USA > Ohio > Knox County > Mount Vernon > History of the 20th O. V. V. I. regiment, and proceedings of the first reunion at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, April 6, 1876 > Part 4
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Missing-none.
Company C, Killed-2d Lieutenant Presly MeCafferty.
Wounded-Corporal John A. Ferreli, shoulder, slightly ; Private John Hasking, shoulder, severely.
Missing-none.
Company D, Killed-none.
Wounded-Captain V. T. Hills, foot, slightly ; Corp'l M. Risher, arm, severely ; Private Virgil Williams, head, slightly.
Missing-none.
Company E, Killed-none.
Wounded-Corporal Thomas Leggett, hand, slightly.
Missing-none.
Company F, Killed-none.
Wounded -- Privates Kelly, hand, slightly ; George Wood, arn, slightly ; William Willis, thigh, slightly.
Missing-none.
Company G, Killed-Private John Eller.
Wounded-Privates David Lawson, shoulder, slightly; Peter Beaty, head, severely ; Uri Miner, hand, slightly.
Missing-none.
Company H, Killed-none.
Wounded-Privates B. B. Hashman, arm, slightly ; J. P. Tus- sellman, leg, slightly.
Missing-none.
Company I, Killed-none.
Wounded-Private Abisha McGowan, thigh, slightly.
Missing-none.
Company K, Killed -- none.
Wounded-Sergeants Samuel MeCobe, leg, slightly ; Dickenshut, hand, slightly ; Privates J. W. Smith, hand, severely; Daniel Maming, arm, slightly; George Blakely, back, slightly. .
Missing-none.
RECAPITULATION.
. RANK.
Killed.
Mortally
Wounded.
Severely
Wounded.
Slightly
Wounded.
Missing.
Com'd Officers
1
0
1
1
0
Non-Com'd Officers
0
0
1
5
0
Privates
1
1
5
14
0
Total
-2
1
7 20
0
.
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HEADQUARTERS 20th REGIMENT, O. VOL. INFANTRY, SNYDER'S BLUFF, MISS., June 30, 1863.
Brig. Gen'l CHARLES W. HILL, Adjutant General of O .:
GENERAL-I have the honor to report the following list of cas- ualties in the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, since the commencement of the siege of Vicksburg, May 24th, 1863 :
Company A. Killed-none.
Wounded-Private Caleb W. Galliher, head, slightly.
Missing-none.
Company D, Killed-none.
Wounded-Corporal David W. Thomas, shoulder and spine, mor- tally ; Private John Alexander, chest, mortally.
Company F, Wounded-Albert Hines, hand, slightly.
Company K, Killed-none.
Wounded-Private Jesse Babcock, body, mortally.
List of casualties in the 20th Reg't, O. V. I., at Champion Hill. Miss., May 16th, 1863.
RECAPITULATION.
RANK.
Killed.
Mortally
Wounded.
Severely
Wounded.
Slightly Wounded.
OO Missing.
Non-Com'd Officers ..
1
1
0
Privates
0
2
0
Total
0
3
0
2
0
Also, Privates Columbus Johnson, Co. G, and Jackson Willis, Co. K, serving with 6th Michigan Battery, severely wounded.
Į am General, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, M. F. FORCE, Col. Com. 20th Ohio.
CINCINNATI, April 24th, 1876. CAPT. D. W. WOOD, Mt. Vernon :
DEAR SIR-I stayed home from church yesterday, rummaged over my papers, to get some details of names and dates, and cor- rected the manuscript of my address accordingly ; and also wrote out my response to the toast " the enlisted men," and mailed them.
I regret that the address does not contain more details of the history of the regiment; but the addresses of Col. Whittlesey and Gen. Leggett, all of them contain additional facts. For some weeks I have been so pressed-at work always till eleven o'clock, sometimes till two o'clock at night, that it has not been practicable for me to get time, or to get up a wakeful, working spirit.
I enclose $5, $2 50 for the photographs to be sent, one of the reg-
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iment, and one of the three Colonels -- $2 50 to go on account for the pamphlet of proceedings of the meeting. I should like thirty copies of the pamphlet, and will send the price as soon as I know what it will be.
