Field Reports

…Forrest's forces on Friday last [12th] went in pursuit of a woman to whom suspicion had been attached. She had reached the Yankee pickets in front of Franklin when they came in sight, but on they dashed, driving in the Yankees and capturing their "booty." She proved to be a Miss Cushman, a theatre actress, claiming relationship with the celebrated Charlotte, and had upon her person plans and drawings of our fortifications, and the disposition made of the latter. It is said that she was a crinoline scout for McClellan in Virginia, and performed valuable services. Her fine talents are, doubtless, occupied at present time in planning an escape from Columbia, where she is under guard.

Forrest's forces on Friday last went in pursuit of a woman to whom suspicion had been attached. She had reached the Yankee pickets in front of Franklin when they came in sight, but on they dashed, driving in the Yankees and capturing their "booty." She proved to be a Miss Cushman, a theatre actress, claiming relationship with the celebrated Charlotte, and had upon her person plans and drawings of our fortifications, and the disposition made of the latter. It is said that she was a crinoline scout for McClellan in Virginia, and performed valuable services. Her fine talents are doubtless occupied at the present time in planning an escape from Columbia, where she is under guard.—Chatta. Rebel.

Among the women of America who have made themselves famous since the opening of the rebellion, few have suffered more, or rendered more service to the Federal cause than Miss Major Pauline Cushman, the female scout and spy. At the commencement of hostilities she resided in Cleveland, Ohio, and was quite well known as a clever actress.

From Cleveland she went to Louisville, where she had an engagement in Wood's Theatre. Here, by her intimacy with certain rebel officers, she incurred the suspicion of being a rebel, and was arrested by the Federal authorities. She indignantly denied that she was a rebel, although born at the South, and having a brother in a rebel Mississippi regiment.

In order to test her love for the old flag, she was asked if she would enter the secret service of the Government. She readily consented, and was at once employed to carry letters between Louisville and Nashville. She was subsequently employed by General Rosecrans, and was for many months with the Army of the Cumberland. She visited the rebel lines time after time, and was thoroughly acquainted with all the country and roads in Tennessee, North Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, in which section she rendered our armies invaluable service. She was twice suspected of being a spy, and taken prisoner, but managed to escape.

At last, however, she was not so fortunate. After our forces had captured Nashville, Major Cushman made a scout towards Shelbyville to obtain information of the strength and position of the enemy, and while returning to Nashville, was captured on the Hardin pike, eleven miles from the latter city. She was placed on a horse, and, in charge of two scouts, was being taken to Spring Hill, the headquarters of Forrest.

While on the way to this place, she feigned sickness and said she could not travel any further without falling from her horse. Her captors stopped at a house on the roadside, when it was ascertained that a Federal scouting party had passed the place an hour before. Knowing that her guards had important papers for Gen. Bragg, the quick-witted spy seized the fact and schemed to use it to her advantage.

Seeing an old negro [sic], who appeared to commiserate her unfortunate plight, she watched her opportunity and placed ten dollars in Tennessee money in his hand, saying: "run up the road, 'Uncle,' and come back in a few minutes, telling us that four hundred Federals are coming down the street." The faithful negro [sic] obeyed the order literally, and soon came back in the greatest excitement, telling the story. The two "rebs [sic]" told him he lied. The old colored man got down on his knees, saying: "Massa, dey's cumin, sure nuff; de Lord help us, dey is cumin."

The scouts at this believed his story, mounted their horses, and "skedaddled" for the woods. Miss Cushman, seizing a pistol belonging to a wounded soldier in the house, also mounted her horse and fled toward Franklin. She travelled through the rain, and, after nightfall, lost her way. Soon came the challenge of a picket "Who comes there?" Thinking she had reached the rebel line she said: "A friend of Jeff Davis." "All right," was the reply, "advance and give the countersign."

She presented the countersign in the shape of a canteen of whisky. She passed five pickets in this way, but the sixth and last was obdurate. She pleaded that she was going to see a sick uncle at Franklin, but the sentry couldn't see it. Sick and disheartened she turned back. Seeing a light at a farm house she sought shelter. An old man received her kindly, showed her to a room, and said he would awake her at an early hour in the morning, and show her the road to Franklin.

A loud knock awoke her in the morning from her lethean slumbers, and upon arousing, she found her horse saddled, and the two guards from whom she had escaped the previous afternoon. She was taken to the headquarters of Forrest, and he sent her, after a critical examination, to Gen. Bragg. Nothing could be found against her, until a secesh woman stole her gaiters, under the inner sole of which were found important documents which clearly proved her to be a spy.

She was tried and condemned to be executed as a spy, but being sick, her execution was postponed. She finally, after lying in prison three months, sent for Gen. Bragg, and asked him if he had no mercy. She received from him the comforting assurance, that he should make an example of her as soon as she got well enough to be hung decently.

While in this state of suspense the grand army of Rosecrans commenced its forward movement, and one day the rebel town where she was imprisoned, was surprised and captured, and the heroine of this tale was to her great joy released. She is now in this city visiting friends, having arrived at the Biddle House one day last week.-Detroit Tribune.

Within the past day or two, the following men have been captured and turned over to the Provost Marshal: Benj. Milem, citizen, said to have been instrumental in the capture of Miss Cushman , some time ago. He had also been trafficking with the Confederates; Martin [McBride], 1st Tenn. Battery, had been out of the service one year; belonged to State troops; sent to military prison. D.E. Tatem, 1st Kentucky Cavalry, a deserter from Bragg’s army. J.W. Parker, 8th Confederate Cavalry, to be sent forward for exchange. G.W. Richardson, citizen, drunk, riotous, and threatening to shoot other citizens; sent to jail for one week. Chas. Willard, 1st East Tennessee, stealing watch and mistreating a negro woman; jail one week. Thos. Bell, charged with desertion, sent to his regimental commanders, with order for punishment. Eliza Kelly, an “old stager,” secreting stolen goods; not yet investigated.

2 Pauline Cushman was an actress who feigned Confederate sympathies and acted as a spy for the Union cause, gaining information for Federal authorities about the Army of Tennessee prior to the Tullahoma Campaign. She was captured and was to be hanged by was rescued from prison in Shelbyville by Federal forces during the campaign. See: Walter T. Durham, Reluctant Partners: Nashville and the Union, July 1963, to June 30, 1863, (Nashville, TN: Tennessee Historical Society, 1987), pp. 32-33. See also: Francis Trevelyan Miller, ed. in chief, Robert L. Sanier, managing ed., Semi-Centennial Memorial, The Photographic History of the Civil War In Ten Volumes; Thousands of scenes photographed 1861-65, with Text by many Special Authorities, vol. 8, (NY: The Review of Reviews Co., 1911), p. 273. (Photograph on p. 273 also.) See also: Ferdinand L. S. Armiensto, Life of Pauline Cushman, the Celebrated Union Spy and Scout, (NY: United States Book Co., 186?), pp. 151-155, and; James D. Horan, Desperate Women (NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1952), pp. 118-119; and, Agatha Young, The Women and the Crisis: Women of the North In the Civil War, (NY: McDowell, Obolensky, 196?) pp. 234-244; and June 27, 1863, Action at and Capture of Shelbyville above. There is no reference to Benjamin Milem, civilian, apparently her rescuer, in the OR.

7, The Confederate steamers Orr, Appleton Belle & Lynn Boyd burned on the Tennessee River, at the mouth of the Duck River, to prevent their capture by Federal gunboats

No further news from Donelson. Three of our steamers, viz.,: the Orr, Appleton Belle, and Lynn Boyd, were burned yesterday morning by our men to prevent them from falling into the hands of the enemy; all on board escaped safely. Five hundred Federal infantry and three transport boats are at the bridge, burning and destroying all the houses this side of the river. The bridge is now on fire. The condition of the roads prevented our bringing but few tents, without flies, but few cooking utensils, no extra clothing. The lives and health of the men require that we should have some more necessaries if we are to remain here along. We leave in the morning and will camp a few miles east of this place, and will scout continually towards the river. The rolling stock on the railroad all safe.

I am apprehensive, from the large accumulations of the enemy's forces in the neighborhood of Fort Henry, that he will attempt to cross the country south of my position and cut my communication by river, thus depriving me of supplies from above. The country south of me is exceedingly broken and rugged, so much so as to be nearly impracticable for a march, but they may possibly make it passable. His difficulty will be in procuring supplies for his forces, which is one almost, if not altogether, insurmountable. I think that is my safety.

The conflict yesterday between our cavalry and that of the enemy resulted in 3 of ours wounded and 20 taken prisoners by being thrown from their horses and in 3 of the enemy killed and 6 mortally wounded. Three of their gunboats have gone up Tennessee River above the bridge. The steamer Eastport, which we were converting into a gunboat, was burned and sunk, as was the steamer Sam. Or[r], by our friends, to keep them from falling into the hands of the enemy. They have destroyed the high trestle work on the west bank of Tennessee River, but have not damaged the bridge.

I am pushing the work on my river batteries day and night; also on my field works and defensive line in the rear. In a week's time, if I am allowed that much, I will try very hard to make my batteries bomb-proof. I am now raising the parapets and strengthening them. I got my heavy rifle gun, 32-pounder, and my 10-inch columbiad in position to-day, and tried them and the other guns in battery. The trial was most satisfactory. I need two additional heavy guns very much, and if I am not engaged by the enemy in three or four days I shall apply for the 42-pounders at Clarksville.

It is certain that if I cannot hold this place, the two 42-pounders at Clarksville will not arrest his movement by Clarksville. Upon one thing you may rest assured, viz.,: that I will never surrender the position, and with God's help I mean to maintain it.

I send up the Hillman for a boat load of flour and meat. Let her bring a full load. You will please give orders accordingly to the commissary of your post. I shall continue to draw supplies of subsistence to this place until I have a heavy store on hand.

I have established a line of vedettes on the east bank of the Cumberland to within 8 miles of Smithland, so that I will be posted to the movements and advance of the enemy.

I hope you will order forward at once the tents and baggage of the troops of Gen. Buckner's command, as they are suffering very much for most of them this cold weather.

I must request that you will forward this letter after reading it to Gen. Johnston. My engagements and duties press me so much that I cannot address you both and, knowing his anxiety, I am anxious to place before him the intelligence contained in this letter.

MEMPHIS, February 11.-There has been a heavy loss of steamboats on the Tennessee River, in consequence of the invasion by the Federal gunboats Lexington, Conestoga, and Sam Orr. On Saturday the Appleton Belle and Lynn Boyd, Confederate boats, were burned by our troops at the mouth of Duck River. The Sam Kirkman, Julius, and Time, also Confederate boats (the latter with 100,000 worth of Government stores), were abandoned and burned at Florence on Saturday. The steamer Dunbar was sunk in Cypress Creek; the Eastport was sunk. The Cerro Gordo and Sallie Ward were the only Confederate boats captured by the Federals. The Robb escaped.

The Federal gunboats have left the river, but were expected to return. They took 20.000 pounds of salt pork from Florence, but refused to touch private property, not even cotton.

The pickets of the enemy and our own pickets shot at each other across Duck River at Columbia for about two hours some 100 shots the bridges being burned down and the river verry [sic] high they could not get near enough to do much harm to each other. All our cavalry left this morning for Decatur. Col. Biffle & Col. Scott’s cavalry, Scott is from Louisiana.

The Mair [sic] & Aldermen sent a flag of truce to the enemy…acknowledging the surrender of the town to the enemy[.] [I]t was all the citizens could do to keep the yankeys [sic] from shelling the town in consequence of shooting at them.

March 20, 1862, Destruction of cotton harvest by Confederates in Maury County

Our cavalry [are] burning the cotton in the southern portion of Maury county all they can find and the enemy crossing [the] Duck River into town in canoes.[1]

March 25-28, 1862, Reconnaissances Murfreesborough, Shelbyville, Tullahoma, Manchester, McMinnville

HDQRS. FOURTH REGT. OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, Camp Van Buren, Tenn., March 28, 1862.

