USA > Tennessee > Johnson County > History of the Thirteenth Regiment, Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry, U. S. A. > Part 5
USA > Tennessee > Carter County > History of the Thirteenth Regiment, Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry, U. S. A. > Part 5
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At this time General George H. Thomas was in com- mand of the Federal forces in Kentucky, with headquar- ters at Camp Dick Robinson.
The plans of Mr. Carter were also approved by An- direw Johnson, who entered heartily into them and gave Mr. Carter his assistance and hearty co-operation.
After holding a conference with Mr. Lincoln and re- ceiving his endorsement and instructions. Mr. Carter came to Kentucky and held a conference with General Geo. H. Thomas, receiving instructions to carry out his plans for the burning of the bridges according to his own judgment. The plans of Mr. Carter were to select one or two of the most trusted and daring men in each locality where a bridge was to be burned, and these men were sworn to keep the secret until the day set for burn- ing all the bridges simultaneously. The one or two trusted individuals were on that day to notify as many of the bravest and most discreet men in the vicinity of each place where a bridge was to be burned after night- fall of that day as was thought to be necessary, and desig- nate a leader. These men were to be sworn into the military service of the United States by a competent officer provided for that purpose.
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HISTORY OF THE 13TH REGIMENT
With these plans in view, Mr. Carter left Camp Dick Robinson on the 18th of October, 1861, accompanied by three army officers detailed to aid him, and began the perilous journey into East Tennessee to mature and carry out his plans for burning all the bridges of the East Ten- nessee and Virginia Railroad from Bristol to Chatta- nooga, and the bridge across the Tennessee river at Bridgeport, Alabama, with the understanding that Gen- eral Thomas' army would move at once to the borders of East Tennessee and be ready to dash in and succor the bridge burners as soon as they had accomplished the work assigned them.
We introduce here some letters and extracts taken from the "Official Records of the Conduct of the War," Volume 77, covering the period from September 30tl1, 1861, to November 7th, 1861, the time during which Mr. Carter was maturing his plans and making his prepa- rations to burn the bridges.
These letters will throw much light on the subject of the bridge burning and the causes which led to the aban- donment of the occupation of East Tennessee by the Fed- eral Army.
They will also reveal the movements of Mr. Carter and show with what zeal he entered into his cherished plan of securing the occupation of East Tennessee by the Federal army and thus relieve the loyal people.
HEADQUARTERS CAMP DICK ROBINSON, Sept. 30, 1861.
BRIG .- GEN. W. T. SHERMAN.
GENERAL :- I have just had a conversation with Mr. W. B. Carter, of Tennessee, on the subject of the destruction of the grand trunk railroad through that State. He assures me that he can have it done if the Government will intrust him with a small sum of money to give confidence to the persons to be employed to do it. It would be one of the most important services that could be done for the coun- try, and I most earnestly hope you will use your influence with the authorities in furtherance of his plans, which he will submit to you together with the reasons for doing the work.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant,
GEO. H. THOMAS, Brig .- Gen. U. S. Vols., Commanding.
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TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
NEAR MONTGOMERY, MORGAN CO., TENN., Oct. 22, 1861.
BRIGADIER-GENER.M. THOMAS.
SIR :- I reached here at 2 P. M. to-day. I am within six miles of a company of rebel cavalry. I find our Union people in this part of the State firm and unwavering in their devotion to the Govern- ment and anxious to have an opportunity to assist in saving it. The rebels continue to arrest and imprison our people.
You will please furnish the bearers with as much lead. rifle powder and as many caps as they can bring for Scott and Morgan counties. You need not fear to trust these people. They will open the war for you by routing these small bodies of marauding cavalry. *
I am obliged to send this note unsealed.
In haste, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
WM. BLOUNT CARTER.
NEAR KINGSTON, ROAN CO., TENN., Oct. 27, 1861.
GEN. THOMAS.
SIR :- I am now within a few miles of our railroad, but not yet had time to obtain all the information I must have before I decide on the course best for me to adopt. If I can get half a dozen brave men to "take the bull by the horns," we can whip them completely and save the railroad. If I cannot get such leaders we will make a desperate attempt to destroy all the bridges, and I firmly believe I will be successful.
