USA > Tennessee > The military annals of Tennessee. Confederate. First series: embracing a review of military operations, with regimental histories and memorial rolls, V.2 > Part 23
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61
Next morning we found the enemy well intrenched, with sixteen thousand small arms and twenty-four pieces of artillery, our foree being now about one- third. Here, perhaps, was one of our warmest engagements. Forrest not being slow to get ready, our brigade and Mabry's were ordered forward to lead the charge. Our way was across an open field, in the face of a galling fire, for nearly three- quarters of a mile. Nothing could exceed the scathing fire we breasted at and near the works. Never was more shining courage displayed by both officers and men than here. It was here we lost our gallant Lient. Lipscomb and our heroic Lient. Denning, killed on or inside the works. Col. Barteau was also again wounded while endeavoring to lead our already shattered regiment into the ene- my's stronghold. Our loss was extremely heavy. We went into the engagement
-
619
REGIMENTAL HISTORIES AND MEMORIAL ROLLS.
fully officered (save the losses we had sustained from the enemy before), and at the close, or rather after the first assault on the works, Lieut. George E. Seay found himself in command of the regiment, his superiors having been killed, wounded, or disabled. We made several unsuccessful charges on the works dur- ing the day, when it began to appear that in their present well-fortified position, with superior numbers, it was but madness to continue the effort to dislodge them; but Forrest, always being equal to all emergencies, changed the tactics next day. Leading a force to their rear, and making a suxlden charge, we soon had them.in full retreat, but not without a loss, for here our daring Lieut. Bullock fell, and some of our best men. Even our leader, Gen. Forrest, this time did not escape receiving a wound; but it did not stop him from following up the retreat. I could here recall many incidents of unexampled courage displayed by individual members of the regiment.
Major Wm. Parrish died near Okolona, Miss .- a brave officer and noble man. Capt. W. A. DeBow, of Co. E, succeeded as Major; Lient. Geo. E. Seay to Cap- taincy of Co. E. John Cantrell and J. K. Dodd were made Lieutenants in Co. D. The next scene of action was at Oxford, Miss., where the regiment had some hard fighting from the 9th to the 18th of August. On the night of the 18th, under the lead of our old chief, Forrest, we started for Memphis, Tenn. Lieut .- col. Morton, having recovered from his wound, was in command of the regiment, Col. Barteau being unable for duty-suffering from the wound received at Harrisburg. We marched day and night through mud and rain until we reached the city. The object of this move, which was executed by Gen. Forrest with only about two thousand men, was to draw back to Memphis the Federal force of about twenty thousand which we had been facing at Oxford, while Forrest had only about four thousand men. The move proved a success, and caused the Federals to beat a hasty retreat for Memphis. We had some warm fighting, and our loss was heavy at Memphis, among the number killed being that bright and promising young soldier, Perry Marks, who had distinguished himself as a private in storming the works at Fort Pillow. A detachment of the regiment under Major De- Bow was held in reserve by Gen. Forrest, and had hard fighting with a heavy force of the enemy intrenched in the State Female College, near the city. We lost six men killed and several captured. We succeeded in entering the city and capturing a large number of prisoners and horses, but a much larger force being there than we had we could not hold the city; so early next morning we began to fall back toward Hernando, Miss., having accomplished the object of the expedi- tion, carrying off about six hundred prisoners, and leaving a large number of the enemy slain on the field.
On September 16 we started for Middle Tennessee, our Colonel being again with us, having recovered from his last wound. We moved out in high spirits, hoping we might reach our homes, some of us having been absent since the commence- ment of the war. We effected a crossing of the Tennessee River by fording at Colbert Shoals, which was done without loss, the river here being some two thou- sand yards wide and extremely dangerous. The path along the ledges of the shoals being very high and narrow in some places, .o have strayed from it would have been almost certain destruction. The winding of the path made the ford about two miles in length. Our artillery was ferried across some miles above the ford. We met with but little resistance from the enemy until reaching Athens,
620
MILITARY ANNALS OF TENNESSEE.
Ala., on the evening of the 23d. Here the regiment was again detached to act alone, and taking position on the north of the town, the night was spent in de- stroying the railroad and making some captures of outposts. Next morning we returned to the line and took part in the capture of the fort, and also warmly en- gaged with the reinforcements that came up from Decatur to relieve the fort, · capturing them in open field, the fort having surrendered a short time before they came in sight. We captured here about nineteen hundred rank and file and quite a quantity of stores.
