Aot - 1865

[larry_cockerham]

Folks, with your indulgence and assistance, I'd like to continue posting my chronology of the AOT as they left Tennessee after Hood's disastrous campaign to Nashville. This is where I need the most help from you, trying to fill in the detail of the travels of the 63rd Virginia Infantry and any units that would have been in proximity to their journey from Bainbridge, Alabama. (the pontoon crossing of the Tennessee River on December 28, 1864 to the surrender in North Carolina). Please jump in as often as possible. I have much to learn from YOU! I'll try to post my scant information as close the actual calendar as possible. If you have ancestors who were in or near these events, please pause to remember them. They deserve no less.

[larry_cockerham]

Before we go chasing Confederates, please pardon a last shot at a few Union soldiers and the memory of B. M. Tilley:

10th Regiment Cavalry

Organized at Nashville, Tenn., August 25, 1863. Attached to District of North Central Kentucky, Dept. of the Ohio, to January, 1864. Defenses of Nashville & Northwestern Railroad, Dept. of the Cumberland, to April, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Cavalry Corps, Dept. of the Cumberland, to October, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Cavalry Corps, Military Division Mississippi, to November, 1864. 1st Brigade, 5th Division, Cavalry Corps, Military Division Mississippi, to February, 1865. 1st Brigade, 7th Division, Cavalry Corps, Military Division Mississippi, to March, 1865. Dept. of Mississippi to May, 1865. District of Nashville, Tenn., Dept. of the Cumberland, to August, 1865.

SERVICE.--Duty in District of North Central Kentucky until January, 1864. At Nashville and Pulaski, Tenn., and on line of the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad and Nashville & Northwestern Railroad until November, 1864. Scouts in Hickman and Maury Counties May 2-12, 1864. Long's Mill, near Mulberry Creek, July 28. Clifton August 15-16. Skirmish at Rogersville August 21, 1864. Pursuit to Greenville August 21-23. Blue Springs August 23. Operations against Forest's Raid in Northern Alabama and Middle Tennessee September 16-October 10. Richland Creek, near Pulaski, September 26. Pulaski September 26-27. Guard Tennessee River October. Florence October 30. On line of Shoal Creek November 5-11. Nashville Campaign November-December. On line of Shoal Creek November 16-20. Near Maysville and near New Market November 17. On front of Columbia November 24-27. Crossing of Duck River November 28. Franklin November 30. Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28. Hollow Tree Gap and West Harpeth River December 17. Rutherford Creek December 19. Richland Creek December 24. Pulaski December 25-26. Hillsboro December 29. Leighton December 30. At Gravelly Springs, Ala., until February 1865. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss., thence to New Orleans, La., February 6-March 10. Ordered to Natchez, Miss., March, and duty there and at Rodney, Miss., until May 25. Ordered to Nashville, Tenn.. May 25. Garrison duty at Johnsonville, Tenn., until August. Mustered out August 1, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 1 Officer and 24 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 181 Enlisted men by disease. Total 207.

Benjamin M. Tilley was a member of Company H of the 10th TN Tennessee Cavalry as shown in the following pension request. Doubtless he shook the hand of James Patterson Cockerham:

BENJAMIN WAS A PREACHER WHO ESTABLISHED TILLEY BAPTIST CHURCH, FANNIN COUNTY, GA IN 1858.

Benjamin enlisted in Co E 11th GA Inf CSA on July 3, 1861. He is also the same Benjamin M. Tilley who served in Company H, 52nd Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry "Fannin Rifles", CSA. Benjamin deserted from the Confederate Army and enlisted in Co H 10th Tenn Cav of the Union Army on August 28, 1864 at Morganton, GA and was honorably discharged on August 1, 1865. His service documents indicate that he was 5'10" tall with a fair complexion, light hair, and blue eyes. He applied for and received a disability pension. After he died his widow, Rebecca Jane Bradley Tilley, applied for and received a widower's pension until her death.

When the federal government learned that he had been in the Confederate Army his pension was cut off. In his application to have the pension reinstated, Benjamin Tilley wrote the following in a letter to the Commissioner of Pensions:

-------------------------------------------------
Wilscot, P.O., Fannin CO, GA, 3-23-04, Honorable Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,

I am making this statement under oath. As you stated the medical examination which was by Dr. T. T. Fain of Blue Ridge, ga that there was not anything the matter with me while I was droped from the Pension Rolls for Confederate Service, the oposite of which has and can be shown by all my neighbors and several Doctors. I am as justly entitled to that arrears as any one. I did no voluntary service in the Rebel army. I enlisted in it as it was the only safe chance to git from here to the union lines. I made the attempt to go over on Bragg's Raid into Kentucky, but was caught up, put under gard and come very near being shot. Sent to Vicksburg, Miss, was not allowed to go out of camp till the surender. Was kept on Fatigue duty right in camp till the 16th night of June, 63. Was put on guard with a doubble pickett with orders to shoot me down if I made a suspicious move.

