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re: 150 years ago this day...
Posted on 9/10/13 at 4:17 am to BadLeroyDawg
Posted on 9/10/13 at 4:17 am to BadLeroyDawg
Thursday, 10 September 1863
These were tough days to be in the newspaper business in Raleigh, North Carolina. The editor of the Raleigh Standard had been printing editorials advocating peace and rejoining the Union, a stand which so angered Confederate troops, belonging to General Benning's Confederate brigade, that they went to the office and tore it apart. Governor Zebulon Vance spoke imperturbably to them and they dispersed without burning the building. Then a a crowd of citizens “gathered and rushed upon the office of the State Journal, in the same place, and totally destroyed the furniture and printing materials...” since they were so vexed with the Journal for having an editor who was just as rabid in his editorials, even if they were pro-secessionist. Governor Vance was obliged to come out and speak soothingly again.
Farther west, Confederate troops evacuated from Little Rock, Arkansas. As Little Rock was falling to Major General Frederick Steele, the USS Hastings, under Lieutenant Commander S.L. Phelps, arrived at Devall's Bluff on the White River to support the land action. Though the river was falling rapidly, Phelps advised the General: "I shall be glad to be of service to you in every way possible." Phelps added that he would have gone over to Little Rock to congratulate Steele if he "could have obtained conveyance...Horseback riding," he wrote dryly, "for such a distance is rather too much for the uninitiated." A week later Phelps reported to Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter: "I have been up this river 150 miles, where we found a bar over which we could not pass. Numerous bodies of men cut off from General Price's army [after the fall of Little Rock to Steele] were fleeing across White River to the eastward. We captured three Rebel soldiers, two cavalry horses and equipments, and brought down a number of escaped conscripts, who have come to enlist in our army." This type of naval operation far into the Confederate interior continued to facilitate shore operations.
Major General S. A. Hurlbut, from his headquarters at Memphis, Tennessee, issued general orders causing reprisals to be made for all Rebel outrages committed within his lines, by levying assessments upon the wealthiest and most notorious sympathizers with the rebellion, adding fifty per cent to the amount of damages proven.
Major General James G. Blunt, from his headquarters at Fort Smith, issued the following address to the people of Arkansas: The flag that two and a half years ago was struck, when a weak garrison of United States troops were compelled to abandon this post, before a superior number of maddened and infuriated men, who had resolved upon the overthrow of the best Government upon earth, now floats in triumph over Fort Smith. In reply to the many inquiries made, ‘Is the occupation of this post by Federal troops to be permanent?’ I answer yes. The flag that floats from yonder staff, shall continue to wave its folds to the breeze, never again to be desecrated by treason's foul pollution. The whole of the Indian Territories and Western Arkansas are now in my possession, and under my control. All the rebel hordes, except a few guerrillas, have been driven beyond the Red River. The most obnoxious of the rebel citizens have followed the army with their families to seek the ‘last ditch.’ It is for you, who have chosen to remain at your homes, to elect whether you will have peace or war. From the unfeigned joy manifested by thousands of your citizens upon the occupation of this city and the neighboring city of Van Buren — from the reports of delegations who have visited me from over one hundred miles in the interior, south of the Arkansas River, as also from the fact that hundreds of true men have come from the mountains to swell the Union ranks in the last few days, and still continue to come from whither they have been driven and hunted like beasts of prey by confederate soldiers — gives assurance that the love and attachment for the Union is not yet extinct in Western Arkansas. Moreover, the bleached and crumbling bones of hundreds of Arkansians who, in this locality, have recently been hung upon the gibbet, by a fiendish and merciless crew of confederate murderers, for no other reason than that they loved the old flag, and would not bow their necks to the behests of treason, is evidence that they were true and devoted heroes, worthy a better fate. Many applications have been made by citizens for safeguards. None will be issued. The best safeguard you can have is the American flag suspended over your premises, and to deport yourselves as becomes good and loyal citizens. Your conduct must be your safeguard. If it shall be your desire to disenthral yourselves from the tyranny and oppression to which you have been subjected, and organize a civil government, under the auspices of the United States authority, every facility will be afforded you to accomplish this purpose. I leave the matter with you, trusting that wise counsels may prevail.