Your proposed publication of the rolls of the regiment is interest- ing and really important. I shall want several copies. I have Adjutant Wilkin's original pencil report of casualties of Raymond and Champion Hill, showing the character of the wounds received by each person, and my mem. added, showing that the mortally wounded died almost immediately.
In "Ohio in the War," the writer of the 20th shows quite a num- ber of appointments, when the officers were never mustered in, so that there is some confusion in the roster. The rolls ought to show when the officers were mustered in, and I suppose the rolls at Columbus do show it.
Quite a number of the 20th were appointed in other regiments, as both the MeElroy's, George Rodgers, Owens, Curran and oth- ers. Such facts ought to appear on the rolls.
When I begin on the 20th I don't know when to stop.
Very truly, yours,
M. F. FORCE.
TOAST'S.
THE ENLISTED MEN.
Response-ATTENTION, BATTALION! [Cheersand Laughter.]
I see by the response that the regiment is here. But it was not easy to discern in this staid array of solid men of business, and substantial farmers, the rolicking, fun-loving, patient, daring soldiers, who used to sleep on the ground in the rain, wade in rags through swamps, and dash into the midst of battle with equal alacrity and cheerfulness.
Nothing in the war impressed me more than the conduct of the enlisted men : my feeling towards them grew into something like veneration. The
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first striking fact was the transformation of a mul- ' titude of citizens into an army of soldiers. The citizens of a republic have part and voice in all public affairs. They elect the officers of state and direct their action. They obey nothing but the' laws which they themselves enact. The soldier has no voice in selecting officers, or directing them ; his whole duty is summed up in the phrase, obedi- ence to orders. Such a citizen would seem to be intractable material for a soldier. But when the citizens saw that military law is part of the law of the land, that military obedience is a citizen's duty, they spontaneously complied with all that discip- line demanded, and rendered a hearty and thor- ough performance of duty that compulsion could never exact.
When service in the field was begun and the operations of war were undertaken, the next strik- ing fact was the aptitude of the men for every emergency that arose. If it became necessary to construct or to run a railway, to navigate a steam- boat, to print, to telegraph, to build a bridge, men were found in the ranks ready for the work. While this might be the case in an army of any nation formed from the body of the people, I think it was especially an American trait to find men equally ready to overcome emergencies that were new to them. When a freshet in the Big Black River in Miss. carried away the bridge, leaving the pickets on the farther side, exposed to cap- ture, there was not a man in my brigade who had ever tried to build a boat, but before sunset they had planned, built and caulked a bateau, and stretching a rope across the river, constructed a
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swinging ferry that brought the pickets in. When our division had stepped up to the base of the heavy work near the Jackson road at Vicksburg, · and were much annoyed at shells tossed over as grenades, wooden mortars were devised, and I was since told that Corporal Friend, of Co. C, of the 20th, originated the idea; which with a small charge of powder lifted shells just over the crest of the works like answering grenades.
When we were swinging around Atlanta one day, skirmishing the while, the line halted along a rising ground. The men began at once with bayonets, tin cups and sticks to throw up a line of works in their front. Staff officers dashed along to stop them till the engineer could trace a line. But the engineer, on examination, found no change or im- provement to suggest.
But the striking fact that presented itself all through the war, was the spirit that actuated the men. There was no difference in material between the officers and the men. At the close of the war a majority of the officers serving in the western army, had entered the service as enlisted men. When our regiment was mustered out, a sergeant Weatherby, had become Lieutenant Colonel. I believe there was not an officer in the regiment, except Colonel Wilson, who had not served in it as an enlisted man. When the 31st Ills. was mus- tered out there was not an officer in it who had not entered it as an enlisted man. The officers and men were all of the same stuff; but the enlisted men, with their scanty pay, their few privileges, their cer- tainty of enduring hardships, their little chance of winning distinction or glory, could have nothing . to excite them but patriotism and duty,
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Acting in that spirit, nothing could quench their cheerfulness. It was a perpetual pleasure, riding at the head of the regiment, to listen to the jokes, the banter, the pungent thrust, the quick repartee, the ringing laugh that gave brightness and gayety to the march, and found fun in toiling and slip- ping through the mud and rain long after midnight.
