodbury. Near Logan's Plains they were fired on
by a body of rebel cavalry, but, though some forty shots were fired, no one
of the ten was harmed, Morford having one bulletrhole in his coat. The
cavalry, however, pursued them across the barrens, surrounded them, and
supposed themselves sure of their game ; but Morford and his companions
scattered and hid away, not one being captured or found. Night coming on,
the cavalry gave up the chase, and went on to Woodbury, where they threw
out pickets, not doubting that they would pick up the objects of their
search during the night. Morford, however, was informed of this fact by a
citizen, and, in consequence, lay concealed all the next day, making his way
safely to Murfreesborough, with all of his company, the day after.
Fraudulent Transfer of Eebel Goods.
On the 10th of December, 1862, the Chief of Police of the Army of the
Cumberland seized the large wholesale store and stock of goods of Morgan &
Co., a noted dry-goods house at Nashville, Tennessee, previous to the breaking
out of the rebellion. When war convulsed that section of country, the store
was closed, and upon the occupancy of Nashville by the Union troops, after
the fall of Fort Donelson, Samuel D. Morgan went South with the rebel
army, with which he was identified as a contractor, as a manufacturer of
percussion-caps, and as a very wealthy, ardent, Southern secessionist. After
the store had been closed several months, it suddenly was made known that
this stock of goods, $26,000 in value, had been sold to Messrs. Moore & Kyle,
who were formerly clerk and book-keeper, respectively, in the same store, —
who were notoriously young men of no capital, and were not known as
Union men in that community. The facts we glean from the papers in the
case to be as follows : —
This stock of goods was the property of Samuel D. Morgan and Charles
J. Cheney, partners, doing business under the style of Morgan & Co. At
the breaking-out of the rebellion, and before the State of Tennessee seceded,
Samuel D. Morgan, a zealous rebel sympathizer, started a factory for the
manufacture of percussion-caps. He was chairman of an ordnance bureau.
He applied to Andrew Anderson, a foundryman and machinist in Nashville,
to make machines for making the caps, and on his refusal called him a
Union man, and threatened to have his property seized by the authorities
if he refused to make them. Upon this Anderson made the machines,
FRAUDULENT TRANSFER OF REBEL GOODS. 565
and Morgan took from him his foreman, Horatio North, to superintend the
manufacture of the percussion-caps. He manufactured about one million
caps per week, and shipped them to Richmond, Mobile, New Orleans, &c.
On the fall of Fort Donelson, Morgan fled with the Southern army. On the
secession of the State, Morgan turned the factory over to the Confederate
authorities, and he has never returned since.
This stock of goods remained in store until the summer of 1862, when
said Cheney, who is Morgan's son-in-law, executed a sale of it to John F.
Moore and James Kyle. It is not pretended that either of these persons
had any means. Moore had been a clerk in the house of Morgan & Co.
and Kyle had also been a clerk. Moore is shown to have been a secession
sympathizer ; nothing is stated as to Kyle's political views. To these per-
sons the stock was sold for the sum of $26,000 (it is stated that the stock is
of far greater value), on a credit, their notes being taken for $2000 each,
payable to Morgan & Co. every three months, making a time-sale running
through thirty-nine months. It is stated that the firm of Morgan & Co.,
owed a heavy debt in New York and other Eastern cities of from $25,000
to $30,000, and that it was their intention to pay this indebtedness, and
that it was the desire of Mr. Cheney to apply the amounts of these notes in
liquidation of this debt.
Mr. Cheney states the indebtedness due the firm of Morgan & Co. at
$300,000 ; that the notes of Moore & Kyle, together with all the notes due
the firm, were sent by him to Mr. Morgan, then in Middle Alabama, in
September last.
It appears from the statement of Mr. Moore that the amount of the first
note has been fully paid in supplying the families of Morgan and Cheney,
still in the city of Nashville, with necessaries.
It is stated by Mr. Cheney, and by other testimony, that the stock of
goods was four-fifths Morgan's and one-fifth his ; that the store was closed
from the time of the taking of Fort Donelson, February, 1862, until the sale
in the same summer, because licenses were required. It appears that the
requirement for a license was the oath of allegiance ; but no effort appears
to have been made by Mr. Cheney to obtain a license, although, as he states,
the goods were damaging. It further appears that on the sale to Moore
& Kyle they obtained license by taking the oath of allegiance.
Moore & Kyle state that if the seizure of these goods be preparatory to
the confiscation thereof as the property of Morgan, it is inflicting a severe
and disastrous blow upon them ; that they owe the notes, but, if the goods
are taken, have no means of payment ; that if the object were to reach the
property of Morgan, they suggest that the notes should have been seized ;
that the transfer to them was a bona fide transaction ; that, at any rate, it is
a proper case for civil, not military, proceeding, and that they suggest the
propriety of seizing, by process in the nature of attachment or injunction,
their indebtedness to Morgan & Co. ; and that they have acted in perfect
good faith in this transaction throughout.
The foregoing is the substance of the evidence in this case, though it is
566 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
hoped that the evidence of Mr. Joseph Clark, of Liberty, De Kalb county,
Tennessee, can be obtained.
The facts show, —
1st. That this stock was owned by parties hostile to the Union and sympa-
thizing with rebellion ; one of the parties being in active hostility, not as
an individual merely, but with a wide-spread influence as a man, and render-
ing assistance to the rebellion of the utmost importance as a manufacturer.
2d. That Morgan, whose only two sons are, or were, in the rebel army,
fled with the Southern army as a rebel, and engaged in rebellion, leaving
his property and goods ; and that Mr. Cheney, from his own statements,
though not an active participator, was and is a rebel sympathizer to such
an extent that he either did not dare to take steps to procure license for the
sale of the stock, or did not choose to.
3d. That from these facts alone it would appear that, so far as Morgan was
concerned, he fled, leaving these goods because he had not time to make a
proper disposition of them ; that they remained as lawful prize to the army
of the United States ; that, by the very nature of the transaction, the title
became vested in the United States as a military capture, — not as goods sub-
ject to confiscation.
4th. The sale to Moore & Kyle seems to have been only a sham. Morgan
has with him in the South, sent there in September last by Mr. Cheney, the
substance of the concern, — $300,000 of evidences of debt due the house, and
the notes of Moore & Kyle. It is not presumable that men engaged as he
and Cheney should be willing, upon the policy of the South, to pay Northern
debts ; to the contrary of the assertion of Mr. Cheney to that effect, the
proceeds of the sale of these goods have so far been applied to the support
of the families of Morgan and Cheney.
In case this stock of goods is not to be looked upon as a military capture,
it was respectfully recommended by the provost judge that they be turned
over to the United States Marshal for libel and confiscation.
This latter recommendation was approved by the general commanding,
and the case is now before the United States District Court, to be heard at
its next sitting at Nashville. Of course good Union lawyers will be feed to
prevent the confiscation of these goods if possible. But the case is a plain
one, from the above showing. At all events, this chapter is worthy of perusal,
as representative of the multitude of cases of confiscation that will flood
upon the country upon the close of the war.
MRS. Y-
BOOTS AND DRY-GOODS.
567
Mrs. Y 's Boots and Dry-Goods,
- 11
About the 15th of December, 1862, while the Army of the Cumberland
was occupying the city of Xashville, Tennessee, the rebel army being but
thirty-two miles south, at Murfreesborough, and smuggling and spying at
full tide, the following important and amusing case occurred.
A Mrs. Y entered the house of a neighbor in that city at the time
above mentioned, both being Southern sympathizers, and spoke of her in-
tention to go South soon to her husband ; also, she desired to take with her
a quantity of clothing for him and other friends in the Southern army,
especially some boots, coats, &e. ; and, furthermore, she had a large lot of
store goods, which would pay well, and also greatly aid the cause, if she
could run them through safely. She said she had recently made a trip to
the rebel army, cheating the Yankee authorities badly ; that she took with
her quite a lot of goods, letters, &c., but that she had no conveyance, and
was compelled to walk several miles at one time : she now desired to get a
team to go with, &c.
There was present at this conversation a man whom the ladies thought to
be all right ; and so he really had been. They freely consulted with him,
he having been at one time in the Southern army. A change, however, had
508 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
come over this man, and he had silently come to the conclusion that the
rebellion rt wrong and would prove a failure. As soon as Mrs. Y
departed he also left the house, and ere long the whole matter was known
to the Chief of the Army Police.
The man was instructed to aid Mrs. Y in all her movements, but
was particularly cautioned not to encourage or advise her to do unlawful
acts. He returned to that house, and soon was assisting her in that spirit
and intent. She wanted a team : he assisted her in purchasing two mules
and a double-spring wagon. He procured boxes and bales at her request,
and helped her to stow away her things in a friendly manner. It seemed
that her husband or friends had formerly kept a store in Nashville until the
war set in, when it was closed, and the goods taken to her dwelling and
there hidden away in back-room, garret, or cellar.
At length she was ready ; and so was the Chief of Police. Several days
were required to perfect all her arrangements, down to the final one of get-
ting her pass to move South with her household goods; for this was her
pretence, and at that time the general commanding permitted Southern
sympathizing families to go South. Of course a pass was granted to her.
The informer often cautioned her as to the risk of detection, and the sure
confiscation that would follow ; but she was fearless and reckless and
determined.
Mrs. Y and party left Nashville one morning in style, as follows : —
two mules drawing spring wagon, with a black man as driver, and herself
and her black female servant mounted high upon the load of beds, bales,
and bundles of what seemed to be common household " plunder." Arriving
at the outer lines, the wagon was halted and the pass demanded and ex-
hibited. " All right ; pass on," were the cheering words of the picket-guard ;
and Mrs. Y must have breathed much easier as the team started on
cheerily for the land of Dixie. Her exultation was short-lived. Some Federal
patrols (policemen), whom Colonel Truesdail has constantly on that road,
were on the alert. The wagon was again halted, the pass exhibited, and then
the lady, her driver, and the woman-servant were invited to dismount, that
the goods might be examined. Mrs. Y protested, expostulated, and
stormed ; but it was of no avail ; alight they must. She did so, followed
by the driver. Her black woman then essayed to get down ; for she was
fat, old, and clumsy, and had on hoops, and negro-finery of latest pattern.
When almost down, she gave a jump, and brought up on the ground "all
standing." Alas for that jump ! A string broke from about her waist, and
down tumbled to the ground from beneath her well-developed hoops two pairs
of long-legged cavalry boots. The surprise and mortification of the lady,
the horror of the darkies, and the smiles of the officers and men may well
be imagined. Our artist has presented the scene on the foregoing page.
This evidence was sufficient to warrant the detention and return to Nash-
ville of the party. The policemen, however, knew their business, and a
moment's examination of the beds, &c. satisfied them of other mysteries
packed away in the wagon. The party were at once returned to the city
MRS. Y 'S BOOTS AND DRY-GOODS. 569
police office, — the lady in a state of mind more easily imagined than de-
scribed.
Then occurred another scene, to be witnessed but once in a lifetime. The
wagon-load of bedding was taken into the police office and examined. In
the midst of feather beds, &c. were found new shoes, boots, balls of ribbon,
articles of clothing, hoop-skirts, packages of gloves and stockings, bunches
and spools of thread, whole pieces of lace and edging, dress-patterns of
various hue and texture, entire pieces of domestic and muslins, — in short,
the remnant of a considerable stock from a city dry-goods store, which would
have been worth to Mrs. Y , once safely in rebeldom, five hundred
per cent, more than the original cost, and which she counted good to her for
eighteen thousand dollars.
As the negro servants and orderlies worked away in uncovering and dis-
embowelling the goods, the large parlor of the noted Zollicoffer mansion,
where the army police office has been located for several months, presented
a singular appearance. A pile of goods was made in the middle of the floor
like a pyramid, reaching above the centre-table. The atmosphere was thick
with downy feathers which came out with the goods. Around the room
were standing crowds of officers from head-quarters, who had heard of the
event and come over to witness the developments. At one time the general
commanding was an interested witness. The facts were noised about the
neighborhood, and for some time afterwards the police office was a "curiosity-
shop" of the highest pretension.
Upon the person of Mrs. Y were also found some eight hundred
dollars in money, a gold watch, &c, which were retained for the time, and
she was permitted to go to her honfe. The case was reported to head-quarters ;
and orders were thereupon issued that her store-goods and team, and five
hundred dollars of her money, be turned over to the United States Govern-
ment as subject to confiscation, and that she be sent south of our lines, with
her household goods proper, clothing, &c, with strict command that she
return to the North no more during the war.
The following letter was found upon Mrs. Y 's driver, and contains
some interesting items : —
" Nashville, December 17, 1862.
"Ira P.Jones, Esq., Chattanooga, Tennessee.
"Dear Sir : — It is now nine o'clock at night, and, feeling quite lonely, my
mind runs back to pleasant hours that I have spent with you, your dear
wife, and sweet little darlings, and, thinking a word from me would be ex-
ceptable to you, I will write a line informing you of our good health. I say
our, — and mean sister, the black ones, and I ; for these compose my family.
Since you left here we have all had fine health ; and well that it is so, for
we have had but little else to cheer us ; but I have as little to complain of as
any one, for as yet not one tree, bush, or shrub has been destroyed inside of
my home place. I hope it may continue so. Your home is in like condition.
Soon after you left, I got a man to go in the house, and he is still there. I
570 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
have claimed the property; and so far all is well taken care of. We have
a hard way of getting on now : every thing is high and scarce ; and I suppose
it will be so while the war continues. Do you see any thing bright or hope-
ful in the future ? Oh, I wish it was stopped ! but God only knows when it
will cease. I think it very doubtful whether you get this note or not: if you
do, please write to me, for I would be glad to hear from you and any of
the children. Mr. Armstrong and family are all well. My servants are all
with me yet, but I am looking for an outbreak with them. The men have
been working on fortifications nearly all the summer. They are quite free ;
but still they are home. The servants are ruining ! our country is ruining !
all, all are ruining ! Please write if you can.
" I am, as ever, yours,
"I P ."
The Case of Mrs. Molly Hyde.
In April last, Mrs. Hyde, of Nashville, a young, ardent, handsome, and
smart rebel lady, mother of two children, and whose husband was in the
rebel army, was arrested within our lines as a spy and a dangerous political
character. Also her sister, Mrs. Payne, likewise a resident of Nashville,
was subsequently arrested as connected with, aiding, and abetting her.
A detective policeman, whose rdle was t» get into the confidence of notable
secessionists, had become acquainted with the lady and all her ways. He
reported to Colonel Truesdail, and at the proper time the arrest was made.
We will call the detective by the name of Randolph, and let him tell the
story. We only publish two statements made after her arrest, as they give
a fair insight into the case, — one of them made by her to her confidential
friend, as she supposed, and the other an open, defiant confession, made to
the police-officer who had her in charge. Says Randolph, —
" Mrs. Molly Hyde has told me that when she was last at General Morgan's
head-quarters she gave Harry Morgan a fine horse ; that she paid eight
hundred dollars for him ; that Harry Morgan was a cousin of John Morgan ;
that she was glad that she did it, for the Yankees would have got him if she
had delayed it any longer, and that she would rather see the horse shot than
to see them get him ; that he was in good hands now ; and that if she ever
needed a horse she could get as many as she wanted of Morgan.
" She told me that she wanted to be sent South. She did not care if she
did have to go by the way of Vicksburg ; she would be at Morgan's head-
quarters as soon as she could get there, and that would be in two weeks
after her arrival at that point ; that she regretted nothing that she had done
for the Confederacy, for her whole heart was with the South, and she would
remain as true as steel.
THE CASE OP MRS. MOLLY HYDE. 571
" The only thing that she was sorry for was that she had taken the oath
of allegiance to the United States Government. She wished she could have
an opportunity to scratch her name from that paper : she regretted it more
than any act of her life ; but, said she,
" 'If ever I get my liberty, the oath won't stop me. No, sir! Not until
every one of old Truesdail's devils is caught and hung. I would rather
Morgan would catch him than any other man in the world. He has had a
man on my track ever since I took the oath. If he had not known that I
went to the Southern army, he would not have stopped my letters at the
Nashville post-office. I wish he was hung for that ! I have sent word to
every one of my friends that I could, not to write to me through the post-
office any more, for if they did I would not get them.
" 'I think that old Church Hooper has told something on me that makes
Truesdail or some of the Yankees watch me so, — and Clay Drake too. He
offered me five hundred dollars to get him released from the conscript that
was on him. I would not get him released for one thousand dollars : they
will shoot him if they ever get him,' &c. &c.
" She then repeated, —
" 'I wish they would send me South ; but I will not let them know that I
want to go there, for if I do they will be sure to send me North. I am
going to tell them that I am not at all particular where I go, they may do
just as they please with me. But I tell you, Mr. , if I do go to the
Alton or Camp Chase prison, I want you to come and see me and help rne
out.'
" ' That will be a very difficult task to undertake,' I remarked.
"'I know that,' she replied, 'but where there is a will there is away;
and if you want money to do it with, my friends will furnish all your wants,
and you can do it easy enough. These Yankee officers are easy enough
bribed : you know that yourself, for you was one yourself once, or thought
you were as good as any of them, and now see how you feel towards the whole
Lincoln tribe. I am glad that you are now going to do something for people
that can appreciate your services and not treat you like a dog.'
''Mrs. Molly Hyde stated to me yesterday — my last interview with her —
that Captain Dick Gladden, who was discharged from the 1st Middle Ten-
nessee Infantry, — Union, — was now an officer in the Confederate army ; that
he went from here to Columbia, Tennessee, with a 'man from Edgefield by
the name of Madison Stratton, who was held in hostage for D. D. Dickey,
when the Confederates had him ; that Gladden had recognized several men
from Nashville from Yankee regiments, who were supposed to be spies, five
of whom were hung. She saw the execution take place, and expressed much
reo-ret that there had not been twice as many. She saw Gladden at Tulla-
homa, about eight days before her arrest. Mrs. Hyde said she carried very
important papers and information to Generals "Wheeler and Van Dorn, which
officers made a great ado over her upon her arrival. She said she bribed
the Federal pickets on her return home with apples, cakes, and candy,
5<2 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
which she obtained of her aunt, who lives near Columbia. I did not learn
the name of her aunt and uncle. "
The foregoing is the substance of Mrs. Hyde's revelations to the de-
tective. She prevailed upon Randolph to go and see a Federal officer and
get assistance from that quarter. He did so, — with the following result, says
Randolph : —
"During an interview with Captain , of the Ohio cavalry, he stated to
me all of the friendly relations that existed between himself and Mrs. Hyde
and Mrs. Payne. He said he had known them for some time, and that they
had been very kind to him in several instances. When he was sick they
visited him, and brought all sorts of delicacies to him, and nursed him as
kindly as his own mother could have done. ' And now, Randolph,' said
he, ' I cannot forget such kindness. I do not want to do any thing that
will criminate me. I am in the Government service ; but I will exert myself
to any honorable extent to relieve them from their present confinement.'
"We talked of every plan by which their release could be effected. The
captain's opinion was that the best thing thoy could do would be to go
before the military authorities and acknowledge they had done wrong, and
that they had been influenced to do as they had by those who had pretended
to be their friends, but in whom they had lost all confidence, and that they
were now willing to abide by the laws of the Federal Government while
they occupied this country. If this policy did not gain them their liberty,
it would have a very good influence upon the general commanding the post,
also with General Rosecrans, &c. &c."
Thus the reader will perceive the craft and deceit of these secession
females, in paying ladylike attentions to Federal officers, to gain favors and
protection, while in their hearts are only hatred and curses. In this case
we are pleased to see that the officer properly remembered their kind-
ness to him in sickness, but was true to his flag. Finding all hopes of
release vain, Mrs. Hyde puts on a bold air of defiance, and reveals her
doings to the police-officer at the hotel who has her in charge. We will also
let him tell his part of the story : —
" Mrs. Hyde told me, in a conversation I had with her alone at the City
Hotel, in Nashville, on May 1, 1863, that she had been doing an immense
deal of service for the rebel Government for the last twenty months, — had
been all through Southern Kentucky, in fact, all over the State. Near Lex-
ington, Kentucky, she bought the fine blooded mare that John H. Morgan
now rides. She presented it to said Morgan ; and it is the same one which
he rode when he made his escape from the Federals at McMinnville about
one week ago. She further said she was in McMinnville last winter ; she
was then employed by said John II. Morgan in obtaining information for
him of all that would be of any advantage to him, of the movements of the
enemy, or of their whereabouts, &c.
" In presenting the mare to Morgan, she told him the mare had done her
good service: 'Take her, and do all the good you can with her for our
cause' She further told me she made a trip for Bragg into East Tennessee
THE ADVENTURES OE TWO UNION SPIES. 573
last winter to gather all the information she could in regard to who were
in sympathy with the Lincoln Government, and to ferret out the bridge-
burners in that region. She also said she was in Middleton last winter
when Major Mint Douglas and his men were captured by the Federals, —
said she saw the whole of it. She then came to Murfreesborough, and
stopped at the house of Mrs. Davis.
" On the same night Mrs. Story, of Shelby ville, came and stayed at the
said Mrs. Davis's. Said she slept with a lady at Mrs. Davis's, but did
not tell me her name. Her object in coming to Murfreesborough was to
get all the information of the movement of the Federal troops and of
their strength, — in fact, she said, all that would be of any value to the
Confederate forces. Said she had for the last twenty months out-
generalled the Yankees, but they had at last beat her, and she was
resigned to her fate, be it what it might. Said she had done nothing
she was sorry for, and would do the same again if she could get the
chance ; said it was not the amount of money she was to receive for her
labor, but it was done for the good of the rebel cause. Said her sister
knew nothing of her secrets. She did most of her travelling by night.
Said she had furnished rebel generals with important information, and a
large amount of it.
" The circumstances under which I obtained this information from Mrs.
Hyde were as follows : — I was in charge of Mrs. Hyde and Mrs. Payne at
the City Hotel, to see that they were well provided for ; and, after she
thought that the Federals knew all she had done, she told me that it would
not make her case any worse, and she gave me this history of her own
accord. I did not seek it : she told me of her own free will. I carefully
avoided asking her any questions, but treated her with due deference and
kindness."
It appears from the evidence that Mrs. Molly Hyde was the travelling
member of the firm of spies, while her sister, Mrs. Payne, collected the
news and letters, and superintended generally the Nashville terminus of
their grape-vine line of communication. We have given enough of the
evidence, from the great mass before us, to properly illustrate the case,
and will bid adieu to the ladies in question, one of whom was ordered
to be sent North, to remain until after the war. Mrs. Hyde is now an
occupant of the Alton (Illinois) military prison.
The Adventures of Two Union Spies.
The following statement of two young members of the army police is
strictly reliable, and will amply repay a perusal.
" On the 15th of April, 1863, we were sent from Nashville by Colonel
Truesdail, Chief of the Police and Scout service, to gather knowledge of
574 ARMY POLICE EECORD.
parties engaged in smuggling goods through the lines, and to gain all in-
formation possible as to the strength and position of the enemy's forces.
Assuming the character of deserters from the Federal army, we started out,
and arrived at the house of one Thomas Hooper, below Sam's Creek, twenty
miles from Nashville, on the 17th instant, at evening. We remained at his
house one day, and found that the suspicion that was resting on Hooper of
being a rebel had no foundation : he was very poor, scarcely able to obtain
food for his family. During conversation with Hooper we learned that one
Rook, who was a neighbor to Hooper, had a boat which he used to convey
deserters and others across the river. On drawing near to Rook's house
we saw two horses, apparently belonging to two rebel cavalrymen, standing
at the door. After a short time, Rook, with two rebel officers, came out of
the house and proceeded to the boat and crossed the river. After a consider-
able lapse of time they returned, and, on their coming up the bank of the
river, we, being in a clump of bushes, heard them say that they had suc-
ceeded in seeing and learning all they wished ; that, as the Federals had
cavalry all along that road, they would take the south side of the river to
march on Nashville, which was Van Dorn's plan. Captain Eastham, who
was one of the officers, stated that he had been to our picket-line, and he
was sure they could march into Nashville and destroy all the Government
stores and take the place, and in two or three weeks he would be in his
native city. He further stated that the business* of Lieutenant King and
himself was to find the strength and distribution of the forces in and about
Nashville. We heard Rook tell Lieutenant King that he (Rook) had re-
ceived some articles direct from Nashville which he wanted Lieutenant
King to take with him. The parties then moved up towards Rook's house.
We fell back to the woods and came upon a blind road, sufficiently wide
to move a large body of troops and yet be under cover from the river, —
leaving a road unguarded by our pickets on which the enemy can move to
a point within six miles of Nashville. Proceeding on our way up this
road, we met many scouts of the enemy passing in every direction, closely
watching all the by-paths. On the next morning, in endeavoring to cross
the river we were captured by a squad of rebel cavalry, who mounted us on
mules, and we were taken to Spring Hill, to Van Dorn's head-quarters, — they
stating that we would be paroled and sent back home. From our guard on
the way we learned that General Van Dorn would soon march over the road
before mentioned to Nashville. On arriving at Van Dorn's head-quarters
we were immediately questioned as to the strength of Federal forces and
the fortifications about Nashville. We stated that we knew nothing, as our
regiment was stationed near Murfreesborough. We were questioned very
closely, but gave them no information. Wc were held at Spring Hill but
two or three hours, when we were sent on to Columbia, where we were to
be paroled.
"We arrived at Columbia and were there paroled, but, at the suggestion of
one of the officers, were placed in prison to await the order of General Bragg.
There was no force at Columbia but a small provost-guard. Provisions
THE ADVENTURES OF TWO UNION SPIES. 575
were very scarce, half-rations only being issued. Rations consisted of corn-
meal and bacon. There were no fortifications of account, — some small
breastworks and rifle-pits. On the 23d, General Forrest with his command
passed through Columbia, taking most of the stores in the commissary de-
partment: their destination, we learned, was the Tennessee River. The
men were all well mounted. In conversation with imprisoned conscripts
we gleaned that the farmers were all discouraged about the coming crop ;
that unless the war was soon closed they would starve, for the draft on
them for food was so heavy and frequent that they had barely enough to
live upon. The coming crop will be very small. The prison was filled with
deserters and conscripts. The prisoners stated that they were tired and dis-
couraged, and they would all leave if it were not for the tyranny exercised
over them. "We had a conversation with one Wiley George, who was a leader
in the burning of the bridge over Duck River ; Wm. Sander assisted in the
work. The talk of the prisoners was in favor of the Uniont — many stating
that they had been deceived. We met one Killdare, who stated that he
had brought out of Nashville seven hundred dollars' worth of goods. He
said his three girls would come to the city and carry them to him, and he
would bring them to the rebel lines. We were taken from prison and
marched to Shelbyville, where we arrived the 5th of May. We saw their
batteries within six miles of Shelbyville, — one brigade of infantry and one
of cavalry lying on the pike. The fortifications extended one and a half
miles in length. There is stationed there one brigade of infantry. General
Cheatham commands the post. The prisons there are full of deserters and
conscripts, who are dissatisfied and who were poorly fed and clothed. Many
stated that they did not wish to fight longer, — that they were compelled to do
so, as Bragg was having all deserters shot. We had a little corn-meal and a
little bacon for our rations. The whole country, citizens and soldiers, are on
half-allowance. Flour was selling at eighty dollars per barrel, corn five
dollars per bushel, bacon one dollar and a half per pound. Little of the
country we passed through was cultivated. The wheat-fields are badly
affected with the rust. We were then sent on to Tullahoma by railroad,
where Generals Bragg and Johnston had their head-quarters, but learned
that they would soon move to Shelbyville. All goods are enormously high ;
food very scarce. Morgan's and McCown's forces were reported to hold
themselves in readiness to go into Kentucky. We were charged at Tulla-
homa with being spies ; but, there being no testimony, we were sent to Chat-
tanooga, where we lay in prison three days. There are but few troops there, —
perhaps two thousand. The crops are very poor and scant, and all along
the route we were questioned concerning the police of Nashville, and
many swore that they would hang every one they captured without a
trial ; and as for ' old Truesdail,' they wished to have him once in their
power, and they would teach him what it was to arrest women and chil-
dren. Some Texas Rangers said that they were watching a chance to shoot
Generals Rosecrans and Rousseau, and when that was done they could
manage the rest.
576 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
" When we arrived at Chattanooga we were put in the guard-house :
the prison was filled with conscripts. With few exceptions, they were
in favor of deserting and coming over to the Federal army. Many
said that they never fired a gun against the Federal army, and never
would. The Tennesseeans are tired of the war, and if allowed to go home
would go.
"We were then ordered to Knoxville, leaving Chattanooga on the 25th
and arriving at Knoxville the 26th. The line of the railroad is guarded ;
stockades are being erected, and, where the railroad crosses the Tennessee
River, fortifications are being made. Here there are three regiments of in-
fantry and one battery of eight guns stationed. The jail at Knoxville is
filled to overflowing, prisoners being mostly Union men and Federal officers, —
the only charges against them being disloyalty to the Southern Confederacy.
All the way from Knoxville to Richmond, to which place we were carried
for exchange, provisions are very scarce. Provisions about Knoxville are
not plenty ; all parties complain of the scarcity. The pedlars along the line
of railroad would call out, ' Three dollars Confederate for one greenback.'
We fell in with three men on the cars : they said they were Eastern men,
and shoemakers by occupation ; they said there were many Union men in the
city who have the ' Stars and Stripes,' and who were only waiting for an
opportunity to hoist it as soon as the army made its appearance. They said
that it would be almost impossible to take Richmond, the fortifications being
immense, and forts at every available point. At Knoxville we passed one
company of Indians, whose business was to hunt up Union men in the
mountains. At Richmond three Merrimacs were building, and one was
ready for service : the others would not be completed for several months.
Two were on the stocks, and looked like rough customers. The city was in
a great fever of excitement consequent upon the raid of General Stoneman ;
and if General Stoneman had only gone ahead he could have taken Rich-
mond. At Richmond our prisoners were placed in rooms, so many in one
room that it was difficult for them to move, and were fed on half-rations,
and when we were marching through the streets were not allowed the
privilege of buying any thing to eat. Pedlars were denied the right of com-
ing into prisons to sell their goods. We learned nothing as to the fortifica-
tions about Richmond in particular. We heard it said that there was
considerable smuggling going on between Maryland and Virginia. At
Tullahoma we found Ricketts, a scout sent out from this office, in chains,
sentenced to be shot as a spy ; another, by name Kelley, was shot there
some days since as a spy."
THE MISSES ELLIOTT. 577
The Misses Elliott.
Only excepting Charleston, perhaps no more determined, fanatical lady-
rebels can be found than in the city of Nashville. The following is a case
where two stylish young ladies of that city were dealt with.
" Office Chief of Army Police, Nashville, May 2, 1863.
"Gexeral: —
" I herewith submit you the papers in the case of Misses Susie and Mary
Elliott, daughters of Dr. Elliott, a chaplain in the so-called Confederate
army. These young ladies reside with their mother in this city. Their
father and two brothers are in the rebel army. They returned to this city
on Thursday afternoon, contrary to orders (see pass), and were arrested.
After having their baggage examined (finding amongst it a large number of
letters to parties residing in this city and elsewhere), they were placed under
guard. Both and each of them stated that their sympathies were with those
in rebellion. They are extreme Southern sympathizers. They contemplated
returning South. When asked whether they visited the rebel camps, they
declined answering ; and to all questions relative to the Confederate army
they refused giving answers. Miss Susie Elliott hud a Federal officer's belt
in her possession, which she stated was worn by a rebel officer at the battle
of Stone River last December. They are young women of education, and,
judging from their abilities, if allowed to remain in this city are capable
of doing injury to the cause for which we are so earnestly striving. I
would especially call your attention to the conditions of the pass on which
they left this city ; further, to the letter of their father (C. D. Elliott), in
which he states that his family ' will take no oath and give no parole.'
The sympathies of the whole family are extremely Southern.
" I am, general, your obedient servant,
"William Truesdail,
" Chief of Army Police."
The following is a copy of the pass in question : —
"Head-Quarters, Nashville, March 24, 1863.
" The guards and pickets will pass Miss Mary and Susan Elliott through
our lines on the Hardin pike, with carriage, driver, and private baggage,
not to return without permission from these head-quarters.
" Good for three days.
"Robert B. Mitchell,
"Brigadier-General commanding Post."
One of the Misses Elliott made the following statement, in which the
other concurred upon being requested to do so, at the army police office at
Nashville : —
578 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
"I am a resident of Nashville. On or about the 23d of March, I,
with my sister Mary, obtained, through the influence of our uncle, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel G. F. Elliott, late of the 69th Regiment Ohio Volunteers,
a pass to go out on the Hardin pike. The said pass was marked ' good for
three days,' by special request made by my sister. We went out on the
Hardin pike on the 26th of March, and proceeded to Shelbyville to see my
father and brother and to obtain some money. These facts we stated to
General Mitchell before obtaining our pass. We arrived at Shelbyville on
Wednesday evening, April 2, and went to the residence of Mr. John Cowan,
where my father was stopping. We remained at Shelbyville quite a num-
ber of days, and then proceeded, in company with my father, to Fayetteville
to visit a brother (ten years of age), then lying sick. We stopped at
Fayetteville some days, returned to Shelbyville, remainecWthere a few days,
and then proceeded to return to Nashville, where we arrived this afternoon.
Whether I went through the camps of the so-called Confederate army or
not I do not feel inclined to state. Neither is it agreeable for me to state
any thing about the rebel army in any particular. I decline to make any
statement as to any of the generals. I obtained the belt that was taken
from me by Colonel Truesdail from a cousin of mine, at Shelbyville. His
name is Bright Morgan. It was worn at the battle of Murfreesborough by
a young man by the name of John Morgan.
" Susie E. Elliott.
" I subscribe to this statement. " Mary Elliott."
Among the papers of the Misses Elliott were found the passes they had
used in Dixie. Let us preserve them in the " Annals."
" Days .
" No. .
" Peovost-Marshal's Office, Shelbyville, Tenn., April 6, 1863.
" Pass Dr. Elliott and two daughters to Fayetteville, Tennessee, upon
honor not to communicate any thing that may prove detrimental to the
Confederate States.
" (Signed) Wm. B. Dallas, for J. M. Hawkins,
"Major and Provost-Marshal."
" Shelbyville, April 26, 1863.
" Confederate States or America. — Guards and pickets will pass Miss
Susie Elliott to Nashville and return. Baggage not to be searched.
"C. A. Thompson,
" Colonel Confederate Army."