The surrender come. I took a Parole and went home. Stayed a little while. Started to go back to the 52nd Ga Regt near Chattanooga, Tenn. Took the Great Frog Mountain Range by the way of Cleveland, Tenn. Joined the union army and went with General W. T. Sherman on that famous march to relieve General Burnside at Knoxville, Tenn. We went back to Chattanooga, drove Bragg and his Rebels to Atlanta. I belonged to an Ohio Regt. Me and an Ohio soldier was on Picket east of the city. It came our turn to stand guard. After dark we went a little in advance of the line by permision to a well to git watter for the night. While we was drawing up the watter about 15 Rebel cavalry dashed up, shoved us into a thicket, carried us about a mile into a dense thicket, gave us a little cold cornbread for supper, tied up their horses and all lay down around us, but about six who kept out on gard. Morning came, they said I was a southern Boy. I did not talk like the yanks. One said he believed he knew me, had seen me in the confederate army somewhere. I knew from his talk it might be so, but fortunatly I had enlisted under a fictitious name for fear of being capture. My comrade told them what my name was. He did not know what my name really was. So they concluded to take us around to the Ga troops and parade us about and see if he was not right. They had talked about the 52nd Ga being there so they started us in charge of 2 of the crowd. I lerned one of them was the same name of a man that had married some of my distant kinfolks. As we went along I said to my comrade as a feeler if old John Long at Tolledo Ohio wouldn't be sorry to hear we had been captured. Why said that gard, that's the name of my brotheringlaw up in the mountains..... Then as we walked along before them I whispered loud to comrade I won't go. Now what's our course to persue? Their guns was well loaded, them riding along behind us Boasting they had Buck Shot enough in the guns to kill a lane full of yankies. He said in a whisper it won't do to run. No, said I. Our chance is to spring at them, seize their guns, jerk them off, and kill them with theirs own guns. Said I, will you do it? I had a hazel swich in my hand now whispered I, when I strike your leg with the swich take the one on your left and I will the other. The plan was laid and the few minutes that expired while I was looking for a suitable place to make the attack, thought succeeded thought with seeming trebble Electrice speed for it was to be a fight to the finish. Could we suceed without arms and them well armed and bisides larger and stouter than we. I did not intend to go and so was prepared for the warst. The place was found as I raised the swich my heart come up, too. Knowing someone had to die (I struck). We sprang like tigers on the thoughtless Prey. God was on the right side for we seized the guns. I had no troubble in gitting mine when he come off the horse struck on alfours and never got up. Ohio was not so lukey. The muzzle of his gun caught in the old cloth Bridal Rein, frightien the horse and he jerked the gun from them both, but Ohio with the courage of a Lion ran into his man with his onley weapon, his fist. When I got through with my man and turned to see what had become of Ohio, they was 15 or 20 steps down below fighting, a fight it was. I ran in. They was so closely engaged, I was affraid to strike. I clubed the musket, struck his man across the head. We carried the guns a short distance to a creek and threw them in; left the horses there (and ran). The next 5 days experiance wold fill a volume Bordering on the incredulous. We was then several miles from our lines and the Rebs hovering so close and thick. I told my dear ma we could not git back. We was in about 75 miles of my home and our onley chance was under cover of night to git further away from the armys. Strike the Blue Ridge mountains where we would find friends penty for the people was nearly all loyal union people. I knew the cours we was 5 days and nights making the 75 miles a time never to B forgot.

We got to my home the Rebs had run papa off. He left to avoid conscription and was somewhere in Tenn in the army. So we stayed a short time here to rest for another long creep through the great Frog Mountains to git inside our lines about Chattanooga and rejoin our command wherever it might be. We was several days and nights gitting through. We found the best place to git back was Cleveland, Tenn. There I met several acquiantances and one said Father was in the 10th Tenn Cavly at Pulaski sick. He had just saw him a few days before insisted that I go back with him. This was Capt John B. Duff Co A, 10 Tenn Cav. So I thought I would go and see him and then go on to my old Co and Regt where I had been for about a year. I went.

Well I had not took up a cent of my pay nor Bounty. I thought if I lived I would need it when I got home for I knew the Rebs would destroy and take all we had; and could not send it home nor did I need it nor have any way to save. Well when I got to wher Father was him and my (afterwards) Fatheringlaw, several unkles and cozens was all there in the army. They all got at me to enlist and stay with them. So as I had drew no money from the government I could see no wrong in doing so. Father died Sept 27 - 64. Nearly all my folks died or was killed in the union army. It is a matter of record and proof that I did more hard service than any man in the Co, served honestly and faithfully till the close of the war, was Honorably Discharged. The Rebs had destroyed and taken all mother had and drove her and her six little children across the lines into Tenn where I found them after the war was over and fortunately I had not drew a cent of pay again and got it all at discharge. I was the oldest boy. I took care of and raised the children, got mother a little Pension, helped a heap till she died.

Now about that first enlistment. Sure enough that fellow had seen me and had a bad set of folks right here in this county and they say it is a mystery what ever went with his brother. I have neve told yet here for I knew if it ever got out more of us would go the same way he did, that as I served under a false name the government might keep the $100.

It has always seemed to me that I had a charmed life in all the fighting down the western and Atlalic Railway to Atlanta wher I was captured, then in all the fighting of J. B. Hood in Ala and Tenn I never lost a day with sickness nor missed my part of duty till about the 16th or 17th of Dec 1864 at Nashville. In a charge on a Rebel fort - a shell exploded right in our Co killing my horse. The concusion was so fearfully hard I have never heard a bit out of the right ear nor mutch out out of the left. I stayed with the Co then at Gravity Springs cold nearly froze to death, contractid Rheumatism. I never aimed to ask or aply for a Pension if I had not took Lagrippe in January 1890 which so prostrated me and aggravated the deafness and Rheumatism as to render me unable to do any work for a long time and since but little I am now a wreck mentally and Physically.