* *
'Inis whole country is in a wretched condition; perfect despotism reigns here. The Union men of East Tennessee are longing and praying for the hour when they can break their fetters. The loyalty of our people increases with the oppressions they have to bear. Men and women weep for joy when I merely hint to them the day of our deliverance is at hand. I have not seen a secession flag since I entered the State. I beg you to hasten to our help, as we are about to create a diversion in Gen. McClellan's favor. It seems to me if , you would ask it he would spare you at once 5,000 or 10,000 well- drilled troops. Will you not ask for more help?
I know you will excuse a civilian for making suggestions to a military man, when you remember that I am risking my life and that I am about to ask my people to do the same. I find more deficiency in arms in this part of East Tennessee than I expected. You must bring some small arms with you. I am satisfied that you will have to take the road by Monticello and Jamestown unless you come by Cumberland Gap. I can assure you that whoever is the leader of a successful expedition into East Tennessee will receive from these people a crown of glory of which any one might well be proud, and I know of no one on whom I would more cheerfully bestow that crown than on yourself.
I regret that I can give you no more information, but I will com- municate with you as circumstances may require. Perhaps it would
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HISTORY OF THE I3TII REGIMENT
be well for you to let Gen. McClellan know that I have reached East Tennessee, as I know he is very anxious for my success. I write in great haste, but believe you may rely on all I have written. Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
WM. BLOUNT CARTER.
HEADQUARTERS CRAB ORCHARD, KY, Nov. 5, 1861.
BRIG .- GEN. W. T. SHERMAN.
GENERAL : :* * I inclose copies of two communications from Mr. William B. Carter, the brother of Lieutenant Carter, of the U. S. Navy. If we could possibly get the arms and the four regi- ments of disciplined and reliable men we could seize the railroad yet. Cannot Gen. McClellan be induced to send me the regiments ?
Very respectfully, your ob'dt servant.
GEO. H. THOMAS, Brig .- Gen. U. S. V., Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, WASHINGTON, NOV. 7, 1861.
GENERAL : Were the population among which you are to operate wholly or generally hostile it is probable Nashville should be your first and principal objective point. It so happens that a large majority of the inhabitants of East Tennessee are in favor of the Union. It therefore seems proper that you should remain on the defensive on the line from Louisville to Nashville while you throw the mass of your forces by rapid marches by Cum- berland Gap or Walker's Gap on Knoxville in order to occupy the railroad at that point and thus enable the loyal citizens of East Tennessee to rise while you at the same time cut off the railroad communication between Eastern Virginia and Mississippi. It will be prudent to fortify the pass before leaving it in your rear.
GEO. B. MCCLELLAN.
CRAB ORCHARD, KY., Nov. 7. 1861.
GOVERNOR ANDREW JOHNSON.
London, Ky.
DEAR SIR :- Your favor of the 6th inst. is at hand. I have done all in my power to get troops and transportation and means to ad- vance into East Tennessee. I believe General Sherman has done the same. Up to this time we have been unsuccessful. *
* * If * the Tennesseeans are not content and must go, then the risk of dis- aster will remain with them. Some of our troops are not yet clothed and it seems impossible to get clothing. *
Very Respectfully and truly yours, GEO. H. THOMAS, Brig .- Gen. U. S. Vols .. Commanding.
MAJOR G. W. DOUGHTY. (See page 124.)
MAJOR ELI N. UNDERWOOD. (See page 271.)
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TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
While this correspondence was going on, as will be seen from his own letters, Mr. Carter does not seem to have entertained a single doubt that the men who with l:imself had entered into this bold and dangerous scheme would be protected. He was probably advised of General Thomas' forward move from Camp Dick Robinson, but when that officer was ordered back it was then too late to notify Mr. Carter in time to stop the bridge burning.
Mr. Carter matured his plans and assigned men to the task of burning each of the bridges indicated, and set the time for burning them all at the same hour as far as pos- sible, on the night of November 8, 1861,-a night now memorable in the history of East Tennessee. But as a general history of this event has been often written since the war, we will confine our story to the burning of the bridge across the Holston river at Zollicoffer (now Bluff City) which was done by citizens of Carter and Johnson Counties sworn into the service of the United States.
We are greatly indebted to Capt. S. H. Hendrix, of Watauga, Tenn., who is a veteran of Col. "Jim" Brown- low's famous First Tennessee Cavalry, to Dr. Abram Jobe, of Elizabethton, and Capt. Dan. Ellis, of Hampton, the famous Union pilot and scout, who was one of the bridge burners himself, for many facts concerning the burning of the bridge across the Holston river, and other incidents at this period.
