USA > Tennessee > The military annals of Tennessee. Confederate. First series: embracing a review of military operations, with regimental histories and memorial rolls, V.1 > Part 52
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COMPANY I. Captain, W. J. Reed.
Richeson, Thomas, k. at Murfreesboro.
Clark, John, d. Jan. 7, 1862. Gow, Shadrach, d. July 12, 1862.
Scott, Thomas, k. at Murfreesboro.
Phillips, Thomas, k. at Chickamauga.
Gibbons, Epps, d. Feb. 17, 1862.
Reed, Capt. W. J., d. Feb. 20, 1862.
Byers, F. M., k. in battle.
Hawkins, John, d. at Knoxville. Loftus, Bertin, d. Sept. 12, 1861. Marriott, John, d. Nov. 7, 1861. | Mills, Alexander, d. Feb., 1862.
Stockton, J. I., d. July 12, 1862.
Barrett, Francis, d. March 20, 1862.
Bradley, Leroy. d. Feb., 1862.
Phip, Jacob, d., 1862.
Copeland, Joseph, d. Jan. 1862.
Chesney, J. K., d. Feb. 15, 1862.
Terry, W. J., d. Ang. 2, 1803. Weaver, J. F., d. April 6, 1852.
COMPANY K. Captain, S. J. Johnson.
Jackson, Alexander, k. at Murfreesboro. Johnson, Solomon, k. at Murfreesboro.
Madewell, A. J., d. Nov. 2, 1862.
Oxendine, J. P., k. at Murfreesboro.
Carmichael, Solomon, d. Nov. 25, 1862.
Bohannon, Alexander, d. March, 1562.
Williams, William, d. July 15, 1862.
White, Miles, d. July 0, 1862.
TWENTY-SIXTH TENNESSEE INFANTRY. BY H. A. CRAWFORD, DAYTON, TENN.
THE people of Tennessee, just before the war, were very much attached to the old Constitution and Government. While a single hope existed for its preservation, they adhered to the Union with affectionate devotion. They wisely determined that their relations to the Federal Government should not be changed for "light and transient causes." Accordingly, in February, 1861-the Peace Congress being then in session, which it was confidently asserted would "calm the troubled wa- ters" -- the voters of Tennessee, by a considerable majority, declared they would have " no Convention" to consider or determine a change in their Federal rela- tions. The hope on which this action rested proved delusive. The Peace Con- gress was an abortive effort. The 4th of March came; Mr. Lincoln was inau- gurated President; his inaugural caused alarm throughout the border States. . Appeals were made to Gov. Harris from all sections of the State to convene the Legislature for the purpose of providing means for the public defense and safety. The Legislature was convened. After mature deliberation an act was passed sub- mitting to a vote of the people the questions of "Separation " or " No separation"
Norris, Jasper, d. Nov. 2, 1862. Patrick, J. C., d. July 6, 1862. Swain, James, d. May 13, 1862.
Carmichael, Thomas, d. Dee. 31, 1862. Lewis, G. W., d. May 7, 1862.
Richardson. Thomas d. July 30, 1862.
Baker, J. R., d. May 15, 1862.
411
REGIMENTAL HISTORIES AND MEMORIAL ROLLS.
from the Federal Government, and "Representation " and "No representation" in the Confederate Congress. The people in the majesty of their strength went to the polls, and by a majority of over sixty thousand declared that the State should be separated from the Federal Government and represented in the Confederate Congress. East Tennessee gave a majority for " No separation," I believe; but there were a great many people in this division of the State who were in favor of separa- tion, opposed to the proclamation of President Lincoln, and advised resistance. When Gov. Harris issued a call for troops, it was promptly responded to by the people of East Tennessee. Two counties, Rhea and Meigs, whose voting pop- ulation each was less than one thousand, sent out to the Confederate States army fourteen companies, seven each. Col. J. C. Vaughn's (Third) regiment was the first organized in East Tennessee, and was ordered to Virginia in the spring of 1861. In July and August, 1861, the companies composing the Twenty-sixth Regiment rendezvoused at Knoxville, and were there mustered into service, and are as follows:
Co. A: Captain, A. F. Boggess, from Meigs county; First Lieutenant, Frank- lin Hoyl; Second Lieutenants, Lee Neil and T. B. Bowling.