B.M. Tilley

Sworn to affiant is creditable

A.C. Griffith N.P.
----------------------------------------------------

Co H 10th Tenn Cav was mustered into service on February 29, 1864 at Nashville, TN. Union units had to report its location periodically and this unit reported the following:

Mar/Apr 1864: Camp Gillem, TN
May/Jun 1864: Pulaski, TN
Jul/Aug 1864: Pulaski, TN
Nov/Dec 1864: Edgefield, TN
Jan/Feb 1865: Vicksburg, TN
Mar/Apr 1865: Natchez then Rodney, MS
May/Jun 1865: Johnsonville, TN

On the Mar/Apr 1865 report, J. H. Stewart wrote the following:

This Co left Vicksburg Miss. on the 5 day of Mch and proceeded to New Orleans La. arriving Mch 7 '65. Remained near New Orleans till the 19th. Received orders to turn over our horses to 2 NJ Cav and proceed up the river to Natchez Miss. a distance of 310 miles. Arrived at Natchez Miss. on the 22nd Mch. Went into camp on the Washington Road 1 mile east of Natchez and done very heavy picket duty and made scouts frequent in Miss. and La. capturing quite a number of rebels who were harassing the country in that vicinity. Our services have very much relieved the loyal citizens of that community. On the 21st of April received orders to proceed to Rodney Miss. 40 miles north of Natchez and have been doing picket duty and scouting the country east of Rodney Miss. capturing and killing quite a number of Rebels in that section of country. Thus rendering quite effective service to the government.

Tillman Tilley, Benjamin's father, and Thornton Bradley, the father of Benjamin's future wife, Rebecca Jane Bradley, all served at the same time in this unit.

[larry_cockerham]

December 30, 1864 (UNION)

General Thomas announced to his army the completion of the campaign and gave orders for the disposition of his troops. A portion of Wilson's cavalry was sent to Huntsville, Alabama, and one division to Eastport, Mississippi. Croxton's brigade was ordered to Waterloo, Alabama.
After a rest of two weeks, the First Tennessee left its quarters at Waterloo and plunged into the swamps of Mississippi with the remainder of the brigade.
Croxton crossed the Tennessee River without opposition and moved through Eastport, then, turning southwest, marched his brigade to Iuka, on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. From this place Croxton marched his command on through Burnsville to Corinth, skirmishing lightly on the way and picking up a few prisoners.

After resting for one day at Iuka, Croxton moved his brigade back through Eastport to the old camp-ground at Waterloo, Alabama, where it remained for a month.
This movement of Croxton's brigade into Mississippi was for the purpose of watching the movements of Hood and finding out the route his retreating army had taken.

[larry_cockerham]

Alas, one of the ways to track Confederate units, is through the records left by Union regiments. The Indiana boys were good note takers during and after the Tennessee campaign.

ADDITIONAL DATA FROM INDIANA REGIMENTAL HISTORIES:

9th REGIMENT INDIANA CAVALRY (121st REGIMENT VOLUNTEERS).

Organized at Indianapolis, Ind., December 7, 1863, to March 29. 1864. Left State for Pulaski, Tenn., May 3, 1864. Attached to District of North Alabama, Dept. of the Cumberland, to November, 1864. 1st Brigade, 7th Division, Wilson's Cavalry Corps, Military Division Mississippi, to March, 1865. Dept. of Mississippi to August, 1865.

SERVICE.--Post duty at Pulaski, Tenn., till November 23, 1864. Actions at Florence, Ala., September 1 and 12. Elk River September 2. Lynnville September 4. Sulphur Branch Trestle September 25. Richland Creek, near Pulaski, September 26. Pulaski September 26-27. Nashville Campaign November-December. Owen's Cross Roads December 1. Franklin December 10. Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28. West Harpeth River and Hollow Tree Gap December 17. Franklin December 17. Lynnville December 23. Anthony's Hill, Pulaski, December 25. Sugar Creek December 25-26. At Gravelly Springs January 16 to February 6. 1865. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss.; thence to New Orleans, La., February 6-March 10, Return to Vicksburg, Miss., and duty there March 25 to May 3. Expedition from Rodney to Port Gibson May 3-6. Garrison duty at various points in Mississippi May 3 to August 22. Mustered out August 28, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 28 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 204 Enlisted men by disease. Total 236.


10th REGIMENT INDIANA CAVALRY (125th REGIMENT VOLUNTEERS).

Organized at Columbus, Vincennes, Terre Haute, New Albany and Indianapolis, Ind., December 30, 1863, to April 30, 1864. Left State for Nashville, Tenn., May 3, 1864; thence moved to Pulaski, Tenn., June 1. Attached to District of Northern Alabama, Dept. of the Cumberland, to November, 1864. 1st Brigade, 7th Division, Wilson's Cavalry Corps, Military Division Mississippi, to March, 1865. 2nd Brigade, Grierson's 1st Cavalry Division, Military Division West Mississippi, to May, 1865. 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Military Division West Mississippi, to June, 1865. District of Vicksburg, Miss., Dept. of Mississippi, to August, 1865.