The Eleventh regiment of Kentucky mounted infantry, commanded by Colonel Love, in pursuit of the Confederate guerrillas under Colonel O. P. Hamilton, overtook them at Brimstone Creek, Tennessee, where a brisk skirmish occurred, the guerrillas mounting their horses and making off. Hamilton, who was recognized, rode boldly up to within one hundred and fifty yards of the Union advance, and delivered his fire, then turned and dashed into the bush. He was followed by a volley and retreated to the hills. The morning report of their Adjutant was captured, showing four hundred and eighty men for duty. Four of the guerrillas were killed and found in the brush. Two prisoners were taken, who acknowledged that seven were wounded. The Rebels, who had guerrillas in the hills assisting them, so completely blockaded the road by felling trees, that it was found impossible to pursue them. Colonel Love withdrew, and under orders from Colonel Harney, halted at Ray's Cross Roads.
The following proclamation was found posted on a tree at Tompkinsville, given literally: head Qrs Hamiltons battalion Tomkinsville Ky Sept. 7 1868 I Now Give Notice to Citizens and Soldiers to all Concerned that the principle of Burning and Pilaging must be Stopt as I am ordered to retaliate in Every respect Let us fight and not make war on the Women and Children I am Roundly opposed to Burning and Plundering But I am Compelled to Retaliate tharefore I am Desireous that the Burning and Pilaging may be stopt if it Does not Stop I will Certainly Retaliate I will Certainly Regard Citizens if the Citizens of the South is Regarded. I am your Humble Servt O. P. Hamilton Col. Comdg The Cavalry!
Mathew F. Maury addressed a letter to the London Times, on the reports and war plans of the Federal Government.
A fight occurred at Ringgold, Georgia, between the Federal forces under Colonel Wilder and General Van Cleve, and a portion of the Confederate army which was retreating from Chattanooga, resulting in the expulsion of the latter from the town, with a loss of three killed and eighteen taken prisoners. The Union loss was three men wounded of the Ninety-third Illinois regiment.
Major General William Rosecrans entered Chattanooga.
B. H. Richardson and his son, Frank A. Richardson, and Stephen J. Joyce, proprietors of the Baltimore, Maryland, Republican, were today arrested by order of General Schenck, for publishing in their paper of yesterday evening a piece of poetry entitled the “Southern Cross.” The three were sent across our lines this morning. The proprietors of the Republican were frequently warned by the authorities against the publication of disloyal sentiments in their paper.
Chat Discussion
These were tough days to be in the newspaper business in Raleigh, North Carolina. The editor of the Raleigh Standard had been printing editorials advocating peace and rejoining the Union, a stand which so angered Confederate troops, belonging to General Benning's Confederate brigade, that they went to the office and tore it apart. Governor Zebulon Vance spoke imperturbably to them and they dispersed without burning the building. Then a a crowd of citizens “gathered and rushed upon the office of the State Journal, in the same place, and totally destroyed the furniture and printing materials...” since they were so vexed with the Journal for having an editor who was just as rabid in his editorials, even if they were pro-secessionist. Governor Vance was obliged to come out and speak soothingly again.
Farther west, Confederate troops evacuated from Little Rock, Arkansas. As Little Rock was falling to Major General Frederick Steele, the USS Hastings, under Lieutenant Commander S.L. Phelps, arrived at Devall's Bluff on the White River to support the land action. Though the river was falling rapidly, Phelps advised the General: "I shall be glad to be of service to you in every way possible." Phelps added that he would have gone over to Little Rock to congratulate Steele if he "could have obtained conveyance...Horseback riding," he wrote dryly, "for such a distance is rather too much for the uninitiated." A week later Phelps reported to Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter: "I have been up this river 150 miles, where we found a bar over which we could not pass. Numerous bodies of men cut off from General Price's army [after the fall of Little Rock to Steele] were fleeing across White River to the eastward. We captured three Rebel soldiers, two cavalry horses and equipments, and brought down a number of escaped conscripts, who have come to enlist in our army." This type of naval operation far into the Confederate interior continued to facilitate shore operations.
Major General S. A. Hurlbut, from his headquarters at Memphis, Tennessee, issued general orders causing reprisals to be made for all Rebel outrages committed within his lines, by levying assessments upon the wealthiest and most notorious sympathizers with the rebellion, adding fifty per cent to the amount of damages proven.