Co. B: Captain, J. L. Bottels, from Washington county; First Lieutenant, Linville Hunter; Second Lieutenants, J. R. Gaba and S. M. Bottels.
Co. C: Captain, Edwin Allen, from Cocke county; First Lieutenant, A. C. Hick- ey; Second Lieutenants, J. W. MeNabb and A. H. Swaggerty.
Co. D: Captain, W. M. McConnell, from Grainger county; First Lieutenant, H. C. Evans; Second Lieutenants, J. W. Easley and Levi Mobley.
Co. E: Captain, John Crawford, from Rhea county; First Lieutenant, A. C. Blevins; Second Lieutenants, J. A. Howell and Hannibal Paine.
Co. F: Captain, H. L. McClung, from Knox county ; First Lieutenant, R. M. Saffell; Second Lieutenants. H. W. Graham and J. T. Butler.
Co. G: Captain C. D. MeFarland, from Hamilton county; First Lieutenant, A. H. Foster; Second Lieutenants, C. L. Reid and G. T. Willis.
Co. H: Captain, J. C. Gordon, from North Georgia and Hamilton county: First Lieutenant, W. L. Gordon; Second Lieutenants, B. Hendrix and G. W. Carlock. Co. I: Captain, B. F. Welcker, of Roane county; First Lieutenant, T. B. Brown; Second Lieutenants, W. E. MeElwer and T. J. Brown.
Co. K: Captain, J. R. Morrell, from Sullivan county; First Lieutenant, W. B. Carrier; Second Lieutenants, C. C. Frazier and C. R. Morrill.
The regiment was organized at Camp Lillard, near Knoxville, Tenn., on the 6th day of September, 1861, with the following officers: John M. Lillard, of Meigs county, Colonel; James J. Odell, of Sullivan county, Lieutenant-colonel; Thos. M. McConnell, of Grainger county, Major; James Johnson, of Rhea county, Cap- tain and Assistant Quartermaster; Henry I. Welcker, of Roane county, Captain and Assistant Commissary Subsistence; Dr. E. T. Taliaferro, of Bledsoe county, Surgeon; Dr. George W. Jones, Assistant Surgeon; Joseph A. Howell, of Rhea county. Adjutant; George Stuart, Sergeant-major; Tolbert Green, of Washington county, Quartermaster Sergeant.
After the organization, Capt. W. M. McConnell, of Co. D, resigned, and Lieut. Levi Mobley was elected Captain.
In the latter part of September, the regiment was ordered from Knoxville to Bowling Green, Ky,, and was placed in the brigade commanded by Col. W. E.
412
MILITARY ANNALS OF TENNESSEE.
Baldwin, of the Fourteenth Mississippi Regiment, and assisted in building the fortifications in and around that place. In January, 1862, we received orders to go to Russellville, Ky., and remained there until ordered to Fort Donelson, which was about the 10th of February, 1862. On the night of February 13th, the reg- iment boarded the steamer "John A. Fisher," at Cumberland City, on the Cum- berland River, reached Fort Donelson just before daylight the 14th, and was at once placed in line of battle. Nobly and gallantly did the Twenty-sixth do its duty in this ever-memorable battle, under command of the brave and heroic Col. Lillard, assisted by as brave and true officers and men as ever went to battle from the " Volunteer State."
Among the noble men of the Twenty-sixth Tennessee who fell in this great battle, none were more lamented than the gallant young Captain MeClung, of Co. F; Lieutenant A. H. Swaggerty, of Co. C; and Assistant Surgeon G. W. Jones. The regiment was surrendered with the army at Fort Donelson on the 16th of February, 1862, and sent to prison-the field officers to Fort Warren, the other officers to Johnson's Island, and the privates to Camp Morton, near Indianapolis, Ind. The privates were exchanged at Vicksburg, Miss., in September, 1862, where they were met by their officers, who had been exchanged in Virginia.