Anything that could have a comic aspect had to encounter a fusilade of fun. One day, on the re- turn from Water Valley, as the brigade lay at a halt by the roadside, a little old man came jogging along on a mule, and almost buried under a huge dilapidated bell crowned beaver hat. As he slowly passed the column, every man turned on the ground and fired off his joke. One of the 30th Ills. cried out, " Old man, come down out of that hat. I know you are there, I see your boots." The day that the Sibley tents were turned in and the shel- ter tents were issued, the air rang all day long with banter over the diminutive novelties. When at Grand Junction the clothing wore to rags, and the rags dropped off, so that Gen. Leggett, in an official letter, begged if clothing could not be obtained, an issue should be made of indigo, so that the men could stain their bodies blue. The men found more amusement than hardship in re- curring so nearly to the state of Adam in Paradise.
Want of food was treated as lightly as want of clothing. When filing back from Northern Mis- sissippi, rations were scanty to the last degree. I asked a soldier who was standing outside of his tent in the rain, why he was doing so; he an- swered, "I want to get wet to make my dinner swell and help to fill up." On the march to Mon-
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roe, Louisiana, the hard bread issued was so bad, that when I broke a biscuit on a plate, the pieces all moved about, borne by the worms, unusual for their size and variety. Col. Shedd, of the 30th Ills. told me his men complained of the hard bread. I told him we were away from supplies and had no other. He came to me again to say his men said it would not matter, they would eat it all night and think it was sandwiches.
But all this mirth was only the surface waves that danced and sparkled over profound depths of feeling. In November, 1864, a little before we be- gan the march to the sea, when pay was nine months in arrears, winter was coming on, and then indications of some new enterprise of unknown du- ration, and letters from home told such piteous tales of want and distress, that the soldiers went apart in the woods to read them, where no eyes could see the tears they could not repress. Not one faltered in his resolve to do his whole duty.
In February, 1863, when we lay at Memphis, preparing for the Vicksburg campaign, in that dark period of the war, when the air was full of discouragement, soldiers received letters from home, urging them to desert. They sat in the snow and wrote in reply : "Father, I have always been a du- tiful son. Nothing is so sweet as a letter from home; but if you can write only such letters as this, I would rather never hear from home."
One busy day before Vicksburg, I was told that a soldier wanted to see me. I found him lying on the ground, amid the boom and roar of battle. He was a mere lad. A hole in his breast told the story. He could not speak, but gave me a wistful look.
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I said we must all meet our end sometime, and he is fortunate who meets it in the discharge of duty. You have done your duty well. It was all he wanted. His face lighted up with a smile, and he was stiff' in death.
This boy fairly represented the enlisted men. The feeling of duty and self-sacrifice filled their souls. They taught me how noble human nature can be. Their uniform came to be the symbol of unselfish patriotism. And even now I cannot see that uniform without a rush of memories, and a thrill of the old emotion.
GENERAL JAS. B. McPHERSON.
RESPONSE BY COLONEL WHITTLESEY.
Although this is a festive occasion, we must not forget the dead.
Through all our joyous greetings there must run a tinge of sadness for those who are not here.
It was by no power of our own that we are now living, while they fell, and were hastily placed in rude graves on the field of battle.
Every one of us should feel it to be a duty to bear all of them in remembrance; and at these re- unions to bring written notices of the life and char- · acter of our brother soldiers, who were not so for- tunate as ourselves, but who did as much for the cause as we did. Never let their memory perish.
I presume the memory of General MePherson was referred to me on the supposition, that coming 8
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from the shore of Lake Erie, we were personally acquainted. I had never met him, however, until the attack on Fort Donelson; afterward, during the second day at Shiloh Church, he brought me or- ders from General Grant, while we were on our way to the mouth of Snake Creek, and I never saw him again.
My personal acquaintance with him, is therefore very limited, embracing only a few minutes of con- versation, wholly official. Although our troops had met with a great disaster, of which he was a witness, I found him calm, courteous and perfectly clear in giving his instructions.
He rode a good horse, and hurried back along the Owl Creek Road, full of life and vigor, to find General Wallace.
