Helpful sources and links

[wilber6150]

Great idea

 

[Rob9641]

So you would be interested in moving it and retitling so it would be an "instant resource"?

Yes,by all means, retitle it so everyone knows it has links to references in it.

 

[Nathanb1]

Yes,by all means, retitle it so everyone knows it has links to references in it.

Okay....we'll get 'er done.

 

[Southland]

When we quote from a source, whatever it is, can we also note where (what website, what book, what whatever) we got the source from if it is secondary? If we're quoting from ORs, where did we get that OR? If we're quoting a particular historian, did we get the quote directly from the book, or from a review of the book, or from a website? It would really be helpful. Do you think?

Help to do what?

 

[Nathanb1]

Help to do what?

Help the person who's reading to put it in context and decide if they think it's a reliable reference or not. I always expect, even if I forget to do so, to be asked to give specific references.

 

[M E Wolf]

Kentucky Engineers under Patterson:

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/3 [S# 38]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Mississippi And West Tennessee (And Those In Arkansas And Louisiana Connected With The Siege Of Vicksburg) From January 20 To August 10, 1863.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#2
THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS.(*)
Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND.
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS.
Signal Corps, Lieut. James M. McClintock.
NINTH DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. P. JOSEPH OSTERHAUS.
First Brigade.
Col. WILLIAM VANDEVER.

Second Brigade.
Col. DANIEL W. LINDSEY.

Third Brigade.
Col. JOHN F. DE COURCY.

Attached.
3d Illinois Cavalry, Companies A and K, Capt. Robert H. Carnahan.
Kentucky Engineers and Mechanics, Capt. William F. Patterson.
Signal Corps, Lieut. Hiram G. Fisher.
7th Michigan Battery, Lieut. Robert M. Wilder.
1st Wisconsin Battery, Capt. Jacob T. Foster.
============================================
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXVI/1 [S# 41]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In West Florida, South Alabama, South Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, And New Mexico, From May 14 To December 31, 1863.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#17
Abstract front returns of the United States Forces in Texas, commanded by Maj. Gen. C. C. Washburn, U. S. Army, for the month of December, 1863; headquarters, Decrow's Point, Tex.
O Officers. A Aggregate present
M Men. B Aggregate present and absent
P Present for duty

------P-----
Command. O M A B

General headquarters 7 14 21 21
First Division, Thirteenth Army Corps 205 3,521 4,266 6,285
Third Brigade, Second Division, Thirteenth Army Corps 67 827 1,116 1,646
Fourth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps 113 1,715 2,124 5,447
23d Iowa 20 263 337 520
1st Kentucky Engineers 2 20 23 33
2d Engineers, Corps d'Afrique 22 366 466 534
Artillery 12 302 329 549
4th Indiana Cavalry, Company C .... .... .... 63
Total 448 7,028 8,682 15,098
=========================================
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIV/2 [S# 62]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI STATES AND TERRITORIES, FROM JANUARY 1, 1864, TO MARCH 31, 1864.--#8
THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS.(*)
Maj. Gen. EDWARD O. C. ORD.
FIRST DIVISION.(+)
Brig. Gen. WILLIAM P. BENTON.

SECOND DIVISION.(+)
Maj. Gen. FRANClS J. HERRON.

FOURTH DIVISION.(++)
Brig. Gen. THOMAS E. G. RANSOM.

First Brigade.
Col. WILLIAM J. LANDRAM.
Second Brigade.
Col. HENRY RUST, jr.
Artillery.
Capt. PATRICK H. WHITE.

UNASSIGNED. (§)
Engineer Troops.
1st Engineers, Corps d'Afrique, Col. Justin Hodge.
2d Engineers, Corps d'Afrique, Col. John C. Cobb.
3d Engineers, Corps d'Afrique (four companies), Lieut. Archelus M. Conrad. 16th Infantry, Corps (d'Afrique, Col. Matthew C. Kempsey.
Kentucky Engineers (one company), Capt. William F. Patterson.

Cavalry Brigade.
Col. EDMUND J. DAVIS.
Heavy Artillery.
1st Indiana, Company L, Capt. Benjamin F. Card.
14th Rhode Island (battalion),Maj. Joseph J. Comstock, jr.
Infantry.
34th Indiana, Col. Robert B. Jones.
29th Wisconsin, Maj. Bradford Hancock.

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIV/4 [S# 64]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI STATES AND TERRITORIES, FROM MAY 23, 1864, TO JUNE 30, 1864.--#25
MORGANZA, LA.(*)
Maj. Gen. JOSEPH J. REYNOLDS.
U.S. COLORED TROOPS.
Brig. Gen. DANIEL ULLMANN.(+)
Provisional Brigade.
Col. THEODORE H. BARRETT.
62d U.S. Infantry, Col. Theodore H. Barrett.
65th U.S. Infantry, Col. De Witt C. Brown.
67th U.S. Infantry, Lieut. Col. Augustus O. Millington.
83d U.S. Infantry, Col. Edward Martindale.
Not brigaded.
90th U.S. Infantry, Col. Charles E. Bostwick.
99th U.S. Infantry, Capt. Sheldon J. Grant.
ARTILLERY.
2d Ohio Battery, Capt. Augustus Beach,
1st Vermont Battery, Capt. George T. Hebard.
UNASSIGNED.
Kentucky Engineers (one company), Capt. William F. Patterson.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLI/2 [S# 84]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI STATES AND TERRITORIES, FROM JULY 1, 1864, TO AUGUST 31, 1864.--#38
DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF.
Maj. Gen. NATHANIEL P. BANKS.
HEADQUARTERS.

NINETEENTH ARMY CORP.
Maj. Gen. JOSEPH J. REYNOLDS.SECOND DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. ELIAS S. DENNIS.

THIRD DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. GEORGE F. MCGINNIS.