The regiment was reorganized at Knoxville, Tenn., the last of September or first of October, 1862, when John M. Lillard was again elected Colonel; J. L. Bottels, Lieutenant-colonel; R. M. Saffell, Major; J. A. Howell, Assistant Quar- termaster; Dr. E. T. Taliaferro, Surgeon: Lee Neil, Assistant Commissary Sub- sistence; A. C. Hickey, Adjutant; Augustus Foute, Sergeant-major; J. R Craw- ford, Quartermaster Sergeant. Some of the companies were also reorganized. Captain Crawford having died while a prisoner of war, at Indianapolis, J. A. Cash was elected Captain of Co. E; Hannibal Paine, First Lieutenant; George P. Roddy and R. C. Knight, Second Lieutenants.
After the reorganization, the regiment was ordered to Murfreesboro, Tenn., where two of the companies, McFarland's (G) and Gordon's (H), were trans- ferred, and two companies from East Tennessee, J. B. Bundren's and Moulton's, were attached to the regiment. The regiment was here placed in Gen. J. C. Brown's brigade, and fought in the four days battle of Murfreesboro, or Stone's River, on the 30th and 31st of December, 1852, and Ist and 2d of January, 1863. Being in Breckenridge's division, the regiment took part in the memorable charge made by that command on the 2d of January, and sustained a heavy loss. In this charge the Color-bearer, H. P. Green, was struck by a Minie-ball from the enemy, and was carried back by the detail for that purpose, supposed to be mor- tally wounded; a short time, however, revealed the truth that the ball had not entered his body, but struck a daguerreotype of his sweetheart, in the coat-pocket just opposite his heart. The colors were left on the field. The division, not being able to hold the ground against such fearful odds, was compelled to fall back under fire of the enemy. Capt. J. A. Cash, of Co. E, finding the flag on the field, attempted to carry it back; it being a very large silk banner, he was unable to do so without removing it from the staff, which he did, and brought it off safely.
· Lieut .- col. J. L. Bottels, while on leave of absence at his home in Washington county, joined a party in pursuit of raiders, and while leading the charge fell mortally wounded.
In the battle of Chickamanga the Twenty-sixth Tennessee lost many good men,
113
REGIMENTAL HISTORIES AND MEMORIAL ROLLS.
among others Col. John M. Lillard, who fell mortally wounded, pierced by thir- teen canister-shot, while gallantly leading his regiment in a charge. The com- mand now devolved upon Maj. R. M. Saffell. This command was in nearly all the important engagements from Chickamauga to Lovejoy's Station, Ga .; was with Gen. Hood in the Nashville campaign, and also in the movement of the army under Gen. J. E. Johnston through Georgia and South and North Carolina.
In the battle of Bentonville, N. C., Col. R. M. Saffell was killed; and Lieut .- col. A. F. Boggess, who had come up to the position by seniority, took command of the regiment, which was now reduced to not as many as had originally be- longed to a Captain's company. Col. Boggess also fell in the same battle-one of the last of the war. He and Col. Saffell were both buried in the same grave. Augustus M. Foute, who was appointed Sergeant-major at the reorganization, served as Adjutant of the regiment after the spring of 1864. He was a brave young man; was wounded at Fort Donelson, Feb. 15, 1862; again at Chickamauga, Sept. 19, 1863; and at Kennesaw Mountain, June 22, 1864, lost his right arm near the shoulder. Asst. Surg. George W. Jones was mortally wounded at Fort Don- elson, Feb. 15, 1862, while attending the wounded. The regiment was surren- dered in North Carolina, with Gen. Johnston's army, in April, 1865.
Official.] FIELD AND STAFF, TWENTY-SIXTH TENNESSEE INFANTRY.
Colonel, John M. Lillard ; Lieutenant-colonel, J. L. Bottels; Major, F .. M. Saffell; Adjutant, A. C. Hickey ; Quartermaster, J. A. Howe; Commissary, Lea Neil; Surgeon, E. T. Taliaferro; Assistant Surgeon, P. H. Wright ; Chaplain, J. J. Harris.
COMPANY A. Captain, Abijah F. Boggess.