On the 25th we were in front of Sulphur Trestle, a strongly fortified and heav- ily garrisoned position guarding a high trestle over a deep ravine, which was of vital importance to the enemy, forming an important link in the line of commit- nication and supplies to the enemy in North Alabama from their base at Nash- ville. The redoubt was furnished with two twelve-pound mountain howitzers. There were also several block-houses in commanding positions for the protection of the trestle. Soon after placing his lines Forrest demanded a surrender of the place, which was promptly declined; whereupon we immediately opened fire with both artillery and small arms, with a telling destruction which was visible to all. We received orders to cease firing, and in a short time had the pleasure of knowing they had surrendered, but with a serious loss of life on their part. We captured about eight hundred prisoners, and destroyed the trestle and block- honses and a large amount of wood and lumber.
We took an active part in the engagements at Elkton on the 26th and Richland Creek on the 27th. On the 28th we were again in motion, moving toward Tulla- homa, and when within fifteen miles of that place our scouts reported a heavy column of Federal infantry moving down from Chattanooga; also one coming out from Nashville. The enemy, having become alarmed at the presence of For- rest, were now rapidly concentrating all their force; and there being already three columns of the enemy in motion, each superior in numbers to our entire force, a hasty consultation was held, and about one-half of the command-fifteen hundred strong-with all the artillery and wagon-train, was placed under Gen. Buford, who returned toward Huntsville, Ala. Gen. Forrest placed himself at the head of the other detachment, about fifteen hundred strong. On the 29th we moved in the direction of Lewisburg, reaching Columbia. Our regiment was ordered to make a demonstration, there being here a large Federal force, while our other force should engage in capturing the stockade, etc., on the railroad. The demon- stration was successfully managed, keeping the enemy cooped for several hours in- side of their works. We captured quite a number of prisoners and several block- houses around Spring Hill, destroying the railroad, as well as a large amount of lumber and wood. Becoming thoroughly aroused, the enemy had placed about fifteen thousand troops in the field, which were now drawing close. Forrest re- ceiving information that the Tennessee River was rising, and our facilities for re- crossing not being the best, we began to retrace our steps. We withdrew from Columbia, following as rear-guard in the direction of Mount Pleasant. We had more or less fighting during the retreat, reaching Martin's mills, on Cypress Creek, near Florence, Ala., on the 8th of October. Forrest was now crossing the river at the mouth of Cypress Creek. Here we were warmly engaged, the enemy press- ing forward rapidly to contest the recrossing of the river. A part of the Sixteenth and Seventh regiments were sent back, and reported to Col. Barteau to aid him
621
REGIMENTAL HISTORIES AND MEMORIAL ROLLS.
in checking the enemy's passage of Cypress Creek. Col. Barteau sent most of the Second Regiment, under Lieut .- col. Morton, farther up the stream to guard a ford. The enemy was now making a strong effort to cross the creek in front of Col. Barteau, but being repulsed by him sent a brigade farther up, and crossed beyond and behind Col. Morton. The first intimation we had of the enemy hav- ing crossed the stream was the Federal yell in our rear while we were warmly en- gaged in front. Taking in the situation at a glance, and seeing a force ten times our number both front and rear, Col. Morton led us in a daring charge through the enemy's lines, forcing a junction with Col. Barteau, who was now being driven back by overwhelming numbers. We hotly contested every foot of ground, and continued the fight until after dark between the mills and the river, where For- rest's main forces were crossing. By next morning Forrest had recrossed to tlie south bank of the river, and therefore could render us no assistance in our strug- gle with the enemy, who now seemed to be entirely around us. Next morning, being in line early, our situation was any thing but pleasant, with about twelve thousand Federals in our front and the Tennessee River in our rear, while our number did not exceed five hundred men. Col. Barteau, keeping the conimand close in hand, with rapid movements and some warm fighting for two or three days, succeeded, on the night of the 13th, in getting his command across the river. Gen. Forrest had given us up as captured, and he accorded special praise to Col. Barteau, his officers and men, for their valor and skill in conteuding s) successfully against great odds and difficulties.
After recruiting in the vicinity of Corinth, Miss., for a short time, we were again called into active service in West Tennessee. At Paris Landing, and near Fort Heiman, on the Tennessee River, we took an active part in the capture of several gun-boats and transports; also in the destruction of Johnsonville, with its large quantity of Government stores, which was perhaps one of the most serious blows the U. S. Government ever received from the Confederate forces. This was accomplished under a strong, fortified position, with a large garrison there for the purpose of guarding the property. We opened fire upon the place about 2 P.M., and next morning nothing was to be seen but great piles of ashes from its ruins, save the fort, which stood out in bold relief with its great guns, which had been of so little value the day before. This expedition lasted about twenty days, dur- ing which the regiment bore its share of loss, exposure, and hardships.