[excerpt]
ENGINEER BRIGADE.
Capt. PETER C. HAINS.
81st U.S. Colored Troops (new),(+) Lieut. Col. Arthur F. Wrotnouski.
96th U.S. Colored Troops,(*) Col. John C. Cobb.
97th U. 8. Colored Troops, (*) Capt. James G. Hill.
99th U. S. Colored Troops, Lieut. Col. Uri B. Pearsall.
Kentucky Engineers and Mechanics (one company), Capt. William F. Patterson.
1st Company Pontoniers, Lieut. Archelus M. Conrad.
----------------------------------
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLI/4 [S# 86]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI STATES AND TERRITORIES, FROM OCTOBER 16, 1864, to DECEMBER 31, 1864.(*)--#15
U.S. FORCES, MOBILE BAY, ALA.
Col. HENRY BERTRAM.
[excerpt]
NEW ORLEANS, LA.
31st Massachusetts (mounted), Lieut. Col. Edward P. Nettleton.
2d Texas Cavalry (one company), Lieut. Alexander Roberts.
2d Battalion U. S. Veteran Reserve Corps (five companies), Capt. William W. H Lawton.
1st Indiana Heavy Artillery (six companies), Lieut. Col. Benjamin F. Hays.
U. S. Pontoniers (one company), Lieut. Archelus M. Conrad.
Kentucky Engineers and Mechanics (one company), Capt. William F. Patterson.
Signal Corps (detachment), Capt, James B. Ludwick.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME X/1 [S# 10]
MARCH 28-June 18, 1862.--Cumberland Gap (Tenn.) Campaign.
No. 2. -- Reports of Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U. S. Army, commanding Seventh Division, Army of the Ohio.(*)
HDQRS. SEVENTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Cumberland Gap, June 22, 1862.
COLONEL: On the 28th of March last I was assigned by Major-General Buell to the command of this division, and directed to concentrate my force at Cumberland Ford and to take Cumberland Gap. At that time the roads leading from Crab Orchard and Mount Vernon to Cumberland Ford were almost impassable, and from 3 to 4 miles a day was the ordinary distance made by small trains of twelve wagons. On my way up I came from Lexington in an open buggy, in order to move forward as rapidly as possible. At many places the narrow roads, wailed in by the mountains, had become torrents, and sometimes the horses were obliged to swim. It was the rainy season, and these facts are only mentioned to convey some idea of the difficulties this command has had to overcome.
[excerpt]
It affords me great pleasure to indorse all that Colonel De Courcy has said in commendation of his acting brigade quartermaster, Lieut. J. D. Stubbs, Forty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteers. I am also deeply indebted to Lieut. H. G. Fisher and his corps of signal officers; to Lieut. C. H. Rogers, of the First Tennessee, for many acts of daring service, and to Capt. W. G. Fuller, superintendent of the military telegraph. He has always been efficient, and his telegraphic line has nearly kept pace with the advance of my column. Nor can I close this report without expressing my deep obligations to Capt. W. F. Patterson and the men of his command. He has rendered me constant and invaluable services during the two past months in making roads and constructing bridges on the various routes upon which my troops have moved and supplies have been received. His company was organized by the Military Board of Kentucky, but from some cause was not mustered into the service of the United States, though it has been performing the most arduous services under the command of different generals of the United States Army. General Thomas detailed Captain
Patterson's command on extra duty while he commanded in the vicinity of Somerset, and for more than two months he has been discharging similar duty under my command. His company has never been paid, and I respectfully request authority to muster Captain Patterson and his company into the service of the United States.

Had the enemy not evacuated I should have taken up a position 2 miles in his rear and pounded him with my heavy guns and cut off his supplies until he should be forced to abandon his stronghold and give us a fair fight in an open field.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General Volunteers, Commanding.
Col. J. B. FRY,
Chief of Staff, Florence, Ala.

[continued]

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME X/1 [S# 10]
MARCH 28-June 18, 1862.--Cumberland Gap (Tenn.) Campaign.
No. 2. -- Reports of Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U. S. Army, commanding Seventh Division, Army of the Ohio.(*)
(continued)

[Inclosure.]
GENERAL ORDERS No. 42.
HDQRS. 7TH DIV., ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Camp near Rogers' Gap, Tenn., June 17, 1862.
The column will march to meet the enemy to-morrow morning in the following order:
I. Carter's brigade, with Lanphere's battery and the two 20-pounders, and 100 cavalry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Munday, will march at 1 o'clock, on the new Valley road, entering it at its commencement on the Knoxville road, and proceed toward its intersection with the old Valley road. En route it will halt 45 minutes for breakfast at or near Kincaid's, where water may be best obtained, after which time the march will be resumed with caution.
[excerpt]
IX. It is very probable that the enemy will seek to turn our position from one of the roads leading to Knoxville, and to embarrass any such movement it will be well for General Carter to cause the first Knoxville road to be examined with reference to blockading the road. Captain Patterson, with his company, will be ordered to report to General Carter for fatigue duty.
[excerpt]
XIV. The troops will be expected to carry two days' cooked provisions in their haversacks.
XV. In consequence of intelligence just received as to the supposed position of the enemy, paragraph III of General Orders, No. 42. is hereby modified as follows: Spears' brigade will march with ammunition wagons on the New Valley road forty-five minutes after the rear of Carter's brigade has entered that road. En route General Spears will halt forty-five minutes for breakfast and rest at or near Kincaid's, where the canteens of the troops must be filled with fresh water. Then General Spears will occupy the cross road connecting the new and old Valley roads, beyond the Big Spring, with two regiments, to be held in reserve, while he will hold his other two regiments on or in the neighborhood of the new Valley road, as the circumstances may require.
It is desired that the battle be opened and kept up with artillery as long as possible, so as to compel the enemy's infantry to leave their positions.
By command of General Morgan:
CHAS. O. JOLINE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

---------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVI/1 [S# 22]
SEPTEMBER 17-OCTOBER 3 1862.--Evacuation of Cumberland Gap, Tenn., and march of its garrison to Greenupsburg, Ky.
No. 2.--Reports of Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U.S. Army, including operations August 16-October 3.
HDQRs. LATE ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Portland, Ohio, October 12, 1862.
MAJOR: On the night of the 16th of August last the army of Stevenson, claimed by the enemy to be 20,000 strong, arrived in front of Cumberland Gap, and I immediately ordered Captain Martin, of Munday's cavalry, to proceed, by forced marches, to observe Rogers' and Big Creek Gaps. When within 18 miles of Rogers' Gap he encountered the advance guard of Maj. Gen. E. Kirby Smith's army, then invading Kentucky. Martin's company was attacked and routed by a greatly superior force of the enemy. General Smith, with 25,000 men, afterward increased to 30,000, established his headquarters at Barboursville, and sent two divisions, under Major-General McCown, to occupy Cumberland Ford. We were now closely enveloped by two armies, numbering 45,000 men, and our supplies were entirely cut off. In consequence of bad roads and want of proper transportation our subsistence stores were short, and I immediately placed my command on half rations, with the determination of holding out to the last extremity. In order to save the artillery, cavalry, and wagon horses from starvation, and for the further purpose of sending tried troops to re-enforce the column organizing at Lexington for our aid, I ordered 400 men of the Third Kentucky, under the gallant Colonel Garrard, to be mounted, and directed him to proceed, with Munday's cavalry, to join the United States forces then en route for our relief. A battalion of the Third Tennessee, under Colonel Houk, had been attacked by a greatly superior force at London, and after a brave resistance was compelled to retreat; but, after a fatiguing march through the mountains, succeeded in gaining Cumberland Gap. The other battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel Chiles, did gallant service at the Big Hill and at Richmond, for which the hearty thanks of Major-General Nelson were tendered. At Richmond three battalions of my command participated in the battle against immense odds; and, though defeated, by their good conduct they preserved untarnished the honor of our flag.
[excerpt]
On the 9th of September I addressed a letter to Major-General Wright, by Lieut. Charles S. Medary, one of my aides-de-camp, with a verbal message that by eating the mules we could hold out sixty days. But on the 12th of September Capt. M. C. Garber, the able and energetic division quartermaster, informed me that it was impossible longer to feed the mules, and suggested that they should be sent toward the Ohio River by way of Manchester. For two reasons I decided not to do so--the hope that the mules could be converted into food, or it might become necessary to harness them to the cannon to prevent them from falling into the hands of the enemy. But without forage the mules must soon perish from hunger and the air become pestilent from their carcasses.