It has been stated on good authority that there were but four men intrusted with the secret of the bridge burning at Zollicoffer until within twenty-four hours of the time it was burned. These were Daniel Stover, Samuel A. Cunningham, Harrison Hendrix and his son, S. H. Hendrix. .
In the latter part of October, 1861, a messenger, Capt. Thomas Tipton, bearing verbal instructions from Wil- liam B. Carter and Andrew Johnson came to the resi- dence of Harrison Hendrix at Carter's Depot with in- structions from them for Hendrix to conduct him to the home of Mr. W. B. Carter at Elizabethton. Hendrix
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HISTORY OF THE 13TH REGIMENT
sent his young son, S. H. Hendrix, with Capt. Tipton, both mounted on horses. Arriving at Taylor's Ford in the Watauga river they found the river still very much swollen, it being just after the high tide of 1861, but with the assistance of a colored man, Wmn. Taylor, they succeeded in crossing safely and proceeded to Elizabeth- ton. Arriving there young Hendrix concealed Captain Tipton and the horses in some bushes and under the shadow of a tree across the mill race until he went to Carter's house. After ascertaining that the coast was clear he knocked at the door which was opened by Mrs. Evaline Carter, who, after learning his name admitted him, when he told her and Mrs. W. B. Carter he had brought a messenger from Mr. Carter who wanted an interview with them. This created some excitement but Capt. Tipton was brought in. Young Hendrix was then instructed to go to the home of Daniel Stover and tell him a messenger from Mr. Carter and Mr. Johnson (Stover's father-in-law) wanted to see him on important business. Mr. Stover and Hendrix came at once to the C'arter residence and there, in the west room Capt. Tipton unfolded the plans for the burning of the bridges at Car- ter's Depot and Zollicoffer, and commissioned him as leader in the undertaking. Col. Stover accepted the dan- gerous responsibility.
Between the time Hendrix and Tipton were at Eliza- bethton in the latter part of October, and the night pre- ceding the bridge burning Mrs. Elizabeth Carter made a trip to Roan county, Tenn., met her husband there and returned with full instructions concerning the time and plans for burning the two bridges across the Watauga and Holston rivers. These instructions were communi- cated to Col. Stover and the night of Nov. 8 named as the time. He began at once to notify his men, appoint a rendezvous and make other necessary arrangements. The bridge at Carter's Depot was guarded by 125 Con- federate soldiers under Capt. David McClellan, all well armed. It would require such a large force of poorly armed citizens to overcome this strong guard that after
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TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
consultation with his friends it was deemed wise to use strategy instead of force to destroy this bridge. After maturing plans for this they were put in the hands of S. A. Cunningham, son-in-law of Judge Nelson, and a prominent Union man, to execute. S. H. Hendrix, who was a very young man at this time, was sent to Andrew D. Taylor's, who lived one mile west of Carter's Depot, on Thursday night preceding the night set for burning the bridges to notify Taylor that his father, Harrison Hendrix, and Mr. Cunningham wanted to see him on important business, and Mr. Taylor, a staunch and loyal friend of the Union, who was afterward assassinated, went to this conference. Young Hendrix had instruc- tions from Col. Stover to remain at Carter's Depot all ciay Friday and watch Capt. McClellan's movements. On the morning of the 8th Geo. W. Emmert, a reliable Union man residing in Turkey Town, a neighborhood not far from Carter's Depot, was intrusted with the task of ascertaining the strength of the guard at the bridge across the Holston river at Zollicoffer. That place is situated between Carter's Depot and Bristol. Mr. Em- mert took the train at the former place the evening be- fore the bridge burning and went to Bristol where he purposely remained over night and until the train going west left, so he could walk back through Zollicoffer and make observations. He learned there from Mr. Hazy Davis, a reliable Union man, that the bridge was guarded by only two men, Stanford Jenkins and Wil- liam Jones, rebel soldiers.
We will relate an incident now that prevented the burning of the bridge across the Watauga river at Car- ter's Depot. Dr. Abram Jobe, who was one of the first and ablest friends of the Union in Carter county, was one of the very few men of any prominence who opposed the burning of the bridges, for although as we have seen the greatest efforts had been made to keep everything profoundly secret, and succeeded so far as the real plans and time were concerned, but rumors and talk about it had been common in secret among Union men.