General McPherson graduated at the United States Military Academy, at the head of the class of 1853. He was promoted, of course, into the en- gineers corps. Until 1861 he performed the usual service of a lieutenant of engineers at Bos- ton, New York, Delaware Bay, and San Francisco, constructing permanent fortifications.
In August, 1861, he was promoted to be Cap- . tain of Engineers. In November, Gen. Halleck made him an aid, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. From February to May, 1862, he was Chief Engineer to General Grant.
In May, 1862, he was promoted to be Brigadier of Volunteers, and placed in charge of the west- ern railways.
In the attack on Iuka, he commanded a brig- ade, where he developed so much ability as a gen- eral, that he was soon after commissioned Major General of Volunteers.
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General Grant not only gave him his confidence as an officer, but formed with him the closest per- sonal friendship. The 17th Army Corps was soon placed in McPherson's hands. We hear of him successfully at Holly Springs, Memphis, Vicksburg, Grand Gulf, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, and again at Vicksburg, all the while growing in the confidence of his superiors.
He was not one of those commanders of whom his inferiors stood in awe. His manners were gen- ial and courteous. He was already a thorough student of the art of war, becoming more and more accomplished in his profession by practice in the field.
In October, 1863, he was entrusted with an army corps, which in Europe is the command of a Lieu- tenant General.
When the movement to Atlanta was planned, McPherson was given the right wing, composed of the 15th, 16th and 17th Corps, constituting a full army. He had already acquired the confidence of both Grant and Sherman.
The plan of the first movement of the Atlanta campaign involved the capture of the railway in Johnson's rear, at or near Resaca. This was as- signed to McPherson. Sherman wished to give Johnson a staggering blow at the outset. His plan of attack was one that appears to be as certain of success as anything can be in war. While Thomas made an assault upon Mill Creek Gap, Schofield with the left wing, came down from the north upon Dalton.
McPherson was ordered south, along the west side of the mountains to Snake Creek Gap, about.
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half a day's march west from Resaca. He did not capture Resaca, or hold the railway, and Johnson escaped. He discovered his mistake before night, and before any criticism had reached him. His frank assumption of whatever blame attached to the result and all its consequences, was in full ac- cord with his noble character. Sherman was cha- grined, but even his impetuous nature attributed the failure only to an error of judgment in regard to the strength of Resaca.
As this was the only censure which fell upon McPherson in ten engagements where he held an important command, should we allow this single instance to throw a shadow upon his fame ?
How many of our Generals have succeeded in nine battles out of ten ?
In the fortunes of war, to win more victories than he suffers defeats, ensures the reputation of a commander.
Let us look a moment at the situation of Resaca. McPherson was not peremptorily ordered to attack the place, but only to cut the railroad.
The day was well advanced before he could re- connoitre the works. He perceived that Johnson had constructed roads from Dalton to Snake Creek Gap, which was in our rear, and where the trains were left. In McPherson's judgment, before Re- saca could be carried, the rebel army might attack his trains at the Gap. Although their retreat to the Gap proved to be an error, I do not see how, with the hasty information he was able to get, his conclusions were not sound.
A dare-devil commander would have taken the risk, and would have succeeded. A calm, intelli- gent General would have declined it.
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Good Generals are not made of dare-devils, but of men who act upon their conclusions, based upon the circumstances.
You all know how he retained Sherman's confi- dence, and went on winning more reputation, at Kingston, Dallas, and Kenesaw, until the fatal 22d of July, before Atlanta. He was then only thirty- five years of age.
I can say nothing of him more touching or more true, than the brief eulogies of General Sherman and General Grant.
On the fall of General McPherson, Sherman re- ported the event to headquarters at Washington, as a part of his account of the action, in which he said : "He fell booted and spurred as the gallant knight and gentleman should wish. Not his, the loss, but the country. This army will mourn his death, and cherish his memory, as that of one, who comparatively young, had risen by his merit and ability, to the command of one of the best ar- mies which the nation has called into existence to vindicate its honor and integrity. History tells of few who so blended the grace and gentleness of the friend with the dignity, grace and courage of the soldier."
General Grant was still more grieved by his death, and says of him : "He was one of the most able of engineers, and the most skillful of generals. The nation grieves at the loss of one so dear to the nation's cause. Every officer and soldier who served under him, felt the highest reverence for his patriotism, his zeal, his almost unequaled ability, his amiability, and all those manly virtues which can adorn a commander."