At this time we had been six days without bread, and the mill at Manchester supplied but little more than sufficient flour for De Courcy's brigade, and no more wheat was to be obtained. The other supplies were rapidly being exhausted, and not one syllable of intelligence had been received since the action at Richmond as to the position of Buell's army or as to what force was being organized in Kentucky under the national flag.

It was now certain that the enemy would not attack our position, and it was equally certain that two weeks from that day we would not have the means of transportation for our cannon should the enemy continue to occupy our front. While in the Gap our position was one of comparative ease and entire safety. To evacuate was to brave the worst horrors of war and the chance of being taken at disadvantage by an overwhelming force of the enemy. To hold the Gap until compelled by hunger to yield would have transferred to the enemy thirty-two guns, 14,000 stand of small-arms, vast magazines of ammunition, and palsied the arms of more than 10,000 brave men, who had been seasoned to all the hardships of war. I determined to convene a military council, and without expressing an opinion learn the views of my colleagues. Up to this time I had impressed upon the minds of my command the belief that under no circumstances would I evacuate, nor would I have ever done so had I not been convinced that it was the only wise course left open for me.

On the 10th of August I telegraphed General Buell that I had "about three weeks' supplies for my entire command." On the 8th of August I telegraphed to Captain Brown, assistant quartermaster at Lexington--
Twenty-five thousand men are between this place and Knoxville, and they are constantly arriving by way of Dalton. The safety of this place depends upon the supplies which you can rush forward. Not a second is to be lost. Give us supplies and we will be regardless of the enemy's force.
The enemy gained our rear and cut off our supplies.

A council of war, composed of Brigadier-Generals Spears, Baird, and Carter, with Lieutenant Craighill as recorder, assembled on the 14th of September, and it was unanimously decided that we had only the alternatives of evacuation or surrender. Such was my own opinion; but I waited one day longer, in the hope of receiving intelligence which would justify our remaining in our position. No intelligence came, and I devoted every energy to secure a rapid and successful evacuation of the Gap. In this, as in all else, I was nobly sustained by every officer and soldier of my command. Evacuation was peculiarly trying to the soldiers from East Tennessee, but both Generals Spears and Carter, from that State, strongly advised that policy.

Capt. W. F. Patterson, an officer of great merit, and of whose valuable services I have before spoken, under the general direction of Lieut. W. P. Craighill, chief engineer, was directed to mine the road and mountain cliffs, so as to prevent my column from being annoyed on its march by the army of Stevenson. This was well done. We had mounted thirty-two guns, and I determined to withdraw all but four 30-pounders, for which there was no possible means of transportation. Captain Tidd, a skillful and ingenious mechanic of the telegraph corps, was instructed to spike the 30-pounders, cut off their trunnions, wedge the bores with shot and spikes, and then hurl them over the cliffs. This was all effectually done.

On the night of the 16th of September a large train was sent toward Manchester under the convoy of the Thirty-third Indiana and two companies of the Third Kentucky and the Ninth Ohio Battery, under the command of Colonel Coburn, an able and intelligent officer.. The entire night of the 16th and the day of the 17th were occupied in busy preparation. At dark on the latter day the regular picket guards were withdrawn, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gallup, provost-marshal of the post, aided by Captain McNeish, with 200 chosen men, assumed the delicate and dangerous duty of holding the enemy in check during the night. Late in the day Lieutenant-Colonel Gallup bore three letters, under a flag of truce, to the enemy's lines, and, while well employed in an hour's chat with the officer accompanying the enemy's flag, some indiscreet person set fire to a portion of the quartermasters establishments. The red flame and smoke soon curled over the mountains, and seemed like a proclamation to the enemy of what was then going forward. But, thanks to the tact of Gallup, for whose many valuable services I here make acknowledgment, the fire and smoke were ascribed to the burning of brush upon the mountain-sides. About 10 p.m. a breathless courier came in to announce the desertion of a sentinel, as was supposed, to the enemy. It was a moment of intense suspense. All of the guns but of one battery had been withdrawn from the fortifications and sent northward through the Gap, which was masked from the enemy's view by a mountain ridge 13 miles to the south of the Gap. The fire had spread from building to building, and the little valley, encircled by the mountains at the foot of the Gap, was one sea of flame. Captain Patterson now commenced to explode his mines, and the enemy seemed to be startled into a knowledge of what was going on. His pickets advanced by the Cottrell and Tazewell roads, but

continued

 

[M E Wolf]

were driven back by a well-directed fire from Gallup's pickets. Spears had been ordered to form his brigade in line of battle at the foot of the mountain on the north side of the Gap, with a section of Foster's battery in the intervals between the regiments. Thus the approaches from Baptist Gap were commanded. At midnight Carter descended the mountain, followed by Baird. The descent was slow, difficult, and dangerous. Had the enemy boldly attacked he could have done much harm. But he was taken by surprise and evidently feared our mines. Gallup kept out his pickets till nearly dawn, when he caused the remaining buildings containing Government property to be destroyed, and with his own hands fired the train which blew up the principal magazine. The night was dark and the difficult march was continued until the advance brigade reached Flat Lick, a distance of 20 miles from the Gap. From this point we advanced by two parallel roads along Goose and Stinking Creeks, and reached the vicinity of Manchester on the night of September 19. At this place I halted one day to perfect the organization for the march, which was resumed on the 21st ultimo. The enemy's cavalry now appeared on our rear and endeavored to cut off one of our trains, but was gallantly repulsed by the Sixth Tennessee, under Colonel Cooper, who had before rendered good service in attack the enemy's force near Big Creek Gap, which place he afterward blockaded. Captain Adams, the faithful and energetic commissary, had sent forward to Booneville and Proctor to obtain supplies, and, as the road diverged at Morris' farm, I sent the brigades of Baird and Carter via Booneville and those of Spears and De Courcy directly to Proctor. A brigade of cavalry, under General John H. Morgan, now commenced to annoy us, and, the night before our arrival, burned the steam-mill at Proctor; but upon our approach Morgan discovered that I was about to surround him and made a precipitate retreat. Already the troops had suffered greatly for want of water, but the route to Hazel Green was still more difficult. The ridge was almost entirely destitute of water, and where it did exist it was found in small quantities in holes down 80 or 100 feet among cliffs. The North Fork road had been destroyed by the spring and winter rains, but water was plentiful. I determined to advance in parallel columns, and directed Spears and De Courcy to march by the ridge and Baird and Carter by the North Fork road. Thanks to the skill and devotion of Captain Patterson, and to the officer-like bearing of the brigade commanders, regimental officers, and the heroic endurance of the soldiers, all of these terrible difficulties were nobly met and overcome, and the advance brigade halted one day at Hazel Green. At this place we captured two rebel officers. Morgan had already attacked us on the flank and rear, and now passed to our front and commenced a more serious system of annoyance, by blockading the narrow ridges and deep defiles which abound on that almost impracticable route.
[excerpt]
On October 3 my column reached Greenupsburg, on the Ohio River. I had sent forward Captains Garber and Patterson to procure transportation for the passage of the river, which was effected in good order. Colonel Byrd, of the First Tennessee, forded the river with the trains of Baird and Carter. To avoid too lengthy a report many incidents of interest have been omitted.

