Aot - 1865

[larry_cockerham]

Larry,

I know I have stated this before, but there is no way Forrest or Cleburne were ever going to command the army. Hood, Johnston, Taylor, Beauregard, even Stewart as commanders maybe, but not a cavalry commander or a man who had never even been a corps commander.

Also, there were not 10,000 - 15,000 deaths during the Tennessee Campaign. The Confederate death total was no more than 2,500. The former number includes wounded, prisoners, and deserters.

I've never meant to imply that Cleburne or Forrest had any business in command of the complexities of the Army of Tennessee. Only two points were that Cleburne had a level head on his shoulders and enough sense to see that the attack on Franklin in the poor light was a tad risky. Forrest, having been born only thirty-odd miles away at least knew the territory and of course he had led men through Franklin and Brentwood on more than one previous occasion. The point being, he knew the terrain and knew were he was and had a good bit of judgment about his capabilites. As I wrote, Hood did not impress me by ignoring the advice of those two fine officers. (I doubt he was trying to impress me, but hopefully you'll see my point?) I stand corrected on the death terminology. (My old fingers get carried away and most of these guys know better than to believe most of what I write.)
The wounded and simply exhausted and disheartened Confederates might as well have perished. There was no fight left until the opportunity to rest in Mississippi. Furloughs weren't much help for the majority of the men too far from home.

[larry_cockerham]

I got to buy your book

Pinckney

There's not enough there to sell at the moment. I'll be happy to share the drafts with you if you'll send me your e-mail address. lcoc@bellsouth.net
I still need much information on the period from January 1, 1865 to war's end for the 63rd Virginia. Eventually I'd like to use this information as a fund raiser to support our SCV camp's continued efforts to maintain Winstead Hill. Folks such as Eric and yourself have been a big help in focusing my straying thoughts and of course spoting mis-statements. I'd certainly appreciate your review. I'm still quite interested in the battlefield and battle at Sugar Creek Dec 26, 1864. Hopefully there is much more there to learn. Discovering that I had an ancestor on each side of that field at the same moment has had a strange impact on me, to say the least. They were both at, or rather near, Franklin on November 30, 1864 as well. I suspect I'm a lucky man.

[EricJacobson]

Larry,

I understand about Cleburne and Forrest. No doubt Cleburne questioned whether the attack at Franklin was necessary and Forrest certainly wanted to try the flanking maneuever. Interesting is that A. P. Stewart, in a letter to Samuel French after the war, stated unequivocally that Hood at least considered a flanking maneuver when he first arrived at Franklin. The problem is Hood knew daylight was running out. Stewart's letter shows that Hood did not so much think a flanking maneuver was a bad idea, but rather he didn't think he had time to pull it off. Even John Brown, a division commander at Franklin, said Hood told him any flanking maneuvers could be seen fully by the enemy because the ground was so open and largely flat.

That said, if anyone could have pulled off a flanking maneuver it was Forrest. But Hood did allow him to take two divisions of cavalry across the Harpeth to work in concert with the infantry assault and Wilson's 5,000 cavalry pretty much shoved Forrest right back across the river. So if Hood gave Forrest a division of infantry all he does is weaken the infantry thrust with no guarantee the flanking movement will be successful.

I can tell you this. I wouldn't have wanted to be Hood on November 30, 1864. But then I wouldn't have wanted to be Lee at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863. Having to make a decision when most everyone is questioning its correctness is difficult. But a decision had to be made.

[PINCKNEYUSMCRET]

I think that is why they call it Command. You get the credit and the critisim.
I agree hard decisions.

Pinckney

[larry_cockerham]

February 18, 1865

Sherman’s force entered Columbia, South Carolina. This was just a rest stop on his way north in search of Grant and the final thrust against the Army of Tennessee. Many South Carolinians who had moved their worldly goods north from Savannah for 'safe keeping' were about to suffer the impact of a professional soldier. Sherman was just that, no more no less. His goal was to force the South into submission. He was well on his way. The only obstacle was a small force of battle-hardened men from thirteen southern states who still were following their bloody toes trying to stop him in his tracks. There was one more contest to go, up in eastern North Carolina.

