Our Family in the Civil War Part

Our Family in the Civil War Part 2 1863 BATTLE OF STONE S RIVER January, 1863 found Hardy, Ephraim, and William Hughes along with other cousins and local soldiers in the 2 nd Tennessee Mounted Infantry in the last day of the Battle of Stones River. They had been brought in as front line replacements, and this was their largest battle. The weather was cold with freezing rain and sleet falling, and it must have been a shock to our gallant boys to see the number of wounded and dead on the battlefield. i In the first couple of days of the battle, The Confederate forces appeared to have the upper hand. Their commander General Braxton Bragg, had sent reports to Richmond of a victory ii. General Rosecrans (the commander of the Union forces) had asked for retreat plans in a meeting of his generals. General Thomas who was napping, awoke to state This Army does not retreat. iii The 2 nd Tennessee Mounted Infantry arrived on January 3 rd at 5:00am after marching all night from Nashville, under the command of General Spears. They were placed at the center of Gen. Thomas lines, and were engaged in a fight that afternoon where they drove the Confederate forces back. Due to the Union reinforcements, Gen. Bragg withdrew his forces late on January 3 rd and on January 4 th. iv v The 2 nd Tennessee only had 2 men wounded. The 2 nd Tennessee stayed in Murfreesboro until March of 1863. They took a train to Nashville, and then a steamer to Louisville, KY. From March through June The 2 nd Tennessee Regiment patrolled the area of Kentucky south of Lexington, to the Tennessee border. TULLAHOMA CAMPAIGN The Battle of Stones River also set the stage for bringing the Civil War home to our family in southeast Tennessee. Gen. Bragg and his army (Army of the Tennessee CSA) retreated to the vicinity of Tullahoma, and the late winter and early spring months were a time of skirmishes and small battles around Tullahoma. In late June, Rosecrans and Bragg s forces met again around Tullahoma. This battle was a strategic success for the Union Army, but with fewer casualties than the Battle of Stone s River. Bragg was out-flanked and his army retreated over the mountains back towards Chattanooga. vi SPRING AND SUMMER IN SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE In the late spring of 1863 Southeast Tennessee became contested territory between the Federal and Confederate forces. vii Troops from both armies were ranging up and down the Sequatchie Valley, taking any crops and animals they wanted from the civilian population. viii General Nathan Bedford Forrest s CSA Calvary and Federal General J.A. Garfield (future president of the United States) were only some of the outfits traversing the valley. ix x By summer the Federals held the territory in North Hamilton and Rhea counties on the west side of the Tennessee River. The Confederate Army including General Forrest s Calvary was on the east side of the River. There was a Federal Brigade encamped at Sale Creek. xi I believe it was around this time that several of our ancestors began working as scouts for the Federal Army. There are several communications regarding scouting missions. The inhabitants living Page 1

on the ridge (Waldens) and in the valley (Sequatchie) report that corn is plentiful for a distance of 36 miles in length and 2 miles in breadth, the valley averaging 4 miles wide. As in most cases, the people living on the ridge are Union, but in the valley rebel sympathizers are found. xii At this time the main towns in the valley from the Tennessee River to the mountain were Washington (Old Washington on the river east of Dayton), Smith s Crossroads (Dayton), Poe s Crossroads (Daisy), and Dallas (now covered by Chickamauga Lake). The roads were in different locations than present day. The main traces across the mountain around Flat Top were beginning at Henson s Gap (where the old road from Dunlap starts up the mountain) across to Poe s Crossroads, from Henson s Gap across to Soddy Creek, further up the Sequatchie Valley at Pitt s Crossroads was also a road. In the valley around present day Bakewell, the road running east to west ran between the old Hughes Cemetery (there was no wall around it at this time) and Opossum Creek. The road running between Coleman Cemetery and Hickman Cemetery was the main Back Valley Road. The road that would most closely follow the main highway would probably have run from the Old Highway turning up the hill by Wears Cemetery winding back around the old Bakewell School and north towards Sale Creek. FALL OF 1863 The fall of 1863 saw an incredible amount of happenings for our ancestors. The Battle of Chickamauga was fought on September 19 th & 20 th. The Federals were driving back to Chattanooga, and the Confederate Army began a siege of the city. The Federal Army was using every available approach to try and supply the city. The following engagements were reported: xiii September 30, 1863.-Skirmish at Cotton Port Ford, Tennessee River, Tenn. October 1, 1863.-Skirmish at Mountain Gap, near Smith's Cross-Roads, Tenn. October 2, 1863.-Skirmish at Pitt's Cross-Roads, Sequatchie Valley, Tenn. October 2, 1863.-Skirmish at Anderson's Cross-Roads, Tenn. October 2, 1863.-Skirmish on the Valley road, near Jasper, Tenn. October 2, 1863.-Skirmish near Dunlap, Tenn. On October 2, 1863 Major General Joseph Wheeler s Calvary attacked a Federal supply wagon train beginning to cross the mountain at Anderson Pike (around Powell s Crossroads in Marion County) said to be 10 miles long. xiv All through October and November, the Federal Army was endeavoring to get supplies to Chattanooga across the mountain. xv It was not an easy task. November 1, 1863 - Maneuvering a wagon train up Walden Ridge in Bledsoe County: This morning at an early houre the Waggons were hitched up and we comenced the trublesum operation of assending the mountain this mountain road is so steep and perpindiculer in places that it was necessary to put 10 mules to each wagon and even then we sometimes thought we would never get them up. But by hard whipping prying and loud hallowing and lifting and prying at the waggons we made the top by sundown with all but one wagon. And it was laying upset on the mountain side with the cuppleing pole brock there is 7 or 8 to work at it they will have it repaired and reloded and brought up this evening. We are on top of Waldon's mountain in a little field where we have plenty of rails to burn I am detailed in charge of the guard tonight. John Hill Fergusson Diary, Book 3. xvi Page 2