As usual, the letters found with these young ladies were mainly of a
domestic, melancholy character. We subjoin the following extract from a
letter — writer unknown to us— to Mark Cockrill, Esq., of Nashville :—
THE MISSES ELLIOTT. 579
'' "N e are all doing well, — doing extremely well, considering that we are
confined to the limits of the army, and are dieted — from necessity — to oven
beans and corn bread, — all of which we get in greatest plenty. The
rumor which you all have afloat about the rations of our army being short
is not true. As yet we have plenty ; and there seems to be very good prospect
of the continuation of that abundance. The South is full of corn, and the
wheat-crop in the portion of Tennessee which we hold is very fine.
Provisions South are all purchased by the army, and 'tis very difficult for
families to procure the necessaries of life ; and I would advise you all not to
come unless you are unsufferably oppressed."
The subjoined letter is also readable. Our readers in Nashville will know
to whom it is addressed : —
"Shelbyville, April 26, 1863.
" Dear Niece: —
" Tell Dewess that I am happy and proud to know that he is still faithful
to the cause of the South, and that it is my sincerest prayer and firmest
belief that he will remain so. Tell him that his old friends in the army
understand his position, appreciate his feelings, and sympathize with him ;
and tell him, above all, that if necessary he must sacrifice his own hap-
piness to that of his mother, and in the end all will be well. Now comes
the secret and equally foolish part. Tell Mary — I can't say Miss Mary —
that I still love, but without hope ; and I can only hope that she will think
of me as a friend and as the friend of her brother. Do you think she would
correspond with me? — as a friend, I mean. Write to me about all these
things as soon as you can. I enclose a very brief note for Miss Bessie
Thompson. Be certain to let no one see it, and give it to her the first oppor-
tunity you have. Tell grandma that I would write now, but that you can
tell her every thing, and that it is unsafe for you to carry letters, and that
I will write the first chance I have. The rebels will be in Nashville this
summer ; but you must not wait for them, but come out as soon as you can.
Give my best love to grandma, Aunt Lizzie, Julia, Lizzie, Uncle Frank, and
all my friends in Nashville. Remember me to Ellen, Ann, and all the
servants, if they are there. But I must close. My -very best love to Mary
and yourself. Porter."
Attached to this epistle is the following order for "something to wear,"
&c, for which the valiant " Porter," it seems, has to look to the miserable
Yankee mudsills : —
Order for Bill of Goods for Summer.
" Socks, drawers, and other summer clothes, with my black suit, soft hat,
shoes, and two pair kid gloves, pants suitable for summer ; a suit of summer
clothes : let the clothes be a dark gray ; two tooth-brushes, and three fine
combs."
List of prices of different articles in the South, contained in one of the
letters found with the Misses Elliott.
580 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
Ginger-cakes, 50 cents to Si-
Candy, $10 per pound, 25 cents per stick.
Tobacco, $3 to §4 per pound.
" smoking, $3.50 to $4 per pound.
Whiskey, $40 to $50 per gallon,— all taken at that.
Sardines, $4 to $5 per box, 50 cents each retail.
Wine, $8 to $10 per bottle,— $100 to get tight.
Cigars, 12J cents, 15 cents, and 25 cents each. Sticking-plaster, to draw
on back of neck, thrown in.
Pocket-knives, $12, $15, and $20 each, — prices sharp as razors.
Oysters, $1 per dozen, $6 per can, — three years old.
Breakfast at restaurant, $16 ; wine extra.
Eggs, $1.50, $2, and $3 per dozen ; chickens thrown in.
Butter, $2 and $3 per pound. " Whistle and it comes to you."
Pan-cakes, 50 cents each. " One lasts all day."
The Misses Elliott were sent South speedily, to revel in the full enjoyment
of all their " rights," where it is to be hoped they will ere long become
wiser and better women.
Killdare, the Scout.
One of the most active and efficient men in the secret service is Killdare,
the scout. For prudential reasons, we withhold his real name. The cir-
cumstances attending his first introduction to the Chief of Police and leading
to his subsequent employment by that official have already been related in
a preceding sketch, — " A Nest of Nashville Smugglers," — and need not be
repeated here. Whatever it is necessary to know of his personal history,
too, is there told ; and all that the author proposes in this notice is to give, as
nearly in his own words as possible, the report of two trips which he made
into the rebel lines. In themselves interesting narratives, affording an inside
view of rebeldom, they become still more so as a descriptive revelation of
some of the devices and subterfuges necessarily resorted to by this class of
men in the prosecution of their dangerous and most important enterprises.
In March last, Killdare left Nashville on horseback with a small stock
of goods, of less than a hundred dollars in value, with the purpose of making
his way into and through a certain portion of the Confederacy. Swimming
his horse across Harpeth Creek, and himself crossing in a canoe, he jour-
neyed on, and passed the night at a house some six miles beyond Columbia,
having previously fallen in with some of Forrest's men going to Columbia.
The next morning he started for Shelbyville, where he arrived in due
season. What there, and in the subsequent portions of his trip, occurred,
we will let him tell in his own words.
" When I arrived, I could find stabling, but no feed, for my horse. I put
THE SCOUT. 581
the animal in the kitchen of a house, and gave a boy five dollars to get me a
half-bushel of corn, there being none in the town. I sold the little stock of
goods to the firm of James Carr & Co., of Nashville, who gave me eight
hundred dollars for the lot, and then went to visit General Frank Cheatham,
General Maney, and General Bates, whom I saw at the house where I
stopped. At the head-quarters of General Cheatham, Colonel A arrived
from the front, and stated in my presence that the whole Federal line had
fallen back ; and I further understood from the generals present and Colonel
A that there would be no fight at Shelbyville. They said that probably
there would be some skirmishing by the Federals, but that the battle would
be fought at Tullahoma, and they had not more than one corps at Shelby-
ville, which is under General Polk.
" Forage and provisions for man and beast it is utterly impossible to obtain
in the vicinity of Shelbyville. The forage-trains go as far as Lewisport, in
Giles county, and the forage is then shipped to Tullahoma, and even farther
back, for safe keeping, — as far as Bridgeport. Confederate money is two
for one of Georgia ; Tennessee, two and one-half for one.
" I next went to Tullahoma ; and there I met on the cars a major on
Bragg's staff1, and scraped an acquaintance through the introduction of
a Nashville gentleman. "When we arrived within a few miles of Tullahoma,
he made a short statement to me, called me to the platform, and pointed
out the rifle-pits and breastworks, which extended on each side of the rail-
road about a mile, in not quite a right angle. The whole force of Bragg's
army is composed of fifty-five thousand men, well disciplined : twenty
thousand of them are cavalry. When I left Tullahoma, I could not buy
meat nor bread. When I arrived at Chattanooga, I gave a nigger one dollar
for a drink of whiskey, one dollar for a small cake, and fifty cents for two
eggs, which I took for subsistence and started for Atlanta. I met, going
thitherward, a good many acquaintances on the trains. When I arrived at
Atlanta, I found a perfect panic in money-matters. Georgia money was at
seventy-five cents premium, and going up ; gold, four and five dollars for
one. I remained at Atlanta three days. Full one-half of those I met were
from Nashville : they were glad to see me.
"I commenced my return to Tullahoma with a captain from Nashville,
who also showed me the rifle-pits, as I before stated. I made my way on
to Shelbyville, and then I got a pass from the provost-marshal — a Major
Hawkins — to Columbia, where I arrived on Sunday morning. There I
found Forrest and his command had crossed Duck River on their way to
Franklin. As I started from the Nelson Hotel to the provost-marshal's
office, I was arrested on the square as a straggling soldier ; but I proved
myself the contrary, and started without a pass to Williamsport. There
some fool asked me if I had a pass. I told him ' yes/ and showed him the
pass 1 had from Shelbyville to Columbia and the documents I had in my
possession, which he could not read. I gave the ferryman a five-dollar
piece to take me across the river, and he vouched for my pass, — when I
safely arrived at the Federal pickets."
582 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
About a month after this, Killdare made another, and his last, trip, the
full report of which is subjoined. It will be seen that he was watched and
several times arrested. Though he finally escaped, his usefulness as a spy-
was totally destroyed, his name, appearance, and business having been
betrayed to the enemy. He has consequently retired from the business.
On his return he made the following report : —
" 1 left the city of Nashville on Tuesday, the 14th instant, to go South,
taking with me a few goods to peddle. I passed down the Charlotte pike,
and travelled two miles up the Richland Creek, then crossed over to the
Hardin pike, following that road to Harpeth Creek, and crossed below De
Morse's mill. At the mill I met De Morse, who said to me, ' Killdare,
do you make another trip V I replied, ' I do not know.' De Morse then
said, ' If you get below the meeting-house you are saved,' and smiled. I
proceeded on my way until I came to a blacksmith-shop on the pike, at
which a gentleman by the name of Marlin came out and asked if I had
heard any thing of Sanford being killed on the evening of the 13th instant.
I told Marlin I did not know any thing about it, and proceeded on to South
Harper to Squire Allison's, which is seventeen miles from Nashville. I
then fed my mules, stopped about one hour, and proceeded across South
Harper towards Williamsport.
" About one mile the other side of South Harper, two rebel scouts came
galloping up, and asked me what I had for sale. I told them needles, pins,
and playing-cards. They then inquired, ' Have you any papers to go
South V I replied I had, and showed them some recommendations. They
asked me to get down from my carryall, as they wanted to talk with me.
This I did ; and they then asked, —
" ' Have you any pistols V
" ' No,' I replied.
" Stepping back a few paces, and each drawing a pistol, one of them
said, ' You scoundrel, you are our prisoner : you are a Yankee
spy, and you carry letters from the South, and at the dead hour of
night you carry these letters to Truesdail's office. "We lost a very valuable
man on Monday while attempting to arrest you at your house : his name
was Sanford, and he was a great deal thought of by General Van Dorn. So
now we've got you, you, turn your wagon round and go back.'
" "We turned and went to Squire Allison's again, at which place I met Dr.
Morton, from Nashville, whom I requested to assist in getting me released.
Dr. Morton spoke to the men, who, in reply, said, ' "We have orders to
arrest him as a spy, for carrying letters to Truesdail's head-quarters.' They
then turned back to South Harper Creek, and took me up the creek about
one mile, where we met about eight more of these scouts and Colonel
McNairy, of Nashville, who was riding along in a buggy. The lieutenant
in command of the squad wrote a despatch to Van Dorn, and gave it to one
of the men, by the name of Thompson, who had me in custody, and we then
proceeded up the creek to Spring Hill, towards the head-quarters of General
KILLDARE, THE SCOUT. 583
"\ an Dorn. About six miles up the creek, Thompson learned I had some
whiskey, which I gave him, and of which he drank until he got pretty well
intoxicated. In the neighborhood of Ivy we stopped until about six o'clock
in the evening. About one mile from Ivy the wheel of my carryall broke.
A neighbor came to us with an axe and put a pole under the axletree, and
we proceeded on our way. "We had gone but a few hundred yards when the
wagon turned over : we righted it, and Thompson took a carpet-sack full
of goods, filled his pockets, and then told me "to go to : he would
not take me to head-quarters.' Changing his mind, however, he said he
icouhl, as he had orders so to do, and showed me the despatch written by
Lieutenant Johnson to General Van Dorn. It read as follows : —
" ' I have succeeded in capturing Mr. Killdare. Archy Cheatham, of
Xashville, says Killdare is not loyal to the Confederacy. The Federals
have mounted five hundred light infantry. Sanford's being killed is con-
firmed. (Signed) Lieut. Johnson.'
" Thompson, being very drunk, left me, taking the goods he stole. Two
citizens came up shortly and told me to turn round, and stop all night at
Isaac Ivy's, 1st District, "Williamson county. There we took the remainder
of the goods into the house. At three o'clock in the morning a negro
woman came and knocked at the door.
" Mr. Ivy says, ' "What do you want?'
" ' A soldier is down at the creek, and wants to know where his prisoner
is,' was the reply.
" ' What has he done with the goods he took from that man?'
" ' He has left them at our house, and has just started up the creek as I
came up.'
" ' That will do. Go on.'
" I was awake, and tried to make my escape, asking Mr. Ivy if he had a
couple of saddles to loan me. He said he had ; and I borrowed from him
seven dollars, as Thompson took all my money (fifty dollars in Georgia
currency). He (Ivy) then told me the route I should take, — going a few
miles towards Franklin, and then turn towards my home in Nashville.
Taking Ivy's advice, we proceeded on our way towards Franklin. About
eight miles from Franklin, four guerrillas came up to me and fired two
pistols. ' Halt !' said they : ' you want to make your way to the Yankees.
We have a notion to kill you, any way.'
" They then ordered me to turn, which I did, — two going behind, whipping
the mules, and hooting and hallooing at a great rate. We then turned
back to Ivy's. When we got there, I said, —
" ' "Where is Thompson, my guard, who told me to go on?'
" ' He was here early this morning, and has gone up the hill hunting you,
after borrowing my shot-gun,' was the answer.
" Some conversation ensued between the parties, when Ivy wrote a note to
General Van Dorn and gave it to Thompson. Ivy then gave us our equip-
584 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
age, and we went towards Spring Hill. On the way we met, on Carter's
Creek pike, a camp of four hundred Texan Rangers. We arrived at Spring
Hill at sundown of the day following. At Van Dorn's head-quarters I
asked for an interview with the general, which was not allowed, but was
ordered to Columbia to prison until further orders.
"On Friday evening a Nashville soldier who stood sentinel let me out,
and said, ' You have no business here.' I made my way towards Shelby-
ville, crossed over Duck Creek ; made my way to the Louisburg and Frank-
lin pike, and started towards Franklin. Before we got to the pickets
we took to the woods, and thus got round the pickets. A farmer reported
having seen me to the guard, and I was taken again towards Van Dorn's
head-quarters, six miles distant. I had gone about one mile, when I fell in
with Colonel Lewis's command, and was turned over to an orderly-ser-
geant with whom I was acquainted and by whom I was taken to the head-
quarters of Colonel Lewis. There I was discharged from arrest, and was
told by the colonel what route I should take in order to avoid the scouts.
I then started towards Columbia, and thence towards Hillsborough. At
Hillsborough I met a friend by the name of Parkham, who guided me
within five miles of Franklin, where I arrived at daylight this morning.
On Friday last Colonel Forrest passed through Columbia with his force
(three thousand strong), and six pieces of artillery, to Decatur, Alabama.
One regiment went to Florence. The whole force under Van Dorn at Spring
Hill does not exceed four thousand ; and they are poorly clothed. I under-
stood that the force was moving towards Tennessee River, in order to inter-
cept forces that were being sent out by General Grant.
" Sam. Killdare."
This Archy Cheatham, who it appears had informed upon Killdare, was
a Government contractor, and professed to be loyal. The manner in which
he obtained his information was in this wise.
One day a genteel, well-dressed young man came to the police office and
inquired for Judge Brien, an employe of the office. The two, it seems, were
old acquaintances, and for some time maintained a friendly conversation
in the presence of Colonel Truesdail. The visitor, whose name was Stewart,
having taken his leave, Brien remarked to the colonel, —
" There is a young man who can do us a great deal of good."
" Do you know him ?" said the colonel.
" Very well. He talks right."
The result was that Stewart and Colonel Truesdail soon afterwards had
a private conversation in reference to the matter. Stewart stated that he
lived about two miles from the city upon his plantation, that he was inti-
mate with many prominent secessionists, was regarded as a good Southern
man, and could go anywhere within the lines of the Confederacy. The
colonel replied that he was in want of just such a man, and that he could
be the means of accomplishing great good. It was an office, however, of
vast responsibility, and, if he should be employed, he would be required to
THE SCOUT. 585
take a very stringent and solemn oath, which was read to him. To all this
Stewart assented, and took the oath, only stipulating that he should never
be mentioned as having any connection with the police office. He was con-
sequently employed, and told to go to work at once.
For a time all seemed well enough. One or two minor cases of smuggling
were developed by him. He subsequently reported that he had become
acquainted with the cashier of the Planters' Bank and a Mrs. Bradford,
who lived five miles from the city and made herself very busy in carrying
letters, in which she was aided by Cantrell, the cashier. He was also in
the habit of meeting large numbers of secessionists, among whom was Archy
Cheatham. He also was a member of a club or association which met every
Saturday to devise ways and means for aiding the rebellion, and at which
Mrs. Bradford and Cantrell were constant attendants. One day he re-
ported that Mrs. Bradford was just going to carry out what was ostensibly
a barrel of flour, but really a barrel of contraband goods covered over with
flour at each end. And so it went on from week to week. Somebody was
just going to do something, but never did it, or was never detected ; and,
despite the many fair promises of Stewart, the results of his labors were not
deemed satisfactory.
On the night that Killdare came in from his last trip, Stewart was at the
office. Something was evidently wrong, and Stewart soon left. To some
natural inquiries of the colonel, Killdare answered, excitedly, —
" Somebody has nearly ruined me, colonel!"
" How is that, and who can it be ?"
""Well, I am sure that it is a man by the name of Stewart and Archy
Cheatham who have done the mischief. Cheatham has been out in the
country some fourteen miles, and there he met Lieutenant Johnson, whom
he told that I was disloyal to the Confederacy and one of your spies. The
result was that I was arrested, and came near — altogether too near hang-
ing for comfort. Johnson telegraphed to Van Dorn that he had caught
me ; but I got away, and, to make a long story short, have been arrested
and have escaped three times."
This opened the colonel's eyes somewhat, and inquiries were at once set
on foot, which disclosed the fact that Stewart was a rebel of the deepest dye
and had been " playing off" all the time. It was found that he had not
only informed Cheatham of Killdare's business and position, but had him-
self been out in the country some fourteen miles, and had told the neighbors
that Killdare had gone South in Truesdail's employ. He told the same
thing to two guerrillas whom he met, and even taunted Killdare's children
by saying that he knew where their father had gone. The colonel, for
once, had been thoroughly deceived by appearances ; but it was the first
and last time. After a month or six weeks' search, Stewart was found and
committed to the penitentiary ; and before he leaves that institution it is by
no means improbable that he will have ample time and opportunity to con-
clude that his operations, though sharp and skilful, were not of the most
profitable character.
586 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
Death of a Eebel General and Villain.
The name of the rebel General Earl Van Dorn will figure largely in the
history of the rebellion in the Southwest. A bold, bad, brave man, his
sudden and tragic death is a fit ending of his earthly career. A betrayer
of his country, of his own home and fireside, and of the honor and peace
of another once loved and happy family, the penalty he paid for his crimes
was merited, if not lawful. The several newspaper versions of the affair
heretofore published are grossly incorrect ; and to the records of the police
of the Army of the Cumberland we can appeal with confidence in the
truthfulness of their revelations.
Upon the escape of Dr. George B. Peters and his arrival within the lines
of the Federal army, Colonel Truesdail, then at Murfreesborough, learning
of his arrival, ordered him to be held, that he might be examined as to the
facts touching his killing of Earl Van Dorn, and also as to his political
sentiments, whereupon he was arrested and held until Colonel Truesdail's
return, and the following narrative of facts obtained, as well as conclusive
evidence that he was and had been a loyal citizen to the United States
Government.
" Office of Army Police, Nashville, May 23, 1863.
"VOLUNTARY STATEMENT OF DR. GEORGE B. PETERS.
" I was born in the State of North Carolina, and raised in Murray county,
Tennessee, where I now reside. I have practised medicine twenty-three
years in Bolivar, Hardeman county, Tennessee. I was State Senator
from the Twenty-First Senatorial District of Tennessee in the years 1859—
60-61. For some years past I have been planting in Philips county, Ar-
kansas, where I have been constantly during the last twelve months. After
the Federal troops reached Helena, Arkansas, and had possession of the
Mississippi Kiver to that point, I went to Memphis and took the oath of
allegiance to the United States Government. This was in the summer of
1862. After that time I dealt in cotton and carried supplies to my neigh-
bors by consent of the military authorities there commanding, and never
went beyond the Federal lines until recently. I have in my possession
safeguards from Rear-Admiral Porter, commanding gunboat flotilla, and
Major-General U. S. Grant, commanding Department of Mississippi, for the
protection of my property. About the 4th day of April, 1863, I came to
Memphis and obtained a pass to go to Bolivar, Tennessee, at which place
I received a pass from General Brannan, commanding post, to pass out of
the Federal lines, my intention being to go to Spring Hill, Murray county,
where my wife and family were staying. I arrived at my home on the 12th
of April, and was alarmed at the distressing rumors which prevailed in the
neighborhood in relation to the attentions paid by General Van Dorn to my
wife. I was soon convinced of his intentional guilt,— although a doubt still
lingered on my mind as to the guilt of my wife. After witnessing many
incidents too numerous and unpleasant to relate, and which confirmed the
DEATH OF A REBEL GENERAL AND VILLAIN. 587
guilt of General Van Dorn, on one occasion, when a servant brought a note
to my house, I distinctly told him I would blow his brains out if he ever
entered the premises again, and to tell his whiskey-headed master, General
Van Dorn, that I would blow his brains out, or any of his staff that stepped
their foot inside of the lawn, and I wanted them to distinctly understand it.
My wife did not hear this order.
" Notwithstanding all this, I came to Nashville on the 22d of April, and
was exceedingly mortified on my return home to hear that Van Dorn had
visited my house every night by himself during my absence, my wife
having no company but her little children. I then determined to catch the
villain at his tricks : so I feigned a trip to Shelbyville, but really did not
leave the premises. The second night after my supposed and pretended
absence, I came upon the creature, about half-past two o'clock at night,
where I expected to find him. He readily acknowledged my right to kill
him, and I fully intended to do so, — gave him a few moments to make
certain declarations, — in which he intended to exonerate my wife from dis-
honor and to inculpate himself completely, — and, upon his agreeing to make
certain acknowledgments over his own signature, I agreed to give his life
to his wife and children. He readily, upon the honor of a soldier, accepted
the proposition, but stated that he cared but little for his wife. I then
ordered him off, and we parted about three o'clock. Next day, being sick
in bed, I was unable to call upon him as agreed upon between us ; but the
second morning, after having recruited my health sufficiently, I called upon
him and notified him that I was ready to receive that written acknowledg-
ment,— when he attempted to evade it by springing a discussion as to its
propriety. I unhesitatingly told him I would give him one half-hour, and
further told him that he knew what the consequence would be in case of a
refusal to comply. I then went up through the village to communicate to
a friend these facts, inasmuch as no one else was privy to them. At the
expiration of the time, I returned to Van Dorn's head-quarters, and found
him engaged in writing. He stopped and read to me what he had written.
The first proposition was written out in accordance with the previous inter-
view ; the second was a misrepresentation and lie ; the remaining two he
utterly refused to comply with. I then denounced him for his bad faith ;
and he in reply said it would injure the cause, the service, and his reputa-
tion for that thing to be made public. I answered, ' You did not think so
thirty hours ago, when your life was in my hands : you were then ready
to promise any thing. Now you think I am in your power, and you will do
nothing ; but, sir, if you don't comply with my demands I will instantly
blow your brains out.' He replied, scowlingly, ' You d — d cowardly dog,
take that door, or I will kick you out of it.' I immediately drew my pistol,
aiming to shoot him in the forehead, when, by a convulsive movement
of his head, he received the shot in the left side of his head just above the
ear, killing him instantly. I picked up the scroll he had written, for evi-
dence. I then went to Shelbyville to surrender myself to General Polk,
believing they would not arrest me. Finding out, however, that they
588 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
intended arresting and incarcerating me, I came around by McMinnvilJe,
thence by Gallatin to Nashville, within the Federal lines. I shot him
about eight o'clock in the morning. Van Dorn -was seated at his desk.
When I arrived at Spring Hill first, Van Dorn immediately had me paroled.
When I reached Nashville, having left my certificate of having taken the
oath of allegiance at Memphis, I renewed the oath and gave security.
" George B. Peters."
Prison- Experience of a Union Spy.
As an illustration of the cruelty of the Southern rebels, the following nar-
rative of James Pike, a member of Company A, 4th Ohio Cavalry, is given
in his own words. Upon leaving Macon, Georgia, he came to Richmond,
and after considerable delay he was exchanged and went to Ohio, where he
was ordered to report to Governor Tod, who sent him to his command at
Murfreesborough. Much of Pike's statement has been fully corroborated
by other testimony. The spirit which could prompt such treatment towards
helpless prisoners needs no comment. It exhibits a phase of Southern cha-
racter which should call to the cheek of every friend of humanity a flush of
indignation, and inspire within his breast a determination to visit upon the
heads of these violators of the laws of humanity and civilization well-merited
retribution.
" Murfreesborough, March 22, 1863.
" On the 24th of April, 1862, 1 was taken prisoner near the town of Bridge-
port, Tennessee, by a battalion of rebel cavalry under command of a Colonel
Starns. I was alone on a scout at the time, and fell in with nine of the
enemy's pickets. I got the first shot, and killed the sergeant (so I was told
by Captain Poe, who had command of the pickets). I was pursued by five
companies of cavalry. After running several miles, I was obliged to stop
and dismount at a house to get something to eat, and while there was sur-
rounded by one of the pursuing companies and captured. I was then tied
on a horse and carried over a mountain to where the battalion was camped,
arriving there about nine o'clock p.m. When we got there, I was immediately
surrounded by about two hundred men, some crying, ' Hang him 1' ' Shoot
him !' ' Shoot the d d Yankee !' and several levelled their guns on me,
some of them being cocked. A Captain Haines told them that I wa.s his
prisoner and under his protection, and he detailed twenty-four men to guard
me, placing two men at each corner of my blanket. When we went to bed,
the captain lay down on one side of me and his first lieutenant on the
other ; and in this way I was preserved from assassination.
" The next day I was taken to Bridgeport. I fared very well at that place ;
but the day following I was taken to Chattanooga and confined in the jail, a
PRISON-EXPERIENCE OP A UNION SPY. 589
two-story building. The upper story, where I was confined, was about
twelve feet square. Here were confined nineteen Tennesseeans, a negro, and
myself. In the dungeon, which was only ten feet square, were confined
twenty-one men belonging to the 2d, the 31st, and 33d Ohio Infantry, who
were charged with being spies. They were under command of a Captain
Andrews, who was then under sentence of death by a court-martial recently
held at Chattanooga. They were waiting for the Secretary of War at Eich-
mond to ratify the proceedings of the court-martial previous to executing
the captain, and they said if they were ratified that the rest would certainly
be hung. I was afterwards informed by the rebels that Andrews and eight
of the men were hung at Atlanta, Georgia. I was told subsequently by
rebel citizens that they hung Andrews and seventeen men. I once went
into the dungeon where these men were, and found them handcuffed, and
chained in pairs by the neck with a heavy chain, which was locked around
each man's neck with a padlock that would weigh two pounds. These
padlocks were larger than a man's hand. We were fed twice a day on
tolerably good bread, spoiled beef, and coffee made of cane-seed. There was
no sink in the jail; and our offal stood in a bucket in the room where we
were confined, day and night, and was only emptied twice a day, and of
course the stench was intolerable. We were denied the privilege of washing
our clothes, or having it done. The jail was literally swarming with vermin,
nor was it ever cleaned uut.
"From Chattanooga I was taken to Knoxville to another jail, and confined
in an iron cage. Here I was told by a man named Fox, the jailer, that I
was brought to Knoxville to be tried by a court-martial as a spy, and that
if I was tried I would no doubt be hung. This court-martial adjourned
without bringing me to a trial, as did the one at Chattanooga. From there
I was sent to Mobile, where another court-martial was in session. After
keeping me about eight days at this place, I was next sent to Tuscaloosa,
Alabama. From this city I was taken, in company with all the prisoners
at that post, to Montgomery, Alabama. The first day out I was taken ill
with pneumonia and typhoid fever ; but the rebel surgeons refused me any
medicines, and even a bed, and I was left for twelve days lying on the deck
of the boat, with nothing to eat but corn-bread and beef, which latter, the
rebels said, had been packed five years. At Tuscaloosa they shot a Federal
soldier for looking out of a window, and wounded another in the face for the
same offence. At Montgomery they refused to let me go to a hospital,
although in an utterly helpless condition. Here they shot a Federal lieu-
tenant under the following circumstances : he had been allowed to go out
for milk, accompanied by a guard, and he was waiting for a woman to hand
the milk out through a window, when the guard gave the order to ' come on.'
' Wait a moment till I get my milk,' said the lieutenant. The guard made
no reply, but instantly shot him in the breast with a shotrgun, killing him
forthwith.
" From Montgomery I was taken to Macon, Georgia, in company with
twelve hundred others. Here we were allowed seven pounds of corn-meal
590 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
and two and a half pounds of bacon of bad quality for seven days. We
were allowed two surgeons and but very little medicine. Our men fared
badly here, being punished severely for the most trifling offences. One man,
named Cora, was kept tied up three days by the wrists to a tree, so that his
toes just touched the ground, because he helped kill a yearling calf that got
into the camp. A Floridian and two Kentuckians, political prisoners, were
confined in the jail of Macon on quarter-rations for twenty-two days. The
only offence they had committed was to attempt to escape from the prison-
lot. Our men were pegged down on the ground for any misdemeanor^
This was done by stretching out the limbs and driving a forked stick down
over them, and the operation was completed by driving one down over the
neck. It would be impossible to tell all of the hardships to which we were
subjected ; but I have endeavored to portray a few of them. They may be
summed up thus : —
" "We were confined in bad quarters, and many were without any quarters.
Our dead were left unburied for days together, and some entirely so, — at
least to our knowledge. We were denied medical attendance. Our chap-
lains were forbid preaching to us or praying for us (by order of Major
Rylander). Our men and officers were shot without cause. An insane
Federal was shot at Macon, Georgia, for no offence. We were compelled to
bury our dead in the river-banks where their bodies were liable to be
washed out. We were beaten with clubs while on board the steamer en
route for Montgomery, Alabama. We were fed on foul and unwholesome
diet, and frequently left without any rations for two or three days at a time.
Our exchange was delayed as long as possible, and we were confined in
camps surrounded by swamps, as the rebels said, that we all might die. I
find it impossible to enumerate all the hardships put upon us, but have enu-
merated such as were the most intolerable.
"James Pike,
" Co. A, 4th 0. V C."
Having thus been imprisoned in several of the Southern States, our spy
was finally exchanged in Virginia, and returned to our army in March last,
after eleven months of absence, and mostly of captivity.
A Nameless Spy.
We have a difficult task to perform in this chapter, — to describe the opera-
tions of one of the most daring and valuable spies of the Army of the
Cumberland, and yet to so protect him as regards identity that he may not
incur the risk of future injury, and perhaps of assassination, at the hands
of rebels or their sympathizers in the South. We are about to speak of a
A NAMELESS SPY. 591
spy who went into and came out from Bragg's army at Murfreesborough
three times during the week of battles at Stone River, — who even dined at
the table of Bragg and of his other generals, — who brought us correct in-
formation as to the force and position of the rebel army, and of the boasts
of its head-officers. This spy was the first to assure us positively that Bragg
would fight at Stone River, telling us of that general's boast that " he would
whip Rosecrans back to Nashville if it cost ten thousand men." For the four
days' service thus rendered by our spy he was paid five thousand dollars by
order of our general, and the author saw the money passed to him.
In 1862 there lived in the State of a Union man, with wife and
children. He was a friend of the Union, and an anti-slavery man upon
principle. After the rebellion broke out, and when the " Southern heart"
had become fired, this man, living in a strong pro-slavery region and sur-
rounded by opulent slaveholders, his own family connections and those
of his wife being also wealthy and bitter secessionists, very prudently held
his peace, feeling his utter inability to stem the tide of the rebellion in his
section. This reticence, together with his known Southern birth and
relations, enabled him to pass unsuspected, and almost unobserved, at
a time when Breckinridge, Marshall, Preston, and Buckner, and other
ardent politicians of Kentucky chose the rebellion as their portion and
endeavored to carry with them the State amidst a blaze of excitement.
Thus, without tacit admissions or any direct action upon his part, the gen-
tleman of whom we write was classed by the people of his section as a
secessionist.
Circumstances occurred during that year by which this person was
brought into contact with a Federal commander in Kentucky, General
Nelson. Their meeting and acquaintance was accidental. Mutual Union
sentiments begat personal sympathy and friendship. Nelson wished a cer-
tain service performed in the rebel territory, and he persuaded the citizen
to undertake it, — which the latter finally did as a matter of duty, we are
assured, rather than of gain, for he made no charge for the service after its
speedy and successful performance. Soon after, a similar work was neces-
sary ; and again was the citizen importuned, and he again consented, but
not considering himself as a professional spy.
During this or a similar trip, and while at Chattanooga, our man heard of
the sudden death of General Nelson. He was now at a loss what to do.
Finally he determined to return and report his business to Major-General
Rosecrans, who had assumed command of the Federal army. Thus resolved,
he proceeded to finish his mission. After ascertaining the position of mili-
tary affairs at Chattanooga, he came to Murfreesborough, where Bragg's
army was then collecting. Staying here several days, he was urged by his
Southern army friends to act as their spy in Kentucky. The better to
conceal his own feelings and position, he consented to do so, and he left
General Bragg's head-quarters to go to that State by way of Nashville,
feigning important business, and from thence to go to his home, passing
592 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
by and through Rosecrans's army as it lay stretched out between Nashville
and Louisville.
The nameless man now makes his way to the Federal head-quarters, seeks
a private interview with General Rosecrans, and states his ease fully as we
have just related. Here was something remarkable, surely, — a spy in the
confidence of the commanders of two great opposing armies ! Our general
took much pains to satisfy himself of the honesty and soundness of the
stranger. He was pleased with the man's candid manner, and his story
bore an air of consistency and truth. Yet he was a Southerner, surrounded
by rebellious influences, and enjoyed Bragg's confidence ; and what guarantee
could be given that he was a Union man at heart ? None ; and our general,
in great perplexity, held council with his Chief of Police, and requested the
latter to " dig up" the case to its very root. This was done ; but in what
manner we need not specially state. Satisfied that it would do to trust the
spy, to a certain extent at least, he was now sent on his way to perform
his mission for Bragg. At all events, that scheming general so supposed
when our man's report was made at the rebel head-quarters a few days
afterwards. His information was very acceptable to Bragg ; but we strongly
question its value to rebeldom, as the spy reported only what he was told by
that old fox Colonel Truesdail.
Perhaps the reader will inquire, how can we answer for the report thus
made to Bragg ? it may have been more true and valuable than we sup-
posed. Well, there is force in the query. We are fallen upon strange times,
when honesty, virtue, and patriotism are at heavy discount in rebeldom,
and the Indian's idea of the uncertainty of white men is by no means a
myth. However, we were then quite confident of the worthlessness of the
report of our spy to Bragg, because he had nothing else to tell him. For
five days did our spy keep himself locked in a private room in the police
building at Nashville. His meals were carried to him by a trusty servant.
