USA > Tennessee > Johnson County > History of the Thirteenth Regiment, Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry, U. S. A. > Part 12
USA > Tennessee > Carter County > History of the Thirteenth Regiment, Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry, U. S. A. > Part 12
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down his face, and his strong frame trembled with eno- tion. Others received sad news of distress at home.
The Regiment was now ordered to be remounted by impressing horses from the citizens of Sumner and ad- joining counties, most of whom were disloyal They were given vouchers marked "loyal," or "disloyal," as the case might be, usually the latter. Dates were made for the people to come to Gallatin to attend to the valua- tion of their horses by the Quartermaster, and receive their vouchers. On those days the town was thronged with people. Many elderly men visited our camp, some well dressed and sporting "bay-windows" and gold- headed canes-mementos of better and happier days. They made all sorts of importunities for the return of their horses, but in vain. Col. Ingerton usually dismissed them summarily, telling them they were the class of men that had brought on all this trouble by their disloyalty. They had "sown the wind and were now reaping the whirlwind." Other poor men came, stating that their horses were their only dependence to keep their families from starvation. Col. Ingerton listened to these with patience and often used his influence to have their horses returned, especially when they were not very valu- able for military service. He was always kind to the lower classes and the more ignorant, who were rebels, saying they had been deluded by the richer and more in- fluential men. We regret to say this was the exception to the rule with United States officers. They toadied to the wealthy who were responsible for the war, and were wined and dined by them, while they often treated the poor with incivility and needless cruelty.
On the morning of July 4th "boots and saddles" was sounded, then "assembly" and "mount," in quick suc- cession. The Regiment was soon in line, and then in column dashed off through Gallatin, and out on the pike to the river. The citizens of the town were frightened, thinking it was going out to meet the enemy, and a battle was imminent, but it was only a ruse of the Colonel's to see how promptly the Regiment could be gotten out in case of need.
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A piece of artillery was moved up to the Public Square and salutes fired in honor of the "Glorious Fourth." Dress parade in the evening closed the day's doings. From this time forward no time was lost in drilling the Regiment, both mounted and on foot. Ditches were dug and officers and men were required to train their horses to jump ditches, logs and fences, charge up and down steep hills, and handle their horses skillfully. It was now considered a disgrace for an officer to get "un- horsed." and it required "a basket of champagne" to re- move the stigma. About that time the officers who were awkward in handling their men received sharp rebukes, and often lectures, from the Lt .- Colonel; most of them took it all in good part and tried to do better, while a few "sulked in their tents."
It was about that time that a soldier was drowned in the Cumberland river while bathing. A piece of artillery was taken out and fired over the water to raise his body, but without avail.
The Regiment was sent out to the river frequently to water and swim the horses and for the men to take a bath themselves.
About the 15th of July rumors were rife that the Regi- ment would soon be ordered to East Tennessee. This was cheering news and all hoped it would prove true.
On the 19th Gov. Andrew Johnson made a speech to the Brigade. All had the highest respect for our "War Governor," and many prize the parchment bearing his signature that we still retain, which reads: "Reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidel- ity and ability of (name of officer) we hereby appoint him," to whatever office or rank the party receiving this commission attained. We did not think then this signa - ture was that of a future President.
On the 26th a ball was given to the officers in honor of their early departure for the front, at the post head- quarters. It was largely attended, and the officers with some of Gallatin's fair daughters moved in the graceful quadrlle, or whirled in the dizzy waltz till the "wee sma' hours" bade them seek their quarters.
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On the 24th the train bearing the remains of Gen. McPherson, who was killed near Atlanta, Ga., passed over the railroad. A squad of soldiers fired a salute of honor over the passing train that bore all that remained of this splendid officer who had given another grand life for his country.
August Ist Co. G was called in from South Tunnel, and with Company I, was ordered to move out to Lebanon tc await the Regiment.
On this date Governor Johnson issued the following order :
State of Tennessee. Executive Department. Nashville, Tenn., August Ist, 1864.
Ordered I. That Gen. A. C. Gillem, Adjutant-General of Ten- nessee, be assigned to the command of the troops known as the "Governor's Guards."
2. That First Lieut. Ed. S. Richards is announced as Assistant Adjutant-General of the State of Tennessee and must be obeyed and respected accordingly. Lieut. Richards will establish his office in this city.
