Aot - 1865

[ole]

You have something against DuPont?

Ole

[larry_cockerham]

You have something against DuPont?

Ole

Not I. Modern living through chemistry. That company kept hundreds of families fed here on the Cumberland River in Nashville with their plant community referred to as Rayon City. I believe they also made gun powder in Nashville for WWI and probably WWII as well. Don't know the history in detail, just hear bits and pieces from locals.

[TerryB]

Not I. Modern living through chemistry. That company kept hundreds of families fed here on the Cumberland River in Nashville with their plant community referred to as Rayon City. I believe they also made gun powder in Nashville for WWI and probably WWII as well. Don't know the history in detail, just hear bits and pieces from locals.

The worst train wreck in history happened near Nashville in 1918. Over a hundred deaths, many of them workers in the Dupont gunpowder plant. Many of those workers were black, and thus segregated in the rear cars. A conductor failed to put out a signal flag to warn off an oncoming train and two trains collided, the cars snapping like match sticks. They really never got an accurate count of the dead.

[larry_cockerham]

The worst train wreck in history happened near Nashville in 1918. Over a hundred deaths, many of them workers in the Dupont gunpowder plant. Many of those workers were black, and thus segregated in the rear cars. A conductor failed to put out a signal flag to warn off an oncoming train and two trains collided, the cars snapping like match sticks. They really never got an accurate count of the dead.

Go over to the trailhead at the north end of the old White Bridge bridge on White Bridge Road (where else?) and walk or bike down the Richland Creek Greenway following the railroad. Cross over the greenway bridge and look around. The train wreck occurred just across the trestle in the edge of what is now McCabe Golf Course. There are photos on line and an interpretative plaza on the greenway. Happy hiking. This, by the way, is also the creek that Wilson's cavalry followed in the advance on December 15, 1864. That's one of 'my' greenway projects.

[larry_cockerham]

February 9, 1865

Cheatham’s Corps in Augusta, Georgia . Today Robert Edward Lee was named commander of all Confederate forces. The Confederacy was on its last legs, but Davis was now grasping for final support from a proven source of strength and logic. Too little, too late.

February 11, 1865

From the History of the 33rd Mississippi:

From Mobile the 33rd Mississippi ferried across Mobile Bay to the Tensas River and on up to the railroad at Tensas, Alabama. From there they took the cars through Pollard and Montgomery, Alabama, over to Columbus, Georgia and there on to Macon and Milledgeville, Georgia, where they got off and marched to Augusta, Georgia. They arrived on 11 February 1865. Within two days the men of Featherston's Brigade were ordered to march northward to Graniteville, South Carolina. They were in poor condition for a march and the column stretched for miles over the bad country roads.

Calvin Livesay, who was separated from the 63rd Virginia along with a few of his comrades, apparently followed much of this same roundabout path from northern Mississippi down to Mobile and back north. Calvin’s diary still exists near his Virginia home and is referenced often in this document.

[larry_cockerham]

February 14, 1865

Jeff Weaver wrote:

Palmer's Brigade reached Columbia, South Carolina by February 14, burning bridges behind them. Calvin Livesay told of seeing "a sea of blue on the south bank." General Johnston was disappointed to find no reinforcements at Charleston, and was distressed to give up another state capital.

February 15, 1865

Cheatham’s Corps left Augusta toward Baushetts Mills. Apparently the AOT was scattered over a few hundred square miles making them somewhat ineffective as far as actually challenging Sherman was concerned. A lack of completed or well-maintained railroads was a major deterrent to travel. Union occupation of much of the area with better fed and more rested troops was also a major obstacle.

February 16, 1865 2:30 p.m.
Enemy commenced shelling city this morning. He is apparently moving up Saluda River. Our forces occupy south bank of that stream and Congaree. – G.T. Beaugregard, Gen.

Feb 16, 1865 6:00 p.m.

Enemy has forced a passage across the Saluda River above Columbia. I will endeavor to prevent him from crossing the Broad, but my forces here are so small it is doubtful whether I can prevent it. Columbia will soon have to be evacuated – G.T. Beaugregard, Gen.

[larry_cockerham]

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

Palmer's Brigade had the "honor" of acting as a rear guard to hold the south bank of the Congaree River until February 16. Palmer's command then withdrew and burned the bridge behind it. Johnston was operating a delaying action so that Columbia could be evacuated. Jeffrey N. Lash in DESTROYER OF THE IRON HORSE, 1991 wrote: "Despite repeated delays on the journey, Major General Carter L. Stevenson's division reached South Carolina in time to oppose the Federal army's crossing of the Edisto River below Columbia. Stevenson's troops then marched under Beauregard's orders to Charlotte."