His door was " shadowed" constantly by our best detectives, and so were
his steps if he ventured upon the street for a few moments after dark. It
was cold and bleak winter weather, and he toasted himself before his com-
fortable fire, read books and papers, and conferred often with the Chief of
Police and his assistant, affording them, strangers as they were to that
region of country, a fund of valuable information respecting the rebels of
Kentucky and Tennessee. He was a man of fine address and good in-
tellectual attainments. When our man concluded it was about time for
his return to Bragg's army, he was politely escorted by our mounted police
to a proper point beyond our lines, and by a route where he would see
nothing of our forces. The reader will now appreciate the grounds of our
confidence, we doubt not, in the worthlessness of at least one of General
Braxton Bragg's spy reports.
In due time this nameless gentleman again enters our lines, and is escorted
in by our pickets to the general commanding, to whom he reports in person
concerning all that is transpiring in Bragg's army at Murfreesborough, and
then he resumes his pleasant private quarters at the army police building.
A NAMELESS SPY. 593
How little could the rebel general Zollicoffer have thought, or have imagined
as the wildest dream, while building, his elegant house in High Street, Nash-
ville, that its gorgeous rooms should ever be devoted to such purposes ! After
a brief stay, another trip was made by our man to Bragg's head-quarters,
we using the same precautions as previously. In fact, our spy desired,
and even demanded, such attention at the hands of the Chief of Police.
Said he, —
" I am a stranger to you all. I can give you no guarantee whatever of my
good faith. It is alike due to you and to myself that I be allowed no'
opportunities for deceiving you."
The report he carried to Bragg on his second trip delighted the latter.
His officers talked with our man freely, and, after staying at Murfreesborough
two or three clays and riding and walking all about in the most innocent and
unconcerned manner, he was again sent back to Nashville to " fool that slow
Dutchman, Rosecrans," as one of the rebel officers remarked. Of the im-
portance of the report now brought to the " slow Dutchman" we need not
state further than that it contributed its due weight to a decision fraught
with tremendous consequences to the army and to the country. Marching-
orders were soon after issued for the advance of the Army of the Cumber-
land upon Murfreesborough.
Now commenced a period of excessive labor and peril for the nameless
spy. Generals Rosecrans and Bragg each wanted instant and constant
information as the armies approached. The minutiae of this man's work
for four or five days we need not stop to relate: it is easily imagined.
Within that time he entered the rebel lines and returned three times. He
gave the outline of Bragg's line of battle, a close estimate of his force, an
accurate account of his artillery and his earthworks, the movements of
the rebel wagon and railroad trains, &c. &c. ^ He was very earnest in
assuring Rosecrans that Bragg intended to give severe battle with supe-
rior numbers.
This information proved true in all essentials, and its value to the country
was inestimable. We had other spies piercing the rebel lines at this time,
but they did not enjoy the facilities possessed by the nameless one. Almost
with anguish did he exclaim against himself, in the presence of the author,
for the severe manner in which he was deceiving the rebel general and
involving the lives of his thousands of brave but deluded followers.
After the first great battle the work of such a spy is ended, or, rather,
it ceases when the shock of arms comes on. Thenceforth the armies are
moved upon the instant, as circumstances may require. Our man, who
during the four days had been almost incessantly in the saddle, or with
his ears and eyes painfully observant while in the camps, took leave of our
army upon the battle-field, and retired to a place of rest.
One incident occurred during his last visit to Bragg which is worthy of
mention. That general took alarm in consequence of his report, and at
once started a special messenger to General John H. Morgan — who was then
absent with his cavalry in Kentucky to destroy Rosecrans's railroad-com-
38
594 ARMY TOLICE RECORD.
munications (in which Morgan succeeded) — to return instantly with his
command by forced marches to Murfreesborough. That same night our
man reported this fact to the Federal commander, described the messenger
and what route he would take, &c. The information was telegraphed at
once to Nashville, Gallatin, and Bowling Green, and a force was sent from
each of those posts to intercept the messenger. They failed to apprehend
him, — which, however, proved of no consequence, as the battles of Stone
River were fought and Bragg was on his retreat from Murfreesborough by
the time Morgan could have received the orders.
Our spy was a brave man : yet dViring the last three days of his service
he was most sensible of its peril. To pass between hostile lines in the
lone hours of the night, — for he did not wait for daylight, — to be halted by
guerrillas and scouts and pickets, with guns aimed at him, and, finally,
to meet and satisfy the anxious, keen-eyed, heart-searching rebel officers
as well as our own, was a mental as well as physical demand that could
not long be sustained. While proceeding upon his last expedition, the
author met the nameless one upon a by-road. We halted our horses, drew
near, and conversed a few seconds in private, while our attendants and
companions moved on. He was greatly exhausted and soiled in appear-
ance,— his clothing having been rained upon and splashed by muddy water,
caused by hard riding, and which had dried upon him. He said he was
about to try it once more, and, though he had been so often and so success-
fully, yet he feared detection and its sure result, the bullet or the halter.
He had been unable, amid the hurry and excitement, to make some final
disposition of his affairs. He gave us a last message to send to his wife
and children in case it became necessary ; and he also desired a promise —
most freely given — that we would attend to the settlement of his account
with our general for services recently rendered. Thus concluding, he
wrung our hand most earnestly, and, putting spurs to his fresh and spirited
animal, dashed off upon his mission. Twenty hours afterwards we were
relieved of our anxious forebodings by his safe and successful return. We
have stated the price paid him for his labors : it was well earned, and to
our cause was a most profitable investment.
Nashville as a Type of the Eebellion.
The disorders which afflict a nation are most perceptible in a large city.
Congregated iniquity there spawns its mass of corruption, to fatten, fester,
and decay, and to reproduce itself in succeeding generations. The polluting
tide floods in, increasing wave upon wave, threatening society with its
utter contamination, and almost denying an expectation or hope that more
of good than evil can emanate from such a Nazareth.
NASHVILLE AS A TYPE OP THE REBELLION. 595
Seasonable fears are entertained, by many citizens, that, in some of the
larger cities of the United States, virtue and religion have lost their power
as controlling political forces, — that the true principles of government, upon
which alone a republic can be founded and maintained, are displaced by
those resulting from passion and vice, — and that it is already written that
Rome and her degenerate people, who were the sport and the prey of party
leaders and were lost two thousand years ago, will find a parallel in the
cities of the great Republic of the nineteenth century. But, happily, our
country is not all Rome. The people, who dwell in mountain, valley, and
plain, are yet pure; and through them the reigning vices of the city stews
are yet controlled and controllable. And when the present purification by
fire and the sword shall be complete, these rural virtues, shining all the
brighter, will blazon forth to the world, still higher and grander evidences
of man's capability of self-government.
The present rebellion was hatched in the cities of the South, by her par-
tisan leaders. From these centres of political influence there were sent
forth false doctrines during many years, intended as firebrands to enkindle
a terrible conflagration in " the Southern heart." To the Southern leaders
political power and place — only truly honorable when unsolicited — became
an all-absorbing passion. The natural growth of the free States, and the
consequent loss of political ascendency to the hitherto dominant South, dis-
turbed her politicians in their present desires and alarmed them respecting
the future: hence their rebellion, and their appeal to that "last argument
of kings," ultima ratio regum, — the musket and the sword.
In the Revolution of '76 the loyal people of our country sprang alike to
arms and achieved their independence as a republic. The rebellion of 1861
culminated in Southern cities, — among the wealthy, the aristocratic, and the
ambitious. It first broke forth at a point where the seeds of social dissolu-
tion of the republic had taken earliest and deepest root. The rural popula-
tion of the Southern States were not prepared for such a step : they held
back, appalled at the course of the leaders and their mobs in Charleston,
New Orleans, Mobile, and Nashville. By means and appliances the most
artful and the most violent, — which will fully test the patience and research
of the future historian to solve and portray, — the reluctant and protesting
rural population of the South, urged with all the mock philosophy of an
Antony, watched with the myriad prying eyes of an Argus, and forced as
by the hundred bloody hands of a Briareus, were launched into a hapless
sea of rebellion ; and thus were a great, happy, prosperous people seduced
into a causeless and destroying civil war.
We write of Nashville, — the gem and the boast of Tennessee, — the West-
ern queen of the vaunted Southern Confederacy, — where centred the wealth,
the aristocratic refinement, the talent, and the political influence of the
State. We charge it boldly upon that city that, by the grandest sublima-
tion of political finesse upon the part of her party leaders, rebellion was
inaugurated in old Tennessee, — the most populous and fertile and, as
regards -war-material, the most valuable of all the slave States. For this
596 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
reason have we chosen Xashville as a text for this chapter ; for truly her
past history and position, contrasted with her present prostrate condition,
present her as a memorable and pitiable type of the ponding rebellion.
The thousands of desecrated and burning homes of Tennessee are reflected
from her domes, and the countless graves of her lost and dishonored sons
have no monument save the profaned temples of this proud and ruined city.
Previous to 1801, Xashville was one of the most beautiful, gay, and pros-
perous cities of the Union. Her inhabitants numbered thirty thousand,
and were rapidly increasing. She was the wealthiest place of her class in
the country. Her public buildings and private edifices were of the grand-
est and most costly character. The State Capitol rose from a rock one
hundred and seventy-five feet above the Cumberland River, — is said to be
the finest structure of its kind in America, and cost over a million of
dollars. Church-edifices reared their tall spires upon every hand. An ex-
tensive State penitentiary, a medical college with three hundred students,
and a university, styled the "Western Military Institute" and boasting of
three hundred scholars, were here located. At one period twelve newspa-
pers were published* in this city, — five of them being dailies. She .possessed
a banking-capital of $5,181,000. Her suspension bridge, spanning the Cum-
berland River, was a glory in architecture and popular estimation, erected
at a cost of upwards of $100,000. Her public water and gas works were
ample, and built at great expense ; and she boasted of eight elegant stone
(Macadam) turnpikes leading to the interior in various directions and to
adjoining States. At her feet was poured the traffic from three extensive
railroad-thoroughfares, which extended hundreds of miles to Alabama, to
Georgia, and East Tennessee, and through Kentucky to Louisville. She
lay at the head of navigation of the Cumberland River, — a fine boating-
stream during two-thirds of the year and navigable for small craft the year
round. Her merchants controlled a vast cotton and tobacco trade, and
supplied the Southern interior, hundreds of miles in extent, with dry-goods,
hardware, and the thousand articles of American and foreign manufacture.
Her business streets were lined with monster mercantile concerns, and her
suburbs were resplendent with beautiful cottages and almost palatial man-
sions, and delightful groves of aged forest-trees. A visitor to this fair city
previous to the rebellion, when viewing all that we have just described,
and witnessing in addition the fleet of steamers at the levee, the rush of
business upon the streets, and the sweeping by of dashing carriages and
gayly-arrayed riding-parties mounted on blooded horses, might safely con-
clude that Xashville was one of the favored cities of the world.
The boom of the cannon that first opened upon Sumter proved the funeral
knell of all this peace and happiness. Intoxicated with prosperity, its
votaries abandoned the principles of government which alone had created
and secured it. Spoiled by a pernicious social system, they launched forth
upon an ocean of false doctrines which were repudiated by all civilized
nations. The story of the political storms in Tennessee, — of the persistent
efforts of the Xashville secession leaders, — of the several votes forced upon
NASHVILLE AS A TYPE OF THE REBELLION. 597
the people before secession could be invested with, a legal semblance, — of the
distrust and reluctance of the masses, — we need not pause to relate : it is
history.
Once fully committed to the rebellion, the rebel leaders at Richmond
deigned to throw some sops to their "Western " metropolis," and extensive
military depots were created, shops and foundries were set in motion,
cannon were cast, gunboats were put in process of construction, percussion-
caps, soldiers' clothing, &c. were manufactured by the million, and thousands
of hogs were packed for the use of the Confederate armies. Verily, it was
asserted that Nashville would speedily eclipse Louisville, Cincinnati, and St.
Louis, — that her prospects were excellent for becoming, in fact, the capital
of the great Southern Confederation.
Thus for a season affairs went on swimmingly in Nashville, and until the
fall of Fort Donelson occurred. Up to that period, almost, there had existed
a strong Union element in the city ; but the secessionists had taken measures
to root it out effectually, the prominent Union men being driven from their
homes to the North. A " vigilance committee" had been formed, its avowed
object being to " spot" every adherent to the old Government, and to notify
him to take the oath of allegiance to rebellion, to enter its ranks as a
soldier, or contribute visibly and liberally to its support, or to choose the
alternative, banishment from the place. Such a notice was served upon
the venerable patriot, Judge Catron, of the Supreme Court of the United
States, who was a resident of that city. He scornfully cast the dust of the
rebellious city from his feet, and left his home and property to their fate.
Upon the evening of the day preceding the surrender of Fort Donelson, the
rebel citizens of Nashville held high carnival. They met in a public place,
indulged in wild, vociferous speechification and shouts, and improvised a
torchlight procession, carrying secession flags, emblems, and transparencies,
bearing aloft huge, rough iron pikes, — which latter invention signified utter
demolition of the invading Yankees. The orgies were under the manage-
ment of little Dick Cheatham, the mayor of the city. Speeches were made
of an extravagant character, — a liberal portion of them being devoted to
denunciation of the Unionists of that city and State.
"Yes," quoth Cheatham, "drive 'em out from among us. Let me deal
with these traitors, and I will hang them first and try them afterwards !"
But there was a fate in store for the rebels of Nashville of which they
little dreamed. Up to the time above mentioned, all had gone well at
Donelson. Hourly reports came up that the Federal army was kept at bay
and their gunboats were repulsed. Steamers were plying busily between
the city and the fort, forwarding supplies and reinforcements. The weather
was extremely inclement, the late snows and rain-storms of winter being at
hand, and the men of both armies were suffering almost incredible hard-
ships, standing ankle-deep in the frozen slush and mud of the trenches.
Dunne the week previous, the ladies of Nashville, with a devotion worthy
of a better cause, had loaded a steamboat with carpets taken from their
floors, and spare bedding and warm clothing of all kinds, for their suffering
598 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
soldiers. Upon the surrender these carpets were found cut into strips, with
a hole in the centre, hanging over the shoulders of the half-frozen rebel
soldiers.
The Sabbath of February 16, 1862, is an epoch in the history of Nash-
ville and of Tennessee. Until ten o'clock that morning all was well with
the rebellion. The last boat up from Donelson, arriving several hours pre-
vious, reported still stronger evidences of the defeat of the Federals. At
the usual hour the church-bells of the city called its people forth to public
worship. It was a beautiful Sabbath morning, bright sunshine succeeding
many days of winter darkness and storm, and there was a general attend-
ance. The clergy of Nashville had offered their prayers for the rebellion, —
for they were wild secessionists to a man, — and had taken their texts, when,
lo ! a hum of excitement and commotion began to be manifest in the streets.
Soon notices were handed in at the doors and were carried to the sacred
desks. The ministers paused, and clutched eagerly at what they supposed
was welcome intelligence. They read it aloud with ashen cheek and falter-
ing tongue. Donelson had surrendered ! — the Confederate army was cap-
tured ! — the Federal gunboats were now on their way up the river to destroy
the city !
The people rushed from the churches, to find confusion and dismay visible
in the streets upon every hand. There was now a gathering-up of valuables
and a pressing of teams of every description. "Wagons, carts, drays, and
every animal that could be found were at once put in requisition. The city
authorities were palsied. The rebel army stores were opened, and the citi-
zens urged to aid in removing the vast amounts of pork, sugar, &c, to the
railroad depot and to the interior. But the people had their personal safety
nearest at heart, and the invitation was disregarded. A crowd of the poorer
classes swarmed around the commissary and quartermaster depots, and
began an indiscriminate appropriation of hams, shoulders, sugar, clothing,
and goods of every description. The wholesale stores, and even dry-goods
and silk houses, were burst open, or purposely thrown open, and whole
bolts of cloth, entire pieces of costly fabrics, arms-full of boots and shoes,
and rolls of new carpeting, were thrown pell-mell into the street, or lay
loose upon the floors and walks, awaiting the disposal of the mob. Squads
of soldiers assailed the beautiful suspension bridge with axes, saws, and
cold chisels, and, after hours of cursing and exertion, succeeded in utterly
destroying it. The elegant railroad-bridge was given to the flames. At
the State-House were to be seen gangs of excited men in shirt-sleeves, rush-
ing out with the archives and other valuable public property and tossing
them loosely into wagons, to be carried to the Chattanooga depot for instant
shipment to the South. Ere long the hegira of Nashville secessionism was
under full headway. Families were hurried off in every possible manner,
the turnpikes leading southward being lined with the fugitives. By sunset
all had gone who could go ; and these kept going all night, many of them
not stopping until they reached Shelbyville, Fayetteville, and even Hunts-
ville, Alabama.
NASHVILLE AS A TYPE OF THE REBELLION. 599
This frantic evacuation was in character with the preceding features of
the rebellion, — as wild and as causeless. Vast amounts of property were
needlessly destroyed, and the boastful secessionists who had so valiantly
carried the pikes in procession the night previous, and had cheered at the
spectacle, had shown the world that their courage was of words rather
than of deeds. No gunboats came up the river; and not until a full
week afterwards — the following Sabbath — did the Federal army arrive
opposite Nashville. The rebels thus had ample time to move off their stores
and goods. Lest this account of the rebel flight from Nashville be con-
sidered overdrawn, we insert the following description of the event from a
rebel source, — Pollard's " Southern History of the "War," published at Rich-
mond, Virginia, 1862.
" The fall of Fort Donelson developed the crisis in the West, which had
long existed. The evacuation of Bowling Green had become imperatively
necessary, and was ordered before and executed while the battle was being
fought at Donelson. General Johnston awaited the event opposite Nash-
ville. The result of the conflict each day was announced as favorable. At
midnight on the 15th of February, General Johnston received news of a
glorious victory, — at dawn, of a defeat.
" The blow was most disastrous. It involved the surrender of Nashville,
which was incapable of defence from its position, and was threatened not
only by the enemy's ascent of the Cumberland, but by the advance of his
forces from Bowling Green. Not more than eleven thousand effective men
had been left under General Johnston's command to oppose a column of
General Buell of not less than forty thousand troops, while the army from
Fort Donelson, with the gunboats and transports, had it in their power to
ascend 4he Cumberland, so as to intercept all communication with the
South. No alternative was left but to evacuate Nashville or sacrifice the
army.
" The evacuation of Nashville was attended by scenes of panic and dis-
tress on the part of the population unparalleled in the annals of any
American city. The excitement was intensified by the action of the
authorities-. Governor Harris mounted a horse and galloped through the
streets, proclaiming to everybody the news that Donelson had fallen, — that
the enemy were coming and might be expected hourly, and that all who
wished to leave had better do so at once. He next hastily convened the
Legislature, adjourned it to Memphis, and, with the legislators and the
State archives, left the town.
"An earthquake could not have shocked the city more. The congre-
gations at the churches were broken up in confusion and dismay ; women
and children rushed into the streets, wailing with terror ; trunks were
thrown from three-story windows in the haste of the fugitives ; and thou-
sands hastened to leave their beautiful city in the midst of the most dis-
tressing scenes of terror and confusion, and of plunder by the mob.
" General Johnston had moved the main body of his command to Mur-
freesborough, — a rear-guard being left in Nashville under General Floyd,
who had arrived from Donelson, to secure the stores and provisions. In
the first wild excitement of the panic, the store-houses had been thrown
open to the poor. They were besieged by a mob ravenous for spoils, and
who had to be dispersed from the commissariat by, jets of water from a
steam fire-engine. Women and children, even, were seen scudding through
the streets under loads of greasy pork, which they had taken as prizes from
the store-houses. It is believed that hundreds of families, among the lower
GOO ARMY POLICE RECORD.
orders of the population, secured and secreted Government stores enough to
open respectable groceries. It was with the greatest difficulty that General
Floyd could restore order and get his martial law into any thing like an
effective system. Blacks and whites had to be chased and captured and
forced to help the movement of Government stores. One man, who, after a
long chase, was captured, offered fight, and was in consequence shot and
badly wounded. Not less than one million of dollars in stores was lost
through the acts of the cowardly and ravenous mob of Nashville. General
Floyd and Colonel Forrest exhibited extraordinary energy and efficiency in
getting off Government stores. Colonel Forrest remained in the city about
twenty-four hours, with only forty men, after the arrival of the enemy at
Edgefield. These officers were assisted by the voluntary efforts of several
patriotic citizens of Nashville, who rendered them great assistance.
" These shameful scenes, enacted in the evacuation of Nashville, were
nothing more than the disgusting exhibitions of any mob brutalized by its
fears or excited by rapine. At any rate, the city speedily repaired the
injury done its reputation by a temporary panic, in the spirit of defiance
that its best citizens, and especially its ladies, offered to the enemy. We
discover, in fact, the most abundant evidence in the Northern newspapers
that the Federals did not find the ' Union' sentiment that they expected to
meet with in the capital of Tennessee, and that, if there were any indications
whatever of such sentiment, they were ' found only among the mechanics
and laboring-classes of the city.' The merchants and business-men of Nash-
ville, as a class, showed a firm, unwavering, and loyal attachment to the
cause of the South. The ladies gave instances of patriotism that were noble
testimonies to their sex. They refused the visits of Federal officers, and
disdained their recognition ; they collected a fund of money for the espe-
cial purpose of contributing to the needs of our prisoners ; and, says a
recipient of the bounty of these noble women, as soon as a Confederate
prisoner was paroled and passed into the next room, he found pressed in his
hands there a sum of money given him by the ladies of Nashville* Many
of the most respectable of the people had been constrained to leave their
homes rather than endure the presence of the enemy. The streets, which,
to confirm the predictions of Northern newspapers of the welcomes that
awaited the ' Union' army in the South, should have been gay and decorated,
presented to the enemy nothing but sad and gloomy aspects. Whole rows
of houses, which but a short while ago were occupied by families of wealth
and respectability, surrounded by all the circumstances that make homes
happy and prosperous, stood vacant, and the gaze of the passer-by was met,
instead of, as in former days, with fine tapestry window-curtains and neatly
polished marble steps with panes of dust-dimmed glass."
After a day or two, the valorous rebel citizens recovered from their fright,
began to realize the value and comforts of home, and commenced their
return to the city. During the entire week after the flight, Mayor Cheatham
was anxiously casting about for some appearing Federal force, to whom he
could perform the farce of a formal surrender of the city. Upon the suc-
ceeding Sabbath, the Federal army appeared across the river, and Cheatham
and one or two other city dignitaries crossed in " a dug-out," and, in terms
and manner very different from the week before, he tendered the submission
of the helpless and prostrate city.
As is related by the Southern historian above quoted, the Federal army
met with a chilling reception upon its entering Nashville. The streets were
almost deserted ; the stores and shops were entirely closed ; there was not a
NASHVILLE AS A TYPE OF THE REBELLION. 601
hotel open. Where but a few days before rebel flags had -waved de-
fiantly upon hundreds of house-tops, now not one could be seen to greet
the presence of national Government. If there were a few Unionists
present, they were as yet too greatly cowed, and the Federal power was
as yet too recently asserted, to permit a demonstration in the midst of such
universal hatred.
Matters thus remained during Buell's campaign in the South. Upon his
retreat to Kentucky in pursuit of Bragg, the rebel citizens of Nashville
were greatly emboldened. And when Bragg again retreated from Kentucky
and moved up to Murfreesborough, they were still confident of his victory
over the Federal forces ; for up to this time they had not lost confidence in
the ultimate success of the rebel armies and leaders. But when General
Rosecrans entered Nashville with his army, matters began to wear a differ-
ent aspect. Other causes also contributed to this result. New Orleans was
conquered and firmly held ; the national Government was beginning to put
forth its power in earnestness, — its vast armies and fleets assailing the
rebels upon every quarter ; and we had commenced undermining them in
their most vital point, by operating against them with their slaves. The
vast fortifications now being erected by the Federals around the city
assured them that they were conquered; and the influence of all this
upon such a people was plainly visible. Still they clung feebly to hope,
until after the final defeat of Bragg before Murfreesborough.
Oh, the anxiety, the agony, of the rebellious people of Nashville during
that week of battle ! Their fathers, brothers, and sons were mingling in
that conflict. Upon its result hung the issue of their cause. The boldest
of the men gathered in knots at their door-steps to discuss the probabilities,
while the women met in parlor groups, prepared lint and bandages, and
eagerly hoped for good tidings. "When the report of the first day of heavy
battle came in, announcing the defeat of Rosecrans's right wing, there was
intense joy and renewed hope in many a Nashville home. Rebels clustered
in the streets and flitted about their houses during all that eventful New
Year night. The next day they still had faith and hope ; and, as several
hundred rebel prisoners, taken in battle, were marched through the city to
the State-House, smiles and the waving of handkerchiefs greeted their
passage up the streets. The bitter truth came at last, — too bitter for ready
belief. Its realization was the death-knell of their hopes. From that day
to the present the leading rebels of Nashville and of all Tennessee have
despaired, and, as time has rolled away, they have gradually become more
disheartened in their own bad cause and more ready and desirous to make
their peace with the Federal Government.
The police record of the Army of the Cumberland is fraught with inte-
resting items pertaining to the rebel citizens of Nashville. That record is
before us ; and it is due to history, to the cause of the Union, to our army,
and to the memory of the two thousand of our brave Northmen who laid
down their lives upon the battle-fields of Stone River, that this people, who
have been mainly instrumental in bringing on the war in Tennessee, should
602 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
now be held responsible to public opinion and to the law of the land for
their outrageous " deeds done in the body."
Andrew Ewing was one of the most prominent rebels of Tennessee. He
was a lawyer and a politician, — a man of notoriety and influence. He lived
upon a beautiful place in the suburbs of Nashville, the mansion standing
amid a grove of noble forest oaks and hickories which were valuable beyond
price. He was reputed to be worth one hundred and fifty thousand dollars,
most of which he inherited from his father. He was one of the first and
wildest of secessionists. The Union had been a good thing for Andrew, and
for his father, and for his father's father. He was rich and influential, lived in
a prospering country, and was threatened by no violence, present or prospect-
ive. He turned rebel solely to be President of the rebels, or for something of
that sort. At least we can conceive of no other possible reason. Ewing was
severe upon Union men before the fall of Fort Donelson. He walked at the
head of the torchlight procession at Nashville which we have referred to above ;
he made a speech to the mob during that evening, urging that every Union
man be " spotted" and be forced to join them or to leave. He carried a
pike in that procession. He fled with his family from Nashville during the
general panic and evacuation, and has since abotie in the far South. His
son is in the rebel army. He was with Forrest's men when they attacked
Nashville last fall and were repulsed by General Negley. The day pre-
vious to that event, he made a speech in Franklin, twenty miles below, in
which he declared the true policy to be to attack the city, and, if necessary,
''to make Nashville ash-ville." During that battle he stood where he could
witness the cannon firing about his home and the premises of his neighbors.
Our troops found his great house deserted, and made use of it all winter.
His beautiful grove has been felled- for fortification-timber and fuel, — not a
shade-tree left standing upon the place. Ewing is ruined. Truly, his case
may be cited as a faithful type of the results of this rebellion.
John Overton, living four miles south of Nashville, on the Franklin pike,
is noted upon the police records as one of the rank, original secessionists of
Nashville. He is said to be the richest man in Tennessee, — worth five mil-
lions of dollars. He has given, or boasted of having given, a large sum of
money to aid the Southern cause. He was at the battle of Shiloh, acting as
an adviser and sympathizer. His only grown son is in the rebel army.
The immense new hotel at Nashville, covering a block of ground, was his
project, the citizens also contributing one hundred thousand dollars to aid in
its erection. The walls were laid, and the roof put on, when Overton turned
his attention to rebellion, and the work stopped. He ran off at the time of
the general " skedaddle," and is now a fugitive. The great hotel has been
used for military barracks and hospital purposes. He was not a notable
man at all, save as a money-jug ; and that trait will not constitute him a
specialty hereafter, we apprehend.
The records state that John M. Bass was another very active leader in
the Tennessee rebellion. He lived in a fine mansion on Church Street,
Nashville, — became uneasy at the proximity of Yankee bayonets before the
NASHVILLE AS A TYPE OF THE REBELLION. 603
fall of Donelson, and went to Louisiana and Arkansas to look after his
plantations. His wealth is reputed at a million of dollars. His eldest son,
a Dr. Bass, was killed, while among a guerrilla-band, by our troops under
General Xegley. Bass is a ruined man. . A single grown-up daughter, and
one or two house-servants, have had charge of his house, &c, and have not
as yet been disturbed, we presume.
Thomas Acklin, a hearty secessionist, very wealthy, and residing on a
most gaudy, showy place near Nashville, was a lawyer from Huntsville,
Alabama. He married a widow Franklin, whose first husband was im-
mensely wealthy. She had two children by her former marriage, to whom
the property was mainly devised. They both died, and the property de-
scends to the second tier of children. The police record contains a descrip-
tion of Acklin's premises ; for they are rather a specialty in the way of
extravagance. The place is situated two miles out from the city, and com-
prises about one hundred acres of land. His buildings are gothic-ified and
starched and bedizened to perfection. Serpentine walks, shrubbery, and
all of that sort of thing, abound in great quantity and profusion. A tower,
one hundred and five feet high, is built near a spring a fourth of a mile
distant from the buildings, and a steam-engine within its base forces water
to its top, whence it is piped in every direction over the grounds. The
improvements upon this place, such as the buildings, statuary, walls, &c,
cost over a quarter of a million of dollars. Looking over upon it from ad-
jacent high grounds, the white marble fountains, emblems, and statues
cause the place to resemble somewhat a fashionable first-class cemetery.
The Acklin place exhibits a vast outlay of money, and but little artistic
skill in its expenditure. Its proprietor, not satisfied with all this wealth,
must needs dabble in secession; and he, too, is off with the rebel army.
His wife, however, well fills his place, says our report, so far as rebellion
sympathies and hate can extend. With such a record of Thomas Acklin,
the author simply puts the question to the country, what is to be done ?
General Hardin is one of the notable rebel citizens of Nashville, pos-
sessing great wealth and descending from an old and influential family.
He was an ardent, original secessionist. The old Government was quite too
oppressive upon him to be longer content. Let us endeavor to ascertain the
particular oppression under which this man groaned. He lived six miles
west from the city, on the Hardin pike. He had a little farm of some five
thousand acres. His mansion and all its appurtenances would, in many re-
spects, vie with those of the old manorial estates of the English barons. His
buildings were very extensive, — great barns, and outlying tenements for his
tenants and his slaves. He was reputed to be worth two and a half millions
of dollars. He was not only a millionnaire : he was also a great stock fancier
and breeder. His stables were filled with the most beautiful and valuable
horses and horned cattle, many of them imported. He kept two or three
celebrated blooded stallions. A herd of elegant deer tossed their antlers in
his park, unmolested, and a herd of buffalo — the genuine article, from the
plains of the far West — bellowed and butted over his great pastures in half-
604 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
civilized mood. A flock of imported Cashmere goats were also hero upon
exhibition, — possibly divers other quadrupeds, too numerous to mention,—
and also barn-yard fowls of all the ordinary and fanciful varieties. Added
to all this, Hardin was a man of social note : he was a live general. Hap-
pily, too, he had acquired the title without wading through any extensive
ocean of blood. How he became a general is immaterial ; and we must pass
on. As he was a judge of horse-flesh and of short-horns, he usually sat in
the judge's stand at the prominent races ; and his knowing pinch of a prize
steer's rib, or rump, at a country fair, was highly prized. Last,' but certainly
not least, the general has an interesting family of wife and daughters, who
are highly esteemed by all, and against whom the police records contain not
one word of reproach.
Sueli being the social and the pecuniary status of General Hardin, the
reader will inquire where comes in the unbearable oppression which drove
such a man into rebellion. "We cannot explain. Our records, usually
so suggestive, are here silent, and the hiatus must pass with the history
into the womb of time. All we can say upon this head is soon said.
Hardin had wealth and family position, — which latter means something
among the Southern aristocracy, — but he was not eminently a man of
brains, and had no reputation as a speaker or writer. His ideas hardly
rose above the eaves of his stables, and his tastes were upon a level with
the roll of his grazing-lands. He had just sufficient ability to conceive
that horses and negroes are the summitm bonum of this life, and that a
separate and distinct Southern Confederacy was the best form of government
for .rich men of his ilk. Hence, we repeat, he was an original secessionist,
one who upheld the firing upon Fort Sumter, and gloried in the pluck of
the little man in large leathers, South Carolina. When the secession of
Tennessee was advocated, he was quite conspicuous, but principally as a
tool of the Ewings, Isham Harris, and others ; and he gave — at least it was
so reported at the time, for political effect — half a million of dollars to aid
that cause.
General Hardin was bitterly opposed to the North from education, aristo-
cratic affinities, and supposed personal interests. Formerly he was in the
habit of travelling to the North in the summer-season on trips of pleasure.
A circumstance occurred during one of these excursions which, we are
assured by Nashville citizens, had a strong tendency to further embitter
Hardin's mind against Northern institutions. Some years ago he visited
Cape May, a notable sea-shore rendezvous of the fashionables of our country.
He was accompanied by the two young McGavocks, his nephews, scions of
rich Tennessee stock, and a group of ladies. The McGavocks had a diffi-
culty with the colored servants at the Cape, and a regular pitched battle
ensued, we believe, which resulted in the triumph of the negroes, the dis-
comfited Southrons retiring from the field in disorder. Hardin remembered
the affront, and from that time was more than ever opposed to the " nigger-
equality" doctrines of the North.
When the Federal troops entered Nashville, General Hardin did not
NASHVILLE AS A TYPE OP THE REBELLION. 605
evacuate. He was summoned before the military authorities, and, with
General Barrow, was sent to Fort Mackinaw, Lake Michigan, where he
remained as a prisoner of war from the 6th day of April until about the last
of September, 1862, when he was released upon a bond of twenty thousand
dollars to appear and answer before the United States District Court of
Tennessee to the charge of treason, and the trial is still in abeyance. We
must briefly .conclude with the statement that civil war has well performed
its mournful task in the case of Hardin. A portion of our army was quar-
tered on or near his place during many weeks. There was grand hunting
after those deer and buffalo. The goats were ruthlessly taken "in the wool."
