USA > Texas > Harrison County > History of Harrison County, Texas 1839 to 1880 > Part 10
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However, the people of Harrison County were taking no chances. Soon after the organization of the W. P. Lane Rangers, the Marshall Guards were organized, with F. S. Bass as Captain. It seems that it was originally intended that this company should remain in the county as a protection to its citizens, but when it became ap- parent that war must come, this company became the
14. Texas Republican, June 22, 1861.
second company to leave the county to serve its state and nation. From time to time thereafter, other com- panies were organized. The third company organized in this county and to depart from it was the "Texas Hunters# 15 with with T. W. Winston as captain. The "Bass Greys", under the leadership of Captain K. M. Van Zandt, was the next to go, followed by the "Texas Invincibles", under Captain W. B. Hill, 16 "The Clough Rangers", under Gil Mckay, "The Hendricks' Company" under Captain S. B. Hendricks, "The Harrison County Lancers" with Phil Brown as captain, "The Marshall Mechanics", W. S. Allen, captain, "The Clough and Hill Avengers", W. L. Pickens, captain, "The Cypress Tigers" under Captain Buchan, "Hix Mckay's Company", Hix Mckay, captain, and "Webbs Company", under Captain S. W. Webb.
Sometime during the early part of May, 1861, the citizenship of Harrison County was called together for the purpose of working out plans for the arming of an efficient home guard. Resolutions were unanimously adopted, requesting the county court of Harrison County to issue bonds to the amount of $16, 000 for this purpose. This meeting was attended by a large crowd, mostly property owners, who thus expressed their desire for the imposition of a tax to raise money for home defense.
15. So named because it was composed of sportsmen.
16. Captain Hill was a minister and his regiment was composed of young men from Marshall.
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The county court at once acted upon the recommendation and passed an order for the issuance of these bonds. 17 Something of the feelings that prompted the people of Harrison County to purchase the bonds may be gather- ed from an editorial which appeared in the Texas Republican under the date of May 11.
Nothing now remains, but for those in our county who have the money, to step forward promptly, and take up these bonds. Is it necessary to appeal to the patriotism and liberality of our people? A war has been inaugurated by the abolition party which controls the government of Washington, having for its object our subjugation. Defeat with us, involves not only a destruction of property; but our degradation; the de- struction of slave interest; the asserting and maintenance of the equality of the races. Let men not deceive themselves. This is the issue, and the overwhelming issue of the contest. Lincoln has said that he hates slavery as much as any abolitionist; that slavery and freedom connot exist under one government, and that he contemplates the extinction of slavery without a destruction of the Union. A crisis, he says, has to be reached and passed. In his judgment, it has arrived. His fleets are blockading our ports, and he is raising an army of upwards of 150, 000 men to subdue us. Is this a time to talk about dollars and cents? or for men who have money or property, to hesitate about contributing freely to the cause, not simply of freedom, but of all they hold estimable or dear in life? If defeated, what is all the money or property in the South worth?
By June 1, it was clear that such hope of compromise as had formerly existed had passed away. On that date the following notice appeared in the Texas Republican:
17. Texas Republican, May 11, 1861
:
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All persons now within the limits of Harrison County, who have lately come into said county, from any of the free states, are hereby notified, that they are required within ten days from this date, to be and appear in the city of Marshall, before the Chief Justice of said county, to take and subscribe the oath of allegiance to the State of Texas and the Confederate States; that they will, if necessary, take up arms in defence of the Confederate Government, and in no event fight against it. Those who neglect or refuse to take the above oath Within the time allowed, are hereby required to leave the State by the expiration of ten days.
On June 8, Governor Clark issued a formal declara. tion that war existed between Confederate States of America and the United States, and urged the citizens of the state to join in the support of a great cause. Following this declaration, a mass meeting was held in Marshall at the courthouse on July 4, for the purpose of "devising ways and means to enable the Confederacy to prosecute the war with vigor, and to insure a speedy and favorable termination of it". This meeting was presided over by W. T. Scott. By request, A. Pope explained the object of the meeting by a speech in which he urged upon the people prompt and generous action. The following resolutions were adopted:
Resolved, As the only alternative of maintaining our rights as a people, and Becur- ing our liberties, the liberties handed down to us, and guaranteed by our forefathers, we accept, and accept cheerfully, the wager of battle thus tendered by our enemies, and defy them to the conflict.