Gen. Hood's campaign into Middle Tennessee now called Forrest in that direc- tion. We made a rapid march over bad roads, reaching Hood's army at Florence, when we were soon in his front. Our first encounter after reaching his front was on the 19th of November; and from this date forward we were in close contact with the enemy up to Nashville, taking part in the fights at Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin, and in the cavalry engagement at Hurt's Cross-roads. Here our regiment entered the engagement with more than usual vim, having heard that Stokes's command (Tennessee Yankees), then notorious, was to be faced-just what we had hoped for ever since it had been in the field. We soon learned that we only had the pleasure of contending with Wilder's cavalry. This, however, was with success.
The 2dl of December found us in front of Nashville, our division doing picket duty on the right of Hood's army, across to the Lebanon pike, at first, then engaging in capturing block-houses along the Nashville and Chattanooga railroad. We were in
622
MILITARY ANNALS OF TENNESSEE.
the saddle continuously day and night. On the 5th we started for Murfreesboro, under Gen. Forrest. On the way we had several sharp engagements, capturing the forts at La Vergue and Smyrna, and several block-houses on the railroad. At Murfreesboro we found Gen. Rousseau with about eight thousand troops, well for- tified. Here we had several warin engagements. We remained around Murfrees- boro for several days, keeping Roussean well cooped with our small force. On the 15th we received orders from Gen. Hood, also the sorrowful intelligence of the disastrous result to our army in front of Nashville. We now began that memorable retreat, our command taking the Nashville pike to the Insane Asylum. There we turned in the direction of Brentwood, reaching Hood's rear just north of that place. We found the enemy sorely pressing Hood, and his army in a dreadful condition. We were soon between Hood and the enemy, and a warmi engagement quickly let the Federals know that it was Forrest's cavalry they had to contend with. They soon became more tardy in making their charges. Thomas, having some troops in his front who had received an introduction to our style on more than one occasion, knew we always tendered a hearty reception. Forrest was placed in chief command of the rear-guard, and reenforced with abont sixteen hundred infantry, he having about three thousand cavalry, making his command about forty-six hundred arms, with which we had to face about ten thousand cav- alry and twenty-five thousand infantry. He was expected to confront and check this army if possible. We had more or less fighting all the time. Our severest engagements on the retreat were probably at Franklin, Spring Hill, Anthony's Hill, Richland Creek, Columbia, Pulaski, Rutherford's Creek, and Duck River, the last being at Sugar Creek on the 26th of December, our regiment taking an active part in all; in fact, we were scarcely ever out of sight of the enemy. Too much praise cannot be given to our leader, and both officers and mien, for the cool and brave manner in which the retreat was so successfully managed. Never were soldiers placed in a more trying position than were the rear-guard of Hood's army. No records show more shining courage and valor than was displayed by Forrest's cavalry from Nashville to Shoal Creek. On the night of the 27th we crossed the Tennessee River, after a campaign of thirty-five days, being in the saddle most of the time both day and night, with no intermission of cold, sleet, and snow, it being the most severe winter known in Middle Tennessee for years. During the campaign our loss was heavy, embracing some of our best nien and officers. Col. Barteau was severely wounded on the 6th at Murfreesboro, which proved to be the close of his career as our leader; yet we did not think so at the time, not anticipating that the struggle was so near its end, but all fondly hoping to see him again at the head of the regiment. He did not fully recover until some time after the close of the war. The command of the regiment during the retreat devolved on Lient .- col. Morton, who always commanded the highest respect and utmost confidence of Gen. Forrest, perhaps receiving more complimentary notices from his superiors than any other Lieutenant-colonel on the line.
After crossing Tennessee River we moved to Corinth, Miss., where we remained for some time, mainly occupied in reorganizing and recruiting our horses. Our regiment and the Twenty-first. now being mere skeletons, were placed together as the Second and Twenty-first Tennessee regiments, Col. Wilson, Lieut .- col. Mor- ton, and Maj. W. A. De Bow in command, Col. Bartean being yet disable'l from his wound. The companies of each regiment were placed together so as to form
623
REGIMENTAL HISTORIES AND MEMORIAL ROLLS.
the requisite number. The line of officers had become so reduced that even on consolidating the companies there were several new officers elected.
