John H. Morgan - Battle of Hartsville

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I failed to mention this the other day but theres no better time than the present..

The General Robert H. Hatton camp 723 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Lebanon, Tennessee (Yes this is the Camp I belong to ) has taken on the responsibility of upkeep and preservation of the Hartsville Battle driving tour and associated markers and materials so that others might enjoy the unique story behind this engagement.

If you would care to help us with this effort donations are accepted.

The Battle of Hartsville Preservation c/o
Gen. Rbt. H. Hatton Camp, 723
P.O. Box 782
Lebanon, TN 37088-0782

And tell them Steven Cone informed you of the Hatton's camp preser****n and upkeep efforts of the Hartsville Battlefield.


Regards,
Steve Cone
Re-enactor, Historian & Battlefield Preservationest

Member:
General Robert H. Hatton Camp 723, Wilson County Civil war Round Table
Save the Franklin Battlefield, Civil War Preservation Trust, Battle of Nashville Preservation Society, Civil War Re-enactors Preservation Committee

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THE BATTLE OF HARTSVILLE, TENNESSEE

December 7, 1862

Called by military men "The Boldest And Most Successfully Executed Cavalry Raid Of The War Between The States," The Battle of Hartsville was a classic execution of military tactic t hat made "The Thunderbolt of The Confederacy," Colonel John Hunt Morgan, legendary. Leaving Baird's Mill in southern Wilson County, Tennessee and marching over 25 miles through snow, sleet, and icy conditions, crossing the Cumberland River, he advanced toward an enemy that later would prove to greatly outnumber him.

Col. Morgan was always warmly received by the citizens of Hartsville and he spent many days in the area during 1862. While in Hartsville, Morgan had one of his men, Gordon E. Niles, a New Yorker who was loyal to the southern cause and had publishing experience, to set up and publish a newspaper, The Hartsville Vidette, on August 16, 1862. It is still in publication today.

Col. Morgan, in Murfreesboro with the Army of Tennessee, had learned that the Federals had established strong garrisons at Gallatin, Castalian Springs, and Hartsville (the countryside he was so fond of). At Hartsville with a force of 2,400 men, consisting of the 106th and 108th Ohio Infantry, 104th Illinois Infantry. 13th Indiana Artillery, 2nd Indiana Calvary, and a portion of the 11th Kentucky Cavalry was the Federal 39th Brigade with Col. Absalom B. Moore of the 104th Illinois Infantry in command. Morgan felt that he could slip through, hit the Yanks quickly, and destroy the Hartsville garrison, as his scouts reported the Federal numbers to be about 1,500. As his men were resting at Baird's Mill Morgan went to Murfreesboro to urge General Braxton Bragg to sanction an attack. After careful thought and Morgan's persistence, Bragg accepted his proposal to cross the Cumberland and hit Hartsville.

After being allowed to select two regiments of Infantry, containing some 700 men from Col. Roger W. Hanson's "Kentucky Brigade", he chose the 2nd and 9th Kentucky commanded by his uncle, Col. Thomas H. Hunt, as well as Cobb's Battery. His own men consisted of the 7th, 8th, 11th Kentucky Cavalry and a group of local men commanded by Hartsvillian Col. James D. Bennett, the 9th Tennessee Cavalry. The cavalry was commanded by his brother-in-law Col. Basil W. Duke. Including two of Morgan's Kentucky Batteries, Stoner's and Corbett's, Morgan's forces totaled 2,100.