Resolved, That in the contest, we place
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all our resources willingly at the disposal of the Confederate States.
Resolved, As an earnest of our good in- tentions in this behalf, we pledge ourselves to loan to the Confederate States out of the proceeds of the present year's earnings, such sums as the exigencies of the country may seem to require and our respectable abilities may permit. 18
On July 31, another public meeting was held at the courthouse to take into consideration the subject of furnishing the volunteers from this county with necessary clothing. John T. Mills was called to the chair and S. H. Martin was appointed secretary. Gil Mckay was called upon by the Chair to explain the objects of the meeting. G. B. Adkins, Levin Perry, John Womack, Richard Peete, and R. R. Haynes were appointed on a committee to draw up resolutions for the action of the meeting. 19 The resolutions adopted called for four things. First, G. G. Gregg, John F. Womack, and John B. Webster were appointed as a committee of three to ascertain the amount of clothing necessary, purchase the same, and apply to the commissioners' court for sufficient appropriation in county bonds to pay for their purchase, and the cost of their transportation to the soldiers wherever they were. Second, a com- mittee20 was appointed to procure wagons for transport_
18. Ibid., July 13, 1861.
19. G. G. Gregg and Gil Mckay were added to the above committee upon motion.
20. Composed of Levin Perry, H. M. Hood, James F. Taylor, J. M. Taylor, and A. G. Scogins.
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ing the clothing to the soldiers. Third, Richard Pate, William Bradfield, J. B. Lancaster, T. F. Kenedy, and T. A. Harris were appointed as a committee to act with the ladies, and superintend the making of the clothing. Fourth, that the county court convene immediately, and make a sufficient appropriation to cover all expenses connected with the purpose above mentioned.
All of the above resolutions were unanimously adopted and prompt action taken. 21 Coats, pants, under-
wear, shirts, and yarn for socks were easily obtained, but a plentiful supply of blankets was not at once forthcoming. The committee, after purchasing all of the blankets in the county that were for sale, was still far short of the required number and was forced to appeal to the citizens of the county to come to the relief of the volunteers and supply the deficiency from their own private supply. The following appeal was made:
The "Texas Hunters" now in Missouri, in their late desperate and bloody fight with the enemy, lost all their clothing, blankets, and money, and are this moment in a destitute condition. They must suffer, if not speedily relieved. We must send them a double supply. Winter is upon us, and what we do, must be done promptly. Let every citizen who can spare one or more blankets, send them immediately to the store of Bradfield & Talley or G. G. Gregg & Co., and the committee will see that the soldiers get them. We feel assured that this appeal will not be in vain.
21. Texas Republican, August 10, 1861. 22. Ibid., September 14, 1861.
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By March 15, 1862 only 49 blankets had been donated. This brought about another appenl:
The foregoing sums up only 49 blankets, to supply the deficiencies that may occur in six companies that are now organized, or nearly complete, in this county. Surely there are more blankets in the county than these. In a few days our brave volunteers will take up their line of march for the seat of war. Shall it be said that a single one of them went off unsupplied with blankets, if there was a pair to be obtained in Harrison County? Fellow citizens, take the blankets off your beds, and send them without delay. The soldier who sacrifices so much to his country merits all that we can do for him; and the man who can keep a blanket about his house, and know that it is needed in the army, is not made of the right kind of material; his heart, we fear, is not in the cause. Send some coverletter. An excellent sign. It shows that their blankets are exhausted, and that they are still anxious 23 to do more. Such patriotism is to be admired.