DEAR SIR: On the 24th instant your order was received directing the Fourth to make a tour of reconnaissance in force, leaving the detail to the commanding officer. You are aware we could not get rations for three days until next day.

On the 25th, at 6 p. m., the Fourth took the advance, followed by 80 artillerists, Col. Mihalotzy, of the Twenty-fourth Illinois, in command in part of the Twenty-fourth and Thirty-seventh, two brass rifled 6-pounders of Simonson's battery. We marched 15 miles, halting frequently for the infantry and artillery to come up to us. We made the distance by 12 p. m.; bivouacked in a cedar grove. Col. Mihalotzy stationed his pickets on our advance on the right flank and rear and the Fourth was stationed on the left flank. The night was windy, cold, and the ground was wet. The horses were tied to the trees, and in that condition the entire force slept on their arms ready for any emergency. At 5 a.m. the reveille was sounded, fires were kindled, and our brave boys were soon boiling a cup of coffee.

By 5.30 a.m. the entire command resumed their march, exhibiting an unusual degree of vigor, fired by the report that we were likely to measure arms in the glorious cause that animated our breasts. We marched ahead of the infantry some 3 miles, where we found a Mr. Houston, who willingly sold us some corn and fodder for our horses. We halted and fed there, and were ready for the march when the infantry came up. We resumed the march at 7 a.m., marching 5 miles, to Shelbyville. We were greeted by a population who evinced by their cheers, waving of handkerchiefs, and other external demonstrations of joy pictured on their countenances great relief and satisfaction at the approach of their deliverers from military despotism. A Mrs. Graham, eighty years of age, with tears in her eyes, welcomed us with a blessing-"God bless your souls." Her husband fought in the revolutionary war. She venerated the old flag. She would not and could not live under any other government, nor should any other flag wave over her head. She with her own hands tore down from the court-house the first secession flag at Shelbyville. Her son-in-law was killed for his Union sentiments. This statement was made by the daughter of the murdered man with tears and sobs. Your humble servant leaned over the fence, seized the old lady by the arm, and shook it with emotions you can readily imagine. Many flags were waved from the doors and windows. We have not met such manifestations of delight in any part of Dixie's land. On entering Shelbyville many surrounded us, and, as it is our custom, we sent for the mayor, to whom we gave the same friendly assurances and pictured our devotion to the Union, and that we were arrayed in support of that Constitution which guaranteed to them all their rights. When addressing the crowd approved satisfaction was pictured in the countenances of the Union people. The infantry and artillery halted at Shelbyville, guarding the City and taking all the military measures to render them secure from attack. Col. Mihalotzy, a brave and deserving officer, will no doubt furnish you with the details of his own acts during our absence.

The Fourth left Shelbyville at 11 o'clock [and marched] to Tullahoma, being 18 miles, over the most abominable road it was ever our lot to travel, mostly over solid and detached rock, miry lanes, and miry woods, the horses sinking over knee-deep in the mud. When within 8 miles our advance guard, commanded by Capt. H. C. Rogers, who was ordered ahead to feel the way and obtain news and forage for our horses, sent Dr. T. McMillen to the reserve, saying that Morgan and his men had gone down to Wartrace to burn bridges. We galloped the entire 8 miles in hopes we could realize the object of our pursuit (the horses came into Tullahoma covered with foam) and the full expectation of seizing a locomotive and bagging the command of the enemy; but, to our chagrin, the enemy had received intelligence of our departure from camp, and they, afraid that their delay would cut them off, only took time to fire one bridge over Duck River; our march saved the other. We reached Tullahoma three-quarters of an hour too late. We took possession of Tullahoma, giving the citizens the usual assurance of kind intentions and the motives actuating the Government in sending forces into Tennessee. Finding two whisky shops, we threatened to burn them down if the inmates retailed a single dram, and placed a guard over the premises. A force was thrown 3 miles on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, in command of Capt. H. C. Rogers, to tear up the rails, fearing a surprise, which could have been thrown on us with ease but for these precautions. Pickets at some distance were placed in every thoroughfare leading to the City and a guard detailed to patrol the City. We cut the telegraph wire, opened the depot, captured the telegraph battery and instruments, and a box of telegraph papers, which an expert can read....Not being able to carry them with us, we left them in charge of William Moore, whose receipt I inclose, subject to your order. All goods not enumerated were loaded in one wagon, borrowed from the Twenty-fourth Illinois, but the road being impassable, we impressed two other wagons. One of them upset and burst a barrel of molasses. We sold one to help pay our forage bills.

When we reached Tullahoma no corn or forage could be had, but our boys, who are alive to the wants of their horses, found enough, and we gave to the parties receipts for all we consumed. At Tullahoma a force under the command of Lieut. Col. H. W. Burdsal was ordered to Manchester to meet Capt. Robie, of Company A, who was ordered to leave four hours in advance, on his way to McMinnville, of the 250 men forming the reserve bound for Shelbyville, and report himself at Manchester the next day, where he would be supported by the command ordered there.

Lieut.-Col. Burdsal, with 27 men, reached Manchester at 10 p. m. on the night of the 26th, after capturing 4 prisoners by passing himself off in the dark as a Southern officer, and when they betrayed themselves as soldiers on furlough he captured them. Leaving 17 men to guard them, he took 10 men, and proceeding 3 miles below the town of Manchester, made the keeper deliver up the keys and show him the premises. He found the log cabins of the soldiers, who had occupied them as guards, but upon crafty examination found them empty. He emptied the powder found in the work and set fire to five buildings, burning the machinery, houses, and material. Hearing Capt. Robie had gone to Winchester, he returned to Tullahoma, but the party reported to have gone to Winchester must have been McNairy's secret cavalry, as Capt. Robie would not have disobeyed the order under which he was acting. Lieut.-Col. Burdsal returned that night to Tullahoma, which was a departure from my order, but executed from the information derived.

In the mean time Capt. Robie had executed his order faithfully, reaching Manchester at the hour designated. Finding the powder-mill burned, he continued his march to Tullahoma, reaching there at 5 p. m. on the 27th. While Capt. Robie was bivouacking 5 miles this side of McMinnville he received intelligence that McNairy's 200 cavalry intended to surround him that night and attack him. The captain posted his pickets so as to receive the alarm in time. He disposed of his force secreted behind a fence, moving away from the spot he was seen encamped at dark, and some few rods away from his horses, at the foot of a hill. At 3 a.m. his command was lying in ambush, when one of the pickets brought in the news that the enemy was approaching. The other picket remained and was fired at, when he returned the fire, which was a signal that the rebels were close by, at the same time putting spurs to his horse, conveying the news in person. On came McNairy's cavalry, thundering down with his 200 strong, thinking he could catch our gallant and his brave boys asleep and swallow them up, but as soon as he reached the ambush a volley from the carbines dispersed their dream of conquest, brought down 1 man, who was left dead; groans from 10 or 11 wounded "I am killed" was heard. The horses stampeded. The entire command never before made right and left wheel quicker. Pools of blood were traced an officer's saber with blood was found, two other sabers, four guns, saddles, blankets, saber-straps, hats evidently cut off, all of which he burned, not being able to take along-were seen strewed for miles. The night was dark and the fire oblique, but it sent the enemy "kiting" the same way they came. Their defeat was so complete that the next intelligence had of them [was that] those surviving were on their way to Winchester and never offered a fight afterwards.

Capt. Robie started with 53 men (part of this number were guarding the premises). Two hours after his departure from camp, fearing he might be attacked, he was re-enforced with 17 men of the partisan corps, who were near and heard the firing, but were not with them. We chased one ranger going to Tullahoma on horseback with shot-gun, and took him prisoner. We took 7 prisoners in all, being on furlough, belonging to the Southern Army, but released 2 young men who seemed innocent and were willing to take the oath of allegiance to their country.

On our return from Tullahoma, having left that place at 12 m., Company C was left there to await Capt. Robie's arrival, who had not yet reached Tullahoma when the main body left. Company D was left as escort to the wagons. We encamped half a mile east of Shelbyville last night, arriving there at 5 p. m., where we found Col. Mihalotzy with his command, with the artillery. Company B was sent back to ascertain the cause of detention of the wagons. Knowing we ought to be moving, Company F was left at the camp to guard some goods which were unloaded from a wagon could come up and be loaded with them, as the pike rendered it easy of transportation, and the main body of the Fourth left, reaching at 12m.

We found the Union sentiment subdued on account of our contemplated departure, the people fearing a demonstration against them. Many of the influential ones begged us to leave a force to protect them. In accordance with your orders we did not feel at liberty to deviate from them, but after marching 5 miles we fed our horses and resumed our march, and 7 miles from Shelbyville we received the joyful tidings from you ordering two or three companies to be left to guard the bridges east of Shelbyville as well as the City. We sent Companies E and H to form the guard.

We reached camp at 5.30, and beg leave to submit the details of our march, hoping that, although the objects for which this expedition, some of them, were not realized, yet in its effect, including the signal chastisement the enemy received and the reassurances the Union sentiment received, may prove valuable and receive your approbation.

The enemy having received word that we were on the move, all the locomotives were retired south of Shelbyville before we reached the four towns we occupied at the same time by different detachments.

April 4, 1862, On the road from Murfreesboro to Shelbyville; an Ohio officer’s impressions of Middle Tennessee

Resumed the march at seven o'clock in the morning, the Third [Regiment] in advance. At one place on the road a young negro [sic], perhaps eighteen years old, broke from his hiding in the woods, and with hat in hand and a broad grin on his face, came running to me. “Massa,” said he, “I wants to go wid you.” “I am sorry, my boy, that I can not take you. I am not permitted to do it.” The light went out in the poor fellow’s eyes in a moment, and, putting on his slouch hat, he went away sorrowful enough. It seems cruel to turn our backs on these, our only friends. If a dog came up wagging his tail at sight of us, we could not help liking him better than the master, who not only looks sullen and cross at our approach, but in his heart desires our destruction.

As we approach the Alabama line we find fewer, but handsomer houses; larger plantations, and negroes [sic] more numerous. We saw droves of women working in the fields. When their ears caught the first notes of the music, they would drop the hoe and come running to the road, their faces all aglow with pleasure. May we not hope that their darkened minds caught glimpses of the sun and a better life, now rising for them?

We entered Shelbyville at noon. There were more Union people here than at Murfreesboro, and we saw many glad faces as we marched through the streets. The band made the sky ring with music, and the regiment deported splendidly. One old woman clapped her hands and thanked heaven that we had come at last. Apparently almost wild with joy, she shouted after us, “God be with you!”

April 3-4, 1862, Morgan’s cavalry press horses, cut telegraph lines and attack a train, Unionville to Smyrna

Our community has been thrown into great excitement, since last Saturday [3^rd], by the sudden and unexpected approach of this bold and daring leader and his squadron of cavalry, within the very centre of the Federal lines. The very boldness that served to mark the movement led many to doubt the truth of the information as to his advance, and it was only after many persons concurred in the same statements that our incredulous people would believe the fact of his having made the advance….Leaving Montgomery's at half past 8 o'clock on Saturday morning, the squadron retraced their steps to Farmington, thence going North along the Fishing Ford road, until they reached a road leading across Duck River at White's bridge, the first bridge on the river east of Columbia,--all the others having been burned by the Confederates several weeks ago. On crossing the bridge, he pressed two horses from William Crowell; the passing through Unionville, he was, as we learn, received with open arms by a portion of our citizens, and covered with bouquets by the ladies. Beyond Unionville, and near Alfred Ransom's he took from P. B. Moore and Wilson Maxfield all the horses they had—valuable horses—and moved on. These gentlemen are true and staunch Union men, and therefore we deeply sympathize with them, as we also do with those other good Union men William Crowel, Thomas Montgomery, Robt. Montgomery and Samuel Carpenter for the loss they sustained.

Col. Morgan and squadron were at Unionville about one o'clock in the evening. They passed on to Rover, where we hear they were guided by William G. Hight to Versailles, and from there to Salem Camp Ground, where they encamped Saturday night.

We hope that our informant is mistaken as to the active part taken by some of the citizens of Unionville and vicinity, as well as Col. Hight's course in regard to the movements of these parties. If they expect to be treated as citizens, they must remain citizens; if they expect to be soldiers, they had better enlist at once and share the fate of soldiers.