We moved down to Verona, whence the command was soon called into action again. A large Federal force under Gen. Wilson was moving on Selma, Ala We were soon up with the enemy; had several minor engagements, until on the Ist of April, near Scottsville, Ala., our brigade, under Gen. Bell, encountered the Federal Gen. Croxton, having been dispatched for that purpose by Gen. Forrest. This column under Croxton had moved through Tuscaloosa and destroyed the large factories there, laying waste every thing in their path. The enemy's force was much larger than ours, but as we had not had an even-number engagement for many months we considered ourselves very fortunate in meeting two to one; and knowing this to be the difference now, we did not seek to take any special ad- vantage, but moved up near his camp at night, keeping close watch. Next moru- ing before the dawn of day we were in position, ready to give him a quiet sur- prise in the way of a first day of April joke. Promptly at the first dawn of light, with revolvers in hand, we charged down upon him, capturing several stands of colors, a large number of prisoners and horses, and killing and wounding very many. The ront was complete. We chased them some fifteen or twenty miles, they never halting to make a stand during the day. This engagement was the last of the war east of the Mississippi. We returned in the direction of Selma, hoping to be able to render assistance to Gen. Forrest who was now sorely pressed contending with Gen. Wilson's forces, which outnumbered him ten to one. On reaching Marion we were met by the advance of Gen. Forrest's main force, at which we were very much surprised, and more so when we learned that the Con- federacy was now becoming a thing of the past. We moved up to Sumterville and remained for several days, then were ordered to Gainesville, Ala., where we received our paroles on the 10th day of May, 1865-if not with victory, at least and above all with honor, and the following kind advice from our leader: "Yon have been good soldiers, you can be good citizens. Obey the laws of the land, and preserve your honor." These short sentences from the greatest cavalry leader the world ever produced, spoke volumes to the old veterans whom he had led on so many victorious fields. We were not long in getting ready to start home, as some of us had not been there since early in 1861; but we started with sad thoughts, our memory wandering to the commencement of the war, when we had gone out with so many noble young men, several hundred of whom we were forced to leave behind-their bodies scattered on the various fields of action, many of . them unburied. They gave up their lives to the " Lost Cause," and their bones are decayed or bleaching over Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia.
I may here add that the organization and discipline of the Second Regiment of Tennessee Cavalry were not excelled by any other in the field. Whatever the danger or however great the hardship, the regiment always stood with firinness and obeyed with alacrity. Confidence prevailed between officers and men, each feeling proud of his connection with the old Second. It was composed of young men and commanded by young men who were called from the plow-handles, workshops, and counting-rooms of Middle Tennessee. None were trained in mil- itary schools; oar training was in active service. As the sons of Tennessee we responded to her call as promptly as we would to the call of the United States
624
MILITARY ANNALS OF TENNESSEE.
Government to-day. How faithfully we served her we are willing the world shall say. Our motto was: "My country-right or wrong, I am with thee."
I must here render to R. R. Hancock (Old Sangs), a private in Company C, my thanks for the loan of a diary kept by him during the war, which to any of the old Second would be a rare treat to read. He portrays, in his camp-life way, the movements of the regiment from beginning to end, giving graphic descriptions of daily camp-life, etc.
I regret that I am unable to present herewith a memorial roll of our killed. The living of the regiment at the close of the war, being mostly young men, have scattered, so that I find it impossible to get a roll, except from Company C and my company (G). I should be glad to record some of the many heroic acts of both officers and men, and especially of our dead, but have not room to do justice to all.
This ends my brief sketch of the Second Regiment of Tennessee Cavalry, that so gallantly contended for what we believed to be right, and never, in camp or field, brought reproach on Tennessee as a " Volunteer State." Each man seemed determined that no act of his should tarnish her good name. To the brave ones who fell we drop a soldier's tear. Peace be with them!
Official.]
SECOND TENNESSEE CAVALRY. Colonel, C. R. Barteau.
COMPANY A. Captain, N. Oswell.
Tittle. D., k. in action near Denmark, Sept. 1, | Webh, J. P., k. in action near Denmark, Sept. 1862. 1, 1862. COMPANY B. Captain, T. B. Underwood.
Williams, W. A., k. at Fort Pillow, March 12, | McAllister, J. H., d. Jan., 1864, in prison at Al- 1864. ton, Ill.
COMPANY C. Captain, M. W. MeKnight.
Hancock, C. E., d. near Russellville, Ala., June | MeKnight, S. W., k. at Paducah, March 25, 4, 1864. 1864.
Odum, B. F., k. at Paducah, March 25, 1864.
COMPANY D. Captain, W. T. Rickman.
Love, Lieut. George, k. at Fort Pillow, April | Ayers, W. M., k. at Paducah, Ky., March 25, 12, 1864. 1864.
Renfro, P., d. June 1, 1862.
COMPANY E. Captain, William A. DeBow.
