Uncommon History

At the beginning of November I decided to make a concerted effort to make a number of improvements on Uncommon History and venture down some new roads. The journey was very educational and actually quite entertaining, not to mention rewarding.

By a mere numbers point of view alone, my various attempts at reaching a wider audience was a smashing success. Here are the year to date numbers for my site:

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Except for a statistical anomaly in March (due to a rather popular entry on Easter), my statistics across the board in November rivaled that of any other given month.

I do continue to have much work to do, but all of it is in the name of creating a better blog and resources for my readers.

You will no doubt have noticed a rather large increase in the advertising on Uncommon History. I do apologize if it gets in the way of the incredible histories and other fascinating subjects here on Uncommon History, but I must admit that the advertising is causing a two-fold benefit.

First, it is attracting new readers to Uncommon History. Second, it is helping to produce a revenue stream that will be used to pay for this site as well as making even further improvements.

I do pledge to all my wonderful readers that I am working on finding ways to make this advertising less intrusive on an aesthetic basis, but I do ask that if you can help support Uncommon History in any way, I would be most grateful and humble.

In the future I will be sharing what I have learned so far about different traffic and revenue generating ideas. I will be writing more posts on tips and tricks that I have learned about that either do or do not seem to drive more traffic to your site.

As we celebrate the many blessings we are thankful for today, let us not forget the sacrifices of the men and women during the heartbreaking times between 1861 and 1865.

Our fighting men and women today are, for the most part, able to partake in small celebrations around the world. The bank-breaking efforts of the soldiers during the US Civil War were not so fortunate. There were no phones or internet to call home or digital cameras that instantly sent pictures of loved ones to their distant locations.

Rations were, to say the least, not even remotely consistent with the traditional Thanksgiving Day fare. So, before we head off to bed with an aching, overfilled stomach, take a few minutes to remember the multitude of men and women who did and are making sacrifices so that we might dine and lounge in leisure today.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and provoke their aggressions, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battle-field, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

By the President:
WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
Secretary of State

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I can tell you that as a lover of Civil War history, I can already feel the momentum building for the upcoming sequicentennial memorials and celebrations. The popularity and discussion of this vital part of our nation’s history has faded somewhat in recent years, but the pulse of the community is increasing and the potential is astounding!

To help breathe new life into this topic I am bringing you a couple new sources of information about events and discussions taking place in the coming months. This is certainly one of those times when I have particular wishes to live in closer proximity to the East coast, but this may be the only time you find those words coming from me.

Here are some great resources for upcoming sesquicentennial celebrations:

• Virginia Sesquicentennial Commemoration of the Civil War
• Civil War Traveller

November 27, 2009 will be the next issue of the

American Civil War Blog Carnival

Seizure of Steamer Volunteer off Natchez Island, Miss., November 35, 1863

Report of Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, U. S. Navy, commanding Third District.
U. S. S. CHOCTAW, Off Moutlu of Red River, November 38, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 25th instant the steamer Volunteer was found by Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Pearce, com- manding U. S. S. Fort Hindm~an, foraging at a plantation near the head of Natchez Island, and in obedience to my order of the 11th of September last, referred to in my communication to you of Septem- ber 20, he brought her to this place, arriving at 11.20 p. m. The next morning (November 26), upon examination, I found that neither the officer (Captain John Potter, commanding Company F, Fifty-third Illinois Infantry) in charge of the detachment of soldiers nor the forage master (Private G. W. Ellis, of Company D, Forty-first Illinois Infantry) had any written orders whatever authorizing them to go on any such expedition. Captain Potter stated that he knew nothing about the foraging party, that he only had orders to protect the train, and his orders were verbal. Private Ellis (the forage master) stated that he was ordered to go to the plantation (where the Volunteer was found) and get the corn, and that his orders were verbal. I asked the captain of the Volunteer (Lewis Vandergrift) if he had any orders, and he handed me a written order from Lieutenant. J. E. Jones, acting assistant quartermaster, dated Depot Quarter- masters Office, Natchez, Miss., November 23, 1863, to take on board the teams and proceed to Mary Plantation for the purpose of procuring forage.~~ Seeing that the order was correct, I was about releasing the Volunteer, when I asked Captain Vandergrift in the presence of Acting Volunteer Lieutenants Jos. P. Couthouy and John Pearce and Captain Potter, if anything had been taken on board of the vessel besides the corn. He said nothing else had been taken on board, and then told me he would like to have a private conversation with me and Acting Volunteer Lieutenants Couthouy and Pearce. He then told me in the presence of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Pearce that there were 11 bales of cotton on board of the Volunteer at that time, that the Army officers and soldiers knew nothing about it, that he had found it hid in the cottonwood on the bar near the head of Natchez Island, and that he swore he would steal that cotton if he had to go to Natchez jail for it at 12 oclock the next day. He said he saw it was new cotton, and he supposed someone stole it from the Government and hid it there. I told him I should seize his boat, and immediately sent Acting Ensign XV. C. Bennett, of this vessel, accompanied by Acting Volun- teer Lieutenant Pearce, to take a list of everything on board of her. I immediately informed Captain Potter that I had seized the Vol- unteer, and that I would send him, with his detachment, wagons, mules, and the contrabands, to Natehez on the Fort Hindman. 598 NAVAL FORCES ON WESTERN WATERS. This I did in conformity with section 7, article 25, of the act for the better government of the Navy, approved July 17, 1862, said wagons, mules, etc., being absolutely necessary for the use of the Army of the United States. Captain Potter, with his detachment, wagons, etc., were trans- ferred to the Fort Hindman as soon as possible and left for Natchez on the afternoon of the 26th. Between 4 and 5 oclock on the afternoon of November 26 I went on board of the T7olunteer, and, while standing in the clerks office, Captain Vandergrift made the same statements to me, in the presence of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Couthouy, in regard to his having taken the cotton on board, that he made to me in the morning in the presence of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Pearce. I have the honor to enclose herewith the certificate of Lewis Van- dergrift, captain of the steamer Volunteer, statement of Acting Vol- unteer Lieutenant Jos. P. Couthouy, commanding U. S. S. Osage, list of officers, crew, and passengers of the Volunteer at the time of seizure, inventory of articles found on board of her, list of officers, soldiers, teamsters, and number of contrabands, wagons, horses, and mules transferred from the Volunteer to the U. S. S. Fort Hindrnctn, and I transmit herewith all the papers and writings found on board of the Volunteer. At the time of the seizure of the Volunteer by this vessel, the U. S. steamers Osage, Fort Llindn-ban, and Champion were in company. I have ordered Acting Ensign Ezra Beaman to take charge of the Volunteer and proceed with her to Cairo, Ill. I respectfully request that Mr. Beaman and the prize crew may be returned to their respective vessels as soon as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK M. RAMSAY, Lieutenant- Commander, Comdg. Choctaw and 3d Dist. Miss. River. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mis~i~~ippt Squadron.

ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Springfield, March 17, 1862.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Saint Louis

GENERAL: The commissioners appointed to examine prisoners of war arrived here this morning, and from intimations from them I infer that it is possible many of them will be released before long. There are at Chicago 5,500 and here 1,847, making a total of 7,347. It has been suggested that you will probably send more prisoners to this State in a few days. If this be so there will not be room at Camp Douglas, Chicago, for more than are now there and those now here, and if it is likely that you will soon send 1,000 or 2,000 more to this State it is suggested that they better be sent-directly to Chicago and those now here remain. Colonel Mulligan reports of his regiment in Camp Douglas there are 510 and of the Scotch Regiment 451. The Fifty-third regiment, Colonel Cushman, is also there, and are very anxious to get away. His regiment is well armed and in good fighting condition. I have sent them orders to report to you immediately. Colonel Mulligan thinks he needs them there to do guard duty, but Governor Yates thinks it is unnecessary to keep so many troops to guard the prisoners. Should you determine to send no more prisoners here but have those now here sent to Chicago, the Twelfth Regiment Cavalry,, now here, caii be sent to Saint Louis as soon as the prisoners are sent away. The Twelfth Cavalry is an eight-company regiment. Seven full companies are now here and the other, Captain Gilberts, is in Saint Louis. Under these circumstances what shall be done? We wish to send all the troops to you we can and only keep enough here to guard prisoners, but the number necessary to do guard duty we wish you to determine. There are accommodations for 7,000 prisoners at Chicago and 5,000 here and both are good places to keep them. Their distribution or concentration of course you must decide, and this is only written in view of the report that you were soon to send more to this State and to explain fully how matters now stand here. The suggestion in Governor Yates dispatch about sending prisoners here to Chicago was made to relieve the Twelfth Cavalry here from guard duty and allow them to go into the field. If you do not want them here the prisoners might remain here. What is to be done with the horses for this regiment? Captain Gilberts company at Saint Louis and Captain Gilmores company here are all that have horses. When and where are the other six companies to get their horses?