3. It is further ordered that Gen. Alvin C. Gillem will proceed with the Ninth and Thirteenth Regiments of Tennessee Cavalry and Batteries E and G, First Tennessee Light Artillery, to East Tennessee, and, under such orders as he shall, from time to time, receive from this office, kill or drive out all bands of unlawful per- sons or bands which now infest that portion of the State. It is not to be understood that his order shall prevent Gen. Gillem, whenever he shall deem it feasible or expedient, from pursuing said bands of outlaws beyond the limits of the State. Gen Gillem is further authorized under such instructions as he shall receive from this office, to take such measures as are deemed expedient to re-establish order and enforce civil law, to which end Gen. Gillem will lend every assistance in his power to the regularly con- stituted civil authorities. All the organized regiments of Ten- ness troops, being raised in East Tennessee to serve one year or longer, will obey the orders of Gen. Gillem, who is authorized to organize such new regiments as may be deemed expedient.
Officers of the Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments will furnish the necessary supplies upon the requisition of Gen. Gillem.
ANDREW JOHNSON,
Brigadier-General and Military Governor of Tennessee.
The following were the officers detailed to act on General Gillem's staff : Oliver C. French, Ist Lieut. and A. A. Q. M .. Lieut. J. B. Carpenter, A. A. A. G., Lieuts. David M. Nelson, B. A. Miller and J. J. Douglas, Acting Aide-de-Camp. and Capt. Geo. E. Gresham, Provost Marshal.
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They were all brave, courteous, and high-toned young officers. Major Sterling Hambright, a dashing and pop- ular officer, detailed from the 10th Tennessee Cavalry, commanded Gen. Gillem's "Body Guard."
All was now bustle in camp, making preparations to start for the front. The officers and men had become thoroughly tired of camp life and inactivity, and wel- comed the news with gladness, yet there was a tinge of sadness common to the soldier on leaving a place where he has remained long enough to make friends and ac- quaintances. We had been kindly treated at Gallatin, - although the citizens were solid in their sympathy for the South. They were a kind hearted, generous and intelli- gent people. Many strong attachments were formed, es- pecially between the young officers and the many hand- some young ladies; some stronger, perhaps, than mere friendship. Cupid, ever busy with his "bow and arrow," had not been idle all the summer months.
Lieut. J. B. Miller, who had been detailed in the Pro- vost Marshal's office, remained in Gallatin. Several of our officers who were not able for duty were left, among these were Capt. Fred. Slimp and Lieut. A. C. Williams, both of Co. F. There were also a number of men left in the hospital. We were sorry to leave these comrades, and regretted they could not accompany us on our trip to old East Tennessee, which we knew they would have been delighted to do.
On the morning of August 4th, 1864, the Regiment moved out in column,-all except Companies G and I- that had already gone forward to Lebanon, Tenn. The horses were in fine condition, the uniforms clean and new, arms glittering in the sunshine, and colors fluttering in the breeze, it presented a handsome appearance. We were halted for a short time in town giving the officers and men an opportunity to say good-by to friends, or have a last word with the girl they were to leave behind. Our departure from Gallatin had more resemblance to a real soldier's home-leaving than anything we had known. About 2 p. m., with fluttering of handkerchiefs and wav-
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ing adieus, we moved out of the little town we were not destined to see again as soldiers; but our memory has often turned back to that town with its kind-hearted, in- telligent people, and we trust, though regarded as "ene- mies," the members of the "Thirteenth" have been re- membered with more kindness than displeasure by them.
But with them, as with us, doubtless old Father Time has been busy making "crows-feet," and sprinkling "sil- ver threads among the gold," while many have been cut down by his ruthless scythe.
TRAGIC DEATH OF REV. BOVELL McCALL, R. H. ALLAN, AND SERGEANT WIL- LIAM DAVIS.
About this time we received the sad intelligence of the tragic deaths of three men connected with the Regiment, who were well known and highly respected.
Rev. Bovell McCall was a citizen of Jonesboro, Tenn., he was a minister of the M. E. Church and a physician. He came to the Regiment as well as we remember at Nashville, and acted as Chaplain front March until some time in July, 1864. He made himself useful not only in looking after the spiritual welfare of the men but his medical information was also of value to them. He en- deared himself to the officers and men by his gentleman- ly and Christian character as well as his loyal sentiments.