Hall, Richard, d. May 17, 1862, at Corinth, | Maddox, William J., k. near Medon, Tenn., Miss. Sept. 2, 1862.
Violett, J. W., d. May 20, 1862, at Corinth, Miss.
COMPANY F. Captain, John A. Brinkley.
Hames, A. J., k. in action at Mud Creek, Miss., | Kelley, S. R., d. Oct. 19, 1962. June 20, 1863. Hall, M., d. Aug. 10, 1864 at Meridian, Miss. Griffin, M , d. May 3, 1862.
جديدا
625
REGIMENTAL HISTORIES AND MEMORIAL ROLLS.
COMPANY G. Captains: J. M. Eastess and Thomas Puryear.
Robertson, W. R., k. Oct. 1, 1862.
Trout, Bird, d. July 3, 1862. -
Sanders, J. A., d. in prison.
COMPANY H. Captain, B. Edwards.
Townly, John, d. Oct. 29, 1863, in Walker , Thornton, W. M., d. Aug. 1, 1863. county, Ala. Rutledge, S. A., d. April 5, 1863, at Columbus,
Miss.
Henery, August, d. July 1, 1863, in Walker county, Ala. Touney, J. R., d. April 12, 1862, in Walker Guttery, William, d. April 22, 1863, in Walker county, Ala. county, Ala. Williams, W. H., d. March 22, 1863, at Colum- bus, Miss.
Roberts, D. R., d. May 4, 1863, at Smithville, Ala.
COMPANY I. Captain, C. H. Reeves. COMPANY K. Captain, O. B. Farris.
SECOND TENNESSEE CAVALRY.
Oficial.]
Colonel, H. M. Ashby.
COMPANY A. Captain, John F. Lauderdale.
Blackburn, Jesse, d. in prison. Spencer, Webb, d. in prison, Aug. 9, 1864. Blankenship, John, d. in prison about July 20,
Barnett, F. R. H., k. Nov. 11, 1864.
Erwin, J. B., k. in action, Dec. 7, 1864.
1864.
Lewallen, C. W., k. in action.
COMPANY B. Captain, John R. Rogers.
McKee, John, k. in action, Oct. 8, 1862, at Lan- | Sword, N. H., d. caster, Ky.
COMPANY C. Captain, William Ford. COMPANY D. Captain, W. P. Owen. Johnson, Russell C., k. in action at Fincastle, April 18, 1862.
COMPANY E. Captain, William M. Smith. Galbraith, Thomas B., k. in a skirmish at | Pearson. A. J., k. in a skirmish at Baptist Gap, Baptist Gap, Tenn., Aug. 27, 1862. Tenn., Aug. 27, 1862
COMPANY F. Captain, Spence C. Stone. Loyd, Thomas, d. Feb. 27, 1862.
COMPANY G. Captain, W. L. Clark.
Galbraith, John W., d. in prison, August 1, | Harless, James J., d. in prison, Jan. 20, 1864. 1864. Hale, William J., d. in prison, Jan. 30, 1864.
Alexander, William, d. some time in Septem. Henderson, William J., d. in prison, July 25, ber, 1864, away from his command. 1864. Hull, Robert, d. in prison, Aug. 15, 1864. 40
6:26
MILITARY ANNALS OF TENNESSEE.
COMPANY H. Captain, Clark Rhodes.
Dononoo, Joseph, d. Aug., 1862. Morris, Joseph, k. Aug. 31, 1862.
Langford, William, k. in action, Aug. 31, 1862.
COMPANY I. Captain, N. C. Langford. Kimbrough, Lieut. C. M., k. July 22, 1863. | Moody, George O., k. July 22, 1863. COMPANY K. Captain, William Wallace Gillespie.
Sam, George, d. June 21, 1862. Gillespie, J. S., d. in hospital at Kingston, - Pugh, W. J., k. in East Tennessee, Feb., 1864. March 21, 1864.
FROM GEN. JOSEPH WHEELER.
The Second Tennessee Cavalry (Wheeler's Cavalry Corps) was organized May 25, 1862.
List of officers killed or died of exposure or wounds, wounded in battle, promoted, trans- ferred, resigned, etc., during the war:
COLONEL.
Ashby, H. M., wounded June, 1SC3; promoted to command of brigade.
LIEUTENANT-COLONELS.
Gillespie, HI. C., wounded and disabled at Pied- | Kuhn, J. H., wounded at Chickamauga, Sept. mont, Va .; resigned Dec., 1863. 20, 1863. Me Lelland, George, resigned June, 1862. Turner, George, appointed Lieutenant-colonel, and transferred to Gen. Wheeler's stat.
Branner, B. M., resigned June, 1862.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.