Morgan and his men left Baird's Mill at 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 1862. With the officers only knowing their destination, many rumors began to fly among the enlisted men. After arriving in Lebanon about 2:00 p.m. and marching in sleet and snow for eight miles, his men stopped to rest and eat. As they left Lebanon they were told of their destination, "Hartsville". Jubilation went throughout the ranks as they continued their long march toward Hartsville 17 miles away. Arriving at the Cumberland River at 10:00 p.m. they began their crossing of the cold dark water. Taking longer than expected to cross the swollen Cumberland, Col. Morgan, the Infantry, Artillery, and a small part of the Cavalry crossed at Puryears Bend. Col. Basil W. Duke with the majority of the Cavalry, crossed a few miles further down river. Hurrying to meet Morgan at their planned rendezvous point, Duke left a large portion of his men on the south side of the river. With daylight breaking and the surprise element almost gone, the Colonel set out without the rest of the Cavalry units, who were still crossing the river. Col. James D. Bennett and his 9th Tennessee Cavalry were sent into town to cut off any escape the Federals might take. Because of the complicated river crossing, Morgan's force was now reduced to 1,300. As they approached the Federal camp, the first Union Pickets were captured, but their backups fired shots at the fast wheeling Confederates and prevented their surprise attack. The cry was heard "The Rebels are corning!" Soon it became apparent by the many campfires that the Union numbers were much greater than at first anticipated. Col. Duke exclaimed to Morgan, "You have more work cut out for you than you bargained for." Morgan answered, "Yes, and you gentlemen must whip and catch these fellows, and cross the river in two hours and a half, or we'll have six thousand more on our backs." Doing just that, Morgan's men, in one hour and fifteen minutes, out-maneuvered, out-flanked, and out-fought the enemy; thus, totally defeating a much larger force than their own. Federal losses were 58 killed, 204 wounded, and 1,834 captured; total casualties were 2,096. Southern losses were 21 killed, 104 wounded, and 14 missing for a total of 139. Having to hurry to re-cross the Cumberland (for the second time in less than nine hours), Col. Morgan did what most thought could not be done. He successfully transported his men and prisoners back across the chilly water before the Federal reinforcements at Castalian Springs could arrive.

In Nashville, a telegram arrived from the General-in-Chief in Washington DC., "The President (Abraham Lincoln) directs that you immediately report why an isolated brigade was at Hartsville, and by whose command; and also by whose fault it was surprised and captured." Not receiving an appropriate answer, the General-in-Chief fired back, "The most important of the president's inquiries has not been answered. What officer or officers are chargeable with the surprise at Hartsville and deserve punishment?"
Arriving back in Murfreesboro with their captured wagons, arms, and much needed supplies, Morgan and his men were received and honored by the many local citizens along the route as they returned triumphantly as heroes. The victory was a much needed boost to the morale of the Confederates. Morgan was highly praised by all for this most brilliant achievement and the Confederate Congress congratulated him.

Confederate President Jefferson Davis arrived two days later and promoted Morgan to the rank of Brigadier General as the President was presented the captured Federal Infantry colors. General Bragg complimented the entire command and ordered that the name "Hartsville" be inscribed on the banners of all regiments participating.

Perhaps Col. Basil Duke summed up "The Battle of Hartsville" when he said, "This expedition was justly esteemed the most brilliant thing that Morgan had ever done, and was referred to with pride by every man who was in it."

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PLEASE RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY ALONG TOUR ROUTE,
AS MOST OF THESE STOPS ARE AT PRIVATE RESIDENCES OR FARMS

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From the Trousdale County Courthouse, travel 0.8 mi. south on Hwy. 141 and turn right on Puryears Bend Road. Go one mile and turn left (still on Puryears Bend Rd.); follow this road 1.5 mi. and take the right fork (still on Puryears Bend Rd.). Go 2 mi. and turn right; go 0.3 mi. and turn left on Willow Lane. Go to the end of the road and follow the map to begin your tour.

Stop 1 PURYEARS FERRY:
Arriving from Lebanon across the river at 10:00 P.M. on the night of December 6,1862, Colonel John Hunt Morgan assembled his troops for their crossing of the Cumberland River. Wanting to cross in five hours, he sent Colonel Basil Duke's Cavalry a few miles down river to cross. Morgan, with the Artillery, Infantry, and a small part of the Cavalry, began the difficult task of moving horses, heavy cannon, and men across the swollen Cumberland in two leaking flat boats that had been supplied by a local citizen, 74 year old Oliver Goldsmith "Oilie" Dickerson. (Dickerson was sent to prison for this, but was paroled after six months.) Due to the harsh conditions, the crossing took seven hours instead of the allotted five.

