Working on and guarding the Railroad
Then On to Memphis
(July 2- July 21, 1862)
Working on and guarding the Railroad
Then On to Memphis
(July 2- July 21, 1862)
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Click on photo to visit CivilWarAlbum.com's tour of the site |
[After the capture of Corinth the most powerful army
in North America was dispersed. Sherman's Division was sent to
"dislodge the enemy from their position near the Memphis
And Charleston Railroad" and "assist in getting and
repairing all the locomotives and cars". On June 2nd after
marching through a driving rain, then sleeping along the muddy
road, the 48th, as part of Sherman's Division, was moved southwest
toward Smith's Bridge, then, according to the regimental history,
they were "ordered to Chewalla on double-quick, a distance
of eight or ten miles." The reason for this rapid move was
a mystery to the men, since they encountered no enemy, but it
may have resulted in the panic of the Confederate's who prematurely
set fire to a bridge. On the Union side of the bridge were trapped
seven train loads of valuable Confederate supplies. These were
burned by the retreating rebels and were lost to their cause.
The situation was clearly reported by General Sherman in his
report of June 10, 1862, which is presented below. From July
2 until July 17th Sherman's Division, including the 48th, was
primarily involved in getting the railroad repaired and in preventing
guerrillas and Confederate cavalry from sabotaging the repaired
bridges and track. When it was finally realized that this work
was futile, the troops were marched to Memphis. See Stanly P.
Hirshson, The White Tecumseh, Wiley, 1997, p. 126-129]
(Click to view the route of the Memphis and Charleston RR followed by the 48th OVI)
Detail from: "New map of Kentucky and Tennessee"
Published by Campbell & Barlow No. 509 Main St., Louisville, Ky, 1861.
Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division.
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JOHN RICHARDON'S LETTERS FROM CORINTH & MOSCOW
WILLIAM J. SROFE 'S LETTERS FROM CORINTH & MOSCOW
HDQRS. FIFTH DIVISION, ARMY
OF THE TENNESSEE,
Camp at Chewalla, June 10, 1862.
SIR:
I have the honor to report that on the 2d instant, about 2 p.
m., in camp before Corinth, I received General Halleck's orders,
"You will Immediately move your division and that of General
Hurlbut through Corinth, and dislodge the enemy from their position
near the Memphis and Charleston Railroad." On inquiry by
telegraph of the major-general commanding, I learned that the
enemy in question was supposed to be near Smith's bridge, across
the Tuscumbia Creek, 7 miles southwest of Corinth. The division
was immediately put in motion, followed by that of Brigadier-General
Hurlbut. We marched into and through Corinth in a violent rainstorm,
and took the road toward the west. The rain made the road so
heavy that we only made 4 miles, when darkness overtook us, and
we lay in the mud and rain that night by the road-side; but I
directed Col. Dickey, of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, to proceed
3 miles further on the road, and to send out a party to Smith's
Bridge to ascertain the position of the enemy, his strength,
&c.
At daybreak of the 3d I put the column
in motion, and soon met Col. Dickey, whose command had been down
to Smith's Bridge, which had been burned and destroyed by the
enemy. Satisfied that no enemy was there to dislodge, I then
proceeded to carry out the second part of my instructions, viz.:
"assist in getting and repairing all the locomotives and
cars you can find." Stationing General Hurlbut's Division
near Young's Station on the Memphis and Charleston road, which
covered the approach from Smith's Bridge, I then conducted my
own division to the high ridge back of Chewalla, and there bivouacked.
Large working parties were at once sent forward on the railroad
about three miles west of Chewalla., where the enemy had prematurely
burned the bridge over Cyprus Creek, thereby preventing the escape
of 7 locomotives and trains of cars filled with their own stores.
They had destroyed all or nearly all of this property by fire,
and the burned mass wreck encumbered the railway track for a
mile. We set to work forthwith to clear the track, repair the
locomotives, and the few platform cars which had not been utterly
ruined, with the vast amount of truck-wheels, couplings, and
iron work. In this we have saved 7 locomotives, one of which
was flat on its side in the ditch, about a dozen platform cars
and over 200 pairs of truck wheels, with the ironwork of about
60 cars, all of which has been sent to Corinth or remains at
Chewalla on a side track. This work has been prosecuted night
and day till yesterday afternoon, when orders were received from
Major General Hallack to discontinue it, and move with my own
and General Hurlbut's division further west.
All the bridges to the west whether on
the railroad or common roads, have been burned and the roads
otherwise obstructed, but I have already sent forward parties
to make the necessary repairs, and shall to-morrow move the whole
command to Pocahontas and beyond.