The stables were confiscated, — what were left of the stud, the rebels having
taken the best of the serviceable blooded nags. Hundreds of tons of his
hay and thousands of bushels of his grain were hauled into our camps. Miles
of his fencing were burned. His men negroes kept company with his de-
parted stock. We recollect the trouble the general had concerning his old
imported gray stallion : it was taken — we might as well say stolen — from
him three or four times. The general commanding had given him a pro-
tection document, and the army police had upon several occasions dis-
covered and restored the noble animal, which was really fit for breeding-
purposes only. The last time the old horse was seized he was found in a
solitary place, a forest, where he had been placed for security. Some negroes
reported the fact to a squad of Federal cavalry, and the commander of the
latter, unaware of the peculiar circumstances attending the ownership,
gobbled the animal forthwith. Hardin once more visits head-quarters, then
at Murfreesborough, finds his horse, upon which is mounted a Federal officer
of the first degree, and the latter, to his intense disgust, is compelled to
surrender the beast. This account of General Hardin is gathered from
many sources, and may be incort-ect in minor points. But it portrays the
general character and position of the man ; and that is the sole aim of the
author. May we not safely conclude this sketch by classing its subject, after
contrasting his former prosperity with his present misfortunes, as another
eminent type of the rebellion ?
General Washington Barrow, the companion of Hardin in his imprison-
ment at the North, was also a prominent citizen of Nashville, or, rather, he
resided at Edgefield, on the opposite side of the river. He was a member
of the rebel State Senate. His wife's father was a very rich man. He gave
no bond, but was finally paroled from prison and exchanged, and has since
remained in rebeldom. A few weeks since a party of Tennessee rebel poli-
ticians met at Winchester, where was located a portion of General Bragg's
army, and performed the farce of a State Convention ; and then and there
General Barrow was nominated as the secession candidate for Governor.
Since then Bragg's army has been driven entirely from the State, excepting
a little nook at Chattanooga ; and how to make his " calling and election
sure" must be a puzzler indeed to the secession candidate, as none but Union
candidates and Union voters will ever again be tolerated in the old Mountain
State.
606 ARMY POLICE RECORD.
Richard Cheatham, Esq., Mayor, &c. of the rebel city of Nashville, was
a very rabid secessionist. He was not wealthy, nor was he a man of any
especial talent. A few years since he was a dealer at faro-tables, and was
one of the fast, rattling young men of the day, who occasionally are thrown
to the surface by the rolling waves of violent times. Cheatham's ability
was about equal to the task of hounding down Union men, of managing
vigilance committees, and of the superintendence of torchlight processions.
The patriotism, or rebelism, or call it what you will, of such men, rarely
carries them up to the cannon's mouth, or to a severe death in that " last
ditch." He has taken excellent care of his individual bacon, while hun-
dreds of the poor youth of Tennessee, goaded on by his and kindred efforts,
now fill unknown graves. Since the battle of Stone River and the aban-
donment of rebel hopes, Cheatham has become quite moderate and affable,
and has even ventured slightly into Federal army contracts, we hear it
asserted. Good for Richard ! He will make just as good a Union man as
he was a bad rebel ; for circumstances control such men. Major-General
Cheatham, of the rebel army, is his cousin.
John Weaver, Esq., president of the Planters' Bank, wealthy and influential,
resides upon an elegant place five miles south of Nashville, near the State
Lunatic Asylum. He was an original secessionist. Persons coming into
his bank during the few bright days of the rebellion would hear his earnest
and honeyed argument, which ran thus : — " The true policy of the South
is to set up for herself. At any rate, now that she has done so, Tennessee
must go with her. As for our city, it will be the making of us. The North
will get no more of our cotton and tobacco : we will ship from here direct
to Europe via New Orleans, with free trade as our great lever. Nashville
stands by far the best chance of being the capital of the Confederacy, in
which case our real estate will advance in value two hundred per cent. In
any event, we will eclipse Louisville, Cincinnati, and St. Louis, if Missouri
don't come in with us, and thus we will knock those cities cold as a wedge."
Mr. "Weaver was a fair, earnest secessionist, really one of the most respect-
able and dangerous in the South. He has not been damaged greatly by the
war as yet, we believe ; and what will be done in his case is involved in
the great question of the final adjustment of the rebellion. That such
cool, clear, cautious men as Weaver will entirely escape the calamities
which he and his class have been greatly instrumental in bringing upon the
thousands of ruined families of Tennessee, is too monstrous an idea to be
entertained.
John Kirkman, Esq., of the Union Bank, Nashville, also occupies a page
in the police record of the Army of the Cumberland. He was rich, influ-
ential, and lived in the finest style. He was a secessionist, cautious, but of
unquestionable fulness and ripeness. His only son was in the rebel army,
and was killed at the last battle of Fort Donelson. Like Weaver, Mr.
Kirkman was a secessionist in a financial point of view. He argued in this
wise : — " The wealth of the South is in cotton. We cannot produce cotton
without slaves. The North is growing ahead of us, and threatens slavery
NASHVILLE AS A TYPE OF THE REBELLION. 607
■with extermination, and the only safety of the South is a separate govern-
ment and her taking her half of all the new territory." He opined, with
Weaver, that Nashville would prove the Western star of the Southern
Confederacy. Last winter he was called upon by our army officials to ex-
plain certain transactions of his bank which were deemed suspicious. The
Nashville banks were then issuing large amounts of new paper money to
the people and to the army. Some of it was got up in " greenback" style.
The new notes were of small denominations, — one and two dollar bills. For
banks to be issuing new money at such a time, when it was notorious that
they had not a dollar of gold in their vaults to redeem with, was a circum-
stance that demanded attention. Mr. Kirkman explained that these banks
were simply issuing this small-bill money for public convenience, they
retiring in its place, and to its precise extent, bills of large amounts, as
twenty, fifty, and one hundred dollar notes. The explanation was satisfac-
tory, as these banks were permitted thus to change their currency by legis-
lative enactment, and there had been a great want of bills under five dollars
up to that time, the army having been paid off in fives, this being before
the day of abundance of small United States ones and twos, and of postage
currency. Incidentally the conversation turned upon banking-affairs.
Kirkman assured the ofiicial that the bullion of his bank had been sent
to the North for security in the early days of the rebellion. This is not
believed by the Union men of Tennessee, they being positive that the specie
of not only the Nashville banks, but of all the banks in the South, has been
sent to Europe, and has formed the fund from which ships, arms, and muni-
tions of war have thus far been furnished to maintain the Southern rebellion.
At all events, Mr. Kirkman freely admitted that the deposits of the Southern
banks would not cover a tithe of their circulation, even if secure, — that the
securities of the banks for the redemption of their issues were mainly in
notes, stocks, bonds, and judgments,— and that if the Southern revolution
was unsuccessful all the banks would be ruined.
" For," said he, " if the people are impoverished, if they cannot pay their
notes, if the stock of our corporations, such as gas-works, turnpikes, rail-
roads, &c, become worthless, if State stocks fall to a mere nominal value,
and ii our judgments are not liens upon real estate, hereafter, because of
confiscation, &c, then the entire banking-system of the South is exploded."
There lives a lady in Nashville who figures slightly upon our records, —
a lady who is extensively known in city and general circles, — Mrs.
Ex-President Polk. She is a woman of note, — wealthy, smart (that is a
better term than "talented" in this instance), and was rather at the head of
the female sex of that region as regards all the social bearings. Mrs. Polk
was a true rebel. She was too shrewd to be violent, however, and too
well-bred to evince her dislike openly to even the humblest member of our
army. Severely cool and reticent, she was unmolested, and, when neces-
sary for her to approach the military authorities for a pass or other requi-
sites, sTie was sufficiently bending and gracious to gain her point. She
has no children" : she took to nursing the rebellion of the Southern aristo-
cracy. Her influence upon the wealthy females of her city must have been
DUO AK31Y I'UliR'i: KU'UKl).
almost unbounded. She was the President of the Nashville Ladies' South-
ern Aid Society, and occupied much of her time in duties pertaining to that
position. The society met at her house occasionally, and at other private
houses upon special occasions ; but its general place of meeting was at the
Masonic Hall. It is stated upon good authority that Mrs. Polk was greatly
intent upon iirging the men of Nashville to enter the rebel army, and that
she advised the young ladies of that city to send petticoats and hoop-skirts to
young men vcho had proved backward in volunteering. Since the perma-
nent occupation of Tennessee by our army, this lady has been entirely un-
molested in person and property. When the stables of the town were swept
of every serviceable horse for army use, General Rosecrans ordered hers to
be exempted, from a proper respect to the past. She now reposes amid
comfort and elegance, while desolation sits brooding around her over the
face of a once happy and prospering country. There is a wisdom in the
ordering of earthly things past all human comprehension, and the fiat of
Heaven alone can right many of the wrongs of erring mortals.
"We might pass on through this police record, filling a volume with its
gleaming and bristling facts ; but our space is limited, and we must forbear.
We have commented upon several of the prominent characters; and yet
upon how small a portion of the ground have we trenched ! To pass by such
men as Bird Douglass, — rich, prosperous, and who ought to have been con-
tented and thankful, — and French, and McNairy, and Evans, and the
Strattons, et id genus omnes, is gross injustice. Douglass, a rich merchant,
made wealthy by extensions granted him by his Northern creditors, now
repudiates by rebellion, and advertises in the public newspapers that he has
one thousand dollars to give as his first offering to secession, and has two
sons for its army, and that if they are killed he has two negro servants,
each of whom can pick off a squirrel from a tree-top at two hundred yards,
to take their place. R. C. McNairy was an active member of their vigilance
committee, &c. : now he sees matters in a different light: the cannon has
become a telescope, and he sighs for a return of the old order of things.
He is a fair sort of a man, and was rather forced along by the all-powerful
current. God has given to some men pluck and denied it to others, and is
merciful. Henry S. French was a rebel, and then played the Union card
to subserve rebelism. Reporting himself as an impoverished Union refugee,
he obtained a permit to pass three thousand eight hundred barrels of salt
from Louisville, through the canal, to a point on the Ohio River where he
could pack some meat for the United States Government or for sale. At
that time it was policy to prevent salt being sold to rebels, and the river
salt-traffic was closely guarded. French takes his salt down to a point
near the mouth of the Cumberland, whence it was engineered up that
river, past the military authorities, gunboats, &c, in some way not ex-
plained in our records, was brought to Nashville, and there sold to the Con-
federate Government at forty dollars per barrel, it costing Mr. French but
three dollars per barrel. With the aid of this salt, the rebels packed one
hundred and fifty thousand head of hogs, at Nashville, for- their army that
season. This statement is Touched for by several Union citizens of Nash-
NASHVILLE AS A TYPE OF THE REBELLION. 609
ville. Meanwhile, Mr. French passes as one of the peaceable, quiet, non-
committal do-nothings of the rebellion.
One other case we cannot pass by, — that of Mark E. Cockrill, — an old man of
great wealth, living near Nashville. He was reputed to be worth two million
dollars, and owned twelve miles of land lying on the Cumberland River. It
was reported to the Chief of Army Police that this Mr. Cockrill had induced
guerrillas to lie in wait near his place for the purpose of seizing upon and
destroying our forage- trains, &c, and that he was still a very bitter rebel.
Having been ordered to appear at the office of the Chief of Police, he made
the subjoined statement: —
"I am upwards of seventy-four years of age, and have sis children,
— three of them being sons, and one of them is in the Confederate
army. I was born near this city. I had about ninety-eight slaves, but
most all have left me. My son has been in the Confederate service since the
war began ; is twenty-two years old ; was captain in that service ; think he
is now in the Commissary Department. I voted for separation every time ; was
not a member of any public committee ; have had nothing to do with getting
up companies or any thing else connected with the army. Have talked a
good deal : was opposed to guerrillaism ; have ordered them away from my
house. I have lost twenty thousand bushels of corn, thirty-six head of horses
and mules, sixty head of Durham cattle, two hundred and twenty sheep, —
very fine ones, valued at one hundred dollars each, — two hundred tons of
hay. The Federals have taken all this. I have two thousand sheep left,
and I have a few milch-cows and five or six heifers. I was worth about two
million dollars before the war commenced. The Confederates have taken
three horses from me only. I have loaned the Confederates twenty-five
thousand dollars in gold. They have pressed from me no other property.
I have their bonds at eight per cent, interest, payable semi-annually in gold,
for this twenty-five thousand dollars. I thought when I loaned this money
that the South would succeed, and I think so now. I do not think that the
two sections can ever be brought together. The Federals also took two thou-
sand pounds of bacon from me ; also two thousand bushels of oats. Some
twenty-five or thirty of my men negroes ran away, — six of them, however,
being pressed. I have about five thousand six hundred acres of land.
My son James R. is with tho South; lives on a place belonging to
me ; but he has never taken any active part. The Federals have taken over
three thousand dollars' worth of wood from me. I have never received any
pay for any thing taken from me. I came in yesterday to get a negro black-
smith of mine to go out with me : he consented to go if I could get a pass
for him ; have not been in town before for four months. I paid one thousand
dollars as an assessment by General Negley about four months since to the
United States Government, as a loan. I have been very much aggravated
by the taking of my property, and have been very harsh in my expressions
towards those who have visited my place for such purposes. I will not give
bond for loyal conduct, or that I will not aid or abet by word or deed the South-
ern cause. The loan to the South was made voluntarily, and supposing it to
be a good investment. While I was loaning to individuals the loan was made
to the Southern Government just as I would have loaned to anv other party.
"(Signed) M. R. Cockrill."
There is Mr. CockrilPs case, in his own language. Need we add a word
to it ? When brought into the police-office, the poor old man was almost
beside himself with passion. The language he used respecting the Federal
troops was, " Kill 'em ! Plant 'em out ! Manure the soil with em !
39
610 ARMY TOLICE RECORD.
em!" &c. He utterly refused to give the non-combatant's oath and
bond ; and when assured by General lloseerans that he must do so or he
would be sent out of the 'state, and perhaps to a Northern prison, he
struck his hands against his breast, and exclaimed, —
" Take my heart out, — kill me, if you will : I will not give any bond by
which enemies here can swear falsely and I be prosecuted for its forfeiture."
The general assured him that he had but a choice of two evils, — to give
the bond, or be sent away. He preferred the former.
We must pass over an interesting police case where a rebel family of Nash-
ville were called upon to answer for exhibiting " a Yankee bone" upon their
parlor-table, — which bone was declared by them to be a relic from the Bull
Run battle-field. Also of several female rebel smugglers, upon one of whom
was found divers articles, and among them a piece of fine gray cloth, in
extent twenty-one yards, to be used for rebel officers' uniforms, which she
had tucked together and hung upon her as a skirt. We regret that our space
for such mention is entirely exhausted.
The rebel people of Nashville have been rigorously dealt with in conse-
quence of their wild conduct. Brigadier-General Mitchell, commandant of
that post during last winter and spring, and Lieutenant Osgood, his aide and
pass-officer, were very strict and inflexible in their administration of city
affairs. These people were not allowed to travel or to do business ; and the
most wealthy have been troubled at times to get fuel, food, and clothing.
The rebel ladies made such an ado over wounded Confederate soldiers as
to give rise to the following military order: —
"Head-Quarters U. S. Forces, Nashville, Tenn., February 1, 1863.
" Orders. — The general commanding at this post desires to express his ad-
miration of the zeal evinced by certain secession families in administering to the
wants and alleviating the sufferings of the Confederate wounded to-day brought
to this city. Great praise should be awarded them for their devotion for the
Buffering soldiers of that cause to which they are so enthusiastically allied.
"Desiring to give them still greater facilities for the exercise of that devo-
tion which to-day led them through the mud of the public streets of this
city unmindful of the inclemency of the weather, and desiring further to
obviate the necessity of that public and flaunting display which must be
repugnant to the retiring dispositions of the softer sex, the general com-
manding directs as follows : —
"Surgeon Thruston, medical director, will select forty-five of the wounded
and sick Confederate soldiers this day brought from the front, to be quartered
as follows : — Fifteen at the house of Mrs. McCall, fifteen at the house of Dr.
Buchanan, and fifteen at the house of Sandy Carter, — all on Cherry Street
immediately below Church Street.
"As it is desirable that the sick and wounded should not be agitated by
the presence of too many persons, no one will be admitted to the rooms in
which the wounded are, except their surgeons, without passes from Surgeon
Thruston.
" Each family above named will be held responsible for the safe delivery of
the Confederate soldiers thus assigned when called for by proper military
authority, under penalty, in failure of such delivery, of forfeiture to tho
United States of their property and personal liberty.
"By order of Brigadier-General Robert B. Mitchell, Commanding.
"Jxo. Pratt, A.A.G."
NASHVILLE AS A TYPE OF THE REBELLION. 611
The labors of Lieutenant Osgood in this connection were handsomely ac
knowledged by the mayor of Nashville, in March last, as follows:—
" Lieutenant Osgood, Provost-Marslial, Staff-General Commanding :—
"Allow me, in behalf of the donors, Union friends of Nashville, to present
to you this beautiful and rich sword-belt and sash, as a token of their high
esteem for the fidelity and ability with which you have discharged the duties
of the position assigned you at the head-quarters of this post, and for the
sagacity you have displayed in detecting and circumventing the wiles and
plans of rebels, and also the strict observance you have given to the orders
of your superiors in command.
" Take them ; preserve them ; hand them down to your posterity as me-
mentoes of the services you have rendered in crushing out this causeless
and wicked rebellion. Yours, truly, 'John Hugh Smith."
The civil power is also beginning to be felt in Tennessee. The Federal
Grand Jury, under a charge by Judge Trigg, recently found three hundred
indictments, at Xashville, for treason and conspiracy against the leaders of
the rebellion in that State ; and among the culprits indicted are some promi-
nent clergymen.
Havingthus portrayed some of her individual types of the rebellion, we must
leave the subject with a brief description of the city of Nashville as she is.
We stated that she was one of the brightest, most wealthy and prosperous cities
of the Union. Of all this she is now the exact reverse. Her finest buildings,
such as her colleges, churches, and elegant stores, are now used as military hos-
pitals and store-houses. Her streets are dirty, and, where main outlets from
the city, they have been cut in two, — dug out, as though a canal was being
made through them, — the dirt thrown up on each side, as barricades against
rebel attack upon the city, when it was invested and threatened last year.
Her suburbs are a mournful wreck in many localities, — houses deserted, fences
gone, fruit-trees gnawed and disfigured ; and the pedestrian is only reminded
that he is passing over what was once a smiling garden, by his feet catching
against some yet struggling and crushed grape-vine or rose-bush. The groves
— the glory of the place — are cut down, and the grounds present the appearance
of anew "clearing," a stump-field. St. Cloud Hill, once the fashionable retreat,
where children romped amid the lovely shade and where lovers lisped in cooing
numbers, is now a bleak, barren, granite mountain, a frowning fortress rising
from its summit, with cannon trained upon and about the devoted city. The
old, wealthy merchants of the city — those who yet remain — are prostrate in the
dust of bankruptcy, and new traders — men from the North — are daily rising
up in their places. The several printing-offices are held by the United States
authorities as subject to confiscation, and some of them are leased and their
material is now being used in battling for free government. The extensive
Methodist Book Concern (Church South) has long been closed and in the
hands of the United States Marshal, its managers and apostles taking to the
rebellion at the very outset as naturally as the young waterfowl seeks its -
familiar element. As we write, the city of Nashville is stagnant, prostrate,
and in the abject position of a subjugated city. She is changing, however;
and as the Union is more surely restored and its future guaranteed, she will
revive. New men will enter, and new and better times will ensue. She will
612 ARMY TOLICE RECORD.
be purged from the curse that has afflicted her and dragged her down.
Slavery will no longer blight and wither her morals, nor will a haughty, un-
productive aristocracy prey upon her vitals. Tennessee, with free labor, has
the capability of becoming one of the grandest States of the Union ; and Nash-
ville is her crown-jewel. May the old State speedily emerge from the mire in
which she has been forced to wallow by the wildness of her spoiled leaders,
and may her coronal gem, the " Rock City," shine all the brighter for her
momentary eclipse, — when, no longer a type of devastating rebellion, her
name shall stand as a synonym of prosperity, beauty, and progress !
One more thought, ere we close the Police Record of the Army of the
Cumberland. What is- there contained is gathered in the line of official
duty, irrespective of person and place. For what we publish of it we have
no apology to offer. Let it stand as best it may. Call it scandal, or harsh-
ness, or what else one may, it is truth, and cannot be successfully travestied
or denied. This volume is presented as a picture of the Army of the Cum-
berland and of the war in Tennessee. It would not be a picture if merely
an outline. No: it requires the minutias, the detail, the tint, the shading,
and the drapery of the background, all together, to constitute a harmonious
and complete view of the present rebellion. This we have attempted to give,
in all candor, earnestness, and charity.
' ' Charity ?" queries some friendly reader. ' ' Why, then, drag names of erring
and possibly repentant individual rebels thus into notoriety and embalm
them in history t" Ah, friend, the claims of retributive justice are ill satis-
fied by the infliction of even that penalty upon the heads of these great
offenders. We write of the proud, the haughty, the controlling minds of
the rebellion. And we live in strange times, and are surrounded by many
a wild and saddening scene. We have learned lessons of late in a rude,
unvarnished, but truthful school. As we write, we can look out from our
window upon a field of newly-heaped soldiers' graves, — the graves of our
brothers and sons of the North. Who laid them there? Across yonder
swelling field rises a solitary chimney-stack, — a monument of what once was
a home of peace and plenty. Who plied the brand ? And the faint wailing
notes of a far-off martial strain now steal upon the ear, borne to our window
upon the wings of a summer zephyr: they come from the distant camp,
where thousands have gathered to wage the battle for national existence.
Should we refrain from mention of the prime cause of all this death, destruc-
tion, and privation ? We think not. These times and scenes cannot long con-
tinue, in the nature of things. Peace must come: it must follow exhaustion,
if it does not spring from victory. The future historian will then appear,
to weave and create for his day and generation. There will be a Bancroft,*
in those later times, to round the swelling periods, and a Macaulay, to invest
with grace and beauty the historic pages of the slaveholders' rebellion of the
nineteenth century. They will search for such lesser lights and shadows as
are here recorded with which to gild and tint their complete picture. And
beneath that picture they will again write, as was written by the Eternal
One, "They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind."
INCIDENTS, ANECDOTES, REMINISCENCES, AND POETRY
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
TO
CO
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES.
Burning of Steamboats on the Cumberland. — During the month of
December, 1862, the water in the Cumberland was at its lowest stage. Only
the lightest class of steamers could reach Nashville, and the grounding,
delay, and reshipment to cross the Harpeth Shoals, some thirty miles below
Nashville, was materially added to by the presence of rebel forces, here and
there, along the river-banks in that vicinity. In the early part of that
month, four steamers were thus destroyed in one day, and also the small
gunboat William H. Sidell, which had been hastily improvised from a little
stern-wheel steamboat, the work being done at Nashville during the blockade.
An eye-witness of the event thus describes it :—
" No evidences of danger were seen until, approaching Harpeth Shoals,
we beheld the smoking hull of the steamer Charter and several burning
houses on the south side of the river. The steamer had been burned by
the guerrillas under the notorious Colonel Wade, and the houses by Lieu-
tenant Van Dorn, of the 1st Ohio, in charge of the national gunboat
Sidell. A short distance below was a large fleet of Federal steamers
engaged in getting over the shoals, under the protection of the gunboat.
On passing Van Dorn's fleet, I hailed him, and inquired as to danger below.
He replied, ' There is no danger below : I have cleaned them out.' We
passed on, the Trio a mile or so in advance. Nearly two miles below the
gunboat we caught sight of the Trio lying to in a cove opposite the shoals.
Knowing that she was short of fuel, we concluded that she was engaged in
taking on a supply of wood. On nearing her, we saw several mounted
soldiers drawn up in line along the shore. As many of them had on Federal
overcoats, we thought them to be our cavalry. They hailed us, and ordered
us to land.
" I at once discovered them to be guerrillas, and ordered Captain Robinson
to land. The order was promptly obeyed. The current being strong,
the boat did not yield readily to the turn of the pilot, making slow progress
in swinging around, causing her to drag slowly down the stream. This
caused the guerrillas to think that we were not going to land, and they im-
mediately fired two heavy volleys of musketry, followed by two discharges
of six-pound balls, all taking effect on the steamer.
" Your correspondent, in company with Captain Robinson and pilot Kil-
burn, of Covington, was standing on the hurricane-deck when the firing
took place. I hailed them and told them to fire no more, as we were loaded
with wounded, and would land as soon as possible. They tried to kill the
man at the wheel, who stood bravely at his post amidst all the fire until
the boat was tied up. On our near approach to them, I hastened down to
615
616 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
1
still the dreadful confusion that the firing had caused. Several ladies were
on board ; and, be it said to their praise, they behaved like true heroines, —
no fainting or screaming, — all as quiet as could be desired under such cir-
cumstances. On my return to the front of the boat I -was met by Colonel
Wade, who, with a horrible oath, ordered Dr. Waterman, the surgeon in
charge of the wounded, to take his d — d wounded Yankees ashore, as he
would burn the boat and us too unless the order was obeyed. I instantly
appealed to him in behalf of the wounded. During this time his followers
had come on board and took full possession of every thing.
" Here I should like, if I could, to picture out to your readers and the
world at large the awful scene of pillage and plunder that ensued. All
but two or three of them were demoralized by the drink obtained, previous
to our arrival, from the bar of the Trio. I will not attempt to pen-picture
the scene : language fails and words are beggars in attempting to do so.
Nearly one hundred of the thieving, plundering gang were engaged in rifling
every thing, from the clerk's office to the chambermaid's room. For a few
moments the stoutest hearts were appalled, and consternation had seized
upon all. On passing around, appealing to them to desist, I met their
assistant adjutant-general, in whom I recognized an old acquaintance, who
instantly promised to do all in Jiis power to save the boat and stop the plun-
dering. He spoke to Colonel Wade, and he ordered them off the boat ; but,
alas ! that overshadowing curse of both armies was there, in full possession
of human hearts that might have been more humane had not the demon-
spirit of rum hardened their natural sympathies and unchained their baser
passions. In their maddened thirst for plunder they trampled on and over
our poor wounded men, taking their rations, blankets, overcoats, canteens,
and even money out of their pockets.
"Another steamer hove in sight, — the Parthenia, on her way to Clarks-
ville. She was ordered ashore, and the same scene was enacted in her
cabin, save the fact that she had no sick or wounded of any account, but had
several passengers. The rangers at once boarded her, and, for some time,
utter ' madness ruled the hour.' The Parthenia was a new steamer, costing
thirty-three thousand dollars, finely finished and furnished. While engaged
in rifling her and piling up combustibles on different parts of the boat to
make her burn rapidly, the gunboat Sidell, spoken of elsewhere, hove in
sight. Her appearance was a signal of joy to our men and of alarm to the
rebels, who immediately mounted their horses, ready to run. We hailed
Van Dorn, and told him to anchor in the middle of the stream, and not come
between our boat and the range of the guerrillas' cannon.
" To our utter astonishment, instead of getting ready to cover himself with
glory in the saving of so much property and several lives, he simply fired his
revolver and then ignominiously and cowardly waved his white handker-
chief in token of surrender. The rebels had fired several volleys at him,
and did no harm, save the wounding of one of Van Dorn's gunners. He
then ordered one of his own men to strike the colors, which order was
obeyed. They then crossed over to the rebel side, who, with tremendous
yells, took possession of her."
During this time the weather was cold and stormy, and many of our
wounded men were left upon the river-bank, without blankets, fire, or
attendants, for several hours, until another steamer arrived from Clarksville '
to their relief. The rebels spared one small steamer to go to Clarksville
upon the captain entering into a written agreement that the boat should
hereafter carry no other supplies or do any work for the Government other
than sanitary work.
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 617
An Affecting Scene. — The spirit of the rebellion in Nashville is com-
pletely broken. We can say the same truly of all Tennessee. The battle
of Stone River, the erection of the vast forts and fortifications at Nashville
and Murfreesborough, and the complete occupation of all that country, are
tangible and irresistibly converting evidences to that hitherto blind and
haughty people.
During the observance of the recent order of Brigadier-General Mitchell,
commanding the post of Nashville, which invited all rebel citizens to come
forward and take the oath of allegiance who desired to stay there in the full
enjoyment of citizens' privileges, several remarkable scenes occurred.
Great crowds of rebels assembled before the office of the provost-marshal
daily, eager to make their peace with the old Government. One scene is
thus related by an eye-witness : —
Two prominent citizens of Edgefield, across the river from Nashville,
emerged from the throng, passed into the office, and, with apparent satis-
faction, took the oath. An elderly woman, plain in dress and appearance,
looked on, greatly agitated. She was a Union woman. Those two promi-
nent citizens were her neighbors. She had two sons, who were at heart
Union boys if left to their better judgment and her counsels and prayers.
These men had coaxed, wheedled, driven those sons into the rebel army,
— where perhaps they now were, if alive. Tears streamed down her cheeks
upon this occasion, and soon, quite unable to contain herself, she rushed
through the crowd, wringing her hands and shouting as if in the heartiest
camp-meeting frame of mind. The scene drew tears from eyes unused to
weeping. Was it joy, or sorrow, or pity, or all combined, that then welled
up from that poor mother's heart and found utterance ?
'• Come out, Sammy !" — An expedition from our army, when near New
Middleton, Smith county, Tennessee, recently came suddenly upon the pre-
mises of one Sam Ellison, a vigorous conscript-agent. Taken short, he
descends into a dark, deep, out-of-the-way well, hoping thus to escape. A
careful search failed to reveal his hiding-place, until a dark-ej hint caused
an examination of the well. A poor Union refugee, the pilot of the expedi-
tion, and who had been run off into the cedars by the efforts of this same
agent, approached, bent over the curb, shaded his face with his hands that
he might peer into the darkness below, and soon, espying the crouching
object near the water, he blandly remarked, —
"Come out, Sammy; come out. We've come to call on ye: come out,
my boy."
Sam came.
A Loss of Supplies. — Mike Ryan, of Company K, 21st Illinois Volunteers,
was " marching on" in the line of his duty, on Tuesday evening, upon the
battle-field of Stone River, when a grape-shot swept past him and tore away
OIO AKJ1Y OF THE CU MBJfiKiiAM JJ.
his haversack, which was filled with three days' rations. Without halt-
ing an instant, or changing countenance, he remarked, —
" Och, an' be jabers, if the ineniy hasn't flanked me an' cut off mo sup-
plies !"
Life a Drag. — Long after midnight, — perhaps two o'clock in the morning,
— while in camp at Murfreesborough, the author was at General Rosecrans's
head-quarters, when there seemed to be a momentary cessation of business
and conversation in his room. The general leaned back in his chair, shaded
the light from his face with one hand, and not only looked, but seemed to
feel himself, the picture of weariness.
" General, you are leading a hard life," we remarked. He answered,
gently,—
"Yes, rather hard; and, if this life were all, it would be a wretched
drag."
Well come up with. — Anderson Sharp, a well-to-do farmer living seven
miles southeast of Shelbyville, owning slaves and cultivating three hundred
acres of land, was very careful last fall to crib his corn in a secret place
beyond reach of " the Yankees," as he alleged. In fact, however, he was
equally careful to preserve it from the rebels ; for, although he dearly loved
their treason, he doubted the value of their currency. His negroes mar-
velled at this inconsistency, and betrayed his corn-piles to both armies.
The rebels were nearest, and got the corn. However, we got the negroes !
A Gallant Charge. — On the 4th day of March last, Colonel Minty, with
his cavalry command, the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, in the advance, made
a dashing charge, sabre in hand, upon a superior rebel force near Union-
ville, Tennessee. They killed several, and captured fifty-two prisoners.
Eight of the rebel dead were found with their heads split open by the sabre.
The rebels fled, — their flight, and in fact their fight, being much impeded
by their haste to cast off the blue Federal overcoats with which many were
clothed. This was after the issue of the order of General Rosecrans de-
claring that all enemies dressed in our uniform should when taken prisoners
be treated as spies.
"Dar!" — The Federal engineers at Nashville resolved upon demolishing
the old Blind Asylum building, in the suburbs of that city, it obstruct-
ing their works. The walls were massive, and were mined to be blown up
with gunpowder. Several holes were dug at various points, the powder
placed, fuses prepared, &c, and a negro laborer was stationed over each,
with a light, to touch them all at the same instant, upon a given signal.
.Sambo was very nervous, wondering, and excited, — too much so to succeed.
c ■>
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 619
At the signal moment each dashed his light upon the place and broke for
shelter "like a quarter-horse." One or two of them had courage to wait
and see the fuse begin to burn. " Dar ! dar !" shouted they, and away they
travelled. The explosion was not at all simultaneous, and the walls were
breached only in spots. Two or three times was the attempt repeated, with
similar results, occasioning much merriment. Not a single "American of
African descent" could be induced to stay until the fuses were surely fired.
" Dar ! dar !" was the fearful announcement; and the engineers were forced
to assume the task. In justice to Sambo, we should state, however, that a
very brief acquaintance with prepared saltpetre disarms him of his fears.
The Soldier's Oath. — At Louisville, Major William H. Sidell, mustering-
in officer, had just administered the usual army oath to some new recruits,
when a secesh lady (may we call her Mrs. Johnson?) remarked to him,
with a smiling air, but considerably impregnated with contempt, —
""Well, major, have you brought your men down to that depth of
slavery ?"
"Madam," answered he, with politest bow and smile, "that same oath
your Jeff Davis, and Bragg, and most of your rebel generals, have taken,
and,'' he added, in a low, deep voice, "have broken!"
Gathering in the Contrabands. — Our Southern brethren have been
sensitive upon the negro-labor question from the commencement of the
rebellion up to this time. As a general rule, they preferred losing or lend-
ing a horse rather than a slave. They feared army influences upon their
chattel, — that he would become "a mean nigger." Of course the same
difficulty would not arise in the army education of the horse or mule.
For this reason it is — at least, we can conceive of no other — that the rebel
planter has often fled, at short notice, with his negroes, leaving wife,
children, mules, hogs, and household goods to the mercy of the invading
Northmen. At the outset the negroes were crammed with most awful
accounts of the ways of the savage Yankees, and many of the poor crea-
tures were equally eager with their masters to fly from us.
Thus premising, we have to relate an amusing affair which occurred at
Nashville last fall. Upon the commencement of the fortifications in that
city, orders were given to impress all able-bodied male negroes, to be put
at work upon the forts. The slaveholders of the city at once began to
secrete their negroes in cellars and by-ways. The Federal officers said
nothing, but resolved to bide their time, — their gangs upon the works, mean-
while, singing and wheeling away quite merrily. After several days all
sensation subsided, and an occasional colored individual would be seen at an
open window or shuffling around a street-corner. At length the time for
action was at hand. A fine Sabbath evening came, and with it a large con-
gregation of pious negroes, in all their Sunday array and perfumery. They
G20 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
*
felt in fine feather; for was not the city being fortified and defended, and the
day of jubilee for the colored race close at hand? A hymn flowed out in har-
monious cadence, equal in volume to the rolling flood of the Cumberland.