Yours, respectfully, ALLEN C. FULLER, Adjutant- General

SAINT LOUIS March 18, 1862
Adjutant General A. C. FULLER, Springfield

SIR: I think on the whole that the prisoners had better be left as they are and I will send the next installment to Chicago. I was under the impression that the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry had horses. We can- not for the present supply them. I think the Irish and Scotch regiments, 961 men, sufficient for guards at Chicago and that Colonel Cushman should take the field, where he is wanted just now more than he will be a month hence.

Yours, truly, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General

SAINT LOUIS, March 18, 1862
COMMANDING OFFICER, Camp Douglas, Chicago:

You are authorized to exercise your discretion in permitting persons to visit prisoners of war. You will confine the permission to a very small number and to such only as go for benevolent purposes.

H. W. HALLECK, Major. General

Orders and correspondence relating to the 53d Illinois Infantry’s march towards Memphis.

HDQRS. FOURTH Div., DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, La Grange, Tenn. June 25, 1862.
Col. W. H. W. CUSHMAN, Commandinq Grand Junction, Tenn.

COLONEL: Since I have sent and you have received the order of the general commanding division he has received from General Halleck dispatch ordering re-enforcements from Jackson by rail. He agrees with your suggestion to hold your force at Grand Junction as long as possible. Let the baggage train come forward and be parked near the college; throw sentries up the line of the railroad track toward La Grange, and let the engine wait and leave in the morning, taking care to keep out of the way of down train. My instructions are to hold this position at all hazards, and I rely upon you and your command, confidently, to hold them.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY BIINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Corinth, Miss., April 16, 1862

Soldiers of the Army of the Mississippi:
You have bravely fought the invaders of your soil for two days in his own position. Fought your superior in numbers, in arms, in all the appliances of war. Your success has been signal. His losses have been immense, outnumbering yours in all save the personal worth of the slain. You drove him from his camps to the shelter of his iron-clad gunboats, which alone saved him from complete disaster. You captured his artillery, more than 25 flags and standards, and took over 3,000 prisoners.

You have done your duty. Your commanding general thanks you. Your countrymen are proud of your deeds on the bloody field of Shiloh; confident in the ultimate results of your valor.

Soldiers, untoward events saved the enemy from annihilation. His insolent presence still pollutes your soil, his hostile flag still flaunts before you. There can be no peace so long as these things are.

Trusting that God is with us, as with our fathers, let us seek to be worthy of His favor, and resolve to be independent or perish in the struggle.

P. G. T. BEAUREGARD,
General, Commanding.

WAR DEPARTMENT, April 9, 1862

Order giving thanks for the recent victories and overthrow of traitors:
First. That at meridian of the Sunday next, after receipt of this order, at the head of every regiment in the service of the United States, there shall be offered by its chaplain a prayer, giving thanks to the Lord of Hosts for the, recent manifestations of His power in the overthrow of rebels and traitors, and invoking the continuance of His aid in relation to this nation by armies of patriot soldiers from the horrors of treason, rebellion, and civil war.

Second. That the thanks and congratulations of the War Department are rendered to Major-General Halleck for the signal ability and success that have distinguished all the military operations of his department, and for the spirit of courage, manifested by the army under his command under every hardship and against every odds, of attacking, pursuing, and destroying the enemy wherever found.