Gibson, James, M., d. Nov. 13, 1861.
Lowe, Micajah, d. Dec. 16, 1861.
McClanahan, John, d. Nov. 30, 1861.
Gray, Aaron, d. Dec. 4, 1861.
Condiff. J. H., d. at Nashville.
Cade, P. J., k. at Fort Donelson.
Baker, Wm. M., d. at Bowling Green.
Burnett, D. H., d. at Bowling Green.
Carter, J. H., d. a prisoner.
Deatheridge, Newton, d. a prisoner.
Hines, John A., d. a prisoner.
McClanahan, Thomas, d. at Montgomery, Ala.
Nelson, William, d. a prisoner.
Parton, Samuel, d. at Knoxville.
Pike, Calvin, d. March 10, 1863.
Ball, James M., d. March 26, 1863.
Archer, Jeremiah, d. April 2, 1863. Hicks, Richard, d. March 10, 1863.
[Unoficial.] Stephens, Haywood, k. at Fort Donelson, Feb. 15, 1862. Moss, Franklin, k. at Fort Donelson, Feb. 15, 1862.
Deathridge, Washington, mortally wounded at Fort Donelson, Feb. 15, 1862.
Cade, Philemon, mortally wounded at Fort Donelson, Feb. 15, 1802.
Deatheridge, James, k. at Murfreesboro, Jan. 2, 1863.
Sliger, Adam, k. at Murfreesboro, Jan. 2, 1863. Cofer, Sylvester, k. at Murfreesboro, Jan. 2 1863.
Daniel, J. R., mortally wounded at Chicka- mauga, Sept. 14, 1863.
Patterson, James, mortally wounded at Chick- amauga, Sept. 14, 1863.
Smith, Charles, mortally wounded at Kenne- saw Mountain, June 22, 1864.
COMPANY B.
Captain, J. L. Bottels.
Justice, Isaac, k. at Fort Donelson.
Collins, Joshua, k. at Fort Donelson.
Į Runnion, S. O., d. a prisoner. Brown, M. A., d. a prisoner.
Gregg, W. W., d. at Bowling Green.
COMPANY C.
Captains : Edwin Allen and George Stewart.
Brotherton, George, k. at Fort Donelson. Sample, John H., k. at Fort Donelson.
Hurley, John G., k. at Fort Donelson. Allen, Capt. Edwin, k. a: Murfreesboro.
414
MILITARY ANNALS OF TENNESSEE.
Allen, A. M., k. at Murfreesboro.
Allen, E. S., k. at Chickamauga.
Faubion, M. J., k. at Chickamauga.
Rector, Thomas W., k. at Resaca, Ga.
MeNabb, Joseph, k. in battle.
Hays, J. A., k. in battle.
Cameron, John, k. in battle. Rice, J. F., k. in battle. Cameron, Joseph, k. in battle.
McNabb, R. L., k. in battle. Acton, Albert, d. at Nashville. Allen, Lewis, d. a prisoner. Block, A. J., d. a prisoner. Allen, Henderson, d. Nov. 13, 1861. Harper, Isaac, d. Dec. 20, 1861. Allen, John, d. Nov. 21, 1862. Campbell, Joseph, d. June 25, 1863. MeNabb, Jackson, d. in prison.
COMPANY D. Captain, William McConnell.
Nash, Thomas D., k. at Fort Donelson.
Coffey, Simeon, d. Dec. 3, 1861 ..
Hipsher, Wiley, d. Nov. 23, 1861.
West, John, d. Dec. 16, 1861.
Bundren, S. H., d. April 3, 1862.
Atkins, Eli, d. Jan. 12, 1862.
Cardwell, James, d. May 18, 1862.
Kitts, Tighlman, d. March 16, 1862.
Coffey, Calvin, d. March 15, 1863. Griffin, John E., d. Jaly 7, 1963. Tilley, Thomas., d. July 26, 1863. McCauley, Joseph, k. in battle. Coffey, William, k. in battle. Bullen, Isaac, d. Feb. 9, 1864. Jones, William, k. in battle.
COMPANY E. Captain, John Crawford.
