Aot - 1865

[larry_cockerham]

There's still a bunch of work needed to tell the story. I do, however, greatly appreciate the kind comments.

January 10, 1865

Cheatham's corps ordered to move from Corinth to Tupelo.

From the history of the 11th Tennessee Infantry:

As the ghost of the Army of Tennessee withdrew from the Volunteer State, the brigade was within a few miles of Corinth, Mississippi by January 4. By January 10, the army had moved through Corinth and had established camp at 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.

[larry_cockerham]

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.

January 13, 1865 No orders of importance.

From the History of the 33rd Mississippi:

On 13 Jan 1865 the men moved the camp 3 to 4 miles south and camped near the railroad at Verona, Mississippi. It had been raining and sleeting almost constantly for several days. The remainder of January, 1865, was spent moving from Verona to Okolona to West Point, and then to *******n.

The weather was no friend to the AOT, though conditions were just as severe to Wilson's forming cavalry a few miles to the northeast where they camped along the Tennessee River near Gravelly Springs. Rest was needed by all; the war wasn't quite over.

[ole]

The weather was no friend to the AOT, though conditions were just as severe to Wilson's forming cavalry a few miles to the northeast where they camped along the Tennessee River near Gravelly Springs. Rest was needed by all; the war wasn't quite over.

Have been religiously following your narrative, Larry. Thank you. But can't resist mentioning that Wilson's boys did have food, shoes, warm clothes and tents. Yeah. You and I wouldn't begin to think of camping out in December under any circumstances -- even with Arctic gear and MREs. Kinda makes one understand and appreciate the soldier, doesn't it.

ole

[richard]

The Union camps at Waterloo and Gravely Springs had a lot to be desired. Yes, they had wooden structures to bunk down in and they did have some heat. They still had tons of mud to contend with. The horses had very little food as the area was poor and had been ravished by both army's. Flood waters had swept away or destroyed most of the corn and hay that had been stockpiled for them near the camps. The troops were at times down to one quarter ration of parched corn a day, the remaining going to the horses.

[PINCKNEYUSMCRET]

As my ole Company Commander said, "War is a miserable business". While I admire the courage of both the blue and the gray. Those AOT boys were some stubborn folks hanging on to the end. When my time comes I would like to chat with those warriors.

Pinckney

[larry_cockerham]

January 14, 1865

General Beauregard arrived at Tupelo, on visit to the army, late at night. Doubtless he was working up the courage to bring the hammer down on Hood.

Union Cavalry under General James Wilson arrived at Gravelly Springs, Alabama this same day. The 5th Division, 1st Brigade US moved from Waterloo, AL to Gravelly Springs, AL and remained there during the month.

[larry_cockerham]

January 15, 1865

A system for furloughing the Confederate troops was established. (See General Orders, No. 1, 1865, and circular letter to corps commanders, field dispatches, N. 542.) On this day Samuel Robinson of the 63rd Virginia wrote a letter to his wife from Tupelo, Mississippi.

[larry_cockerham]

January 16, 1865 .

The army including Lee’s Corps still in same camp at and near Tupelo. Whit Parker must have been there, a young man of nineteen years still suffering mightily from the soreness of the schrapnel which had been removed from his legs and thighs. His youth doubtless helped him move about better than an older man might have fared. Still he was about six hundred miles from his native Virginia. The Tennessee River was beautiful, but it didn't compare to the Holston that he called home. Rest was the most precious gift the 63rd Virginia could have received at this time, aside from a ticket home. The war was to continue. Survival was the order of the day.

[larry_cockerham]

January 17,1865 (Tuesday)

General Beauregard arrives in Tupelo with instructions, from Secretary Seddon, to grant General Hood's request to be relieved of command and to send as many troops "as may be spared" to Augusta, Georgia. Beauregard immediately approved a "judicious system of furloughs" for the men in Hood's army "to prevent disorder and desertion in [the] Army of Tennessee." John Bell Hood sends two dispatches to President Davis, one offering "to command a corps or division," and the second requesting that he be assigned "west of the Mississippi River." According to Hood, "I think I can be of more service there than east of the river."

Although Beauregard is satisfied that the army "requires immediate reorganization and consolidation" and believes that "to divide this small army at this juncture to re-enforce General Hardee would expose to capture Mobile, Demopolis, Selma, Montgomery, and all the rich valley of the Alabama River," he organizes the "first shipment of about 8,000 troops" for the long and arduous train ride to Georgia.

[larry_cockerham]

General Beauregard then wrote the following response:

TUPELO, January 17, 1865. (Received 3 o'clock 24th.)
- Hon. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War:

Telegram of the 15th instant received. I will leave for Georgia and South Carolina soon as practicable after having placed General Taylor in command of the Army of Tennessee, and take, after conference with him, as many troops as can be spared from here.

G. T. BEAUREGARD

The move was on. One more attempt to stop Sherman.