On Sunday [4^th] Col. Morgan and squadron passed between Murfreesboro' and Nashville, near Smyrna, crossing the railroad, cutting the telegraph wire and tearing up a rail on the railroad. At this point they came near capturing a train on the railroad, but fortunately failed. Crossing the railroad they passed on Sunday over to Lebanon in Wilson county, reaching there Sunday night….

8, Federal situation report relative to distribution of troops to protect railroads in Southwest Middle Tennessee from guerrillas and Confederate cavalry

At Reynolds' Station, two companies Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania; at Lynnville, two companies Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania; at Culleoka, one company Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania; at Duck River Bridge, one company First Kentucky Cavalry; at Franklin, one company Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. Have no further control, but have inquired; will send you report as soon as received. There is constant danger of the bridges being destroyed; several attempts, one nearly successful, have been made. There are numerous straggling parties of returned cavalry and guerrillas infesting the lower counties, who are constantly committing depredations. As they are aided in a measure by the disloyal citizens it is hardly possible to drive them all away. If no cavalry can be distributed along the railroad it will be necessary to mount a few of the infantry to scout and patrol.

19, Disarming civilians in Murfreesborough and federal situation report for Middle Tennessee after Forrest’s raid

I came up to-night to communicate. The enemy are in the neighborhood of McMinnville, from 2,000 strong to any given amount above that; the line from Lebanon is open to Nashville; part of my force is detained still at Columbia by accident to the Duck River Bridge. I found here your orders to move on McMinnville. The cavalry I found at Nashville, 300 strong, I ordered to march to Lebanon and join me at Murfreesborough, where they arrived at 10 a. m. to-day. I will make them patrol both approaches to Nashville. Some 400 stand of arms taken from our troops were distributed by Forrest to disloyal citizens in and about Murfreesborough. I issued a proclamation threatening abreast of any one found with them in possession. Some 200 were sent in to-day. Your directions as to posting the troops at Murfreesborough will be strictly attended to. You can rely upon my being found at the place ordered and the time ordered on all occasions. Boyle telegraphs me to death. I think he has lost his senses.

AUGUST 31, 1862.-Capture of U. S. transport W. B. Terry on the Tennessee River.

The above-named steamer left Paducah, Ky., Saturday, August 30, at 1 a. m., bound for Hamburg, Tenn., with a cargo of coal, for the use of gunboats on the Tennessee River. Arrived at foot of Duck River Sucks same day at dark, where we lay anchored in the middle of the river until daylight Sunday morning. Worked all day trying to get over the shoals without success. Finding it impossible to get over, concluded to return to Paducah and report. Started down about sundown, hopping to reach a safe anchorage before dark, but unfortunately messed the narrow and difficult channel and ran hard onto the lower ledge of rocks, under a bluff high bank, with her stern only 20 feet from shore, and with less than 2 feet of water from boat to shore. Finding it impossible to get off without assistance, and being in hourly expectation of the arrival of steamer Des Moines City, which was to follow us up, thought best to await her arrival as long as there was any chance to save the boat and cargo, and then abandon and burn her, if necessary, to keep her out of the hands of the Confederates.

We had on board for the protection of the boat two 6-pounder Parrott rifled guns, with a sergeant and 6 gunners, and also 10 sharpshooters, all belonging to the Eighty-first Regt. [sic] of Ohio Volunteers. From our position the cannon were entirely useless, unless the enemy were within 50 feet of the boat. I sent out five of the sharpshooters as pickets, with instructions not to fire, but report immediately to me if they saw or heard any cause for alarm; and if they had obeyed orders I believe we could have destroyed the boat and guns; but the first intimation we had of attack was a discharge at daylight of about 200 guns into the broadside of the boat, many of the balls going entirely through and out at the opposite side. Not a single state-room escaped being pierced through. Our pickets had fired on their reconnoiters and then ran. This precipitated an attack by their whole force, which took us by surprise. From what I afterward saw I was in the after-cabin when the firing commenced, and went immediately through the cabin and down the forward gangway onto the lower deck to see about the cannon. Before reaching the after-deck, where they were placed, both were discharged and deserted without spiking. I found every man lying flat down behind the ice-box and coal pile. I do not accuse them of cowardice for this, because no set of men on earth could have loaded the guns in their exposed position amidst such a perfect hail-storm of bullets as was being poured through the cabins and deck. Their discharges were mingled with the wildest shouts I have ever heard. All of them were within 60 yards of the boat. Being satisfied that any further attempt at resistance would be worse than folly, and believing it my duty no longer to hazard the lives of my passengers and crew (not forgetting myself), I called with all the power of voice I could command for them to cease firing until I could show a flag of truce. I do not know that they heard me, but they did not cease firing. I then went up into and through the cabin, got a boom-handle, put a small sheet on it, went out on the guard in front of them, and waved it. There were as many as fifty shots fired by them after I presented my extempore flag of truce, four of which went through it. Their officers say that they ordered firing to cease the moment the flag was shown, but that some of their men did not hear it and could not see the flag. Capt.s Napier and Algee came immediately on board and took formal possession in the name of the Confederate States of America.

All forces were then set at work throwing overboard the coal and everything that would lighten her, and in a few hours succeeded in hauling her over the rocks. They used her that evening to ferry some troops across the river, and the next morning stripped her of all furniture and stores and burned her about 10 o'clock. The Terry had 8 officers, including myself. Her deck and cabin crew numbered 17 (all negroes [sic]), and we had 5 passengers, all of whom, with officers and crew, were taken prisoners. The soldiers were taken, excepting two of the pickets, who are missing (probably in the woods). The passengers work the boat until she was burned. We were then paroled and allowed to construct a raft out of the spars and stages and turned loose on the river, without provisions of any kind, to make our way to Fort Henry as best we could.

In the attack there were none killed, unless it might possibly be the two missing pickets. One passenger was seriously wounded in the knee; another, the only lady passenger, received a painful, though not dangerous, wound in her thigh. One of the gunners and one negro [sic] received two wounds each, not dangerous. The soldiers and negroes [sic], some of whom were free, were all sent back in the country immediately after capture. With Capt.'s Napier and Algee we have no fault to find while prisoners with them. They treated us gentlemanly and respected our rights to private property of all kinds, but some of their men pilfered much of our clothing that was not under lock and key.

LEONARD G. KLINCK, Master U. S. Transport-Steamer W. B. Terry at time of capture.

I am now convinced that the steamers Skylark and Callie burned on the Tennessee River about two weeks ago by rebels was done with the connivance of the captains or Treasury agents. The steamer [W.B.] Terry, just captured on the same river, was probably done with the connivance of her commander, Capt. Klinck. I had just ordered the expulsion of Capt. Klinck from our lines on the strength of a letter received, sent through Washington, exposing his secession proclivities, the very morning his brother, the quartermaster, sent him in command of the Terry. Klinck is now in Cairo under arrest.

ca. 7-9, Combined Navy/Army reconnaissances on Tennessee River, from Fort Henry to Duck River and scouts in Fort Henry environs

Your dispatch of 4.45 p. m. yesterday just received 3.30 p. m. Hear nothing yet of the approach of the enemy, though I have scouts out in every direction, in some instances as much as 25 miles. Have made a reconnaissance up the Tennessee River with gunboat as far as Duck River, and yesterday sent a scouting party to within 12 miles of Waverly. Killed 1 rebel picket and captured another. Force at Fort Donelson is Eighty-third Illinois Infantry, tolerably strong; one light battery, four pieces, and one company of my regiment, Fifth Iowa Cavalry. I have everything else ready to move at a moment's warning, and have been so for two days. A line of scouts is established between Donelson and Henry, by which I can communicate readily in case telegraph should be cut. By this I have just received a message through in fifty-eight minutes. What few troops I have are in grand fighting trim, and everything that can be done has been done. You shall have a good account of us if attacked. The quantity of stores at Donelson is very small. I keep the bulk at Fort Henry.

11, “…and by an order of General Forest [sic] wee [sic] have to uniform ourselves; ”Lieutenant A. J. Lacy’s letter to his wife

I seat myself this beautiful morning to write to you to let you know that I am reasonably well at this time, hoping that these few lines will find you enjoying good health

Wee [sic] are camped 1 mi from Collumbia [sic] on the north side of Duck River. Goods of all kinds is very costly here. Boots is worth from 30 [sic] to sixty dollars a pair. I expect that wee [sic] will leave here before many days but where wee [sic] will go to I can not tell.

Elisabeth I got my blanket stole a few days ago and I am left rather slim in the blanket line but still I don’t suffer with cold in camps like I expected to before I left home. I would like to see you all one time more in life [sic] Here Elisabeth is a belt and buckle that I send to you and here is a half a paper of pins that I sent to you and Mother and I also send you this lady s [sic] box with a thimble a pare [sic] of smawl [sic] scissors and several other trick [sic] suitable for a lady’s use[.]

I have all my provision to by [sic] now and by an order of General Forest [sic] wee [sic] have to uniform ourselves.

Capt [sic] Woolsy has bought cloth at 50 dollars to have him a coat made. I have to spend a right smart [sic] of money here. I drew $267. I drawed [sic] up to the 21 day of October 1862 here. Father I have not sent you anything yet sher [sic] I will send you one hundred and sixty dollars in Confederate money and I want to pay L G [sic] off. I owe him 82 dollars. I have sold my watch. I want you to keep some clothing ready for me at anytime if you can for I don’t know when I might sent [sic] for them.

I am in hopes that I can get to come home a gaints [sic] the 1^st of April. I want you all to remember me I often think of you all[.] When I am far away from you in a distant land.

Father I believe that I could beat Capt Woolsy for an office in our Co[.][.] I dont [sic] want you to say anything about it[.]

16-March 17, 1863, Operations of U. S. N. on Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers

Summary report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, regarding operations on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, from December 16, 1862, to March 17, 1863.

On the [16th of December]...the gunboats left the upper Ohio for operations in [the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers], but not finding water enough in the Cumberland, and expedition was formed to cooperate with Colonel Lowe up the Tennessee.

On the 20th of December the expedition left Fort Henry and proceeded up the [Tennessee] river as high as Duck River Sucks, where the troops were disembarked. Leaving two boats to guard the transports, I started on up the river with the remaining two, but having grounded on Duck River Bar, I was obliged to return without getting higher.

On the 24th (learning that the place was in danger) I returned to Fort Henry with two boats, leaving two above to guard the transports.

On the 25th...I proceeded on down the river to Paducah as that place was reported to be in danger. I left the Brilliant to guard Forts Henry and Hindman [Heiman] till the expedition from above returned.

On the 1st of January [1863] I left the General Pillow at Paducah and proceeded up the Ohio to the mouth of the Cumberland, with the gunboats Fairplay, St. Clair, Brilliant, and Robb. Arriving at Smithland, I found both flanges of the starboard wheel of the Fairplay broken entirely off, and consequently, by directions from the fleet captain, had to take her up the river for repairs. Also, being out of coal, I sent the boats to Caseyville, to take on a good supply. Finding on my arrival at Caseyville all the mines monopolized, I was compelled to take possession of them in order to get coal for the flotilla. After the St. Clair and Brilliant had finished coaling, the returned to Smithland and started up the Cumberland for Nashville with a fleet of transports. The Robb remained at Caseyville to hold possession of the mines and have a large barge filled for our use.

On the 4th...I arrived at Madison, Ind., and made arrangements for going on the ways. On the 5th went on the ways and commenced repairs. On the 21st, having completed repairs, returned to Smithland and made preparations for going up the Cumberland.

During my absence the Robb had brought down from the mines some 10,000 bushels of coal, and, with the Pillow, was patrolling the Tennessee, the St. Clair and Brilliant being yet up the Cumberland. I started to join them on the 22d, having in convoy a fleet of some 26 transports.

On the 28th I reached Nashville with the second fleet of transports and three gunboats. On the 30th returned down the river with a convoy of boats. The gunboat Silver Lake joined the fleet and reported for duty. On February 3 left Smithland with a fleet of 46 transports and the gunboats Lexington...Fairplay, St. Clair, Brilliant, Robb, and Silver Lake.