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THE OFFICERS OF THE 20th OHIO REGIMENT, AND THE 17th ARMY CORPS.
Ladies, Comrades, and Friends :
Language will not permit me to express my love for the officers of the dear old 20th Ohio Regiment. My time will not permit me to speak of all the liv- ing or the dead. It is right and proper for us to meet on occasions of this character, and recount the trials and struggles through which we have passed to preserve this glorious Union, and by these reunions rekindle in our hearts that feeling of patriotism that will always prompt us to respond fearlessly to our country's call, when our liberties are in danger or our political rights invaded.
While I look upon these officers present, my memory is crowded with many dreadful battle scenes, where we left so many of our brave com- rades. Joy and sorrow sweep my brain in turn ; joyful when I think of the many kindred spirits that are with us on this occasion ; sorrowful when I think of the many brave boys whose bones now bleach on southern soil, and whose noble and he- roic spirits have winged their everlasting flight to the bosom of the God who gave them.
The Southern Confederacy exists only as the re- membrance of a troubled dream ; its proud armies have been destroyed ; its opulent cities laid waste, and its country made desolate, as the natural re- ward of its treason.
In these reunions we should only rejoice that we were triumphant in preserving our liberties and the Union, and securing to all mankind within our
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national border, civil and political liberty, and not rejoice because we have subdued our own brothers ; and while we rejoice, extend that charity and sym- pathy due a fallen foe, from a conquering and a victorious people.
We have with us to-night, General Force, who bears the lifelong scar of our dreadful struggle while leading us on to victory. Who can forget that dreadful day on the 22d of July, 1864, when the blue and the gray fought hand to hand in dreadful fits of desperation. When Force, Wal- ker and Fry of the 20th fell, wounded upon the field of battle. No, we can never forget them, but will always respect and love them.
Who could forget McPherson, who gave up his noble life on that terrible day, when men who thought it cowardly to shed a tear, wept like a mother, at the loss of her first born babe, when they heard of his death.
We have with us to-night, another officer of the 17th Army Corps, General M. D. Leggett, who fought so heroically in that desperate contest, and led us faithfully and carefully to victory. No, we will never forget them, but when I think of their heroic conduct, I feel proud of them. I love them, and I will let them dwell reverently in my mem- ory through time and in eternity.
In conclusion, let me say, a nobler, a braver set of men never marched beneath the graceful folds of the American Flag, than the officers of the 20th · Ohio Regiment, and the 17th Army Corps, and they shall always have my sympathy, my respect, and my love, as comrades in war and in peace.
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CHAPLAIN PEPPER'S RESPONSE TO THE TOAST,
"OUR DEAD COMRADES."
Our dead comrades! How solemnly suggestive the toast ! In the honored graves in which they sleep to-night, they need not the cold words of mortal tongues to pronounce their praise. They are, this evening, far above the eulogies of the liv- ing crowd. Sceptered immortals, enthrowned above the nation's constellation, as was said of the heroes of Salamus. We too may justly say of our noble dead, they went in the blaze of battle from the camp to the stars.
Since that fatal April morning, rich with roses, when the first flash of traitorous guns sent the blasphemous challenge to the stars and stripes, thousands of heroic men have laid down their lives with joy, and implored the stroke of death, for the unity and perpetuity of that land which the sword . of Washington evoked, the philosophy of Jefferson approved, and the great arguments of Webster rendered more solid and enduring.
It is said when the illustrious French soldier, Latour d'Aubergne, the first grenadier of France, as he was simply yet honorably called, fell in the service of his country, his name was still retained on the muster roll of his regiment, and when called out by the cammanding officer on service days, the oldest soldier would step out of the ranks, and amid the solemn silence of his comrades, reply in these touching words : "Dead on the Field of Hon- or." And so when the muster roll of our Amer- ican dead shall be called out to future generations,
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the Angel of Liberty will point to their sepulchres and respond : "Dead on the Field of Honor."
Rich triumphs have they won for us and for our children. The victories of the war, were under God, the victories of the enlisted men. I therefore speak of them first. I would not take one laurel from the crowns which adorn the brows of the mighty captains who led our hosts to victory.