By September 1, 1861, the Confederate government had exhausted its supply of arms, and the counties, as they organized companies, were called upon to procure arms for them. It was at this time that Colonel Gregg's regiment was about to leave for active service. They, however, had no arms, nor any prospect of being armed. In the meantime, Governor Clark had requested officers in each county of the state to take an inventory of all the usable guns within their jurisdiction. This inventory revealed that there were around 2, 500 guns fit for service in this county. An appeal for guns
23. Ibid., March 15, 1862.
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was sent out by one of the committees on clothing. The guns were to be brought in to the store of G. G. Gress, or that of Bradfield & Talley where they would be examined and a fair price fixed upon them to be paid in Confederate money. W. B. Butler was appointed ordnance master for Harrison County to receive the guns. The appeal was closed with the following words:
Col. Gregg's Regiment will be ready in a few days to march to the seat of war. But one thing remains, and that is the question of arms. No one doubts that the service of these men, and tens of thousands of others are needed immediately, and that unless they are placed promptly in the field disastrous consequences may follow. The Confederate Government has exhausted its supply of arms, and the question is presented, will they be furnished from the private arms in the country? The late inventory of the private arms in the state, instituted under the order of Governor Clark, has proved conclusively that there are a sufficient number of guns in Texas to arm every company that may be sent to the war, and leave a sufficient number behind for home defencs. This inventory exhibited what no one would have believed in reference to this county, in which it was found that there were between twenty-one and twenty-two hundred guns, with a number in one or two precincts, not reported. Say then, there are 2, 500 guns. When the companies in Gregg's Regiment get off, there will not be over 700 men left in Harrison County capable of bearing arms, showing that this county alone can furnish 1, 800 guns, and have enough left to arm every man remaining at home.
It is desired, therefore, that every man who has a gun that he can possibly spare, will bring it in without delay, and deposit it at the store of Messrss G. G. GregE & Co., or at Messrs. Bradfield & Talley's where it will be examined, and a fair price allowed for it in Confederate paper.
The undersigned deem it unnecessary to
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make an appeal to the patriotism of the people. Men who volunteer for the defence of the country, ought not to be kept idle for the want of arms, and the man who stays at home, and is willing to surrender his gun for such a cause, is, to say the least of it, a poor patriot. But we want our fellow-citizens to be prompt so that the24 regiment may not he necessarily delayed.
Not only were the citizens of Harrison County called upon to furnish clothing, guns, and blankets for the companies of soldiers raised in this county, but they were called upon to help protect and support the families of those who had gone away to answer the summons of their country, and who had left families in a needy condition. In addition to the families of the soldiers, there were widows with large families of children who had been thrown out of employment by the hard times which were beginning to come upon the people of the country. When this need became apparent, a new committee, composed of ministers, was organized, whose duty it was to provide the needy with the necessities of life. A notice was placed in the Texas Republican requesting every family living in Harrison County needing assistance to make its wants known to the relief committee. This committee was organized about the middle of October, but does not seem to have been able to perform fully the duty set for it. The Texas Republican of November 30, carried an appeal
24. Ibid., September 28, 1861.
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to the truly patriotic. The Following is a quotation from this article: '
Those who have made contributions thus far have done so, as a general thing, in a liberal spirit; but we regret to find them so few in number. We naturally supposed that every man in the county who possessed the ability, would contribute something without waiting for a personal appeal upon his liberality and patriotism. Surely a worthier cause could not present itself then an appeal for defenceless women and children, many of whom have relatives in the army. These women, mothers, wives, and sisters will write to their sons, their husbands, and their brothers, a truthful account of affairs at home. Their letters will be marked by either want of confidence and gloomy despondency, or they will be pervaded with a spirit that will animate our troops to deeds of valor that will carry them triumphantly to victory on every battle field. It was this spirit that im- pelled our soldiers at Bethel, Bull's Run, Manassas, Springfield, Leesburg, and Columbus, rendered them invincible. Suppose they write: "We are here suffering for the common necessities of life, and without prospect of relief. We would gladly work upon any terms and at any price, but there is nothing for us to do." Even the little that could be done, such as work for the soldiers, is monopolized by ladies who have abundance, who, in their ardor to do something for the army, fail to reflect on the defenceless condition of those who are dependent upon their labor for subsistence. With a few honorable exceptions, the community is cold, Belfish and parsimonious. Business men are endeavoring to extort the last cent that can be obtained, while speculators are permitted to range over the country and buy up every article of prime necessity, and enforce prices that place many of these articles en- tirely out of the reach of the poor and needy. A relief committee was started in Marshall, and the ministers of the Gospel enlisted in its support, but whether it was that they did not go to work with their accustomed zeal, or because disgusted with the reception
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which their appeals met with, the result has been almost a failure. No one would suppose that these people felt that the present war was one in which all that they held dear and sacred was involved, or that they appreciate the noble sacrifice to those who have gone forth to fight the battles of their country.