Childers, James, k. at Fort Donelson. Johns, F. M., k. at Fort Donelson.
Fleming, J. P., k. at Fort Donelson.
Crawford, Capt. John, d. in prison.
Allen, R. W., d. in prison.
Ellison, Rufus, d. in prison. Hallaway, T. H., d. in prison.
Loden, Benjamin, d. in prison.
West, Jeffrey, d. in prison.
Falls, Robert, d. at Bowling Green.
Hicks, G. W., d. June 26, 1862. Hulse, T. P., d. Dec. 8, 1861.
Loden, Pleasant, d. Dec. 15, 1862. Mason, J. H., d. Dec. 5, 1861.
Spence, B. F., d. Dec. 10, 1862.
Woodward, J. E., d. March 15, 1862.
[ Unofficial.] Hughes, Henry, k. at Murfreesboro, Jan. 2 18€3. Spence, Stephen, k. at Murfreesboro, Jan. 2. 1863. Rice, W. L., k. at Murfreesboro, Jan. 2, 1:62. Godsey, J. P., k. at New Hope Church, Ga., 1864. Beil, Polk, d. at Atlanta, Ga., 1864. Brown, J. S., d. in prison. Harrison, James, d. at Bowling Green, Ky .. Dec. 3, 1861., Monday, S. Y, k. at Fort Donelson, Feb. 15, 1862. Mathis, Stephen, d. in hospital at Nashville, 1862.
COMPANY F. Captains : John F. Butler and H. L. McClung, jr.
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Taylor, S. W., k. at Chickamauga. McCoy, P. H., k. at Chickamauga. Bellew, A. J., k. at Chickamauga. Evans, H. L., k. at Chickamauga. Wright, Wm., k. at Murfreesboro. Harden, A. S., k. at Murfreesboro. Foute, S. L., k. at Murfreesboro. Cobb, C. Y., d. Jan. 7, 1863.
Jinber, J., k. at Murfreesboro. Bunce, J. P., k. at Fort Donelson. McClung, Capt. H. L., jr., k. at Fort Donelson. Graham, Cyrus, k. at Fort Donelson. Fowler, James F., d. in prison. King, Henry J., d. in prison. Smith, James, d. Oct. 30, 1861.
COMPANY G. Captain, C. D. McFarland.
Hancock, Josiah, k. at Fort Donelson. Daffron, Joel, d. at Bowling Green. - Lecroix, H. F., d. at Russellville, Ky. Maxwell, M. C., d. at Nashville.
COMPANY H. Captain, James C. Gordon.
Gross, George, k. at Fort Donelson. Young, J. R., k. at Fort Donelson. Phillips, Wm. P., k. at Fort Donelson.
Fletcher, J. E., d. Dec. 5, 1861. Abercrombie, J. M., d. Nov. 20, 1861. Daniel, Wm., d. Dec. 13, 1861.
413
REGIMENTAL HISTORIES AND MEMORIAL ROLLS.
Howard, T. J., d. Oct. 13, 1861.
Davis, Win., d. March 7, 1862.
Kelley, G. F. M., d. Oct. 8, 1861.
Hawkins, Moses, d. at Bowling Green.
Weathers, J. H., d. Nov. 13, 1801.
James, Adam, d. July 21, 1862.
Henderson, J. B., d. March 4, 1362.
Phillips, F. B., d. May 21, 1862.
Bass, H. J., d. at Nashville.
Perkins, Wm., d. May 7, 1862.
Corlock, J. S., d. March 16, 1862.
Partin, G. A., d. in Nashville.
COMPANY I. Captain, Benjamin F. Welcker.
Mathis, James, k. at Chickamauga.
Brown, N. F., k. in battle.
Carden, D. J., k. at Chickamauga.
Beard, Perry, d. in prison at Camp Morton.
Hawkins, T. C., d. in prison at Camp Morton.
Deatherage, A. J., k. in battle.
Center, W. S., d. in prison at Camp Morton.
Hicks, Henry, d. in prison at Camp Morton. Kincaid, J. K., d. in prison at Camp Morton. Kendrick, J. W., k. in battle.