It affords me great pleasure to speak of the admirable bearing of my entire command, officers and soldiers, during that most difficult and trying march of 219 miles It was worthy of all praise and receives my sincere gratitude. Especial credit is due to Brigadier-Generals Spears, Baird, and Carter, and to Colonel De Courcy; to Lieutenant-Colonel Gallup and Capts. W. F. Patterson, M. C. Garber, and G. M. Adams; to Lieut. W. P. Craighill and Lieutenant Burroughs, engineers; to Captain Foster, chief of artillery, and Lieutenant Burdick, acting ordnance officer, and to Lieutenant-Colonel Ridgell and Lieutenant Reeder, Third Kentucky Volunteers. And my cordial thanks and acknowledgments are due to my personal staff, Capt. C. O. Joline, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenants Saunders and Medary, aides-de-camp; Lieutenant Montgomery, acting aide-decamp, and Lieut. H. G. Fisher, chief of signal corps. In mentioning the names of these officers there is no distinction intended to the prejudice of any one, for all have behaved nobly.

[excerpt]
I respectfully call your attention to the reports of brigade and corps commanders.
I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Maj. N. H. McLEAN,
Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Cincinnati, Ohio.

HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES AT PORTLAND, OHIO,
October 16, 1862.
MAJOR: In the hurry of preparing my report of the march of my command from Cumberland Gap I inadvertently neglected to refer to the meritorious services of Lieutenant-Colonel Ridgell, Third Kentucky, and Capt. Sydney S. Lyon, acting topographical engineer, which I now take pleasure in doing. Also the valuable and highly creditable services of Dr. B, Cloak, acting medical director, and the corps of surgeons under him. Their conduct was admirable and is worthy of the highest praise.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General.
Maj. N.H. MCLEAN,
Chief of Staff Cincinnati, Ohio.
-----

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVII/1 [S# 24]
DECEMBER 20, 1862-JANUARY 3, 1863.--Operations against Vicksburg, Miss.
No. 10.--Reports of Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U.S. Army, commanding Third Division, of operations December 26-29, 1862.
HDQRS. THIRD DIV., RIGHT WING, 13TH ARMY CORPS,
In Field in front of Chickasaw Bluffs, Miss. January 1, 1863.
SIR: On the 26th ultimo, in obedience to the orders of Major-General Sherman, this division effected a landing above Johnson's and in front of Lake's plantations, on Chickasaw Bayou.
[excerpt]
On the morning of the 29th the commanding general directed that the attack should be resumed, and upon the enemy's center, by my division, re-enforced by that of Steele. I had the honor to submit my plan of attack, which was approved by General Sherman, and upon a general volley of the artillery of my division a general attack was to be made. I had directed Captain Patterson, engineer, to throw over the advanced bayou in front of the enemy's position a pontoon before daybreak on the morning of the 29th ultimo. By a fatal mistake he bridged a rear bayou.

At daybreak, in company with Colonel Lindsey, I went to the right front to reconnoiter. The bayou was deep and about 8 [80] feet wide, but the bluffs directly beyond were without defenses, the enemy regarding the passage of the bayou at that point as impracticable. I was informed that the bayou would be bridged in two hours, and, in obedience to the order of the commanding general on the previous day, I directed Brig. Gen. F. P. Blair, of Steele's division, to cross the bayou on my left and make a reconnaissance of the ground in his front and hold himself inreadiness to advance to the assault with his brigade. I determined to advance in parallel columns.

Informed of the desire of General Sherman that the assault should be promptly made, and appreciating the immense difficulties by which he was surrounded, I directed the troops to be massed, and ordered the signal volley to be fired. The brigades of De Courcy and Blair advanced in splendid style, followed by Brigadier-General Thayer with one regiment, the balance of his brigade having been diverted by mistake. The charge was grand, and the brave soldiers, after having marched a distance of three-quarters of a mile over fallen timber exposed to a destructive fire from the enemy's trenches and batteries, succeeded in reaching his second line; but here they were exposed to such a withering fire that Colonel De Courcy ordered his brigade to retire, and the troops of Blair and Thayer fell back with them. Never did soldiers bear themselves with cooler intrepidity.

[excerpt]
t is worthy of note that De Courcy's entire brigade brought back their colors, though the flag of the Sixteenth Ohio was shot to tatters, only shreds remaining on the staff; and the flag of the Twenty-second Kentucky was scarcely less torn and not less dripping with blood.
The loss of my division proper was 875, that of General Blair was 626, and that of the regiment of General Thayer's brigade was 111, in killed, wounded, and missing.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General.
Maj. J. H. HAMMOND,
Chief of Staff.
----------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVII/1 [S# 24]
DECEMBER 20, 1862-JANUARY 3, 1863.--Operations against Vicksburg, Miss.
No. 10.--Reports of Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U.S. Army, commanding Third Division, of operations December 26-29, 1862.
HDQRS.3D DIV., RIGHT WING, 13TH ARMY CORPS,
Steamer Empress, January 3, 1863.
SIR: On the 1st instant, while pressed by many arduous duties, I was requested to report to the commanding general the operations of my division during the affair of the 27th, the action of the 28th, and the battle of the 29th ultimo. I had not received the reports of subordinate commanders nor had I time to review the report I had the honor to submit. Herewith I have the honor to forward those reports, connected with which I will submit a few remarks.
[excerpt]
SIR: Anxious to comply with your repeated orders, written and verbal, on December 31, 1862, and January 1, 186'3, that my report, however, brief, should be at once made out, as the commanding general desired to forward his reports, I gave a general outline of the events of December 28 and 29, so far as they occurred within my command; and in connection with Colonel Lindsey's report I have now to add that, at 2 p.m. of the 29th ultimo, Captain Patterson, engineer, placed in the water and floored six boats; but they did not extend two-thirds of the way across the bayou. In all there were eight boats provided, but two of them were so leaky they immediately filled and sank.

At 3.30 p.m. of that day, convinced that to renew the assault from the center would be but to doom the charging column to certain destruction, I directed Colonel Lindsey to cease his attempts to build a bridge until further orders. In obedience to orders from General Sherman I caused all of the boats to be withdrawn during the night, that they might be sent to the troops on my right, and by whom the bayou was, as I understood, to be crossed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVII/1 [S# 24]
DECEMBER 20, 1862-JANUARY 3, 1863.--Operations against Vicksburg, Miss.
No. 13.--Report of Col. Lionel A. Sheldon, Forty-second Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 27--30, 1862.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION,
December 31, 1862.
SIR: I beg leave to make the following report as to the operations of my brigade since leaving the boats:
[excerpt]
At sunset I was relieved by General Blair, when I took position with my brigade on the right of Lindsey and remained for the night. As the Forty-ninth has been under my command only at this time I take occasion to say here that Colonel Keigwin and his officers and men be hayed with great skill and gallantry.

On the morning of the 29th instant I advanced the Sixty-ninth to the front at the point where Captain Patterson was to construct a pontoon bridge, where it remained until noon, when 1 moved my brigade in position to support Lindsey. The skirmishers of the Sixty-ninth were sharply engaged all the forenoon and met with a loss of 1 killed and 5 wounded. During the forenoon my brigade was subjected to a continuous storm of shells, but escaped damage altogether. At 2 p.m. the One hundred and twentieth was moved to the right of De Courcy and advanced to the bayou, where it skirmished all the afternoon and sustained a loss of 7 wounded. At 9 p.m. it was moved back, leaving a heavy line of skirmishers on the bayou. My brigade was shelled all night, wounding 2 of the One hundred and twentieth at one explosion. I was compelled to change position twice in the night and once during the day.