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HISTORY OF THE 13TH REGIMENT
Dr. Jobe had some experience as a soldier in the In- dian War and knew that under military law destroying public property or engaging in any way in anything that would obstruct military operations in time of war by citizens would subject them to capital punishment. He also knew the uncertainty of the movements of the army and distrusted the ability of the Federal authorities at that time to protect the people who might engage in it. He was most earnest in his opposition, and contended that if the bridges were burned it should be done by the military and not by citizens. For this reason when the time came Dr. Jobe was not let into the secret. How- ever, on the night before, or within the twenty-four hours of the time in which the work was accomplished, a friend of his, believing it was not right to withhold the secret from one so trustworthy, told him what was to be done. He immediately set about the task of trying to have the scheme abandoned. On the morning of the 8th he arose at daylight and went early to the home of Mrs. Carter, who had just returned from the visit to her husband in Roan county. He plead with her to use her influence to prevent the burning of the bridges, representing to her with all the eloquence and earnestness at his command the dreadful calamity that would result, but she told him it was now too late, and holding her hand above her head in a tragic manner she declared : "The fiat has gone forth and the work must be done."
She told him, however, that Col. Stover was the leader ir the matter and it was entirely under his control. Learn- ing that Col. Stover would be in Elizabethton that day, Dr. Jobe awaited his coming with much impatience until about 3 P. M., when he rode into town, alighted from his horse and went into the counting room of one of the business houses, the Doctor following him, locked the door and said to him questioningly: "Mr. Stover, the bridges are to be burned to-night ?" Col. Stover ex- claimed : "My God, how did you know this?" Dr. Jobe replied that this question was not to be discussed now, and went on to set forth the danger attending the burn-
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TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
ing the bridges, especially the one at Carter's Depot, which was heavily guarded. He portrayed the danger attending it in much the same manner he had done to Mrs. Carter. Col. Stover listened attentively, then ad- mitted the force of the arguments and said to him : "You espoused the Union cause before I did, and are as much entitled to your opinion in this matter as I am, or even as Mr. Lincoln himself. You have taken a great interest in the welfare and integrity of the Government, and if you wish to save the bridge at Carter's Depot you can do so but nothing can dissuade me from attempting to burn the bridge across the Holston river whatever may be the con- sequences ; but you may go immediately to Carter's De- pot and see Mr. Cunningham who has charge of affairs there; say to him what you have said to me and tell him I have consented for you to have your own way about the burning of that bridge, but that I will go with iny men and burn the bridge across the Holston river."
Dr. Jobe went at once to Mr. Cunningham and related to him what had passed between himself and Col. Stover. Mr. Cunningham told him he had promised his negro man his freedom to put a torch to the bridge that night, and the negro had agreed to do it, but that now the bridge should not be burned.
On the way returning home Dr. Jobe met a number of Union men going in the direction of the Depot to assist in burning the bridge but on learning it was not to be burned they turned their course towards Zollicoffer to assist in burning the bridge at that place.
For the details of the burning of the bridge at Zolli- coffer we are largely indebted to Captain Dan Ellis, who was present and assisted in the work, and John G. Burch- field, also a bridge burner.
Col. Stover having selected about thirty men from among the citizens, the most prudent reliable men that could be found in the vicinity of Elizabethton, and swore them into the military service at Reuben Miller's barn at the head of Indian Creek, for that purpose. These men coming from different directions met near Eliza-
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HISTORY OF THE 13TH REGIMENT
bethton and the nature of the enterprise was explained to them by Col. Stover, and they were informed by him that in addition to the honor attached to doing so great a service for the country they were to be paid by the Federal Government. He explained to them also that Gen. Thomas with his army was then, as he believed, on the borders of East Tennessee, and immediately upon the burning of the bridges, so that Confederate troops could not be hurried in by rail, the Federal army would advance rapidly into East Tennessee, finish the destruction of the railroad and protect the bridge burners and all other loyal people.
Being provided with turpentine which had been pro- cured by Dr. James M. Cameron, and a supply of rich pine knots which would easily ignite and set fire to the bridge, the company crossed the Watauga river at Drake's Ford, one mile east of Elizabethton, proceeded through Turkey Town and down Indian Creek, being re- cruited along the way by a number of men who joined them. Reaching a point about one-half mile south of Zol- licoffer the men were halted and dismounted near a woods where the horses were concealed and Elijah Simerly, Pleasant M. Williams and Benjamin F. Treadway left to guard them.