WILLIAM HUGHES Sometime during the fall of 1863, William Hughes was able to return home on leave from his 2 nd Tennessee regiment. On October 22, 1863 during that visit he married Narcissa Jane Early. xvii In the 1860 census, Narcissa was living with her family in Harrison on the east side of the Tennessee River. One of their close neighbors was another William Hughes who was our William s uncle. At the end of the war, Narcissa was living on Soddy Creek in Hamilton County, Tennessee. (In 1868 Narcissa remarried to Lute Coleman.) William had returned to the 2 nd Tenn before November 6 th. BATTLE OF ROGERSVILLE (also called the Battle of Big Creek) On November 6, 1863, the Federal forces of the 2 nd East Tennessee Infantry along with the 7 th Ohio Calvary and 4 guns of Battery M 2nd Illinois Light Artillery were located just east of Rogersville Tennessee. The detachment commander, Colonel James P.T. Carter and the regimental commander of the 2nd East Tennessee Mounted Infantry, LTC James M. Melton had departed on leave of absence. Command fell to Colonel Israel Garrard of the 7th Ohio. xviii The opposing Confederate forces were the Army 2 nd Calvary Brigade and the 8 th Virginia Calvary under Brigadier General William E. Jones. The Confederates attempted to completely surround the Federal forces. Col. Garrard ordered the 2 nd Tennessee to hold their position at all costs, while the 7 th Ohio retreated. Col. Garrard s initial report stated: MORRISTOWN, November 6, 1863. GEN.: I was attacked this a. m. and totally defeated. I lost my guns and two thirds of my command; rebel force not known, as they were continually sending their troops forward. I think the whole of the Second Tennessee is lost. About one-half of the Seventh [Ohio] Cavalry is lost. The rebel cavalry was following us this side of Bull's Gap. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. GARRARD, Col., Cmdg. xix The acting commander of the 2 nd Tennessee Major Daniel A. Carpenter provided a very detailed description of the battle in his official report made in September, 1864 after he had been exchanged (he had been captured in the battle but later exchanged as he was an officer). In his report he placed much of the blame for the loss of the majority of the 2 nd Tennessee men on Col. Garrard s orders and subsequent withdrawal of the 7 th Ohio: The officers and men of the Second East Tennessee Mounted Infantry performed their duty with the most gratifying coolness and courage, and were only induced to surrender to greatly superior numbers after all hope of further successful resistance was gone. The position in which we were placed by Col. Garrard I was ordered to hold until he should give me directions to abandon it, and it was in carrying out my instructions that the regiment was captured. xx Even a report of from a Confederate officer seemed to support the claim that the 2 nd Tennessee was abandoned by the 7 th Ohio: Most of the prisoners belonged to the 2d. E. Tenn. M't. Inf. The 7h Ohio Cavalry left early, led by Col. Garrard Comdg. Brig. xxi It is estimated that approximately 900 soldiers xxii from the 2 nd Tennessee were in the Battle of Rogersville, that 280 were able to avoid being captured, that 5 were killed, and approximately 600 or 69% were captured. xxiii Page 3

The following information is taken from John Ransom s Andersonville Diary. The prisoners were marched to the railway station in Bristol, Virginia (approximately 50 miles). They were placed in cattle cars and transported to Richmond, Virginia. The officers were sent to Libby Prison, and the enlisted men were sent to Belle Island in the James River. There were no buildings on the island for the prisoners, there only shelter being tents, and only 3,000 tents were available for the over 10,000 men. The winter was cold and there was little food, and many became sick and died. BACK ON THE HOME FRONT In Southeast Tennessee, the war was still occupying our mountains and valleys. On November 12, 1863 the Confederates on the east side of the Tennessee River were shelling the Federals on the west side at Blythe s Ferry (just north of Sale Creek). xxiv The pickets from both armies on both sides of the river at Igou s Ferry (Soddy) were suspicious of each other but still talking across the river. xxv And information was being gathered: I learn that a man by the name of Jack Ables and a woman by the name of Ritchie have been carrying on considerable correspondence with the rebels. Ables crossing at the head of Jolly's Island, and the woman Ritchie at Thatcher's. xxvi BATTLES FOR LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN AND MISSIONARY On November 24, 1863 the Battle of Lookout Mountain began. The resulting Federal victory and Confederate retreat effectively removed the large hostile armies from our area of Flat Top, Soddy, Sale Creek, Bakewell, and the Sequatchie Valley. However the military presence would remain. FAMILY STORIES PASSED DOWN THROUGH THE GENERATIONS Several stories from this time have been preserved by our families. Probably around 1861 or 1862 Hezekiah Hughes (who was in his 60 s at this time) was taking food to some of his family men who were hiding out from the Rebels. On the way, he was captured by a Confederate company. They tried to get him to tell where the men were hiding by tying a rope around his neck and stringing him up. Hezekiah would not talk. The captain wanted to hang him, but one of the men in the company knew Hezekiah and convinced the Captain to let him live. They left him tied to a tree. It is said that he carried rope scars around his neck the rest of his life. General Braxton Bragg s Army camped at Allen Varner s farm in Bakewell. (Allen s brother Lewis Varner was married to Mary Ann Hughes daughter of Hezekiah, and Allen s daughter Adeline Elizabeth was married to Benjamin Carroll Coleman who was Hezekiah s grandson. The farm was located on present day McGill Road.) This was probably in August of 1862 when General Bragg left Chattanooga with his army on his way to Kentucky. The army would have passed by John Hughes Sr. s house which was located near the present-day trailerpark. Bragg s army was noted to be in Pikeville by September 1862. Walter Hughes grandfather, John Hughes (son of Ephraim Hughes and grandson of John Hughes Sr.) lived on the property that sits on Highway 27 in Bakewell where Card Hatchery used to be located. Walter s daddy (Francis Gideon Hughes) told Walter about the army coming through and taking all their corn and hay and didn t pay them for it. He didn t know which army it was. Page 4