At 8 p. m. arrived at Dover, found the garrison completely surrounded by the enemy, and out of ammunition. The gunboats shelled and dispersed the rebels.

On the 7th arrived at Nashville with the entire fleet. On the 8th went above Nashville with the gunboats Fairplay and Robb, to the mouth of Stone’s [sic] River, to destroy some flats and ferries there. On the 9th returned to Smithland with a fleet of transports. On the 13th left Smithland again with another large fleet of transports, arriving at Nashville on the 15th instant. On the 17th returned to Smithland, coaled and started up the Tennessee with the gunboats Lexington, Fairplay, St. Clair, Brilliant, and Robb, leaving the Silver Lake and Springfield to convoy to Nashville a small fleet of transports.

On the morning of the 20th reached Clifton; found our forces in possession and the town in flames. Assisted the land forces back to the west side of the river and took charge of their prisoners....During the afternoon of the same day we took a detachment of dismounted cavalry aboard each boat and landed them on Eagle Nest Island for the purpose of searching for rebel stores and rebels, said to be on or near the island.

[From the 22d to 26th the fleet patrolled the Tennessee River in Alabama and returned to Smithland, Kentucky on the 4th of March.]

On the 12th [March] a fleet of transports started for Nashville under convoy of the gunboats St. Clair, Robb, and Springfield.

On the 13th the Lexington, Fairplay, and Brilliant made a patrol up the Tennessee: found all quiet in that vicinity.

Two boats will patrol the Tennessee constantly, while the remainder will remain on the Cumberland to patrol and convoy.

24, Anti-guerrilla sweep ordered from Clarksville, between the Tennessee River and Murfreesborough, and the Cumberland and Duck Rivers

Send two strong brigades, two batteries of artillery, and all your cavalry, with the pack animals and saddles, from Louisville, by steamer to Clarksville, there to disembark, and, with ten days' rations, to sweep the whole country from the Tennessee River to this place, between the Cumberland and Duck Rivers. The command should carry 120 rounds of ammunition per man, and have the limber-boxes and caissons filled. Please send balance of Granger's command by steamer to Nashville, to join me here as soon as possible.

2, Expedition from Forts Henry, Heiman and Donelson to vicinity of Duck River, and scout on Cumberland River to Palmyra environs

HDQRS. UNITED STATES FORCES, Forts Henry, Heiman, and Donelson, February 2, 1863.

Reports, confirmed by spy, that rebels have guns planted above and below near Palmyra, in a most eligible position, the country being broken and difficult of access. Have sent word to Col. Bruce that any move he may make will receive co-operation from Donelson, and, if possible, from this point. Rebels reported to have an immediate force of 1,000 and 2,000 within easy supporting distance. I think the number must be exaggerated. Are there any gunboats above?

HDQRS. UNITED STATES FORCES, Forts Henry, Heiman, and Donelson, February 2, 1863.

I start an expedition to-night to the vicinity of Duck River. Sent reconnoitering party up Cumberland this morning, Col. Bruce having sent word that 900 rebels, with one piece of artillery, are near Palmyra.

COL.: I have the honor to report the following information, just received from scouts:

Gen. Forrest, with his cavalry, is at Chapel Hill. Gen. Cheatham is encamped near Shelbyville, on the south side of Duck River. The dash made by your cavalry toward river caused a general falling back of all the rebel cavalry.

I seat myself to write a few lines to you. I received your letters dated Jan the 30^th 63. I was exceedingly glad to hear from you all. I got a pare [sic] of socks that Capt Matheny brought me. I got that letter that you sent by Mr [sic] Clinton. Them [sic] gloves that Mother sent by Mr Davis [sic]. I want a pare [sic] of pants from home if I can get them and Lt [sic] Drapers [sic] uniform coat if he will sell it.

The Yankees is in 12 mi [sic] of here and is advanceing [sic] this way. Col Dibrel [sic] told me yesterday that our Regt would go up the country about the 1^st of March if this order is not conter-manded [sic] which is liable to be done. I have no idea when I will be at home Father. Capt [sic] Matheny said you talked a while like comeing [sic] to see me. I would like to see you in Collumbia this rainney [sic] evning [sic]. I would give a $20 bill to see you here this evening. I must change the subject.

Capt Woolsy has not com [sic] this co [sic] since December. Lt [sic] William Wood has been in com[mand] of the co. [sic] Wee [sic] are on picket this evening. Wee [sic] are a guarding the ferry here at Duck River. I am commanding the co to day [sic].

Camp life is the place to find out a man [sic]. Lt [sic] Wood is a fine a man as I ever saw. I want you to change that fine boys [sic] name and call him William Wood in place of Woolsy. G H [sic] Grims is a find a man as I ever saw. P E Mathene [sic] an all our boys is fine fellows. The boys all seams [sic] to think well of me.

Understant [sic] that L G has brouihgt [sic] hium a Colts [sic] rifle. I have brouight [sic] me a navy at 95 dollars in December. I dont [sic] have to carry a gun. Father I captured me a splendid [sword?] at Trenton. I throwed my old saber [sic] away. Father I expect to draw money in a few weeks and I will send you some more money. I want you to keep a hand hired [sic] if you can all the time.

Wee [sic] have a song in camps [illegible] the Happy Land of Canan. It is a pretty song.

Mother I often think when shall wee [sic] all meet again. It is conquor [sic] or die for if we are conquereed [sic] I never can live in this land any longer but if I am blessed with life and health and wee [sic] gain our indipendence [sic] I hope that I will live to return home and see many days of pleasure with you all. I think of home often. When I am far away I feel verry [sic] lonesome a way [sic] from you all in a distant land. Mother I want you to remember me while I am in a distland [sic] land from you.

I got me [sic] a splendid supper to night [sic] for fifty cts [sic] in Collumbia [sic]. I must close for the present. Write evry [sic] chance you can. Direct your letter to Lt A J. Lacy, Col G. G. Dibrell’s Reg[iment] 8^th Tenn [sic] Cavalry. I must close: [sic]

16, Letter from Major-General Leonidas Polk, in Shelbyville, to his wife, Frances, at Ashwood in Maury County

I have received your letters since my return and am glad to know you have received mine. Fanny’s last informs me of your pleasure at getting mine. Tell her I thank her for her letters. I was quite anxious to know whether the negroes [sic] had been clothed and shod and hired out, all which she gave me information of. The snow much have fallen quite heavily and the cold-the thermoter [sic] at 10-must have caused you all to shrivel up.

I was glad to hear you had so good a supply of wood. You will receive this day my Meck (?) (Dr. W. M. Polk) [sic] who I send to see you on a furlough of twenty days. He will give you all the news and he will also tell you that I have relieved him from his situation as 1st Lieut. of his battery and made him assistant to the Chief of Artillery. I found that he was seriously embarrassed by the weight of responsibility and care that was attached to his affairs. His Captains [sic] health was band and as he was second in command he had to bear up the whole weight of taking care of the battery and fighting it in battle. I perceived this was weighing upon him and making him prematurely grave and I may say old, and though pride and vanity on my part at his advancement and prospects-so much ahead of his years, might have prompted me to keep him where he was, especially as he had the prospect of advancement to the office of Captain might have induced me to continue him where he was, yet my duty to him as a father forbid this and I ordered him to be relieved and put into a position of equal honour and of great usefulness, and where his attainment in his particular branch would be available for the government. He is entirely satisfied with it and indeed had the good sense to desire it,-I think it will be much better for him every way, as it is certainly a great relief to him. I hope
his visit will be a great pleasure to you and his sister.

He takes with him a present from me to you. It is a dress pattern. I think it very pretty, and as it is all cotton and spun and woven in Tennessee-home spun-I hope you will value it and am sure you will wear it. The pattern I send you is with the broad stripe and I think will “make up” very prettily. I send also enough of the same style and figure and of other figures for dresses for all the girls, and also for Emily and for Kate, and for Emily’s children and for Kate’s children. Kate’s will have to be kept for her until she comes up in the summer. You can distribute the patterns in any way you please. You will all be very fine in your new cotton dresses, and I hope very comfortable also. The goods cost 50 [cents] per yard at the mill. The mill is on [the] Duck River and turned by water power about two miles below this town. The mill is owned I believe chiefly by the old gentlemen with whom we are living.

The Yankees have not moved as yet, though I think they will do so not many days hence. Their preparations are all pretty well completed and they will no doubt move in the next ten days. Our force has been very much increased by accessions and if they have had additions, so have we;[2] I think our increase has lessened the disparity between their numbers and ours since the battle of Murfreesborough, and General Vandorn [sic] comes to us this week with six thousand cavalry, we shall find ourselves in a better condition to encounter them than at the last battles. We shall certainly make a stand this side of the mountains[3] and I see no reason why we should not give a good account of ourselves. Our trust is in the living God, to whom we look for wisdom to guide us and courage to sustain us; and may He be with us ever more!

I have completed and sent off the reports of the battles of Shiloh and Perryville and am very well satisfied with them both. They are clear and precise and I think will prove satisfactory and creditable to my command. The [report for the] battle of Murfreesborough I will complete so soon as I can get hold of the reports of my subordinate commanders. They are coming in now. I shall immediately write up all I can in advance of the coming in of the reports.

I am very well and quite comfortably situated in every respect. Meck will tell you of my general condition and surroundings.

Mr. (W. D.) Gale is with me and makes himself very useful. I like him very much. As he sleeps in the room with me I have seen a good deal of him, and find him a very estimable gentleman of high principle and much more than ordinary application and intelligence. Harry Yeatman is also with me and is likewise a very clever fellow and very useful. Richmond has gone to the capitol of Virginia [sic] to see after my affairs.[4] He will not be back for some days.

Willy Huger writes me he is doing very well, is on his crutches and is getting on as well as can be desired.

I think the general prospects of peace are increasing though we must have some battles yet before it is effected. I do not think it probable the war will last beyond the summer, perhaps not beyond spring.

Give my love to all the dear girls and to Hamilton, his wife and the little fellows, and tell Frank that General Rabbit send his love to him.

MARCH 4-5, 1863.-Skirmish (4th) near Franklin, Tenn., and engagement (5th) at Thompson's Station, or Spring Hill, Tenn.

Army, commanding Department of the Cumberland. MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., March 6, 1863--11.20 a. m.

Gen. Gilbert was ordered to send a brigade from Franklin, to reconnoiter toward Spring Hill, in connection with a movement via Eagleville. I have received the following from Gen. Granger:

The expedition ordered from this point on the 3d was, I fear, drawn into a trap while passing a defile near Thompson's Station, and some 1,800 men, have fallen into the hands of the enemy, including killed, wounded, and prisoners. I have reason to believe that the enemy has suffered severely. Van Dorn commanded. Gen. Sheridan made a reconnaissance on the 4th to Unionville, near Duck River, and the cavalry routed two rebel camps, capturing 70 prisoners, among whom were 5 commissioned officers, 21 wagons, and a considerable quantity of camp equipage and stores. Brig.-Gen. Steedman, on the same day, routed a rebel force at Chapel Hill, and captured 100 prisoners. The expedition has not yet returned.

I have fallen back to this place from Rutherford Creek. Our cavalry penetrated to within 1 mile of Columbia. My best information is that Van Dorn's force hastily retreated to the south side of Duck River. None were on this side, in our front. Sheridan's division, with Minty's cavalry, leave to-morrow morning for Murfreesborough. There is a rumor that a portion of Van Dorn's fore were unable to cross in front of Columbia, and have passed up this side of Duck River, in the direction of Shelbyville, to cross at White's Bridge. I would suggest that the troops at Eagleville be pushed rapidly in that direction, to intercept them. If this rumor should prove certain, I will make a dash on Raleigh and farther.

….I told you that if the rebels did not run we would have a big fight. Well they did run. We chased them to within 2½ miles of Columbia. But they run faster than we so we came back. Got home last night having been without our tents 11 days and it has rained half the time….