Third. That the thanks of the Department are also given to Generals Curtis and Sigel, and the officers and soldiers of their commands, for matchless gallantry at the bloody battle of Pea Ridge; and Major-Generals Grant and Buell, and their forces, for the glorious repulse at Pittsburg, in Tennessee; to Major-General Pope, his officers and soldiers, for the bravery and skill manifested in their operations against the rebels and traitor; intrenched at Island No. 10, in the Mississippi River. For daring, courage, and diligent prosecution, valor, and military result those achievements are unsurpassed.

Fourth. There shall this day be a salute of 100 guns from the United States Arsenal at Washington in honor of these great victories.

EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War

(There exists a large degree of information and reports leading up to the battle of Shiloh, but due to space constraints, I present here items I consider to be of interest or direct involvement of the Fifty-Third Illinois Infantry)

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY,
Camp Jackson, Tenn, March 8 1862
DEAR SIR: On receipt of your order to go in l)nrsuit of Morgan and
his men we were in our saddles in ten or fifteen minutes. I took charge of the right wing, and sent the left wing under the charge of the two majors, instructing them to head oft Morgan at Stone River where I understood the bridge was destroyed, while the right wing would follow their trail and the left cut them off. We pursued them, and kept their trail through the woods, thickets, rocky ways, and swamps, with twists and turns and fences let down, until we reached the pike. There, misled by a white man, we went one mile and a halfback, making 3 miles out of our way, but we found the trail again and continued it on the jump all the way. Whenever the gait was slackened on account of the rocks the command was hurried onward, and the boys resumed the rapid gait with a will. Tue right wing finally came up to Major Dresbach, who was in charge of our teamsters and horses and a number of your body guard. Finding Morgan’s men were dispersed, and Major Pugh was still in pursuit of 5 remaining men, I halted the right and ordered the Rifles (Captain Mathews’ company, C) to push on to join Major Pugh. They went on, but never reached Pugh, but returned separately. Major Pugh pursued the enemy to Stone River. Five of Morgan’s men plunged into the river and swam over. Seeing none of our men in their charge, and not knowing what ambush might be laid, the pursuit was ended. Three picket men taken prisoners and all others were dropped on the way. Charles P. Sweet, orderly sergeant of Company H, shot at two of the rebels. He killed one, and the other is in the hospital badly wounded, and will die; his name is Love.
Lient. W. W. Shoemaker, of Company H, led the charge; shot three times with a pistol. He was shot at with a gun. His first shot killed one of the enemy. His second shot the enemy ran, and he struck him with his saber across the month, cutting it in two. The horse of one of the rebels fell and John Shanks struck him with the saber. Shanks’ horse fell over him; jumping upon his enemy, he seized him a prisoner. His name is E. W. Pratt; sent to you last night. Private Fogger, Company H, ran on a rebel and shot him in the back. He kept up close to Lieutenant Shoemaker, who led the advance. Fogger’s horse fell dead under him. Lieutenant Shoemaker, Private Fogger, both of Company H, and George W. Wakefield, Company G, took Carrett a prisoner. Said Garrett had run down a bank and hid himself when he was arrested.

We have to report 4 of the enemy killed~ 2 wounded. Their names are Love and Warfield~ the latter a son of Sallie Carneal. He says if he gets away he will join the Southern Arumy again. Two prisoners sent to you. We captured a negro man and boy, whose teams the rebels had impressed and were carrying them off; they were sent home. Our teamsters and horses were recaptured.

We have some men missing, but as the force pursued dwindled down to five, who were run to Stone River, which they swam, we hope they escaped and will turn up. Major Pugh was iii command of the pursuing force. Morgan left his men and put out for himself; he was fired at, but missed.

Our pursuit was a hot one when we struck into the woods at full tilt, through thick underbrush, cedar thickets, and swamps, meandering into rocky spots, evidently done to obliterate the trail by the enemy. We began to see lost harness, caps, hats, blankets, horses hitched and left on the way. On we went until we overtook the teamsters and General Dumont’s aide, and prisoners left on the way, liberated by the onslaught of the advance. Harper, of your body guard, escaped after being shot at twice and feigning to be shot by falling. Never was joy more portrayed in the countenances of men when liberated, One of Our teamsters is, we fear, mortally wounded. We have taken some guns and horses.