Lettie Allen (John Hughes Sr. s granddaughter and later Frank Hughes wife) was churning butter on her front porch. She was living in a house in Bakewell that stood where Highway 27 runs now, across the road from the trailer park. Some soldiers came by and asked her for the buttermilk, but she would not give it to them. They went on their way. When Bill Bowman Sr. (son of Becky Hughes and Henry Bowman) was a little boy 3 or 4 years old, some of the soldiers that they knew stopped to visit. One soldier took out his sword and ran it across Bill s foot, and it scared him. It must have left a big impression, because he remembered it when he was old. Bill Bowman also told about the family hearing the booming thunder sounds of the Battle of Chickamauga. At first they thought it was a storm, but then realized it wasn t. They knew there was a big battle somewhere, but didn t know exactly where at the time. Becky Bowman had a fat hog in the yard. They had a rail fence and they kept the hogs in the yard (they were living down below Bowman Cemetery at the time). When some soldiers came by, one shot the hog. She told them that hog was hers, and they couldn t have it. The soldiers sat on the fence waiting for a wagon. When the wagon came, they loaded the hog up and drove away. Becky s daughter Delphia Ann was small too born in 1861. It seems that often times scouts for the army would stop by their house for meals. One day a scout came for dinner and Delphia Ann announced Here comes another one of those $&%* scout s. It is said she got in a lot of trouble for that. One of the old roads up the mountain came out close to the fire tower. Prady Bowman told about one of the armies trying to come up that road. The army wagons were wider than regular wagons. So the army wagons would hang on the rocks. They had to take the wagons apart, and drag them up to the top, then put the wagon back together. Supposedly the rocks on that road were scarred from those wagons. One of our Scasbrook s cousins tells about his grandmother who said Fall was her favorite time of year because when she was young the mountains would boom like firecrackers. She was talking about the area at the foot of the mountains around Whitwell. Around the 1880 s the men would burn off the mountain undergrowth. The ammunition that had been scattered and left behind from Wheeler s Raid in 1863 would explode. i http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/battle_of_stones_river Approximately 41,000 Union troops vs. approximately 35,000 Confederate troops. Battle was inconclusive, but since CSA withdrew the Union considered it a victory. Casualties: Union 12,906 (1,677 killed); CSA 11,739 (1,294 killed). ii http://www.aotc.net/murfreesboro.htm In wires back to Richmond Bragg declared victory, hoping that Rosecrans would confirm this by withdrawing. Rosecrans was considering it. In a late night conference he queried his generals. Thomas said according to one report: "This army can't retreat", and according to another report: "Gentlemen, I know of no better place to die than right here." Mabye he said both things, or something else entirely. Whatever he said, he was for staying, and he enjoyed such respect in the Army of the Cumberland, that his counsel was heeded. iii Ibid Page 5

iv http://www.tngenweb.org/civilwar/usainf/usa2inf.html General Spears took command of the brigade on January 2, 1863, and with it escorted a train of supplies to the army outside Murfreesboro, arriving at 5:00 A.M. on January 3. His brigade then relieved troops in the front line of General Thomas' "Center" of the Federal lines. That night, in an engagement lasting from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., the regiment took part in driving Confederate forces from a woods in front of their lines. v http://www.artcirclelibrary.info/reference/civilwar/1863-01.pdf January 5, 1863 TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR SOURCEBOOK January 1863 Page 27 On the 30th the entire cavalry force was engaged in guarding the flanks of the army, in position. Some small cavalry skirmishing occurred, but nothing of importance. At 11 p. m., the 30th, I marched for La Vergne with the First Tennessee and the Anderson Cavalry. Near that place I was joined by detachments of the Fourth Michigan and Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. At 9.30 o'clock on the 31st I received an order from the general commanding, directing me to hasten to the right. I made all possible speed, leaving a strong detachment to protect the trains crowding the road at Stewartsborough and to pick up straggles. Upon arriving upon the right flank of the army, I found order restored, and took position on Gen. McCook's right, my right extending toward Wilkinson's Cross-Roads, occupying the woods about the meeting-house on Overall's Creek. In this position we were attacked about 4 p. m. by a long line of foot skirmishers. My first impression was that these covered infantry, but I learned soon that they were only dismounted cavalry. We successfully held them at bay for one half an hour with the Fourth Michigan and Seventh Pennsylvania, dismounted, when, being outflanked, I ordered our line to mount and fall back to the open field. The enemy followed here, and being re-enforced by detachments of the Anderson and Third Kentucky Cavalry, and the First Tennessee, we charged the enemy and put him to rout. The cavalry held the same position this night they had taken upon my arrival upon the field. About 9 o'clock New Year's morning the enemy showed a line of skirmishers in the woods to our front, and soon after brought a six-gun battery to bear upon my cavalry. As we could not reach the enemy's skirmishers, nor reply to his artillery, I ordered my cavalry to fall back. A part of Zahm's brigade marched this day to Nashville to protect our train. Col. Zahm's report is inclosed. January 2 and 3 the cavalry was engaged in watching the flanks of our position. Upon the 4th it became evident that the enemy had fled. The cavalry was collected and moved to the fords of Stone's River. Upon the 5th we entered Murfreesborough. Zahm's brigade marched in pursuit of the enemy on the Shelbyville pike-marched 6 miles, finding no opposition. With the remainder of the cavalry I marched on the Manchester pike and encountered the enemy in heavy force at Lytle's Creek, 3 1/2 miles from town. We fought with this force till near sundown, pushing them from one cedar-brake to another, when, being re-enforced by Gen. Spears' brigade of East Tennesseans, we drove the enemy out of his last stand in disorder. We returned after dark and encamped on Lytle's Creek. Our troops all behaved well. The skirmishing was of a very severe character. The Fourth U. S. Cavalry, which was this day first under my control, behaved very handsomely. Inclosed please find reports of division, brigade, and regimental commanders. Capt. Otis' command acted independently until the 5th instant, when they came under my orders. ~ ~ ~ Respectfully submitted. January 5, 1863 D. S. STANLEY, Brig.