A prayer was offered with great earnestness and unction, and the preacher
had chosen his text, when, lo ! an apparition appeared at the door, — yes,
several of them ! A guard of blue-coated soldiers, with muskets, entered,
and announced to the startled brethren that the services of the evening
would be concluded at Fort Negley. Out went the lights, as if by magic,
and there was a general dive for the windows. Shrieks, howls, and impre-
cations went forth to the ears of darkness, rendering night truly hideous.
Fancy bonnets were mashed, ribbons were rumpled, and the destruction of
negro finery was enormous. Some reached the windows and crawled out,
and into the hands of guards who were waiting outside. The shepherd of
the flock was thus caught, it is said, while making a dive through the
window, head first, butting over two "bold soger boys" as he came out.
The scene was amusing indeed. And the next morning it was still more
comical, — the same crowd being at work at the fort, dressed in their mussed
and bedirtied finery of the previous evening, in which they had slept upon
the earthworks, — they, meanwhile, being the jeer and sport of their sur-
rounding darkey acquaintances.
It is due to these colored laborers of Nashville to add that by their labor,
during some three months' time, Fort Negley and other fortifications were
built. They cut the stone, laid the stone wall, wheeled and carted the earth,
blasted the rock ; and they performed their work cheerfully and zealously,
and without any pay, except their daily rations and perhaps some clothing.
A Review op the Chivalry. — A Union prisoner at Shelbyville, on the
8th of March last, was invited by Major Clarence Prentice, commanding
some rebel cavalry, to ride with him, while he inspected some regiments
under the command of Colonel James Hagan, of Mississippi, acting briga-
dier-general. The troops were in line, — a motley, ragged set. Old Jack
Falstaff, marching with his ragamuffins through Coventry, could not have
presented a more tattered picture. As Major Prentice passed along, one
man would be particular to hold out conspicuously a foot without boot,
shoe, or even stocking ; another would call his attention to elbows pro-
truding through holes much too large for them ; another would take especial
care to render prominent ragged unmentionables and yawning rents therein,
"gaping wide as Erebus ;" and so on throughout the whole line. One tall,
gaunt, long-haired fellow, whose miserable apology for a hat had no top,
raised his hand, drew through the hole where the top ought to be a mass
of tangled, yellow hair, and held it there at full length. The scene was
almost too ridiculous for the maintenance of gravity, and only by an extra-
ordinary effort could the inspector control himself sufficiently to sustain the
dignity duo the occasion.
In one of these regiments of two hundred and sixty-four men and horses
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 621
there were but four pair of socks ; forty-seven of the men had no guns, and
one hundred and forty-seven of the horses were without saddles. In the
other, — styled the 8th Confederate Cavalry, — numbering two hundred and
seventy-four men, two hundred and four of whom were present at review
and seventy on picket-duty, one hundred and twenty-five were without hats
and thirty-two without arms. Such a state of affairs seems to have disgusted
the major, as in less than a month thereafter he renounced all connection
with the rebels and returned to Louisville.
Bragg axd his High Private. — The following incident was related to
a Union man in Shelbyville, Tennessee, by Major Hunter, of the Confede-
rate army, who formerly resided in Shelbyville, but who latterly resided
some twenty miles from Helena, Arkansas. The major was fond of the
story, and often repeated it.
While Bragg's troops were on their retreat from Murfreesborough, ragged,
hungry, and weary, they straggled along the road for miles, with an eye to
their own comfort, but a most unmilitary neglect of rules and regulations.
Pre-ently one of them espied, in the woods near by, a miserable broken-
down mule, which he at once seized and proceeded to put to his use, by im-
provising, from stray pieces of rope, a halter and stirrups. This done, he
mounted with grim satisfaction, and pursued his way. He was a wild
Texas tatterdemalion, bareheaded, barefooted, and wore in lieu of a coat a
rusty-looking hunting-shirt. "With hair unkempt, beard unshorn, and face
unwashed, his appearance was grotesque enough ; but, to add to it, he drew
from some receptacle his corn-cob pipe, and made perfect his happiness by
indulging in a comfortable smoke.
While thus sauntering along, a company of bestarred and bespangled
horsemen — General Bragg and staff — rode up, and were about to pass on,
when the rather unusual appearance of the man attracted their notice.
The object of their attention, however, apparently neither knew nor cared
to know them, but looked and smoked ahead with careless indifference.
" Who are you ?" asked the major-general.
" Xobody," was the answer.
" Where did you come from ?"
" Nowhere."
" Where are you going?"
" I don't know."
" Where do you belong ?"
"Don't belong anywhere."
" Don't you belong to Bragg's army?"
"Bragg's army! Bragg's army!" replied the chap. "Why, he's got no
army ! One half of it he shot in Kentucky, and the other half has just
been whipped to death at Murfreesborough."
Bragg asked no more questions, but turned and spurred away.
622 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
The Un-io.v Ladies of Shelbyville.— Shelbyville, Tennessee, has always
been known as a Union town; and the following incident shows that its
ladies, at least, are willing to make known their faith by their works.
On the 4th of March last, General Van Dorn, with several thousand rebel
cavalry and infantry, surprised a brigade of Federal troops below Franklin,
and took twelve hundred and six of them prisoners. They were marched to
Shelbyville and placed under guard at the court-house. They had scarcely
arrived when it became known that they were in a famishing condition, having
eaten nothing for a day and a half. Following this report came a stir and
bustle in many of the Shelbyville kitchens. Ere long the Union ladies
began to throng from their houses into the street, each with her servants
carrying baskets, buckets, and bundles. A procession was formed, and
away they marched to the court-house. As they passed along, the rebel
guards eyed them askance, — some with surly looks, while others asked,
"Won't you sell us some?" One or two officers seemed disposed to interfere;
but the ladies persisted and prevailed. The court-house was reached and
the Union soldiers fed.
It was an animated and beautiful scene, illustrative at once of the courage
and the kindness of these noble-hearted women. It was no small matter to
brave the taunts and jeers that assailed them on the way; but the thanks
which were looked rather than spoken, as with bright, happy faces they
distributed to the half-starved men the good cheer they had brought with
them, more than repaid them for it all. And many a weary captive thanked
God that day that there were still left in the old land some " who had not
bowed the knee to Baal," and in fervent prayer invoked a blessing upon
the heads of the noble Union women of Shelbyville.
Three months later, upon the advance of our army to Shelbyville, these
Unionists welcomed us with banners and smiles and many other evidences
of their heartfelt joy and gratitude.
Rebel Charity. — The heartlessness of the chivalry was well illustrated
by a case which recently came to the notice of the Chief of Police. A Mrs.
Lucy Brown, living about three miles from McMinnville, Cannon county,
Tennessee, came into Nashville on the last day of March, bringing with her
three children, the oldest of whom was only seven years of age. Their
condition was pitiable in the extreme. Both herself and children were
literally covered with rags, and were suffering from hunger and from cold.
Some two weeks before, she said, Morgan's men came to her house, and, under
the pretence that her husband was in the Union army, carried away every
thing she had, leaving only one bed and two pieces of quilts, but not a
mouthful of any thing for herself and boys to eat. To save herself from
starvation, as well as to search for her husband, who was a Union refugee,
she had come to Nashville.
Her wretched plight excited commiseration ; and, in the absence of other
suitable accommodations, she was sent to the house of Dr. W. A. Cheatham
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 623
—a brother-in-law of Morgan— to be clothed and fed,— the Chief of Police
at the same time giving her several dollars with which to purchase shoes, &c.
Despite the many favors which had been shown to Cheatham's family, and
the forgiving courtesy and kindness with which they had been treated, this
call upon them for temporary aid was responded to with a very bad grace.
Mrs. Brown was left in her rags, turned into a basement room, and forced
to eat and sleep with the negroes. She was closely questioned about Morgan
and his men, and was told that it was not Morgan's men at all, but Federal
soldiers, who had robbed her. There she remained some days, the family
having nothing to say to her. Occasionally Mrs. Cheatham would bring
some lady friends down to the kitchen to see her and her children, when
they would question her and tell her she lied, and, with a spiteful laugh,
Mrs. Cheatham would assure her friends that this Mrs. Brown was not what
she was trying to palm herself off for, but only "one of old Truesdail's
spies."
A Soldier's Plan of Settlement. — The railroad from Murfreesborough
to Xashville passes through what was once a fine farming-land ; now, how-
ever, fences are down and gone, houses burned, and the whole country wears
a desolate appearance. Gliding along in the cars, one day, past many fields
which were just becoming green with tender grass, the author heard one of
a lively group of soldiers remark, —
" I tell you, boys, what should be done all along here. Let, Uncle Sam
run his surveyor's chain all over this ; then let every soldier pre-empt his
one hundred and sixty acres, and it will be God's land again."
Possibly it would trouble a wordy politician in a three-hours speech tc
arrive at a more politic conclusion, — one that would' more nearly remunerate
the soldier, the sooner build up an(i beautify that country, and prove a more
merited judgment upon a rebellious people.
Girls' "Wit. — Upon going to the tent of the head-quarters photographer,
at Murfreesborough, Tennessee, recently, to have his manly countenance
painted by the sunbeams, Brigadier-General Garfield, Chief of Staff, found
there a bevy of rebel girls. As he entered, with a number of military
friends, they hastily left the premises. Passing out of the door, one of them
slyly remarked, —
'•Let John Morgan come in here, and he'll take that Yankee general much
quicker than the camera can."
Foraging a Military Science. — The soldiers of the Army of the Cum-
berland are "heavy on drill." The manual of arms has become a habit
with them, and their quickness in executing commands is a marvel akin tc
intuition. But especially are they worthy of commendation when foraging,
either in the aggregate or upon individual responsibility. "Woe unto pigs
and sheep and calves and chickens when they are on the march !
024 AKMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Recently a "Wisconsin colonel was boasting of his regiment, declaring
most roundly that his boys, while marching by the flank in dress and step,
could catch, kill, skin, divide, and stow away a half-grown hog unnoticed
by the next company, front or rear. An Ohio captain, nothing daunted
upon hearing this, said his boys were equally clever. In camp, of nights,
they usually had veal or mutton. While slaughtering, they would mount
their own guard, and, at the least alarm of an officer approaching, down
the butchers would get upon the grass, with a blanket thrown over the car-
cass, around which they would be sitting demurely, intent upon a very inte-
resting game of "euchre" or "seven-up."
The Prayer of the Wicked. — During the month of December last, and
for many weeks previous, a severe drought prevailed in Tennessee. The
Cumberland River was fordable in many places, the smaller streams nearly
dry, and in sundry localities water for stock very scarce. During its con-
tinuance, a Union man at Shelbyville, while in attendance upon the Method-
ist church at that place, heard a prayer offered from the pulpit by the
officiating minister, in which occurred a sentence somewhat as follows : —
" 0 Lord, as a nation free and independent, look down upon us in mercy
and loving-kindness, and hold us within the hollow of thy hand amidst
all our desolation and sorrow. Let the rays of heaven's light smile upon
our fields, and the dews of beneficent mercy be shed upon our valleys. Let
the rain descend to beautify and fructify the earth and to swell the rivers
of waters ; but, 0 Lord, do not raise the Cumberland sufficient to bring
upon us the damnable Yankee gunboats I"
This is the correct version : it has been going the rounds of the newspapers
mutilated.
Rebel Petticoat Government. — The dear ladies of the South are despe-
rately wicked little rebels, as a whole. Very many instances have come to
light within the lines of this army where the men would have abstained
from and abjured the rebellion had it not been for the determined wildness
of the women.
A young man, intelligent and of pleasing demeanor, when taken prisoner
by our forces stated that he never was a rebel at heart, nor was his
mother. He had determined to keep out of their army, and resolutely did so
for a time. He soon found, however, that he was a marked man, — was
jeered at and scorned by every young lady in his neighborhood. He braved
it for a while; but one day matters came to a crisis. A party of girls came
to his house, bringing with them shawls, dresses, and a skeleton »hoop-skirt,
which they left for him to put on! The dose was overpowering, and he
went off at once and joined the rebel army.
The same spirit has pervaded the whole of the benighted South. There,
as everywhere, the women are the purest or the worst of the race.
The Misses Smith, residing four miles from Murfreesborough, upon a
recent occasion boastingly assured some Federal officers, at their dinner-table,
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 625
that they, with other young ladies of that vicinity, had formed themselves
into a rebel association for the express purpose of forcing every young man
of their acquaintance into the army, and that they had been eminently
successful in so doing. In several instances they had threatened the back-
ward beaux with petticoat and hoop-skirt presentations.
General Palmer and the Hog. — Two years ago our officers were very
strict in respect to foraging upon the individual hook. Chickens and pigs
were held sacred, because
'•It is a sin
To steal a pin/' &c.
But a year or so of earnest war taught the nation a lesson, and this strict-
ness has been greatly relaxed. Now it is practically "root, hog, or die"
with our soldiers when in the enemy's country.
Early one morning in 1802, while at Farmington, near Corinth, Missis-
sippi, as Brigadier- (now Major-) General Palmer was riding along his lines
to inspect some breastworks that had been thrown up during the previous
night, he came suddenly upon some of the boys of Company I, 27th Illinois
Volunteers, who had just shot a two-hundred-pound hog, and were engaged
in the interesting process of skinning it. The soldiers were startled ; their
chief looked astonished and sorrowful.
"Ah ! a body, — a corpse. Some poor fellow gone to his last home. Well,
he must be buried with military honors. Sergeant, call the officer of the
guard."
The officer was speedily at hand, and received orders to have a grave dup;
and the body buried forthwith. The grave was soon prepared, and then
the company were mustered. Pall-bearers placed the body of the dead upon
a stretcher. The order was given to march, and, with reversed arms and
funeral tread, the solemn procession of sixty men followed the body to the
grave. Not a word passed nor a muscle of the face stirred while the last rites
of sepulture were being performed. The ceremony over, the general and
his staff waved their adieux, and were soon lost in the distance.
The philosophy of the soldier is usually equal to the emergency. He
has read and pondered. He now painfully realizes that flesh is as grass,
and that life is but a shadow. But he thinks of the resurrection, and his
gloom passes away. So with the philosophic boys of Company I, 27th
Illinois. Ere their general was fairly seated at his own breakfast-table,
there was a raising of the dead, and savory pork-steaks were frying in
many a camp-pan.
A Rebel "Pow-wow" Denied. — A day or two after the battle of Stone
River, and while burial-parties were yet busy upon the field, a minister of
the gospel, of secession proclivities, applied to the general commanding at
Murfreesborough for permission to take the body of the rebel General James
40
626 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
Rains to Nashville — his former home — for burial. General Rosecrans,
alive to the courtesies of military life, readily consented, — when it was inti-
mated to him that the secessionists of Nashville were intending to make the
funeral a rebel ovation. The. idea stung him. Turning to the applicant
in his earnest, brusque manner, he remarked, —
"I wish it to be distinctly understood that there is to be no fuss made
over this affair, — none at all, sir. I won't permit it, sir, in the face of this
bleeding army. My own officers are here, dead and unburied, and the
bodies of my brave soldiers are yet on the field, among the rocks and cedars.
You may have the corpse, sir ; but remember distinctly that you can't have
an infernal secession ' pow-wow' over it in Nashville !"
Conquering by Starvation. — Starving out an enemy may at times be a
sure process ; but in a country of such vast extent as rebeldom it is cer-
tainly a slow one. However, signs ominous of such a result have been
visible, and were the subject of a recent discussion by a party of officers at
the head-quarters of Major-General Sheridan, near Murfreesborough. The
getieral was not as sanguine on the point as many others, and remarked, —
" Gentlemen, don't let us be as mistaken in this as I was once in my Mis-
souri campaigning. The word went out, all over the State, that there was
a great scarcity of salt ; there was no salt for meat, nor even for bread.
Because of these reports, I was extremely cautious to shut down on the salt-
trade in my rear. Not a bushel of salt would I pass into or beyond my
lines. In this I thought I was doing good service ; but imagine my surprise
and hearty disgust, on entering Springfield, Missouri, to find that the only
article left behind by Price and his men in their hasty flight, and of which
I found large quantities there, was — salt!"
A Rebel Beecher. — The Beechers are known throughout the Union as
men of talent and of positive views, — many term them extreme, especially
on the slavery question. But this rebellion has even cut in twain the
family of the Beechers. During the battle of Stone River, Dr. Charles
Bunce, of Galesburg, Illinois, assistant surgeon of the 59th Illinois Volun-
teers, remained upon the field, busily engaged in caring for his wounded
men, and with them was made a prisoner. Soon after, while surrounded by
a group of rebel officers to whom he had been introduced, he remarked, in
the course of conversation, that he was surprised to find even New Yorkers
among the officers of the Southern army.
" Worse than that, sir," said a bystander. " In me you see a man from
Massachusetts and Illinois. My name is Edward A. Beecher, son of
Edward Beecher, President of Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois. Henry
Ward Beecher is my uncle."
"Why, Galesburg is my town, and I know your father well," replied the
Illinois doctor.
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES.,, 627
The pleasure of the acquaintance thus formed was mutual, and the
doctor soon found that he had met with a genuine Beecher in appearance
and manners. This son of Edward the eminent was a quartermaster in
General Cheatham's division, and previous to the war had practised law
at Memphis, Tennessee. He was not at all bitter in his feelings nor harsh
in his views, yet was withal a most determined rebel.
A Southern "Lady." — A friend visiting the camps near Major-General
Sheridan's head-quarters at Murfreesborough, several weeks after the
battle of Stone River, heard the following incident of Southern society
related by Colonel J. R. Miles, of the 27th Regiment Illinois Volunteers.
The topic of discussion was the negro, " as usual."
The colonel said he had been rather sold on one occasion down in Alabama,
last year, while the Federal troops were occupying the line of the Menlphis
& Charleston Railroad. His command was detailed to guard a bridge,
near which lay large, rich plantations. On a pleasant Sabbath afternoon,
as he reclined listlessly in his tent, a carriage drove up. The horses were
of the finest, the coach elegant, and the driver with gloves, &c. d la mode.
A beautifully-dressed lady was the occupant, — a little dark in feature, per-
haps, but still fair. Her hair was in ringlets, a " love of a bonnet" on her
head, a large pin glittering upon her breast, and jewelry displayed else-
where in profusion. The colonel walked to the carriage with due alacrity,
saluted the lady most respectfully, and awaited her commands. She said
she resided on a plantation near by, and had come to inquire about a straw-
cutting machine that had been borrowed or taken by the soldiers. The
colonel made due explanation, and said the machine should speedily be
returned.
"I hope so," said she ; " for Master Mosely needs it sadly."
" "What's that ? Did you say Master Mosely ?"
" Yes, sir, I did."
" You don't say that he is your master, — that you are a slave, — do you ?"
The "lady" — we suppose we must continue to call her a "lady," for con-
sistency's sake — smiled quite charmingly, as she replied, calmly, —
" Yes, sir."
The colonel took a second glance at the carriage, the horses, the silvered
harness, the driver, and then at the finely-dressed person within, and was
completely astounded, albeit he was born and raised in Kentucky, near the
Tennessee line, not more than thirty miles from Nashville.
" Pray," queried he, further, "is your master a married man?"
" No : he is a widower."
" Well, does he treat you as his wife ?"
She did not answer this question direct, but bade the driver start on,
and, as she was driven off, remarked, —
" I live in his house."
Subsequent inquiries revealed the following state of the case. A Virginia
62S ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
planter had sold this girl to go South, upon the express agreement that she
was to be handsomely provided for, — the general supposition being that she
was his child. The trader brought her to this widower's designedly, and
doubled his money in the trade. She was now perhaps thirty years old,
and certainly a very handsome woman. Mosely was a rich planter, living
on Mallard Creek, about half-way between Courtland and Decatur, and had
a family by his first wife, one of whom was a daughter, now some sixteen
years of age.
A Rebel Story. — At the dinner-table of Mrs. Jernigan, a Union lady in
Shelbyville, Tennessee, and whose husband is a refugee from his home as
we write, the following incident was related, during the month of March,
1863, by a rebel officer of John Morgan's command, latterly in the rebel
Quartermaster's Department.
Some months ago, a Federal officer in charge of a small expedition
caught two bushwackers and had them hung. They belonged to Morgan's
command ; and he vowed vengeance on the first prisoners he should capture.
Soon afterwards he took seventeen Federal soldiers prisoners, and put his
threat into execution. Six he shot, seven he hung, and four were despatched
with an axe, — " as you would kill hogs," the narrator said.
The minutiae of the tale we will suppress, in the name of humanity. The
narrator, however, gloated over the manner in which the poor soldiers pleaded
for their lives, or for at least an honorable soldier's death, and, in a spirit
of bravado, dwelt leisurely upon the horrid details. This evidence has
been preserved to fill one of the darkest pages in the history of the accursed
rebellion.
Secesh Religion. — As two of the army secret police were passing the
house of a certain Mrs. Harris, a secession woman of Edgefield, opposite
Nashville, Tennessee, whose husband had been arrested and imprisoned
the previous week upon the charge of stealing Government horses and
running them South, they were espied by her from her window. Stepping
to the door, she calls to them and invites them in. They decline the in-
vitation, because, they say, they are in a great hurry. She then inquires
about her husband, and is told that he is safe — in jail at Nashville.
" But didn't you tell me that you would help him all you could, when
you came to see me about him the other day?" she asked.
" Yes," was the reply ; " and we did help him right well. He is where
the dogs won't bite him now," was the jeering rejoinder.
The woman was in a rage in a moment. She had been imposed upon ;
and she burst forth with the angry exclamation, —
" Oh. you thieving Yankee scoundrels ! that's the way you servo a poor
woman, is it?" — and so on for full three minutes, ending her harangue with
the following unanswerable declaration :— " Oh, I never had any religion, and
I never expect to have any until you two knaves and that wicked old Trues-
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 629
dail, your master, are all hung. Then I shall have religion. 1 shall jump
and scream for very joy."
The policemen hurriedly " skedaddled," amid a general openijpg of doors,
windows, and ears in the neighborhood.
A Practical Camp-Joke.— The soldier in his best estate is full of fun.
In a tent in the camp of the 11th Indiana Battery, near Murfreesborough,
in the absence of chairs a rude bench had been constructed by placing a
board upon cross-legs. The board was soon found too limber to bear up the
crowd which daily enjoyed its comforts, and was, in consequence, strength-
ened by laying another thick plank over it. A roguish sergeant one day
removed this top plank, bored a number of auger-holes nearly through the
bottom board, filled them with powder, laid a train from one to another, pre-
pared his fuse, and then replaced the plank. Shortly after, the bench, as
usual, was filled with his unsuspecting comrades, — when he reached down
and touched the fuse with his lighted cigar. Of course, there was an explo-
sion just about that time, which hoisted the party as would a petard, up-
setting the stove and tent-furniture, knocking down the tent, and enveloping
all in smoke and dire confusion.
A Soldier's Armistice. — One of the most remarkable features of this
war is the absence of vindictiveness among the soldiery of the two sections.
When parties have met with flags of truce, the privates will freely con-
verse, drink from each others' canteens, and even have a social game of
cards in a fence-corner. Especially upon pieketrduty has this friendliness
broken in upon discipline, — so much so that in many instances orders have
been issued strictly forbidding such intercourse. The following incident is
related by a member of the 8th Kentucky: —
" On the 27th of December, our army arrived at Stewart's Creek, ten
miles distant from Murfreesborough. The following day, being Sabbath,
and our general being devout, nothing was done, except to cross a few com-
panies on the left as skirmishers, our right being watched by the enemy's,
as well as ours, — both extending along the creek on opposite sides. Despite
of orders, our boys would occasionally shut an eye at the Confederates, who
were ever ready to take the hint. This was kept up until evening, when the
boys, finding they were effecting nothing at such long range, quit shooting,
and concluded they would ' talk it out,' — whereupon the following occurred : —
" Federal (at the top of his voice). — ' Halloo, boys ! what regiment ?'
" Confederate.—' 8th Confederate.'
" Federal.—' Bully for you !'
" Confederate. — ' What's your regiment?'
" Federal. — ' 8th and 21st Kentucky.'
" Confederate.— ' All right.'
" Federal. — ' Boys, have you got any whiskey?'
GoU ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
" Confederate.—' Plenty of her.'
" Federal. — ' IIow'll you trade for coffee ?'
" Confederate. — ' Would like to accommodate you, but never drink it while
the worm goes.'
•' Federal. — ' Let's meet at the creek and have a social chat.'
•' Confederate. — 'Will you shoot?'
■' Federal. — ' Upon the honor of a gentleman, not a man shall. Will you
shoot ?'
" Confederate. — 'I give you as good .assurance. '
" Federal. — ' Enough said. Come on.'
•' Confederate. — 'Leave your arms.'
'• Federal. — ' I have left them. Do you leave yours?'
" Confederate.—' I do.'
"Whereupon both parties started for the creek to a point agreed upon.
Meeting almost simultaneously, we (the Federals) were, in a modulated
tone, addressed in the usual unceremonious style of a soldier, by —
" Confederate. — ' Halloo, boys ! how do you make it ?'
" Federal— ' Oh, bully! bully!'
" Confederate. — ' This is rather an unexpected armistice.'
" Federal—' That's so.'
" Federal. — ' Boys, are you going to make a stand at Murfreesborough?'
"Confederate. — "That is a leading question: notwithstanding, I will
venture to say it will be the bloodiest ten miles you ever travelled.'
" Thus the conversation went on for some time, until a Confederate cap-
tain (Miller, of General Wheeler's cavalry) came down, requesting an ex-
change of papers. On being informed we had none, he said he would give
us his anyhow, and, wrapping a stone in the paper, threw it across. Some
compliments were passed, when the captain suggested that, as it was getting
late, we had better quit the conference ; whereupon both parties, about twenty
each, began to leave, with, ' Good-bye, boys : if ever I meet you in battle, I'll
spare you.' So we met and parted, not realizing that we were enemies."
A Vandal General. — Brigadier-General Morton, of the Pioneer Brigade,
has a penchant for pulling down houses in rebeldom, where they stand in
the way of his military operations. The most costly edifice speedily tumbles
if obstructing the range of artillery from his fortifications. Two hours' or
half a day's notice will be given, and, whether vacated or not, at the expi-
ration of that time off goes the roof. While superintending the building of
Fort Negley, at Nashville, General Morton found it necessary to remove
many houses in the outskirts of the city. This gave him quite a local
reputation, — such as it was, — but of which he was totally regardless. One
morning early he rode about the suburbs of Nashville with some friends,
to show them the works, pointing, as he rode along, with his hand in divers
directions. The inhabitants, now constantly on the qui vive for military
operations, were terrified, — were sure he was giving orders to his staff t'>
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 631
pull down houses and make new streets ; and several of them, in a most
excited and in some instances quite ludicrous manner, appealed to him and
to the city authorities to spare them.
A Foraging-Incideut. — During the month of March, 1863, an extensive
foraging and reconnoitring expedition, comprising several hundred men
and teams of Major-General Keynolds's division, went out from Murfrees-
borough towards Lebanon, through a fertile and well-stocked country, the
people of which were mainly intensely rebel. The expedition was very suc-
cessful, bringing back corn, fodder, poultry, pigs, and cattle innumerable, —
also some four hundred head of horses and mules, to aid in mounting Colonel
Wilder' s infantry brigade. . While out upon this expedition, the train came
to the premises of an active, wealthy, bitter old rebel, — one who had made
himself very busy in procuring volunteers for the rebel army, and particu-
larly obnoxious to his Union neighbors by assisting the rebel agents to hunt
down conscripts. He looked rather astonished when our advance cavalry
was followed off by his horses. The quartermaster came next, with his
mules and the contents of his corn-cribs. "When the commissary marched
by in charge of the gentleman's extra-fat cattle, " secesh," in great alarm,
wanted to know if we were not going to pay for his " goods." " We are not
paying money at present to any one," blandly replied the quartermaster.
"AVell, but you will give me a receipt for them?" "Certainly, sir: here
are your vouchers already made out." " Secesh" read them, apparently
well pleased, until he came to the inexorable words, " to be paid at the close
of the war, upon proof of loyalty." " Well, if that is the case," said he,
"they may go to the d — 1 ;" and, turning to a couple of his darkies, who
were looking on with open mouths, he administered to them a few vigorous
kicks a posteriori, exclaiming, " you, you go too!"
The General at Review. — When the commander-in-chief of the Army
of the Cumberland rides out to review his troops, there is usually something
of a pleasant as well as instructive character going on. Upon his appearing,
the welkin rings with the hearty cheers of the troops. When dressed in
line, the general occasionally passes along in front, scanning each man
closely and with a skilful and practised eye, noticing in an instant any thing
out of place in their dress or accoutrements. He always keeps a sharp
look-out for his officers, holding them accountable for the conduct of the
men. On review a short time since, he gave a forcible illustration of his
ideas on the subject. He noticed a private whose knapsack was very much
awry, and drew him from the ranks, calling at the same time for his captain,
who approached. " Captain, I am sorry to see you don't know how to strap
a knapsack on a soldier's back." " But I didn't do it, general." " Oh,
you didn't? Well, hereafter you had better do it yourself, or see that it is
done correctly by the private. I have nothing more to say to him. I shall
hold you responsible, sir, for the appearance of your men." " But if I can't
(132 ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND.
make thorn attend to these matters ?" said the officer. " Then, if you can't,
you had better leave the service."
When he finds occasion to "jog" a soldier for some remissness, he will do it
effectually, and yet in a manner so genial and kindly that no offence is taken,
hut rather his men admire him the more. For example, reviewing a
brigade recently, he came to a good-looking private whose shoes were quite
too much the worse for wear, — albeit there were hundreds of boxes of
shoes then in the quartermaster's department of our army. General Rose-
crans halted and inquired into the case. The soldier stated that he had
applied time and again, but could draw no shoes. The captain came up :
he said he had tried his utmost, and he could get none. "Bad work, sir!
very bad work ! It won't do, sir ! — it sha'n't do, sir !" remarked the general :
" your men must have comfortable clothing. I want all my men to stir up
their captains, and I want the captains to stir up their colonels, and I want
the colonels to keep at their generals, and then let the generals come to me
and stir me up, and keep stirring up, all of you, until these needless evils
are remedied. That's the way to do it !"
Upon another occasion, General Rosecrans noticed a private without a
canteen, but otherwise quite neatly arrayed. " Ah, here's a good soldier ;
all right, — first-rate, — with one little exception. Good clothes and good
arms : he marches, and drills, and fights, and eats. But he don't drink.
That's queer ; and I fear he won't hold out on a pinch. March all day in
the heat and dust, yet don't want to drink ! Rather afraid of a break-down
here. Better have the canteens, boys, and well filled, too !" And he passes
on, leaving a lesson and a smile.
At the Grave. — Upon the battle-field of Stone River the author saw a
Northern father standing with folded arms and clouded yet firm counte-
nance, while assistants were raising the body of his only son, that he might
return with it to the home in the land of prairie and lake. What Cato said
of his boy fallen in battle might well have been repeated by that father : —
" Thanks to the gods ! my boy has done his duty.
Welcome, my son ! There set him down, my friends,
Full in my sight, that I may view at leisure
The bloody corpse, and count those glorious wounds.
How beautiful is death when earn'd by virtue !
Who would not be that youth ? What pity 'tis
That we can die but once to save our country !
Why sits that sadness on your brow, my friends ?
I should have blush'd if Cato's housfi had stood
Secure and flourish'd in a civil war."
The Contrabands at Nashville.— The reader will remember that upon
the retreat of General Buell's army to Kentucky in pursuit of Bragg, Nash-
ville was left with but a small garrison, and fortifications were at once com-
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 633
rnenced with alacrity and vigor by the officer in command. Every able-
bodied negro in the city whom he could lay hands upon was " pressed" and
put upon the work. Barber-shops and kitchens were visited, and their
inmates taken " willy-nilly." The Commercial Hotel was thus cleared of
servants one morning : there was no dinner for many an expectant guest,
and the house was closed. By such means a force of two thousand negroes
were soon at work upon Fort Xegley. Every description of vehicle — milk-
wagons, coal-carts, express-wagons, open carriages, &c. — was also impressed.
Our artist has given the scene on the opposite page.
To the credit of the colored population be it said, they worked manfully
and cheerfully, with hardly an exception, and yet lay out upon the works
of nights under guard, without blankets, and eating only army-rations.
They worked in squads, each gang choosing its own officers ; and it was
amusing to hear their captains exclaim to the wheelbarrow-men, "Let dem
buggies roll, brudder Bones and Felix ;" or, " You niggas ovah dah, let
dem picks fall easy, or dey'll hurt somefin," &c. &c. When the attack upon
the city was threatened, many of these negroes came to the officer of the
day and asked for arms to help beat off the rebels, — a request he was unable
to grant, but assigned to them their places behind the works, with axes,
picks, and spades, in case the enemy should come to close quarters.
Want or Confidence. — A shrewd negro blacksmith in Shelbyville, Ten-
nessee, had accumulated by his labor some seven hundred dollars in Con-
federate shinplasters. Anxious to invest it in something promising a more
certain return for his toil, he recently gave the entire pile for a sorry-looking
horse and buggy. A Confederate officer, hearing of the occurrence, remarked
to him, —
" Bill Keyes, you are a fool !"
" Perhaps I am, sir," replied Bill ; " but I'll be cussed if your Confederate
stuff shall die on my hands \"
"Kissing a Nigger." — A young officer upon the staff of one of our
generals, who was temporarily sojourning at head-quarters in the Zollicoffer
House, on High Street, Nashville, one day stopped before the door of a
neighboring house to admire and caress a beautiful little girl. She was
fair, bright, and active ; her hair was in ringlets, and she was neatly
dressed. Imagine the emotions of our kind-hearted officer when a young
lady remarked to him, with a perceptible sneer, —
" You seem to be very fond of kissing niggers."
"Good gracious !" was the startled reply: "you don't call that child a
nigger, do you ?"
"Yes, I do. She is nothing else."
The officer took another glance at the child, who seemed even more fair
than the young lady, and turned away, reflecting upon some of the " pecu-
liarities" of Southern society.
00-t AKJttX OJT XH..B vumaxia.im.nu.
Tiie Irish Sentinel. — A son of the Green Isle, a new member of Colonel
Gillam's Middle Tennessee Regiment, while stationed at Nashville recently,
was detailed on guard-duty on a prominent street of that city. It was his
first experience at guard-mounting, and he strutted along his beat appa-
rently with a full appreciation of the dignity and importance of his position.
As a citizen approached, he shouted, —
' ' Halt ! Who comes there ?"
"A citizen," was the response.
"Advance, citizen, and give the countersign."
"I haven't the countersign; and, if I had, the demand for it at this time
and place is something very strange and unusual," rejoined the citizen.