(Go back out the way you came and stay to the right until you reach Stop #2)

Stop 2; HOME OF COLONEL JAMES DEARING BENNETT (1816 -1862):
He was Commander of the 9th Tennessee Cavalry, which included many local men. Most of the 9th Cavalry were men from Hartsville, Coatstown (now Westmoreland), and Richland (now Portland). Earlier in the war, Bennett had formed the 7th Tennessee Cavalry Battalion. Col. Bennett was reported to be a fine man who was respected by his troops. He died of typhoid-pneumonia on Morgan's Second Kentucky Raid in Elizabethtown, Kentucky on January 23, 1863. He was brought back to Hartsville by his faithful servant, "Jeff" and buried here. Fourteen years later his widow, Martha (Hutchison), had his body reinterred in the Hartsville Cemetery, (see Stop #17)

Stop 3: HAGER'S SHOP:
At this site was the blacksmith shop of Andrew Jackson "A. J." Hager (1824-1918). This was the planned rendezvous point for Morgan and his men. Taking 30 minutes from Puryears Ferry, Morgan arrived about 5:30 A.M. with Colonel Thomas Hunt, commander of the infantry. Col. Duke (having been sent further down river and having trouble finding a place to cross) arrived only minutes before Morgan. After arriving at this predetermined crossing (which is thought to be Averitt's Ferry), Duke found the river too high to cross. Therefore, his scouts directed him to a ford that was far from any known road (believed to be the area that later became known as Watsons's Landing). A narrow bridle path was the only access to the river. With each mount and man going down the slippery path, led by Col. Bennett's 9th Tennessee, the men plunged into the river from a four foot ledge. Most of the men became completely submerged in the freezing water. The first men across built fires to warm themselves, but 15 men were so badly frozen they had to be left behind. By 3:00 A.M. with fewer than half his men across the river, Duke realized he had to hurry to meet Morgan, leaving the other half of his men on the south side of the river with orders to hurry on. So at this spot Colonels Morgan, Duke, and Hunt prepared their final plans for their attack on the Federal camp, just two miles away to the east.

(Continue ahead and take the first right, Lytle Drive to the end)

Stop 4: THE WIDOW HALUBURTON:
Here was the home and burial site of Letty Halliburron (1796-1865). This lady was instrumental in helping many of the wounded after the battle. A yellow flag was hoisted above her home, a sign for the wounded that this was a place for help. After the battle, wagons with wounded soldiers were brought here for care. She used her entire supply of bed linens as bandages for the Confederate wounded, as they occupied every room of her home. Dr. John Orlando Scott, of the 2nd Kentucky, and the only Confederate surgeon left after the battle, said, "It is a grand sight to see the men in blue assisting his brother in gray in all kindness and affection."

(Turn left out Boat Dock Road 1.3 mi. to Old Hwy. 25 and turn right 0.2 mi. for Stop #5)

Stop 5: FINAL APPROACH:
After leaving Hager's Shop (and following the route you just drove) here Morgan detached Col. Bennett's 9th Tennessee Cavalry to set up a roadblock on the Hartsville-Castalian Springs road and other points to cut off any escape the Federals might try to find. Bennett took the rest of his regiment to Hartsville one mile away. Morgan and the rest of his troops crossed here through the lowest point and made his initial approach toward their objective, still undetected.