Lenoir, W. H., d. Dec. 1, 1851.
Morrison, G. W., d. Oct. 5, 1863.
COMPANY K. Captain, John P .. Morrell.
Green, Jackson, k. at Fort Donelson.
Weaver, David, k. in battle.
Alford, Wm., k. at Fort Donelson.
Duffield, Samuel. d. Dec. 8, 1861.
Richards, L. D. S., k. at Fort Donelson.
Hughes, James, d. Dec. 1, 1861.
MeCrary, Walker, k. at Fort Donelson.
Miller, Wm. W., d. Dec. 10, 1861.
Boyd, G. W., k. at Murfreesboro.
Stuffle, Thomas, d. Dec. 29, 1861.
Booher, Samuel, k. in battle.
Bowlen, John R., d. in prison.
Johnson, Abraham, k. in battle.
Blevins, R. H., d. in prison. Love, James A., d.
Roberts, Henry, k. in battle.
Grindstaff, Isaac, k. in battle.
Nichols, James, d. July 22, 1862.
Maze, L. T., k. in battle.
Stuffle, E. A., d. Jan. 5, 1865. Stophel, Volney, d. in prison.
Affield, John, k. in battle.
Stophel, David, k. in battle.
Stophel, George, d. March 12, 1862.
TWENTY-SEVENTH TENNESSEE INFANTRY. BY JOHN M. TAYLOR, LEXINGTON, TENN.
AFTER the inauguration of a Republican President, the people of West Ten- nessee, as a general rule, were indisposed to separation, and conservative men counseled moderation and acquiescence in the will of the majority until an "orert act" should be committed, or something done detrimental to the interests of the South. Tennessee had, by a large majority, voted against the calling of a consti- tutional convention, fearing that the State might follow the example of other States and pass an ordinance of secession. Excitement was at fever-heat; and when at last Mr. Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand troops, indignation sprung up, and excitement lighted into a furious blaze. Then it was that in us they suc- ceeded in "firing the Southern heart;" for immediately our people who were loyal expressed their determination to resist to the death. In a short while, true to her former gallantry, Tennessee was again the Volunteer State, and her brare sons were enlisting by the thousands. Martial music was heard in every hamlet, and soon companies were being organized. During the summer three companies from Henderson county, rendezvoused at Trenton, Tenn .; and pretty soon others from the neighboring counties began to pour in. Here we found Col. Kit Will-
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Cloud, Robt., d. in prison.
Weirick, W. K., k. in battle. Hackler, J. J., k. in battle.
Moss, W. F., k. at Fort Donelson.
Cunningham, B. K., d. Dee. 4, 1861.
416
MILITARY ANNALS OF TENNESSEE.
iams-then a private, I believe, and a gallant son of Henderson county-engaged in mustering in the different commands. He soon returned to Henderson county and raised a company, and we awaited his reappearance. During the latter part of July, 1861, ten companies had been brought together, and they were respect- ively commanded as follows: One company from Benton county, commanded by Captain Aaron Lawler; one from Obion county, commanded by Captain A. W. Caldwell; one from McNairy county, with Captain A. S. Johnson commanding; one from Haywood county, with Captain Burns commanding; one from Weakley and Carroll counties, commanded by Captain Matheny; a company from Decatur, commanded by Captain Isham G. Hearn; and four companies from Henderson county, commanded respectively by Captains C. H. Williams, Richard Barham, S. A. Sayle, and B. H. Brown.
At the organization of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, Captain C. H. Williams, of the Felix Rebels, was elected Colonel; Captain B. H. Brown, of the Hender- son County Sharp-shooters, Lieutenant-colonel; and private Samuel Love, of the same company, Major. First Lieutenant William P. Timberlake was promoted to be Captain of the Felix Rebels, and First Lieutenant John M. Taylor was elected Captain of the Sharp-shooters. Lieutenant Smith was appointed Adju- tant, and private Robert Wilkerson was appointed Sergeant-major. Dr. A. D. McKamey, of Henderson, was made Surgeon, and Dr. T. R. Wingo, of Carroll county, Assistant Surgeon of the regiment.