"An', by the howly Moses, ye don't pass this way at all till ye say
Bunker Hill," was Pat's reply.
The citizen, appreciating the "situation," advanced and cautiously whis-
pered in his ear the necessary words.
" Right ! Pass on." And the wide-awake sentinel resumed his beat.
A Dodge for a Pass. — Our general has ordered that officers' and soldiers'
wives shall stay at home, or, at least, advises them that they had better not
come out to the army at Murfreesborough. There are no hotels, no nice
eatables, none of the comforts of life, here. On the contrary, many ugly
sights and smells will be encountered ; and, on the whole, home will be a
much more agreeable place. Hence the dear ladies can get ^10 passes to
come, — sad fact, but very necessary denial.
But an officer's wife is shrewd. If she can circumvent the epaulet and
shoulder-straps, 'tis done ; and she takes not a little delight in the operation,
One of them recently telegraphed from Louisville to General Garfield, Chief of
Staff, that her husband, an artillery officer, was very sick, — perhaps dying, —
and that she must see him, and requested the general to authorize the issuing
to her of a pass to Murfreesborough. The general's heart was touched ; but,
knowing nothing of the matter, he referred it to Colonel Barnett, Chief of
Artillery. The colonel, too, sympathized with the distressed wife, and kindly
sent an orderly out to the husband's battery to inquire into his condition,
that the devoted wife might be advised thereof. Speedily the husband him-
self came in, with astonishment depicted in his face. Something's the
matter, somewhere or somehow, he doesn't exactly know what.
"How do you do?" asks the Artillery Chief.
"First-rate, sir."
"Where have you been of late?"
'' At my battery, — on duty."
" Have you not been sick lately ?"
"No, indeed! Never had better health in my life."
"Quite sure of it, are you?"
"Of course I am."
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 635
'•You have been on duty all the time? Haven't you been absent from
your command at all?"
" Not a day."
"Perfectly well now, — no consumption, liver-complaint, fever, spleen, or
Tennessee quickstep? eh?"
" Certainly not. "Why do you ask?"
In reply to this query the telegram of his anxious wife was handed to
him. He read it, looked do,wn and pondered for a moment in silent wonder
at the ingenuity of woman, then called for a bottle of wine, and a general
"smile" circulated among the bystanders. The loving wife was informed
by telegraph that her husband was in no danger, — in fact, was doing
remarkably well. Thus she was circumvented for a time. Yet, to " vindi-
cate the truth of history," we must add that she gained her point in some
other way, — what Yankee wife will not? — and made her visit successfully.
The following direction upon a letter which passed through the post-office
from Murfreesborough we quote : —
"ITaste away, old engine, thou fiery steed !
Bear me to C. E. Haines with lightning speed:
You will find him engaged at work on his farm,
As busy as a bee, and doing no harm,
While receiving a farmer's hard-earn'd bounty
From the folks of Clarkaborotigh, Gloucester county,
New Jersey."
The Romance of War. — The following order is said to have originate 1
at the head-quarters of that correct disciplinarian, Major-General Rose-
crans: —
" Head-Quarters Department op the Cumberland, April 17, 1863.
" General : — The general commanding directs me to call your attention to
a flagrant outrage committed in your command, — a person having been ad-
mitted inside your lines without a pass and in violation of orders. The case
is one which calls for your personal attention, and the general commanding
directs that you deal with the offending party or parties according to law.
'' The medical director reports that an orderly sergeant in Brigadier-Gene-
ral 's division was to-day delivered of a baby, — which is in violation of
all military law and of the army regulations. No such case has been known
since the days of Jupiter.
"You will apply the proper punishment in this case, and a remedy to
prevent a repetition of the act."
The Overton Family. — At the breaking-out of the rebellion, John Overton
was one of the wealthiest men in Tennessee. His plantation, seven miles
636 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
south of Nashville, embraced several thousand acres of land, with buildings
and improvements exhibiting the finest taste. Although the whole family
were known to be violent secessionists, the first blast of war swept by with-
out injury to them. Their crops were untouched, their groves and lawns
were unscathed, and, while others felt the iron hand of war, theirs was still
the abode of luxury and plenty. The plantation was left nominally in the
care of Mrs. Overton, her husband and sons being in the rebel army. This,
however, did not prevent her asking and obtaining unlimited protection from
the Federal authorities.
Soon after General Negley assumed command of Nashville, information
was received that a large amount of rebel stores, consisting of horseshoe
iron and nails, was concealed at this place; and a detachment of the 11th
Michigan Infantry, under command of Captain Hood, was sent to seize the
goods. Arriving at the house, situated in a beautiful grove at some distance
from the road, the captain halted his men outside of the door-yard, caused
them to order arms and remain in place, and announced himself at the
door. The summons was answered by a lady, when the following colloquy
ensued: —
"Is Mr. Overton at home, madam?"
"No, sir: he is with the Confederate army," was the lady's answer.
"I presume he is a rebel, then?"
"Yes, sir: he is a rebel all over."
" Well, madam, I wish to see some person who is in charge of the place.
I am ordered to search for articles contraband of war."
" I am Mrs. Overton. You can search the place if you wish ; but you will
not find any thing contraband. I wish, however, you would keep the soldiers
away from the house."
The captain assured her that no depredations would be committed by the
soldiers, who were still standing at their arms, and added, —
" I will commence by searching under the floor of the meat-house."
The lady opened her eyes with astonishment. Recovering herself, she re-
plied,—
" There is no use of having any words about it. You will find some horse-
shoes there."
And they were found. About two tons of valuable iron was unearthed
and turned over to the Government.
In the fall of 1862 Rosecrans's victorious army relieved Nashville, and
remained a few days in the city. Early in December a general advance was
made, and the left wing of the army encamped on the Overton place, and
it was then known as "Camp Hamilton." The camp-fires of the Union
army were lighted on every part of the farm, and the rights of private
property gave way to the stern necessities of war. Grove and woodland
resounded with the sturdy strokes of the axeman, and disappeared. Fences
were destroyed, and the crops and stock were taken for the necessary use of
the army, and receipts given, to be paid when the owner should " establish
his loyalty." The place which in peaceful days had blossomed as the rose
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 637
was soon a desolate waste, with its palatial mansion standing "alone in its
glory."
The general commanding doubtless chose the camp with reference to its
strategic importance in his approach on Murfreesborough ; but by the natural
course of events its rebel owners learned what it is to "sow the storm and
reap the -whirl-wind."
A Rebel Woman Nonplussed. — Last winter a forage-train went out of
Nashville, and two or three of the Michigan soldiers guarding it called at a
house for dinner. The woman, ready to take their money and get their
favor, at once prepared it. While they were eating, she thought it a favor-
able moment for conversation, and propounded the usual question of Se-
cessia : —
" What in the world did all you people come down here to fight us for?"
" The fact is, madam," quickly answered one of her guests, dropping his
knife and fork, leaning back in his chair and looking her calmly in the
face, " we understood your folks were going to free all your negroes and
send them up North, and we don't want them and won't have them. So
we've come down here to put a stop to it."
The old lady was silenced by this spiking of her guns.
The Overseer and the Watermelons. — While marching from Tus-
cumbia to Courtland, last summer, with a portion of his command, the late
Colonel Roberts, of the 42d Illinois Regiment, halted with his escort at a plant-
ation by the roadside, for refreshment of some kind. No white person was
about but the overseer, and he was surly and crabbed enough.
" Are there any watermelons about?" asked the colonel.
" I've got none," doggedly answered the overseer.
" Well, if you haven't any, hasn't somebody on the place?"
'■ I don't know. Shouldn't wonder if the niggers had some. You can
find out by asking them."
''Look here, sirrah!" exclaimed the gallant colonel, now somewhat irri-
tated, " these airs you are putting on are about played out in this country.
Tell your negroes to bring out some of those melons, and do it quick."
The command was too imperative to be disregarded, and the overseer
started off. .In a few minutes he returned with the negroes and a number
of fine, large melons. The party ate freely of them, and, when all were dis-
posed of, the colonel turned to one of the negroes and asked, —
" Boy, were those your melons ?"
"Yeas, sah! I growed 'em."
" All right. What's your charge?"
"Reck'n dey am wuth a dollah, sah."
" Cheap enough ! Now, Mr. Overseer, pay that boy a dollar."
"What for?" growled out the overseer.
638 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
" Because I tell you to, and because you have acted the dog instead of
the gentleman. Hand over the dollar forthwith."
The dollar was paid to Sambo, and the colonel rode off, leaving the over-
seer standing in the porch, a little wiser, if not a better, man.
Negro Equality Illustrated. — Quite recently, at a Louisville boarding-
house, a lady of Northern birth and education, but a bitter rebel, was read-
ing to a mixed company an absurd account of some Northern women land-
ing at Hilton Head, South Carolina, and embracing an old negress, calling
her " sister," &c. The lady was triumphantly vindictive, and exclaimed to
a Federal captain, —
"What do you think of that? Isn't that a beautiful specimen of your
negro equality ?"
The captain was annoyed, and hardly knew what to say. He said nothing,
in fact, but turned and walked to the window. Glancing out, he saw on the
opposite sidewalk a group of negroes enjoying themselves in the sun as only
negroes can. They were of all sizes and all shades of color, — some almost
white. Smiling at the thought that it was now his turn, he said to the rebel
lady —
" Will you step to the window a moment?"
" Certainly," (suiting the act to the word.)
" Look there. Do you see that?"
"See what, sir?"
" Why, that black-yellow-white group on the other side."
" Certainly I do. What is there strange about it ?"
" Oh, nothing, I suppose : only one would think there must have been
considerable negro equality practised by the white people of the South, as
well as those of the North."
The lady "retired," and thereafter was somewhat less insulting in her
demonstrations.
A Fighting Parson. — Colonel Granville Moody, of the 74th Ohio, is a
famous Methodist preacher from Cincinnati. He is something over fifty,
six feet and two or three inches, of imposing presence, with a fine, genial
face and prodigious vocal range. The reverend colonel, who proved himself
a fighting parson of the first water, was hit four times at the battle of Mur-
freesborough, and will carry the marks of battle when he goes back to
the altar. His benevolence justifies his military flock in the indulgence
of sly humor at his expense; but he never permits them to disturb his
equanimity. Several battle-anecdotes of him are well authenticated. Not
long ago, General Negley merrily accused him of using heterodox expletives
in the ardor of conflict.
"Is it a fact, colonel," inquired the general, "that you told the boys to
' give 'em hell' ?"
"How?" replied the colonel, reproachfully: "that's some more of the
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 639
boys' mischief. I told them to give the rebels ' Hail Columbia ;' and they
have perverted my language."
The parson, however, had a sly twinkle in the corner of his eye, which
left his hearers in considerable doubt.
Our "Western circuit-preachers are known as stentors. "Where others are
emphatic, they roar in the fervor of exhortation, especially when they come
in with their huge " Amen." This fact must be borne in mind t8 appre-
ciate the story. The colonel's mind was saturated with piety and fight.
He had already had one bout with the rebels, and given them " Hail Colum-
bia." They were renewing the attack. The colonel braced himself for the
shock. Seeing his line in fine order, he thought he would exhort them
briefly. The rebels were coming swiftly. Glancing first at the foe, then
at the lads, he said, quietly, " Now, my boys, fight for your country and
your God," and, raising his voice to thunder-tones, he exclaimed, in the
same breath, " Aim low !" Says one of his gallant fellows, " I thought for
an instant it was a frenzied ejaculation from the profoundest depths of the
' Amen corner.' " Any day now you may hear the lads of the 74th roaring,
" Fight for your country and your God — aim low !"
A " Xever-did- Ant-Thing" Rebel. — Rebels in Tennessee are of as many
shades and dyes as are the negroes. Some are in the army, some are dodg-
ing about acting as spies, and some stay at home, invite Union soldiers to
their houses, treat them kindly, and at night repair to the nearest rebel
camps and give an account of Federal movements, strength, and, if pos-
sible, destination. Of all classes of rebels, these " I never did any thing"s
are regarded by our army as the most contemptible. The following in-
cident well illustrates their character and disposition.
About the middle of April last, as a body of our cavalry, under command
of Colonel Minty, were passing a fine country mansion whose owner was
known to be one of the heartiest sympathizers with rebellion, the force
halted for an hour at this house, and the colonel sent to this man for some
forage. As he did so, this gentleman walked over pompously to that officer
and presented a " safeguard," showing that he was entitled to the protec-
tion of the United States Government and that nothing in his possession
was to be molested. Minty, as a good soldier would, called his men
back. Matters went on well for about half an hour, and every thing on his
premises was held sacred ; when, lo ! a magazine exploded. A detachment
of " Lincoln hirelings" had had the impudence to desecrate the carpeted
floor of this hitherto sacred mansion and ruthlessly take therefrom two of
" Jeff's boys," who were neatly ensconced in a cupboard. At this discovery
the Union troops helped themselves, plentifully, to food for man and beast.
The planter now stalked out, — not with a dignified and pompous air, as on
the former occasion, but with " solitary step, and slow," — and approached the
colonel, who immediately asked, —
64:0 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
" Well, sir, did you ever do any thing in your life to injure the Govern-
ment ?"
" Wa-all, I reckon not; and, you sec, they are taking all my fodder."
" Yes, sir; and I think we'll take you also."
"Wa-all, now, colonel, you see, sir [Here he was interrupted by
Colonel Minty.]
"Yes, sir, I see two rebel soldiers, one of whom I had before in irons,
but escaped. The other decoyed one of my sergeants, by pledging his honor
that if he went with him across the field, nothing should happen him ; and
I have not seen that sergeant since, sir."
" Them boys you see, sir, one is my nephew and the other a discharged
soldier."
"We'll see about that, sir."
Then, calling up the prisoners, the colonel asked them if they were rebel
soldiers. Both acknowledged that, they were, and belonged to Dick McCann's
band. The planter hung his head, as Colonel Minty resumed, —
" Now, sir, what do you think of yourself? Did you ever ' do any thing'
in your life ? How can a man of your age have the impudence to tell me,
before these officers and men, that you never aided or abetted the rebellion,
when you have done every thing in your power to assist McCann, Forrest,
Morgan, and Wharton ? You have gone further than this, even. You have
given up your son and horses to McCann, and boasted that you laid him on
the altar of his country. You are a sorry kind of a Spartan, sir ; but, be-
fore I leave, allow me to give you this wholesome advice. Do you see that
railroad 1"
"I do, sir."
"Well, sir, should any thing happen to that road within three miles on
either side, I will burn your house, and take every thing you have got. Do
you mind that ?"
The planter looked melancholy, and, after a pause, faintly said, —
" I will try and do every thing I can to prevent any accidents on the
road."
" That will do, sir. You may leave." And he did leave, at a double quick.
Beating them at their own Game. — Colonel Wilder, of the old 17th
Indiana Eegiment, and now commanding a brigade of mounted infantry,
is a terror to the rebels. He roams through the country at will, and is
always where they least expect him. Among other good things, he has
invented a plan to capture rebel pickets, which is quite original, — certainly
new to the present generation.
A dozen resolute men advance nearly within sight of the pickets. All
but one conceal themselves. This man dons a butternut dress and advances.
He beckons to the pickets. Without suspicion or fear, they come on to meet
him. Suddenly the rebel picket sees men concealed behind the rocks on
both sides of him. He is quietly told to uncap his rifle and let it fall with-
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 641
out any noise. Thus he remains in the road, as though nothing had hap-
pened, and on comes another and another, until ten or twelve are captured.
In this way, on a recent occasion, Wharton's pickets were quietly gobbled
up, and an enemy suddenly appeared before him as though they had dropped
from the clouds.
A Brave Boy in Battle. — During the battle of Friday, at Stone River,
General Rousseau rode up to Loomis's battery, and saw there a youth
of the battery holding horses, and in the midst of a very tempest of shot
and shell. He was so unconscious of fear and so elated and excited, that,
being debarred from better occupation than holding horses, his high spirits
found vent in shouting out songs and dancing to the music. The general
was so pleased with his whole deportment that he rode up to him and said,
" "Well done, my brave boy ! let me shake hands with you." A few days
after the fight, General Rousseau visited £he camp of the battery, and, men-
tioning the circumstance to the commanding officer, expressed a desire to see
the youth again. " Step out, Mclntire," said the officer. The youth came
forward, blushing deeply. The general again commended his conduct, and
said, " I shook hands with you on the battle-field ; and now I wish to do it
again, in the presence of your brother soldiers. May you carry the same
brave spirit through the war, and come out safely at last, as you are sure to
come out honorably." The general then again shook his hand warmly, in
the presence of his officers and of his companions. '
A Pass to Raise Geese. — An old lady at Nashville, country-raised, from
down in Williamson county somewhere, had long been cooped up in that
devoted city, and desired to pass the blockade into Dixie. So she seasoned
up and roasted a bribe, which she hoped, with a plentiful use of smiles and
"soft sawder," would gain her point. In due time she arrived at the head-
quarters of Lieutenant Osgood.
With a cold roast turkey in her haversack, she made a flank movement upon
the sentinels, and advanced through the crowd. After knocking over two
or three men present, and treading on the neck of a small dog, she double-
quicked into the boudoir of the indefatigable lieutenant.
" Well, madam," says he, "what can I do for you to-day?"
" Well, I'm hunting for the colonel."
" Hunting for the colonel '—Colonel who ?"
"Why, Colonel Osgood: I reckon you're he." And at this juncture she
" slung" the cold roast turkey towards the lieutenant, who was not only
much astonished, but slightly injured. He recovered himself, however, and
ejaculated, —
" That's a fowl blow, madam."
" Yes : I reckoned you'd like it, colonel."
"Yes," laughing, — "but I don't like it that way. But what do you
want, madam?"
41
G42 ARMY OF TH£ CUMBERLAND.
" I want a pass to-
" Are you a Union lady ?"
" Never been nothing else. My old man — I reckon you know the squire-
he's been here a heap o' times, and "
"That's all right, madam. Just tell me about the pass: what do you
want of it ?"
" Colonel," says she, confidingly, " I want a pass to raise geese."
" To what?" asked the lieutenant.
" To raise geese."
" You have always been a loyal lady 1" asked Osgood.
'' Colonel, I reckon. You see the old man — I reckon you know old
squire "
" All right, madam. You have never aided the Confederate Government
or fed rebel cavalry ?"
"Well, I reckon if I did the ohj man — I reckon the squire has been here
— you know the "
" No matter about the old man, madam. Have you always been a loyal
lady ?"
"Yes, I reckon I have."
"Well," says Osgood, turning to one of his clerks, "give tins woman a
pass to raise geese!"
"Rousseau ok a Rabbit." — Much sport usually ensued in the camps
about Murfreesborough, last spring, when a rabbit — of which there wero
many — would be started. There is generally much cheering and excite-
ment, too, when Major-General Rousseau, who is universally popular, a
splendid horseman, and always elegantly mounted, rides about the camps.
Upon hearing a prodigious shout, one evening, near by his head-quarters,
General Jefferson C. Davis inquired the cause.
" I can't say exactly, general," replied his aide, after stepping to the tent-
door ; " but I think it's the boys either after General Rousseau or a rabbit."
Where the Damage was Done. — Russell Houston, Esq., an old and pro-
minent citizen of Nashville, and a Union man, had not long ago built him
an elegant residence, in the suburbs of the city. It occupied, unluckily, a
knoll, or swell of land, where it was deemed desirable by our engineers to
build a fort. When apprized, Mr. Houston made no objection: rather he
encouraged and aided them in their plans in the most cheerful and com-
mendable manner. One day some rebel ladies were visiting his family,
and attempted consolation, bitterly exclaiming against this " Yankee van-
dalism."
"Ah, madam," he replied to one of them, "these troops have done me
no harm. It was the firing of the first gun of the rebellion at Charleston
that destroyed my property !"
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 643
A Soldier's Idea or the First Day's Battle at Stone River. " You
say ' you can't understand about army wings, they being crushed, falling
back, &c.' Well, here it is, in short. Suppose our army to be like a bird at
Stone River, head towards Murfreesborough, its body, Thomas's corps, being
the centre, McCook's corps the right wing, spread wide open, and Critten-
den's corps, thus spread, the left wing. That will do well enough for illus-
tration. Well, Bragg's army pile in on McCook's wing, at its tip, and
break off an inch or so by capturing batteries and several hundred of our
men. And the feathers fly mightily all along that wing, and it is over-
powered, and falls back in retreat, just as the bird would fold its wing, until
it laps right up 'lungside the centre. That's the way it was done. But
they didn't move our head nor centre, though, — nary ! Well, the reb cavalry,
of which they had a powerful slue during this fight, came round on our
rear on the big .Nashville road, where were our hundreds of wagons and
ambulances. There, we will say, is the bird's tail ; and the supply-wagons,
and doctors' tools, and niggers, we'll call them the tail-feathers. Now, them
feathers flew some, you better believe !"
We are not sure but that such a narration, made by a private to an old
hoosier at a street-corner, gives a more forcible idea of the general result
of that battle to many minds than would the most elaborate description.
Amusing Instance of Rebel Desertion. — After the recent advance of our
army upon Bragg at Tullahoma, and his retreat, the Pioneer Brigade pushed
on to Elk River to repair a bridge. While one of its men, a private, was
bathing in the river, five of Bragg's soldiers, guns in hand, came to the
bank and took aim at the swimmer, one of them shouting, —
" Come in here, you Yank, out of the wet !"
The Federal was quite sure that he was " done for," and at once obeyed
the order. After dressing himself, he was thus accosted : —
"You surrender, our prisoner, do you?"
" Yes; of course I do."
" That's kind. Now we'll surrender to you !" And the five stacked arms
before him, their spokesman adding, —
" We've done with 'em, and have said to old Bragg, ' good-by !' Secesh is
played out. Now you surround us and take us into your camp."
This was done accordingly, and is but one of hundreds of instances of
wholesale desertion coming to the knowledge of our officers during the past
two months — July and August — in Lower Tennessee.
Guerrillas upon the Railroads. — One of the surest means of delay, if
not of destruction, to the Federal armies, as the rebel enemy supposed, was
the destruction of railroads in the rear of our forces. To maintain such
avenues of communication has cost the Army of the Cumberland hundreds
of lives and countless days of careful, wearisome guarding and scouting.
644 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
As a whole, our success in this regard is really wonderful. But once has
Morgan succeeded in damaging the Nashville & Louisville Kailroad to any
extent: then he required almost an army, which stopped all travel upon that
road for some ten days, and delayed the forwarding of stores for about four
weeks. Happily, the Cumberland River suddenly rose to a fair stage about
that time, and the rebels took nothing by their motion.
Our artist has given, in the foregoing plate, a scene which occurred last
winter upon the railroad above named, at a point some forty miles north of
Nashville, and at a time when that road was not so systematically and
effectually guarded as at present. A band of some sixty rebels, marauders,
said to be lawless residents and " independent" cavalry, misplaced a rail
near by a sharp curve, and secreted themselves in the edge of the forest
near by. The train was coming down at a slow and precautionary rate of
speed, as the country thereabout was favorable for guerrilla operations, and
the engine, when it arrived at that spot, toppled over upon one side, no
very great damage, however, ensuing from the stoppage. The guerrillas
were now seen with guns aimed, kneeling in a line, to appear as formidable
as possible, and they fired a deafening volley at the train, but killed no
one. They probably fired overhead to frighten rather than to hurt the
passengers. They then proceeded to rob the passengers indiscriminately.
"While thus quite leisurely employed, and in burning the cars, a bridge-
guard of brave men of our army, stationed a mile below, hastened up on
the double-quick, and when within sight the robbers made off at the top of
their speed.
Resolved to put a stop to such proceedings, the commander of the post at
Gallatin sent up a force and thoroughly scouted through that region, bring-
ing into his camp every male citizen, and keeping them confined for several
days. The old town of Gallatin was at once filled with their distressed
wives, parents, and daughters. Developments were made convicting several
of the men thus arrested : and it was soon after hinted to the writer that
those persons were summarily " sent to the front." The " front" to which
they were marched is reported as only half a mile, or thereabouts, in the
rear of Gallatin, where trees abounded with favorably projecting limbs.
At all events, those people were taught a severe lesson, and to apparent
good purpose, as a second affair of the kind has not occurred.
A Battle-Field War-Council. — At Stone River, during the evening of
December 31, several of the generals of the Army of the Cumberland
assembled at the head-quarters of the commander-in-chief. It was a mo-
mentous occasion. Our right wing, comprising more than one-third of our
whole force, had been driven back with great loss. The generals arrived
after dark at the tent of their commander, near the torn and bloody battle-
ground, yet reeking with the dead. Each reported as to the status of his
forces, and then, after other brief remarks of a personal character, conver-
sation gradually subsided. General Rosecrans was the most conversational
INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 645
and cheerful, and had a smile and pleasant word for all. Excepting himself
and Generals Thomas and Van Cleve, our commanders are young in years,
and to most of them this was their first, and to all their greatest, battle.
Hence their gravity and reticence — as certainly became them — upon this
occasion. It was noticeable that they volunteered no opinions as to the
best course for the morrow, whether to attempt to hold the present ground,
to advance, or to retreat to Nashville. The supply-trains had been sent
back to that city during the day by the general commanding, to relieve
himself from the task of guarding them from the horde of rebel cavalry.
Thus left almost empty-handed, retreat to Nashville, even during that night
if necessary, was a course not entirely beyond reason, the enemy's superior
force and nearness to his supplies considered.
If any of our generals at this conference had such thoughts or opinions,
they certainly would not have then advanced them. It was a time and
occasion — a turning-point — that rarely happens in a lifetime or a century.
Even the sage General Thomas, now calm and placid in manner as a summer
eve, waited to hear from his chief, and a stiffness pervaded the assembly
until General Rosecrans broke the spell.
" Gentlemen," said he, — and the substance of his remarks is given us
from recollection, — "we have come out to fight and to win this battle, and
we shall do it. True, we have been a little mixed up to-day ; but we won't
mind that. The enemy failed in all his attempts after we found what he
was driving at. Our supplies may run short, but we will have out our trains
again to-morrow. "We will keep right on, and eat corn for a tceek but what
we win this battle. We can and will do it I"
As the general advanced in his remarks, he became the more warmly in
earnest. The effect of his words upon his officers was marked and exhila-
rating. All restraint was at once removed, now that their course was fully
settled, and plans for the morrow soon engaged general attention.
Candor requires us to state that, in all probability, had General Rosecrans
determined differently, — had he upon this occasion taken a dark view of the
situation, and whispered words of caution and favored a prudential retreat,
— our army would have fallen back ingloriously behind the forts at Nashville,
and thus, unquestionably, Tennessee and Kentucky would not be as they
are to-day, entirely free from rebel armies, and the Gulf States threatened
from the West, but, on the contrary, they would now be the strongest
sections of the so-called Southern Confederacy. Is there any impropriety,
then, we ask, in classing this instance with those recorded in the world's
history, where one master-spirit has saved an army and made a successful
campaign, and thus proven himself a prominent instrument in solving the
destiny of his country ?
ARMY POETRY.
The pensiveness and quiet of camp-life not unfrequently induce a melan-
choly mood, which finds solace in poetry. Songs and song-books are in
every camp, and many a soldier of literary turn give's expression to his
pent-up feelings in verse, ranging from the machine order through all the
intermediate grades up to the truest and most soul-thrilling poetry. From
a quantity of such productions we select the following as specimens of the
grave and gay, the sentimental and comical. We do not present them as
by any means specimens of a high order of poetry. The number and
variety might be indefinitely extended ; but these are deemed sufficient to
fully represent the Army of the Cumberland in its poetical aspect.
The following lines are said to have been found, in manuscript, in the
pocket of a dead rebel on the battle-field of Stone River. All that is known
of him is that he was probably a Tennesseean. The lines, we presume, are
original : —
DISAPPOINTMENT.
TO MISS
JIy song has fled,
My muse is dead,
And woe beshrouds my way,
And the early crow,
And the herd's deep low,
Betide a gloomy day.
For how could I,
With an endless sigh,
Be ever happy more,
With the hope that's fled,
And the no you've said,
Feel as I felt before ?
Adieu ! fair muse ;
Thy charms I lose ;
With a tear and a sigh thou'rt gone ;
And my hope sinks deep
In the night of sleep,
And yields to thy magic wand.
646
What good's a light
In a dreary night,
If its rays afford no cheer?
And why pursue
Its golden hue,
If each step is trod in fear?
Oh, woe the thought
That ever brought
On me the fatal blow !
In my restless sleep
I dream and weep,
Because it fail'd me so !
Yet why this chill
My heart should fill
And bow my head with grief?
Doth not the field
More flowers yield
Than's gather'd in the sheaf?
ARMY POETRY.
647
Look o'er the plain,
Along the lane,
And on the grassy lawn,
And by the brook,
In the little nook
Where plays the lovely fawn.
The dew-drop there,
So sweet and fair,
Just opening to the gaze :
I'll from it sip,
With my own lip,
The charm where its sweetness lays
The rose-bud, too,
There brings to view
It3 sweet and lovely form :
And as it blows
It gently throws
Its fragrance to the storm.
And though a sting
A thorn may bring,
She's queen of flowers still :
The little pain
Grows sweet again,
And all's a joyous thrill.
Then fare thee well !
31 y joys foretell
Yon blossom's waiting now;
I'll oft7 to the grove
With my own fond love,
And plant a kiss on her brow.
M.
A private in the Army of the Cumberland thus protests against that
slighting spirit of contempt which finds expression in the words, " only a
private." Who will say that the author of these lines has not proven
himself immensely the superior of many a vain-glorious coxcomb who
would no sooner think of comparing himself with a "private" than with
a beggar ?
"ONLY A PEIVATE."
" One man kill'd in the skirmish to-day !"
He was "only a private," they say;
He was " only a private" ! — Oh, how
Could they dare thus speak of the dead
For our country so nobly who bled, —
So deserving a laurell'd brow?
Oh, perhaps we have harden'd our hearts
Until death no impression imparts,
Nor the bitter anguish of friends;
He was " only a private ;" 'tis sad
That his valor such slight notice had.
Xow his body with common earth
blends.
Does a father enfeebled with years, —
Or a mother all trembling in tears, —
A dear sister, whose love is a gem
Of the purest, — or brother, — in vain
Keep a watching for him ? Ne'er again
In this world he'll return unto them.
Are there orphans awaiting neglect ?
Does a widow her husband expect ?
Is it known at his home how he died ? —
How he bravely with face to the foe
From a bullet received a fell blow,
When life sail'd out on the ebbing red
tide?
By the river now classical made,
On the Cumberland's banks, he was laid, —
By his comrades laid sadly away :
A plain hillock they fashion'd with care,
And then planted an evergreen there
To him who fell on that day.
Let us hope in the region above
He enjoyeththat fulness of love
Oft grudgingly denied him in this.
May a mercy as tender as great
Ope in heaven the pearliest gate,
And admit him an angel to bliss.
G48
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
As a specimen of the very common article of " machine poetry," the fol-
lowing is passable.
BATTLE OP STONE EIVEE.
By a Private op Company F,' 27th Regiment Illinois Volunteers.
Cojik, froemen all, both great and small,
And listen to my story,
And, while our country is our theme,
We'll sing about her glory.
I guess you've heard how Braxton Bragg
Into Kentucky paddled,
And how at Perryville he fought,
And then he quick "skedaddled."
And how he thought, in Tennessee,
At Murfreesborough seated,
The rout of all tho Union hosts
Would quickly be completed.
But Rosecrans, the conqueror,
Had Buell superseded,
And justly thought this boasting Bragg
A whipping sorely needed.
And so he thought the holidays
The proper time for action,
To try this boasting rebel's strength
And drive him from this section.
On Christmas day our orders came,
And to the general handed.
McCook, a hero known to fame,
Our gallant corps commanded.
Near Nolensville we met the foe, —
They thought, securely seated.
Our batteries let a few shell go,
And fast the rebs retreated.
So on we went, on victory bent,
To view old Bragg's position :
We brought some pills to cure his ills,
With Rosey for physician.
At break of day on the next morn,
While the old year was dying,
The rebel force advanced their hosts
To where our right was lying.
And now the news is quickly borne, —
The foe our right is turning !
In countless numbers, on they come,
All efforts swiftly spurning !
But as the foe appears so soon,
In full and open view, sirs,
Brave Houghtaling plays them a tune
Called Yankee-doodle-do, sirs.
And as the enemy bore down
On Sheridan's division,
We fed them with the best we had,
Gave bullets for provision.
Now on three sides the foe he rides
Triumphant, to our grief;
Brave Negley then, with gallant men,
Quick flies to our relief.
Firm as a rock brave Palmer stands,
Our centre firm securing,
While Rousseau's men, with steady aim,
A deadly fire are pouring.
Upon our left bold Crittenden —
The Union hosts reviving,
As we can hear by cheer on cheer —
The foe is swiftly driving.
On every hand we make a stand,
All steady, firm, and true, sirs ;
At close of eve rings out the shout !
This day shall rebels rue, sirs.
But, while that shout is ringing out,
'Tis mingled with our pain,
To think of our brave gallant men
Now lying with the slain.
Brave Sill lies there, all cold and bare,
With Garesche1 so brave,
And Roberts, Schaeffer, — honored names :
They fill a hero's grave.
Sad duty this, to mention one
We intimately knew, —
Our Harrington, beloved by all,
So gallant, brave, and true.
He fell where brave men wish to fall,
Where loudest sounds the battle,
Where stoutest hearts might stand appallod
Mid thundering cannon's rattle.
And, though his voice is still'd in death,
We seem to hear his cry,
As cheering on his brave command, —
" My boys, that flag stand by."
ARMY POETRY.
649
On New- Year's day, as people say,
Bragg show'd his full intention
To drive us off,— make us the scoff
Of all this mighty nation.
But Roseyknew a thing or two,
And made him quick knock under, —
Gave him to feel the true-edged steel,
Mid storms of Yankee thunder.
Says Bragg, " I'm sad : my cause is bad,
And so, to save my bacon,
I will retreat, and save defeat ;
For Rosey can't be taken."
So, while our men were strengthening
Where we were situated,
To make secure, and victory sure,
K"ow let our songs ascend on high
To the All-Wise as giver,
And Rosey's name we'll crown with fame,
As hero of Stone River.
When those we love request a sign
For words as yet unspoken,
That sign shall be, Remember me,
A Rosey wreath for token.
And, now, may roses crown our land,
May blissful peace soon come, sirs,
May Bragg-ing traitors soon be damn'd,
And we in peace at home, sirs.
Then, boys, fill up the brimming cup.
We'll toast the Union ever : —
Our health, the man that can Bragg tan,
The hero of Stone River.