Lieut. R. H. Allan was a brother-in-law of Major R. H. M. Donnelly, and was a native of Johnson county ; William Davis was also a native of Jolinson county, and we understand was a Federal recruiting officer. The lat- ter was the son-in-law of Col. Samuel Howard of John- son county.
These three men had left the Regiment at Gallatin, Tenn., some time in the early part of July and gone to visit their homes in Washington and Johnson counties, and were on their return to the regiment in company with
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HISTORY OF THE 13THI REGIMENT
quite a large company of Union men who were making their way through the rebel lines to Knoxville, when they were killed. We did not learn the particulars of their death at that time, but it was learned subsequently that the company of Union men had reached Seaton's Mill on Middle Creek, in Green county, Tenn., and while the main body were in concealment McCall, Allan and Davis went to the home of a Union man near the mill to get something to eat, and while it was being prepared sat down to rest under an apple tree. A squad of rebel soldiers came on to them suddenly and captured them. McCall had with him a field-glass which he had bor- rowed from Major Wagner and was accused of being a spy and was immediately shot. Recruiting papers were found on Davis' person and he was killed with bayonets. Allan was the last of the three killed and was tortured in a most shocking manner.
He was taken to a cedar thicket and divested of his clothing and shot and left for dead. When found he had an old wool hat and had an old bed quilt around him, this and the old hat had been left in exchange for his hat and uniform. He had been shot in the head and his skull broken, and had picked the bullet out of the wound with his fingers. He was taken to the home of a man by the name of Bird where he died after suffering for eleven days. The remainder of the company made their escape.
Although McCall served in the capacity of Chaplain for several months his name does not appear on the rolls of the Regiment in the Adjutant-General's report, and we are not advised whether he was commissioned and not yet mustered or whether, being unable to remain at his home on account of his loyalty, like many others, took refuge in the army until he could return to his family.
We have not been able to locate either Allan or Davis. in the Adjutant-General's report but know they were well known in the Regiment.
All three of these men were highly connected and brave and honorable as well as patriotic and loyal men.
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CHAPTER XVII.
March Across the Mountains .- On Towards Home .- First Skirmish With the Enemy at Rogersville .- Sharp Fighting at Blue Springs and Greeneville .- Wheeler's Cavalry .- Fight at Rice's Gap .- Enemy Defeated .- Col. Miller, Lt .- Col. Inger- ton, Lt .- Col. Brownlow, Major Newell and Lt. Patterson Com- plimented for Gallantry by Gen. Gillem.
On the first day out we reached the Cumberland river, 71/2 miles distant from Gallatin, where we were joined by Companies G and I, and encamped for the night.
On the morning of the 5th we moved out early to Spring Creek. The rain poured down in torrents, but the men were supplied with ponchos and gum coats and paid little heed to it.
On the 6th we found good roads and plenty of good water-all seemed cheerful and happy. WVe crossed Caney Fork and encamped in a beach grove; and on the 7th found roads rough and country broken. We camped · that night 5 miles north of Sparta-it rained that day. The next day we had good roads and an abundance of fine water on our way to Sparta. The town had recently been almost completely burned out. We were joined at that place by the Ninth Tennessee Cavalry, Col. Joe Par- sons commanding, and Batteries E and G, commanded by Lieut. W. J. Patterson.
We remained at Sparta all day, the 10th, and at dinner a number of our officers enjoyed the hospitality of a rebel lady, sister of Gen. Dibbrill, who had two sons in the Con- federate army. This lady treated us with great kindness, asking, as the only reward, that if her sons, should fall into our hands we would treat them kindly. This was one of the few oases in the desert of the soldier's life in the. field not easily forgotten.
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That night, the IIth, we reached the Cumberland mountains, which divide the Middle from East Tennes- see, and encamped at a place on the mountain that had been a popular watering place before the war, and where a beautiful cascade fell over a precipice, a distance of fifty feet or more. We were annoyed by guerrillas who fired a few shots but did no damage.
We would remark here that Mrs. Col. Ingerton accom- panied us on this march over the mountains in a buggy. Adjutant Scott was her escort. She was a native of Oberlin, Ohio, and was highly educated and a most in- telligent and agreeable lady. She resided at Amarillo, Texas, for many years after the war. We heard recently with much regret that she died in 1893 or 1894.