On the 30th I occupied the front on the right of De Courcy. Little occurred during the day except slight skirmishing. The night was quiet.

My two regiments in the field are new and inexperienced. Colonel Bennett, of the Sixty-ninth, and Colonel French, of the One hundred and twentieth, have conducted themselves with attentiveness, skill, and courage, and officers and men of both have behaved like veterans.
L. A. SHELDON,
Colonel, Commanding First Brigade.
Lieut. E. D. SAUNDERS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVII/1 [S# 24]
DECEMBER 20, 1862-JANUARY 3, 1863.--Operations against Vicksburg, Miss.
No. 15.--Report of Col. Daniel W. Lindsey, Twenty-second Kentucky Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 26-30,1862.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION,
RIGHT WING, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, January, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to submit, through you, the following report of the action of my brigade from the 26th to the 30th ultimo:
As ordered, I landed my command on the 26th ultiimo at the upper end of Johnson's plantation on Yazoo River, and bivouacked for the night upon the bank.

Agreeably to Orders, No. --, on Saturday morning, the 27th, at 5 o'clock, I was in readiness to march with two days' cooked rations in haversacks, the same order directing me to follow De Courcy's brigade thirty minutes after his rear left the ground. I did so, and kept within supporting distance of him throughout the day, and at night again bivouacked, the men resting upon their arms.
[excerpt]
The following morning, the 29th, Captain Patterson's corps of engineers, assisted by a detachment from the One hundred and fourteenth Ohio Regiment, attempted to place a pontoon bridge across the bayou in my front, but were driven from the undertaking by a hot fire of musketry and shell from the enemy's rifle-pits and batteries, two of the latter having been erected during the previous night. Receiving notice at this time that there would be a general advance along the whole line and hearing the signal for the same, I moved forward with my whole command (the Forty-ninth Indiana Regiment having reported back to me during the previous night) and with the Fourth Ohio Battery, which proved to be short of shell, I opened a heavy fire upon the enemy, under which Captain Patterson, again assisted by a company from the One hundred and fourteenth Ohio Regiment, reattempted to
construct the pontoon bridge over the bayou; but, notwithstanding our fire was incessant and well directed, the enemy, with a battery and rifle-pit (until then not discovered), succeeded in frustrating the attempt, but not until six boats were properly placed and floored.

Learning at this time the charge of De Courcy upon the enemy's works was repulsed, and receiving orders to make no further attempt to cross the bayou for the present, I withdrew my command and so disposed them as to screen them from the enemy's fire and again rested upon our arms for the night.

[excerpt]
t affords me great pleasure to be able to state that both officers and men of my command, so far as my observation extended, conducted themselves with becoming gallantry, and to my staff I am under especial obligations, who, by their unceasing exertions and undaunted courage, rendered me great assistance during these two days' engagements.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. W. LINDSEY,
Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade.
Lieut. E. D. SAUNDERS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVII/1 [S# 24]
JANUARY 4-17, 1863.--Expedition against Arkansas Post, or Fort Hindman, Ark., and operations in that vicinity.
NO. 4.--Report of Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan, U. S. Army, commanding Thirteeth Army Corps.
HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, U.S. FORCES,
Steamer Empress, January 17, 1863.
SIR: Post Arkansas is situated on a bluff 25 feet above the water, on the left bank of the Arkansas and 50 miles from its mouth. Upon this bluff was constructed a star fort, with four bastions, upon a square of 300 feet. The fort (since destroyed by order of Major-General McClernand) was a little above the bend and oblique to the river, facing southwest and northeast. On the southern face were two strongly constructed casemated works, revetted with iron bars. Each casemate contained one 9-inch gun, and both commanded the approach from down the river. In the southwestern bastion was another 9.inch traverse gun en barbette. Within the fort were ten other guns en barbette, and during the action of the 11th instant seven of the thirteen guns were entirely destroyed by the combined fire of the gunboats and four 20-pounders of Foster's battery, of Osterhaus' division, which opened upon the fort at a range of 800 yards. Fragments of shell, both from the gunboats and 20-pounders, were found in the casemates, and one of the 9-inch guns bore upon its broken muzzle the impress of a 20-pounder shot.

[excerpt]
To Captain Patterson, engineer, I am under renewed obligations for his valuable services. To him was intrusted the destruction of the enemy's magazine, casemates, and the 9-inch gun, which he cut off. Capt. M. C. Garber, assistant quartermaster, was also efficient in the discharge of his duties.

[excerpt]
Before closing my report I feel it to be my duty to call the attention of the commanding general to the superior quality of the enemy's small arm ammunition over that used by our troops. It is superior both in quality and in the quantity of the powder used to the cartridge. Such is the general opinion of our officers, and I strongly recommend that greater attention be paid to the manufacture of cartridges, and that the charge be increased one-third.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient, servant,
GEORGE W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. A. SCHWARTZ,
Asst. Adjt. Gen Hdqrs. Maj. Gen. John A. MeClernand.
-------------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/1 [S# 36]
Operations In Mississippi And West Tennessee, Including Those In Arkansas And Louisiana. Connected With The Siege Of Vicksburg.--January 20-August 10, 1863.
No. 5.--Report of Lieut. Col. James H Wilson, Assistant Inspector-General, U.S. Army, Chief of Topographical Engineers, of Operations April 24-May 11.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
In rear of Vicksburg, Miss., May 30, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of engineer Operations during the time in which I was the senior officer of engineers with the army in the field:
On April 24, having accompanied General Grant to Smith's plantation, I was directed by him to examine the route by Vidal,, Negro, and Brushy Bayous to Perkins' plantation, with the view of getting a practicable line of communication to the Mississippi River.
The following is a copy of my report made to General McClernand, commanding the troops in that vicinity:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Smith's Plantation, La., April 24, 1863.
Major-General McCLERNAND,
Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: After examination of Vidal Bayou, and consultation with Brigadier-General Hovey, I am of the opinion that, in order to cross any number of troops greater than one division to the Mississippi levees, and secure a practicable line of communication, much time will be gained by constructing two boat-bridges on the route, following Vidal, Negro, and Brushy Bayous; the one nearer the mouth of Gilbert Bayou, now in construction, and to be ready by to-morrow evening; the other between the mouths of Negro and Mound Bayous. For the construction of the latter, twelve or fourteen of the small flats now used as ferry-boats at Smith's plantation will be necessary.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. WILSON.
The bridges recommended in the above were begun and constructed by Captain Patterson, with his company of pioneers and details of men from the troops, under the direction of Brig. Gen. A. P. Hovey, commanding Fourteenth Division.
For description of these bridges I refer to the following report:

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Smith's Plantation, Madison Parish, La., April 27, 1863.
Lieut. Col. J. H. WILSON:
COLONEL: In accordance with your instructions, received this morning, I proceeded to Vidal and Negro Bayous, to inspect the bridges constructed across them, and have the honor to report as follows:
The bridge over Bayou Vidal is formed of a large flat, 100 feet long and 24 feet wide, anchored across the main channel of the bayou by a cable and chain on the southern end and braced against a tree on the northern. Ties of timber, trimmed to 6 or 8 inches thickness, are laid over the gunwales, upon which rest 8 by 12 stringpieces, supporting the planks. The next span toward either shore rests on a 12 by 12 timber, notched half into trees on either side, pinned and secured by chains. There are three more spans toward both shores, resting on trestles, each formed of four uprights, 8 inches square, secured at top and bottom to squared logs. The roadway is confined by heavy beams, pinned to the planks and string-pieces, and on the north end a wooden railway has been formed, which is, however, too smooth on the ascent to be of any advantage.
The bridge is 362 feet long, 240 feet resting on trestles and immovable, the balance afloat. If the bayou should rise or fall more than 18 inches, the connection between the floating and fixed part would be insecure, and the ascent and descent almost impracticable. The roadway is not laid exactly along the center of the flat, but rather down stream, which causes a slight sideway slope. The flat has sagged considerably, rising at the middle; but whether this is an old defect or caused by overloading the ends, I cannot say, as I could not examine it very closely, the bridge being crowded by the passage of troops. As long as the bayou remains at its present stage, I think the bridge perfectly secure.
The bridge across Negro Bayou is 550 feet long, curved up stream, and rests on sixteen flats, mostly new, from 25 to 40 feet long and 12 feet wide, with landings on trestles on either side. The boats are anchored to a 2 l/2-inch line, stretched from shore to shore, and supported in the center by a tree. Some of the boats are fastened directly to the cable passing over their bows; others are connected with it by short ropes. The connection with both shores is effected in a manner similar to that of the Bayou Vidal bridge, including some ties resting in notches cut into trees.
Another bridge, 150 feet long, has been constructed across a slough between the two bayous. It rests on a center pier, formed of logs, placed crosswise, and on trestles on either side of the pier. The roadway is formed of split logs, and appears sufficiently firm.
Squads of pioneers are stationed at all three bridges to repair such damages as may occur. On account of the heavy rain and continual passage of troops and trains, l was unable to obtain more minute measurements.
I reported on the condition of the bridges to Major Hickenlooper, acting engineer on General McPherson's staff.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. A. ULFFERS,
Assistant Engineer.

With these two bridges, both of which were very substantial, a good road was completed from Milliken's Bend to Perkins' plantation, 8 miles below New Carthage. After the failure of the Navy, with seven iron-clads, to silence the batteries at Grand Gulf on April 29, after five and a quarter hours' cannonading, it was determined to run the six transports by that place, and march the troops to a point below.
[excerpt]
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. WILSON,
First Lieut. Engrs., Lieut. Col. and Asst. Insp.
Capt. F. E. PRIME,
Chief Engineer, Department of the Tennessee.
-----

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/1 [S# 36]
Operations In Mississippi And West Tennessee, Including Those In Arkansas And Louisiana. Connected With The Siege Of Vicksburg.--January 20-August 10, 1863.
No. 7.--Reports of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand, U. S. Army, commanding Thirteenth Army Corps, of Operations March 30-June 17, with resulting correspondence.
EADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Battle-field, near Vicksburg, Miss., June 17, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the principal Operations of the forces with me since March 30 last, in compliance with instructions from department headquarters to that effect.
[extensive excerpt - (didn't carefully read) -]
BATTLE OF BLACK RIVER BRIDGE.
At 3.30 on the morning of the 17th, my corps again resumed the advance, General Carr's division leading, and General Osterhaus' closely following, on the road to Black River Bridge, 6 miles distant. On the way, General Carr's division captured a number of prisoners, which were sent to the rear, and, upon nearing a skirt of wood masking the enemy's position, encountered and drove back his picket.

[excerpt]
Driven across the river, the enemy made a feeble stand to cover his trains and retreat upon Vicksburg, but several hours before sunset was dislodged by my forces, leaving tents, a considerable quantity of clothing and other stores, together with a large number of small-arms, a smoking ruin.

During the following night and morning a bridge was thrown across the Big Black by the pioneer corps under Captain Patterson.

On the morning of the 18th, I crossed with Generals Osterhaus', Smith's, and Carr's divisions, of my corps, and took up the line of march for Vicksburg, 12 miles distant. General Smith's division led, followed by Generals Osterhaus and Carr, on the Jackson and Vicksburg road to Saint Albans, and thence by a crossroad and the Baldwin's Ferry road at Four-Mile Creek, arriving there about sunset, and resting for the night 4 miles from Vicksburg. Several prisoners and wagons were captured during the march. General Osterhaus resumed command of the Ninth Division on the west bank of Big Black, and General Lee was assigned to the command of the First Brigade of that division during the absence of General Garrard, who had been ordered to report to General Prentiss, at Helena.

[extensive excerpt- did not carefully read to find Capt. Patterson's name]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/1 [S# 36]
MARCH 31-APRIL 17, 1863.--Operations from Milliken's Bend to New Carthage, La.
No. 1.--Reports of Brig. Gen. P. Joseph Osterhaus, U.S. Army, commanding Ninth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. NINTH DIVISION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
New Carthage, La., April 18, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to lay before the major-general commanding the Thirteenth Army Corps a short resume of the Operations of the Ninth Division since March 31.
On the 30th, Colonel Bennett was ordered to make a reconnaisance to Richmond with his own regiment (Sixty-ninth Indiana Infantry) and some cavalry (Second Illinois Cavalry), and to examine into the practicability of a road or connection between Richmond, La., and New Carthage, La., on the Mississippi. A copy of General McClernand's instructions to this officer is annexed, market A.
[excerpt]
Accordingly, on the 2d instant, I sent the Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry and Twenty-second Kentucky Infantry, with one section of the Seventh Michigan Battery, to Roundaway Bayou, throwing the Sixty-ninth Indiana Infantry and one company of cavalry by boats across that stream, to occupy the town and the road to New Carthage, as far as Stanbrough's plantation (3½ miles out), commanding at that point a road leading to Alligator Lake, and said not to be submerged, where a force of the enemy was said to be encamped. At the same time I directed a reconnaissance to be made by cavalry as far as possible toward New Carthage. These movements were preparatory to an expedition in force, intended to be made on the New Carthage road as soon as a bridge across Roundaway Bayou, which the general had ordered Captain Patterson to build, could be completed. I therefore ordered the remainder of the First Brigade, General Garrard commanding, together with the remaining two sections of the Seventh Michigan Battery, and a battalion of the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, with four mountain howitzers, forward from Milliken's Bend to Richmond, at which latter point they arrived on the afternoon of the 3d instant. The cavalry reconnaissance returned the same day, after having advanced about 10 miles, where their farther progress was stopped by a rebel cavalry force at Holmes' plantation.

The bridge across Roundaway Bayou having been completed at 7 p.m. on the 3d instant, the expedition to New Carthage was ordered for the following morning, and was to consist of detachments of the Second and Third Illinois Cavalry and Sixth Missouri Cavalry, amounting to about 250 men, and four mountain howitzers, besides the Forty-ninth and Sixty-ninth Regiments Indiana Infantry, the occupation of Richmond and Stanbrough's plantation being intrusted to General Garrard and the remaining troops.