CAPT.: On the receipt of the order from headquarters Cavalry Division, date March 30, I immediately moved my command to Lexington; and although I had reliable information relative to the state of affairs this side of the Tennessee River that did not agree with the report received by Gen. Hurlbut, I, on the morning of the 31st instant, sent Capt. Adamson with Companies C and B to scout the country in the neighborhood of the mouth of Duck River, as per instructions. The expedition returned to-day, after a successful scout, in which they captured 14 prisoners, the most of whom were armed, destroying a number of boats, and establishing beyond a doubt the falsity of the report of the crossing of a large body of the enemy to this side.

I herewith send the prisoners captured. For their names and cause of arrest I respectfully refer you to the inclosed report of Capt. Adamson. To-morrow I will send one company in the neighborhood of Huntingdon, to intercept, if possible, McClanahan and his men on their return. I will also in the morning send one company in the vicinity of Decaturville and Mathenes's Ferry, to attend to the small parties roving around in the neighborhood. I succeeded in arresting three of the men of the Second West Tennessee Cavalry, as per order by the man Elliott. I put them in charge of Capt. Hays, with the assurance from him that he would be responsible for their appearance at Jackson.

I am under the impression that the rations for this detachment are far below the allowances, for, after the greatest economy, they fail to hold out for the time intended.

The Union meeting to-day was a success, and very numerously attended. In connection with this report, I would say that a private of Company F, Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, who was wounded at the fight at this place some four month ago, has been left here since, and has suffered severely for the want of proper medical treatment. I think he ought to be removed to Jackson. His name is Thomas Dungan.

SIR: Pursuant to your instructions, I left Lexington on the morning of the 31st ultimo, with Companies C and B, commanded, respectively, by Lieut.'s Wirts and Bingham, to scout the country in the vicinity of the mouth of Duck River, and ascertain the truth of the report as to the crossing of any force of the enemy in that vicinity. Passing through Buck Snort, I reached a point on the Camden road some 8 miles from the river, where I learned with certainty that no force had crossed in that vicinity; but ascertaining that McClanahan had crossed near Rock Quarry with some 30 men, I proceeded in that direction, passing through Howesville, and thence east to the house of a noted secessionist named Conrad. I arrested him and his three brothers on the evidence of Dr. Ganess, who states that they have been aiding and abetting the parties of guerrillas in the vicinity.

In the morning I proceeded toward the river, upon reaching which I sent parties in different directions. One squad of 4, under Corporal [Samuel P.] Harvey, of Company C, met 7 of McClanahan's men, well armed with pistols and carbines (dismounted), going to the river with the intention of crossing. The corporal succeeded in capturing the entire party. We also discovered three large flat-boats, which we destroyed completely, as also a small skiff, and on searching some houses in the vicinity found three shot-guns, two rifles, some belts, several boxes of caps, &c., which had been secreted by the guerrillas. The men captured had been in the direction of Clarksburg, with McClanahan and some 20 more. The rest had gone to Trenton, with the intention of conscripting and seizing horses, &c., as McClanahan had received authority to raise a regiment from Gen. Forrest. All those captured had left their horses some 5 miles east of the Tennessee, at the houses of citizens. I learned from reliable sources that there were parts of two regiments of cavalry (some 600 of Van Dorn's command) at Linden, and scattered in small parties near the river, consequently I did not think it best to run the risk of crossing over to secure the horses. Returning to Conrad's, I found that Lieut. [Melvin] Stillson, whom I had left there with 10 men to scout that vicinity, had met a couple of guerrillas, and after a long chase captured one, with complete equipments, and the horse of the other. I then moved my command toward Lexington, on the Broady's Ferry road, scouting the country thoroughly for some miles on both sides of the road, arresting one man named George Moore, armed with rifle and pistol, and mounted. I also arrested his brother, James Moore. Both of the men bear bad characters, and are strongly suspected of being connected with the guerrillas. I staid for the night at the house of Los. [sic] Moore, and reached Lexington next day at noon, according to instructions. The result of the scout is the ascertaining with certainty that there is no force within 25 miles of the vicinity scouted, excepting some 30 of McClanahan's men, and a squad of 15 who had been robbing in the vicinity of Decaturville; the capture of 9 guerrillas and 5 citizens, 2 horses and saddles, 4 carbines, 4 revolvers, 2 single-barreled pistols, 5 shot-guns, and 4 rifles....

The enemy are repairing all the bridges from Savannah east and Florence north. They are also building a large number of boats in several of the creeks. They also guard the line of the [Tennessee] river from Florence to Duck River, and now have heavy bodies of cavalry massed near Mount Pleasant. Three gunboats have gone up the river.

26, Engagement, U. S. N. and Brigadier-General Alfred W. Ellet’s Mississippi Marine Brigade at Duck River Island

This engagement was between the 6th Texas Rangers (cavalry), at Duck River Island, [a.k.a. Little Rock Landing], west of the mouth of the Duck River, on the Tennessee River. After the Texans fired a few cannon bursts and rifle volleys at the Navy boats, the Marine Brigade landed and scattered the Texans into the surrounding marshland. The use of such amphibious tactics was both relatively new as well as rare and was repeated on the Tennessee River during the war.[6]

Report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of commanding officer of U. S. S. Emma Duncan regarding engagement at [Duck River Shoals] Green Bottom Bar, Tennessee River.

[On the morning of the 26th]....I cruised on up leisurely, keeping a good look out for the enemy along the right bank, but saw no signs of them till I arrived at Duck River Shoals, when I heard musketry and artillery a short distance (not a mile) ahead. I pushed on over the bar and met General Ellet’s fleet just at the head of the shoals engaging the rebel battery. I was then in good range and at once opened fire on the enemy. There was not room for his boats to round to or to back out of the channel. He was compelled to push on over the bank before he could effect a landing.

I took the battery side and moved on up to cover his boats as much as possible, at the same time raking the bank without heavy guns. The ram Monarch by this time came in range and opened fire also.

As soon as I rounded the point the enemy fired a farewell shot at one of the brigade goats, limbered up and were off. Some few sharpshooters remaining behind fired a few shots at a transport having on board sick and wounded.

Several of the enemy were found dead on the bank, and many more were dragged off in the woods. I should suppose that their loss in killed and wounded is about 25 or 30.

I believe General Ellet lost 2 killed and 1 wounded on his boats, also some horses killed.

About 11 p. m. I left General Ellet at the foot of the bar and proceeded on up the river with his boat and the Emma Duncan to communicate with the fleet above. I arrived at Eastport (Mississippi) in the afternoon of the 27th....

No. 1.-Brig. Gen. Alfred W. Ellet, U. S. Army, commanding Mississippi Marine Brigade with itinerary of the command for April, 1863.

Report of Brig. Gen. Alfred W. Ellet, U. S. Army, commanding Mississippi Marine Brigade, with itinerary of the command for April, 1863.

I have the honor to report that, in compliance with instructions received from Admiral Porter, I proceeded with my command up Tennessee River to Eastport, Miss., without interruption from the enemy. Returning in consequence of low water, I made several raids into the country, and destroyed a number of important mills and considerable amount of subsistence and supplies belonging to the enemy. At the mouth of Duck River my boats were attacked by 700 cavalry, with two pieces of artillery, commanded by Maj. [R. M.] White, of Sixth Texas Rangers. The fight was spirited for a few moments only. The enemy were driven back and pursued some 12 miles in the interior, with the loss of Maj. White, mortally wounded and left near the field, and 1 lieutenant and 8 men killed. They carried off a large number of wounded in wagons and on horses. We buried their dead. Our loss was 2 men killed and 1 wounded. The west bank of the Tennessee River was lined with refugees, who have been driven from their homes for love to the old Union. I exhausted my supplies in providing for their necessities.

The Tennessee River is too low for my boats to operate in with safety. My orders from Admiral Porter do not provide for this emergency. I shall hope to receive instructions from the Department.

On the morning of the 26th, was attacked below the mouth of Duck River by the enemy, 700 strong, commanded by Maj. [R. M.] White, of the Sixth Texas Rangers, with three pieces of artillery. Landed and pursued the enemy 12 miles, killing 10 men, including Maj. White, and wounding many more. The enemy escaped, in consequence of the utter impracticability of effecting a landing at the point of attack. Our loss was 2 men killed and several wounded, only 1 seriously.

HDQRS. SIGNAL DETACHMENT, MISS. MARINE BRIGADE, Flag-ship Autocrat, April 26, 1863.

CAPT.: I have the honor to report that the signal detachment of the Mississippi Marine Brigade has had an opportunity to test its efficiency and make itself useful, to some extent, in the following manner:

At a few minutes past 8 o'clock this morning, while passing a point on the Tennessee River, a few miles below Duck River, where the direction of the current compelled us to run within 50 yards of the land, our fleet was opened upon by a field battery of four guns and a regiment of cavalry. The Autocrat, being in advance, was the first to receive the fire. The Diana came next, followed by the Adams, each receiving a raking fire at close range, but with very slight casualties. The Autocrat replied instantly with musketry, the Diana and Adams with musketry and field artillery. Our fire becoming too hot for the rebels, they immediately limbered up and fell back in great haste, out of musket range. The general discovering this, ordered me to signal the other boats to land their forces at once. The order was instantly understood, both by J. Q. Adams, on the Diana, and Lieut. Wilson, on the Adams. This order was immediately followed by instructions about the position in which they should land. As a result of this signaling, the troops were ready to march out almost at the instant the landing was made. We have officers on each of the five large boats who are able to read signals quite readily, and I have the honor to say that I am reliably informed that they were all upon the hurricane deck during the engagement, with glasses and equipments, on close lookout for signals. The Diana and Adams were both hotly engaging the enemy at the time their signals were given, and the Adams was receiving the fire of his battery.

Officers and men deserve commendation for their coolness and close attention to duty.

As the following correspondence indicates, there is some discrepancy concerning the actual date of the fight at the mouth of the Duck River, although since the naval forces were closer to the action than Major-General Hurlbut it seems safest to conclude the fight took place on the 26th, not the 24th.

Scouts in from Hamburg report that all the gunboats (five) and all transport (nine) left Hamburg at 11 o'clock to-day to descend river, to return no more. The Marine Brigade left last Friday [24th]. Had severe fight at mouth of Duck River. Three gunboats, that came up with the order for Stanley and gunboats to go out, had also encountered light battery, and had fight at same place. [24th]. Dodge took rations of bread and meat; balance of stores were taken back on transports. This leaves river open again. I shall have to communicate with Dodge through country, 50 miles. No other information to-day.

CIRCULAR. HDQRS. HARDEE'S CORPS, ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Wartrace, Tenn., April 27, 1863

Should this command be ordered to retire on Tullahoma before the completion of the bridges over Duck River and Garrison's Fork, the following dispositions will be made:

Breckinridge's division will retire via Manchester. Helm and Brown will move on the Murfreesborough and Manchester pike, and Adams and Preston on the road leading from Wartrace to Manchester.

Cleburne's division will move direct to Tullahoma crossing Duck River at the bridge known as Schoefner's Bridge, about 5 miles from Wartrace.

Division and brigade commanders will at once examine all the roads indicated in this order over which their respective commands will pass, and with which they are not already thoroughly acquainted.

Should Garrison's Fork, in rear of Helm's and Brown's brigades, be come so swollen as to be impassable, then these brigades will retire by moving direct to Wartrace, and thence following Cleburne.

GEN.: We drove the rebels back through Old Fosterville into Guy's Gap this afternoon, from which they opened on us with artillery. The gap is very strong and difficult to turn, except by making a wide detour. From the best information I can get, there are three or four regiments of infantry in Guy's Gap, with one battery. There are other infantry regiments a short distance back toward Shelbyville. Gen. Wharton's division of cavalry is also at and about the gap. [W. T.] Martin's brigade of cavalry left Tuesday morning for Chapel Hill, and probably Wiggins' battery ditto. One regiment of cavalry, supposed to be the Eighth Texas, left in the direction of Manchester this morning. Mitchell whipped them handsomely at Middleton yesterday. Killed some 10 or 15 men and 50 horses, besides the wounded. How are Thomas and McCook progressing?