We make room for another excellent jingle of camp-rhymes. Our reader,
at his peaceful and comfortable fireside, can but faintly realize the pleasure
— yes, " solid enjoyment" — which our soldiers derive from the jovial evening
camp-song, at times !
"THE ELEPHANT,"
By Text No. 1, Company E, 42d Indiana Volunteers.
Our Uncle Samuel keeps a show, most wondrous and most rare,
That's fill'd with every sort of beast to please a man or scare ;
And to find this famous show of his the people came from far,
And march'd down South to see the menagerie of war.
A lot of us raw hoosiers from '' The Pocket" thought we'd go
And have a three-years sight at this strangely wondrous show :
So we shoulder" d up our muskets, and, with knapsacks on our backs,
AVe travell'd in Kentucky, but saw neither beast nor tracks.
At last we heard the show had moved away to Tennessee :
So off we started on some boats, to see what we could see,
And down at Wartrace, in the brush, where Southern sunrays glance,
A few who started in our crowd beheld " the monkey dance."
But then the beast we wish'd to see, somehow, we couldn't find,
For 'twas "the Elephant" we search'd, with ever-curious mind;
So off to Alabama's soil we travell'd for a while,
And trudged and tramp'd and picketed o'er many a Southern mile.
Now Bragg and Buell own'd the beast, — a partnership concern, —
And, as we could not find him South, we thought we would return.
So northward we began to march : at last we sat us down,
To rest a bit and eat a bite, in Louisville's great town.
Then General Buell fix'd the show, and bade us march a while,
And said we'd see " the Elephant" short of a hundred mile.
650 ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
So off we tramp' (1 toward Perry ville, and when we got down there
AVe saw the "Baby Elephant" cut capers fit to scare.
Although a Baby Elephant, he was a vicious beast,
And never could be tamed by man, — the rebels thought, at least.
But General Buell soon sold out, and General Rosecrans bought,
And then the beast was bound to thrive, — at least, the soldiers thought;
For Bragg and " Rosey," well we knew, would make the Baby grow,
And Bragg at last pick'd out a place to have another show.
The place was on Stone River, near Murfreesborough town,
And to see the show the people came from all the country round :
Some forty thousand Federals came, with steady step and slow,
And fifty thousand rebels stay'd to see the famous show.
And there they saw " the Elephant." My gracious ! how he'd grown
Since' first we saw him roaming in Kentucky all alone !
We saw him in the cedar grove, we saw him on the plain,
And some who saw him on that day will see him ne'er again.
And now, whene'er we hear a man talk loud about his might,
And tell about his bravery, and what he'd do in fight,
And tell how many foes he'd whip and make them run and pant,
AVe simply say, You ne'er have seen the famous " Elephant."
" The Old Union Wagon," written and composed by Rev. John H. Lozier,
chaplain of the 37th Indiana Volunteers, is an admirable specimen of a
popular patriotic army melody. It was written at the head-quarters of
General Negley's division, at Camp Hamilton, on the " Overton Plantation,"
five miles from Nashville, Tennessee. It was originally intended merely as
a camp-song in answer to " The Southern "Wagon," which the " Secesh"
damsels are always ready to sing for the "Yankees." It was afterwards
published by John Church, Jr., of Cincinnati, as sheet-music, and was sung
with great €clat at Pike's Opera-House, at the immense Union meeting
held there to respond to the resolutions sent by the Army of the Cumber-
land to the people of the North. It is now having a great run in the West
and the army. The words are as follow: —
THE OLD UNION WAGON.
In Uncle Sam's dominion, in eighteen sixty-one,
The fight between Secession and Union was begun :
The South declared they'd have the "rights" which Uncle Sam denied,
Or in their secesh wagon they'd all take a ride.
Hurrah for the wagon, the old Union wagon !
We'll stick to our wagon and all take a ride !
The makers of our wagon were men of solid wit ;
They made it out of " Charter Oak," that would not rot or split ;
Its wheels are of material the strongest and the best,
And two are named the North and South, and two the East and Wost.
ARMY POETRY. 651
Our wagon-oed is strong enough for any "revolution,"
In fact, 'tis the "hull" of the "old Constitution;"
Her coupling's strong, her axle's long, and, anywhere you get her,
No monarch's frown can " back her down," no traitor can upset her.
This good old Union wagon the nation all admired ;
Her wheels had run for fourscore years and never once been " tired;"
Her passengers were happy, as along her way she whirl'd,
For the good old Union wagon was the glory of the world !
But when old Abram took command, the South wheel got displeased,
Because the public fat was gone that kept her axle greased;
And when he gather* d up the reins and started on his route,
She plunged into secession and knock'd some "felloes" out!
Now, while in this secession mire the wheel was sticking tightly,
Some tory passengers got mad and cursed the driver slightly;
But Abram "couldn't see it," so he didn't heed their clatter:
" There's too much black mud on the wheel," says he : — " that's what's the matter."
So Abram gave them notice that in eighteen sixty-three,
Unless the rebels " dried it up," he'd set their niggers free,
And then the man that led the van to fight against his nation
Would drop his gun, and home he'd run, to fight against starvation.
When Abram said he'd free the slaves that furnish'd their supplies,
It open'd Northern traitors' mouths and Southern traitors' eyes.
" The slaves," said they, " will run away, if you thus rashly free them !"
But Abram "guess'd perhaps they'd best go home and oversee them."
Around our Union wagon, with shoulders to the wheel,
A million soldiers rally, with hearts as true as steel ;
And of all the generals, high or low, that help to save the nation,
There's none that strikes a harder blow than General Emancipation !
Hurrah for the wagon, the old Union wagon !
We'll stick to our wagon and all take a ride !
The following effusion was found in a rebel mail-package captured upon
the person of a Confederate spy and containing some two hundred letters
from rebeldom to friends within our lines. Whatever else may be said of
it, no one can question its entire originality. The poet seems to be heartily
sick of the war, and gives vent in verse to his feelings, — no prose being
strong enough to do them justice. We give " his piece," with all its beau-
ties, verbatim et literatim. Upon an outer fold of the soiled manuscript is
written, " W K, Brown to Sally Brown a song composed by me."
UPON; THE, WAE;
'This is a War of dreadful scourrage
OF which it takes a man of courrage
It is a war of subgugation
OF which there is no cessation
And we are all on the go down
This is a war of great invasion,
For which there is no good occasion
It is war of confiscation
OF which there is no obligation
And we are all on the go down
652
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
This is a War of great confusion
OF Yankey foolish vain intrusion
It is a war of vain Ambition
And caused Amerricas bad condition
And we are all on the go down
This is a War of death and Blood
OF which there cant be any good
It is a War, that's, verry bad
Oh let it cease and all be glad
Or we are all on the go down
This is a War, that's, long beginding
OF which no man can tell the ending
It is a War that's fast and slow
It brings the high and lofty low
And we are all on the go down.
This is a War of dreadful horrow
Which causes Weeping griefe and Sorrow
This is a War while women s moarning
Men are seffering dieing groaning
And we are all on the go down
This is a War we all regret
OF which too many are inclined to fret
You take it easy and be resigned
For in this War we are all confined
And we are all on the go down
This is a War, the Prophets say
OF which the south shall gain the day
But the Lord hath willed it so to bee
That none hath gainded it yet we seo
And we are all on the go down
This War has caused the darkest Cloud
And ruined Amerrica that once was proud
And Wrapted a great and mighty crowd
OF once happy Amerrica's sons in shroud
And we are all on the go down
This is a War we all must know
Thats Rageing Fast and ending slow
While ambition excitement rageing high
Its bringing want starvation nigh
And we are all on the go down
This War; Oh Lord do let it cease
And this people speak lasting peace
And instead of death sorrow and sin
Religion peace health and life begin
For we are all on the go down.
BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
©fjtctat Icprt of Pajor-6enmt Mm. £. $toswrans.
Head-Qfarteks Department of the Cumberland,
JIukfreesborocgh, Tenxessee, February 12, 1863.
General: — As the sub-reports are now nearly all in, I have the honor to
submit, for the information of the general-in-chief, the subjoined report, with
accompanying sub-reports, maps, and statistical rolls of the battle of Stone
River.
To a proper understanding of this battle, it will be necessary to state the
PRELIMINARY MOVEMENTS AND PREPARATIONS
Assuming command of the army, at Louisville, on the 27th day of October,
it was found concentrated at Bowling Green and Glasgow, distant about one
hundred and thirty miles from Louisville; from whence, after replenishing
with ammunition, supplies, and clothing, they moved on to Nashville, the
advance-corps reaching that place on the morning of the 7th of November, a
distance of one hundred and eighty-three miles from Louisville.
At this distance from my base of supplies, the first thing to be done was to
provide for the subsistence of the troops, and open the Louisville & Ijpsh-
ville Railroad. The cars commenced running through on the i!Gth of November,
previous to which time our supplies had been brought by rail to Mitchellsville,
thirty-five miles north of Nashville, and from thence, by constant labor, we
had been able to haul enough to replenish the exhausted stores for the gar-
rison at Nashville, and subsist the troops of the moving- army.
From the 26th of November to the 26th of December, every effort was bent
to complete the clothing of the army, to provide it with ammunition, and re-
plenish the depot at Nashville with needful supplies to insure us against want
from the largest possible detention likely to occur by the breaking of the
Louisville & Nashville Railroad; and, to insure this work, the road was
guarded by a heavy force posted at Gallatin.
The enormous superiority in numbers of the rebel cavalry kept our little
cavalry force almost within the infantry lines, and gave the enemy control of
the entire country around us. It was obvious, from the beginning, that we
should be confronted by Bragg's army, recruited by an inexorable conscription,
and aided by clouds of mounted men, formed into a guerrilla-like cavalry to
avoid the hardships of conscription and infantry service. The evident diffi-
culties and labors of an advance into this country, and against such a force, and
at such a distance from our base of operations, with which we were connected
by a single precarious thread, made it manifest that our policy was to induce
the enemy to travel over as much as possible of the space that separated us, —
thus avoiding for us the wear and tear and diminution of our forces, and sub-
jecting the enemy to all these inconveniences, besides increasing for him and
diminishing for us the dangerous consequences of a defeat.
653
t)04 BATTLE OF STONJS KlVJSii:
The means taken to obtain this end were eminently successful. The enemy,
expecting us to go into -winter quarters at Nashville, had prepared his own
winter quarters at Murfreesborough, with the hope of possibly making them at
Nashville, and had sent a large cavalry force into West Tennessee to annoy
Grant, and another large force into Kentucky to break up the railroad. In the
absence of these forces, and with adequate supplies in Nashville, the move-
ment was judged opportune for an advance on the rebels. Polk's and Kirby
Smith's forces were at Murfreesborough, and Hardee's corps on the Shelbyville
and Nolensville pike, between Triune and Eagleville, with an advance-guard
at Nolensville ; while our troops lay in front of Nashville, on the Franklin,
Nolensville, and Murfreesborough turnpikes.
THE PLAN OF THE MOVEMENTS
Was as follows : —
McCook, with three divisions, to advance by the Nolensville pike to Triune.
Thomas, with two divisions (Negley's and Rousseau's), to advance on his
right, by the Franklin and Wilson pikes, threatening Hardee's right, and then
to fall in by the cross-roads to Nolensville.
Crittenden, with Wood's, Palmer's, and Van Cleve's divisions, to advance by
the Murfreesborough pike to Lavergne.
With Thomas's two divisions at Nolensville, McCook was to attack Hardee at
Triune ; and if the enemy reinforced Hardee, Thomas was to support McCook.
If McCook beat Hardee, or Hardee retreated, and the enemy met us at Stewart's
Creek, five miles south of Lavergne, Crittenden was to attack him ; Thomas
was to come in on his left flank, and McCook, after detaching a division to
pursue or observe Hardee, if retreating south, was to move, with the remainder
)f his force, on their rear.
THE MOVEMENT
Began on the morning of the 26th of December. McCook advanced on the
Nolensville pike, skirmishing his way all day, meeting with stiff resistance
from cavalry and. artillery, and closing the day by a brisk fight, which gave
him possession of Nolensville and the hills one and a half miles in front, cap-
turing one gun, by the 101st Ohio and 15th Wisconsin Regiments, his loss this
dayieing about seventy-five killed and wounded.
Thomas followed on the right, and closed Negley's division on Nolensville
pike, leaving the other (Rousseau's) division on the right flank.
Crittenden advanced to Lavergne, skirmishing heavily on his front, over a
rough country, intersected by forests and cedar-brakes, with but slight loss.
On the 26th, General-McCook advanced on Triune; but his movement was re-
tarded by a dense fog.
Crittenden had orders to delay his movements until McCook had reached
Triune and developed the intentions of the enemy at that point, so that it
could be determined which Thomas was to support.
McCook arrived at Triune, and reported that Hardee had retreated, and that
he had sent a division in pursuit.
Crittenden began his advance about eleven o'clock a.m., driving before him
a brigade of cavalry, supported by Maney's brigade of rebel infantry, and
reached Stewart's Creek, the 3d Kentucky gallantly charging the rear-
guard of the enemy, and saving the bridge, on which had been placed a pile
of rails that had been set on fire. This was Saturday night.
McCook having settled the fact of Hardee's retreat, Thomas moved Negley's
division on to join Crittenden at Stewart's Creek, and moved Rousseau's to
Nolensville.
On Sunday the troops rested, except Rousseau's division, which was ordered
to move on to Stewartsborough, and Willich's brigade, which had pursued
Hardee as far as Riggs's Cross-Roads, and had determined the fact that Hardee
had gone to Murfreesborough, when they returned to Triune.
On Monday morning McCook was ordered to move from Triune to Wil-
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GENERAL ROSECRANS. G55
kerson's Cross-Roads, six miles from Murfreesborough, leaving a brigade at
Triune.
Crittenden crossed Stewart's Creek by the Smyrna bridge, on the main Mur-
freesborough pike, and Negley by the ford, two miles above, — their whole force to
advance on Murfreesborough, distant eleven miles.
Rousseau was to remain at Stewart's Creek until his train came up, and pre-
pare himself to follow.
McCook reached Wilkerson's Cross-Roads by evening, with an advance bri-
gade at Overall's Creek, saving and holding the bridge, meeting with but little
resistance.
Crittenden's corps advanced, Palmer leading, on the Murfreesborough pike,
followed by Negley, of Thomas's corps, to within three miles of Murfreesborough,
having had several brisk skirmishes, driving the enemy rapidly, saving two
bridges on the route, and forcing the enemy back to his intrenchments.
About three o'clock p.m., a signal-message coming from the front, from Gene-
ral Palmer, said that he was in sight of Murfreesborough, and the enemy were
running. An order was sent to General Crittenden to send a division to occupy
Murfreesborough.
This led General Crittenden, on reaching the enemy's front, to order Harker's
brigade to cross the river at a ford on his left, where he surprised a regiment
of Breckinridge's division, and drove it back on its main lines, not more than
five hundred yards distant, in considerable confusion ; and he held this position
until General Crittenden was advised, by prisoners captured by Harker's bri-
gade, that Breckinridge was in force on his front, when, it being dark, he ordered
the brigade back across the river, and reported the circumstances to the com-
manding general on his arrival, to whom he apologized for not having carried
out the order to occupy Murfreesborough. The general approved of his action,
of course, the order to occupy Murfreesborough having been based on the in-
formation received from General Crittenden's advance division that the enemy
were retreating from Murfreesborough.
Crittenden's corps, with Negley's division, bivouacked in order of battle, dis-
tant seven hundred yards from the enemy's intrenchments, our left extending
down the river some five hundred yards. The Pioneer Brigade, bivouacking
still lower down, prepared three fords, and covered one of them, while Wood's
division covered the other two.
Van Cleve's division being in reserve, on the morning of the 30th Rousseau,
with two brigades, was ordered down early from Stewart's Creek, leaving one
brigade there and sending another to Smyrna to cover our left and rear, and
took his place in reserve in rear of Palmer's right, while General Negley
moved on through the cedar-brakes until his right rested on the Wilkerson
pike. The Pioneer Corps cut roads through the cedars for his ambulances and
ammunition-wagons.
The commanding general remained with the left and centre, examining the
ground, while General McCook moved forward from Wilkerson's Cross-Roads,
slowly and steadily, meeting with heavy resistance, fighting his way from Over-
all's Creek until he got into position, with a loss of one hundred and thirty-five
killed and wounded.
Our small division of cavalry — say three thousand men — had been divided
into three parts, of which General Stanley took two, and accompanied General
McCook, fighting his way across from the Wilkerson to the Franklin pike and
below it, Colonel Zahn's brigade leading gallantly, and meeting with such
heavy resistance that McCook sent two brigades from Johnson's division, which
succeeded in fighting their way into position, while the 3d Brigade, which
had been left at Triune, moved forward from that place and arrived at night-
fall near General McCook's head-quarters. Thus, on the close of the 30th the
troops had all got into position.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, General McCook had reported his arrival
on the Wilkerson pike, joining Thomas, — the result of the combat in the after-
noon, near Grieson's house, and the fact that Sheridan was in position there,
that his right was advancing to support the cavalry, — also that Hardee's corps,
with two divisions of Polk's, was on his front, extending down towards the
Salem pike.
65(5 BATTLE OF STONE RIVER :
Without any map of the ground, whioh was to us terra incognita, when General
McCook informed the general commanding that his corps was facing strongly
to the east, the general commanding told him that such a direction to his line
did not' appear to him a proper one, but that it ought, with the exception of his
left, to face much more nearly south, with Johnson's division in reserve, but
that this matter must be confided to him, who knew the ground over which he
had fought.
At nine o'clock p.m. the corps commanders met at the head-quarters of the
general commanding, who explained to them the following
PLAN OF THE BATTLE.
McCook was to occupy the most advantageous position, refusing his right as
much as practicable and necessary to secure it, to receive the attack of the
enemy, or, if that did not come, to attack himself, sufficient to hold all the
force on his front.
Thomas and Palmer to open with skirmishing, and gain the enemy's centre
and left as far as the river.
Crittenden to cross Van Cleve's division at the lower ford, covered and sup-
ported by the sappers and miners, and to advance on Breckinridge.
Wood's division to follow by brigades, crossing at the upper ford, and, moving
on Van Cleve's right, to carry every thing before them into Murfreesborough.
This would have given us two divisions against one, and, as soon as Breckin-
ridge had been dislodged from his position, the batteries of Wood's division,
taking position on the heights east of Stone River, in advance, would see the
enemy's works in reverse, would dislodge them, and enable Palmer's division
to press them back and drive them westward across the river or through the
woods, while Thomas, sustaining the movement on the centre, would advance
on the right of Palmer, crushing their right, and Crittenden's corps, advancing,
would take Murfreesborough, and then, moving westward on the Franklin
road, get in their flank and rear, and drive them into the country, towards
Salem, with the prospect of cutting off their retreat and probably destroying
their army.
It was explained to them that this combination, insuring us a vast superiority
on our left, required for its success that General McCook should be able to hold
his position for three hours ; that, if necessary to recede at all, he should recede
as he had advanced on the preceding day, slowly, as steadily, refusing his right,
thereby rendering our success certain.
Having thus explained the plan, the general commanding addressed General
McCook as follows: —
"You know the ground; you have fought over it; you know its difficulties.
Can you hold your present position for three hours?"
To which General McCook responded, —
"Yes; I think I can."
The general commanding then said, —
"I don't like the facing so much to the east, but must confide that to you,
who know the ground. If you don't think your present the best position,
change it. It is only necessary for you to make things sure."
The officers then returned to their commands.
At daylight on the morning of the 31st, the troops breakfasted, and stood to
their arms, and by seven o'clock were preparing for the
BATTLE.
The movement began on the left by Van Cleve, who covered the crossing at
the lower fords. Wood prepared to sustain and follow him. The enemy mean-
while had prepared to attack General McCook, and by six and a half o'clock
advanced in heavy columns, regimental front, his left attacking Willich's and
Kirk's brigades, of Johnson's division, which were, after a sharp but fruitless
contest, crumbled to pieces and driven back, leaving Edgarton's and part of
Goodspeed's batteries in the hands of the enemy.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GENERAL ROSECRANS. 657
The enemy, following up, attacked Davis's division, and speedily dislodged
Post's brigade. Carlin's brigade was compelled to follow, as Woodruff's bri-
gade, from the weight of testimony, had previously left its position on his left.
Johnsons brigades, in retiring, inclined too far to the west, and were too much
scattered to make a combined resistance, though they fought bravely at one or
two points before reaching Wilkerson's pike. The reserve brigade of Johnson's
division, advancing from its bivouac near Wilkerson's pike towards the right,
took a good position, and made a gallant but ineffectual stand, as the whole
rebel left was moving up on the ground abandoned by our troops.
Within an hour from the time of the opening of the battle, a staff-officer
from General McCook arrived, announcing to me that the right wing was
heavily pressed and needed assistance ; but I was not advised of the rout of
Willich's and Kirby's brigades, nor of the rapid withdrawal of Davis's division,
necessitated thereby. Moreover, having supposed his wing posted more com-
pactly, and his right more refused, than it really was, the direction of the
noise of battle did not indicate to me the true state of affairs. I consequently
directed him to return and direct General McCook to dispose his troops to the
best advantage, and to hold his ground obstinately. Soon after, a second
officer from General McCook arrived, and stated that the right wing was
being driven, — a fact that was but too manifest, by the rapid movement of the
noise of battle towards the north.
General Thomas was immediately despatched to order Rousseau — then in
reserve — into the cedar-brakes to the right and rear of Sheridan. General
Crittenden was ordered to suspend Van Cleve's movement across the river on
the left, and to cover the crossing with one brigade and move the other two
brigades westward, across the fields towards the railroad, for a reserve. Wood
was also directed to suspend his preparations for crossing, and to hold Hascall
in reserve.
At this moment fugitives and stragglers from McCook's corps began to make
their appearance through the cedar-brakes in such numbers that I became
satisfied that McCook's corps was routed. I therefore directed General Crit-
tenden to send Van Cleve in to the right of Rousseau, Wood to send Colonel
Harker's brigade farther down the Murfreesborough pike, to go in and attack
the enemy on the right of Van Cleve, the Pioneer Brigade meanwhile occupy-
ing the knoll of ground west of the Murfreesborough pike, and about four
hundred or five hundred yards in the rear of Palmer's centre, supporting
Stokes's battery. Sheridan, after sustaining four successive attacks, gradually
swung his right round southeasterly to a northwestern direction, repulsing
the enemy four times, losing the gallant General Sill of his right and Colonel
Roberts of his left brigade, when, having exhausted his ammunition, Negley's
division being in the same predicament, and heavily pressed, after desperate
fighting they fell back from the position held at the commencement, through
the cedar woods, in which Rousseau's division, with a portion of Negley's and
Sheridan's, met the advancing enemy, and checked his movements.
The ammunition-train of the right wing, endangered by its sudden discom-
fiture, was taken charge of by Captain Thruston, of the 1st Ohio Regiment —
an ordnance officer, who by his energy and gallantry, aided by a charge of
cavalry and such troops as he could pick up, carried it through the woods to
the Murfreesborough pike, around to the rear of the left wing, thus enabling
the troops of Sheridan's division to replenish their empty cartridge-boxes.
During all this time, Palmer's front had likewise been in action, the enemy
having made several attempts to advance upon it. At this stage it became
necessary to readjust the line of battle to the new state of affairs. Rousseau
and Van Cleve's advance having relieved Sheridan's division from the pressure,
Negley's division and Cruft's brigade from Palmer's division withdrew from
their original position in front of the cedars, and crossed the open field to
the east of the Murfreesborough pike, about four hundred yards in rear of our
front line, where Negley was ordered to replenish his ammunition and form in
close column in reserve.
The right and centre of our line now extended from Hazen to the Murfrees-
borough pike, in a northwesterly direction, Hascall supporting Hazen, Rousseau
42
(558 BATTLE OF STONE RIVEE :
tilling the interval to the Pioneer Brigade, Negley in reserve, Van Cleve west
of the Pioneer Brigade, McCook's corps refused on his right and slightly to
the rear on the Murfreesborough pike; the cavalry being still farther to the
rear on the Murfreesborough pike and beyond Overall's Creek.
The enemy's infantry and cavalry attack on our extreme right was repulsed
by Van Cleve's division, with Harker's brigade and the cavalry. After several
attempts of the enemy to advance on this new line, which were thoroughly
repulsed, as were also the attempts on the left, the day closed, leaving us masters
of the original ground on our left, and our new line advantageously posted,
with open-ground in front, swept at all points by our artillery. We had lost
heavily in killed and wounded, and a considerable number in stragglers and
prisoners ; also twenty-eight pieces of artillery, the horses having been slain, and
our troops being unable to withdraw them, by hand, over the rough ground ; but
the enemy had been roughly handled and badly damaged at all points, having had
no success where we had open ground and our troops were properly posted, —
none which did not depend on the original crushing of our right and the supe-
rior masses which were, in consequence, brought to bear upon the narrow
front of Sheridan's and Negley's divisions and a part of Palmer's, coupled with
the scarcity of ammunition, caused by the circuitous road which the train had
taken and the inconvenience of getting it from a remote distance through the
cedars. Orders were giv*en for the issue of all the spare ammunition ; and we
found that we had enough for another battle, the only question being where
that battle was to be fought.
It was decided, in order to complete our present lines, that the left should
be retired some two hundred and fifty yards, to more advantageous ground, the
extreme left resting on Stone River, above the lower ford, and extending to
Stokes's battery. Starkweather's and Walker's brigades arriving near the
close of the evening, the former bivouacked in close column, in reserve, in the
rear of McCook's left, and the latter was posted on the left of Sheridan, near
the Murfreesborough pike, and next morning relieved Van Cleve, who returned
to his position in the left wing.
DISPOSITION FOB, JANUARY 1, 1863.
After careful examination, and free consultation with corps commanders, fol-
lowed by a personal examination of the ground in the rear as far as Overall's
Creek, it was determined to await the enemy's attack in that position, to send
for the provision-train, and order up fresh supplies of ammunition, on the
arrival of which, should the enemy not attack, offensive operations should be
resumed.
No demonstration on the morning of the 1st of January: Crittenden was
ordered to occupy the points opposite the ford on his left, with a brigade.
About two o'clock in the afternoon, the enemy, who had shown signs of
movement and massing on our right, appeared at the extremity of a field a mile
and a half from the Murfreesborough pike ; but the presence of Gibson's bri-
gade, with a battery occupying the woods near Overall's Creek, and Negley's
division, and a portion of Rousseau's, on the Murfreesborough pike, opposite
the field, put an end to this demonstration ; and the day closed with another
demonstration by the enemy, on Walker's brigade, which ended in the same
manner.
On Friday morning, the enemy opened four heavy batteries on our centre,
and made a strong demonstration of an attack a little farther to the right ; but
a well-directed fire of artillery soon silenced his batteries, while the guns of
Walker and Sheridan put an end to his effort there.
About three o'clock p.m., while the commanding general was examining the
position of Crittenden's left, across the river, which was now held by Van
Cleve's division, supported by a brigade from Palmer's, a double line of skir-
mishers were seen to emerge from the woods in a southeasterly direction,
advancing across the fields, and were soon followed by heavy columns of
infantry, battalion front, with three batteries of artillery.
Our only battery on this side of the river had been withdrawn from an
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GENERAL ROSECRANS. 659
eligible point; but the most available spot was pointed out, and it soon opened
here upon the enemy. The line, however, advanced steadily to within one
hundred yards- of the front of Van Cleve's division, when a short and fierce
contest ensued. Van Cleve's division, giving way, retired in considerable con-
fusion across the river, followed closely by the enemy.
General Crittenden immediately directed his chief of artillery to dispose the
batteries on the hill, on the west side of the river, so as to open on them, while
two brigades of Negley's division, from the reserve, and the Pioneer Brigade,
were ordered up to meet the onset.
The firing was terrific, and the havoc terrible. The enemy retreated more
rapidly than they had advanced: in forty minutes they lost two thousand
men.
General Davis, seeing some stragglers from Van Cleve's division, took one of
his brigades and crossed at a ford below, to attack the enemy on his left flank,
and, by General McCook's order, the rest of his division was permitted to
follow; but, when he arrived, two brigades of Negley's division, and Hazen's
brigade of Palmer's division, had pursued the flying enemy well across the
field, capturing four pieces of artillery and a stand of colors.
It was now after dark, and raining, or we should have pursued the enemy
into Murfreesborough. As it was, Crittenden's corps passed over, and, with
Davis, occupied the crests, which were intrenched in a few hours.
Deeming it possible that the enemy might again attack our right and centre,
thus weakened, I thought it advisable to make a demonstration on our right by
a heavy division of camp-fires, and by laying out a line of battle with torches,
which answered the purpose.
SATURDAY, THIRD DAY OF JANUARY.
It rained heavily from three o'clock in the morning: the ploughed ground over
which our left would be obliged to advance was impassable for artillery. The
ammunition-train did not arrive until ten o'clock: it was, therefore, deemed
inadvisable to advance ; but batteries were put in position on the left, by which
the ground could be swept, and even Murfreesborough reached, by the Parrott
shells.
A heavy and constant picket-firing had been kept up on our right and centre
and extending to our left, which at last became so annoying that, in the after-
noon, I directed the corps commanders to clear their fronts.
Occupying the woods to the left of the Murfreesborough pike with sharp-
shooters, the enemy had annoyed Rousseau all day, and General Thomas and
himself requested permission to dislodge them and their supports, which covered
a ford. This was granted, and a sharp fire from four batteries was opened for
ten or fifteen minutes, when Rousseau sent two of his regiments, which, with
Spear's Tennesseeans and the Soth Illinois Volunteers, that had come out
with the wagon-train, charged upon the enemy, and after a sharp contest
cleared the woods, and drove the enemy from his trenches, capturing from
seventy to eighty prisoners.
Sunday morning, the 4th of January, it was not deemed advisable to com-
mence offensive movements, and news soon reached us that the enemy had fled
from Murfreesborough. Burial-parties were sent out to bury the dead, and
the cavalry was sent to reconnoitre.
Early Monday morning, General Thomas advanced, driving the rear-guard of
the rebel cavalry before him six or seven miles, towards Manchester.
McCook's and Crittenden's corps, following, took position in front of the
town, occupying Murfreesborough.
We learned that the enemy's infantry had reached Shelbyville by twelve m.
on Sunday ; but, owing to the impracticability of bringing up supplies, and
the loss of five hundred and fifty-seven artillery horses, further pursuit was
deemed inadvisable.
It may be of interest to give the following
6UU BATTLE OF STONE RIVER I
GENERAL SUMMARY
Of the operations and results of the series of skirmishes closing with the
battle of ;Stoue River and the occupation of Murfreesborough. We moved on
the enemy with the following forces: —
Infantry 41,121
Cavalry 3,296
Artillery 2,223
Total 40,940
We fought the battle with the following forces :—
Infantry 37.977
Cavalry 3.200
Artillery 2,223
Total 43,400
We lost in killed : —
Officers 92
Enlisted men 1,441
Total 1,533
We lost in wounded: — "
Officers 384
Enlisted men 6,801
Total 7,245
Total killed and wounded 8,778
Being 20.03 per cent, of the entire force in action.
OUR LOSS IN PRISONERS
Is not fully made out; but the Provost-Marshal General says, from present
information, they will fall short of two thousand eight hundred.
If there are any more bloody battles on record, considering the newness and
inexperience of the troops, both officers and men, or if there have been more
fighting-qualities displayed by any people, I should be pleased to know it.
AS TO THE CONDITION OF THE FIGHT,
We may say that we operated over an unknown country, against a position
which was fifteen per cent, better than our own, every foot of ground and
approaches being well known to the enemy, and that these disadvantages were
fatally enhanced by the faulty position of our right wing.
The force we fought is estimated as follows. We have prisoners from one
hundred and thirty-two regiments of infantry (consolidations counted as one),
averaging from those in General Bushrod Johnson's division four hundred and
eleven each, — say, for certain, three hundred and fifty men each, will give
No. men.
132 regiments infantry, say 350 men each 46,200
12 battalions sharpshooters, say 100 men each 1,200
23 battalions of artillery, say 80 men each 1,840
29 regiments cavalry, men each 400 "1 ,., o„0
21 organizations of cavalry, men each 70 J J'~'
o.-i.
20 62,520
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GENERAL KOSECRANS. 661
Their average loss, taken from the statistics of Cleborne, Breckinridge, and
Withers's divisions, was about two thousand and eighty each. This, for six
divisions of infantry and one of cavalry, will amount to fourteen thousand five
hundred and sixty men, — or to ours nearly as one hundred and sixty-five to
one hundred.
Of fourteen thousand five hundred and sixty rebels struck by our missiles,
it is estimated that twenty thousand rounds of artillery hit seven hundred and
twenty-eight men, two million rounds of musketry hit thirteen thousand eight
hundred and thirty-two men, — averaging twenty-seven cannon-shots to hit one
man, one hundred and forty-five musket-shots to hit one man.
Our loss was as follows : —
Per cent.
Right wing 15,933. Musketry and artillery loss 20.72
Centre 10,866. " » << 18.4
Left wing 13,288. " " « -24.6
On the whole, it is evident that we fought superior numbers on unknown
ground, inflicting much more injury than we suffered. We were always supe-
rior on equal ground with equal numbers, and only failed of a most crushing
victory on Wednesday by the extension and direction of our right wing.
This closes the narrative of the movements and seven days' fighting which
terminated with the occupation of Murfreesborough. For a detailed history
of the parts taken in the battles of the different commands, their obstinate
bravery and patient endurance, in which the new regiments vied with those of
more experience, I must r%fer to the accompanying sub-reports of the corps,
division, cavalry, and artillery commanders.
Besides the mention which has been already made of the service of our
artillery by the brigade, division, and corps commanders, I deem it a duty to
say that such a marked evidence of skill in handling the batteries, and in firing
low with such effect, appears in this battle to deserve special commendation.
Among the lesser commands which deserve special mention for distinguished
service in the battle is the Pioneer Corps, a body of seventeen hundred (1700)
men, composed of details from the companies of each infantry regiment, organ-
ized and instructed by Captain James St. Clair Morton, Corps of Engineers,
Chief Engineer of this army, which marched as an infantry brigade with the left
wing, made bridges at Stewart's Creek, prepared and guarded the fort at Stone
River on the nights of the 29th and 30th, supported Stokes's battery, and fought
with valor and determination on the 31st, holding its position until relieved;
on the morning of the 2d advancing with the greatest promptitude and gallantry
to support Van Cleve's division against the attack on our left; on the evening
of the same day constructing a bridge and batteries between that time and
Saturday evening; and the efficiency and esprit de corps suddenly developed in
this command, its gallant behavior in action, the eminent service it is con-
tinually rendering the army, entitle both officers and men to special public
notice and thanks, while they reflect the highest credit on the distinguished
ability and capacity of Captain Morton, who will do honor to his promotion to
a brigadier-general, which the President has promised him.