February 17, 1865

The Army of Tennessee began its march north on February 17. (as per Jeff Weaver in the regimental history of the 58th North Carolina)

[28TN]

Larry,do you know any info about union attacks on the AOT wagontrains at Decatur in Oct/Nov 64? Thanks, 28

[TerryB]

Go over to the trailhead at the north end of the old White Bridge bridge on White Bridge Road (where else?) and walk or bike down the Richland Creek Greenway following the railroad. Cross over the greenway bridge and look around. The train wreck occurred just across the trestle in the edge of what is now McCabe Golf Course. There are photos on line and an interpretative plaza on the greenway. Happy hiking. This, by the way, is also the creek that Wilson's cavalry followed in the advance on December 15, 1864. That's one of 'my' greenway projects.

I'll check it out on the greenway website and take my bike over there when the weather warms up a bit. I go back to work next week, so I can now see an end to cabin fever. I try to ride every day as long as it's not below 28 or wet, icy or whatever.

[larry_cockerham]

Larry,do you know any info about union attacks on the AOT wagontrains at Decatur in Oct/Nov 64? Thanks, 28

Not really. I've been focused on the movements in Tennessee for the most part. I know for instance that Schofield was in command at Pulaski, TN at that time and would have likely ordered raids into northern Alabama because of the necessity to secure the railroads, particularly the line north from Decatur which heads through Pulaski and up to Nashville. Seems Generals Wheeler and Roddy should have been around. The Federal cavalry under Wilson was just being organized at that time and probably not to overly coordinated. There is a quote somewhere in my 'book' where the Federals claim to have been in the saddle for a couple weeks with no sign of Forrest or Wheeler (in September, I believe).

[richard]

That could have happened around the time that Hood was trying to take Decatur and found that it was too strong. It seems that Granger was in command there, but I could be wrong.

Richard

[larry_cockerham]

That could have happened around the time that Hood was trying to take Decatur and found that it was too strong. It seems that Granger was in command there, but I could be wrong.

Richard

28TN, Richard knows this area better than I do and is somewhat of an expert on the yankees wandering around the area from their Pulaski base. You mentioned "wagontrains" in your post. That would suggest something under Hood's command (AOT) rather than just a small movement of supplies. We'd have to look at the dates of the events you are asking about to see if Hood was there by that time. I've only really concentrated from about the first week of November forward, rather than going back in time to Jonesville, which would be the time period you are after. I have read that Hood repeatedly attempted to cross the Tennessee River without much luck. Park of that 'luck' was likely Union resistance as well as the high water. The Federals knew that Hood was coming and were on the alert north of the river.

[28TN]

28TN, Richard knows this area better than I do and is somewhat of an expert on the yankees wandering around the area from their Pulaski base. You mentioned "wagontrains" in your post. That would suggest something under Hood's command (AOT) rather than just a small movement of supplies. We'd have to look at the dates of the events you are asking about to see if Hood was there by that time. I've only really concentrated from about the first week of November forward, rather than going back in time to Jonesville, which would be the time period you are after. I have read that Hood repeatedly attempted to cross the Tennessee River without much luck. Park of that 'luck' was likely Union resistance as well as the high water. The Federals knew that Hood was coming and were on the alert north of the river.

My question comes from my grgruncles pension form,he was with the 30th tn and stated he lost his right arm at the elbow from a cannonball fired by the yankees while they were crossing the TN river at Dectur on the way to the fight at Franklin.He stated that the yankees were "firing their cannon and trying to get into our wagon train". I was just trying to pinpoint the location. Thanks!

[larry_cockerham]

My question comes from my grgruncles pension form,he was with the 30th tn and stated he lost his right arm at the elbow from a cannonball fired by the yankees while they were crossing the TN river at Dectur on the way to the fight at Franklin.He stated that the yankees were "firing their cannon and trying to get into our wagon train". I was just trying to pinpoint the location. Thanks!

It seems that leaves three possibilities. 1. a vehicular bridge 2. a railroad bridge and 3. a ford. I don't know the city very well at all. Do you have access to any period maps? There is some stuff on the UA mapping site, but I haven't looked at this area. Richard may have some mapping handy? With a lilttle time and meticulous searching, the OR may shed some light as well. I need to check some dates.

[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.

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.

You might say it was about to hit the fan.

[larry_cockerham]

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.

With considerable yankee disrespect for Confederate property, warehouses were ransacked and burned. That was the chance one took in this brutal war. Fight or be killed. It was a rare bird who was saved harm in this not too exemplary period of our history.

[larry_cockerham]

February 21, 1865

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 create a coherent defense against Gen. Sherman.

[ole]

Gone to the graveyards, every one. When will we ever learn. When. Will we ever learn.

[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.

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.

[larry_cockerham]

February 24, 1865

Skirmish at Camden, S.C.


February 25, 1865
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. Respectfully forwarded to the War Dept. for its information. General Forrest and his command deserve well of the country for the gallantry, energy and activity displayed during this severe campaign in Middle Tennessee.

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."

February 25, 1865. -- Union forces occupy Camden, S.C.
Skirmish at West's Cross-Roads, S.C.

[larry_cockerham]

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 were 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. Never a man walked this earth who worked harder for a star. 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. The last attempt to keep the Confederate breadbasket in local hands was about to happen.

Feb 28, 1865

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