On the 12th we were in the midst of the mountains where "rattlers" and "varmints" abounded. We crossed "Mammy's" and "Daddy's" creeks, passed through broken country and reached Crossville, Cumberland county, and on the 13th passed over the roughest roads yet encountered. We camped within 10 miles of Kings- ton, where we could get no forage. We moved early on the 14th and crossed the Clinch river, four miles above Kingston, passed through that town and encamped four miles east of it. There we again met with the 4th Ten- nessee Infantry, that regiment being on duty at that place, and again had the pleasure of seeing a number of old Carter and Johnson county friends. The roads had been very dusty that day, but at night we had a good rain, lay- ing the dust and making our march more agreeable the next day.
On the 15th we reached Campbell's Station and saw a large brick house which had been damaged by artillery in the fight there, a year previous, between Gens. Burn- side and Longstreet, just before the siege of Knoxville. The lady of the house told us Gen. Burnside made his headquarters there during the fight, and that when forced to retreat, he had not been gone longer than fifteen min- utes when Gen. Longstreet entered the house.
On the 16th we reached Knoxville and went into camp near the Fair Grounds, two miles east of the city.
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We had now reached the scene which was to be that of our operations for some time to come. Other Tennessee troops were fighting the battles of our country on differ- ent fields, some far removed from their homes. As we have said the winter of 1863-4 had been one of extreme suffering and destitution in upper East Tennessee. That section had been overrun by Confederate soldiers, and was still occupied by them. All the troops that could be spared had been sent with Sherman on his great cam- paign through Georgia and final march to the sea.
Our Brigade was left as the only dependence for the redemption and protection of the upper counties. A few regiments were sent to our assistance now and then. During our first operations the 8th Tennessee Cavalry was not with our Brigade, but the 10th Michigan Cav- alry, a fine regiment, commanded by Col. L. S. Trobridge, took its place.
The Confederate troops had found East Tennessee, with its fertile fields, a fine foraging ground, notwith- standing both armies had despoiled it in their marches back and forth, and they were determined to hold on to it as long as possible. For this purpose various commands under well tried officers occupied this field at various times during the summer of 1864. Among the Confed- erate officers that operated in upper East Tennessee at this time were, Generals Vaughn, Morgan, Wheeler, Duke, Jackson, Giltner, Williams and Major General John C. Breckenridge. In detailing the operations of the Brigade to which our Regiment was attached, we will take pleasure in mentioning, as far as we can, the services of other regiments, and their officers, who were associated with us in trying to redeem our homes. Each performed his duty nobly, and many brave deeds were done. In these campaigns, that after varying fortunes, resulted in the final expulsion of the enemy from East Tennes- see, we would say in the language of Admiral Schley : "There was glory enough for all."
The one night we encamped at Knoxville we had our tents blown down by a rain storm. The Regiment left
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Knoxville on the 17th and moved east as far as Straw- berry Plains, the point we had left nine months before, almost to a day. We could not help but reflect what a change those months had brought about.
From an unorganized mob, fleeing from the enemy, we were a well drilled organization, with confidence in our officers, and in our ability to meet any equal number of the enemy, however experienced, who might be found on our way towards our homes.
We rested at Strawberry Plains on the 18th and on the following day passed through New Market and on to Mossy Creek (now Jefferson City), where we heard there was a force of rebels at Morristown. Moving for- ward, we reached the latter place about daylight on the morning of the 19th, but found no enemy. From Morris- town a detachment of the Thirteenth, under Col. Inger- ton, was sent to Rogersville, Tenn., to attack a rebel force at that place, the remainder of the Regiment moved with the Brigade as far as Lick Creek on the 20th, where Col. Ingerton rejoined the command.
On the previous morning Col. Ingerton had reached the ford of the Holston river at Mckinney's mill, 3 miles south of Rogersville, just before daylight, captured the rebel pickets, hurried on into Rogersville and sur- prised the small rebel force there, killing several of the enemy and capturing 35 prisoners, among whom were Joseph B. Heiskell, Confederate States Congressman. Sergeant J. H. Pharr, of Co. A, captured a fine black, blaze-faced horse, belonging to Capt. Clay, of Gen. Mor- gan's command. Gen. Gillem rode this horse through the campaign in East Tennessee.