The above was a rather strong indictment of the people of Harrison County, but one must remember that the people had not yet learned the lesson of self- . sacrifice. However, during the latter part of December, the relief committee was more thoroughly organized. A central relief committee was organized with head- quarters at Marshall. Sub_ committees were then organ .. ized at each of the following places: Elysian Fields, Jonesville, Port Caddo, Hickory Grove, Cravers', Coppages', LaGrange, Miles, Blalock's, and Craig's. Better results were then obtained through this organ- ization, 25 but still not enough food and clothing were turned in to the relief committee to enable them to adequately take care of the needy. The matter was then taken up with the county commissioners court who voted to supply whatever deficiency there might be through the sale of county bonds, payable in two and three years, at ten per cent per annum. If necessary, the relief committee was ordered to draw on the county treasury. 26 Thus, finally, bare necessities for the
25. Texas Republican, December 28, 1861.
26. Ibid., May 17, 1862.
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needy were obtained.
A discussion of the Civil War that does not relate the part played by women is far from adequate. While all able bodied men were away at war, their mothers, wives, and sisters attempted to take the places made vacant by the call to colors. Many of then, Mrs. W. T. Scott, notably, carried on the management of great estates. Others went to the field with the children and old men and slaved for the cause they thought to be right. In more direct means the women of this . county aided their soldier boys. No call for help ever went to them unheeded. Before Colonel Gregg's regiment left Texas, the ladies of Harrison County prepared a box of lint, sheets, bandages, and pillow cases, and sent it along with the baggage of the soldiers. Colonel Gregg in writing back to friends, thanked the ladies for the box, and told them of how much use it had been to his regiment.
This was by no means the only contribution made by the women to the soldiers who went from Harrison County. Some such act was mentioned in practically every issue of the Texas Republican. Perhaps one of their most philanthropic enterprises did not directly benefit the Harrison County soldiers. For a long time, there had been felt, among the citizenship of Harrison County, the need of a home to take care of the soldiers on their way to or from the army while on a furlough.
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The Ladies Aid Society took up the matter, and in January, 1865, established a soldier's home in Marshall. The home was placed in charge of Thomas M. Hemby, a man greatly interested in this work. In this home, soldiers were furnished with food and clean, warm beds. It was supported by contributions, such as vegetables, eggs, and chickens, from the farmers of the county, and money from others.
Sometime in the early part of May, 1862, it was called to the attention of authorities in this county that large quantities of supplies were being sent through and from Harrison County to the enemy. A public meeting was at once called which adopted resolutions requesting Colonel Horace Randall to declare martial law in the county, to examine and arrest all tran- sients of a suspicious character; to treat all persons bearing passports from the government of the United States as spies; and to discontinue the purchase of any goods from the enemy or any place in enemy ter- ritory. 27 He promptly complied with the request. On May 24, martial law was declared in effect, and people of the above described character warned to stay out of the county. One of the first acts of the provost marshal, after the proclamation of martial law, was to. forbid the sale of intoxicating liquor within the 1
27. The Texas Republican, May 24, 1862.
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limits of the county. 28 It was soon found that martial law handicapped legal trade, and a few days after it went into effect, arrangements were made by the Shreve- port committee of safety, whereby provisions could be brought through this county to that place. The only inconvenience wagoners were subjected to was that they were required to report to Mayor William Bradfield when they arrived in Marshall. 29
The activities of the Harrison County soldiers were so interwoven with those of soldiers from other parts of the Southland that it is impossible to estimate accurately their importance to the Confederacy. How- ever, judging from the number which went from this county, a majority of seven companies, and from the number of recorded battles in which Harrison County soldiers took part, it may safely be assumed that this county has no cause to be ashamed of its part in the Civil War.