SERVICE.--Duty at Pulaski, Tenn., and Decatur, Ala., guarding Northern Alabama R. R. by detachments till November 26, 1864. Action at Elk River September 2. Sulphur Branch Trestle September 25. Richland Creek, near Pulaski, September 26. Repulse of Forest's attack on Pulaski September 26-27. Athens October 1-2. A Detachment at Decatur, Ala. Siege of Decatur October 26-29. A Detachment moved to Murfreesboro, Tenn., and participated in the Siege of Murfreesboro December 5-17. "The Cedars" December 5-8. Murfreesboro December 13-14. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., November 26. Owen's Cross Roads December 1. Battle of Nashville, Tenn., December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28. Franklin and Hollow Tree Gap December 17. Sugar Creek, Pulaski, December 25-26. Decatur, Ala., December 27-28 (Detachment). Pond Springs, Ala., December 29 (Detachment). Russellsville December 31 (Detachment). Detachments brought together February, 1865. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss.; thence to New Orleans, La., and to Mobile Bay, Ala., February 12-March 22. Campaign against Mobile and its defences March 22-April 12. Siege of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely March 26-April 9. Capture of Mobile April 12. March to Montgomery April 13-20. March to Columbus and Vicksburg, Miss., and Provost duty in Holmes and Attalla Counties till August. Mustered out at Vicksburg, Miss., August 31, 1865. 3 Paroled Officers and 35 men lost on Steamer "Sultana" April 28, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 1 Officer and 20 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 4 Officers and 157 Enlisted men by disease. Total 182.

11th REGIMENT INDIANA CAVALRY (126th REGIMENT VOLUNTEERS).

Organized at Lafayette, Kokomo and Indianapolis, Ind., November 10, 1863, to April 2, 1864. Left State for Nashville, Tenn., May 1, 1864. Attached to District of Northern Alabama, Dept. of the Cumberland, to November, 1864. 1st Brigade, 5th Division, Cavalry Corps, Military Division Mississippi, to May, 1865. District of Kansas, Dept. of Missouri, to September, 1865.

SERVICE.--Duty at Nashville, Tenn., May 7 to June 1, 1864. Guard duty along line of Memphis & Charleston R. R. in Alabama. Headquarters at Larkinsville, Ala., till October 16. Defence of Huntsville, Ala., against Burord's attack September 30-October 1. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., October 16. Siege of Decatur, Ala., October 26-29 (Detachment). Nashville Campaign November-December. On line of Shoal Creek November 16-20. Near Maysville and near New Market November 17 (Detachment). In front of Columbia November 24-27. Crossing of Duck River November 28. Battle of Franklin November 30. Near Paint Rock Bridge, Ala., December 7 (Detachment). Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28. West Harpeth River December 17. Richland Creek December 24. Pulaski December 25-26. Hillsboro, Ala., December 29 (Detachment). Near Leighton, Ala., December 30 (Detachment). Duty at Gravelly Springs, Ala., January 7 to February 7, 1865, and at Eastport, Miss., till May 12. Moved to St. Louis, Mo., May 12-17; to Rolla, Mo., June 20-26, and to Fort Riley, Kansas, June 29-July 8. Moved to Council Grove and assigned to duty along Santa Fe route across the plains, Headquarters at Cottonwood Crossing till September 1. March to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, September 1-11, and there mustered out September 19, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 11 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 160 Enlisted men by disease. Total 174.

[larry_cockerham]

As you have seen earlier in this document, much has been written concerning the travels and travails of the Army of Tennessee leading up to and including the retreat from the Battle of Nashville into North Alabama. In most references, the story stops at the Tennessee River on December 28, 1864. This broken, bloody, but still viable Confederate army was not completely beaten, just against the ropes. There was more war to be fought; they were not down for the count. There were still two armies, Blue and Gray, still traveling the same roads, often with fatal results. I believe that Whitfield Monroe Parker remained with the 63rd Virginia until the time of the battle at Bentonville before making his way on some mighty sore legs back to the green South Holston River Valley in the Wyndale community, a few miles south of Abingdon, Virginia. James Patterson Cockerham was to remain in service with the 10th Tennessee Cavalry until August 1865 when he returned to his family in the foothills of the Blue Ridge near Elkin in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It would have perhaps been better if these two and the half dozen or so other southern soldiers responsible for my presence on this earth had never left their homes in the Appalachian mountains. Duty did not allow that option.

[larry_cockerham]

The ITINERARY OF CHEATHAM’S CORPS was condensed from a journal kept by Major Henry Hampton. This outline of the movement of Cheatam’s Corps and other units gives a good idea of the movement of the 63rd and 54th Virginia regiments between January and May 1865. Reorganized as the 54th Virginia, the men of the 63rd remained in LEE’S CORPS of the re-organized Army of Tennessee. The various Divisions and Corps of the Army of Tennessee moved generally on the same path through Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and on to the end of the war in North Carolina.

Many of the following notes are from that journal. The Journal of the Army of Tennessee, previously presented, stops with the crossing of the Tennessee River at Bainbridge, Alabama. Here is the rest of the story.