In the vast amount of labor done here
the Fifty-second Indiana, known as the railroad regiment, under
the command of Major Main, has done a leading part, and is entitled
to the credit of having saved for use of the army the rolling
stock, so much needed in railroads now subject to our use and
control.
I have the honor to be your obedient
servant.
W.
T. SHERMAN,
Major-General
Commanding Division and Expedition
Capt.
George E. Flint,
Assistant
Adjutant-General
June 2, 1862
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We remained in camp until June 2d, when
we took up our line of march to Memphis, leaving behind Capt.
Frazee who was sent home on sick-leave, which left Capt. Peterson
in command of the Regiment. We were delayed a short time by a
heavy shower. Passing through Corinth, we bivouacked on the road-side
for the night.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
June 3, 1862
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Early the following morning, we were
ordered to Chewalla on double-quick, a distance of eight or ten
miles. Why we were ordered to that place on a run, with no enemy
near, has never been satisfactorily explained.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
June 9, 1862
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On June 9th, Thomas Peale, Esq., of
Lynchburg, Ohio, made us a visit, and remained with us on the
march to Lafayette, Tenn. From here he went with the supply train
to Memphis, and from there home. He had quite an experience of
army life.
June 9th, we resumed our march to Memphis, and camped at Tuscumbia
river in the evening, where Lieut. Col. Parker, who had been
sent home on sick-leave shortly after the battle of Shiloh, rejoined
and took command of the Regiment. [Col. Parker's military record
states: "Absent sick from May 12 to June 10 Marked deserted
by order of Gen. Sherman May 16, ordered to assume command June
10 by Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman."] The following day, we repaired
the bridge, which had been destroyed by the enemy.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
June 11, 1862
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We left June 11th, marched through the richest portion
of West Tennessee, and arrived at LaGrange June 14th. We left LaGrange on
the 16th, and arrived at Moscow in the evening. Our chief employment, during
our stay at Moscow, was to rebuild the railroad bridge over Wolf river.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
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looking south toward the Railroad Bridge (obscured by the trees) |
June 22, 1862
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On the 22d, we were ordered to Lafayette,
eight miles below, on the Memphis & Charleston R. R., where
we arrived in the afternoon.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
June 23, 1862
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The following day a portion of the Regiment
went on picket. - During the night quite an amusing incident
occurred on one of the picket-posts. Thomas Newton was startled
by a snake crawling up inside his pants. He raised the alarm
and danced a lively jig, while his comrades assisted him to release
the snake, but fortunately he sustained no other injury than
a big scare, which he will never forget.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
June 24, 1862
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After we returned to camp the following
morning, we learned that our brigade had been ordered back to
Moscow. This proved to be the hottest and sultriest day of the
season, and our march back to Moscow will be as long remembered
by us as the one from Moscow, mentioned in history, will be remembered
by the French. The blinding dust and intense heat were terribly
severe on both man and beast. The roadside was lined with soldiers
overcome by heat, and quite a number of artillery horses dropped
dead in their traces. Arriving at our destination, we camped
on the banks of Wolf river. During our stay here we had a pleasant
time, our duties being light and the bathing facilities excellent.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
June 29, 1862
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On the 29th several took "French
leave," taking the overland route for home, where they
arrived safely, and in due season were safely returned to the
Regiment again.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
June 30 - July
5, 1862
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On the 30th of June, our Division was
ordered on an expedition to Holly Springs' twenty-two miles south.
We arrived in sight of Holly Springs at noon on the following
day, while the cavalry was having a hot skirmish with the enemy.
Our Regiment and the 4th Indiana Battery were ordered forward
in the engagement, but a few well-directed shots from the artillery
started the rebels in full retreat. We remained in our position
until dark, when we fell back about three miles, and camped in
the woods on the road-side. Here we lay in ambush, awaiting the
return of the enemy, until July 5th, but they did not appear.
We started on the expedition with only one day's rations, and
expected a supply from Memphis, by the supply-train, but the
train had been attacked by the rebels and delayed. As foraging
was almost unknown at this stage of the war, we were compelled
to subsist entirely on blackberries and apples. We soon stripped
the orchards in the vicinity, of their green fruit, and lived
a few days on the refuse from a cavalry camp.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
July 1, 1862
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[OR
17, Part 1 p. 21-2.]
July 1, 1862.-- Skirmish at Holly Springs, Miss.
Report of Brig. Gen. James W. Denver, U. S. Army, commanding
Third Brigade, Fifth Division, Army of the Tennessee.
HDQURS. THIRD BRIG., FIFTH
DIV., ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.