Many thrilling incidents took place that would make my report too long. The white people are treacherous and unreliable, all lying to deceive us. We can only depend on the statements of negroes. No doubt many of our horses will be broken down and worthless by the chase.

I have to report my entire command being eager to meet the enemy, although a very small portion—15 or 20 men in advance—did most of the execution, as we had to move by files through the woods, and that with great difficulty. But for the fact that the enemy placed our teamsters and prisoners betweeu us and themselves we would have done great execution; as it was, we think Morgan got the worst of the attack. Had we ammunition, or our riflemen been in the advance, the list of the killed and wounded would have been very heavy.

Company C had been out all night near La Vergue and 3 miles beyond; the men and horses tireless when ordered, but they jumped to their guns and said we have reason to know we are surrounded with treachery. The prisoners examined lied when examined. Many who take the oath of allegiance only do it to betray us. I have sent out three scouting parties all over the country to recover whatever may be found—stray horses, harness, etc.

Respectfully submitted to you.
JNO. KENNETT,
Colonel, Commanding
Brig. Gen. 0. M. MITCHEL

HDQRS. 4TH BRIGADE, 1ST CORPS, 2D GRAND Div., ARMY OF Mississippi VALLEY, Near Corinth, nine miles towards Pittsburg, March 12, 1862.

SIR: A mounted courier has just reached me with a verbal message from Major Baskerville, stating that the enemy had landed a force at Crump’s Landing 18,000 strong, firing upon the cavalry pickets, driving them in. The same courier informs me that a regiment of infantry, a company of our artillery, and all the cavalry are retreating on Purdy.

Yours, respectfully,    ALFR. MOUTON,
Colonel Eighteenth Regiment Louisiana Vols.,
Comdg. Fourth Brig., C. S. Forces, Mississippi Valley.
Capt. Itov MAsoN llooE, A. A. C., Corinth, Miss.

BETHEL STATION, March 14, 1862—11.30 p. m.
COLONEL:    After much delay, mostly unnecessary, from inefficient railroad management, I have just reached here. General Gladden is at Purdy, with his two regiments and a battery and a small force of cavalry. A report from him to General Ituggles has just been read by him. It seems the enemy’s force landed in this vicinity has been greatly exaggerated, the general estimating it, from the most reliable information he can procure from the people of the country, at about 6,000. They advanced to within 5 miles of Purdy, and hastily retired
last night to their boats, the road from here to Purdy being almost impracticable, and from there to the river nearly in the same condition from the rains yesterday and to-day. No large force can be passed over them now. Under these circumstances (a change of plan on the part of the enemy) I have sent to General Ruggles to suspend his movements, he being still at Corinth, and to send General Chalmers back to Inka, which is the most assailable point on the road. I would also advise a suspension of the movement of General Polk’s command~
stopping at Jackson such portion as may reach there. We can only await further movements and act accordingly. The damaged bridge is repaired, and strong guards will be stationed at all dangerous points.

I shall remain here for the present, and have the country examined thoroughly whilst the organization of my force is carried on; as far at least as can be done under the circumstances around me.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BIRAXTON BRAGG,
Major- General,
Col. THOMAS JORDAN,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Jackson, Tenn.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION,
Steamer Continental, Savannah, Tenn., March 14, 1862.
SIR: I would suggest, as a precautionary measure, after I pass up the river with one gunboat and my division, that the other gunboat and one division, say iluribut’s or Wallace’s, move up to Pittsburg Landing and there await our return. My belief is that the enemy’s force under Cheatham will, after we pass Pittsburg, fall hack on Corinth. Yet, if the force at Corinth be already large, Cheatham may
remain at or near Pittsburg Landing and embarrass our return.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
W.    T. SHERMAN,
Brigadier- General, Commanding Division.
Captain MCMICHAEL, Assistant Adjutant- General.

Report of Maj. Gen. II. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army.
HDQTRS DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE, Knoxville, March 15, 1862
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the enemy, having passed the Cumberland Mountains, yesterday surprised and captured, without the fire of a gun, I believe, the larger number of two companies of the First East Tennessee Cavalry near Jacksborough.~ Their force consisted of a regiment of infantry.