-Gen. and Chief of Cavalry. OR, Ser. I, Vol. 20, pt. I, pp. 617-619. vi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/tullahoma_campaign vii http://www.artcirclelibrary.info/reference/civilwar/1863-05.pdf May 10, 1863 - An appraisal of future Confederate fortunes in East Tennessee EAST TENNESSEE NOT TO BE GIVEN UP. The determination of our military chieftains to retain possession of east Tennessee was never stronger than at present. We are assured that the apprehension which exists that, for some strategic considerations, the army now in East Tennessee would be diverted temporarily to another point, is without foundation. If the force of Burnside be permitted to pass the mountain barriers and entrench itself along the mountain fastnesses, we shall hereafter find it almost impossible to dislodge it. From such strongholds marauding detachments would constantly come fort the destroy railway bridges, the line of communication between the East and West, and to incited local disturbances among the disloyal population of East Tennessee. Not only would the resources of this region, now invaluable be lost to the South-not only would the production of food and the material of war become impossible, but the grain Page 6

fields of East Tennessee, hereafter to furnish with bread, bacon and horses, will be desolated. But beyond all this, there is a consideration affecting the policy of Gen. Johnston, which, if we are not greatly mistaken, renders it absolutely certain that this mountain district will not be given up. It is hardly probably that Burnside's march towards the Sequatchie Valley, or in the direction of Chattanooga, would be unrevised. If a Federal force, penetrating this region, should reach the points designated, Bragg's position at Tullahoma would be untenable. The enemy would soon be in his rear; his communications with the source of his supplies would be interrupted by Burnside's cavalry; and Bragg would be forced to attack, Rosecrans in his entrenchments, or withdraw into Northern Georgia. To accomplish this result is, perhaps, the purpose of Gen. Burnside, while his followers proclaim their intention of hanging and slaughtering all the true Southern inhabitants of this district. It follows, therefore, that the abolitionists will not be permitted to establish themselves in mountain strongholds, nor will East Tennessee be surrendered even temporarily, in order to insure a victory at Murfreesboro. The losses to which we would be subjected by the desolation of this district would be too great to justify a maneuver which, after all, might result in a drawn battle, and in that event East Tennessee and our railway would be hopelessly lost. Knoxville Daily Register, May 10, 1863. viii http://www.artcirclelibrary.info/reference/civilwar/1863-07.pdf JULY, 1863.-Scout in Sequatchie Valley, Tenn. Report of Maj. Gen. John M. Palmer, U. S. Army. WINCHESTER, July 29, 1863. GEN.: Gen. Van Cleve reports on 23d: Sent Capt. Drury and 65 men to Sequatchie Valley. Went to Dunlap, thence up the valley 30 miles, passing through Pikeville, and returned via Sparta. Topographical engineer accompanied and took notes of roads, &c. Captured a dozen prisoners and horses. Reports 100 troops in the valley. Think with 300 cavalry he could clear out the valley. Capt. Drury destroyed one hundred rifles, one-quarter of a cord of shotguns and squirrel rifles, and a large of ammunition, and captured the commissary of the Eighteenth Tennessee, with $8,000 Confederate funds. Saw one thousand head of cattle, which the rebels are driving off to Chattanooga. News from Gen. Van Cleve report 2 prisoners, last night, who claim to belong to Forrest's advance guard, which they said arrived at Sparta; has with him three brigades of cavalry-dibrell's, Armstrong's, and Biffle's. Can Van Cleve be supplied with some cavalry? J. M. PALMER, Maj.-Gen. OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. I, p. 827. ix http://www.artcirclelibrary.info/reference/civilwar/1863-08.pdf July 25, 1863 - Forrest's cavalry conducts foraging expedition in Sequatchie County WINCHESTER, TENN., July 25, 1863. Gen. GARFIELD: Communication from Gen. Van Cleve, just received, in substance reports that Forrest is preparing for a raid on McMinnville; needs cavalry. Conscripts and deserters, and many citizens, heretofore rank secessionists, are coming in daily. Says some old sinners of pride wish me to send an armed force and bring them in, that they may not appear to have yielded voluntarily. Word from Sequatchie Valley, evening of 22d, by a man who lives 9 miles above Dunlap: Saw 50 of Forrest's pickets in the valley on the 21st, and 12 miles from Chattanooga; saw 400 cavalry arming; about 1,600 head of cattle toward Chattanooga. FARRAR, [Operator.] OR, Ser. I, Vol. 23, pt. II, p. 556. x http://ebooks.library.cornell.edu/m/moawar/text/waro0052.txt (Gen. J.A. Garfield was the Brigadier-General at Dunlap in Aug, 1863) DUNLAP, August 23, 186312 m. Brigadier-General GARFIELD, Chief of Staff: Minty dispatches * from Smiths Cross-Roads, dated 3 a. m. this morning, that the enemy is crossing at Blythes Ferry and at the mouth of Sale Creek. He moved back in direction of Poes Tavern. A small force of Forrests men attacked his forage party yesterday, and were driven through Washington by his scouts there. He further reports that five pieces of artillery and 900 men arrived at Blythe Ferry night before last. All this is on the information of six men that he sent to the river last night. He gives no intimation as to the number that had crossed, and I have dispatched Van Cleve to know if he retired on Poes by his orders if not, he must reoccupy his position as indicated Page 7