Moscow, Tenn., July 15, 1862.
GENERAL: Having on the 1st instant crossed
Coldwater Creek on the road from this place to Holly Springs,
Miss., in obedience to orders received from your assistant adjutant-general,
I pushed on with my brigade and the Morton (Indiana) Battery,
Captain Mueller, the Forth Regiment Illinois Cavalry being in
advance, until arriving about 2 1/2 miles from Holly Springs,
where a sharp skirmish was going on with the enemy's cavalry.
The enemy had fired from ambush on our cavalry at very short
range, but only killed 1 man and wounded 3 others. Our cavalry
dismounted, and very gallantly entering the bushes, although
greatly outnumbered, drove the enemy from the ground. The firing
still continued pretty sharp in front, and three considerable
bodies of the enemy's cavalry having shown themselves near the
town, I ordered the Forty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, Lieutenant
Colonel Parker commanding, to reinforce the cavalry, still engaged
as skirmishers, when I received your orders to halt and not advance
any further. The regiment was halted, and soon afterward the
cavalry retired to the rear. I was very much embarrassed at the
moment, believing as I did that if I should retire it would be
an invitation for the enemy, still in sight, to attack us. I
could see no infantry, however in the enemy's lines, and although
the distance was near or quite 1 1/2 miles, I determined if possible
to drive them away with artillery. I therefore brought up a section
of Captain Muller's Battery, which opened on them, when, after
firing of a few rounds, they fled through the town and disappeared
from our view.
In this little affair the only troops
actually engaged with the enemy were the small remnant of the
Fourth Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Major Gibson, and no troops
could have been better.
The enemy, as we afterward learned, were
about 1,500 strong; but at first discharge of Capt. Mueller's
guns they began to move off, and by the third discharge they
were in full flight.
After sending the Cavalry and some of
my staff through the town I returned to Coldwater with my command,
in accordance with your orders.
Very respectfully, your Obedient servant,
J. W. DENVER,
Brigadier-General
Commanding.
Maj.
Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN,
Commanding
the Fifth Division, Army of the Tennessee.
July 6, 1862
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On the 6th we started back to Moscow.
We marched until midnight, when we met the supply-train. A halt
was ordered, and through the energy of H. C. Stewart, Quartermaster
Sergeant, the rations were soon distributed to the hungry soldiers.
At day-break on the following day, we were on the march, reaching
Moscow at noon. Up to this time, the slaves were still at work
for their masters, and none were allowed to follow the army.
On the Holly Springs expedition the Regiment Engaged several
of them as cooks, but they had scarcely been initiated when an
order was issued to exclude all slaves from camp. Thus ended
our first attempt at putting them to work to assist in putting
down the Rebellion. But "De Year ob Jubilo," as the
slaves called it, was fast approaching. In less than two months,
there was a complete change. The slaves came into camp in droves,
and were put to work as cooks, teamsters and laborers. At one
time nearly every soldier in the Regiment had his private servant!
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
July 11, 1862
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[Cyrus Hussey's Diary Begins...]
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Diary Friday July 11th 1862. Moscow, Tennessee. Commenced a letter to my wife. In charge of squad to dig trench at Butchers. Company Drill in the Manual of Arms. Company C. 48th OVI under my charge. [Cyrus Hussey was in Co. A, casualties and sickness required him to take temporary command of Co. C which was without officers.] Cyrus Hussey |
July 12, 1862
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Saturday 12th Finished letter to My Wife & put it up with my old Diary to send by Cy. Johnson [not on Official Roster 48th OVI], who starts Via La Grange this morning. Battalion & Company Drill as per order. Camp thoroughly cleaned by order of Lt. Col. Parker. Commenced returns. Cyrus Hussey |
July 13, 1862
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[OR
17, Part 1 p. 23.]
JULY 13, 1862.-Skermish near Wolf River, Tenn.
Report of Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, U. S. Army, commanding
Fifth Division, Army of the Tennessee.
Moscow, July 14, 1862.
Yesterday one of our forage trains, guarded
by 50 cavalry, was fired on by a party that immediately fled,
having killed 1 man and wounded 3 of ours. The attacking party
was composed of horsemen, but their dress was not clearly seen
in the ambush. I believe they were citizens, hastely called together
to fire on the train as it was returning loaded. And I have sent
a strong party to bring in 25 of the most prominent of the vacinity,
each with a horse, saddle and bridle, whom I wish to send to
LaGrange and thence under guard to Columbus, by to-morrow's train.
I am satisfied we have no other remidy for this ambush fireing
than to hold the neighborhood fully responsible, though the punishment
may fall on the wrong parties. The scene of the occurrence was
7 miles out south of Wolf River, and 2 1/2 miles from where I
have a regiment on picket.