This was the first fighting, except with guerrillas, done by the Regiment, but the men behaved like veterans. After the little brush was over the men scattered about the town, hunting something to eat, when the report came that a considerable force of rebels was approaching from the east. The men were recalled and moved out in the direction of the enemy and formed in line. Skirmishers were thrown out in a corn field, but presently Col. Inger-
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ton moved towards the enemy's left, as if trying to get into his rear. Perceiving this the enemy retreated, when Ingerton, believing the enemy to be superior in number, leaving a rear guard, fell back to the river, recrossed, and joined the command with his prisoners.
On the 22d Gen. Gillem, learning that Wheeler's Cav- alry was marching by way of Maryville to Dandridge, de- termined to turn back and attack his forces in detail, as they crossed the river, so our command retrograded as far as Russellville. Hearing nothing further of Wheeler, on the 23d we moved east in the direction of Bull's Gap again.
On this date the Regiment was again detached to go to Rogersville to attack a rebel force at that place. While crossing the Holston river at Cobb's Ford the Regiment was fired on, when the "Sharp Shooters," under Ser- geant Peter L. Barry, hastily reaching the bank of the river, went in pursuit of the pickets. Firing was soon heard and Capt. Wilcox of Company G was ordered for- ward to support the sharp shooters. Coming up we found that Sergeant Barry had killed one of the pickets, wounded another and captured the remaining one. Learn- ing that the rebels were located in Rice's Gap, about four miles distant, and having captured the pickets, a detach- ment was sent to the right, near the river, hoping to get in their rear and capture the whole force. However, the Regiment reached the Gap before the detachment reached the rear and a charge was made, led by the sharp shooters, supported by Capt. Northington, Co. I. The rebels were surprised and completely routed, killing and wounding thirty of the enemy without any losses on our part. The enemy fled in the direction of Rogersville, pursued for some distance by our cavalrymen. The Regiment re- turned to the river and went into camp for the night.
On the 24th we crossed the river at Carmichael's. The river was very high but we crossed safely, and reached Greenville on the 25th, late at night, and rejoined the brigade which had been engaged with the enemy at Blue Springs and Greeneville.
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On the 26th the Brigade moved back to Rogersville, and on the 28th attempted to reach Morristown but found the · river too high to cross and returned to camp. It will be seen that our Brigade had been marching and countermarching, back and forth for several days, al- most over the same ground. This was puzzling and dis- heartening to those who did not understand the situation. Our men were impatient to move towards their homes, and even began to distrust the officers in command, and believe they were trying to avoid rather than meet the enemy. It was learned, however, that while Gen. Mor- gan had a force equal to, if not superior to ours, some- where east of us, Gen. Wheeler with a large force of rebel cavalry was in our rear, and liable to cut us off from our base at Knoxville, and capture our entire Bri- gade, so it was not cowardice, but only ordinary prudence that had governed the movements of the Brigade which had appeared so mysterious.
We will mention here that Gen. Gillem paid a high tribute to Col. Miller's gallantry in the fighting at Blue Springs and Greeneville in his official report to Governor Johnson, stating that "it would be great injustice not to call particular attention to the almost reckless gallantry of Col. John K. Miller, who was always in the thickest of the fight, inspiring his men by his own example to acts of gallantry." He also said : "Lieut .- Col. W. H. Ingerton deserves great credit for the prompt and efficient move- ments to the enemy's rear." In his report to the Gover- nor, Gen. Gillem, after complimenting the bravery of Col. John B. Brownlow of the Ninth Tennessee Cavalry. Major Newell of the 10th Michigan and Lieut. W. J. Fatterson of the Battery, said of the Ninth and Thir- teenth : "These Regiments are improving rapidly and re- quire little more experience to make them excellent soldiers."
Lieut. B. A. Miller was injured near Greeneville by his horse falling off a bridge in the darkness.
On the 30th we crossed the Holston river and en- camped near Russellville. A reconnoitering party was sent
LIEUT. ALEX. D. FRASIER. (See page 285.)
CAPT. DAVID B. JENKINS. (See page 287.)
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out under Capt. Wilcox on this date to obtain informa- tion as to the whereabouts of the enemy. On his arrival near Bull's Gap, about 10 p. m., he was met by a re- connoitering party of the enemy about 100 strong, he im- mediately charged them, drove them back and held the Gap until the remainder of the command came up at daylight.
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