(Go straight ahead into town)

Stop 6: TOWN OF HARTSVILLE:
Here the remainder of Col. Bennett's Cavalry made their way into town. The 9th succeeded in capturing 450 Federals, including Co. A, 104th Illinois, who were posted to guard the town. The soldiers had occupied many buildings in town including the Locke Hotel on the comer of Main St. and Broadway (at the site of the Old Bank of Hartsville building). Two buildings used as hospitals stand today. At the corner of Church and West Main stands the Hager Building (* now Total Image), built in 1838. This building housed the bed patients. Behind here on Church Street stands the Old Methodist Church (* now Russell's Popcorn) built in 1843. Here the soldiers with less severe wounds were cared for. (Get out and stretch your legs. Look around Historic Hartsville)

* see link at bottom of the page for photos of theses buildings

(Go back out Hwy 141 S 0.6 mi., turn right oh Rom Lane to Stop #7}

Stop 7: THE REBELS ARE COMING:
As Morgan approached this hill from the valley between the two hills to the northwest, (Stop 5) he sent a small force dressed as Union soldiers to capture the pickets stationed north and west of the Federal Infantry Camp. The reserve pickets observed this and fired the first alarm, as Morgan approached with his main task force and artillery from the northwest. He dispatched Col. Cluke's and Col. Chenault's cavalry units toward the camp white he accompanied Colonel Hunt and Cobb's Battery southward to occupy a position to observe the Union Camp and adjust their artillery firing on the Federals.

(Follow this drive to the end and turn left)

Stop 8: MORGAN PUSHES ON:
At this point Morgan's Infantry and Cavalry spread out and deployed on a low ridge overlooking the Infantry camp. The cavalry dismounted (Morgan's Cavalry often fought as Infantry) and moved to the left to flank the Federals. The Infantry pushed onward toward some 2,100 Federal troops who had formed a line of defense on the hill (behind the Highway Dept. Garage). The Federal Artillery on this hill was forced to move back to the bluff on the river. Here the fiercest part of the battle was fought.

(Go to the river 0.4 mi.)

Stop 9: COBB'S BATTERY:
Here, across the ravine, (high atop this hill behind the water plant, and to the right) Colonel Robert Cobb's Battery set up for the artillery assault on the Federal camp upon the hill to your left. As Col, Morgan stood there during the battle, one caisson was completely destroyed by a direct hit from the Federal cannons, killing David Watt who was sitting upon it. Colonel Morgan's young aide, William Craven Peyton, was mortally wounded. He was taken to the home of a Mrs. Lee, where he died of blood poisoning.

(Cross the river bridge)

Stop 10: STONER'S BATTERY:
Here on the south side of the river on the elevated ground to the left, Major Robert G. Stoner set up his battery of two Mountain Howitzers. Knowing that these guns would not reach the Federal camp, his job was to keep the Federals wondering if they would, (turn around here and go back to the river and pause) Afterwards, Stoner's men forded the river several times, bringing a prisoner back across each time. The back side of the bluff to the right was the camp of the Union Army, The ridge ahead and to the left is Stop #7.

(Back across the river 0.6 mi.; turn right on Cemetery Road and go 0.5 mi.)

Stop 11: UNION CAMP SITE:
Arriving here from Tompkinsville, Kentucky vi« the Goose Creek Valley on November 28, 1862, the Federal Garrison of the 39th Brigade, 12th Division, under the command of Col. Joseph R. Scott, relieved Col. John Marshall Harlan (later Associate Justice of the U. S, Supreme Court) of the Tenth Kentucky Infantry, commanding the Second Brigade, First Division, who had been in Hartsville about two weeks. Col. Scott's forces consisted of the 104th Illinois Infantry, 106th and 108th Ohio Infantry,'2nd Indiana Cavalry, Co. E, 11th Kentucky Cavalry, and two cannons of the 13th Indiana Battery, approximately 2,400 men. On December 2, Col. Absalom B. Moore of the 104th Illinois, and ranking officer, relieved Col. Scott as he was called to Nashville. Here a large part of the fighting and surrender of the Federal garrison took place some one hour and fifteen minutes after the battle began.