The ability, order, and method exhibited in the management of the wounded
elicited the warmest commendation from all our general officers, — in which I
most cordially join.
Notwithstanding the numbers to be cared for, through the energy of Dr.
Swift, Medical Director, ably assisted by Dr. Weeds and the senior surgeons
of the various commands, there was less suffering from delay than I have ever
before witnessed.
The 10th Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, at Stewart's Creek, Lieutenant-Colonel
J. W. Burke commanding, deserve especial praise for the ability and spirit
with which they held their post, defended our trains, secured their guards,
chased away Wheeler's rebel cavalry, saving a large wagon-train, and arrested
and retained for service some two thousand stragglers from the battle-field.
The 1st Regiment of Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, at Lavergne, under
command of Colonel Innes, fighting behind a slight protection of wagons and
150Z BATTLE OF STONE RIVER :
brush, gallantly repulsed a charge from more than ten times their numbers of
Wheeler's cavalry.
For distinguished acts of individual zeal, heroism, gallantry, and good con-
duct, I refer to the accompanying "List of Special Mentions and Recommendations
for Promotion," wherein are named some of the many noble men who have
distinguished themselves and done honor to their country and the starry
symbol of its unity. But those named there are by no means all whose
names will be inscribed on the rolls of honor we are preparing and hope to
have held in grateful remembrance by our countrymen. To say that such men
as Major-General G. H. Thomas, true and prudent, distinguished in council
and on many battle-fields for his courage, or Major-General McCook, a tried,
faithful, and loyal soldier, who bravely breasted battle at Shiloh and at Perry-
ville, and as bravely on the bloody field of Stone River, and Major-General
Thomas L. Crittenden, whose heart is that of a true soldier and patriot, and
whose gallantry, often attested by his companions-in-arms in other fields,
witnessed many times by this army long before I had the honor to command
it, never more conspicuously than in this combat, maintained their high cha-
racter throughout this action, would but feebly express my feeling of obligation
to them for counsel and support from the time of my arrival to the present hour.
I doubly thank them, as well as the gallant, ever-ready Major-General Rousseau,
for their support in this battle.
Brigadier-General Stanley, already distinguished for four successful battles, —
Island No. 10, May 27, before Corinth, Iuka, and the battle of Corinth, — at this
time in command of our ten regiments of cavalry, fought the enemy's forty
regiments of cavalry, and held them at bay, and be%t them wherever he could
meet them. He ought to be made a major-general for his services, and also
for the good of the service.
As for such brigadiers as Negley, Jefferson C. Davis, Johnson, Palmer,
Hascall, Van Cleve, Wood, Mitchell, Cruft, and Sheridan, they ought to be
made major-generals in our service. In such brigade commanders as Colonels
Carlin, Miller, Hazen, Samuel Beatty of the 19th Ohio, Gibson, Grose, Wagner,
John Beatty of the 3d Ohio, Harker, Starkweather, Stanley, and others
whose names are mentioned in the accompanying report, the Government
may well confide* They are the men from whom our troops should be at
once supplied with brigadier- generals ; and justice to the brave men and officers
of the regiments equally demands their promotion, to give them and their
regiments their proper leaders. Many captains and subalterns also showed
great gallantry and capacity for superior commands. But, above all, the steady
rank and file showed invincible fighting courage and stamina worthy of a great
and free nation, requiring only good officers, discipline, and instruction to
make them equal, if not superior, to any troops in ancient or modern times.
To them I offer my most heartfelt thanks and good wishes.
Words of my own cannot add to the renown of our brave and patriotic
officers and soldiers who fell on the field of honor, nor increase respect for
their memory in the hearts of our countrymen. The names of such men as
Lieutenant-Colonel J. P. Garesche", the pure and noble Christian gentleman and
chivalric officer, who gave his life an early offering on the altar of his country's
freedom, — the gentle, true, and accomplished General Sill, — the brave, inge-
nious, and able Colonels Roberts, Millikin, Shaeffer, McKee, Reed, Forman, Fred.
Jones, Hawkins, Kell, and the gallant and faithful Major Carpenter, of the
19th Regulars, and many other field officers, — will live in our country s his-
tory, as well as those of many others of inferior rank, whose soldierly deeds
on this memorable battle-field won for them the admiration of their companions,
and will dwell in our memories in long future years after God in his mercy
shall have given us peace and restored us to the bosom of our homes and
families. Simple justice to the officers of my staff requires their special men-
tion: — the noble and lamented Lieutenant-Colonel Gareschg, Chief of Staff;
Lieutenant-Colonel Taylor, Chief Quartermaster ; Lieutenant-Colonel Simmons,
Chief Commissary ; Major C. Goddard, senior aide-de-camp ; Major Ralston
Skinner, Judge-Advocate General; Lieutenant Frank S. Bond, aide-de-camp
of General Tyler; Captain Charles R. Thompson, my aide-de-camp; Lieute-
OFFICIAL RETORT OF GENERAL ROSECRANS. 663
nant Byron Kirby, 6th United States Infantry, aide-de-camp, who was wounded
on December 31 ; R. S. Thorns, Esq., a member of the Cincinnati bar, who
acted as volunteer aide-de-camp, and behaved with distinguished gallantry ;
Captain William D. Bickham, volunteer aide-de-camp, rendered efficient ser-
vices on the field; Colonel Barnett, Chief of Artillery and Ordnance; Captain
J. H. Oilman, 19th United States Infantry, Inspector of Artillery ; Captain
James Curtis, 15th United States Infantry, Assistant Inspector-General ;
Captain Wiles, 22d Indiana, Provost-Marshal General ; Captain Mitchler,
Topographical Engineer; Captain Jesse Merrill, Signal Corps, whose corps
behaved well ; Captain Elmer Otis, 4th Regular Cavalry, who commanded the
Courier Line, connecting the various head-quarters most successfully, and
who made a most successful, opportune, and brilliant charge on Wheeler's
cavalry, routing the brigade, and recapturing three hundred of our prisoners.
Lieutenant Edson, United States Ordnance Officer, who during the battle of
Wednesday distributed ammunition under the fire of the enemy's batteries
and behaved bravely. Captain Hubbard and Lieutenant Newberry, who
joined my staff on the field, acting as aides, rendered valuable service in
carrying orders on the field. Lieutenant Royse, 4th United States Cavalry,
commanded the escort of the head-quarters train, and distinguished himself
with gallantry and efficiency. All performed their appropriate duties to my
entire satisfaction, accompanying me everywhere, and carrying orders through
the thickest of the fight, watching while others slept, never weary when duty
called, and deserve my public thanks and the respect and gratitude of the army.
With all the facts of the battle fully before me, the relative numbers and
positions of our troops and those of the rebels, the gallantry and obstinacy of
the contest, and the final result, I say, from conviction, and as public acknow-
ledgment due to Almighty God, in closing this report, "Ao» nobis, Domine,
non nobis, sed nomine tin da gloriam."
(Signed), WM. S. ROSECRANS,
Major- General Commanding .
Brigadier-Gexeral Thomas.
Adjutant- General United States Army.
664 BATTLE OF STONE RITER :
©jjtriat f egovt of (Benwat Draxton irajgg.
Head-Quarters Army of Tennessee, Tullahoma, February 23, 1863.
Sir : — On the 26th of December last the enemy advanced in force from Nash-
ville to attack us at Murfreesborough. It had been well ascertained that his
effective force was over sixty thousand effective men. Before night on that
day, the object of the movement was developed, by our dispositions in front,
and orders were given for the necessary concentration of our forces there dis-
tributed, as follows : —
Polk's corps and three brigades of Breckinridge's division, Hardee's corps,
at Murfreesborough; the balance of Hardee's corps, near Eagleville, about
twenty miles west of Murfreesborough; McCown's division (which, with
Stevenson's division removed, constituted Smith's corps) at Readyville, twelve
miles east of Murfreesborough ; the three cavalry brigades of Wheeler, Whar-
ton, and Pegram, occupying the entire front of our infantry, and covering all
approaches to within ten miles of Nashville; Buford's small cavalry brigade,
of about six hundred, at McMinnville. The brigades of Forrest and Morgan,
about five thousand effective cavalry, were absent, on special service, in West
Tennessee and Northern Kentucky, as will be more fully noted hereafter.
Jackson's small infantry brigade was in the rear, guarding the railroad from
Bridgeport, Alabama, to the mountains. On Sunday, the 28th, our main force
of infantry and artillery was concentrated in front of Murfreesborough ; while
the cavalry, supported by three brigades of infantry and three batteries of
artillery, impeded the advance of the enemy by constant skirmishing and sudden
and unexpected attacks. To the skilful manner in which the cavalry, thus
ably supported, was handled, and to the exceeding gallantry of its officers and
men, must be attributed the four days' time consumed by the enemy in reach-
ing the battle-field, a distance of only twenty miles from his encampment, over
fine macadamized roads.
Fully aware of the greatly superior numbers of the enemy, as indicated in
my early reports from this quarter, it was our policy to await attack. The
position was selected and line developed with this intention. Owing to the
convergence upon our depot of so many fine roads by which the enemy could
approach', we were confined in our selection to a line near enough to the point
of juncture to enable us to successfully cover them all until the real point of
attack should be developed.
On Monday, the 29th, it was reported that heavy columns moved on both the
direct road from Lavergne and on the one leading into the Lebanon road by
way of Jefferson. But on Tuesday, the 30th, it was ascertained that the
Jefferson pike was abandoned by a countermarch, and the whole forces of the
enemy were concentrated on and near the direct road on the west of Stone
River.
Our arrangements were all completed before the enemy crossed Stewart's
Creek, nine miles out, and the infantry brigades were at once called in ; and
the cavalry was ordered to fall back more rapidly, having most gallantly dis-
charged its duty and fully accomplished the objects desired. Late on Monday
it became apparent the enemy was extending to his right to flank us on the
left. McCown's division, in reserve, was promptly thrown to that flank, and
added to the command of Lieutenant-General Polk. The enemy not meeting
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GENERAL BRAGG. 665
our expectations of making an attack on Tuesday, — which was consumed in
artillery firing and heavy skirmishing, with the exception of a dash late in the
evening on the left of Withers' s division, which was repulsed and severely
punished, — it was determined to assail him on Wednesday morning, the 31st.
For this purpose Cleborne's division, Hardee's corps, was moved from the
second line on the right to the corresponding position on the left, and Lieute-
nant-General Hardee was ordered to that point, and assigned to the command of
that and McCown's division. This disposition, the result of necessity, left me
no reserve ; but Breckinridge's command on the right, not now threatened,
was regarded as a source of supply for any reinforcements absolutely necessary
to other parts of the field. Stone River, at its low stage, was fordable at any
point for infantry, and, at short intervals, perfectly practicable for artillery.
These dispositions completed, General Hardee was ordered to assail the
enemy at daylight on Wednesday, the 31st, the attack to be taken up by Polk's
command in succession, to the right flank ; the move to be made by a constant
wheel to the right, — on Polk's right, as a point ; the object being to force the
enemy back on Stone River, and, if practicable, by the aid of cavalry, cut
him off from his base of operations and supplies by the Nashville pike.
The lines were now bivouacked at a distance, in places, of not more than five
hundred yards, the camp-fires of the two being within distinct view. General
Wharton's cavalry brigade had been kept on our left, to watch and check the
movements of the enemy- in that direction, and to prevent his gaining the rail-
road in our rear, the preservation of which was of vital importance. In this
he was aided by Brigadier-General A. Buford, who had a small command of
six hundred new cavalry. The duty was most ably, gallantly, and successfully
performed.
On Monday night Brigadier-General Wheeler proceeded with his cavalry
brigade and one regiment from Pegram's, as ordered, to gain the enemy's rear.
By Tuesday morning, moving on the Jefferson pike, around the enemy's left
flank, he had gained the rear of their whole army, and soon attacked their
trains, their guards, and the numerous stragglers.
He succeeded in capturing several hundred prisoners and destroying hun-
dreds of wagons loaded with supplies and baggage. After clearing the road,
he made his way entirely around, and joined the cavalry on our left.
The failure of General McCown to execute, during the night, an order for a
Blight change in the line of his division, and which had to be done the next
morning, caused some delay in the general and vigorous assault by Lieutenant-
General Hardee. But about seven o'clock the rattle of musketry and the roar
of artillery announced the beginning of the conflict. The enemy was taken
completely by surprise : general and staff officers were not mounted, artillery
horses not hitched, and infantry not formed. A hot and inviting breakfast of
coffee and other luxuries, to which our gallant and hardy men had long been
strangers, was found upon the fire, unserved, and was left while we pushed on
to a more inviting feast, — that of captured artillery, flying battalions, and hosts
of craven prisoners, begging for their lives they had forfeited by their acts of
brutality and atrocity. While thus routing and pushing the enemy on his
front, Lieutenant-General Hardee announced to me, by a messenger, that the
movement was not being as promptly executed by Major-General Cheatham's
command on his right — the left of General Polk's corps — as he expected, and
that his line was consequently exposed to an enfilading fire from the enemy's
artillery in that front. The necessary instructions for prompt movement at
that point were immediately despatched, and in a short time our whole line,
except Breckinridge's command, was warmly engaged. From this time we
continued to drive the enemy more or less rapidly, until his line was thrown
entirely back at right angles to his first position and occupied the cut of the
railroad, along which he had massed his reserves and posted very strong bat-
teries. The enemy's loss was very heavy in killed and wounded, — far exceed-
ing our own, as appeared from a critical examination of the field, now almost
entirely in our possession. Of artillery alone we had secured more than
twenty-five pieces.
While the infantry and artillery were engaged in this successful work,
tJBt) BATTLE OF STONE RIVER :
Brigadier-General Wharton, with his cavalry command, was most actively and
gallantly engaged on the enemy's right and rear, where he inflicted a heavy
loss in killed and wounded, captured a full battery of artillery attempting to
escape, and secured and sent in near two thousand prisoners.
These important successes and results had not been achieved without heavy
sacrifices on our part, as the resistance of the enemy, after the first surprise,
was most gallant and obstinate.
Finding Lieutenant-General Hardee so formidably opposed by the movement
of the enemy on his front, reinforcements for him were ordered from Major-
General Breckinridge ; but the orders were countermanded, as will hereafter
appear, and Polk's corps was pressed forward with vigor, hoping to draw the
enemy back or rout him on the right, as he had already been on the left. We
succeeded in driving him from every position except the strong one held by
his extreme left flank, resting on Stone River, and covered by a concentration
of artillery of superior range and calibre, which seemed to bid us defiance.
The difficulties, of our general advance had been greatly enhanced by the
topography of the country. All parts of our line had to pass in their progress
over ground of the roughest character, covered with huge stones and studded
with the densest growth of cedar, the branches reaching the ground and
forming an almost impassable "brake." Our artillery could rarely be used ;
while the enemy, holding defensive lines, had selected formidable positions for
his batteries, and this dense cover for his infantry, from both of which he had
to be dislodged by our infantry alone. The determined and unvarying gal-
lantry of our troops, and the uninterrupted success which attended their
repeated charges against these strongholds, defended by double their numbers,
fully justified the unbounded confidence I had ever reposed in them and have
so often expressed.
To meet our successful advances, and to retrieve his hopes in the front of his
left, the enemy early transferred a portion of his reserve from his left to that
flank, and by two o'clock had succeeded in concentrating such a force in Lieu-
tenant-General Hardee's front as to check his further progress. Our two lines
had by this time become almost blended, so weakened were they by losses,
exhaustion, and extension to cover the enemy's whole front.
As early as ten o'clock a.m., Major-General Breckinridge was called on for
one brigade, and soon after for a second, to reinforce or act as a reserve to
Lieutenant-General Hardee. His reply to the first call represented the enemy
crossing Stone River in heavy force in his immediate front ; and on receiving
the second order he informed me that they had already crossed in heavy force,
and were advancing to attack his lines. He was immediately ordered not to
await attack, but to advance and meet them. About this same time a report
reached me that a heavy force of the enemy's infantry was advancing on the
Lebanon road, about five miles in Breckinridge's front. Brigadier-General
Pegram, who had been sent to that road to cover the flank of the infantry with
his cavalry brigade, — save two regiments detached with Wheeler and Wharton,
— was ordered forward immediately to develop any such movement. The orders
for the two brigades from Breckinridge were countermanded, while dispositions
were made, at his request, to reinforce him. Before they could be carried out,
the movement ordered disclosed the fact that no force had crossed Stone River,
that the only enemy in our immediate front there was a small body of sharp-
shooters, and that there was no advance on the Lebanon road. These unfor-
tunate misapprehensions on that part of the field, which, with proper precaution,
could not have existed, withheld from active operations three fine brigades
until the enemy had succeeded in checking our progress, had re-established his
lines, and had collected many of his broken battalions.
Haying now settled the question that no movement was being made against
our right, and none even to be apprehended, Breckinridge was ordered to leave
two brigades to support the batteries at "A," on his side of Stone River, and
with the balance of the force to cross to the left and report to Lieutenant-
General Polk. By the time this could be accomplished, it was too late to send
this force to Lieutenant-General Hardee's support, who was unable to make
further progress, and he was directed to maintain his position. Polk was
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GENERAL BRAGG. 667
directed, with these reinforcements, to throw all the force he could collect upon
the enemy's extreme left, and thereby either carry that strong point, which
had so far resisted us successfully, or, failing in that, at least to draw off from
Hardee's front the formidable opposition there concentrated.
The three brigades of Jackson, Preston, and Adams were successively re-
ported for this work. How gallantly they moved to their work, and how much
they suffered in the determined effort to accomplish it, will best appear from
the reports of subordinate commanders and the statement of losses therewith.
Upon this flank — their strongest defensive position resting on the river-bank —
the enemy had concentrated not less than twenty pieces of artillery, masked
almost entirely from view, but covering an open space in front of several
hundred yards, supported, right, left, and rear, by heavy masses of infantry.
The position proved impenetrable, and, after two unsuccessful efforts, the
attempt to carry it by infantry was abandoned. Our heaviest batteries of
artillery and rifled guns of long range were now concentrated in front, and
their fires opened on this position. After a cannonade of some time, the
enemy's fire slackened, and finally closed near nightfall. Lieutenant-General
Hardee had slightly retired his line from the farthest point he had attained,
for better position and cover, without molestation from the enemy.
Lieutenant-General Polk's infantry, including the three reinforced brigades,
uniting their front with Hardee's right, and extending to our extreme right
flank, formed a continuous line, very nearly perpendicular to the original line
of battle, thus leaving nearly the whole field, with all its trophies, the enemy's
dead and many of his wounded, his hospitals and stores, in our possession.
The body of Brigadier-General Sill, one of their division commanders, was
found where he had fallen, and was sent to town and decently interred, although
he had forfeited all claim to such consideration by the acts of cruelty, bar-
barity, and atrocity but a few days before committed, under his authority, on
the women and children and old men living near the road on which he had
made a reconnoissance.
During the afternoon, Brigadier-General Pegram, discovering a hospital and
large numbers of stragglers in the rear of the enemy's lines and across Stone
River, charged thefh with his cavalry, and captured about one hundred and
seventy prisoners.
Both armies, exhausted by a conflict of full ten hours' duration, rarely sur-
passed for its continued intensity and heavy losses sustained, sank to rest with
the sun, and perfect quiet prevailed for the night.
At dawn on Thursday morning, the 1st of January, orders were sent to the
several commanders to press forward their skirmishers, feel the enemy, and
report any change in his position. Major-General Breckinridge had been
transferred to the right of Stone River to resume the command of that position,
now held by two of his brigades. It was soon reported that no change had
occurred, except the withdrawal of the enemy from the advanced position occu-
pied by his left flank. Finding, upon further examination, that this was the
case, the right flank of Lieutenant-General Polk's corps was thrown forward to
occupy the ground for which we had so obstinately contended the evening
before. This shortened our lines considerably, and gave us possession of the
centre battle-field, from which we gleaned the spoils and trophies throughout
the day, and transferred them rapidly to the rear.
A careful reconnoissance of the enemy's position was ordered, and the most
of the cavalry was put in motion for the roads in his rear, to cut off his trains
and develop any movement. It was soon ascertained that he was still in very
heavy force all along our front, occupying a position strong by nature and
improved by such work as could be done by night by his reserves.
In a short time, reports from the cavalry informed me that heavy trains
were moving towards Nashville, some of the wagons loaded, and all the ambu-
lances filled with wounded. These were attacked at different places, many
wagons destroyed, and hundreds of prisoners paroled. No doubt this induced
the" enemy to send large escorts of cavalry and artillery and infantry with
later trains ; and thus the impression was made on our ablest commanders that
a retrograde movement was going on.
668 BATTLE OF STONE RIVER :
Our forces, greatly wearied and much reduced by heavy losses, were held
ready to avail themselves of any change in the enemy's position; but it was
deemed unadvisable to assail him as there established. The whole day, after
these dispositions, was passed without an important movement on either side,
and was consumed by us in gleaning the battle-field, burying the dead, and
replenishing ammunition.
At daylight on Friday, the 2d, orders to feel the enemy and ascertain his
position were repeated, with the same result. The cavalry brigades of Wheeler
and Wharton had returned during the night, greatly exhausted from long-con-
tinued service, with but little rest or food for either man or horse. Both the
commanders reported the indications from the enemy's movements the same.
Allowing them only a few hours to feed and rest, and sending the two detached
regiments back to Pegram's brigade, Wharton was ordered to the right bank
across Stone River, immediately in Breckinridge's front. Reconnoissances by
several staff-officers soon developed the fact that a division had quietly crossed
unopposed and established themselves on and under cover of an eminence from
which Lieutenant-General Polk's line was commanded and enfiladed. The dis-
lodgment of this force or the withdrawal of Polk's line was an evident neces-
sity. The latter involved consequences not to be entertained. Orders were
consequently given for the concentration of the whole of General Breckin-
ridge's division in front of the position to be taken, the addition to his com-
mand of the ten Napoleon guns, twelve-pounders, under Captain F. II. Robert-
son, an able and accomplished artillery officer, and for the cavalry forces of
Wharton and Pegram, about two thousand men, to join in his attack on the
right. Major-General Breckinridge was sent for, and advised of the movement
and its objects, the securing and holding the position which protected Polk's
flank and gave us command of the enemy's, by which to enfilade him. He was
informed of the disposition of the forces placed at his disposal, and instructed
with them to drive the enemy back, crown the hill, intrench his artillery, and
hold the position.
To distract their attention from our real object, a heavy fire was ordered to
be opened from Polk's front at the exact hour at which the movement was to
begin. At other points, throughout both lines, all was quiet. General Breck-
inridge, at three p.m., reported he would advance at four. Polk's batteries
promptly opened fire, and were soon Answered by the enemy. A heavy cannon-
ade of some fifteen minutes was succeeded by the musketry, which soon became
general. The contest was short and severe; the enemy was driven back, and
the eminence gained; but the movement, as a whole, was a failure, and the
position was again yielded. Our forces were moved, unfortunately, to the left
so far as to throw a portion of them into and over Stone River, where they
encountered heavy masses of the enemy, while those against whom they were
intended to operate on our side of the river had a destructive enfilade on our
whole line. Our reserved line was so close to the front as to receive the
enemy's fire, and, returning it, took their friends in the rear. The cavalry
force was left entirely out of the action.
Learning from my own staff-officers, sent to the scene, of the disorderly
retreat being made by General Breckinridge's division, Brigadier-General
Patton Anderson's fine brigade of Mississippians, the nearest body of troops,
was promptly ordered to the relief. On reaching the field and moving forward,
Anderson found himself in front of Breckinridge's infantry, and soon encoun-
tered the enemy's light troops close upon our artillery, which had been left
without support. This noble brigade, under its cool and gallant chief, drove
the enemy back, and saved all the guns not captured before its arrival. Cap-
tain F. H. Robertson, after the disabling wound received by Major Graves,
General Breckinridge's gallant and efficient Chief of Artillery, took the entire
charge of the artillery of the division, in addition to his own. To his gallantry,
energy, and fearlessness is due the smallness of our loss sustained before the
arrival of support, — only three guns. His report will show the important
part he played in this attack and repulse. Before the end of the whole move-
ment, it was quite dark. Anderson's command held a position next the enemy,
corresponding nearly with our original line, while Breckinridge's brigade
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GENERAL BRAGG. 669
commanders collected their men, as far as practicable in the darkness, and
took irregular positions on Anderson's left and rear. At daylight in the
morning they were moved forward to the front, and the whole line was re-es-
tablished without opposition. During the night, Major-General Cleborne's
division was re-transferred to its original position on the right, and Lieutenant-
General Hardee directed to resume his command there and restore our line.
On Saturday morning, the 3d, our forces had been in line of battle five days
and nights, with but little rest. Having no reserves, their baggage and tents
had been loaded, and the wagons were four miles off; their provisions, if
cooked at all, were most improperly prepared with scanty means ; the weather
had been severe from cold and almost constant rain, and we had no change of
clothing, and in many places could not have fire. The necessary consequence
was the great exhaustion of both officers and men, many having to be sent to
the hospitals in the rear, and more still were beginning to straggle from their
commands, — an evil from which we had so far suffered but little. During the
whole of this day the rain continued to fall with little intermission, and the
rapid rise in Stone River indicated that it soon would be unfordable. Late on
Tuesday night I had received the captured papers of Major-General McCook,
commanding one corps d'armee of the enemy, showing their effective strength to
have been very nearly, if not quite, seventy thousand men. Before noon,
reports from Brigadier-General Wheeler satisfied me that the enemy, instead
of retiring, was receiving reinforcements.
Common prudence and the safety of my army, upon which even the safety
of our cause depended, left no doubt in my mind as to the necessity of my
withdrawal from so unequal a contest. My orders were accordingly given
about noon for the movement of the trains and for the necessary preparations
of troops.
Under the efficient management of the different staff departments, every-
thing had been secured and transferred to the rear, including prisoners, cap-
tured artillery, small arms, subsistence, means of transportation, and nearly
all of our wounded able to bear moving. No movements were made by the
troops on either side during this most inclement day, save just at night, when
a sharp skirmish occurred between Polk's right and the enemy's left flank,
resulting in nothing decisive. The only question with me was, whether the
movements should be made at once or delayed twenty-four hours to save a few
of our wounded. As it was probable we should lose by exhaustion as many as
we should remove of the wounded, my inclination to remain was yielded. The
whole force, except the cavalry, was put in motion at eleven o'clock p.m., and
the army retired in perfect order to its present position, behind Duck River,
without receiving or giving a shot. Our cavalry held the position before Mur-
freesborough until Monday morning, the 5th, when it quietly retired, as ordered,
to cover our front.
We left about one thousand two hundred badly wounded, one-half of whom,
we learn, have since died from the severity of their injuries; about three hun-
dred sick, too feeble to bear transportation ; and about two hundred well men
and medical officers as their attendants. [The real number was two thousand
eight hundred. — Author of the "Annals."] In addition to this, the enemy
had captured about eight hundred prisoners from us. As the one thousand
two hundred wounded are counted once under that head among our losses,
they should be excluded from the general total.
As an offset to this loss, we had secured, as will appear from the report of
my inspector-general, considerably over six thousand prisoners ; had captured
over thirty pieces of artillery, six thousand stands of small arms, ambu-
lances, mules, and harness, with a large amount of valuable property, all of
which was secured and appropriated to proper uses. Besides all this secured,
we had burned not less than eight hundred wagons, mostly laden with various
articles, such as arms, ammunition, provisions, baggage, clothing, medicines, and
hospital stores. We had lost three pieces of artillery only, all in Breckinridge's
repulse. A number of stands of colors — nine of which are forwarded with
this report — were also captured on the field. Others known to have been taken
were not sent in.
670 BATTLE OF STONE RIVER :
The number of fighting-men we had on the field on the morning of the 31st
of December was less than thirty-five thousand, of which about thirty thousand
were infantry and artillery.
Among the gallant dead the nation is called to mourn, none could have fallen
more honored or regretted than Brigadier-Generals James E. Rains and R. W.
Hanson. They yielded their lives in the heroic discharge of duty, and leave
their honored names as a rich legacy to their descendants. Brigadier-Generals
James R. Chalmers and D. W. Adams received disabling wounds on Wednesday,
I am happy to say not serious, but whioh deprived us of their valuable services.
Having been under my immediate command since the beginning of the war, I
can bear evidence to their devotion and to the conspicuous gallantry which has
marked their services on every field.
For the sacred names of other heroes and patriots of lower grades, who gave
their lives, illustrating the character of the Confederate soldier on this bloody
field, I must refer to the reports of subordinate commanders, and to the list
which will be submitted. Our loss, it will be seen, exceeded ten thousand, nine
thousand of whom were killed and wounded.
The enemy's loss we have no means of knowing with certainty. One corps,
commanded by Major-General Thomas J. Crittenden, which was least exposed
in the engagement, reports over five thousand killed and wounded. As they
had two other corns and a separate division, third of a corps, and their
cavalry, it is safely estimated at three thousand killed and sixteen thousand
wounded ; adding six thousand two hundred and seventy-three prisoners, and
we have a total of twenty-five thousand two hundred and seventy-three.
Lieutenant-Generals L. Polk and W. J. Hardee, commanding corps, Major-
Generals J. M. Withers and P. R. Cleborne, commanding divisions, are espe-
cially commended to the Government for the valor, skill, and ability displayed
by them throughout the engagement.
Brigadier-General J. Patton Anderson, for the coolness, judgment, and
courage with which he interposed his brigade between our retreating forces
and the enemy, largely superior to him, on Friday evening, and saved our
artillery, is justly entitled to special mention.
Brigadier-Generals Joseph Wheeler and John H. Wharton, commanding
cavalry brigades, were pre-eminently distinguished throughout the action, as
they had been for a month previous in many successive actions with the enemy.
Under their skilful and gallant lead, the reputation of our cavalry has been
greatly enhanced.
For the just commendation of many other officers, many of whom were pre-
eminently distinguished, I must refer to the reports of their more immediate
commanders.
To the private soldier a fair meed of praise is due ; and, though it is seldom
given, and so rarely expected that it may be considered out of place, I can-
not, in justice to myself, withhold the opinion ever entertained, and so often
expressed, during our struggle for independence. In the absence of the
instruction and discipline of old armies, and of the confidence which long
association produces between veterans, we have, in a great measure, to trust to
the individuality and self-reliance of the private soldier. Without the incentive
or the motive which controls the officer, who hopes to live in history, without
the hope of reward, and actuated only by a sense of duty and patriotism, he
has, in this great contest, justly judged that the cause was his own, and gone
into it with a determination to conquer or die, to be free or not to be at all. No
encomium is too high, no honor too great, for such a soldiery. However much
of credit and glory may be given, and probably justly given, to the leaders in
our struggle, history will yet award the main honor where it is due, — to the
private soldier, who, without hope of reward, and with no other incentive than
a consciousness of rectitude, has encountered all the hardships and suffered all
the privations. Well has it been said, "The first monument our Confederacy
rears, when our independence shall have been won, should be a lofty shaft,
pure and spotless, bearing this inscription: — ' To the unknown and unrecorded
dead.' "
The members of my staff, arduously engaged in their several duties before,
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GENERAL BRAGG. 671
during, and since the prolonged engagement, are deserving a mention in this
report.
Lieutenant-Colonels George G. Gardner and G. W. Brent and Captain P.
Thompson, Adjutant Inspector-General's Department; 1st Lieutenants Towson
Ellis and F. S. Parker, regular aide-de-camps; Lieutenant-Colonel Beard,
Inspector-General; Lieutenant-Colonels A. J. Hays and P. A. May; Major
James Stainbridge, Louisiana Infantry, and Major Wm. Clarelate, 7th Alabama
Volunteers, Adjutant Assistant Inspector-Generals ; Lieutenant-Colonel L. W.
O'Bannow, Chief Quartermaster ; Major J. J. Walker, Chief Commissary ; Majors
F. Molloy and G. M. Hillyer, Assistants ; Lieutenant-Colonel H. Aladowski,
Chief of Ordnance ; Captains W. H. Warren and 0. T. Gibbs and Lieutenant W.
F. Johnson, Assistants ; Captain S. W Steele, Assistant Chief Engineer, and
Lieutenants H. C. Forie, and H. H. Buchanan, and J. R. P. McFall; Lieutenant-
Colonel J. H. Hollinquist, Acting Chief of Artillery ; First Lieutenant R. H.
Thompson, Assistant Surgeon ; A. J. Foard, Medical Director : Surgeon E. A.
Llewellen, Assistant Medical Director ; Acting Surgeon T. G. Richardson, at-
tendant on myself, staff, and escort; Colonel David Urquhart, of Louisiana;
J. Stoddard Johnston, of Kentucky; and St. Leger Grenfel, of England, the
two former volunteer aides, long on my staff, serving me most effectively;
Major E. W. Baylor, Assistant Quartermaster; Major B. 0. Kennedy, Assist-
ant Commissary of Subsistence, and Lieutenant William M. Bridges, aide-de-
camp to the late Brigadier-General Duncan, reported just before the engage-
ment, and joined my staff, on which they served through the battle; Colonel
M. L. Clark, of the Artillery P. A., did me the favor to join and serve on my staff
during the engagement.
His Excellency Isham G. Harris, Governor of Tennessee, and the Hon.
Andrew Ewing, member of the Military Court, volunteered their services and
rendered me efficient aid, especially with the Tennessee troops, largely in the
ascendant in the army. It is but due to a zealous and efficient laborer in our
cause that I here bear testimony to the cordial support given me at all
times, since meeting him a year ago in West Tennessee, by his Excellency
Governor Harris. From the field of Shiloh, where he received in his arms the
dying form of the lamented Johnston, to the last struggle at Murfreesborough,
he has been one of us, and has shared all our privations and dangers, while
giving us his personal and political influence with all the power he possessed
at the head of the State Government. To the medical department of the army,
under the able administration of Surgeon Foard, great credit is due for the
success which attended their labors. Sharing none of the excitement and
glory of the field, these officers, in their labor of love, devoted themselves
assiduously in attending the sufferings of their brother soldiers at war, when
others are seeking repose. The reports of subordinate commanders have been
especially called for, and are soon expected, when they will be promptly for-
warded.
During the time the operations at Murfreesborough were being conducted,
important expeditions under Brigadier-Generals Forrest and Morgan were
absent in West Tennessee and Northern Kentucky. The reports already for-
warded show the complete success which attended these gallant brigadiers,
and commend them to the confidence of the Government and gratitude of the
country.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG,
General Commanding .
General S. Cooper, Adjutant- General, Richmond, Va.
THE END.
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