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If any of you are interested, I would like to continue my notes on the Army of Tennessee and their continued retreat from Tennessee toward North Carolina, the battle for Bentonville and a trip home at war's end. Most "books" that I've seen seem to break-off the story of the AOT at the Tennessee River crossing at Bainbridge, Alabama on December 28, 1864. There was considerably more to the story before the fat lady (Sherman) sang. I'm trying to fill in the pieces and would greatly appreciate some help. Thanks for your patience.
December 31, 1864 Lee’s Corps was in camp in Burnsville, Mississippi. The various corps of the Army of Tennessee sought much needed rest in Burnsville, Rienzi and Corinth before re-assembling at Tupelo.
January 1, 1865
From the History of the 33rd Mississippi:
On New Year's Day, 1865 the regiment had a holiday and rested in camp. The next day the regiment was on the march again and went to Burnsville, Mississippi. From there they went to Tupelo, Mississippi, where they camped 3 miles west of town.
January 2, 1865 Lee’s Corps moved to Reinzi, Mississippi
January 3, 1865 Lee's and Stewart's corps ordered to continue the march to Tupelo, Mississippi from their respective bivouacs, Rienzi and Burnsville, all wheels not necessary with the troops and artillery carriages to be sent to Columbus, to report upon arrival to Major-General Elzey.
January 4, 1865 No further orders regulating movements of the troops.
Due to an ice storm we had and the speedy hard working cable company linemen I was out of commision for about 14 days here in western NC ... but I'm all caught back up with you now sir.
__________________ It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood.
Fourteen days without the computer! And you didn't gnaw all your fingers off? What are the withdrawal symptoms like?
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
"After Hood's army returned from the Tennessee campaign, French's Division, which was composed of Ector's, Cockrell's, and Sears's Brigades, was detached from the Army of Tennessee and sent to Mobile to report to Gen. D. H. Maury, commanding the Department of the Gulf. We remained there nearly two months, and fought the battles of Blakely and Spanish Fort...." http://members.aol.com/bamaconfederate/close.htm
Yes, Forrest, Walthall and Richard Taylor retained a minimal force (that was all that was left) to "defend" Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Ft. Blakely, along with Selma, pretty much doomed the Confederacy in the midsouth. The rest of the broken army headed east. The railroads or lack of them played a major part in the next month's events. More later from me, though I can use some help with details. Thanks very much for your post on these commands.
In my own words, I was highly agitated. My wife however has a much lengthier and more colorful version of my disposition during my forced hiatus from all things world wide webby.
__________________ It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood.
January 8, 1865 No orders of importance issued with reference to further movements.
January 9, 1865 Stewart's corps arrived at Tupelo and went into camp. The Union Cavalry was reported at Eastport, Mississippi. Time was running out for the Army of Tennessee in Mississippi. Thomas and Wilson were still on the trail.
January 10, 1865 Cheatham's corps ordered to move from Corinth to Tupelo.
When Hood's army arrived in Tupelo on Jan. 10, 1865, there were fewer than 15,000 infantry. On the 15th, Hood was relieved of command and replaced by Gen. Joseph E. Johnston.” [[Not exactly true, it was Lt. Gen. Richard Taylor on Jan 22. Johnston returned Feb 22, 1865. P.G.T. Beauregard retained command in Hood’s absence. Taylor was to remain with Forrest in defense of Alabama and Mississippi.]]
January 11, 1865 No orders of importance.
January 12, 1865 Cheatham's corps arrived at Tupelo. All stores reported moved away from Corinth to Tupelo.
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