Couriers who arrived last night bring the intelligence that they are moving in this direction. I have ordered forward to Clinton two Alabama regiments, the Third Tennessee Volunteers, a battalion of North Carolina Volunteers, a section (two pieces) Third Maryland Artillery, and a portion First East Tennessee Cavalry (an aggregate of 2,000 men), the whole under the command of Col. D. Leadbetter, who has received such instructions from me as I thought necessary for the exigency.

From what I have learned of the character of the troops from East Tennessee in our service, of their strong Union proclivities, greatly increased by their near relationship to and from intimate association with many citizens who have fled the country and espoused the Federal cause, I am satisfied the capture near Jacksborough was the result of treachery. Pickets detailed from them cannot be relied on, and even officers are not free from suspicion of more fidelity to the Federal than to our service, it is not an individual opinion that some of the regiments from this section are disloyal, but it is the conviction of many of our friends, who know the public sentiment prevailing in those counties in which they were raised and the strong personal ties which would influence them to become so. There is a want among them of that confidence in the loyalty of each other which would make them faithful in the discharge of their duty to their fellow soldiers and to the country, and this is aggravated, too, by the opinion, which exists to some extent, that East Tennessee cannot be defended by th’~ force we have in the field, and must be abandoned upon the advance of the Federal Army.

I cannot, therefore, too strongly urge upon the Department the propriety, if not the necessity, of removing these troops to some other point, where they cannot prove traitors, either by purchase or from love to the Federal Government, and where, if they do not make efficient soldiers, they cannot be tampered with by the enemy. If this be done, and their numerical strength be supplied by troops from other States, I am persuaded it would in every respect be to the advantage of the service.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. KIRBY SMITh,
Major-General, Commanding.
General S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION,
Steamer Gontinental, Pittsburg Landing, March 16, 1862
SIR: The general impression of General Hurlbut here and of the people is that the cavalry of the enemy is scattered all over the country in small bands. I have been out to Bethel, 3 miles, and think the force which was here was a regiment of infantry and four companies of cavalry. General Cheatham’s force has gone toward Pardy.

I have made preparations for a strong reconnaissance toward Corinth, which I will convert into a destruction of the telegraph and railroad lines if possible, and report its result as soon as I return. I will use the cavalry and my division.  General Hurlbut will guard this point. A full return will be sent to-morrow. I will send down the two companies of the Fifth Ohio as soon as the reconnaissance is complete.

W.    T. SHERMAN
Capt. WILIAM MCMICHAEL, Brigadier-General, Commaniding
Assistant Adjutant-General

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION,
Pittsburg Landing, March 17, 1862
SIR: Last night I dispatched a party of cavalry at 6 p. in., under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Heath, Fifth Ohio Cavalry, for a strong reconnaissance, if possible, to be converted into an attack upon the Memphis road. The command got off punctually, followed at 12 at night by the First Brigade of my division, commanded by Colonel McDowell, the other brigade to follow in order.

About 1 at night the cavalry returned, reporting the road occupied in force by the enemy, with whose advance guard they skirmished, driving them back about a mile, taking 2 prisoners, and having their chief guide, Esquire Thomas Maxwell, wounded, and 3 men of the Fourth Illinois.

As soon as the cavalry returned I saw that an attempt on the road was frustrated, and accordingly have placed McDowell’s brigade to our right front guarding the pass of Snake Creek, Stuart’s brigade to the left front to watch the pass of Lick Creek, and shall this morning move directly out on the Corinth road, about 8 miles, to or towards Pea Ridge, which is a key-point to the Southwest.

General Hurlbut’s division will be landed to-day, and the artillery and infantry disposed so as to defend Pittsburg, leaving my division entire for any movement by rail or water.

As near as I can learn there are five regiments of infantry at Purdy, at Corinth, and distributed along the railroad to Juka are probably 30,000 men, but my information from prisoners is very indistinct. Every road and path is occupied by the enemy’s cavalry, whose orders seem to be to fire a volley, retire, again fire and retire. The force on the Purdy road attacked and driven by Major Bowman yesterday was about 60 strong. That encountered last night on the
Corinth road was about five companies of Tennessee cavalry, sent from Purdy about 2p. m. yesterday. I hear there is a force of two regiments on Pea Ridge, at the point where the Purdy and Corinth road comes in from this place.