[excerpt]
They started at once and got possession of the flat, but found their return to Smith's plantation disputed by about 50 of the enemy's cavalry, on the east side of the bayou, who opened on the party in the flat at once. This fire was returned by the Third Illinois Cavalry from the other side of the stream so effectually that it commanded the whole attention of the rebels and the flat ran the blockade without injury. The enemy lost 1 killed and 1 badly wounded.

Captain Patterson, who had arrived the same day, was immediately put to work to arrange the flat-boat so as to give protection against musketry fire, and to receive one light gun and the requisite infantry force, for the purpose of taking New Carthage.

Everything was completed the same day and night, and, at 5 a.m. on April 6, I stared on the boat for New Carthage. Our advance caused the rebel force to fall back down the Mississippi levee.

[excerpt]
In conclusion, I have only to remark that the troops under my command deserve the highest encomiums for their alacrity, zeal, and good discipline during these trying and fatiguing Operations. The military qualities they exhibited kept even pace with their sense of good order. Not a single case of wanton destruction has occurred within the lines of the Ninth Division.
I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant,
P. J. OSTERHAUS,
Brigadier-General U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. Ninth Division.
Lieut. Col. WALTER B. SCATES,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. Thirteenth Army Corps.

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/2 [S# 37]
MAY 17, 1863.--Engagement at Big Black River Bridge, Miss.
No. 3.--Report of Brig. Gen. Albert L. Lee, U. S. Army, commanding Ninth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., NINTH DIV., THIRTEENTH A. C.,
May 22, 1863.
CAPTAIN: I have respectfully to report that on the morning of the 17th instant I was, by order of Major-General McClernand, commanding Thirteenth Army Corps, placed in command of the Ninth Division, General Osterhaus being by a wound temporarily incapacitated to command.

[excerpt]
During the remainder of the day, a portion of the Second Brigade engaged the sharpshooters of the enemy, who lined the west bank of the stream.

During the afternoon and night, by order of the commander of the corps, this division constructed a floating bridge over the Big Black, and at 8 a.m. the day following commenced the passage of the stream. Captain Patterson and his pioneer corps rendered efficient service in the construction of the bridge.

The stream being crossed, General Osterhaus resumed command of the division.

During the day of the 17th, I judge that this division captured 1,500 prisoners.
I am, captain, your obedient servant,
A. L. LEE,
Brigadier-General.
Capt. J. W. THOMPSON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Division.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/2 [S# 37]
MAY 19-JULY 4, 1863.--The Siege of Vicksburg, Miss.
No. 6.--Report of Lieut. Peter C. Haines, U. S. Corps of Engineers, Chief Engineer Thirteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. ENGINEER DEPT., THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Vicksburg, Miss., July 30, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report concerning the engineering operations performed under my charge in front of the Thirteenth Army Corps:
[excerpt]
May 29 and 30.--More tools were procured and large details worked. The opening of the first parallel commenced.
May 31.--The pioneer corps under Captain Patterson were instructed to make gabions and fascines, and collect them in their camp, in the hollow, about 1,000 yards from the enemy's works. This point will serve as a depot for the trenches.
[excerpt]
July 2.--In front of B little was done, owing to the burning of the sap-roller, which exposed a portion of the trench to full view. I directed the head of the sap to be filled up to-night with sand-bags, and the cavalier commenced a little to the rear of the point first intended. This will close the head of the sap, but still we will be only about 12 feet from the ditch. I directed a mine to be started to the ditch at the left face. It has been found desirable to use hand-grenades to clear the Fort B altogether, but the distance and height of the parapet are a little too great for 6-pounder shells, though not too great for them to throw at us. In order to have some means of throwing our shells into the fort, I have directed Captain Patterson, of the pioneer corps, to construct spring-boards for this purpose. I learned that General McPher-son was using mortars made of trunks of trees (gum trees being the best) to throw 6 and 12 pound shells, and directed him to make some of these also, shrinking about three iron bands around the mortar. These mortars, which are said to work admirably for about 100 rounds, will be finished and stuck in the ground in the advanced trenches, so they will only have to throw the shells about 50 or 75 yards. In compliance with orders, the trenches are being prepared to allow easy passage of troops over them for an assault. In order to cross the ditches of the works at the point of attack, grain-sacks are being prepared, filled with cotton, well stuffed. Planks 18 feet long are being prepared to throw across the ditch, to allow the passage of an assaulting column.
[excerpt]
July 4.--All operations ceased; Vicksburg surrendered. The map of the front of the Thirteenth Army Corps will show the position of such batteries as are not mentioned in the report, and the work done in the trenches. In front of the Thirteenth Corps, the nearest approach was only about 10 feet from the ditch; the second about 30 feet, and the third about 35.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. C. HAINS,
First Lieutenant, U. S. Engineers.
[Lieut. Col. WALTER B. SCATES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.]
----------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/2 [S# 37]
MAY 19-JULY 4, 1863.--The Siege of Vicksburg, Miss.
No. 11.--Reports of Capt. Stewart R. Tresilian, Engineer Officer Third Division,including operations since April 25.
HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Camp in rear of Vicksburg, Miss., June 1, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of work assigned to me as assistant engineer to the Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, and performed by me since April 25:
[excerpt]
At 11 a.m. I reached Port Gibson, and meeting you near the burned suspension bridge, across the south fork of Bayou Pierre, I accompanied you, and when you had selected the site for the new bridge you instructed me to try and procure some spikes, &c., in which I succeeded, and the materials were on the ground before the brigade you had ordered from General McClernand's command had reported. Together with Captain Patterson, in charge of the pioneer corps attached to General Carr's division, and my own pioneers, in charge of Sergeant [William] Ross, Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteers, we commenced operations, and in less than four hours the whole structure was completed and the entire army crossed with perfect safety. The structure was 166 feet, with not one stick of timber to commence operations with until some houses in the vicinity were torn down and carried by the men over a distance of 100 yards.
[excerpt]
I am of the opinion that the cotton bridge is equal, if not superior, to the pontoon, being much steadier and easily constructed.

Leaving this point, I arrived in rear of Vicksburg, and will report at a future time.

I am under many obligations to Captain Wiles, while he was connected with the pioneers. He is one of the most efficient and practical men I ever met with. To Lieutenant [Alexander] Scales, his successor, and Sergeant Ross, who had charge of the negroes, I am indebted for their indomitable energy and perseverance in the construction of work.
I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,
S. R. TRESILIAN,
Division Engineer Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps.

Lieut. Col. JAMES H. WILSON,
First Lieutenant of Engineers, Department of the Tennessee.
-----

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
First mention of a "Cotton Bridge"

 

[Rob9641]

Help the person who's reading to put it in context and decide if they think it's a reliable reference or not. I always expect, even if I forget to do so, to be asked to give specific references.

What she said.

 

[Rob9641]

Wolf - why is all the Patterson stuff on this thread? Is it in the wrong place?