in general orders to watch the movements of the enemy, and if forced to retire, must do so on Pikeville. I am much annoyed at this movement of Mintys, as I deem it of the utmost importance that he should be with Van Cleve. I am anxious to hear from you about supplies at Tracy City. xi Ibid CRITTENDEIN, Major-General. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, Smiths Cross-Roads, August 23, 18633 a. m. Captain OTIs, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div., Twenty-first Army Corps: SIR: I sent a scout of 6 men to the river last night; they have this moment returned, with the information that the enemy are crossing at Blythes Ferry and at the mouth of Sale Creek. My position here is, as I stated in my last, not good. The enemy, crossing at Sale Creek, can place themselves between me and our forces at or near Poes; those crossing at Blythes can attack me in front, with the ground in their favor, while Forrest can take me in flank and rear, completely surrounding me. I will move immediately in the direction of Poes Tavern, so. as to prevent their coming between me and that place, and to enable me in case of an attack by a superior force to fall back there for support. Until you hear further from me all communications from you will have to be sent via Poes. Lieutenant Roys arrived with the wagons last evening. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, R. H. G. MINTY, Colonel, Commanding Capt. ~. R. MURLEMAN, Poes, August 24, 18639 a. m. Assistant Adjutant-General: Colonel Funkhouser found Colonel Minty at Sale Creek yesterday. The rebels that he reported as crossing the Tennessee in force were some half dozen small boat loads of rebel troops, probably not to exceed 50 or 100 men. Their object I do not know. They did not remain long. It is my impression they looked upon our movements here as a raid only, and the force sent across was a reconnaissance. I keep scouts at all the crossings, who keep me thoroughly informed of everything. I also keep the country thoroughly patrolled. We are now among our friends. There is no longer any question as to the status of the people we are with. My headquarters is a constant ovation. The joy of the people is uncontrollable. I think there is no doubt but that the largest portion of the enemy when we came here was at Kingston, with the intention of passing to our rear via Crossville and Sparta. Whether they now intend to, and whether if they do it will I be worth giving attention to, are questions worth consideration. I am gathering in what cattle I can find. The mills are short of water, but we manage to get about 1,200 pounds of flour per day. Very respectfully, W.B. HAZEN. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND CAVALRY DIvISIoN, Sale Creek Camp Ground, August 23, 1863. Captain OTIS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div., Twenty-first Army Corps: SIR: I moved from Morgans and Smiths Cross-Roads at 5 o clock this a. m. to this Place, 6 miles down the valley, and opened communication with Poe s. I have sent a scout to the ford at the mouth of Sale Creek, and will to-morrow morning move back toward the crossroads, searching the river as I move. I will communicate with you on my arrival at the cross-roads. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, R. H. G. MINTY, Colonel, Commanding. xii Ibid September 29, 1863. COLONEL: In obedience to your request I have the honor to report that an abundance of forage exists in the Sequatchie (Hog Trough Valley, there not having been any forage trains in that section previous to the 26th day of September, when I reached there with my train. The inhabitants living on the ridge (Waldens) and in the valley Page 8

(Sequatchie) report that corn is plentiful for a distance of 36 miles in length and 2 miles in breadth, the valley averaging 4 miles wide. As in most cases, the people living on the ridge are Union, but in the valley rebel sympathizers are found. About 7 miles from Chattanooga there is a gap in the mountain, through which wagon trains pass in going to Bridgeport (over the Anderson road). At this place I determined to cross, but in consequence of the large number of wagon trains crossing I discovered that I would be likely to be detained for a long time, and therefore proceeded farther on to another gap (commonly called Poes road) 8 miles distant. It is a difficult road to ascend, the grades are very steep, and in many places large rocks projecting from the earth which jar the wagons; the distance from the foot to the top of the ridge being 1 mile. On the top the road is good and level. The people are nearly all Union, but poor, and all prayerfully hope for an early termination of the war. But little forage exists on the mountain and farm pursuits are greatly neglected. In descending the mountain into the valley (Sequatchie) the road is fully as steep as the one leading into the Tennessee Valley, but smooth, and less difficulty is experienced in ascending or descending, it being 1+ miles from the top of the ridge to its foot, where lives one Mr. Henson, a wealthy man and a rebel. Out of his abundant corn-fields we loaded our wagons. Along the entire route water is plenty and springs are everywhere abundant. It is 16 miles from Chattanooga to Poes Gap (or Poes Tavern) and 11 miles from the foot of the ridge on one side to the foot of the ridge on the other, making in all 27 miles from Chattanooga to the foot of the mountain on Poes road in Sequatchie Valley. The distance from Chattanooga to the top of Waldens Ridge (181 miles) can be made in one day. From this point (the eastern brow) wagons can go down, load up, and return over the mountain to Poes Tavern at the eastern foot in another day, and from Poes Tavern they can return to Chattanooga in five hours, making for the round trip two and one-half days. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. S. CLARK, Captain Co. E, 16th Regiment Pennsylvania Vol. Cavalry. xiii http://www.artcirclelibrary.info/reference/civilwar/1863-09.pdf September 30, 1863.-Skirmish at Cotton Port Ford, Tennessee River, Tenn. October 1, 1863.-Skirmish at Mountain Gap, near Smith's Cross-Roads, Tenn. October 2, 1863.-Skirmish at Pitt's Cross-Roads, Sequatchie Valley, Tenn. October 2, 1863.-Skirmish at Anderson's Cross-Roads, Tenn. October 2, 1863.