W.
T. Sherman
Major-General..
General
Halleck
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Sunday 13th Morning quite cool. News of 1st inst. from Richmond Va. unfavorable. News of 5th inst. in paper of 10th more favorable. [Between June 26 and July 2, Union and Confederate forces fought a series of battles: Mechanicsville (June 26-27), Gaines's Mill (June 27), Savage's Station (June 29), Frayser's Farm (June 30), and Malvern Hill (July 1). On July 2, the Confederates withdrew to Richmond, ending the Peninsular Campaign. The first battles were more favorable to the South. At Malvern Hill, the Union inflicted severe casualties on the Confederates. After Malvern Hill, McClellan pulled out and returned to Washington.] 1st Serg't Thos M. Wright [Co. A] Transferred to Co H. To be made 2nd Lieut. C.[Cornelius] Conard appointed 1st Serg't [of Co. A]. Commenced a letter to my Dear Wife. Cyrus Hussey |
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Monday 14th Worked in Quarterly Returns until 3:00 P.M. when the Regiment went on Picket. Had difficulty with Lt. [R. T.] Wilson [Co. H.] in regard to Skillet. He broke it because we would not give it up. Went on Picket West of Town. Nothing of importance transpired. Cyrus Hussey |
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Tuesday 15th Commenced a Temporary Breastwork for pickets. Relieved from Guard at 5:00 P.M. by the 70th O.V.I. No Mail! No Mail! How the heart yearns for the messages of love from the loved ones at home! Cyrus Hussey |
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Wednesday 16th Capt. Peterson Co. K. got leave of absence on account of ill health. But few can obtain such favors. Battalion & Co. Drill as usual. Cyrus Hussey |
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Thursday 17th Orders to march at 3:00 A.M. Tomorrow Toward Memphis - Our Brigade leading. Finished Quarterly Returns of Clothing, Camp & Garrison Equipage, & Ordinance & Ordinance Stores for 1st and 2nd Qrs. 1862. Cyrus Hussey |
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On the 18th of July, we took up our
line of march once more for Memphis, camping at Collierville
the first night, ....
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
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Friday 18th Moved in accordance with Order & halted three Miles West of LaFayette till 4:00 P.M. Here [Division commander Gen. W. T.] Sherman causelessly got mad at [Brig. Gen. J. W.] Denver [3rd Brigade Commander] & Ordered Smith's Brigade forward out of the regular Order of March. [Gen. Sherman's anger may have been in part due to the tone of general Denver's July 15th report on the Skirmish near Holly Springs, July 1st] The column moved forward & encamped near Collierville. On Picket in Charge of Co. C, covering front of Regiment. Cyrus Hussey |
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and at White's Station the second [night],
....
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
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... Saturday 19th Moved forward at 6:00 A.M. & Passed through Collierville a small second class village. Cloudy in the morning but the sun burst forth in an hour or two and the men suffered very badly from the heat, exertion & thirst. Our Regiment guarding the [wagon] train. Made a noon halt at Germantown, a small squalid, succession Town. Moved forward to "White Station" 9 mi. from Memphis, in the P.M. Smart Rain. Fine Residences & Country. Cyrus Hussey |
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...where we remained the succeeding
day - the Sabbath - and being short of rations, we spent nearly
the whole time in cooking green corn. A field of twenty acres
did not quite supply the demand for our Division.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
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Sunday 20th Remained at White Station. Continued the letter to My Wife commenced last Saturday. Dress Parade. Very warm. Cyrus Hussey |
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The following day, July 21st, we resumed
our march. Our Regiment guarded the wagon-train. When within
a few miles of the city, we were ordered forward on double-quick,
to rejoin our brigade, and make our entrance into the city with
our Division. As it was an exceeding hot day, and the dust almost
suffocating, it was with great difficulty that we succeeded in
picking our way through the immense wagon-train that obstructed
the entire road. On reaching our brigade, we entered the city
of Memphis, with bands playing, colors flying, and the troops
cheering. We marched to the south end of the city, and camped
in a peach-orchard, in Fort Pickering, on the banks of the Mississippi
river. It had been nearly six months since we had left Ohio,
and in that time we had been constantly on the move, and had
seen soldiering in nearly all its phases, and now we had reached
a haven that promised us rest for a short season at least.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
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Monday 21st Moved forward to Memphis. Very hot & oppressive. Many gave out on the road. Fast Marching. No Camp Selected. Lay on the bank of the Mississippi, What a Mighty Stream! Cyrus Hussey |