The regiment, being finally organized, numbered more than one thousand men, and presented an imposing, warlike appearance. It was a body of handsomely uniformed, well-drilled, sturdy, gallant, and determined men.
We remained near Trenton for a number of weeks, drilling. At this time, however, we had not been furnished arms, as they could not be obtained; and consequently we were not becoming proficient in the manual.
Several other regiments were organized at this post, and at one time we had quite a little army. In September, as a sanitary measure, our regiment was or- dered south about fifty miles, on the Mobile and Ohio railroad, to the then small station Henderson, but now the thriving little city and capital of Chester county. Here we encamped, drilling in the old fields near by, until after the battle of Bel- mont, when we were ordered to Columbus, Ky. For some time we remained here, throwing up embankments for defense, and our only sight at war was the little boat "Grampus," as she would come screaming and steaming down the Missis- sippi River, sometimes pursued by Federal boats. At this place we were finally furnished with arms; and for the first time the Twenty-seventh was able to "shoulder arms," "fix bayonets," etc.
A movement was projected or contemplated by the Federals upon our flank, in the direction of Feliciana, Ky., and we were ordered out to reenforce the com- mand stationed at that point. Here, for the first time, we realized that an en- gagement was imminent, and were in line of battle, ready for the emergency; but no enemy appeared. On this occasion Col. Williams gave our officers to under- stand that they had no use for guns, but must command their companies, who would do the firing. Second Lieut. Holmes, from my company, a chivalrous, good man, concluded he would carry an Enfield, but the Colonel told him to aid in keeping the company all right, and not to carry the gun.
From this point our regiment was ordered to reenforce the garrison at Bowling
-
417
REGIMENTAL HISTORIES AND MEMORIAL ROLLS.
Green, and we did so, encamping at Baker's Hill, to the right of the turnpike. near Barren River, north of the city. By this time our regiment was admir aliv drilied, for Col. Williams always did well every thing he undertook-he knows o such word as fail, being a man of indomitable energy, exalted pride, and a splen- did tactician. He was proud of his regiment, knew how to handle the same. and regarded it as one of the crack regiments in the service. He had the discipline and particularity of a regularly trained West Pointer. Although he had been a civilian-a practicing attorney-yet he believed that any thing worth doing at all should be done right, and he was so determined.
At Bowling Green we were attached to a brigade commanded by Col. Bowen, of Missouri, a dashing and gallant commander. Here we were at the front ant under the immediate command of the chivalrous and illustrious Gen. Albert Sid- ney Johnston, "the noblest Roman of them all." We were confident of success. and little anticipated a retrograde movement; and when our garrison was deplet- ed to renforce Fort Donelson, our only regret was that we too could not go to the contemplated scene of action. At this time we had learned and knew but little of actual war, and only occasionally saw Federal prisoners as they were brought in from the front; yet the impression obtained, when we saw our Tennessee birs leaving for Donelson, that a battle was imminent, and that an important part would soon be played upon the theater of war, and a fierce conflict provoked.
While we were encamped at Bowling Green the battle of Fishing Creek oc- curred, and here we suffered a repulse and a loss in mon, and also of the gifted Tennessee statesman, Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer. Col. Kit Williams was directed to select an escort of a hundred men to accompany his remains to Nashville, which was done, the selection being from his own regiment.
The winter was rapidly passing away, and in a little while we were informed that our place of destination was Nashville; and here we expected to halt and be of succor to our forces at Fort Donelson, but soon learned the fate of that garrison. We left Bowling Green a magnificent little army, and made the march through ice and snow and inclement weather. Arrived at Nashville. we with sad hearts learned that Fort Donelson had fallen, and soon met with a few stragglers who had made their escape. Brig .- gen. Pillow addressed our command. and endeavored to cheer the boys; but we knew our forces had suffered defeat. Never will it be effaced from the memory of many gallant Tennesseans who yet survive-the taunt that was thrown out by by-standers on the streets, that we were leaving the people and our capital city to the mercy of the Federals. Many who indulged in this were young and vigorous, and ought to have been with us. with muskets on their shoulders, but they were not-they would have swelled our ranks considerably.
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