From the patient Grant, from the chivalrous Rosecrans, from the intrepid Sheridan, from the brilliant Sherman, from the dashing Hancock, from that great host of Generals who gathered around the banner of "Beauty and Glory," as Napoleon's Marshals around the Imperial Eagle ; but never- theless our success is largely due to the rank and file. Their graves for ages to come will be sacred spots, where valor shall gain fresh life, and free- dom trim her torch.
They struggled, fell, their life blood stained The cruel Southerner's hand ; They clasped their country's flag And cried, God and our native land. Let angels spread their wings above, Let flowers forever bloom,
Let bays, green bays spring forth, To mark the martyr's sacred tomb.
Wherever Columbia plants her standard, the brave deeds of our dead comrades shall be men- tioned with gratitude, honor and devotion.
The patriot materlogy is filled up with great and splendid names. Their memories rise to my lips like the sound of the church which I heard in my infancy.
Shall I speak of Ellsworth, the first to give up his life for the Union ? of Kearney, the one-armed hero? of the eloquent Baker, who went from a
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Senator's seat to a soldier's grave ? of McPherson, than whom a more stainless knight never drew a sword ? of Thomas, the great hearted ? of Vance, our own Vance, who was torn to pieces by the bul- lets which he so splendidly defied ? of Andrews, from old Kenyon near by, whom the soldiers loved while living, and wept when dead ?
The necrological list is long, sad and magnifi- cent. The humblest of our dead brothers wears a crown, which like the laurels of Tiberius, shall be forever green, defiant of the lightning and imper- ishable.
If the winds of heaven could bear our words to the skies, the spirits of the dead conquerers of our liberties would be glad to know that their names and deeds are pious, glorious and immortal. Dead comrades, ye died not in vain ! Rest in beautiful peace ! We swear on your graves, by our hopes of immortality, that the Republic of Washington and Lincoln shall be cocval with the coming gran- deur of the son of God !
Hovement against Forts Henry and Donelson.
A spirited discussion has been going on during the past year on the origin of the campaign np the Tennessee River, in February, 1862.
This route into the enemy's country had so many palpable ad- vantages, that it probably occurred to many officers long before it was undertaken. Forts Henry and Donelson were the nearest forts on the military frontier, except Columbus.
Between the two rivers an army could march with its flanks covered, and its supplies moved principally by water. Bowling Green was better fortified ; had a larger garrison, and was less ac- cessible.
Doubtless, every military man who reflected upon the situation, came to similar conclusions. The reasons in favor of this line of advance were so numerous and easily understood, that their dis- covery cannot be regarded as an evidence of military genius.
The significance of the present discussion arises from the stand- ing of the various claimants, more than from the importance of the question itself, being now resolved into an inquiry of priority of dates.
. Swinton (Division Battles of the War, page 62,) avers that it was suggested incidentally, by Buell and Grant, early in January, 1862.
General Boynton has thrown much light upon the issue, by lib- eral quotations from the official correspondence. On the 20th of January, General Halleck writes (page 12) to headquarters, "that a much more feasible plan, would be to move up the Cumberland and Tennessee, making Nashville the objective point." For this movement he required sixty thousand men. He had on the Ohio fifteen thousand ; had ordered seven regiments (say five thousand) from Missouri, and by the middle of February could send fifteen thousand more, making about thirty-five thousand. If thirty thousand or forty thousand more could be provided, the column could safely move, and adds : " Perhaps the main column should ' move from Smithland, between the two rivers, by way of Dover, (Fort Donelson) perhaps east of the Cumberland, perhaps west of the Tennessee."
General Boynton states (page 13) from the records, that in Nor- ember, 1861, General Buell urged General MeClelland, then in command of the armies of the United States, to permit an advance on Nashville, turning Bowling Green on the right or west, the sup- plies to go up the Cumberland.
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General Grant is reported as having been engaged in prepara- tions for the movement, in December, 1861, without suggestions from McClelland, Buell or Halleck.