Major General James G. Blunt, from his headquarters at Fort Smith, issued the following address to the people of Arkansas: The flag that two and a half years ago was struck, when a weak garrison of United States troops were compelled to abandon this post, before a superior number of maddened and infuriated men, who had resolved upon the overthrow of the best Government upon earth, now floats in triumph over Fort Smith. In reply to the many inquiries made, ‘Is the occupation of this post by Federal troops to be permanent?’ I answer yes. The flag that floats from yonder staff, shall continue to wave its folds to the breeze, never again to be desecrated by treason's foul pollution. The whole of the Indian Territories and Western Arkansas are now in my possession, and under my control. All the rebel hordes, except a few guerrillas, have been driven beyond the Red River. The most obnoxious of the rebel citizens have followed the army with their families to seek the ‘last ditch.’ It is for you, who have chosen to remain at your homes, to elect whether you will have peace or war. From the unfeigned joy manifested by thousands of your citizens upon the occupation of this city and the neighboring city of Van Buren — from the reports of delegations who have visited me from over one hundred miles in the interior, south of the Arkansas River, as also from the fact that hundreds of true men have come from the mountains to swell the Union ranks in the last few days, and still continue to come from whither they have been driven and hunted like beasts of prey by confederate soldiers — gives assurance that the love and attachment for the Union is not yet extinct in Western Arkansas. Moreover, the bleached and crumbling bones of hundreds of Arkansians who, in this locality, have recently been hung upon the gibbet, by a fiendish and merciless crew of confederate murderers, for no other reason than that they loved the old flag, and would not bow their necks to the behests of treason, is evidence that they were true and devoted heroes, worthy a better fate. Many applications have been made by citizens for safeguards. None will be issued. The best safeguard you can have is the American flag suspended over your premises, and to deport yourselves as becomes good and loyal citizens. Your conduct must be your safeguard. If it shall be your desire to disenthral yourselves from the tyranny and oppression to which you have been subjected, and organize a civil government, under the auspices of the United States authority, every facility will be afforded you to accomplish this purpose. I leave the matter with you, trusting that wise counsels may prevail.
The Eleventh regiment of Kentucky mounted infantry, commanded by Colonel Love, in pursuit of the Confederate guerrillas under Colonel O. P. Hamilton, overtook them at Brimstone Creek, Tennessee, where a brisk skirmish occurred, the guerrillas mounting their horses and making off. Hamilton, who was recognized, rode boldly up to within one hundred and fifty yards of the Union advance, and delivered his fire, then turned and dashed into the bush. He was followed by a volley and retreated to the hills. The morning report of their Adjutant was captured, showing four hundred and eighty men for duty. Four of the guerrillas were killed and found in the brush. Two prisoners were taken, who acknowledged that seven were wounded. The Rebels, who had guerrillas in the hills assisting them, so completely blockaded the road by felling trees, that it was found impossible to pursue them. Colonel Love withdrew, and under orders from Colonel Harney, halted at Ray's Cross Roads.
The following proclamation was found posted on a tree at Tompkinsville, given literally: head Qrs Hamiltons battalion Tomkinsville Ky Sept. 7 1868 I Now Give Notice to Citizens and Soldiers to all Concerned that the principle of Burning and Pilaging must be Stopt as I am ordered to retaliate in Every respect Let us fight and not make war on the Women and Children I am Roundly opposed to Burning and Plundering But I am Compelled to Retaliate tharefore I am Desireous that the Burning and Pilaging may be stopt if it Does not Stop I will Certainly Retaliate I will Certainly Regard Citizens if the Citizens of the South is Regarded. I am your Humble Servt O. P. Hamilton Col. Comdg The Cavalry!
Mathew F. Maury addressed a letter to the London Times, on the reports and war plans of the Federal Government.
A fight occurred at Ringgold, Georgia, between the Federal forces under Colonel Wilder and General Van Cleve, and a portion of the Confederate army which was retreating from Chattanooga, resulting in the expulsion of the latter from the town, with a loss of three killed and eighteen taken prisoners. The Union loss was three men wounded of the Ninety-third Illinois regiment.
Major General William Rosecrans entered Chattanooga.