June 25, marched the command, by the cross-roads at Jamison's farm, to Christiana, where I joined the force under Gen. Gordon Granger. Our pickets near Fosterville having been driven in during the afternoon by the enemy's cavalry, Col. Patrick was sent, which his own regiment, the Fifth Iowa, and the Fourth Michigan, to ascertain his force. After a spirited skirmish, the enemy was driven back upon his infantry force at Guy's Gap, where a battery of artillery opened upon Col. Patrick's command. He retired at dark, with no loss, to his camp.

June 26, rained nearly all day.[7] Time spent in getting up forage and rations and posting detachments to watch the movements of the enemy. Next morning, June 27, orders were received from the general commanding the army to dislodge the enemy from Guy's Gap. At 9 o'clock we left Christiana for the gap, Gen. Mitchell's division leading, with orders to take the right-hand road at Old Fosterville, leading by Middleton, and turn the gap. The division turned off the road for this purpose, and Minty's brigade was thus put in advance upon the pike. Skirmishing commenced at Old Fosterville, and an inspection of the enemy's position convincing me that the enemy was not in force of all arms at the gap, I asked Gen. Granger to permit a direct attack upon the pass. He acquiesced in this, and, pushing forward, our forces deployed. The enemy abandoned their position and fled toward Shelbyville, closely pursued by the First Middle Tennessee Cavalry, Col. Galbraith commanding, supported by the Fourth Regular Cavalry, Capt. McIntyre commanding.

Immediately afterward I directed Col. Minty to support this movement with his whole brigade. The enemy in considerable force, consisting of Martin's division and a part of Wharton's, all under command of Wheeler, made a stand at the fortifications 4 miles north of Shelbyville, where they commenced shelling our advance. Col. Minty immediately sent the Fourth Michigan to the right, dismounted, but, finding the distance they must necessarily travel was very great, they remounted and advanced through the abatis on horseback, and, after a severe skirmish, they succeeded in getting in on the enemy's left flank, when they fled in haste. As the enemy began to mount, the Seventh Pennsylvania charged up the pike, supported by the Fourth Regulars, and, deploying to the right and left as they passed through the earthworks, succeeded in capturing many of the rebels. From this point up to the time that our advance reached the precincts of Shelbyville the whole brigade pursued them closely, but when they again opened with their artillery, our men being much scattered in the long charge, fell back out of range and reformed. Gen. Granger and myself were still at Guy's Gap when the state of affairs came to us by couriers. I immediately wrote an order to Col. Minty to charge their battery and take it, at the same time Gen. Mitchell being ordered to support the movement with his entire division. A section of the Eighteenth Ohio Battery, Capt. Aleshire commanding, preceded Mitchell's division. Shortly afterward Gen. Granger and myself started to Shelbyville, but before arriving at the place, the energy of Gen. Mitchell and Col. Minty, nobly seconded by the gallant troops under their command, had won for us a decided victory over the rebels. The latter had been dislodged from the stand they made at the line of entrenchments, principally by the gallantry of the Fourth Michigan, Maj. Mix commanding. Their regiment attacked them with revolving rifles. The rebels fled to the town, where they attempted another stand on the line of the public square and railroad depot, but a part of Col. Minty's brigade charging them on the pike, in the teeth of their battery, and Col. Campbell's brigade cutting off their retreat at the upper bridge over Duck River, the enemy was overthrown, routed, his cannon and 591 prisoners captured, including 6 field officers, and a large number, estimated as high as 200, of the enemy killed, wounded, and drowned in Duck River. The charge upon the enemy's battery was led by the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, headed by Capt. Davis, and, as the charge was made down a stone pike, by fours, upon a three-gun battery, supported by mounted infantry (dismounted), the annals of this war will not probably show a more gallant charge. The enemy threw away their arms in their flight and two of their generals-Wheeler and Martin-escaped by swimming the river. Some five or six hundred stand of arms and a considerable amount of commissary and ordnance stores fell into our hands. For the details of this gallant affair, I refer you to the reports of Gen. Mitchell and Col. Minty.

At midnight I learned from one of my scouts that Forrest's command, which had floundered in the mud all day between Unionville and Middleton, was crossing Duck River 4 miles below us, in great disorder, and endeavoring to escape to Tullahoma.

I consulted Gen. Granger as to the propriety of moving our whole force to attack and intercept him, but the general was of the opinion that the command was too much wearied to move in the night. As the matter turned out, I think it was very unfortunate that this attack was not made, as I think we could have completely routed this part of Forrest's force.

[June] 28, marched the command back to Guy's Gap and supplied ourselves with rations and ammunition.

[June] 29, having detached four regiments from my command for service at Murfreesborough, I marched the remainder, starting at 1 a. m., to Shelbyville, hoping to surprise some of Forrest's stragglers, but finding no rebels in Shelbyville, marched the command to Fairfield, Mitchell's First Brigade going on to Beech Grove.

[June] 30, moved from Fairfield to Manchester; but owing to scarcity of forage, marched Mitchell's division back, by the Pan-Handle road, to Walker's Mill.

July 1, Col. Minty's brigade marched back to Walker's Mill. Learning, at 2 p. m., that Bragg's army had evacuated Tullahoma, orders were given for the entire cavalry force to march to Pelham, via Hillsborough. Gen. Turchin, with a part of Col. Long's brigade, not more than 400 men in all, and Capt. Stokes, with one section of his battery, started for Hillsborough at 11 p. m. Gen. Mitchell's division and Minty's brigade arrived at Manchester the morning of July 2. It having been ascertained that the enemy had not retreated by the way of Pelham, a courier was sent to Gen. Turchin to change his direction and march to Decherd. The main column, under my command, marched early in the morning for the same point, via Morris' Ford. We arrived at this place at 1 p. m., and found that the small force (only twelve companies) under Gen. Turchin's command had been repulsed in their attempt to cross in the forenoon. Gen. Turchin, having arrived in advance of my column, immediate measures were taken to force the passage. Gen. Mitchell was directed to cross the upper and Gen. Turchin the lower ford. This was effected with little opposition-a fortunate circumstance, as the current was swift, and almost swam a horse. Col. Long's small brigade crossed first, and was soon engaged in a very heavy skirmish with the enemy's cavalry, driving them in the direction of Decherd.

The remainder of Turchin's and Mitchell's divisions came to the support as soon as they had crossed, and the enemy was pressed until night closed. This skirmish was disastrous to the enemy, 1 of his colonels being killed and 1 mortally wounded, who fell into our hands, besides 20 killed and left on the field. The troops camped during the night near the ford, and the artillery was crossed over.

July 3, moved to Decherd, sending the Seventh Pennsylvania to Brakefield Point and Col. Campbell's brigade to Cowan. Found nothing but stragglers and deserters. Learned that the last of the rebels had crossed the mountains. Encamped at Decherd. The incessant rain and consequent condition of the roads rendered the operations of the cavalry difficult and exceedingly trying to men and horses. The impossibility of bringing and exceedingly trying to men and horses. The impossibility of bringing up forage in wagons, and the absence of feed in the "Barrens" of the Cumberland Mountains, the constant rain depriving our poor beasts of their rest, has reduced the cavalry considerably. They now require some little rest and refitting.

Sergeant [Henry B.] Wilson, of my escort, deserves special mention for his gallantry at Shelbyville, capturing almost unaided 12 or 15 prisoners.

Please find accompanying reports of division and brigade commanders; also list of casualties.

COL.: I have the honor to submit to the general commanding the Department of the Cumberland the following report of the attack made upon the rebel forces at Guy's Gap and Shelbyville, and of the occupation of those points by the forces under my command, on the 27th ultimo:

I have not yet received, from officers acting under my direction, reports of the part taken by their respective commands in the engagements of that day, and, therefore, I am unable to make this report in detail; to mention the special action of different and distinct parts of my command, and to name the officers and men most conspicuous for gallantry and a display of soldier like qualities, and those (if there are any such) who deserve censure for bad conduct or neglect of duty; nor am I able to give, in exact numbers, the loss we sustained, although I can proximate it sufficiently to state it with reasonable certainty.

At 2 o'clock on the morning of June 23, I received orders from the general commanding the Army of the Cumberland to move at daylight with all of the forces under my command, then at Triune, for Salem, save the division of cavalry under the immediate command of Gen. Mitchell, which I sent on that morning to attack the rebels at Rover and Middleton, with directions to drive them out of those places. In accordance with this order, I marched my command, and arrived at the designated point on the night of the same day (June 23). Under additional instructions there received, I marched the next day to a point on the Murfreesborough and Shelbyville pike, near Christiana, where I halted my command, awaiting further orders.

Gen. Mitchell arrived at Rover on the afternoon of the day on which he left Triune, and there met the enemy. After a sharp fight, lasting for over two hours, he drove them out of, and 2 miles beyond, the town. On the next day he again attacked the enemy at Middleton, and succeeded in handsomely whipping them, and in driving them before him.

An Official report of the casualties in these two engagements has not yet been made to me, but Gen. Mitchell states that his loss will not amount to over 20 men, while the enemy suffered greatly in killed and wounded.

On the next day (Thursday, June 25), Gen. Mitchell joined me at my camp near Christiana. At the same time Gen. Stanley, with part of his cavalry command, also reported to me at that place. It was on the morning of this day (June 25) that I sent Lieut.-Col. Patrick, with the Fifth Iowa Cavalry and the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, to observe the enemy at Fosterville. He found them there in strong force, but, by a bold dash, he gallantly drove them beyond the town, where they again made a stand and opened upon him with artillery. In obedience to my instructions, he then withdrew his forces, and returned to Christiana.

At 6 o'clock on the morning of June 27, I received a dispatch from the commanding general, directing me to feel the enemy at Guy's Gap. In accordance therewith, in one hour from that time I advanced with part of my command toward that point, moving on the Shelbyville pike. I sent Gen. Stanley, with the cavalry, in front, and ordered Gen. Baird's division of infantry to follow in close supporting distance. Upon reaching a point about 2 miles north of the gap, we met the enemy's skirmishers in the open fields. They exhibited such strength and resistance as to warrant us in the belief that they held the gap in force, and that they would there make a stubborn resistance to our advance. After skirmishing for about two hours, however, the enemy suddenly fell back to the gap, and there showed signs of a hasty retreat. Feeling confident that we could successfully attack them there, I then ordered Gen. Stanley to bring up his cavalry and clear the gap at once. The order was promptly obeyed, and the enemy sought safety in flight, running in the direction of Shelbyville. Part of our cavalry followed them in an exciting chase, capturing about 50 prisoners, killing and wounding a number, and pursuing them 7 miles, of their rifle-pits, which were about 3 miles north of Shelbyville. Here, at the intersection of the Shelbyville pike with the rifle-pits, in a small earthwork, the enemy had planted two guns; by a well-directed fire from these our advance was for a short time stayed. I was now positively assured by the action of the enemy, and by such meager and indefinite intelligence as I could gain from citizens in the neighborhood of the gap, that the rebel forces which had been stationed at Shelbyville were then evacuating that place; and although the orders I had received did not contemplate an advance beyond the gap, I determined to push forward and strike the rear of the retreating rebel forces, which forces, I afterward discovered, composed the corps commanded by Lieut.-Gen. Polk, numbering about 18,000 men. I rapidly pushed the cavalry force of my command forward. The advance soon charged over the rifle-pits, turning the point where the enemy had planted their guns, and again causing them to rapidly retreat, taking their guns with them, following them to within three-quarters of a mile of Shelbyville, where we were again held at bay by a large force of the enemy, formed on the north side of and in the town, and by a battery of three guns, that was planted in the town in such position as to command all of the approaches thereto from the north. It was now after 6 p. m. At this juncture I closed up our advancing column, and a cavalry charge was then made. Within thirty minutes afterward the town of Shelbyville was in our possession. Three superior brass guns, one of which was rifled, were captured, and the captain commanding the battery, with all of his officers and most of his men present, were our prisoners. Over 500 additional prisoners were captured in another part of the town. This charge was so irresistible and daring, and was made so unexpectedly to the enemy, that they were unable to check it by the fire of their guns and musketry, and were also unable to save their guns by flight.