-Skirmish on the Valley road, near Jasper, Tenn. October 2, 1863.-Skirmish near Dunlap, Tenn. xiv Ibid Report of Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Corps, Army of Tennessee. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, October 30, 1863. Colonel.: On the 29th [September], I received orders to cross the Tennessee River with that portion of my command then with me (one brigade having been left with the army) and three brigades which Gen. Forrest had been ordered to send to me. On the morning of the 30th [of September], I learned that these commands had just arrived at a point about 20 miles from the point of crossing. I ordered them to the latter place and proceeded there with the commands of Gen.'s Wharton and Martin. The enemy had occupied the opposite bank and immediately concentrated a force nearly if not quite equal to our own to resist our crossing. This force had followed me up the river, and I found that any point at which I should attempt to cross could be reached as easily by them as by my command. Under these circumstances, I determined to cross at the point I then was. The three brigades from Gen. Forrest were mere skeletons, scarcely averaging 500 effective men each. These were badly armed, had but a small supply of ammunition, and their horses were in horrible condition, having been marched continuously for three days and nights without removing saddles. The men were worn out, and without rations. The brigade commanders made most urgent protests against their commands being called upon to move in this condition. With this state of things, I allowed the worst horses to be returned to the rear, and, with the remainder, crossed in the face of an enemy nearly as large as our own force. We assailed and drove the enemy about 3 miles. On the morning of November [October] 2, I reached Sequatchie Valley, and at 3 o'clock on the following morning [October 3] proceeded down toward Jasper with about 1,500 men. After traveling about 10 miles we overtook and captured 32 six-mule wagons, which were destroyed. The mules were carried on with the command. On approaching Anderson's Cross-Roads, we were met by a considerable force of cavalry, which we charged and drove before us. We here found a large train of wagons, which proved to extend from the top of Walden's Ridge for a distance of 10 miles toward Jasper. This train was heavily loaded with ordnance, quartermaster's, and commissary stores. The number of wagons was variously estimated at from 800 to 1,500. No one saw, perhaps, more than half the train. The quartermaster in charge of the train, as well as other employees, stated that there were 800 six-mule wagons, besides a great Page 9

number of sutler wagons. The train was guarded by a brigade of cavalry in front and a brigade of cavalry in rear, and on the flank, where we attacked, were stationed two regiments of infantry. After a warm fight, the guards were defeated and driven off, leaving the entire train in our possession. After selecting such mules and wagons as we needed, we then destroyed the train by burning the wagons and sabering or shooting the mules. xv http://www.artcirclelibrary.info/reference/civilwar/1863-10.pdf OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. III, p. 596. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND DIV., 14TH ARMY CORPS, Near Dallas, Tennessee, October 28, 1863 7 p. m. Lieut. Col. C. GODDARD, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of the Cumberland: COL.: I have the honor to report nothing of special interest in this locality. Col. John Tilson, commanding Tenth Illinois Infantry, stationed at Igou's Ferry, succeeded in capturing a squad of rebels opposite his camp this afternoon. I regret that this creditable action on his part could not have been rendered still more so by larger facilities for crossing the river. The men captured consist of a quartermaster-sergeant and 4 privates of the First Arkansas Battery, light artillery. I will send them to Chattanooga early in the morning. My assistant adjutant-general has just returned from an examination of the roads over Walden's Ridge above Poe road. He finds a comparatively good road going up from the Sequatchie Valley, near Col. Hickman's, and coming down on this side near Sale Creek. It is called the Hamilton trace. While the Poe road remains in its present wretched condition, I think I will send some of my teams that way. Col. Tillson reports that he has learned from sources over the river that a conflict has taken place at Lenoir's, and that the rebels have fallen back to the Hiwassee; also that Cheatham's division is moving up the valley. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. F. SMITH, Col., Cmdg. Brigade. xvi http://www.artcirclelibrary.info/reference/civilwar/1863-11.pdf xvii William Hughes Widow s Pension Application xviii http://civilwarwiki.net/wiki/battle_of_rogersville xix http://www.artcirclelibrary.info/reference/civilwar/1863-11.pdf xx ibid Report of Maj. Daniel A. Carpenter, Second Tennessee (mounted) Infantry. KNOXVILLE, TENN., September 14, 1864. SIR: Having but recently been released from a rebel prison, I have the honor to embrace the earliest opportunity to submit the following report of the affair which led to the capture of a large part of the Second East Tennessee Mounted Infantry on the 6th of November last [year]: On the 5th of November, 1863, the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Second East Tennessee Mounted Infantry Volunteers, and four guns of Capt. Phillips' (Second Illinois) battery were encamped 4 miles east of Rogersville, Tennessee, Maj. McIntire commanding the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, myself commanding the Second East Tennessee Mounted Infantry, and a lieutenant, name unknown, commanding the artillery; the whole under command of Col. Garrard, of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. Late in the afternoon Col. Garrard informed me that the rebels were crossing Holston River at Kingsport, Tennessee, 18 miles east of our encampment. About 12 o'clock that night he (Col. Garrard) ordered me to detail 50 men, under a good officer, and have them to report to him at 2 o'clock the following a. m., for the purpose of going out on a scout. Accordingly Capt. Marney, Company A, and Lieut. Jones, Company E, were detailed, with 50 enlisted men, and ordered to report to Col. Garrard at the appointed hour, which they did, and were ordered by