(Go to the end of this road)

Stop 12: THE CUMBERLAND RIVER:
Imagine crossing this river in chest deep water with a 4" snow on the ground, bitterly cold, and 2 or 3 men on horseback. It was done with such success that it still amazes not only the common man, but military minds as well, Morgan sent most of his men and prisoners here to cross the ford, while sending the wagons and cannons 1/2 mile upriver to Hart's Ferry. (See Stop 16)

(Turn around and go 0.3 mi. and turn right on Herod Road)
Stop 13: The BATTLEFIELD AND RETREAT:
Stop here and look to the right. In the far distance (a clear view in winter) is the Federal Camp and Battlefield. Across these ravines, some 4,000 men, both North and South, were making quick time to le«»e. this area before Colonel Harlan arrived from Castalian Springs some nine Miles away with 4,000 reinforcements. Of course the Federal soldiers had a little help in persuading them to do so!

(Continue on this road)

Stop 14: AVERITT-HEROD HOUSE:



Atop. the hill overlooking the battlefield, this beautiful home was built about 1834 by Peter Averitt, Sr. During the battle, Petersion, Richard, and his family lived here. According to tradition, wounded confederate soldiers were brought here to be cared for after the battle, and it was where Federal Col. John M. Harlan pardoned them. There is a large bloodstain resembling a man's face in the floor on the east side of the house.

(Continue on this road)

Stop 15: FEDERAL CAVALRY CAMP:
Here the 2nd Indiana and Co. E. 11th Kentucky Cavalry camped and were positioned to guard Hart's Ferry. The entire Cavalry force moved up to support the Infantry, but participated very little in the battle. They suffered only three casualties, and most escaped capture.
(Go to the curve)

Stop 16: HART'S FERRY:
Located some 400 yards from here at the river, Hart's Ferry was started in 1798 by James Hart (for whom Hartsville was named). From here. Col. Morgan began his exit from Hartsville with all his captured goods, two pieces of artillery, ammunition, supplies, and wagons. Just as Morgan was getting the last of his men across the river, Union Col. John M. Harlan arrived and opened fire, but did not pursue them. One of the cannon shots barely missed Morgan and his staff, as it hit a tree limb above them. The Federals destroyed three wagons in the river as the Confederates made their exit from Hartsville.

(Go to the end of Herod Drive and turn around; go back to Cemetery Road and turn right.)


Stop 17: HARTSVILLE CEMETERY:
This is the eternal resting place for over 50 Confederate Veterans, among them Colonel James Dearing Bennett, commander of the famed 9th Tennessee Cavalry. After the battle, Winslow Hart (the son of James Hart) and other citizens buried both Federal and Confederate dead on a knoll at the rear of the cemetery. Some of the Union dead were later moved and returned to their homeland or reinterred at the National Cemetery in Nashville

For my photos of the Battle of Hartsville Battlefield
Visit: http://www.civilwaralbum.com/misc/hartsville1.htm

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[samgrant]

Morgan also had some luck, in that his seasoned troops were attacking a Union line occupied by three regiments of green soldiers who has just been mustered during August and September, as well as a commander (Moore) who had never before (or after) been in a fight.

Postscript: Rosecrans later replied to Halleck, placing the blame on Moore's "ignorance or negligence". Halleck recommended Moore's dismissal "for neglect of duty, in not properly preparing for the enemy's attack". Stanton approved, but Lincoln allowed Moore (after exchanged) to resign on account of disability.

A week later, Morgan was married in Murfreesboro, Jefferson Davis attending.

[r_moody]

Originally Posted by scone

The General Robert H. Hatton camp 723 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Lebanon, Tennessee (Yes this is the Camp I belong to ) has taken on the responsibility of upkeep and preservation of the Hartsville Battle driving tour and associated markers and materials so that others might enjoy the unique story behind this engagement.

If you would care to help us with this effort donations are accepted.

The Battle of Hartsville Preservation c/o
Gen. Rbt. H. Hatton Camp, 723
P.O. Box 782
Lebanon, TN 37088-0782

I hope more reenactment groups step up to the plate as yours has so nobly done. It’s in the best interest of all civil war groups to take as much charge as possible to preserve and maintain these battlefields and their administration. We can’t always rely on the government to maintain field integrity. As the political winds shift back and forth the stability of history is subject to change by those with a political axe to grind or profits to be made. I salute you and your camp members for this important task that you have so nobly undertaken.

Rick