One gun, however, was hurried away, and taken as far as the bridge that crosses Duck River, on the south side of the town, on the road to Tullahoma, but its wheels broke through the bridge, and the enemy was compelled to abandon it. This served to partially blockade the bridge, thereby preventing the rapid retreat of a large body of rebel cavalry which was yet on the north side of the river, closely pursued by our forces. The retreat now became a perfect rout. Those who could not cross the bridge endeavored to swim the river, which was very much swollen by the late rains. But few reached the other side, while many were drowned. In the midst of their confusion the rebel Gen. Wheeler called upon some of his troops to form and stop our advance. The First Confederate Cavalry volunteered for this duty, and, In endeavoring to perform It, saved their general (Wheeler), who escaped by swimming the river, while the whole regiment, save those of it who were killed, was captured by our forces, including the colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major, and all of the line officers present. It was now dark, and we had destroyed all of the rebel forces in the vicinity of Shelbyville north of Duck River. Our horses being perfectly exhausted and the men worn out, I ordered a halt until midnight for the purpose of resting them, then intending to pursue and overtake the enemy's train; but even by that time, so exhausting had been our march and chase of the day, we were not in a condition to proceed farther.

In the morning, as there was no possibility of overtaking the enemy, and as our men were out of rations, in accordance with the instructions of the commanding general, I send the cavalry, under the command of Gen. Stanley, to Manchester, via Fairfield and Wartrace, while I returned with Gen. Baird's division-which remained behind the day before to hold Guy's Gap-to my camp near Christiana.

Our loss in killed and wounded at Guy's Gap and Shelbyville will amount to about 50. This number can safely be set down as the maximum. We did not lose a man by capture.

The enemy lost in killed, wounded, and drowned in Duck River, at the least estimate, from 200 to 225. Our list of prisoners captured accounts for 509. Many of the enemy when captured were hurried off before their names could be obtained for the list from which this account is taken; so that, including them, the total number of prisoners captured by our forces can be placed at 700, including about 40 commissioned officers.

We also captured about 3,000 sacks of corn and corn meal, a few animals, and a quantity of meat, whisky, ammunition, and small-arms, that the enemy could not carry off in their precipitous flight. I cannot praise too highly the bold dash and gallant conduct of our cavalry at Shelbyville. The efficiency of this branch of the service, not only in this, but in all of our late engagements with the enemy, has been established beyond a doubt. The enemy can no longer boast of the superiority of their cavalry and of its accomplishments.

We met with an enthusiastic reception from the loyal citizens of Shelbyville; our soldiers were received with tears of joy, and our flag, that had been secretly hid for months, floated from many houses.

SIR: I have the honor to transmit you the following report of the incidents that came under my observation at the entrance of our forces into Shelbyville, Tenn. [8]:

After entering he fortifications, our battalion (the Third) formed on the left, facing toward the Shelbyville pike, and charged the enemy, who were in considerable force in front and to the right of us. We routed and drove them across an open field, but they formed again in the edge of the woods, our line being very much broken, in consequence of the nature of the ground which we were obliged to pass over, so much so that we were compelled to halt and reform our line, which we did in the rear of some old buildings, the enemy keeping up a brisk fire during the mean time. As soon as we could form, we charged again, and drove the enemy toward and across the Shelbyville pike, a portion of them taking the pike into Shelbyville.

The balance, which I followed, crossed the pike in an easterly direction. After pursuing them for some distance, I found myself separated from the other companies of the battalion, and with but a portion of my own command, the horses of the rest having given out. I halted my men, and from the stragglers from the various regiments of the brigade soon had a sufficient acquisition to give me about 60 men in all. With these I again started in pursuit, and followed on until we struck the Fairfield pike, about a half mile from where it terminates and is crossed by the road which leads to the Shelbyville pike. The rebels, who were at this time some distance in advance of me, which they had gained when I halted my men (but in sight), reached and took this road, but before we reached it a column of the enemy from toward Shelbyville was seen in full flight, approaching, with the evident intention of escaping by the same road, but had not as yet discovered us. The head of their column reached and crossed the pike before we could reach it, but we charged through them, cutting their column in two, and driving that portion of it that we had cut off from the main body into a high inclosure, from which it was impossible for them to escape, and capturing the entire force, together with their arms, horses, and equipments, amounting, I should say, to 160 or 170 men.
I have the honor to be, &c., very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HDQRS. FIRST MICHIGAN ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS, Elk River Bridge, Tenn., July 13, 1863.

COL.: In accordance with instructions received from department headquarters by telegram this morning, I have the honor to make the following report concerning the operations and movements of this regiment since leaving Murfreesborough, Tenn.:

Late in the evening of June 28, orders were received from the general commanding for the regiment to repair and open the railroad from Murfreesborough to Tullahoma, and, in conformity with these directions, the regiment marched from Murfreesborough June 29, at 10 a. m. Lieut. Col. K. A. Hunton, with a detachment, proceeded down the line of the railroad, thorough examining the track to note any repairs that were needed. Between Bellbuckle and Wartrace they found 2½ miles of iron had been taken up and carried off. Col. Anderson having been ordered to replace the iron, the regiment proceeded to Duck River Crossing and commenced immediately to rebuild and repair the bridge at that point, 350 feet in length, which had been burned and chopped down by the enemy. A detachment was sent forward to Normandy, and rebuilt 150 feet of trestle which had been destroyed at that point. Having completed these bridges, the regiment moved toward Tullahoma, and a portion of the regiment chopped out and opened 1½ miles of new road, leading into Tullahoma, a greater portion of which was covered with corduroy, rendered necessary to assist the wagon trains with supplies to proceed.

Lieut. Col. K. A. Hunton, with a detachment, marched near the vicinity of Concord, on the branch of the McMinnville Railroad, and rebuilt two bridges' trestle-work; the first 55 feet in length, and the second 120 feet in length.

The conscription is working fearfully for the citizens of the Southern States; whole families are compelled to leave their homes on account of non-subscribing to the will of Jeff. Davis. A party of fifty came through here yesterday, direct from Georgia; they were driven from their homes on account of their loyalty. Among the number were several children, all without shoes, and many sick, occasioned by the cold weather and unremitting exposure. Their last camping ground is only a few miles from here, and a visit to it would convince any one of the barbarity of the enemy. Beside one of the shelter tents, made of rails and brush, are three graves, about two feet long, where some heartbroken women have been compelled to lay the remains of their dear children, who had frozen to death the night previous. Many are yet sick, and but few will live until they arrive at Nashville. Terrible will be the retribution for such acts, and soon will come the day of execution.

May 12, 1864, Camp Gillem, (located on Harden’s Hill a mile west of Nashville.)

From the 2nd instant up to the 8th my time was employed in scouting through the counties of Hickman and Maury. On the evening of the 3rd I sent Lieutenant Creasy, of the Twelfth (Tennessee Cavalry), with a detachment of twenty-five men, up Piney River, with instructions to move from thence up the Duck River, and cross, and report to me as soon as practicable, while myself, [sic] Lieutenant Orr, and the remainder of the command moved in a southwest course that evening. Next morning [May 3] I crossed Duck River by means of a ferry, the river being beyond fording. After crossing I divided my party and sent Lieutenant Orr, with fifteen men, up Duck River, with instructions to report to me that night at Judge Walker's, on said river. During the day he pursued a guerrilla very closely, so near the man was obliged to swim the stream, abandon his horse, and seek refuge in the mountains, the horse being left to our mercy. The same day I moved up Blue Buck Creek to Walker's, where I encamped for the night. On the morning of the 4th I moved up Lick Creek and Leatherwood Creek some twelve miles, from thence across the bluffs on to Dunlap Creek, where I remained until 8 p. m., when I started in pursuit of three deserters from our army, who were reported to me as being in the county as also being connected with a band of guerrillas and horse-thieves. I succeeded admirably in capturing two of them, namely, H. Love and Thomas Fitzgerald; the third one not to be found; [although a] diligent search was made for him.

During the time I was south of Duck River, Lieutenant Creasy was operating to a very good advantage north of the river. Up to this time he had captured two men, namely, Nat Suggs and Capt. George H. St. Claire, the former acknowledging to have been engaged in guerrilla warfare at one time, about a year a go, I think, about which time he, with others, fired upon a scouting party, and during the engagement said Suggs was wounded and paroled by Federal authority. The latter, St. Claire, claims to have been a captain in the One hundred and second Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and says his resignation was accepted by General Rosecrans some time in September last [i.e., September, 1863]. He furthermore states that owing to some private difficulty between himself and Miss ______, of Nashville, he left and moved to this mountainous region to act as a Federal spy; while on the contrary, citizens of the country have informed me that he had represented himself to them as being a deserter from the Union army, and had come among them to aid in carrying on a guerrilla warfare between the two parties; in no instance did he represent himself as being a Union man. Following the capture of the two above named men, Lieutenant Creasy heard of two guerrillas, and after striking their trail he pursued them o'er hill and dale until finally he was upon them, they being concealed in a house of ill fame, situated in a most secluded spot on the top of a large bluff. [10] The lieutenant, fearing escape on their part, dashed upon them alone and shot them both before any of his party were on the spot. Much credit is due Lieutenant Creasy for his gallantry in this single contest. The names of the killed are Colonel Pointer and Lieutenant Buford. Four army pistols and three horses were found with them....

During the absence of ten days I found abundance of corn and long forage, also subsistence for my men. Perfect order was kept throughout the entire march, and the rights of law-abiding citizens respected by my entire party. I realized some trouble by men not supplying themselves with extra horseshoes and nails. With this one exception all was right.

Wheeler's forces captured a company of Tennessee cavalry at Lebanon yesterday morning. They were skirmished by Gen. Van Cleve's scouts near Woodbury. A cavalry scout sent out from Duck River bridge drove in pickets of a heavy force of the enemy six miles east of that place yesterday evening. On yesterday the enemy attacked and drove in small force stationed at Tracy City, and destroyed a railroad bridge. Col. Krzyzanowski reports the enemy at Jasper yesterday. The telegraph all north of Duck River was cut last night. I know not what damage, if any, has been done to the railroad north of that place, but will soon know. No trains from Nashville since 6 p. m. last night.

A member of the detachment of the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry has brought the following communication:

We had a fight yesterday [30] with a detachment of Wheeler's brigade, and repulsed him. They claim to have had about 300 men. The enemy is reported to be about three-quarters of a mile from here, waiting for a piece of artillery. We can hold this place until we are re-enforced, unless they get artillery. We cannot get away without being captured by their cavalry. We have about thirty-five men and want help.

Gen., I am unable to send any re-enforcements from here. Can I request you for help for the troops at Tracy City? I have a pilot who can conduct the troops on a road about sixteen miles from this place.

I sent a strong force of cavalry to the enemy's rear this morning, who will drive them from the vicinity of Tracy City to-morrow, if they do not leave sooner. I think they will hear of them, and leave to-night.

1, Report of Operations of the Construction Corps, U. S. Military Railroad, February 10 – June 1, 1865.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of the Construction Corps, U. S. Military Railroads, Division of the Mississippi, from the date I was placed in charge, February 10, to June 1, 1865. Upon the completion of the work assigned me by Col. W. W. Wright, chief engineer, previous to his departure for Savannah, the rebuilding of the bridges on the Nashville, Decatur and Stevenson line, destroyed by Hood in his retreat from Nashville, amounting in the aggregate to 6,000 feet (linear), I reported to you at Nashville. On the 17th of February received orders from Gen. McCallum to send forward a division of the Construction Corps to Baltimore. I selected the Third Division, composed of Speers' and Bones' subdivisions of carpenters and workmen, comprising about 400 men, who, in charge of William McDonald, assistant engineer, left Nashville on February 25, with orders to proceed to Baltimore, and upon arrival there reporting to Gen. McCallum at Washington, D. C. This division I recalled from the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad, where they had been sent a few days before, Gen. Thomas deciding not to prosecute the work any further at that time. Upon the withdrawal of this division I organized the Seventh Division of trackmen, detaching a part of the Fourth Division of carpenters as a bridge force. The Second Division having been transferred to North Carolina some time previous, and the Fifth and Sixth Divisions employed upon the Nashville and Northwestern and Nashville and Clarksville lines, left us on the 1st of March with the First, Fourth, and Seventh Divisions, amounting in all to about 2,000 men.

