Waterloo50
Major
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2015
- Location
- England
I'm quite interested in learning a little more about John Fitzroy DeCourcey , Colonel, Field & Staff.
I have read that he was a British subject who offered his services to the US government, he was appointed as Colonel of the 16th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where he served from September 22, 1861 until his resignation January 11th 1863.
He then takes command of the 86th Ohio Infantry under Col. Wilson C. Lemert. From what I can gather, he was involved in the advance along the Wilderness Road on a mission to attack Cumberland Gap from the Kentucky side. he only had 1700 troops and they were poorly equipped and lacked supplies, despite numerous request from DeCourcey no supplies were ever made available. I have read that DeCourcey was a brilliant strategist and that he was able to fool his enemy into believing his numbers were far larger than they actually were.
'He began his strategy on the way by juggling the brass numbers on the soldier's caps to make the impression of a much larger army. From the number 86 he made it appear the 8th, the 6th and 9th and the 98th. The same was done with 129th, and the Battery number 22. Spies selling cakes and pies to the soldiers along the way would likely report these numbers and the trick could be worked to make the Confederates think there was a big army coming, consisting of 16 regiments. The last four miles of the approach to the Gap were in plain view of the fortifications, and field glasses would be used.'
To cut a long story short his plan to give the impression of a mass force worked and he was able to secure the surrender of JW Frazer and his men.
My question is then, why did Burnside have DeCourcey arrested over a letter that he had previously sent to General Shackleford. It doesn't look like it was offensive or ignoring orders, I'm clearly missing something here. I would be grateful if someone could point out what I am missing, I have tried to find further information on Burnsides reasoning for the arrest but I haven't had any luck. To be honest, I don't know what DeCourcey's letter was responding to, had DeCourcey been ordered to hold position or something similar.
Sir: I have received your dispatch of the 7th and I shall fully inform your guide of my position and circumstances. I do not feel that it would be prudent to do so in a written communication, I fear you have not been made acquainted with the roads and locations on both sides of the Gap, and further that I have been in the military profession almost continually since my sixteenth year. For the above reason, I was chosen, I believe, by General Burnside, and appointed to this independent command, receiving directly from him verbal, but not detailed instructions, as I believe he trusted my experience and local knowledge.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
John F. De Courcy
Colonel Commanding U. S. Troops on north side of Gap.
I have read that he was a British subject who offered his services to the US government, he was appointed as Colonel of the 16th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where he served from September 22, 1861 until his resignation January 11th 1863.
He then takes command of the 86th Ohio Infantry under Col. Wilson C. Lemert. From what I can gather, he was involved in the advance along the Wilderness Road on a mission to attack Cumberland Gap from the Kentucky side. he only had 1700 troops and they were poorly equipped and lacked supplies, despite numerous request from DeCourcey no supplies were ever made available. I have read that DeCourcey was a brilliant strategist and that he was able to fool his enemy into believing his numbers were far larger than they actually were.
'He began his strategy on the way by juggling the brass numbers on the soldier's caps to make the impression of a much larger army. From the number 86 he made it appear the 8th, the 6th and 9th and the 98th. The same was done with 129th, and the Battery number 22. Spies selling cakes and pies to the soldiers along the way would likely report these numbers and the trick could be worked to make the Confederates think there was a big army coming, consisting of 16 regiments. The last four miles of the approach to the Gap were in plain view of the fortifications, and field glasses would be used.'
To cut a long story short his plan to give the impression of a mass force worked and he was able to secure the surrender of JW Frazer and his men.
My question is then, why did Burnside have DeCourcey arrested over a letter that he had previously sent to General Shackleford. It doesn't look like it was offensive or ignoring orders, I'm clearly missing something here. I would be grateful if someone could point out what I am missing, I have tried to find further information on Burnsides reasoning for the arrest but I haven't had any luck. To be honest, I don't know what DeCourcey's letter was responding to, had DeCourcey been ordered to hold position or something similar.
Sir: I have received your dispatch of the 7th and I shall fully inform your guide of my position and circumstances. I do not feel that it would be prudent to do so in a written communication, I fear you have not been made acquainted with the roads and locations on both sides of the Gap, and further that I have been in the military profession almost continually since my sixteenth year. For the above reason, I was chosen, I believe, by General Burnside, and appointed to this independent command, receiving directly from him verbal, but not detailed instructions, as I believe he trusted my experience and local knowledge.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
John F. De Courcy
Colonel Commanding U. S. Troops on north side of Gap.
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