[larry_cockerham]

February 19, 1865 Cheatham’s Corps in Newberry, South Carolina

Traveling by regiment for the most part, the three corps of the Army of Tennessee slowly made their way across South Carolina, taking care not to get too close to Sherman's two advancing divisions. Young Whit Parker, still suffering from his wounds, doubtless continued to remain as close to a wagon as possible. It was his lifeline to Virginia and the rest of what would be a long and productive life.

[larry_cockerham]

February 20, 1865

Sherman departed Columbia, SC in route to Fayetteville, NC with the right wing going through Cheraw, SC and the left wing through Lancaster and Sneedsboro, SC. Cheraw was a storage facility for arms, powder and for personal property of displaced Charleston residents, hoping to save their furniture and gold from the invading army. It didn’t work.

The remains of the once proud and still viable Army of Tennessee were trying to reach Charlotte and some Confederate transportation, a thing about to become extinct. Their last train ride, two armies now on different roads, would lead to Raleigh, just a short walk from Smithfield to Bentonville and their destiny.

[larry_cockerham]

No. 282.--Reports of General Robert E. Lee
C. S. Army, Commanding Armies of the Confederate States, of operations February 19-March 21.

HEADQUARTERS,
Petersburg, February 19, 1865.

SIR: The accounts received to-day from South and North Carolina are unfavorable. General Beauregard reports from Winnsborough that four corps of the enemy are advancing on that place, tearing up the Charlotte railroad, and that they will probably reach Charlotte by the 24th, and before he can concentrate his troops there. He states General Sherman will doubtless move thence on Greensborough, Danville, and Petersburg, or unite with General Schofield at Raleigh or Weldon.

General Bragg reports that General Schofield is now preparing to advance from New Berne to Goldsborough, and that a strong expedition is moving against the Weldon railroad at Rocky Mount. He says that little or no assistance can be received from the State of North Carolina; that exemptions and reorganizations under late laws have disbanded the State forces, and that they will not be ready for the field for some time. I do not see how Sherman can make the march anticipated by General Beauregard; but he seems to have everything his own way, which is calculated to cause apprehension.

General Beauregard does not say what he proposes or what he can do. I do not know where his troops are, or on what lines they are moving. His dispatches only give movements of the enemy. He has a difficult task to perform under present circumstances, and one of his best officers (General Hardee) is incapacitated by sickness. I have also heard that his own health is indifferent, though he has never so stated. Should his strength give way there is no one on duty in the department that could replace him, nor have I anyone to send there.

General J. E. Johnston is the only officer whom I know who has the confidence of the army and people, and if he was ordered to report to me I would place him there on duty. It is necessary to bring out all our strength, and, I fear, to unite our armies, as separately they do not seem able to make head against the enemy. Everything should be destroyed that cannot be removed out of the reach of Generals Sherman and Schofield.

Provisions must be accumulated in Virginia, and every man in all the States must be brought out. I fear it may be necessary to abandon all our cities, and preparation should be made for this contingency.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,
General.

[larry_cockerham]

From the History of the 33rd Mississippi:

On 21 February 1865 Loring's Division was ordered to move north of the Saluda River to near Newberry, South Carolina. The command situation in this Confederate Army of Tennessee was in disarray during all of this time.

Gen. J. B. Hood had resigned and Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard had no central command authority and was not able to pull together the scattered Confederate forces which stretched from Texas to North Carolina and was unable to put together a coherent defense against Gen. Sherman.

[larry_cockerham]

Robert E. Lee ordered Gen. Joseph Johnston to assume command of the Army of Tennessee and all troops in the Departments of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

The same day Feb 22, Union Force under Maj. Gustavus Schnitzer commanding the 2nd Iowa Cavalry returned to Eastport, Mississippi from the capture of Russellville, Alabama and reported that Brig. Gen. Roddey left Mt. Hope, Alabama, on February 20, 1865, to join Maj. Gen. N.B. Forrest
at Tuscaloosa, Alabama. – as per Gene Cantrell of Sherman, TX in
his 1996 History of the 5th Alabama CSA.

Also this day:

Union forces occupy Wilmington, N. C.
Skirmish near Camden, S.C.
Skirmish near Wateree River, S.C.

[larry_cockerham]

I don't have a clue what of significance happened on February 23, 1865, but I'm sure many men were thankful that the war was one day closer to drawing to a close. On this February 23, as this is being posted, it's 48 degrees here in Nashville and is very uncomfortable and has been for several days as the cold winds blow much discomfort through otherwise moderate temperatures. Rain and cold contribute to the social and financial prominence of many of our medical professionals in this day and time. Such was not the case in 1865. The Grim Reaper lurked about, watching the strength of the men of the AOT being tested one last time.

February 24, 1865

Skirmish at Camden, S.C.

[larry_cockerham]

Charlotte, N.C. February 25, 1865 --1:15 p.m.

General R.E. Lee,
Richmond, Va.:

General Roddey reports from near Moulton, Ala., that enemy at Huntsville is reported collecting supplied for an early move on Selma via Tuscaloosa. Timbers are being delivered at Decatur for railroad bridge. Fourth Army Corps, Wood's, is encamped about Huntsville. Force there and at Stevenson estimated at 10,000 to 18,000 infantry.

G.T. BEAUREGARD.

Today, in 2008, Moulton sits aside the highway from Cullman to Florence, Alabama and has a better than average Western Sizzler steakhouse and a few cattle grazing in the rocky fields. Probably looks much the same, although no better for the wear, than it did in 1865. A peaceful place, disturbed by a divided highway.

[larry_cockerham]

General Johnston, on assuming the command of our forces in the South, issued the following order:

"Charlotte, North Carolina,
"February 25, 1865. "General Orders, No. 1.

"In obedience to the orders of the General-in-Chief, the under signed has assumed the command of the Army of Tennessee and all the troops in the Departments of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. He takes this position with strong hope, because he will have, in council and on the field, the aid of the high talents and skill of the distinguished General whom he succeeds. He exhorts all absent soldiers of the Army of Tennessee to rejoin their regiments and again confront the enemy they have so often encountered in Northern Georgia, and always with honor. He assures his comrades of that army who are still with their colors that the confidence in their discipline and valor which he has publicly expressed is undiminished.

"J. E. Johnston."

[larry_cockerham]

Union forces occupy Camden, S.C.
Skirmish at West's Cross-Roads, S.C.

From the Southwest--General Forrest--Thomas's movements.

General N. B. Forrest has been placed in command of all the cavalry in the District of Mississippi, East Louisiana and West Tennessee. His first general order promises the re-organization of the cavalry with the restoration of discipline. He threatens extermination to all Confederate stragglers, robbers and deserters.

Much if not most of the spirit had been taken from the men of the AOT by the Tennessee Campaign. Though still game, many saw the light at the end of the tunnel and wandered home. Forrest was left with an insurmountable task, that of defending Alabama against Wilson's well equipped fresh cavalry force. The end was near. Merciful peace was about to appear.

[larry_cockerham]

February 26, 1865 Cheatham’s Corps in Pomaria, South Carolina

Palmer's Brigade which included the 63rd Virginia and young Whitfield Monroe Parker was a part of Cheatham's Corps at this day in history. A young recovering lad of 21 years had seen much territory bearing little resemblance to his native Virginia and the Holston Valley of Washington County. One last struggle remained against the old foe, William Tecumseh Sherman and his men. Whit's hope was to survive.

From Edward Ball in Slaves in the Family, Random House, NY 2001:

“a band of soldiers in blue uniforms arrived on the lawn at Limerick.
The federal troops told the slaves they were free….”

Skirmish at Lynch's Creek, S.C.
Skirmish near Stroud's Mill, S.C.

February, 27, 1865

Skirmish near Mount Elon, S.C.
Skirmish at Cloud's House, S.C.

[larry_cockerham]

February 28, 1865

N.B. Forrest received his commission as a Lieutenant General. That same day General Beauregard ordered Brig. Gen. P.D. Roddey to report to Lieut. Gen. Richard Taylor for orders, but keep Beauregard advised of enemy movements.

Skirmish near Cheraw, S.C.
Skirmish near Rocky Mount, S.C.

[larry_cockerham]

March 1, 1865

Headquarters Mar 1, 1865 General Robert E. Lee wrote:

General Johnston reports that Hardee’s infantry, without artillery or wagons, has reached Cheraw. No information of progress of Stewart or Cheatham. The enemy has been stationary for a few days. Our Calvary on their right think he is moving upon Florence or Cheraw; that on his left suppose he is advancing on Cheraw or Charlotte

– R.E. Lee

[larry_cockerham]

On this day Forrest moved his headquarters to West Point, Mississippi and began reorganizing his command. He placed his remaining Texas troops under the command of Gen. William Henry Jackson and the Mississippi regiments under Gen. James R. Chalmers. The Kentucky brigades (formerly under Gen. Abraham Bufford) were assigned to Gen. Dan W. Adams in the district of Alabama. Forrest kept his Escort and the 2nd Missouri under Col. Robert McCulloch. At best, his command numbered around 10,000 men at this time.

Back East:

Mar. 1, 1865

Skirmish at Wilson's Store, S.C.
Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, U.S. Army, assumes command of the District of Beaufort.

[larry_cockerham]

March 2, 1865 Cheatham’s Corps in Unionville, South Carolina

From Jeff Weaver’s regimental history of the 58th North Carolina:

The Army of Tennessee was shifted on March 2, 1865 by train to Smith- field Station, now Selma, North Carolina, where General Joseph E. Johnston had been reinstated in command. Johnston was trying to consolidate his shrinking army.

The men of the 58th North Carolina and of Palmer's Brigade were by now nearly naked -- each soldier only a single blanket -- or less. Rations were very scarce. The Army of Tennessee passed the severe winter of 1864-65 in active field service. Despite severe exposure of the men and officers, there were no complaints. The men knew complaints would do no good and if they did complain, they did it with their feet and deserted.

In Whitfield Monroe Parker’s pension application he claimed that he served until the end of the war. That would mean he was still with this command. His injury probably meant that he needed assistance and could not tolerate long marches. The war for Whit Parker was not over.

[ole]

Ain't nobody knows more about this piece of the CW action than Larry. And, so far as I know, there is no book. So. Read it now. Here. One of these days, there will be a book But you've already read it.
.
ole

[larry_cockerham]

March 3, 1865

J.L.M. Curry, Lt. Col., commanding, Fifth Alabama Cavalry, reported to Brig. Gen. Roddey, that the Union Fourth Corps is moving to the east toward Stevenson and Chattanooga. He also reports and embargo has been placed on the citizens of Huntsville and none are allowed to come out or cross the river until further notice.

Wilson is beginning to spread his tremendous cavalry to place a death grip on Confederate Alabama. Forrest can do little but watch.

[larry_cockerham]

March 4, 1865 Salisbury, NC
(written to Robert E. Lee)

I am on my way to Hardee via Fayetteville. Lee’s Corps [Lt. Gen. S.D. Lee] will start today by rail by the same route and Stewart and Cheatham from Chester tomorrow. General Beaugregard will bring them on.

– J.E. Johnston, Gen.

[larry_cockerham]

March 5, 1865 Charlotte

Three brigades of Stewart’s Corps left Chesterville today. The rest of his and Cheatham’s will arrive here today in time to follow remnant of Stevenson’s Corps from here – G.T. Beauregard, Gen.

From the History of the 33rd Mississippi:

They then marched to Chester, S.C., reaching it on 5 March.

[larry_cockerham]

March 6, 1865 Cheatham’s Corps in Chester, South Carolina

Note: Chester was on the route of the Charlotte, Columbia & Augusta Railroad which was used to transport much of the Army of Tennessee from Augusta to Charlotte. Towns on the rail were Graniteville, Batesville, Lexington, Columbia, Winnsboro, Youngsville, Chester, Rock Hill, Fort Mill and Charlotte.

An exhausted and battered army, the AOT, finally had a chance to ride. A bumpy one, leading in many cases to their deaths at Bentonville, but a ride, nonetheless.

[larry_cockerham]

March 8, 1865

On March 8-10, 1865 the 63rd Virginia met the Federals in another rear guard action at Wilcox's Bridge near Kinston, North Carolina. This would cost the still dwindling Army of Tennessee 1,500 more casualties.