him to proceed to the Carter Valley road and up said road to where Capt. Rogers, with a company of home guards doing picket duty, was posted. Capt. Marney arrived at Capt. Rogers' quarters at the specified time. Col. Garrard had ordered Capt. Marney to take Capt. Rogers' company, together with his 50 men, and proceed up Carter Valley about 9 miles and establish a line of pickets from the Carter Valley road to the Kingsport road, informing him (Col. Garrard) of everything they could learn concerning the movements of the enemy. While Capt. Marney and his men were waiting on Capt. Rogers to get ready to start, Capt. Marney discovered a body of mounted men moving rapidly toward them from the direction of Kingsport. Capt. Marney asked Capt. Rogers if he had pickets out, to which Capt. Rogers replied he had. Just at that moment a brigade of rebels with drawn sabers charged upon Capt. Marney and his men. The road being narrow, the rebels ran over Capt. Marney and his men, making a large portion of them prisoners. The rebels tarried but a few moments, left a small squad with the prisoners, and proceeded Page 10

toward Rogersville. Very near all of the men captured escaped and returned to our camp in advance of the rebels, and informed Col. Garrard of what had happened; this was about sunrise. Previous to this time Col. Garrard had ordered me to strike tents, load my wagons, saddle my horses, and be ready to move or fight at any moment. Col. Garrard came very soon to my quarters. I had everything ready, and was just finishing my breakfast. He informed me the rebels were at that time in Rogersville; requested me to have my train to move out on the Rogersville road a short distance and halt. Near this time the train of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry came up. I ordered my train to fall in behind said train; they did so and then halted. Col. Garrard informed me he would take the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry and move down toward Rogersville and see if he could ascertain anything from the rebels, at the same time ordering me to send out two companies east of our camp to meet the enemy if they should come from the direction of Carter's Valley; also ordered me to detail 50 men and send them east of our camp to hold a hill and prevent the enemy from occupying it. This was promptly done. Col. Garrard moved with the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry toward Rogersville, but had not gone far when I heard a volley of musketry, and very soon the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry returned at full speed; a number of them had thrown their guns down and were in a perfect state of confusion. Maj. McIntire, of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, came to me and stated that Col. Garrard was killed and I would have to take command of the forces. I requested Maj. McIntire to try and collect his men, they being completely demoralized. He said the panic and confusion in his regiment resulted from the death of Col. Garrard. At this time two guns of Phillips' battery were nearly a half mile east of our position without support. I immediately dispatched Lieut. Shaw, of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, to order the two guns to fall back across the creek and take position near where I was with the remainder of my regiment. Lieut. Shaw delivered the order, and the lieutenant commanding the guns remarked that the rebels were within 100 yards of his position in a ditch, and would certainly capture them if he attempted to move, though he thought he could keep them at bay for a while with grape and canister. Lieut. Shaw directed him to do so and returned. By this time Col. Garrard arrived; he had lost his hat and was, seemingly, very much excited. He stated the rebels were coming from Rogersville, and ordered me to move with my regiment in that direction, to the edge of the woods, and advance two companies as skirmishers. Col. Garrard accompanied me, pointing out the position he wished my regiment to occupy. He requested me to tie my horses and put as many men in the fight as I could; that we would not try to escape, but whip the rebels if possible, ordering me to hold the position assigned me at all hazards until further orders from him. I ordered Capt. Carns to move forward with companies C, G, and B as skirmishers. He did so, and soon met the enemy and commenced a brisk skirmish, driving them back some 300 yards. I then ordered Capt. Carns to return to me. At or near this time the rebels charged and captured the two guns east of Creek near the house of Mr. Russell. They then moved toward our camp. The Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry was formed near the camp and supporting the two guns yet remaining in our possession. Col. Garrard sent me orders to send three companies to support the two guns. I started three companies under command of Capt. Carns; when he got in sight of the point ordered to, he discovered the rebels had taken the guns. They (the rebels) raised the yell and commenced advancing from every direction on my position. I sent an orderly to inform Col. Garrard if he did not assist me I would soon be completely surrounded. By this time Capt. Carns returned; he had been cut off from me by the rebels, and very nearly the whole of the three companies captured. Capt. Carns informed me that Col. Garrard and the whole of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry had left the field, and were across the Holston River. The 50 men detailed to hold the hill east of our camp, also the two companies sent east of our camp, had been skirmishing some time. When the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry left the field they, the two companies and 50 detailed men, were compelled to fall back to my position. A number of them were captured in returning. At this time I did not have more than 200 men who had ammunition, and was completely surrounded by at least 4,000 rebels, who were within 75 yards of us, demanding a surrender. They had already possession of my horses, and were killing and wounding my men at a fearful rate. I summoned the officers of my regiment and consulted with them as to what measures best to adopt. All instantly agreed that a surrender was the only thing possible, so I at once surrender myself and command. William Russell, of Company A, was shot and killed after we had grounded arms. The officers and men of Capt. Phillips' (Second Illinois) battery discharged their duty nobly. We were marched the whole of the night following our capture. During that night a number of the men effected their escape. The officers and men of the Second East Tennessee Mounted Infantry performed their duty with the most gratifying coolness and courage, and were only induced to surrender to greatly superior numbers after all hope of further successful resistance was gone. The position in which we were placed by Col. Garrard I was ordered to hold until he should give me directions to abandon it, and it was in carrying out my instructions that the regiment was captured. Col., I some time since made application for a court of inquiry to investigate the circumstances of our capture, and as statements have been made prejudicial to the good name of my regiment, I respectfully reiterate my request for a court of inquiry, in order that the blame may be placed where it properly belongs. I feel fully satisfied that when the facts of the case are known, the officers and men of the Second East Tennessee Mounted Infantry will be found to Page 11

have done their whole duty. As the time of service of my regiment will soon expire, I respectfully urge that the court may be ordered at as early a day as practicable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. A. Carpenter, Maj. Second East Tennessee Mounted Infantry. OR, Ser. I, Vol. 31, pt. I, pp. 551-554. xxi Ibid A Confederate staff officer's account of the "Battle of Big Creek" [a.k.a."action at Rogersville."] It cleared off about 3 A. M. & got colder, but we moved forward, the enemy stopping & firing at every advantageous position. Day soon dawned and revealed the Yankees posted on a high and strong position. Only a company or so exhibited themselves, but it was suspicioned that their whole force was masked in the timer & behind the ridge. Our artillery was hastened forward, but had gotten two or 3 miles behind its place on account of bad roads & dark night. Before arriving the Yankees had disappeared & flanking & skirmishing parties soon ascertained that they had gone back towards Rogersville. We moved forward without delay & on arriving in sight of the Enemy's camps, unexpectedly discovered that they were crossing the river, nearby, at Russell's fort. Their wagons, & artillery lined the road. The horsemen were plunging through the water endeavoring to escape before our troops came up. Col. Carter was double-quicked across the field and cut off their retreat across the river, and they went back to their position on the hills beyond Big Creek some 300 yds off. The wagoners ran away, & so did their teams, scattering everything in every direction. The Enemy left 2 pieces of Philip's Battery at Russell's large brick house on this side of Big Creek supported by 3 dismounted companies of 2d. E. Tenn Mt'd. Inf. which opened upon our column as it advanced up the road. Lt. Col. Trimble (10th Ky) & Maj. Parker (4th Ky.) came up at a gallop & dismounted in 350 yds of this section, & started to charge at a run and a shout. Carter having cut them off at the ford of Holston, turned the right flank of these two guns and charge up the hill, & was the first to reach them, capturing at the same time a large number of wagons parked in Mr. Russell's lot. All of which the Enemy endeavored to disable before leaving, or left the teams in them, which being frightened runaway & around & over, & demolished many, all heavily laden with ordnance, Qr Mr, Commissary, & Medical Stores, &c. &c. Having captured this section our 3 Regt's (1st Tenn, 4h & 10 Ky) moved right on upon the position. At this time Lowry's battery came up & opened upon the other section of Phillips Battery which had been posted upon a very commanding position above their camp beyond Big Creek, and supported by their main force. Our troops had to cross big Creek, (a broad, deep & rapid stream,) in the face of the enemy's fire, which they did in most gallant style, never halting until they had penetrated the enemy's camp. After some 30 minutes of sharp fighting our boys (4h. Ky) took the remaining pieces of artillery & about 450 of the Enemy surrendered to them, with everything, horses guns wagons... They had not time to untie their horses, many of which were killed at their posts. Most of the prisoners were of the 2d, East Tennessee Mt'd Inf. The 7h. Ohio Cavalry endeavored to effect their escape by flight across the river. The 16h. Ga. (Maj. Clark) & 64 Va... were double-quicked forward & sent in pursuit. The Georgians pursued them across the river. Col Slemp went to Rogersville, Both captured squads of Yankees, wagons, &c... We captured in all 550 or 600 prisoners (one Major, 7 Captains, many Lieut.s. &c. one act'g Adjt. Genl. [)] Most of the prisoners belonged to the 2d. E. Tenn. M't. Inf The 7h Ohio Cavalry left early, led by Col. Garrard Comdg. Brig. This was half of Col. Jas. P. T. Carter's Brigade (3d Brig. 4h Div 23d Army Corps.) Upon the flight of the enemy our troops scattered in every direction, gathering up the captured property, pistols, sabres, guns, blankets, by [the] hundreds. After the capture & dispersion of the main body, a party of about 100 Enemy appeared upon a high hill about 1/2 mile to our right, & endeavored to communicate their desire to surrender. But no one recognizing it, they retreated in the woods & were pursued by our troops, & the wood shelled. Some 40 or 50 wagons & ambulances were bro't away, the new battery of 6 pcs. James Guns with Capt Philip's Co."M" 2d Ill. Light Arty. Some 3 cassions & 30 wagons had to be cut down & burned on account of want of harness to bring them away. We lost 3 men killed & several wounded. The Enemy had 8 or 10 killed & 20 wounded I suppose & some dozen drowned. R. Frank Harrison Sg't Maj. 4h K'y assisted me in paroling some 8 or 10 of the wounded, some at Mr. Lyon's house, & some on the battlefield. We rode over the field to hunt up the wounded.-were the last upon it, of our brigade. I want to see no more battlefields. The utter destruction of property & life. All kinds of clothing, &camp equipages, scattered in profusion over the ground. Horses shot dead at their hitching post, or rolling in the agonies of death-the shadows of horses looking through wistful imploring eyes for food-and the dead and wounded men neglected lying there alone-alone-alone. The affair terminated about 1 P. M. (I thought it was four). ~ ~ ~ Page 12