On the 1st of March, by your order, I transferred the Fifth and Sixth Divisions of the Construction Corps, engaged in the construction and maintenance of the Northwestern and Clarksville lines, to the transportation department, they taking entire control of the roads from that date.

February 16 sent the First Division of trackmen, who had been assisting the bridge force on the Nashville, Decatur and Stevenson line, to Chattanooga, and returned the bridge-builders of the First Division, by order of Gen. Thomas, to Columbia, to erect a permanent turnpike bridge across Duck River at that point. I directed Mr. Rozelle, superintendent in charge, to put up a Howe truss of three spans, 112 feet each, using the bolts and castings of bridges destroyed on the railroad. The bridge was finished the latter part of May, having been built at intervals when the division was not otherwise employed. It is a strong and permanent structure of 350 feet in length, costing about $50 per foot (linear), which I would respectfully suggest charging the turnpike company or corporation of Columbia with.

On the 25th of February we were visited by a freshest, almost unprecedented, which destroyed or injured to a greater or less extent all the bridges on the Nashville, Decatur and Stevenson line, on the Northwestern, five on the Chattanooga and Atlanta line between Chattanooga and Dalton, and two on the Clarksville line. The repairs of the roads were commenced at once by the First Division, the permanent bridge force of the various lines, and a large force of Nagle's men furnished by the transportation department. The bridges on the Chattanooga and Atlanta line were at the same time commenced by the Fourth Division, in charge of C. Latimer, division engineer, who upon their completion repaired with his force to the Elk River bridge on Nashville, Dacatur and Stevenson line, and continued working from that end of the line until joined by Rozelle, working south.

On the 3d of March we had another freshest, almost as disastrous as the former one, destroying again nearly all the bridges we had rebuilt, and this time washing out three bridges on the Nashville and Chattanooga line and throwing four others out of line. Large forces of men were immediately put to work, and after an interruption of one week communication was again established with Chattanooga on the Northwestern and Nashville, Decatur and Stevenson lines. Communication was not fully restored until the 28th. Owing to the destruction in part of the Red River bridge the Clarksville line west of Springfield was abandoned.

On March 12 received orders from Gen. Thomas to reopen the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad from Strawberry Plains to Bull's Gap, and put it in condition to sustain as heavy a business as was done upon the Chattanooga and Atlanta line last summer. I accordingly directed Mr. Latimer, division engineer, with the track force of the First Division and a carpenter force from the Fourth Division, to proceed at once to Strawberry Plains for that purpose. We commenced work at that point on the 14th. From thence to New Market the road was destroyed in patches for one mile and a half, including five cattle guards, two bridges of thirty feet span each, and tank at Friend's Station. The road was repaired and opened to New Market the 18th. From New Market to Morristown the track was burnt in patches to the extent of one mile and a quarter. Twenty cattle guards, bridge at Mossy Creek (150 feet in length), and one at Morristown (24 feet span) were destroyed. At this point erected two tanks and extended side track for 1,500 feet. From Morristown to Rogersville Junction, or Bull's Gap, the track was destroyed to the extent of three-fourths of a mile. Three bridges of 24 feet span, one of 40 feet span, and one at Russellville of 150 feet span were also destroyed. The line was opened to Bull's Gap on the 25th. Upon reaching that point I received further orders from Gen. Thomas to open the road to Carter's Station, on the Watauga River, twenty miles west of Bristol, which we reached on the 29th of April. From Bull's Gap to Greeneville the mechanical work on the road was very heavy, and all destroyed. Rebuilt a bridge of 100 feet span and renewed 300 feet of trestle-work at Bull's Gap. From thence to Lick Creek the track was uninjured. The bridge and trestle-work at Lick Creek, 900 feet in length, was burnt and the track totally destroyed for seven miles, extending to a point two miles east of Blue Spring. The extensive trestle-work at Swan Pond, two miles east of Lick Creek, 1,400 feet in length and from 9 to 17 in height, was likewise destroyed.

I would here take occasion to express my acknowledgment of the valuable service rendered by Maj.-Gen. Stanley, commanding Fourth Army Corps, who furnished all the transportation required and large details of men for cutting ties and wood, loading timber, & c.

The laying of the track between Lick Creek and Blue Spring was much retarded by the incessant rains occurring at that time. East of Blue Spring we erected two water-tanks. Between this point and Greeneville we rebuilt three bridges across the Chucky of 140 feet, 100 feet, and 180 feet, respectively; the track was only destroyed to the extent of one-fourth of a mile. Between Greeneville and Carter's Station, which we reached on the 29th of April, there were three bridges destroyed of 245 feet, 137 feet, and 235 feet in length, respectively. Having reached the point to which we were ordered to open the road, the men were set to work cutting timber and ties, surfacing track, &c., whilst awaiting further orders. During the progress of the work upon the main line another force of trackmen were employed at Knoxville in laying a side track 3,000 feet in length to the commissary building in course of erection on the old Charleston railroad. Another large force were engaged lengthening the sidings on the main line of facilitate the passing of trains. The operations of the Fourth Division, of carpenters, and part of the Seventh Division, of trackmen, under charge of John F. Burgin, division engineer, were confined chiefly to the erection of buildings, though frequently employed upon bridges and repairs of track….

There has been a track graded west of the rolling-mill, and an extensive trestle and coal-bin erected. Fourteen small mess-houses have been built, and three large buildings, in course of erection at date of last report, finished. A large force of the Seventh Division have been constantly employed at the mill up to this date digging a well, unloading cars, &c. Another force of upward of 100 men of the Seventh Division have been employed upon repairs of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad up to this date. About eighty men have been constantly employed in the quarry near Chattanooga, getting out stone for foundations, sewers, and ballast. The most of the foundations for the roundhouse are in, and the greater part of the lumber intended for it cut and delivered. A double track was graded from the main track outside the depot yard, running to the roundhouse, and from thence extended almost to the Crutchfield House, with the design ultimately of connecting with the tracks in the street. There has been erected also extensive barracks and officers' quarters for the depot guard, and a large building for officers of the transportation department, and extensive mess-houses for their men. At Knoxville there has been erected one large office building, two large mess-houses, and a blacksmith shop of fifty by eighty feet. Also depot buildings at Charleston, Athens, and Sweet Water. We have had five saw-mills in operation, which have cut the last three months 1,200,000 feet of lumber, board measure, and 500,000 shingles, a large amount of which we have on hand.

On the 6th of May I received your order directing the reduction of the Construction Corps to the lowest practicable limit. I at once suspended operations on the roundhouse and in the stone quarry, and ordered a suspension of the saw-mills, after cutting up the stock on hand. From the Fourth and Seventh Divisions and saw-mill department I have discharged 1,000 men since the receipt of your order, making the available force of the Construction Corps at the present time 1,200 men. A further reduction of the force was arrested by an order from Gen. Thomas directing the relaying of the track between Dalton and Resaca and rebuilding of the bridge across the Oostenaula. Commencing the track at Dalton on the 10th of May, I sent forward part of the bridge force of the First Division to Resaca to rebuild the bridge, five spans of which had been destroyed. This they accomplished and laid one mile of track south of it by the time we reached there, the 24th of May. From thence to Kingston we rebuilt three bridges, two tanks, and repaired sidings at Calhoun and Adairsville; the rest of the track was in comparatively good order. Reached Kingston on the 26th, and the following day turned the road over to the transportation department. Between Kingston and Etowah three more bridges and two tanks were destroyed. The track was unimpaired. Reached the Etowah on the 29th, when I received further orders from Gen. Thomas to open the line to Atlanta, at which all the force of the corps at the present time are employed. I omitted to state we had build an engine-house and a large reservoir adjoining the machine-shop at Chattanooga of a capacity of 80,000 gallons. The shops in the yard, as well as the locomotives, are now amply supplied with water from the works built by the U. S. Engineer Department. We have, in connection with their tubs on Cameron Hill, erected a tank of a capacity of 50,000 gallons, and have laid about 5,000 feet of main pipe and 4,000 of branch to the commissary building, store and mess houses.

In conclusion, I take pleasure in testifying to the efficient and valuable services of John F. Burgin and C. Latimer, division engineers, who have on all occasions manifested an untiring zeal in the prosecution of work committed to their charge.

Summary of work done on the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad from March 15 to April 29, 1865: Ninety-four miles of track opened and repaired; 12 miles of track rebuilt; 4,400 linear feet of bringing; 20,000 cross-ties cut and delivered; 57,000 cubic feet of timber cut for bridging; 19 switches put in; 18 frogs put in; 5 water-tanks erected.

Summary of work done on the Chattanooga and Atlanta line from May 10 to May 31, 1865: Eighteen miles of track railed; 1,000 linear feet of bridging; 6 frogs and switches put in; 4 tanks erected.

Ten miles of the above track were laid with burnt iron, which we straightened; five miles with the U-rail taken from the Nashville and Chattanooga line, and three miles with new iron.

[1] Most likely he meant pontoon bridges.

[2] Brigadier-General Gideon J. Pillow, one of Polk’s Episcopalian planter neighbors, was in charge of conscription and if this is any indication, he was doing a good job of conscripting young boys for the Confederate army.

[3] The Army of Tennessee would not make a stand “this side of the mountains.” The Federal army under Major-General Rosecrans would push the Confederates out of Middle Tennessee and Chattanooga.by early September, 1863.

[4] These men were most likely personal assistants to the Major-General.

[5] There are a total of 23 reports on these skirmish at Franklin and engagement at Thompson’s Station. Only a few can be presented here.

[6] Dyer’s Battle Index for Tennessee refers to this incident as an action.

[7] The entire Tullahoma Campaign was studded with skirmishes, sudden marches, incessant, heavy rain and deep, thick mud.

[8] As a result of the rapid and panicked fall of Shelbyville a Union spy was spared the death sentence. Pauline Cushman was sent behind Rebel lines to spy for General Rosecrans to gain information on the location and strength of the Army of Tennessee. She was caught by Confederate authorities, court martialed and sentenced to death hanging. She was awaiting execution when the Federal cavalry smashed through the town and so literally saved her neck as the Rebel forces hastily retreated, leaving her behind. Cushman was an actress born in New Orleans and had spied for the Union in Louisville and later in Nashville. Ms. Cushman was fondly regarded by the soldiers who gave her the nickname “Major.” She was said to have worn “the accouterments of that rank.” There appears to be no information about the exploits of “Major” Pauline Cushman in the OR. See: Francis Trevelyan Miller, ed. in chief, Robert L. Sanier, managing ed., Semi-Centennial Memorial, The Photographic History of the Civil War In Ten Volumes; Thousands of scenes photographed 1861-65, with Text by many Special Authorities, vol. 8, (NY: The Review of Reviews Co., 1911), p. 273. (Photograph on p. 273 also.) See also: Ferdinand L. S. Armiensto, Life of Pauline Cushman, the Celebrated Union Spy and Scout, (NY: United States Book Co., 186?), pp. 151-155, and; James D. Horan, Desperate Women (NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1952), pp. 118-119; and, Agatha Young, The Women and the crisis: Women of the North In the Civil War, (NY: McDowell, Obolensky, 1959), pp. 234-244.

[9] As cited in: http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts.

[10] See: February 21, 1863.-Reconnaissance from Franklin, on the Lewisburg, Columbia, and Carter Creek Roads, Tenn., above. There seems to be evidence then that there were houses of prostitution in rural settings as well as urban locales.

(Text used by permission.)

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Reports from Pauline Cushman, Union spy
1862
1863
1864
1865

Click the following links to scan the field reports by date or read them consecutively below.

Reports from Pauline Cushman, Union spy 1862 1863 1864 1865

Reports from Pauline Cushman, Union spy
1862
1863
1864
1865