B. H. Richardson and his son, Frank A. Richardson, and Stephen J. Joyce, proprietors of the Baltimore, Maryland, Republican, were today arrested by order of General Schenck, for publishing in their paper of yesterday evening a piece of poetry entitled the “Southern Cross.” The three were sent across our lines this morning. The proprietors of the Republican were frequently warned by the authorities against the publication of disloyal sentiments in their paper.
Chat Discussion
1
Posted on 9/11/13 at 4:39 am to BadLeroyDawg
Friday, 11 September 1863
In the early hours of this morning General Braxton Bragg issued orders for an attack on Union troops camped in a north Georgia region known as McLemore's Cove, a sheltered valley located between the long finger of Lookout Mountain and the thumb-like spur of Pigeon Mountain. This skirmish is also sometimes referred to as the Battle of Davis' Crossroads. Bragg had been withdrawing before the brilliant flanking maneuvers of General William S. Rosecrans, but now the trap appeared ready to be sprung on the overconfident Union troops. Somehow, though, the attack never took place. Despite stout resistance by Confederate cavalrymen on the morning of September 10, Union Major General James Negley was able to deploy his men into a line of battle east of Davis' Crossroads. However, the Federals prepared for an infantry attack that never materialized. The Confederate commanders stalled and vacillated, unable to coordinate an assault. Disappointed but still determined to strike the enemy, Confederate General Braxton Bragg sent orders the night of September 10 for a coordinated attack between Generals Hindman and Hill to begin as early as possible the next morning. The next day, as Hill's men (Patrick Cleburne's Confederate cavalry division) lay waiting in Dug Gap. Hindman again delayed his advance, wasting precious time by reorganizing his order of march. In the meantime, the Federals sent up reinforcements to relieve Negley's position. With fresh troops Negley set up a new line, supported by artillery, west of Davis' Cross Roads. Finally, at 1600 on September 11, Hindman and Hill attacked. Despite Confederate artillery fire that was "well-directed and terrific," Negley disengaged his forces and fell back in good order to Bailey's Cross Roads, where he set up another strong defensive position. The Confederates had waited too long; the element of surprise was lost. By the morning of September 12, all four divisions of Union General George H. Thomas' 14th corps occupied the Cove and Bragg's opportunity was lost. Frustrated, Bragg pulled back again.
The USS Seminole, under Commander Henry Rolando, seized the blockade running British steamer Sir William Peel at the mouth of the Rio Grande River with a large cargo of cotton.
Chat Discussion
In the early hours of this morning General Braxton Bragg issued orders for an attack on Union troops camped in a north Georgia region known as McLemore's Cove, a sheltered valley located between the long finger of Lookout Mountain and the thumb-like spur of Pigeon Mountain. This skirmish is also sometimes referred to as the Battle of Davis' Crossroads. Bragg had been withdrawing before the brilliant flanking maneuvers of General William S. Rosecrans, but now the trap appeared ready to be sprung on the overconfident Union troops. Somehow, though, the attack never took place. Despite stout resistance by Confederate cavalrymen on the morning of September 10, Union Major General James Negley was able to deploy his men into a line of battle east of Davis' Crossroads. However, the Federals prepared for an infantry attack that never materialized. The Confederate commanders stalled and vacillated, unable to coordinate an assault. Disappointed but still determined to strike the enemy, Confederate General Braxton Bragg sent orders the night of September 10 for a coordinated attack between Generals Hindman and Hill to begin as early as possible the next morning. The next day, as Hill's men (Patrick Cleburne's Confederate cavalry division) lay waiting in Dug Gap. Hindman again delayed his advance, wasting precious time by reorganizing his order of march. In the meantime, the Federals sent up reinforcements to relieve Negley's position. With fresh troops Negley set up a new line, supported by artillery, west of Davis' Cross Roads. Finally, at 1600 on September 11, Hindman and Hill attacked. Despite Confederate artillery fire that was "well-directed and terrific," Negley disengaged his forces and fell back in good order to Bailey's Cross Roads, where he set up another strong defensive position. The Confederates had waited too long; the element of surprise was lost. By the morning of September 12, all four divisions of Union General George H. Thomas' 14th corps occupied the Cove and Bragg's opportunity was lost. Frustrated, Bragg pulled back again.
The USS Seminole, under Commander Henry Rolando, seized the blockade running British steamer Sir William Peel at the mouth of the Rio Grande River with a large cargo of cotton.
Chat Discussion
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