I am satisfied we cannot reach the Memphis and Charleston Road without a considerable engagement, which is prohibited by General Halleck’s instructions, so that I will be governed by your orders of yesterday to occupy Pittsburg strongly. Extend the pickets so as to include a semicircle of 3 miles, and push strong reconnaissance as far as Lick Creek and Pea Ridge.

I will send down a good many boats to-day to be employed as you may direct, and would be obliged if you would send us if possible a couple thousand sacks of corn, as much hay as you can possibly spare, and if possible a barge of coal.
I will send a steamboat under care of the gunboat to collect corn from cribs on the river bank.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
W.    T. SHERMAN,
Brigadier- General, Commanding
Capt. WILLIAM MCMICHAEL,
Assistant Adjutant-General

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Pittsburg Landing, March 17, 1862
SIR: The object indicated by General Smith for me to accomplish is to cut the Charleston and Memphis road, without a general or serious engagement. This is impossible from here, because the ground is well watched and a dash cannot be made. I have tried it twice. The first time defeated by rains, storms, and high water; the second by coming in contact with a cavalry force of the enemy, which was defeated, routed, and dispersed in utter confusion, evidences of which met us at every part of the road beyond the scene of conflict to the extent of our reconnaissance—horses loose and mired in the bottoms, saddles, sabers, shot-guns scattered through the wood and along the several roads and by-paths by which they retreated toward Purdy.

The mode of accomplishing the important object first indicated is this: To advance with considerable display on the Corinth road by a large force as far as Pea Ridge, then dispatch by a good steamer, under convoy of the gunboat, to Tyler’s Landing, about 200 cavalry and a regiment of infantry, to make that point at 6 p. m. and to take its immediate departure for the railroad, 19 miles off, at a place called Bnrnsville. We attempted this, but were defeated by the rain. The small streams have now run out, and I think the plan practicable.

The enemy knows that we have abandoned Tyler’s Landing and have concentrated here. Grump’s Landing is a good point also, as there is a considerable force at Purdy. I was well out there to-day, and think there is some mistake about the road being broken to the north of Purdy, for a very intelligent man says he saw the train leaving Purdy for Jackson yesterday.

This road can easily be reached now from here. The difficulty is with the other road, which is watched, because of its great importance. To advance on Corinth in force we should make use of several roads; our troops drag out too long on a single country road. From Tyler’s Landing, Pittsburg, and Cramp’s, as well as Hamburg, troops could move concentrically on Corinth or could cross the road at any other point. I am trying my best to find out the strength of the enemy at these points, but thus far am unsuccessful.

I am, in haste, yours,
W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding
Capt. JOHN A. RAWLINS,
Assistant Adjutant-General

Abstract from “Record of Events” in Sherman’s division for March
The division embarked in steamboats at Paducah March 8, and arrived at Fort Henry March 9, and at Savannah, Tenn., March 11. March 14, disembarked at mouth of Yellow Creek, Mississippi, and sent cavalry to destroy railroad, but the heavy rains had so swollen the streams that the country was impassable.

On the 16th dropped down to Pittsburg Landing, and disembarked and attempted destruction of railroad. Cavalry encountered a force, which was routed, but failed in the undertaking. Division went into camp, extending from the Purdy to the Hamburg road, 2 miles back from the landing, on 19th.
On the 24th made a strong reconnaissance of Pea Ridge, 10 miles toward Corinth. The division is employed in drill and reconnoitering the country to the front. The condition of arms, clothing, and subsistence is good. Drill improving.

SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE
No. 43.    Savannah, Teun., April 2, 1862

The following assignments of brigadier-generals is hereby made:
Brig. Gen. IR. J. Oglesby to command the Third Brigade, First Division.

Brig. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace is assigned to the Second Division, and will be assigned to a brigade by Maj. Gen. C. F. Smith, commanding the division.

Brig. Gen. J. G. Lauman will report to Brig. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, commanding Fourth Division, and be assigned by him to a brigade.

As a general rule brigadier-generals should be assigned to brigades commanded by the junior commanders within the division to which they are attached.

By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant:
[JNO. A. RAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General