The President was then becoming annoyed at the inactivity of the armies. On the 31st of December be telegraphed to Halleck : "Are you and Buell in concert ?" Halleck replies on New Year's day, 1862: " Never a word from Buell-not ready to co-operate." On the same day, Mr. Lincoln telegraphs to Buell the same ques- tion : " Are yon and Halleck in concert?" and receives in reply the same answer as from St. Louis: " No arrangement with Hal- leck." The two department commanders then began to get ae- quainted with each other. On New Year's day, General Buell asks of General Halleck : " Is any concerted action arranged for us? If not, can it be ? should be done speedily." Halleck replies: "No in- structions to co-operate ; barely troops to threaten Columbus ; hope to be able to co-operate in a few weeks: now impossible.
On the 3d, Buell urges an attack on the center by gunboats, and twenty thousand men.
On the 6th, General Grant wished to discuss the forward move- ment with General Halleek, which was declined. On the 7th, Buell enquires of Halleck : "Can you fix a day for action in con- cert?" A reply is received on the 9th, in which are the following phrases : " Madness to operate on Columbus ! I know nothing of the plan of the campaign."
General Grant went in person to St. Louis on the 23d, where his proposition was received so coolly that he thought he had given offense. About this time the President's patience became ex- hausted, and the first executive order was issued, January 27th, commanding all the armies to move on the evening, at latest, by the 22d of February.
It was probably about this time, that the present head of the army held an interview with General Halleck at St. Louis, where it is intimated the plan of the advance up the Cumberland was originated. At page 219, vol. 1, of General Sherman's Memoirs, will be found the following statement :
" About mid-winter, 1861-2, Cullum, Halleck and myself were in `a room at the Planter's House, St. Louis, discussing the situation.
"Halleck requested his staff officer (Cullum) to draw on a map before them, the position of the rebel line, and asked : 'Where is the proper line to break it?' Either Cullum or I said : . Naturally, the center.' Halleck drew a perpendicular line near the middle of their front, which coincided with the Tennessee River, and said : 'That is the true line of operations,' This occurred more than a month before Gen. Grant began his movement, and as he was subject to General Halleck's orders, I have always given him (Halleck) full credit."
Thus far it does not appear that the plan had been thought of at Washington. General Buell had considered a movement east of
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the Cumberland in November. General Grant had begun prepar- ations for it in December, hoping to get the consent of General Halleck.
Some days before the President's order, General Grant and his scheme was decidedly discountenanced at headquarters. The ex- ecutive order, however, encouraged him to go on with his prepara- tions. It had also the effect to stimulate General Halleck, who sanctioned his plan early in February.
Having thus briefly gone over the premises, I introduce an offi- cial copy of a letter written by myself to General Halleck, in Nov- ember, 1861, on the subject of this movement. It originated in this way : General Halleck was expected at Cincinnati on the 18th of November, on his way to assume command of the depart- ment of Missouri.
I was on General O. M. Mitchell's staff as Chief Engineer of the department of Ohio, and had a conversation with him upon the line of advance, substantially as it is stated in the letter. General Mitchell, on my suggestion, intended to bring the subject to Gene- ral Halleck's attention that evening, but he came so late, and left so early in the morning that it was not brought up. He suggested that there would be no impropriety in a letter from me to General Halleck, whom he thought would receive it kindly. Governor Morton, of Indiana, was at our headquarters on the 19th, and the subject was again discussed, for it appeared the route by way of those rivers had occurred to him.
Under these circumstances the letter of the 20th of November was written, and its receipt acknowledged from St. Louis on the 22d.
LETTER TO GENERAL HALLECK.
" CINCINNATI, OHIO, Nov. 20th, 1861. "Major General HALLECK, St. Louis :
"SIR-Will you allow me to suggest the consideration of a great movement by land and water, up the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers :
" Ist. Would it not allow of water transportation half-way to Nashville ?
" 2d. Would it not necessitate the evacuatiou of Columbus, by threatening their railway communications ?
"3d. Would it not necessitate the retreat of General Buckner, by threatening his railway lines ?
"4th. Is it not the most feasible route into Tennessee ?
"Yours, respectfully, "CHAS. WHITTLESEY,
"Col. Chief Engineer, Department of Ohio.
"War Department, Adj't General's Office, Dec. 11th, 1875.
"Official Copy,
"L. H. PELOUSE,
"Ass't Adj't General."
3674
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