Two events in the War, both disastrous to the Confederacy, are of special interest to the people of this county. The first was the fall of Fort Donelson which resulted in the capture of that part of two companies raised in this county who had not previous- ly been killed in battle. One of these was the Texas Invincibles under Captain Hill, who, together with Colonel Clough, the commander of the regiment, also
28. Ibid., May 31, 1862.
29. Ibid., June 7, 1862. 3
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from this county, were killed.
The other event was quite as disastrous. The battle of Arkansas Post early in 1863 resulted in the capture of three other companies raised in Harrison County, Captain Richardonson's, Captain Gil Mckay's, and Captain Thomas F. Tucker's. For weeks after the engagement, conflicting reports were heard as to what had happened. An early report reached Marshall that most of them had been killed. Mothers and fathers were frantic and a cloud of gloom settled over the whole county. A few days later this gloom was partly dispelled by a letter from J. M. Harris, son of General T. A. Harris of Marshall, announcing the capture of the above mentioned companies. The letter follows:
I, with a few other boys, visited the Post a few days ago, for the purpose of get- ting some of their horses, provided any of them were left there. The Post was literally burnt up. I counted over one hundred dead horses, and a great many dead mules. Cannon balls, bomb shell, and rifle balls were scattered every where around. I also saw the graves of our men and the Yankees scattered in every direction. Col. Carter's regiment is camped a few miles above the Post. One company of his are at the post, gathering up government property which was left there. A boat went down a few days ago, to bring up what could be obtained. Charlcy Young's uncle, Dr. Burton who was Surgeon at the Post, and taken prisoner, was released at Memphis. He returned day before yesterday, bringing the information that our boys were taken to Alton, Illinois, and will not be exchanged soon.
30. Ibid., February 12, 1863
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This letter relieved the people of Harrison County from their worst fears, and yet they were not entirely cheerful, for they had heard a great deal about the horrors connected with northern prison camps. In fact, a great many people never expected to see them again. The following extract from the Texas Republican under the date of February 19, 1863, gives voice to the thoughts that pervaded the minds of the people of this county during these dark days.
We have no further intelligence from the Arkansas Post prisoners. Sufficient time has elapsed to dissipate the hopes entertained as to the truth of the report of their escape. It is painful to reflect that our relatives, friends, and associates are in cheerless North- ern prisons, and that we may not see them again for months, if indeed we ever behold them again in life. But this misfortune should render us only the more resolute and defiant; it is but an additional incentive to us to do our duty, and our full duty, to our country.
As it developed, the prisoners captured at Arkansas 1 Post were carried to Douglas, Illinois. After a few weeks there, the following letter was received from one of the Harrison County boys.
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Dear Father :- I wrote a letter to Arie about a month ago, giving a statement of the con- dition of our company. Since then, there have been many changes in the prospect of nearly one half of us. When I wrote to Arie, there were two dead, H. T. Walker and W. C. Ford. Since then, ten more have departed this life, and now we have two at the hos- pital whose return, I fear, will be like all the rest who have gone there; otherwise we are doing as well as could be expected -- and receiving very good treatment. Money is scarce, and no prospects of getting any, and
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of course without it we can procure none of the many delicacies we need when sick. The detachment of Richardson's com- pany with us, have suffered more than we, losing seven men out of fifteen. As some of them are writing home, I will only give the names of those dead. They are: Hawley, Henderson, Gravitt, Hinds, Harris, Hudson, and Jarrett. Oscar Johnson has had a severe attack of Erysipelas, but is recovering, and will be up in a day or two. No others seriously sick.
It is possible that this letter was censored; the boy probably could have told his father a great deal more about prison life had he been allowed to do so. However, from the few words that he did write, people of this county felt that their early fears were just- ified. The Texas Republican in the same issue that published his letter had the following to say:
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