Col. Stover said to them: "All who are willing to go with me to the bridge and assist in burning it, fall in line." The following men fell into line: John F. Burrow, John G. Burchfield, Gilson O. Collins, Watson Collins, Lan- don Carter, M. L. Cameron, Jackson Carriger, James T. Davenport, Samuel Davenport, Daniel Ellis, John Fondrin, William M. Gourley, Henderson Garland, Wm. F. M. Hyder. J. K. Haun, Jacob Hendrixson, Mark Hendrixson, Jonas H. Keen, George Maston, B. M. G. O'Brien, Berry Pritchard, Henry Slagle, James P. Scott, Daniel Stover, the leader, and James Williams. It is alleged that only twenty-three men went to the bridge. while three others, Simerly, Treadway and Williams did the part assigned them-guarding the horses. The list who fell into line is as nearly correct as we have been able
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TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
to get it. It is said that two or three names that appear above did not go all the way to the bridge while it is said by others they did.
Col. Stover and G. O. Collins had masks over their faces which had been prepared by Mrs. Lizzie Carter. The other men were not disguised in any way. When the men signified their willingness to go G. O. Collins gave the command in an undertone to move towards the bridge which they did, moving quickly and in good order. Ar- riving at the south end of the bridge they did not find any guard at first. They formed the men, part of them facing up the river, and others down the river, while six or eight of them went hastily through the bridge nearly to the north end of it. The two guards, Stanford Jenk- ins and William Jones, rebel soldiers, were under the bridge, the former at the south end and the latter at the north end. Hearing the men, Jones ran and John F. Burrow raised his gun to shoot him, but was ordered not to fire. As the party returned from the north end of the bridge Jenkins came up from under the bridge and recognizing G. O. Collins, spoke to him and said : "Ollie, here's my gun, don't kill me." G. O. Collins, M. L. Cameron and J. M. Emmert then hastily placing the pine and pouring the turpentine on the bridge applied matches to it and it was soon in flames. They hastened back to their horses, taking Jenkins with them. Unfor- tunately he had recognized Collins, Keen, Carter, and others.
The company mounted their horses and proceeded some distance on their return when they halted to consult as to what disposition they would make of their prisoner. Feeling sure that Jenkins had recognized Keen (who had once employed him), Collins, and perhaps others, and that if released he would probably report their names to the Confederate authorities, the situation became very serious. In discussing what should be done with Jenkins, Watson Collins and others advocated shooting him. They said that if he reported them their lives would pay the penalty, and that in time of war no man could be trusted,
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HISTORY OF THE 13TH REGIMENT
that "only dead men tell no tales," and that their only safety was in silencing him forever; but through the in- tercession of Mr. Keen, who was very kind hearted, and shrank from blood-shed, and the appeals of Jenkins him- self, who made the most solemn promises that he would not betray them, they swore him to secrecy and turned him loose. The party then made a hasty retreat, separat- ing and returning to their homes as if nothing unusual had happened.
J. G. BURCIIFIELD'S ACCOUNT OF THE BRIDGE BURNING.
The Union men had been, for many days, looking for and expecting Gen. George H. Thomas to advance with his forces into East Tennessee, by way of Cumberland Gap. Capt. J. I. R. Boyd having returned, during the month of September, from Louisville, Ky., with instruc- tions to organize the Union men and have them ready for the service when Gen. Thomas should appear.
The order for raising and organizing the loyal men in East Tennessee to destroy the railroad bridges had been given by General McClellan sometime in August, 1861. Rev. W. B. Carter was the agent of the War Depart- ment to execute the order. General Thomas gave his order for a detail of three commissioned officers, Capt. David Fry, of Greene county, Capt. Thomas Tipton, of (Blountville, ) Sullivan Co., and Lieutenant Myers, of Blount county, to go with Mr. Carter to East Tennessee where the bridges were to be burned on the 8th of No- vember. 1861.
All the bridges were attacked and many burned. The bridge at Zollicoffer, between Bristol and Carter's Depot was burned by the men from Carter county, under the leadership of Colonel Daniel Stover, Jonas H. Keen, William Gourley. W. F. M. Hyder, John Burrows, Benjamin F. Treadway. G. O. Collins, Lafayette Cameron, J. P. Scott, P. M.
Williams, James
Williams, Samuel Davenport, Watson Collins, Berry Pritchard, J. G. Burchfield, Landon Carter, George Moody, George Maston and Jacob Hendrixson.
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TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
Others among whom were C. C. Wilcox, J. P. Wilson, John K. Miller and Morgan Treadway, were detailed for the purpose of bringing in the Union men from the moun- tains to be in readiness to defend the bridge burners.
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