December 28, 1864 The Army of Tennessee completed their crossing of the Tennessee River at Bainbridge, Alabama and loaded their pontoons on wagons before heading off toward haven in Mississippi.

[Insert- General George H. Thomas Jan 20 1865 report: “General Wood's corps kept well closed up on the cavalry, camping on the night of December 25 six miles out from Pulaski, on the Lamb's Ferry road, and pursuing the same route as the cavalry, reached Lexington, Ala., thirty miles from Pulaski, on the 28th, on which date, having definitely ascertained that the enemy had made good his escape across the Tennessee at Bainbridge, I directed ****her pursuit to cease.”] [Apparently **** is a bad word?]

[The enemy's cavalry, under Roddey, was met at Leighton, with whom Colonel Palmer skirmished and pressed back in small squads toward the mountains. Here it was ascertained that Hood's trains passed through Leighton on the 28th of December and moved off toward Columbus, Miss. Avoiding the enemy's cavalry, Colonel Palmer left Leighton on the 31st of December, moved rapidly via La Grange and Russellville and by the Cotton-gin road, and overtook the enemy's pontoon train, consisting of 200 wagons and 78 pontoon-boats, when ten miles out from Russellville. This he destroyed. Having learned of a large supply train on its way to Tuscaloosa, Colonel Palmer started on the 1st of January toward Aberdeen, Miss., with a view of cutting it off, and succeeded in surprising it about 10 p.m. on the same evening, just over the line in Mississippi. The train consisted of 110 wagons and 500 mules, the former of which were burned, and the latter sabered or shot]

[larry_cockerham]

[Insert – General Grant writing to General Sherman from City Point, Virginia December 27, 1864: “I have though that Hood being so completely wiped out for present harm, I might bring A.J. Smith here, with fourteen to fifteen thousand men. With this increase I could hold my lines and move out with a greater force than Lee has. It would compel Lee to retain all his present force in the defenses of Richmond or abandon them entirely…. Without waiting for further directions, then, you may make your preparations to start on your northern expedition without delay. Break up the railroads in South and North Carolina, and join the armies operating against Richmond as soon as you can.”]

From the History of the 33rd Mississippi:

The next day the 33rd Mississippi marched to the Tennessee River at Bainbridge, Alabama. On the 28th the regiment crossed the river and marched on for the next two days to Tuscumbia, Alabama. From there they followed the rail line to Iuka, Mississippi, and arrived on New Year s Eve.

Federals camped at Lexington, Alabama Dec 28.

[larry_cockerham]

December 30, 1864

The 5th Division, 1st Brigade under Edward Hatch [US] camped at Taylor’s Springs (now Killen, AL).

Likely James Patterson Cockerham was in attendance with his farrier’s tools. He was about to leave the pursuit of the AOT and return to middle Tennessee to serve out the remainder of the war as a guard at various facilities, mostly New Johnsonville and other federal supply depots. This cavalry division was exhausted and their supply of horses was essentially depleted. It would take a few months before James Harrison Wilson could re-build his cavalry in Waterloo and Gravelly Springs, Alabama before starting his invasion of Alabama and Georgia on March 22, 1865. James and the 10th Tennessee had done their part to defeat the AOT in the Tennessee Campaign, it was time for better equipped, fresher troops, and a little rest for a thirty-two year old soldier.

[larry_cockerham]

December 31, 1864

Stephen D. 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.

The 5th Division, 1st Brigade US (Hatch) moved to east side of Elk River and camped. Other Federals returned north from Lexington, AL marching 18 miles to camp at Sugar Creek.

[larry_cockerham]

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.

This day the 5th Division, 1st Brigade [US] camped on the east side of the Elk River under orders to march to Huntsville, AL. They marched 19 miles, the order was revoked and they moved back to the Elk River and camped 2 days. From there they marched for Eastport and camped three days at Waterloo on the 10th of January.

[Waterloo, Alabama and Eastport, Mississippi are on opposite sides of the Tennessee river just a few miles west of Florence. Not much sign of the huge occupying army of 1865 there today. Because of the Pickwick dam, the two places are now separated by perhaps half a mile of water. Must have been a far different look in 1865.]

[larry_cockerham]

CONFIDENTIAL. CORINTH, January 2, 1865.

Lieutenant-General STEWART:

As soon as you can cook three days' bread rations continue the march of your troops to Tupelo, but send all your wheels that can be spared from your troops, including those of your artillery, direct to Columbus, Miss. Let a staff officer move with them, and report to Major-General Elzey upon arriving at Columbus. When you get to Tupelo you will probably move to West Point.

J. B. HOOD,
General.

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS STEWART'S CORPS,

Burnsville, Miss., January 2, 1865.

All of the wagons of the corps, except cook wagons, ambulances, and enough of those of the supply train to transport what remains of the subsistence stores-four day's rations-now on hand, after issuing three day's rations, will proceed to Columbus, Miss., following the artillery on the road to Fulton. A quartermaster from each division will be placed in charge of the train of each division, and will report to Lieutenant-Colonel Williams, commanding artillery. Three days' cooked rations of bread, from 4th to 6th inclusive, will be prepared during the day to-morrow and issued to the troops. Three day's cooked rations will be prepared as soon as possible and issued to the barefooted men, who will then be sent, under suitable officers, to Tupelo, starting in time to reach Jacinto to-morrow night. Lieutenant-Colonel Williams will take charge of the train and report to Major-General Elzey, at Columbus, Miss.

By command of Lieutenant-General Stewart:

W. D. GALE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS,
Corinth, Miss., January 2, 1865.

[larry_cockerham]

Major General C. L. STEVENSON,
Commanding Lee's Corps:

General Hood directs that you will continue your march to Tupelo, sending all your wheels that can possibly be spared from the troops at once to Columbus, Miss. The troops can obtain rations from the railroad, but the men that go with the wheels must take bread at least to last them to Columbus. When you reach Tupelo you will receive there orders to move to West Point or Columbus. Send the carriages of your artillery, and those of General Cheatham's also, to Columbus, and not to Tupelo, as directed in my note on the cars, written this morning. The officer in charge of your wheels will report to Major-General Elzey on arriving at Columbus.

A. P. MASON,
Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[larry_cockerham]

(Copy to General Stewart, dated January 3
CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS LEE'S CORPS,

In the Field, January 2, 1865.

The corps will be in readiness to continue its march in the direction of Booneville at 9 a.m. to-morrow, in the following order: Deas, Clayton, Pettus. One-half of the brigade ordnance wagons, such ambulances as h ave serviceable animals, the cook wagon, such of the supply train as will be designated by the chief of subsistence of the corps, the headquarters wagons, with such baggage only as may be indispensably necessary on the march, one tool wagon, with select tools, one forge to a division, and the medical wagon, lightly loaded, of divisions, will accompany the troops, moving habitually in front of and assisted forward by their respective divisions; all other wheels, including the artillery of this corps, and such of Cheatham's as may be at this point (the guns being left in charge of an officer of each corps), and a suitable guard at the depot (to be shipped by rail), will be collected by the chief of the departments of divisions and battalions to which they respectively belong, not later than 9.30 a.m. to-morrow, near the depot; there to be organized into a train, under the charge of an officer who will be ordered from these headquarters. One regiment from each division, commanded by an officer below the grade of lieutenant-colonel, will be selected by the division commander, to report to the commander of the train at the depot at 8.30 a.m. to-morrow, as guard to the train; an engineer officer, and one company of prisoners, to be selected by the chief engineer officer, will accompany the train. The pioneer companies of the corps will at once be increased temporarily, until further orders, to thirty-five men. No one not assigned to any of the regiments or battalions with the train will be permitted to accompany it, without special permission from the officer in charge. The troops with the train will be furnished with not less than eight days of breadstuff and a fair proportion of the cooking utensils, the latter from the commands to which they belong.

By command of Major General C. L. Stevenson:
J. W. RATCHFORD,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[larry_cockerham]

HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY CORPS,
Corinth, Miss., January 2, 1865.

Lieutenant General R. TAYLOR,
Commanding Department:

GENERAL:

I have the honor to state that I have just had an interview with General Hood, and am informed by him that the Army of Tennessee is ordered to Augusta, and that I will be left to defend as well as can be done this section of the country. I regret to say that the means at my disposal are not adequate to the task devolving upon me. My command is greatly reduced in numbers and efficiency by losses in battle and in the worn-down and unserviceable condition of animals. The Army of Tennessee was badly defeated and is greatly demoralized, and to save it during the retreat from Nashville I was compelled almost to sacrifice my command. Aside from the killed, wounded, and captured of my command, many were sent to the rear with barefooted, lame, and unserviceable horses, who have taken advantage of all the confusion and disorder attending the hasty retreat of a beaten army, and are now scattered through the country or have gone to their homes. The enemy have about 10,000 cavalry, finely equipped and recently mounted on the best of horses, and I ask that you will send McCulloch's brigade to me at once, with any other cavalry you can possibly spare. I am also greatly in need of artillery horses. I have four batteries of four guns each, but have not a sufficiency one third of a ration of corn per day (say four pounds to the horse), and if they remain much longer upon that allowance they will be worthless; in fact, from the hard service performed and want of forage, it will require at least six weeks to put them in condition for active service in the field. I shall remain in General Hood's rear until he moves off from here, and if the railroad can not supply me with forage in a short time will be compelled to leave a small force here and follow him down to the prairies and save my stock, if possible to do so. Our mules are also worn down and many of them unfit for service, and unless recruited will prove a total loss.

I assure you, general, that any assistance you may have it in your power to give me in fitting up my transportation and artillery will be appreciated, and, if in your power to do so, would be glad to see you up here, or have the privilege of visiting you myself, as I am anxious to see you personally in regard to changes, &c., in the cavalry of my command.

Many regiments are greatly reduced, and it is absolutely necessary to reorganize it. As soon as the Army of Tennessee gets away, I will forward you full reports, giving the effective of reorganizing the cavalry, and never having visited Richmond, I would like much to visit the capital and urge upon the Department the adoption of such measures as will increase its efficiency and bring it under proper control and discipline. I am confident the trip would prove beneficial to the service and a recreation to myself, and the latter is much needed, as I have had no rest or relief from duty since, I came into this department, and, whenever circumstances will allow it, I respectfully ask that Major-General Gardner or some other competent officer be placed in command of my troops and permission given me to make the visit proposed.

There is a column of the enemy at Courtland and a large force of cavalry on the north bank of the river, with six gun-boats and seven transports in the Tennessee River between Eastport and Florence. My scouts also report thirty transports below Savannah, and I fear they will cross the river and follow up General Hood's army, or with their heavy force of cavalry cross at Decatur or Bainbridge and move on Selma. Should they move on us here, I shall (after the departure of General Hood's army) be compelled to fall back before them, as my force is not sufficient to meet and defeat them.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. B. FORREST,
Major-General.

[samgrant]

HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY CORPS,
Corinth, Miss., January 2, 1865.

Lieutenant General R. TAYLOR,
Commanding Department:

GENERAL:

I have the honor to state that I have just had an interview with General Hood, and am informed by him that the Army of Tennessee is ordered to Augusta, and that I will be left to defend as well as can be done this section of the country. I regret to say that the means at my disposal are not adequate to the task devolving upon me. My command is greatly reduced in numbers and efficiency by losses in battle and in the worn-down and unserviceable condition of animals. The Army of Tennessee was badly defeated and is greatly demoralized, and to save it during the retreat from Nashville I was compelled almost to sacrifice my command. Aside from the killed, wounded, and captured of my command, many were sent to the rear with barefooted, lame, and unserviceable horses, who have taken advantage of all the confusion and disorder attending the hasty retreat of a beaten army, and are now scattered through the country or have gone to their homes. The enemy have about 10,000 cavalry, finely equipped and recently mounted on the best of horses, and I ask that you will send McCulloch's brigade to me at once, with any other cavalry you can possibly spare. I am also greatly in need of artillery horses. I have four batteries of four guns each, but have not a sufficiency one third of a ration of corn per day (say four pounds to the horse), and if they remain much longer upon that allowance they will be worthless; in fact, from the hard service performed and want of forage, it will require at least six weeks to put them in condition for active service in the field. I shall remain in General Hood's rear until he moves off from here, and if the railroad can not supply me with forage in a short time will be compelled to leave a small force here and follow him down to the prairies and save my stock, if possible to do so. Our mules are also worn down and many of them unfit for service, and unless recruited will prove a total loss.

I assure you, general, that any assistance you may have it in your power to give me in fitting up my transportation and artillery will be appreciated, and, if in your power to do so, would be glad to see you up here, or have the privilege of visiting you myself, as I am anxious to see you personally in regard to changes, &c., in the cavalry of my command.

Many regiments are greatly reduced, and it is absolutely necessary to reorganize it. As soon as the Army of Tennessee gets away, I will forward you full reports, giving the effective of reorganizing the cavalry, and never having visited Richmond, I would like much to visit the capital and urge upon the Department the adoption of such measures as will increase its efficiency and bring it under proper control and discipline. I am confident the trip would prove beneficial to the service and a recreation to myself, and the latter is much needed, as I have had no rest or relief from duty since, I came into this department, and, whenever circumstances will allow it, I respectfully ask that Major-General Gardner or some other competent officer be placed in command of my troops and permission given me to make the visit proposed.

There is a column of the enemy at Courtland and a large force of cavalry on the north bank of the river, with six gun-boats and seven transports in the Tennessee River between Eastport and Florence. My scouts also report thirty transports below Savannah, and I fear they will cross the river and follow up General Hood's army, or with their heavy force of cavalry cross at Decatur or Bainbridge and move on Selma. Should they move on us here, I shall (after the departure of General Hood's army) be compelled to fall back before them, as my force is not sufficient to meet and defeat them.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. B. FORREST,
Major-General.

Looks like the wheels are just about all off the wagon.

-

[larry_cockerham]

Yes, Sam, the challenge between Major General James Harrison Wilson and Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest was about to reach a new level of conflict. The might of the United States Army was about to fall on Alabama. Forrest was ill-equiped to resist with any great success. As for the AOT, their sights were once again on Sherman in Georgia, where they should have remained instead of the winter trek into Tennessee.

[larry_cockerham]

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.

No rest for the weary. Time to find save haven and organize for the next effort. These guys were beaten, but not done.

[larry_cockerham]

January 4, 1865

No further orders regulating movements of the troops. Finally, rest was possible for the moment. Scare rations were being distributed and clothing was being hastily assembled with any material and means available. Fires were finally possible though wood was scarce. Winter was not kind to the AOT.

Federal Artillery was at Huntsville. The hunt was still on.

[larry_cockerham]

January 5, 1865

Army of Tennessee headquarters established at Tupelo, Mississippi. Tupelo was the largest town in the area and was situated on the north-south railroad that led to *******n and Mobile. [I guess M*E*R*I*D*I*A*N must be a four-letter word? Silly censor.]

General Wood’s Union Corps arrived at Huntsville this same day. Huntsville, abandoned by the AOT, still had supplies and shelter. The Union Army, though better equipped than their adversaries, were still in need of protection from the brutal weather.

[larry_cockerham]

Thanks very much for your kind words and taking time to read my ramblings. Folks such as Ben Tilley have a story to tell concerning the true perspective of the soldier (particulary the Southern ones). I assume you notice old Ben didn't go around worrying too much about slavery. He was, like most of his comrades, trying to survive a less than desirable time.

[larry_cockerham]

January 6, 1865

Generals Stewart and Stevenson (commanding Lee's corps) were ordered to work the road where it was bad on their march. The Mississippi winter was still very much in evidence. Soft sandy soil did not hold up under the onslaught of thousands of poorly covered feet and animal hooves. The wagons, wobbly wheels and all, were in bad need of repair if not total abandonment.

[larry_cockerham]

January 7, 1865

Lee's corps arrived at Tupelo and went into camp.

January 7 – March 22 Wilson’s Cavalry at Gravelly Springs, Alabama

James Harrison Wilson was about to form the largest and best equipped equestrian fighting force in the history of the United States. After gathering men, horses and supplies he was ready for the task of stopping Nathan Bedford Forrest and Richard Taylor in their wobbly tracks. In the process he “captured” Alabama and Georgia before going on with his long life and military career.

[samgrant]

Does this house still stand? (see page 39)

Amazon Online Reader : Civil War Tales of the Tennessee Valley


-

[larry_cockerham]

Sam, I doubt the house is still there. The reference says "it stood for 170 years"..... sounds like that means it bit the dust. I notice it also says Forrest spent the night there Sep 21, 1864.

“In September 1864, the legendary Gen. Forrest and his "Critter Company" crossed the river at Colbert Shoal and rode through Florence via the Huntsville Road. After capturing a Union garrison at Athens and wrecking the Nashville-and-Chattanooga Railroad in middle Tennessee that furnished supplies to Sherman's Army, he marched through Georgia. “
On Sep 20 George Spaulding was ordered from Pulaski to Shoals Creek with the effectives of the 10th and 12th TN U.S. cavalry. James P. Cockerham probably remained in Pulaski, still recovering from his wounds.

“Next, Forrest's cavalry re-entered Alabama with Col. W. H. Morgan's Union cavalry in hot pursuit. Forrest hoped to cross at the Bainbridge Crossing but the river was flooded. After locating a barge, his troops began a two-day process of transporting men and swimming the horses. The last regiment of Confederates was left to harass the Federals and told to meet the main body on Seven-Mile Island in two days. The two cold days on the island were spent without fires, fearing enemy detection. Incidents such as this only increased the myths and legends surrounding Forrest and his men.”

The Florence, Alabama website lists several historic residences that either are or were in the area. I suspect this house is covered. I've seen the name somewhere before. Hugh Riah Reynolds on Butler Creek Road.... I'll do some looking. McDonald, by the way is an excellent author who has been researching that area around Lauderdale Co., AL for many years.

[larry_cockerham]

This was written by Michele L. Valkevan in 1998 for the Lauderdale Co. AL Heritage Boook. The Reynolds house in not listed on the national register of historic places in Lauderdale County in 2007. I suspect it is gone.

"About 1845, Hugh Riah's father, Hamilton Reynolds died at the age of 84 and is believed to be buried in the family cemetery on Hugh Riah's farm. In December 1845, Hugh and Betsy's son, John Wiggins Reynolds, died at the age of 20. He is also believed to be buried in the family cemetery.

By 1860, Hugh and Betsy owned several hundred acres, and 20 slaves, as well as obtaining land for several of their married children. By this time, all but the youngest two had married. Then came the Civil War. Hugh Riah was 65 years old in 1861, wife, Betsy, 61. Most of their sons, sons-in-law and nephews joined the Confederate Army. Son James M. Reynolds served as Captain of Company B, 9th Tennessee Cavalry, a unit of Biffle's Battalion under General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Capt. Reynolds' brothers, Richard Randolph and Wesley Blassingame, served as 2nd Sgt. and 3rd Sgt., while a third brother, Winston Pettus, and ten cousins, brothers-in-law and nephews served as privates.

The war years were difficult and made more so by the ravages of various bands of Union and Confederate deserters, draft-dodgers and criminals who came generally to be called "The Buggers." Their focus of activity was the area of Lauderdale near the state line. According to one family member, Hugh Reynolds was "hung" on three occasions by these thieves, trying to force him to tell where his money was hidden.

Though several were wounded in action, and James was taken to a Union prison camp (from which he escaped), all of Hugh and Betsy's sons returned home safely. Daughter Elizabeth Dorinda, who had only recently married William Hough, died in 1865 and was buried in the family cemetery.

The ravages of the war in Lauderdale County, coupled with the martial law, tax increases and loss of slave labor, made the Reconstruction Era, in many respects, more damaging to the family than the war had been. Property was lost in Sheriff's sales, criminal activity by The Buggers and others continued, and the price of cotton plummeted. Several of Hugh and Betsy's children moved to Arkansas, in an effort to find a better life. These included Nancy Emily and her husband, William Carroll Bailey; George Riley and his second wife, Nannie Hamm (his first wife, Elizabeth Hamm, died in 1857 and is buried in the Wade Cemetery in Iron City, Tennessee); Winston Pettus and his third wife, Margaret J. Bell, and Wesley Blassingame and his wife, Sarah Brewer. In August 1871, Hugh Riah Reynolds died at the age of 76, and a few months later, his 37 year-old son, Joseph Pleasant, was shot and killed. Both are buried in the family cemetery. Joseph Pleasant's widow, Mary Eliza Ragan, and their six children moved to Tishomingo Co., Mississippi where her family lived."