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/3 [S# 38]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Mississippi And West Tennessee (And Those In Arkansas And Louisiana Connected With The Siege Of Vicksburg) From January 20 To August 10, 1863.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#7
HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Milliken's Bend, La., April 4, 1863.
Maj. Gen. U.S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee:
GENERAL: I have occupied Richmond, approached within 2 miles of New Carthage, and pursued the enemy down Bayou Vidal until he crossed it, 7 miles below, and was arrested by the enemy taking with him or destroying the means of crossing after him. He is understood to have sought refuge on Saint Joseph Lake. The enemy referred to is a portion of [L F.] Harrison's cavalry troop, which in all is represented to consist of about seven companies. Meantime I have built an excellent floating bridge, 200 feet long, across Roundaway Bayou at Richmond.
[excerpt]
t is represented that there is but little more dry land than the levee affords at Carthage, and above and below for some miles; nevertheless, as I have already said, there is fine camping ground for an army back of Carthage, where it could wait for transportation to the river and across the river. My forces now near Carthage are drawing supplies from the adjacent country. If it is intended that they shall remain there for some days or a longer time, please advise me at once, so that I may order forward supplies. It is but just that I should bear testimony to the activity and zeal displayed by General Osterhaus, Colonel Bennett and Captain Patterson, of the pioneers, and all the officers and men who have participated in the achievement of the results mentioned and to the success that has attended their efforts.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN A. McCLERNAND.
-----
--------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/3 [S# 38]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Mississippi And West Tennessee (And Those In Arkansas And Louisiana Connected With The Siege Of Vicksburg) From January 20 To August 10, 1863.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#9
HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Smith's Plantation, April 22, 1863.
Maj. Gen. U.S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee:
GENERAL: Your dispatch of this date, ordering me to direct Captain Patterson to work as many of his men as he can spare in cleaning out the bayou from Richmond to the river, is received. I hasten to reply that Captain Patterson is now moving his corps (except a party building a small tower at Holmes') some 7 miles below here, on Vidal, for the purpose of building a bridge across that bayou. Generals Hovey and Osterhaus and Lieutenant Hains, engineer, report the scheme to be entirely practicable, and General Osterhaus says he will have his portion of the work done to-morrow evening. With two or three such structures, you will have but little trouble or delay in moving your whole army by land to Perkins' plantation, some 15 miles above Grand Gulf. I am sending a barge down to General Hovey, to be used in constructing one of the bridges.

Having given a description as to what portion of the pioneer corps may be spared, and believing it to be consistent with what I take to be the spirit of your order, and what you would have ordered yourself upon fall knowledge of the facts, I have not interfered to change the order above mentioned in regard to the pioneer corps above mentioned. If, general, in this I have erred, it only remains to so advise me, and whatever portion of the corps you may direct will be sent to report to Major Tweeddale. I have made very good progress to-day in transferring General Carr's division to the Mississippi levee.
I will send the Forest Queen up the river to-night to watch for the expected transports, and to give them any needed assistance.
I start a courier in haste with this dispatch.
Your obedient servant,
JOHN A. McCLERNAND.

 

[M E Wolf]

Wolf - why is all the Patterson stuff on this thread? Is it in the wrong place?

It was a request for information embedded within the thread #18 Post - Until CivilWarTalk assigns a permanent home for research links, etc., I'll respond to any requests from here.

I'll pause for now. July 30, 2010 21:58.

M.E. Wolf

 

[Rob9641]

It was a request for information embedded within the thread #18 Post - Until CivilWarTalk assigns a permanent home for research links, etc., I'll respond to any requests from here.

I'll pause for now. July 30, 2010 21:58.

M.E. Wolf

OK, I missed that. But I didn't have in mind for this thread to carry actual information so much as links to information. Maybe if someone requests something specific, another thread with the information (as opposed to just the link or the citation) can be started?

 

[M E Wolf]

1SGDan, sir;

You wrote:

I would be very interested in such a sticky thread. There are thousands of resources that individual ACW fans know that would be invaluable to others.

If it is alright with you I will start it off by requesting any online sources or diaries concerning Patterson's Kentucky Engineers.

Just with the small amount of documentation within the Official Records of the Rebellion by the key word searching with Kentucky Engineers, Captain Patterson, Captain Patterson's --It has really been an interesting read and manually has to be done, as there was a Captain Patterson in the C.S.A.

Now, I haven't gone through all of the O.R.s however I would look into General Morgan's Papers, Kentucky's Local for Engineers and Mechanics to see if they have 'union as in organization, fellowship, dues' that has some connecting link. The other generals he worked with and for, mentioning him -- may have connecting links to papers. But, way Morgan writes--he is more involved. Bends over backwards to mention him. U.S. Corps of Engineers may also have documents on Captain Patterson. I haven't looked into it at this time. Real time has me curtailed until after Aug. 17, 2010.


Name MORGAN, George Washington
Born September 20 1820, Washington Cty PA
Died July 26 1893, Ft Monroe VA
Pre-War Profession War for Texas Independence, entered West Point 1841 but resigned for academic reasons, lawyer, Mexican war, farmer, US consul at Marseilles, US Minister at Lisbon.
War Service November 1861 appointed Brig. Gen. of Volunteers, Cumberland Gap, commanded a division at Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, resigned 1863.
Post War Career US congressman, lawyer.
Notes Had a falling out with Sherman during the Vicksburg campaign.

Capt. Stewart R. Tresilian, Engineer Officer, seemingly Captain Patterson's supervisor in making the "Cotton Bridge" may be a link also.

Topographical Engineers -- Engineers Part I

At the outbreak of the Civil War the Corps of Engineers consisted of 43 officers ... of Engineers and Mechanics, Kentucky (Captain William F. Patterson's ...
www.topogs.org/Engineers-1.htm - Similar

I would also check the Masonic Commandry for Patterson's Home State and area. Being an engineer, he would qualify.


http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lamadiso/articles/ward/chap03.htm#_ftn11

"Vignettes" of the Civil War​

By Francis McRae Ward​

In the latter part of December 1862, General Sherman decided he would try to take Vicksburg via Chickasaw Bayou. When the fight started the Confederate troops were on the high Vicksburg Bluffs about four miles north of the city, General Stephen D. Lee commanding. Chickasaw Bayou empties into McNutt Lake at a point about a half a mile almost directly west and parallel to the bluffs. There sloughs and muddy, boggy land intermingling on and near the banks of both the bayou and lake, and this tortuous kind of terrain especially prevails between the lake and bluffs all within close range of the enemy's guns. One of Sherman's officers, Captain W. F. Patterson, very intelligent and efficient, called his attention to the tortuous course. Sherman didn't say anything for a few minutes. Then pointing toward the bluffs he said: "That is the route to take!"[11]
Just some thoughts.

[11]Battles and Leaders Of The Civil War. Volume III, Pages 463 and 465. Part Of a Description Of The Terrain Is From Personal Observation By The Author

Collections held in the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum ...

Additional Civil War material is contained in other collections. ..... research centers chiefly on the leaders and founders of the engineering firm. ..... such as Lincoln's first schoolhouse and the Elizabethtown, Kentucky Court House. .... my deep obligations to Captain W.F. Patterson, and the men of his command. ...
library.lmunet.edu/abraham-lincoln-library-and-museum... - Similar

Dyer's;
Kentucky
PATTERSON'S INDEPENDENT COMPANY.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf